Issue 264 | Tuesday 31st January 2012 | Fortnightly | Free
UEA’s Student Newspaper
UNION IN CRISIS Joshua Resoun News Reporter
The Union of UEA Students (UUEAS) is facing a deficit of a quarter of a million pounds for this financial year. Last year UUEAS experienced a deficit of £198,449, indicating a growing trend. Students’ Union Services (SUS), which operates under the parent body of UUEAS and provides student services on campus, endured a £74,496 loss last year. Publicly available documents reveal ever increasing losses for both SUS and UUEAS. For the year ending 31 July 2011, the Union suffered a 7% fall in bar sales, which led to the overall contribution from the Union Bars falling from £563,267 in 09/10 to £459,483 in 10/11. The recent decline in LCR club night ticket sales has attributed to the overall drop in bar revenue, as fewer students are attending the Tuesday and Saturday club nights compared to the 09/10 period. Both of these have struggled to sell-out in recent months. The revenue generated from club nights fell to £32,881 for the 10/11 period, a drop of £50,000 compared to the previous year. The Union has implemented a number of strategies in an attempt to reverse the drastic fall in bar and ticket sales. One change has been the extension of the LCR’s Saturday club nights until 3am.
Laura Smith
• Union set to face a £250,000 deficit this year • Falling bar and LCR revenue could impact upon clubs and societies funding • Without an increase in revenue, or cut in spending, the Union’s deficit appears could rise even further
Continued on page two
Back with a bang - The Concrete Sex Survey Visit our Facebook page to find out how to take part in the survey Results will be revealed in our Valentine’s Day issue
2
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
comment p7-9
travel p10-11
Union in crisis Continued from front page However, facing fierce competition from bars and clubs in the city, and with the offering of increased variety and lower prices at these venues, the decline in sales looks set to continue. It is not all doom and gloom, however, as the recently reorganised Travel Shop brought in a small profit of £5,552. The revenue generated from the Union Food Outlet (UFO) has also increased steadily in recent years. The Union has began a process of commercial diversification, looking to expand its activities into new markets. This includes the proposed establishment of a Union Lettings Agency, to challenge the services offered by Premier
Properties, Prolet Property Services and Kent Property, amongst others. The budget for sports and societies has also been reduced by an estimated £20,000 worth of efficiency savings. The immediate financial security of the Union is assured, given that its reserves amount to more than £1m. However, with a steadily growing deficit, unless a monetary strategy is implemented to reverse this decline, the Union could be facing severe financial consequences within a relatively short amount of time. On the ground the Union’s efforts to reverse the fall in LCR ticket sales appear to be having little effect, with attendance for the Tuesday and Saturday club nights still low, and the events rarely
selling out as in previous years. The Union is carrying out a number of student consultation projects, yet until response rates are published, it is difficult to tell whether these will yield any results. The Union, like most institutions across the country, is facing a number of difficult choices as to where it should allocate its limited financial resources. As the deficit builds, however, no promises can be made on the future funding cuts and redistributions. As the Union elections draw closer, the topic which ought to be on every campaign agenda is what to do about the current financial state of the Union.To view the documents go to www. concrete-online.co.uk; or visit www.ueastudent.com/voice.
CONTACT US Address Union House UEA NR4 7TJ
Editorial enquiries/complaints concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Got a story? concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
Telephone 01603 593 466 Website www.concrete-online.co.uk
Letters should be addressed for the attention of the Editor, Chris King. Letters must include contact details, but we will consider anonymous publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity as necessary. Anonymous article submissions are permitted. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the newspaper. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced through any means without the express permission of the Editor, Chris King. Concrete is published by UUEAS Concrete Society ©2011 Concrete BMc. ISSN 1351-2773 Printed by Archant.
EDITORIAL Editor | Chris King >> concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Deputy Editor | Hannah Britt >> concrete.deputyeditor@uea.ac.uk News Editors | James Dixon/Susanna Wood >> concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Comment Editor | Joshua Resoun >> concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk Features Editor | Billy Sexton >> concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Travel Editor | Greg Lewry >> concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Turf Editor | Becky Hazlewood >> concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk Lifestyle Editors | Hasina Allen/Rianne Ison >> concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk International Editor | Rachael Lum >> concrete.international@uea.ac.uk Sport Editors | Matt Scrafton & Chris Teale >> concrete.sport@hotmail.co.uk >> concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk Copy Editors | Amy Adams/Harry Slater >> concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Chief Photographer | Laura Smith Deputy Chief Photographer | Harriet Jones >> concrete.photographers@uea.ac.uk Distribution Manager | Stephanie Gover >> concrete.distribution@uea.ac.uk
CONTRIBUTORS News Joshua Resoun, Catherine Hardy, Beth Wyatt, Freya Barry, Michael Drummond, Susanna Wood, Amelia Edwards, Richard Joslin, James Dixon, Sophie Witts, Frances Mckeown, Tom Bingham, Steph Clark, Philip Thomas Comment Ciara Jack, Richard Law, Susanna Wood, Rebecca Goodacre, Amelia Edwards Travel Andy Browning, Roberta Phillips, Sam Langan, Holly O’Mahony Features Billy Sexton, Steff Young Turf Toby Samuels, Chris Teale, Benjamin Brown Lifestyle James Dixon, Hasina Allen, Natasha Bailey, Samuel Ronald, Hannah Pearman, Sadie Clark, Dave Bolton International Viviane Fluck, Isabelle Carty Sport Matt Scrafton, Doug Patient, Adam Plom, Phil Thomas, Billy Sexton, Tom Shaw, Sam Tomkinson, Chris Teale Proofreaders Harry Slater, Amy Adams, Charlotte Cox, Jamie Isitt, Matthew Weddig, Josh Bowker, Beth Wyatt, Juliane Appelhans, Suhailah Ali, Tom Bingham, Joshua Resoun, Emily Arndt, Emily Badger, Harriet Smith
features p12-14
turf p15
lifestyle p16-19
international p20
NEWS
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I never realised how spacious the Concrete office actually is. Move a couple of desks around and an area the size of a small dancefloor (Lola Lo springs to mind) emerges before your eyes. Despite the lurid yellow walls, it’s actually almost quite a nice place to be on a production weekend. Some of you will have read the statement from the Union of UEA Students concerning the decision made by the Union’s Management Committee, which includes the four, full-time officers, to cease funding the role of the Concrete editor. Since 1995 the Union has funded a paid editor for the newspaper, since the Union bought out Concrete. Concrete has, since it was founded in 1992, produced countless professional journalists, and provided invaluable experience of writing, editing and proofreading to thousands of students at this University. For
decades it has provided a service to the wider student community. Our sports reporters stand observant at BUCS matches on freezing January afternoons. Our lifestyle contributors preview countless societies, from Baking to Drama. We offer in-depth coverage of events campus-wide and beyond, and this year will be travelling down to Essex for Derby Day once again. Yet Concrete is also a vehicle by which students can have their say on what happens at their University, on their campus, and in their Union. We don’t dictate what goes into the newspaper, our contributors do. Concrete doesn’t always get it right, but we can only change with your input. Therefore I urge you to attend our meetings, email our section editors, and tell us what you want to read in your student newspaper. Chris King Editor-in-chief
INFORMATION FOR SOCIETY MEMBERS AND GENERAL STUDENT POPULATION Concrete has been informed that the Management Committee of the Union of UEA Students has decided to no longer fund the paid editor from next year. This was made known to the Society on 17 January. Concrete has had a paid editor since 1995, when the newspaper was originally bought out by the Union from the student-run company which founded Concrete in 1992. Concrete is editorially independent, as enshrined in the Society’s constitution. The editor role has continually been plagued by controversy, and there has been tension with other societies, none of which have ever had a full-time paid member of staff. In 2005 a campaign was launched to make the editor role elected, considering Concrete’s status as a society. This was defeated in Union Council on 24 November that year. As the Society was not informed that the paid editor role might be abolished at the beginning of the year, and only told in the second semester of the academic year that it would be, there have been concerns raised at the short amount of time available to the Society in which to restructure itself. The Union has highlighted that many other student newspapers operate successfully with fully-volunteer editorial teams. These publications tend, however, to have larger subeditorial teams, and direct staff support from their unions with regards to advertising. This demonstrates that significant restructuring of Concrete would be necessary. Concrete’s print budget has also been reduced from £20,000 per annum in 2009-10 to the £12,500 figure provided by the Union for this year. The incumbent Union officers have suggested that the money saved from the editor position will either be distributed between the Union’s 173 societies or invested in a new member of staff to support these societies. The issue will be raised at Union Council on 2 February, though this will be mainly in regards to implementing plans for Concrete’s future, as the decision about the paid editorship itself is regarded as a staffing issue by the Union. Concrete will continue to engage in discussion with the Management Committee regarding this issue and potential restructuring, and will not be making any further comment at this time.
NEWS
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
3
E-censorship? Not at UEA Catherine Hardy News Reporter An innocent email about cyber bullying caused a big stir on campus last week, due to beliefs it threatened students’ freedom of speech. The email, sent to all UEA students on 21 January, was intended to make students aware that if they posted unfriendly comments about another student on social media sites the University would intervene if contacted. However, due to unfortunate wording, this message was lost in students’ fear that any views they posted about UEA itself would result in legal action against them. The email read: “Anything you post (however innocently intended) on your own blog, web page or on Facebook or similar sites, may, if it includes, for example, ill-judged views, inaccurate information, or personal remarks directed against others, be seen as potentially defamatory or libellous.
“Any statement you publish may be legally actionable. Even comments which simply contain factual inaccuracies can potentially cause loss or damage to individuals or jeopardise their safety. You may be personally liable for the consequences.” Josh Bowker of the Save UEA Music campaign tweeted Concrete in response to the
email, saying: “The wording is … interesting. No examples, it implies everything you say could be libellous. Considering some of the stuff myself and others have posted since the whole music school debacle, it could get interesting.” Second year Tom Ritchie added: “How can an institution be so petulant? Students not allowed to voice
their displeasure at an education we pay for?” The University have since reassured concerned students that any views they have regarding UEA may be freely posted on social media sites, but that they will not accept the cowardly use by students of sites, such as Facebook, to post malicious and insulting
Chloe Hashemi
comments about their peers. The Dean of Students, Annie Grant, said: “Sadly, with the increase in the use of social media and text messaging we have seen an increased incidence of cyber and text bullying in our campus community. This type of bullying is just as upsetting and undermining as any other kind of bullying, and can have as damaging an effect on the victim’s wellbeing. “We are committed to doing all we can to ensure that UEA is an environment where students can feel safe to fully engage with their studies, explore ideas, debate issues intelligently, openly and honestly, express views that may be controversial and develop academically and personally without being subject to inappropriate personal attacks.” Students can rest assured that their freedom of speech is not in jeopardy. However, the message to “think before you post” still stands, and if you don’t have something nice to say about another student then don’t say anything at all.
UK first for UEA module Simply the Zest
Beth Wyatt News Reporter
A groundbreaking new module on Islamic women and their portrayal in the media has begun at the University. The module, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, commenced on Thursday 19 January with 18 third year students enrolled. The class aims to examine objectively the treatment issues such as veil wearing and
honour crimes receive in the media, using sources such as documentary films produced by women. The Women, Islam and the Media module, which has received coverage from the Guardian, was created by Dr Eylem Atakav on the basis of her own research into these topics. Dr Atakav said: “[At] the School of Film and Television Studies at UEA, we are committed to trying out the new and we are enthusiastic in exploring issues that are
controversial.” “As a School committed to internationalisation we explore, in our research and teaching, issues in world cinemas and popular television from across the world.” She added: “Women’s place in Islam has been widely discussed. But the relationship between women, Islam and the media has only recently been picked up, particularly in relation to the Arab spring and new forms of political activism by women.”
From the 21 January, campus eatery Zest launched weekend opening hours. The restaurant now serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am till 4.30pm. This brunch includes a wide ranging buffet service with a selection of traditional English and continental breakfast items. This move has been received very well by the student population, as previously the only catering facility on campus offering hot meals on weekends was the INTO building. Students have also responded positively to
the reasonable pricing, with deals available for five, nine and 11 breakfast items from the buffet. UEA Catering explained that the decision to open on weekends was based on the fact that: “Students aren’t just predominantly here during the week.” The decision to open on weekends was made to accommodate students who live on campus as well as those who use the campus facilities at the weekend. Freya Barry
4
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
NEWS
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
Hub iMadness Michael Drummond News Reporter The Arts and Humanities hub is considering investing in tablet computing in order to better assist students having problems with the University’s online services. This news comes after a trial of an iPad in week 12 of last semester was deemed successful. Concrete spoke to Arts and Humanities Hub managers Mr John Tully and Mrs Lynne Ward to get a better idea of how the scheme would improve the service students receive from the recently reorganised hub system. It’s no secret that there have been some problems with the new system. Tully and Ward
believe that a tablet would enable students to log into their account and show the hub exactly what’s wrong. This is due to some differences between the staff view that the hub staff see and what students see. The tablet can be easily passed over the counter and used by the student whereas they can’t see the computer monitors. The idea of using a monitor mounted on a swing arm to negate this problem is also under consideration. Asked whether the problem warranted the price of a tablet computer, which do not come cheap, Concrete was told that the new technology is “not going to break the bank”. However it became apparent that only 10-20 students have had problems with the hub that the tablet would
help to resolve. Another problem is the tablet’s life span. Tablet computers rarely stand the test of time, lasting only a few years, and so might be considered to be a waste of resources. However, Concrete was informed that “they won’t get heavy use” but that their purchase would be “justified”. At present the tablets under consideration are the iPad, which retails at £399, and the new Toshiba tablet which costs £349. Even allowing for the corporate discount UEA would receive, the new technology would be expensive, especially if so few students would make use of it. The hub is constantly taking student feedback in order to improve the service they provide.
Waterfront mired by thefts Amelia Edwards News Reporter A spate of thefts at the Waterfront has led to party-goers being asked to look after their personal belongings. In the course of just one night, Saturday 14 January, three thefts were reported. One 20 year old woman found that her iPhone and £40 had been
taken from her handbag, which had been unzipped, while a man of the same age had his wallet stolen from his back pocket. A 22 year old woman was using her iPhone to text when it was grabbed from her hand. As a consequence of these thefts, Norfolk Police is urging the public to keep a closer eye on their possessions when on a night out. They suggest that
party-goers not leave their possessions unattended, keep their phones out of sight and not in a back pocket, and register their phones at www.immobilise. com. Anyone with information about the incidents should contact the City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
+
SUNDAY 05 FEBRUARY
BRISTOL OUT OLD O2SACADEMY 0844 477 2000
TUESDAY 07 FEBRUARY
GLASGOW BARROWLAND 0844 499 9990
FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY
BIRMINGHAM UT LD O HMVS OINSTITUTE 0844 248 5037
MONDAY 06 FEBRUARY
THURSDAY 09 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY
0161 832 1111
01603 508050
0844 477 2000
MANCHESTER OUT SOLD ACADEMY
NORWICH UEA
LONDON O2 ACADEMY OUT SOLD BRIXTON
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: KILILIVE.COM / 0844 871 8803 & USUAL OUTLETS “THE HUNTER” – OUT NOW ON ROADRUNNER RECORDS – THE NO 1. ALBUM OF THE YEAR AS VOTED BY KERRANG!, METAL HAMMER, ROCK SOUND, CLASSIC ROCK, TERRORIZER, TOTAL GUITAR + THRASH HITS. MASTODONROCKS.COM A KILIMANJARO PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH K2 AGENCY
YouTubed News Sasha Laxton, a five year old Canadian, has been raised gender neutral by his parents. Sasha is aware that anatomically he is a male however his parents have attempted to raise him in a stereotype free enviroment. This video depicts Sasha commenting on the concept of gender in a dialogue with his mother. She asks him about gendered colours such as pink being for girls and blue for boys. He replied: “I think that is really silly.” Sasha’s upbringing has sparked much debate over childcare across international media. Got any suggestions? Contact concrete.news@uea.ac.uk.
Ga Chun Yau
NEWS
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
Apple plans to tear up the textbook Richard Joslin News Reporter Apple announced its iBooks 2 app for iPad product last week, claiming it will “reinvent textbooks”. The tech giant made its usual grandiose statements about its new product, announcing that iBooks 2 will revolutionise learning by “inspiring creativity”, with dynamic features such as “fluid navigation, easy highlighting and note-taking”. Unveiled on January 19, over 300,000 copies of the seven textbooks available were downloaded within three days, at $14.99 each but it is, unclear how many of these paid downloads were the free sample book E.O. Wilson’s Life on Earth. Five of the seven titles are from publisher McGraw Hill Education, with a spokesman saying: “The previous version of iBooks didn’t allow for the kinds of things we wanted to do, but iBooks 2 has it all: videos, music, touch. Sheet music, for example, will now be synchronized with you, automatically moving through the piece, as you
A group of research institutes on the Norwich Research Park are to accept a £4m grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to aid in funding postgraduate study. The grant alone stands to fund 39 PhD students undertaking the Doctoral Training Partnership award at the Norwich based institutions. Led by the John Innes centre, the award will be undertaken in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Institute of Food research and the Genome Analysis centre. A further £2m has been pledged by both the Norwich Research Park board and the partner institutions over the next three years, resulting in a total of 59 students receiving postgraduate support.
Can you fit it in Yar-mouth? James Dixon News Editor
Laura Smith practice your instrument.” However, there has been a large amount of criticism of the iBook Author’s user agreement, which keeps in line with the perceived “locked down” nature of the Apple ecosystem. Steve
Kohach of Business Insider pointed out that “even though it’s your creation, Apple claims ownership over it simply because you used its app to make it.” Glyn Moody, tech blogger, criticised the service in a blog
post entitled: “Apple’s iBooks 2: an attack on educational freedoms”. Many have concerns about leaving poorer students behind in the future due to the extremely high price of Apple products and services.
£4m awarded for science research Sophie Witts News Reporter
5
The investment places Norwich amongst 14 institutions that were last week announced by Minister for Universities and Sciences David Willets to receive £67m nationwide in order to fund postgraduate development in biosciences, as well as a number of industrial Case (iCase) student awards. Speaking at the University of Reading, David Willets said: “This £67 million Laura investment Smith in postgraduate training is excellent news for students, research organisations, industry and the UK as a whole. The brightest and best students will be finding solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing us all, from food security through to renewable energy.” Over the next three years, the BBSRC will work closely with each training partnership, providing £5,000 per student per annum, increased from a minimum £1,000. The partnership aims to both
maximise student employability and provide highly skilled
Greg Mann
scientists for the UK research base.
The Jester’s Diner in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk has caused controversy through one of the items offered on their menu. The usual range of fried breakfasts can still be purchased, however Jester’s has gone one step further and produced a massive breakfast that it claims weighs the same amount as a small child. Aptly titled, the “Kidz Breakfast” weighs roughly 9lb and consists of some 12 sausages and 12 rashers of bacon. The breakfast features a main of toast and a huge helping of mushrooms. This is completed by two hash browns, tomatoes, and beans. Speaking to the BBC, the owner Martin Smith, said the breakfast was “just a bit of fun”. The “Jester’s Challenge” involves consuming the breakfast in 60 minutes with no other help. If successful, the meal is free. Upon failure, customers must pay £15 to cover the costs involved.
Students raise funds for local charity Frances Mckeown News Reporter UEA students recently presented a cheque for over £2,300 to staff at the Matthew Project. The charity is based in Norfolk and Suffolk and provides support and advice for people affected by drugs and alcohol. The MBA students held a fundraising gig at the Norwich Arts Centre on 8 November. The Matthew Project was founded in 1984 by Peter Farley, to offer support to young people. It now helps adults and wider communities. Last year, the charity received National Lottery funding for the Junction, a service for adults in the North Norfolk area. It also provides support for parents and families of drug and alcohol users. The Matthew Project runs a confidential drop-in service on campus which offers support and advice on alcohol and drugs. It runs every Wednesday in the Hive juice bar.
6
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2011 - Issue 264
NEWS
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
world news
A concise update on worldwide happenings, straight from the Concrete newsdesk
Guatemala
America
The Guatemalan courts have called for the trial of the dictator Efraín Ríos Montt this week. He is now linked to at least 1,700 deaths from the civil war that shook the country for 36 years. Commentators have hailed this as Guatemala’s progress towards burying its bloody history.
Frightened drivers raised the alarm after a ferocious animal was spotted in a residential area. Houston residents called the emergency services to report the unusual sight of a big cat lounging on a hotel roof. On arrival, firemen discovered that the animal was a cuddly toy in the shape of a tiger; no more deadly than the average moggy.
Tom Bingham
Beth Wyatt
Ecuador
Spain
Iran
Over the last few years, Ecuador has seen great progress in the acceptance of homosexuality, but this progress has been shadowed by increasing reports of homosexuality clinics. These private clinics claim to cure homosexuality and patients are said to have been subjected to gross violations of human rights, such as torture.
Official figures show that Spain’s unemployment levels passed the five million mark in the last quarter of 2011. Spain already holds the highest level of unemployment in the 17-nation Eurozone and is expected to slide back into recession. Public service employees staged a series of demonstrations across Spain to protests against increasing austerity measures.
UN inspectors have arrived in Iran to question scientists suspected of working on a nuclear weapons program. Leader of the delegation General Herman Nackaerts told reporters of his hope to “start a dialogue that is overdue” with Iran. Tehran has refused to discuss the alleged experiments for the past three years.
Steph Clarke
Charlotte Cox
Sophie Witts
Willetts’ warning of grade inflation Philip Thomas News Reporter Universities minister David Willetts recently prompted higher education institutions to resist grade inflation in light of revelations that more dissatisfied graduates are officially challenging their grades. This comes amid criticism of the long term increase in the number of top degrees awarded. Growing numbers of students with poor or disappointing classifications have complained to the official regulator. The Office for the Independent Adjudicator processed a record 1,341 complaints in 2010, many concerning individuals contesting lower second class (2:2) awards. Mr Willetts urged universities to maintain “academic integrity”, and reminded lecturers not to feel pressured into awarding unwarranted grades. The impetus among students to achieve respectable first and upper second class (2:1) degrees is attributed to an increasingly competitive jobs market. Moreover, there are concerns that the increase in tuition fees could swell the number of complaints, with students
demanding more from their degrees. However, Mr Willetts reminded students that they are paying for higher education, and not a degree itself. Nationally one in six undergraduates were awarded a first class degree last year, representing a 14% increase since 2010 and a 125% increase in the past decade. Some commentators have argued that grade inflation risks devaluing the degree. Since 1997 the number of first class degrees awarded by the University of East Anglia has more than doubled from 7 per cent to 15 per cent. In a statement, a spokesperson at UEA said: “It is very important for the credibility of the education that we offer, that high standards of teaching, learning and assessment and therefore awards are maintained” adding, “this is important for our graduates, as it ensures that the worth of their degree is beyond question”. Furthermore, Mr Willetts also suggested that the current grading system is outmoded, and should be replaced by a more comprehensive means of assessment, incorporating both academic and extracurricular achievements.
THE MODERN PARTY Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Saturday 4 February 7.30pm - midnight UEA staff and students are invited to join us for a party to celebrate the beginning of a new development at the Sainsbury Centre Find out more facebook.com/sainsburycentre scva@uea.ac.uk
COMMENT
news p1-6
travel p10-11
features p12-14
turf p15
lifestyle p16-19
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
7
A taxing episode for Romney With the race for the Republican presidential candidancy heating up, Ciara Jack highlights a bigger issue with the American tax system US Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney promised to, and did release, his tax returns after being humiliated with the exposition that he pays 15% less than his secretary and most working Americans. The notion of taxes, or “goddamn Communism” as it can sometimes be referred to, can be like stomping on thin ice in the US. Even the proposal of increased taxation would cause a split that would fracture like a web of cracks through whichever State it was proposed. Romney is aware of this, and hence why it is a distraction to confront it. Regardless of whether or not you explained the benefits of taxation would Americans find it more appealing. For instance, my grandmother in Pennsylvania has to pay separately for her garbage to be collected. Otherwise, the consequence is an 80s style mountain of bin liners developing outside her house. Moreover, the notion of higher taxes in order to provide a safety net by the State is not such an easily
dismissed subject in America’s current economic climate. Families are currently living in motels because they’ve lost their home and health in insurance payments due to the lack of a safety net to cushion the blow for them. Romney hasn’t realised that his taxes aren’t the main problem; it’s America’s approach to taxes. You can be honest and at the same time mislead people. Yet it seems honesty will not patch up the evidence that shows a high earner can pay less tax through tax dodging than someone on a lower income. If the Republicans return to office, the frigid fiscal ideologies will be pinned down along with the oath of office. Even a Republican minority can still filibuster any Democratic initiative according to Senate rules. So Romney can afford to keep his policy on tax in the background. But will the issue of tax evasion and unfairness be an obstacle in his path to greet the shivering crowd in the frosty January morning of inauguration? Only time and the electorate will tell.
One hull of a problem As Michael Gove thinks of buying a new Royal yacht for the Queen, Richard Law laments about the new found attraction for boats Boats have been getting a bad press of late. On the centennial of the Titanic’s incomplete first and final voyage, an Italian captain learned that cruise liners don’t float on land and a Tory MP discovered that Royal yachts sink in times of recession. These stories found themselves deliciously juxtaposed on the Guardian’s front page, where the image of the capsized Costa Concordia is pasted above the headline “Give Queen a new Royal yacht for the Jubilee, says minister”. Such divine irony could plant party poppers in Cromwell’s multiple graves. In a leaked letter, Michael Gove proposes a £60m yacht
to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This is one in a series of enlightened ideas; by Easter, each primary and secondary school in the country will be the proud owner of a King James I Bible, now finally complete with a foreword by “Saint Gove” himself. Not until he’s splashed every last penny on every last anachronism will Gove’s political suicide be complete. Or perhaps Gove just stands loyally in line with the rest of the prime minister’s human shield, as it was Cameron who erected a “no fishing” sign in the public pocket. The project already has £15m backing in donations from Lord Ashcroft and two unnamed
Canadian businessmen. But this is damage limitation at its finest.
“The divine irony of giving the Queen a yacht for the Jubilee could plant party poppers in Cromwell’s multiple graves” Pictures of the Italian cruise liner drunkenly flopped over are particularly unsettling: it’s visually unnatural. Picture, then, a royal yacht, decked with aristocracy, floating from the shores of a nation who is struggling to punch enough holes in her belt, and on the mast a portrait of Gove, flicking the Vs: the salute of the “big society.”
Rihanna is the new feminism With Rihanna coming under increasing criticism for her rauncy videos and outfits, Susanna Wood argues that the controversial popstar is, contrary to the the view of the media, empowering women Artists who use sex overtly have always been a bit of a problem for feminists. Rap, for example, has often been used as an example of misogyny in action, with the cliché of male “gangstas” singing about ‘bitches’ and ‘hoes’ providing endless ammo for feminist vitriol. However, the issue today is less about men talking about sex, but more about women talking about sex, and how this discussion can empower women. Regularly churning out ‘explicit’ material into the musical
mainstream, Rihanna is a good example of how female sexuality is becoming popularised. Her raunchy outfits and dirty lyrics at first glance seem like a feminist nightmare. Derided for both her performances on popular shows such as the X Factor and the playing of her more sordid tracks uncensored on radio stations, anyone would think that Rihanna and artists like her are solely responsible for a moral decline worldwide. Yet, I think people like to
hide behind the notion of ‘inappropriate’ because they themselves feel uncomfortable by sexually provocative artists, especially if they’re women. People get offended by artists like Rihanna because they portray an image of sexuality which isn’t the status quo. Why is it so offensive to see a woman write songs about sex, or more specifically, female pleasure? Why is Michael Jackson grabbing his crotch ok, but Rihanna grabbing hers is suddenly deemed inappropriate?
Unlike many other, seemingly less provocative, female artists out there, she clearly addresses the issue of female pleasure. Her aim is not to titillate men (or women), but instead she aims to empower women. The media’s attitude towards her sexuality just proves that there’s a wide gap between what happens and what is seen to be happening in regard to sex. The truth is that many women these days are sexually liberated, in practice. By sexually liberated,
I mean that they can make their own choices in regard to sex, not necessarily that they are permitted to be promiscuous if they want to be. Indeed, if it is a question of permission, clearly women are not liberated. Choice to not abide by the status quo is true liberation. For artists like Rihanna, pleasure isn’t gendered. She isn’t telling us to get back in the kitchen. She’s telling us that, if we want it, we deserve it, daily, nightly and ever so rightly. I find it pretty hard to argue with that one.
8
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
COMMENT
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
THE BIG DEBATE
For Rebecca Goodacre
Against Amelia Edwards
The American primaries are underway for this year’s presidential elections, and with the Arab spring launching a number of new democracies, Concrete asks:
Is there such thing as too much democracy? From open marriage requests to forgetting their own policies, the 2012 Republican candidacy race appears to have sunken even lower in political name calling and is doing very little to raise the international perception of American politics. What is most unfortunate is that in their petty squabbles they are obscuring a system which is in fact incredibly democratic offering far more political power for the individual than most other countries. From the ground up, Americans are able to pick who they wish to lead their country. Not just the party, but the person. As the recent debates have shown, there are a number of significant ways in which each individual would choose to lead the US.
“From the ground up, Americans are able to pick who they wish to lead their country” However, the often long-winded aspect of American elections may seem tiresome to some, creating only a recipe for apathy, demoralising some from actually voting. But with the recent Occupied protests, and their calls for the 99% to be heard, far-reaching democracy seems more important than ever. It might take a little more effort to be informed, but you can’t just sit on your sofa and expect the right political changes to come to you. When referendums and policy changes which affect nearly all members of that nation are debated in government, it should be the citizens who make that final call. This is particularly prudent when it is social and welfare systems which are up for debate, as it can mean the difference between getting
the right arthritis treatment and living in permanent pain. Or the difference between living on the breadline, and sinking deep below it. It is largely impractical for an entire population to vote on every issue that arises. Some might argue that the openness and freedom granted to candidates only allows them to make seemingly amoral statements; Rick Santorum saying a hypothetical pregnancy of his daughter due to rape would be a gift from God, being just one example. It might not be pleasant, but if you want to be able to say what you want to say, you have to allow others the same, regardless of their views. You only have to look to North Korea, a somewhat extreme example, but a reality nonetheless. I would much rather have an antiabortionist shouting in the street, than be forced to worship a leader that left me to starve. However, America is not a perfectly democratic system. Many critics highlight the ever increasing influence and role of finances in the American political system, and the power it has on the running of campaigns. With the cost of these campaigns rising, politicians are often reliant on donations, meaning wealthy individuals can be granted sway in policies in return for large contributions. The billionaire Koch Brothers, for example, have donated approximately $100m to various conservative and libertarian advocacy groups; a somewhat selfserving move which would benefit their own interests more than the masses. It is only through a true democracy that the average man, with two kids and a dog will have as much voice as the one who has six houses and a yacht.
Can there be such a thing as too much democracy? That depends entirely on how the term democracy is interpreted. Taken literally, it means rule of the people. From a literal standpoint, therefore, a true democracy would be one in which each person has a say in the ruling of the country. This sounds to me like a splendid idea. I would like a say in what the country does, wouldn’t you?
“A true democracy would be one in which each person has a say in the ruling of the country” Of course, you might say that the idea of everyone having an equal say in what a country should do sounds like it could be a catastrophe. There are more than 62 million people living in Britain today, and they are bound to have a lot of different ideas about how the country should be run. This is true, and allowing every individual in the country to have a say in a topic as vast as Britain would make any issue difficult to resolve. But the idea of everyone having a say is not a bad one in itself, it just needs a system set in place whereby it can be done without creating mayhem. Democratic electoral systems attempt to do just that. In a country in which every adult has the right to vote, everybody in that country has the ability to sway policy. The trouble is that this system does not really work entirely as it is meant to. In times of financial crisis, such as now, politicians can make vastly unpopular decisions which they will not have to answer for until their time in parliament is up, and four years is a long time in which to make such decisions. Sometimes unpopular decisions
may be the decisions which make the country wealthier, so overall the question is whether the wealth of the country is more important than the happiness of its citizens. I think not. One of the main topics in the news right now is the election campaign for the Republican presidential candidate. The ability to elect not only your president but to elect who you think should represent your party to become president seems the most democratic option, and one which keeps the minds of the population on the issues at stake. It would of course be useful if those issues did not include extramarital affairs, but nonetheless it inspires a great deal of interest and hopefully more knowledge in the population at large. When an elected official is as important as the President of the United States of America, this has to be a bonus. It could be argued that such a privilege should be permitted in the UK. We may have a policy of voting for the party and not for the person, but since the prime minister is one of the UK’s main representatives (and we don’t get to vote for the queen, either), surely we should have a say in the matter of who it is. More democracy could never be a bad thing. This does not just apply for the main areas of politics, either; if we lived in a country in which everyone could be successfully heard, whether through referendums on important points, or through politicians taking note of large protests, the people of the country would be happier. If all countries counted their success rate on the proportion of their population which was happy, I believe that the world just might be a better place.
Your voice. Your comment. Your paper. Whatever the topic, if you want to write for us, make a complaint or get your voice heard, email concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk. We accept anonymous submissions.
COMMENT
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
9
Where is the British bulldog spirit? The queen’s diamond jubilee is fast approaching, and no doubt in the coming months I will have to endure adverts, slogans, campaigns, and whole internet forums being taken up with those who like the monarchy, and those who do not. I cannot wait for that age old debate to begin once more (the sarcasm is implied there, I assure you). The diamond jubilee does present a wider picture in British life, and that is a picture of a whole country of British citizens who only rarely show any kind of patriotism for their country. It is odd to see how emotional the Scots can get over independence, and yet at the same time, those of us in England just don’t care. Being patriotic in the American sense of the word is just not our thing, we Brits have a quieter and more dignified way of displaying our love for our country, or at least I think we do, I actually have yet to find it. That’s just the thing that gripes me though. Why is it that us Brits just cannot be proud of our traditions, our heritage, and the fact that Britain really is
great? I myself am proud to be British, I am proud to look back at our history and go, “Oh hey, this little backwater island nation once ruled half the world, cool”. Britain has seen the birth of the industrial revolution, it has seen a stable democratic government, and it has given the world: Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and the Beatles; to but scratch the surface of the talent that has emerged from Britain.
“It is odd to see how emotional the Scots can get over independence, and yet at the same time, those of us in England, just don’t care” There are of course problems with Britain, but the British people can, and will, endure. The harsh economic times will pass, the democratic deficit will fade, the bankers will once again hide away in the shadows, and Nick Clegg will finally leave government. Until that time however, I implore you, have some faith in Britain and its people. Wave our flag, sing
our anthem, have parties in the street, enjoy the cultural heritage that Britain offers. Even if we are no longer the empire we once were, we still have a lot to be proud of. Our armed forces, always a controversial topic with students, is at the top of its field still, taking part in reconstruction work all
Anti-piracy or anti-privacy? Sopa and Pipa may have been stopped, but Emma Holbrook highlights an even more dangerous bill which has slipped into legislation almost unnoticed. The subject of internet piracy has well and truly reared its ugly head this month. It began with a deceptively innocentlooking bill in the United States’ Congress and spiraled into the closure of file sharing site Megaupload and subsequent protests – online and off – over the importance of free speech on the internet. You probably will have heard of Sopa (or at least, you’d heard of it once Wikipedia became inaccessible for the day and everyone promptly forgot everything they’d ever learnt) and its younger sister Pipa, after the widespread uproar caused the U.S. Congress and Senate to shelve the bills. But whilst Sopa and Pipa (who, quite frankly, sound like a pair of spoilt children were nipped in the bud, a more dangerous threat to internet privacy managed to sneak up on the world unnoticed.
The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Acta) would drastically alter the way that information can be shared on the internet, by allowing service providers to monitor your entire internet usage, regardless of whether you possess any copyrighted material. Possibly the most problematic aspect of Acta is that it has been negotiated, in secret, by non-democratically elected officials, meaning that we have absolutely no say in our own internet privacy rights. The sudden appearance of Acta has not gone down well: thousands of demonstrators in Poland took to the streets in order to voice their displeasure and infamous Guy Fawkes masks even made an appearance in the Polish parliament. Kader Arif, the official carrying out a report on Acta for the European Parliament, resigned in protest
and, never ones to miss out on a protest, the anarchic hacktivists Anonymous carried out a series of superfluous hacks on the FBI, Justice Department and Sony Music websites. And yet, the future looks rather bleak. 22 EU countries have already signed the treaty, as has Barack Obama (bypassing Congress and forgetting his own country’s Bill of Rights in the process). The demonstrations will continue but they will probably only be as successful as the Gunpowder Plot was in the first place. Acta is here to stay. Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a global recession and global injustice, western governments are choosing to protect corporations who are scared of people downloading episodes of Glee. Whoever said politicians have warped priorities?
over the world, handing out humanitarian aid and giving protection to those who cannot protect themselves. Britain’s influence in foreign affairs is still strong, even if it is decline, the leaders of the world will listen to our diplomats and our experts. In a world which sees people living in famine and squalor in Africa,
which sees people living in fear in Iran and North Korea, I am quite content with what Britain has to offer. So please, students and citizens alike, stop moaning about Britain, and for just once, be proud. Anonymous
Your Union, your choice The Union of UEA Students performs a vital role in the lives of countless students at the University. It operates many of the services we use daily and come this time of year a group of freshfaced, enthusiastic students set about campaigning to take on one of the full-time officer positions. The officers are a visible point of contact. But how many students know who their officers are? Turnout in elections is low, and every year individuals are elevated to these positions of tremendous power and responsibility with only a few thousand votes. Turnout may be similar to the national average, but in general students simply don’t care about Union politics. Only 4,978 votes were cast for the four paid student officer positions in last year’s elections; this hardly constitutes an overriding mandate to rule. The power of the student officers as well is rarely discussed around election time. They have the power to make decisions with ramifications that may not even be
felt until they have long departed. Also, the temptation, knowing that time is of the essence, to make dramatic changes to the way the Union operates, is one that even the more forward-thinking officer may find difficult to resist. The advertising of the student officer positions is also extremely flawed. It fails to communicate sufficiently to the Union’s members what these officers actually do, and how they can genuinely be held to account for decisions they make. The fact is that for the majority of students, the university experience is one which, unless you are passionate about student politics, can be lived without knowledge of who the Union’s elected officers are, or casting a vote in the elections. The Union is a member-led organisation, but in reality this is somewhat misleading. Officers lead, members follow. Some do so with vague complicity, and others without even knowing. So when it comes round to election time, be careful who you vote for. If you vote at all that is. Anonymous
10
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
news p1-6
comment p7-9
features p12-14
turf p15
lifestyle p16-19
TRAVEL
Living on the edge of the world Andy Browning
Ever wondered what it’s like to live on the other side of the world? UEA graduate Andy Browning is doing just that. Here is his experience living on the dot of Pacific paradise that is Tuvalu Surrounded by people in flip flops, floral garlands, and Hawaiian shirts, I skillfully negotiated my way across the sticky dance floor, avoided the vomiting rugby player, made it to the bar, and then made it back to my place on the dancefloor next to the speakers without spilling a drop. If I didn’t know better I could easily have been at a beach party at the LCR, but the fact that there was no roof and I could see the Pacific Ocean from the dancefloor soon brought me back to reality. I quickly realised I wasn’t in Norwich anymore. In fact the roofless Matagali Gali bar is about as far away from Norwich (and the LCR) as you can get, and is the only nightclub for the entire Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, the country I am lucky enough to call home for the next nine months. Unless you are a geography teacher, climate change researcher, or have been keeping up with Kate Middleton’s 2012 schedule (easy boys), you probably won’t have a clue where Tuvalu is. Don’t worry, most people don’t, and I have to confess despite being a UEA
Earth Science graduate I had to look it up when I first heard about it. Luckily, I am also a UEA PGCE geography graduate, so I always have an atlas to hand for precisely this sort of situation. Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country on the planet, and is made up of nine tiny coral atolls spread over 1000km² of Pacific Ocean. When combined, the 9nine atolls can boast only 10km² of land mass. With the highest point in the country being a vertigo inducing 4m above sea level, tropical storms, high tides, and sea level rise are all major issues which could potentially affect the longevity of Tuvalu. Some experts believing it will disappear under rising sea levels in as little as 50 years. As well as being one of the smallest countries in the world, it is also one of the least visited, with only a handful of tourists visiting every year. With two hideously expensive flights a week to the tiny airstrip masquerading as an international airport, and a sporadic cargo boat service coming from Tuvalu’s closest neighbour Fiji (a 4 day trip) most
tourists tend to arrive in their private yachts and without the long white sandy beaches, lush jungle clad mountains, and tourist resorts provided by other Pacific islands, they don’t tend to stay for very long. So what on Earth is a UEA graduate doing here for nine months? Especially one who most definitely does not own a yacht? Well I am lucky enough to have been selected by the UK Scout Association to be a Scout Development Ambassador for Tuvalu. What is a Scout Development Ambassador? Well, my job is to support the newly created Tuvalu Scout Association to rejuvenate and develop Scouting in this corner of the Pacific. Scouting is the largest youth organisation in the world, offering fun, challenge and adventure to over 28 million young people in practically every country and territory, including several Pacific islands, where Scouting is very strong. Tuvalu used to have a very strong Scout movement, but in recent years the numbers have dwindled, and so, at the last regional meeting
they approached the UK for some support to get things moving again. Enter yours truly and a guy from the Isle of Man called Jay, and the scene was set for us to take up arguably the best volunteer jobs on the planet. We have been here for over 2 months now, and they have been nothing if not eventful. Torrential tropical downpours; rats running over us in the night; learning to spear fish with a rubber band and rusty spike; water shortages; the constant battle against the ants; high tides; the mysterious lack of fruit on a tropical island; chancing our luck playing rugby against the locals; dealing with “Tuvalu Time”; and of course learning to love raw fish, especially the juicy, still warm heart of a tuna! So many stories from such a small island; at times you really can tell that we are living in the world’s fourth smallest country on the other side of the planet from home. But throwing some shapes on that sticky dance floor brings a small slice of UEA to this tropical paradise, and a smile to my face. Now if only they would play Journey!
Essential Tuvalu Population: 10,544 Capital: Funafuti
Getting there
>> Suva in Fiji is the gateway to Tuvalu with a couple of very expensive flights a week on Air Fiji and government-owned cargo/passenger ships every three months which take about four days.
Staying there
>> Vaiaku Lagi is the country’s only hotel but there are various lodges and motels available. Follow Andy’s adventures in Tuvalu on his excellent blog at www. andyexplores.wordpress. com and on Twitter @AndyExplores Ashleigh Berryman; Drew Nicol
TRAVEL
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
11
‘‘The greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine’’ David Bowie recognised Berlin’s vivid culture when he lived in the German capital with Iggy Pop. Nearly 40 years later, Roberta Phillips goes back in time to discover some of Berlin’s colourful party hot-spots nestled amongst the sobering urban art that depicts the city’s history Arriving in Berlin, my first impressions of it were cold, grey and, as many people agree, the language is not particularly attractive. However, what it does have to offer is culture. On my recent trip to the German capital, I discovered a city steeped in history that also offered impressive street art and a party scene that would put most British cities to shame. In the daytime we visited historical sites, including the East Side Gallery, where the largest part of the Berlin wall still stands, and the Holocaust memorial. Both were intensely emotional experiences that put German and English history into perspective. Though we missed the “alternative tour” due to misreading the slightly confusing underground map, we did manage to find The Kunsthaus Tacheles. Formerly a Jewish department store and a
Nazi prison, this art house is, if you can ignore the intense smell of urine, definitely worth a look. Our favourite area, Kreuzberg, was where I had my most memorable night in Berlin. Memorable because I wasn’t ridiculously drunk, but more importantly, because the place we stumbled upon was like nowhere I had ever been before. I felt like we had been transported back into the 1970s, something I’ve always wished was possible! Outside, it looked like abandoned housing, covered in graffiti. The stairway stank of urine and at the top we were greeted by a sign that warned us strictly no photos, a common rule in many of the clubs in the city. On the other side of the curtain, our noses were filled with the aroma of marijuana, beer and sweat. The club wasn’t particularly big and was heaving with locals. There
were people dancing all along the window sill, in front of the steamed up glass, to soul music that glided into hip-hop as the night progressed. Beer in hand, we jumped straight into the party
Travel writer Sam Langan runs down his best, first and worst adventures abroad
Best Bangkok, Thailand
First Van Vieng, Laos
Worst Varanasi, India
My first independent travelling experience was arriving in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and my first 24 hours in Bangkok was a rather clichéd “first travel” affair. I can remember stepping off the plane and being in a dream-like daze thanks to a cocktail of humidity and jetlag. I unwisely took a battered, unlicensed taxi all the way to the hotel and ambled down the infamous Khaosan Road nauseated and homesick. A refreshing Heineken at 11am was the perfect remedy.
Laos is a wonderful country and well worth visiting. The people were friendly and outgoing and it has a beautiful culture that means you can seek out spiritualism, naturalism and hedonism in equal measure. Our days spent in Van Vieng were definitely the latter. The attraction in the town was to hire a tire tube and float effortlessly down river, Beer Lao in hand, stopping at an appropriate bar perched on the river bed. I remember gazing up at the mountains and being taken in by the overpowering nature of my surroundings.
Unfortunately Varanasi’s manic atmosphere hampered my overall enjoyment of this ancient city. Our first moments were fraught as we arrived and a taxi tout deliberately took us to the wrong hotel. After returning to the train station, we found our way to the correct one but I don’t think we ever got used to the noisy, cluttered intensity. The oldest parts of the city are labyrinthine and filled with small alleys, adding to the cramped feel. Our best times were sitting on the Ghats, looking out over the River Ganges.
Travel Confessions By Holly O’Mahony
Arriving in Bangkok amidst the 2010 riots, we were keen to head to the station and get out of the city. Whilst in the train station, out of nowhere, the shriek of a whistle filled our ears as we watched soldiers with guns over their shoulders march into the building. Everybody was up on their
and onto the dancefloor. I have no idea what the club was called, or if it even had a name, but I will definitely make it my mission to visit Berlin again and return to this place.
Berlin should be on everyone’s travel to-do list this year as it provides the perfect mix of culture and nightlife. The only thing I didn’t encounter, was sunshine!
Top 3 tips for cheap travel 1) Book hostels that offer free breakfast
Hostels have cottoned on to the fact that travellers will stay somewhere that promises free food. Many now offer buffet breakfasts and whilst it may just be toast and tea, it’s still enough to keep you going until lunch.
2) Splash out on lunch
In many restaurants around the world, lunch menus are around 30-40% cheaper than their evening counterparts. Fill up on lunch and then keep to street food for dinner.
3) Surf on couches
Not literally of course! One of the worst-kept secrets of modern day travel is Couchsurfing and it is perfect for the independent traveller who isn’t too afraid of staying at a random stranger’s house. It’s perfectly safe so give it a go! feet in no time, and all my knowledge of country customs left my mind. I remember thinking in that second as we faced the soldiers’ guns that this was the end that we were about to be shot as a warning to other tourists, and that I should have booked a holiday in Spain instead. Looking back,
it could have only been two or three seconds before the speakers clicked into action, and the National Anthem began to play. So we stood for the anthem, crying with a mixture of relief and laughter. That night on the train, we made sure to read the chapter on culture in our guidebooks!
12
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
The Checklist There are dozens and dozens of things you should be thinking about, but never fear for help is at hand. Here is Concrete’s list of the most important ones you need to know about.
Utilities
Gas, electricity, water, internet – these are the things that you need when living on your own. Once you have a house in mind, make sure you look into utility suppliers; prices are constantly going up so shop around for the best deal. Top Tip: Virgin Media offer a high speed and unlimited usage broadband deal, so maybe check them out!
Television
The upside to having a house is having a lounge, and every lounge you need two things: a sofa, and a TV. But wait! In order to watch live TV in the UK you need a TV license. As the fines for not having one are in the thousands, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Contract
Parking
Once you have that house, you get a lengthy document which is your contract. There are a number of things which your landlord or letting agency have to provide. If in doubt, get your contract checked by the Union Advice Centre or UEA Accommodation Office
Be warned: not many student houses offer off-road parking. What’s more, Norwich is famous for its cramped roads. If you do want to run a car in the city, you will probably need a parking permit. Make sure you buy the right permit for the road you’re living on by contacting Norwich City Council.
Housing
news p2-5
comment p7-9
travel p10-11
FEATURES
turf p15
lifestyle p16-19
international p20
With students having either found their dream student home, or settled for something with a roof and some walls, Features is here to provide you with the run down on your new home, what to do once you have signed the contract, some advice on how to handle your landlord, and all the rest on what to expect in your student housing.
Union Advice Home Run is the largest provider of student housing in Norwich, with over 300 landlords letting their properties through Home Run. Students are reminded not to rush into putting a deposit down in order to secure a house, as the Home Run list is constantly updated and contracts are legally binding. Landlords who use Home Run comply with Minimum Standards with regards to gas and electric. They are expected to deal with repairs quickly and unlike letting agencies they do not charge fees to students. Alongside this, the Union Advice centre are willing to go over any contracts with students, clarifying any doubts and answer any questions.
www.concrete-online.co.uk
sport p21-24
Concrete Housing Guide
Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
Unthank road, nr2
Popular areas Unthank Road
Best pub: Langtry Best takeaway: Lim’s Fish & Chips Bus routes: 25 (three stops - York Street, Colman Hospital, Essex Street) To campus: 25 minutes walk, 15 minutes bus To city: (St. Stephen’s Street): 15 minutes walk, 5 minutes bus Average monthly rent: £220-300 Average house size: 4-5 bedrooms Amenities: Breadwinner Bakery, Co-Operative, Le Chateau wine shop, Subway, Tesco, takeaways, three pubs (on Unthank Road itself)
Earlham Road
Lukas Harnisch
West earlham, nr5
Best pub: Black Horse Best takeaway: Rice & Spice Bus routes: 35 (three stops - Earlham Shopping Centre, Mitre Pub, Black Horse) To campus: 30 minutes walk, 20 minutes bus To city: 20 minutes walk, 10 minutes bus Average monthly rent: £240-280 Average house size: 4-6 bedrooms Amenities: Earlham shopping centre, Co-Operative supermarket, takeaways, two pubs
West Earlham
Heaven
“After having a rather poor house during my second year, our overriding goal was to find a house which would be warm during the winter, and allow us to use the oven and watch television at the same time. Way back in January we viewed a house on George Borrow Road, we looked about it for a good thirty minutes, and instantly wanted it. The house itself has a large lounge, a breakfast bar, three double rooms, and, as the cherry on the top, a washing line. As good as the house is though, it is the fact that rather than go through a letting agency, we went private. Our landlords are fantastic, if we have a problem we can contact them easily and they’ll be round either on the day, or the following day, to sort it. Imagine a friendly, warm and caring couple, that’s what our landlord and lady are like. Oh, did I mention the fact that we have a gardener?”
Joshua Resoun
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
Housing
Hell
“We’ve had a lot of difficulty with Complete Property Estates, with regards to getting repairs done. It took them a year to get our toilet seat repaired, months to replace an oven that was a health and safety risk, and we still have loads of smaller repairs that need doing that we’ve been chasing up for months. They also rarely give us 24 hours notice before coming around.”
Hattie Grünewald “We literally have the worst estate agents in Norwich - MJB (formerly Golden Triangle). I have nothing good to say about them and we will be very pleased when we move out. They take weeks to do anything and whenever you phone they just say “Oh, well you are on the maintenance list...” They never know what’s going on; they depend on the manager. Problems have included them taking weeks to change the locks (previous tenants still had their keys), broken shower, numerous issues with the heating and dodgy tiles which were letting water from the shower run down them and through to the heating room!”
Beth Wyatt
Best pub: The Freed Man Best takeaway: Kathy’s Plaice Bus routes: 21/22 (no longer stops at University, but does run to City) To campus: 10/15 minutes walk To city: 1 hour walk, 30 minutes bus Average monthly rent: £230-270 Average house size: 4 bedrooms Amenities Chemist, Aldi supermarket, local convenience stores, takeaways
Ga Chun Yau
bowthorpe, nr5
Colman Road
Best pub: Farmhouse (the only pub on Colman Road) Best takeaway: East Chinese Bus routes: 25 and 35 (one stop each) To campus: 5 minutes (25), 10 minutes (35), 15 minutes walk To city: 15 minutes bus, 25 minutes walk Average monthly rent: £250-300 Average house size: 3-5 bedrooms Amenities: Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, takeaways, convenience stores, Barclays bank, Boots chemist, Coral bookmakers
DON’T GET CAUGHT SHORT
learn your rent and bill payment dates, because they won’t wait, and “sorry, i spent too much last night” isn’t a valid excuse. you don’t want the bailiffs popping round uninvited, do you? Laura Smith
13
14
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
FEATURES
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
The Arab spring: one year on Features editor Billy Sexton reviews the main events of the past year and looks at the impact social media had on the revolutions It’s been over 12 months since the first protests of the Arab spring broke out in Tunisia in December 2010. Since then, headlines have almost been constant, most notably from Libya and Egypt, where the dictatorial regimes of Muammar Gaddafi and Hosni Mubarak were successfully overthrown. Bahrain, Syria and Yemen are among other countries protesting against current regimes, and consequently the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix had to be abandoned in 2011 and the 2012 race looks to be in doubt again, despite the ruling royal insisting they will increase human rights and democratic representation. The Arab spring certainly hasn’t been a peaceful or romantic affair, unlike some revolutions in history, notably the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, 1989. With the death toll close to 40,000, protestors in Syria and Yemen seem determined to follow in the footsteps of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, towards greater political freedom. Governments have been quick and ruthless in their attempts to put down the revolutions. Syrian authorities have cut off electricity as well as water supplies. The Free Syrian Army was formed in the summer of 2011 to work with protestors in bringing down the government.
Yemen also has military and government personnel who have defected, resulting in much of the country being out of the control of president Saleh. However, Saleh has been willing to take into account protesters’ views from the start and hold democratic elections, draft a new constitution and introduce easier voter registration. On review, it’s important to realise the important role that social media has played, and continues to play, in the Arab spring. It is believed that messages were sent via social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to promote and spread messages about freedom and democracy. For example, the number of Tweets originating from Egypt, in the week leading up to Hosni Mubarak’s resignation increased ten fold. Videos uploaded to YouTube went viral, receiving millions of views and resulted in Egypt’s dictatorship ultimately attempting to shut down the internet. People harnessed the power of social media, meaning those who opposed the regimes but had previously been fragmented, could now unite under one cause and protest for the changes they’d so eagerly longed for. The news of uprisings in
Tunisia and Egypt allowed other individuals in other countries pick up on the situation. Call it social media Chinese whispers, if you like. The social media revolution didn’t stop at the Arab spring. When Osama bin Laden was finally killed in May 2011, an IT consultant living in Abbottabad tweeted,
unknowingly, of the American raid as it was happening. Social media is undoubtedly going to help historical research too. Whilst historians are unable to discover precisely what normal, everyday people experienced during medieval times or the early modern period, social media will leave its own digital trail in the
history books of the 21st century. One year on and the Arab people are still striving to achieve what western civilization has experienced for centuries. With assistance from the west and the continued use of social media, protesters can hope for the establishment of a more democratic regime.
A re-freshing look at Norwich nightlife Features writer Steff Young takes a look at the new Norwich nightlife ahead of the Spring Semester Compared to other university cities, Norwich seems to have a quick turnover of clubs and events, with a new venue or night being premiered on average once per semester. For the spring term, the examples of these are Carnival (previously Knowhere) and the monster that is Tao, which opened last semester. Personally, I had no idea Knowhere was undergoing a facelift to become Carnival and this is probably due to it’s lack of reps, compared to Tao and Lola Lo’s who frequently spark angry facebook updates about their arguably excessive plugging. However, in their defense, this does seem to generate constant revenue, as Come Play
at Tao on Mondays (the love child of “club-promoting god” Carl Silverstone) consistantly have at least 15 minute queues. Project with it’s indoor queue space, (always a bonus) remains popular for students on a Friday night at Propaganda because it seems to be the only club with offers for students on a Friday. Project is spacious so rarely feels suffocating on the dance floor like Tao or Lola’s. However, the bars are often crowded. The music is feel-good, familiar tracks from across the 80s, 90s and 00s in the main room, with a more dubstep/drum and bass room as well, and the quirky addition of a small karaoke bar, because who doesn’t fancy theatrically
serenading somebody after a few drinks? With the opening of Tao last semester, Lola Lo’s seems to have been somewhat sidelined. However it still appears to be popular with those who don’t like or don’t want to queue in the cold for Tao. Lola’s Trashed night takes place on a Monday and their hugely popular and well-loved Kitsch Wednesday night remains the only club offering a student night on a Wednesday. Cheap drinks and discounted entry for students can also be found on a Thursday. Different music and/or DJs are often advertised on these different events, but honestly I’ve never noticed a difference. The only thing that matters to
the majority of people looking for a good time is that they know the words, or maybe only the melody, so that they can nonsensically shout along in loud enjoyment of the familiarity that makes bumping and grinding acceptable, just. Anticipated is the opening of Uber, the cocktail bar replacing Mercy. A few socials have been given VIP visits, and reception has been unexcited but not critical. It is a large venue that will need a lot of visitors to create an atmosphere, and student events are yet to be released. Finally, the old, alcoholic and politically incorrect granddad of UEA, the LCR. Seemingly on the up this term, especially
for the non-fresher community. Saturday nights are reliably great. They’re cheap, popular and perhaps more casual than a night on the town (for us girls there is no shame in wearing a pair of flats or boots to the LCR). They also seem to be updating their Tuesday night fancy dress themes with super-heros and anti-valentines looking to be popular, as well as the old favourites like Harry Potter and Skool Daze, making Tuesday nights no longer exclusively fresher territory. All in all, Norwich has a lot to offer with regards to nights out, and should continue to do so with the many changing masks of it’s nightlife.
TURF
news p1-6
comment p7-9
travel p10-11
features p12-14
lifestyle p16-19
sport p21-24
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
15
Stem cell sausages for a sustainable future Turf writer Toby Samuels looks into the race to produce edible meat from stem cells As students, many of us are regular consumers of cultured products. From yoghurts that get us going in the morning, to a rewarding beer after a hard day studying, food products derived from cultures of living organisms feature daily in our lives. However, as of 2000, experiments at Nasa, universities in the Netherlands, and the United States among other facilities worldwide have been exploring the concept of culturing stem cells to produce chunks of meat in laboratories. The basic idea is simple. Take stem cells (those cells which haven’t yet got a designated function within the body, such as a muscle cell) from the animal whose meat you want to cultivate. Allow these cells to nestle in friendly collagen matrix, coating a plastic or silicon sheet. Provide a nutritious broth for them to feed on and watch them grow. In reality, there are many more complexities to add to the recipe, including how to coerce the majority of the cells to differentiate
(specialise) into muscle cells, which predominantly constitute meat products. Furthermore, the plastic or silicon sheet is stretched and relaxed to exercise the cells, mimicking the conditions the meat tissue would be under in a living animal. Initial experiments by Nasa in 2000 produced a fish fillet from goldfish stem cells, potentially opening the door to food production on long space journeys. Since then, other research groups have seen the potential for this stem cell technology to flourish into an alternative to meat from reared animals. A leader in the field, Dr. Mark Post of Maastricht University, has claimed his lab should be able to produce beef sausages and burgers by March and September of this year respectively. However, with many obstacles to overcome before any sort of marketable product could be developed, including the overwhelming cost (estimated in 2008 as being $1m for a 250g
piece of meat), the question remains: what is wrong with a bacon sandwich? Worldwide meat production has huge environmental impacts, from deforestation to create farm land, resulting in a loss of biodiversity, to its contribution to our changing climate. Currently, the industry accounts for 20% of total greenhouse emissions, utilises over two thirds of available agricultural land and terrifyingly
consumes four to 10 kilograms of feed to produce a mere one kilogram of meat product. In stark contrast, a future cultured meat industry would require only two kilograms of feed for an equivalent portion of meat, 1% of current land use (taking advantage of culturing facilities on upper floors) and an 80-95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions currently produced. On top of all that, cultured
The true value of biodiversity A new study in the journal BioScience has said that some of the poorest people in the world would be half a trillion dollars a year better off if their indirect conservation of natural habitats was given an economic value. The study, “Global Biodiversity Conservation and the Alleviation of Poverty,” looked in particular at 17 of the world’s most important areas for biodiversity. It has found that people living in these areas carry out activities vital to maintainng habitats and therefore are maintaining socalled “ecosystem services,” which are often invisible benefits of conservation. For example, the maintenance of wooded areas can help to prevent mudslides and provide valuable watersheds that keep rivers healthy and provide clean drinking water, as well as absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. Usually, the chopping down of these trees would be seen as more economically valuable through providing an instant return, but now this study has
meat provides an alternative to an industry associated with an inhumane and cruel track record, interesting vegetarians and animal rights protestors alike. If cultured meat does have a place in the future of food research, then it can only be hoped that the current texture, which has been described as somewhere between jam and spam, might be improved. But for now, it’s back to the bacon sandwich.
Get ready to go green!
stated that deforestation will lead to economic losses in the longer term. Russell Mittermeier, president of Conservation International and a co-author of the report, said: “We have always known that biodiversity is foundational
ensure continued broad access to nature’s services, and meet the UN millennium development goals.” There are already some schemes that could help to pay the poor for their work in conservation, like the United Nations-backed system called Redd (Reducing
of Conservation International and the lead author of the study, said: “Developed and developing economies cannot continue to ask the world’s poor to shoulder the burden of protecting these globally important ecosystem services for the rest of the world’s
to human wellbeing, but we now have a strong case that ecosystems specifically located in the world’s biodiversity hotspots and highbiodiversity wilderness areas also provide a vital safety net for people living in poverty. Protecting these places is essential not only to safeguard life on earth but also to support the impoverished,
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), but they are currently small in scale. However, as this study shows, the economic value of the natural world must be better understood if we are to preserve it, and the work of the world’s poorest people is already of great benefit. Will Turner, vice–president
benefit, without compensation in return. This is exactly what we mean when we talk about valuing natural capital. Nature may not send us a bill, but it’s essential services and flows, both direct and indirect, have concrete economic value.”
To mark Go Green Week, which is happening across universities nationwide from 6-11 February, UEA’s People & Planet society will be active around campus with a number of events to inspire students on how to take action for a greener future. To inspire students to reduce their water consumption a group of students will be surviving for 2-3 weeks on rations of water they have to carry around with them. Also on offer will be an Ecotricity campaign in the Hive to encourage green electricity for student housing, a permaculture and veg box event, not to mention tips on how to eat on “a dollar a day,” a proposed film screening event and a speaker from “Frackoff” (details TBC). Interested? Find us on Facebook or come along to the Hive on Tuesday 7 February to find out more.
Chris Teale
Benjamin Brown
16
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_LifeS
comment p7-9
travel p10-11
features p12-14
turf p15
sport p21-24
LIFESTYLE
Serving up a loving spoonful James Dixon Lifestyle Writer Spooning can be one of life’s great pleasures as it involves the delicate entwining of two bodies. This horizontal embrace symbolizes the affection two people share for each other and can be enacted by friends and lovers. The human form fits neatly together when a person lying on their side, (the big spoon), gently hugs and presses another person’s back against their chest. The embraced person, (the little spoon), brings their knees further up to their chest, thus allowing the big spoon’s legs to slot comfortably into the V shape created. This creates a deeply intimate sense of physical proximity whereby one person’s form blends softly into another. To avoid physical discomfort, the big spoon should slip their bedside arm through the gap in between the little spoon’s
head and bedside shoulder. With this in place, the bond is complete and the persons can spoon for as long as they desire. The little spoon can bask in the comfort and security provided by the embrace of the big spoon
who in turn, finds pleasure in holding the other so perfectly in their arms. If lovers, the big spoon is able to adorn the little spoon’s nape with tender kisses and nuzzle the back of the head. Their ceiling side arm can
caress the little spoon’s body and draw invisible patterns that linger from the briefest of touches. Whilst difficultly to maintain is subjective, to fall asleep and thus awaken spooning provides a deep sense
of unity and attachment. This delightful embrace can be as innocent or as sexually passionate as the persons desire. The proximity can lend itself to the carnal desires. Spooning can occur between friends and even to some degree, with inanimate objects. Some people have been known to spoon large cuddly toys which are a relic of the childhood desire for safety at night. During the winter, this writer occasionally spoons a warm body of water: his hot water bottle. Multiple friends can spoon at any one time, as apart from space, there is no real limit to the number of people involved. The current record was set by the Texas A & M University who gathered 676 people together for a five minute spoon. Spooning quite literally brings people together and in a time where technology helps us escape physical limitations, it is cathartic to lie next to someone and share your physicality.
CliveCares Helping turn life’s lemons into lemonade If you have a burning issue then Clive Ashcroft is the man for the job. Contact him at: clivecaresconcrete@gmail.com
“Broken friendship” Dear Clive, Ever since I shaved my friend Pete’s eyebrows off, he has been a bit funny with me. He has a quite an abnormal face as it is, and having no eyebrows has not helped the situation at all. I’m worried that he’s really annoyed at me. How can I repair the friendship, Clive? I don’t want this to ruin everything! Cheers, Sam Dear Sam, I hope your friend has a sense of humour and his eyebrows grow back very soon! He is probably feeling very embarrassed, and walking around campus with no eyebrows may be daunting. At the moment, he may be harbouring some resentment towards you. Most people I know who have had their eyebrows shaved off, because they’re asleep or drunk, may seek revenge: but please don’t panic! Don’t worry too much about your friendship, everything will be fine. Good luck Sam!
“Post-uni panic” Dear Clive, I’m starting to panic about post-university life. I’ve been constantly applying for jobs, but to no avail and I’m really starting to worry that I will be unemployed come September. Should I apply for jobs in the sector that I want to work in or should I just settle for something else? Regards, Anonymous Dear Reader, Please don’t panic or worry regarding future employment. Due to today’s climate, employers seem to be holding back with recruitment. Only time will tell, please don’t settle for second best. You have worked hard to achieve your goals in life. May I suggest that you continue to apply for the sector you will be most happy in. I wish you every success for the future.
LIFESTYLE
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_LifeS
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
Sir-ving up a naming conundrum Hasina Allen Lifestyle Editor Knowing what to call your professor at university is an oft overlooked challenge. After years in the British education system, being told that you can call a figure of academic authority by their first name can come as a shock. For years the first name was a sign of insolence or intimacy: reserved for teachers who were family friends or for those who you particularly wanted to annoy. Even the young teachers still clutching their PGCEs, soon retract any initial assertions of being cool with you calling them by their first name, retreating to the security of a century old hierarchy system between teacher and pupil. At university, the traditional titles used to create a distinction between learner and learned are abandoned, along with seating plans and putting up your hand to ask permission to go to the bathroom. First names can be a difficult adjustment at first, and knowing when it’s appropriate to use them doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Generally you should call someone by the name they use to introduce themselves. A fail-proof tactic, whenever
101 tips By students, for students
28.
If you’ve got university work to hand in the next day that is not completely finished, by all accounts, do not go out! Samuel Ronald
introductions take place. Seminar leaders who don’t introduce themselves cause an additional set of worries for the overly conscientious. It may well say Dr. Richard Smith on the module document but without any additional indication, how are we supposed to know whether they are a Richie or a Dick? Not knowing how to address a seminar leader can make some students reluctant to ever speak to them directly in class and avoid them in the corridors. Once you have grasped the art of the first name, it can be all too easy to forget that the
professor-student relationship is still a professional one. Calling your professor Jim does not mean you should treat him like an acquaintance in the pub. While the equality and mutual respect fostered by using first names for senior figures can create a much more pleasant learning environment, the relationship still carries boundaries. Maintain a level of formality in emails. Resist the urge to sign off with “peace” and never send a lecturer an x shaped kiss, however well you get on in class; remember they are doing a job and rightly expect any correspondence to
reflect that. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule. Some lecturers feel most comfortable using the formal honorifics of yesteryear, others feel the opposite. With the end of my third and final year as an undergraduate fast approaching, I am finally confident in my ability to use the right tone at the right time. However, there is no right way to deal with this particular piece of university etiquette, but as long as your attitude shows respect, the importance of what to call someone fades into the background.
Society Spotlight: University Royal Naval Unit Natasha Bailey Lifestyle Writer Most people haven’t heard of the University Royal Naval Unit, and although our title can be misconstrued, we boast more opportunities than most societies in sports, adventurous training, qualifications, charity work, travel and social events. One of the obvious misconceptions students have about us is that either you are, or will be expected, to sign up when you graduate. This is not the case. We aim to provide opportunities and educate undergraduate students on the Royal Navy, both its history and the role it plays within today’s society. We embark on two annual deployments aboard our very own warship, HMS Trumpeter.
17
Having previously sailed to Gibraltar, France, Spain, Portugal and many more
fantastic places, life aboard gives a real navy experience. If sports are more your thing then
consider attending the interUrnu national sports weekend as defending champions this coming February! The sports over the weekend that you can compete in include rugby sevens, netball, bucketball, hockey, an assault course and rowing. Not one to be missed, if only for the fancy dress social event afterwards! The Unit also offers incomparable opportunities in kayaking, sailing, hiking, diving, flying camps and also the chance to gain City & Guilds awards in leadership and also Royal Yacht Association powerboat and theory qualifications. Without sounding too cliched, the Unit has made my university experience complete and has meant that I can work hard, play hard and receive a wage at the same time!
29.
Invest in a grilling machine, so that when you want that bacon sandwich after the LCR it’s at least slightly healthier. Rianne Ison
30.
When in halls, leave your door propped open so that your friends can wander in. Hannah Pearman
31.
Don’t start to panic if you feel that you have not met a niche of people like you, many people don’t meet their best friends until the very end of first year. Sadie Clark
32.
Make your own alcohol. It may take a while, but it’s worth it and it’s a lot easier than you would think. Just take a look online for how to do it. Dave Bolton
If you have a tip that you would like to share with the rest of campus tweet us at: @Concrete_LifeS #101tips
18
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
LIFESTYLE
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_LifeS
Lifestyle gets Sorted Rianne Ison and Harry Slater talk to Jamie Spafford from Sorted Food. They’re all about cooking simple and tasty grub with your mates
SORTEDFood
Like all good ideas, Sorted has its origins in a pub. School friends Ben Ebbrell, Barry Taylor and Jamie Spafford have taken it upon themselves to bring decent food to students. Their YouTube recipes have over 7 million views. Read what happened when Lifestyle got Sorted Firstly, for the benefit of our readers, would you just like to introduce yourself and tell us a little about Sorted? I’m Jamie and I help run Sorted Food. I kind of fit in on screen and I also help behind the scenes in terms of community management and talking to our viewers. We try to get lots of food problems sorted; we try to get young people into the kitchen and cooking good food. Most of all, we try to show that cooking doesn’t have to be difficult; anyone can do it, even me! How did Sorted start? When we came back from university over the Christmas holidays things got going. We were at the pub and talking about what we’d been up to at uni. Ben, being a chef, got quite scared when he heard what we were eating. It had never occurred to him that we’d be eating rubbish food. He started writing recipes down on beermats. We’d take them back to uni and cook them, then friends from uni would ask where we got them from and it just grew naturally from there. Barry has a background in photography and design, and sparks began to fly. We thought: “We can’t be the only ones that are
having problems eating right.” Our skills fitted together perfectly to build a team. How important it is to retain an informal, sociable nature? Very important. There’s no point getting all formal and serious about it. At the end of the day, everyone has to eat and everyone has to cook, so you might as well make it fun. As we’ve grown up we’ve always maintained that informal style. What really helps is that we’re just a big group of mates and we never take things too seriously. We are always taking the piss out of somebody. Is working with your mates a challenge? Not at all. We’re on our home turf in our kitchen. When you’re with your mates it’s very easy to say: “Come on guys! We need to get this done.” Sorted came about when yourself and the rest of the crew were at uni. Did you ever think you’d end up doing something like this? No, basically. We all went to uni with our own plans. Ben, being a chef, was destined to work in restaurants. I studied marketing so was destined for agency land.
Barry was a photographer doing lots of freelance work. We never expected to end up here and I can’t believe our luck. We all get to work together as friends and it doesn’t feel like work. It’s not work, it’s mucking around in a kitchen with your mates! It’s tricky for most graduates to get anywhere fast right now. Do you have any tips? What we did was use the tools that were available to us and the web makes that so much easier. Platforms such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook are completely free to use and you can reach any number of people across the world by using them. Although we have a complicated set up with the YouTube videos, all you need is a camera and you can create a video that will be seen by how ever many people want to watch it. Using your initiative, getting off your backside and doing things yourself is the best way. Sharing recipes via YouTube is a unique method. Why did you pick it? It reaches a lot of people, but we also reach people through the platforms where they spend their time. Students tend to be on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, so
it makes sense to get our message out on there as well. We try to fit into their lifestyle. You’ve just announced big changes for 2012, including even more recipe videos. What else can we expect to see? There’s a new book coming out in the summer which we’re really excited about, but basically we’re building on what we’ve got. For instance, having two YouTube videos a week instead of one means we can help more people. There are so many situations that people find themselves in, whether that’s having no money or specific dietary requirements. By filming more videos we can build a great catalogue of recipes on our website that anyone and everyone can use. Definitely, I’ll be sure to cook some of your recipes with my friends, not that I usually eat beans on toast every night ... Glad to hear it! What’s most important to Sorted? The friendship. We are a genuine bunch of friends and that gives us authenticity. We are basically out to help people and have fun at the same time!
What’s your favourite dish? My personal speciality, that we haven’t covered just yet, is chilli con carne. But, my favourite recipe from Sorted has to be the lamb tagine. I absolutely love that one, it’s so easy and so tasty! And lastly, has a recipe ever gone spectacularly wrong? There was one occasion when we were filming and Ben left one of our friends, Adam, to look after a pan and it all got a little bit smoky and a little bit fiery! Thankfully, we managed to extinguish everything, but that’s the worst we’ve had. When there’s fire involved, it’s never good! Adam hasn’t cooked again. He’s only been back to eat the food.
Sorted Food giveaway: Where did Sorted originate? Email your answer before Saturday 4 February at 12pm for your chance to win a Sorted recipe book. Good luck!
LIFESTYLE
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @ConcreteLife_S
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
19
Food, friends, banter? SORTED Lifestyle share a selection of Sorted Food’s recipes to help add more fun and flavour into your kitchen
Rianne’s favourite: Crustless salmon quiche
Harry’s favourite: Chocolate orange sponge
So many of us struggle to find something a bit more interesting for lunch than a simple soggy sandwich, but Rianne has the answer. Sorted’s individual, crustless quiches are a great, quick and easy packed lunch item for work or university.
Many people are put off by the thought of baking as it can seem a little tricky. After receiving such a positive response to their cake in a mug recipe, Sorted wondered what other microwave versions they could come up with. The end result is delicious.
Ingredients > Plain flour (125g) > 1 tsp salt > 1 tsp baking powder > 2 eggs > Milk (230ml) > Butter (100g) > 2 spring onions > Small fillet of salmon, skinned and cubed > Small head of broccoli handful of grated cheese
Ingredients > Butter, softened (100g) > Caster sugar (100g) > 1 egg >Dash of orange extract >Self-raising flour, sieved (100g) > 2 shots of milk (50ml) > Double cream (100ml) > Dark chocolate (40g)
SORTEDFood
Recipe 1. Preheat oven to 180C. Cut the broccoli into small florets and dump into a pan of rapidly boiling salted water. 3. Cook for 2 minutes then fish out and plunge into cold water to stop the cooking. 4. Slice the spring onions finely. 5. Weigh and sieve the flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl. 6. Melt butter in a pan or microwave before adding to the dry ingredients with the eggs. 7. Beat to form a paste then pour in the milk, a bit at a time, until fully combined and smooth. 8. Season with salt and pepper and mix through the grated cheese. 9. Ladle into greased muffin tins or paper cases and bake for 30 minutes until golden and set. 10. Cool in tin for at least 10 mins before popping out and allowing to cool fully on a wire rack.
SORTEDFood
Recipe 1. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. 2. Beat in the egg and orange extract until well combined. 3. Stir through the flour, then splash in the milk and mix again. 4. Once fully combined transfer the mix into a Pyrex pudding bowl. 5. Nuke in the microwave on full power for 4 minutes (we used an 800W model). 6. Cut the chocolate into small pieces and place into a bowl with the cream. 7. Heat the cream up in the microwave whilst the cake is resting for a minute. 8. Turn the sponge out onto a plate. 9. Stir the cream to make a smooth chocolate sauce and drizzle over the sponge. 10. Serve immediately.
Sorted’s favourite: Moroccan tagine with couscous Jamie recommends this mouth watering, hassle free dish in the interview on the opposite page, and having given it a go, it comes highly recommended from us too! Ingredients Tagine > 2 large onions > Shot of olive oil > 1 tbsp ground cumin > 1 tbsp ground coriander > 1 tbsp ground cinnamon > 3 cloves of garlic > Lamb leg or shoulder, boned (1kg) > Lamb or veg stock (200ml) > 2 tbsp honey > Juice of a small lemon > 5 or 6 tomatoes
Issy Mitchell
> 2 fistfuls of dried apricots > Fistful of flaked almonds > 1 tbsp salt and ground black pepper Couscous > 2 mugs of couscous > Fistful of sultanas > 1 tsp salt > 1 tsp turmeric > Couple of spring onions > 2 mugs of boiling water > Glug of olive oil > Fistful of fresh coriander
Recipe 1. Preheat the oven to 160C. Peel and slice the onions, then fry them in oil in an ovenproof saucepan for 5 minutes. 2. Spoon the dried spices, salt and pepper into the onions with the peeled and crushed garlic and cook for a minute. 3. Tip the trimmed and diced lamb into the pan and cover with the stock, adding the honey and lemon juice. 4. Hack up the tomatoes and put all of the flesh, seeds and juice in the pan. 5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid and place it into the preheated
SORTEDFood oven for an hour. 6. Add the apricots and stir the tagine well. Return to the oven for another 30 minutes without the lid. 7. Place the couscous in a bowl with the sultanas, salt, turmeric and throw in some finely sliced spring onions. 8. Pour boiling water into the couscous, stir then cover the bowl for 3 minutes. 9. Toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden and garnish the tagine with them. 10. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and mix in the olive oil and finely chopped fresh coriander. 11. Serve the tagine with the couscous.
20
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
features p12-14
turf p15
lifestyle p16-19
sport p21-24
INTERNATIONAL
Buryatia: a new renaissance of Buddhism Viviane Fluck International Writer Buddhism has had a serious comeback in the Republic of Buryatia in Siberia, Russia since the late 1980s when Moscow loosened its regulations on religions. But this quick surge in Buddhism has also brought problems. After Mongolian and Tibetan Lamas introduced Tibetan Buddhism to Siberia in the middle of the 17th century, it became extremely popular. In the 1930s, however, the Soviet regime persecuted Buddhists with more vigour than any other believers. According to author Igor Troyanovsky: “Not a single functioning temple and not a single lama remained.” Buddhism had its return in the late 1980s due to the loosening of constraints by the Russian government. In 1997 acceptance of Buddhism was further established through the preamble of a law regulating religious organisations, which named Buddhism as being historically important to Russia.
Ivolginski Datsan, the largest and most important Buddhist monastery in Buryatia When travelling through Buryatia today, one cannot help but notice the growing number of newly built Buddhist temples. Many Buryats seem keen to reconnect with Buddhism. “I meditate every morning and
regularly visit the Datsan,” says a PhD student living in Ulan-Ude. But this quick rise in popularity has yielded several challenges. Buddhist education normally starts at a young age, ensuring an intensive learning process.
The break in Buddhist tradition caused a pause in Buddhist education, which has led to an acute need for Buddhist lamas. Moreover, every so often believers fall prey to fake monks who ask for high donations and
practice rituals that have nothing to do with traditional Buddhism. When recounting a ritual in a new Buddhist temple that included spitting on a piece of meat, Lyudmilla, a retired lecturer, confirms that “There is a lot of nonsense practiced that has nothing to do with real Buddhism, it’s a big problem.” Another challenge for Buryat Buddhists is the Russian government’s continued refusal to grant the Dalai Lama a visa, in order to maintain good relations with China. Since the Dalai Lama resigned as the political leader of the Tibetan government in exile, this is met with growing disappointment. Still, when joining the festivities at Ivolginski Datsan, one cannot deny that Buddhism is alive in spite of all obstacles. The air is filled with the smell of incense and a hint of alcohol from the opened vodka bottles that make up a big part of the offerings, which seem to fill every available spot in the Datsan. Whole families queue to pay their respects to the body of lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov. The message is clear: Buddhism is back in Buryatia.
A grand celebration for down under International writer Isabelle Carty looks into the traditions that surround the country’s festive Australia Day Australia Day, or Foundation Day as it was previously referred to, is celebrated annually on 26 January in Australia. The celebration commemorates the arrival of the first fleet (11 ships which set sail from Great Britain to establish the first European colony in Australia) at Sydney Cove in 1788.
“There are also a number of ceremonial aspects to many contemporary Australia Day events which have become both a tradition and a symbol” The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday is one that started only in 1994. However, it quickly became a day for all Australians to enjoy. Although it was not officially known as Australia Day until
recently, records of celebrations on the 26th date back to 1808. The first celebrations were initiated by immigrants who prospered in Sydney, especially those who had been convicts or the children of convicts. They began marking the colony’s beginnings with an anniversary dinner to celebrate their love towards the land they lived in. The celebration is not only one of feasts and festivals. There are also a number of ceremonial aspects to many contemporary Australia Day events which have become both a tradition and a symbol of the national day. These ceremonies can include citizenship ceremonies where prospective citizens have the opportunity to affirm their loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people. There are also affirmation ceremonies which allow Australian-born citizens to affirm their loyalty to the country
leading to a feeling of belonging and pride in their citizenship. On Australia Day, people all over the country will fly the nation’s chief symbol: the
Australian national flag, as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander flags. There are extensive celebrations for all to enjoy such as fireworks, outdoor
concerts, community barbecues, sports competitions and festivals all over Australia, making it a day for the whole family to look forward to.
SPORT
comment p7-9
Editors’ Column
What is it with blind faith from football supporters? Once a player or manager signs that contract to their supported club, then that’s it, they can do no wrong. In recent weeks I’ve become disillusioned with perpetually naive and unaware football supporters. The tribal element to football supporting is fantasitically unique, but sometimes it just goes too far. For example, Swindon Town fans seem to have no problem with their club employing an accused fascist and admirer of Benito Mussolini, in ex-West Ham striker Paulo Di Canio. Of course, the fact that the Robins are currently sat in 4th place in League Two might have swayed their minds. And there I was sat at home on Wednesday evening witnessing 40,000 fans provide a standing ovation for Craig Bellamy. Admittedly, his performance was worthy of just that, but I felt slightly uneasy with the knowledge that this man who once confronted a teammate with a golf club, and has also been prosecuted for assault, is so willingly adored by the Anfield faithful. Speaking of which, the Liverpool fans still proudly chant the name of Luis Suarez, despite the Uruguayan being found guilty of using racist remarks against Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. The Frenchman also had to deal with a hostile reception in Saturday’s FA Cup game on Merseyside. Perhaps I’m just far too moralistic. But is it really too much to ask to expect football fans to open their eyes just a little? Matt Scrafton
travel p10-11
features p12-14
turf p15
lifestyle p16-19
international p20
facebook.com/ConcreteSportUEA @ConcreteSportUEA
So You Think You Know Sub Aqua?
For many people, sport is more enjoyable when partaken in a social, rather than a competitive environment. The sport of Sub Aqua, essentially scuba diving (selfcontained underwater breathing
apparatus), caters perfectly for such people. There are no competitions within the sport, so the underwater world can be enjoyed at leisure. You would be forgiven for thinking that it would be too
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
expensive or dangerous for the average student. Indeed, there are many misconceptions surrounding the sport. However, these are just not true, as can be seen in the example of the UEA Sub Aqua club. All kit is catered for, and completing diving training within the society you make a healthy saving of around £200. The Sub-Aqua club at UEA meet most Mondays at Petans, the offshore survival training centre. They offer courses to suit everyone, through the internationally recognised diving organisations of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi). On top of this there are trips to Gildenburgh, Stoney Cove and the more exotic Dahab in Egypt. As with all societies at UEA, they offer a vast amount of social activities too. So if you want to learn a new skill, make new friends, or just have a bit of fun, why not try out the highly recommended SubAqua club?
21
s BUCS stats BUCS Index 52) York 377.5 pts 53) Oxford Brookes 374 54) Liverpool John Moores 355
55) UEA 341 56) Lincoln 338 57) LSE 336 58) Bangor 324
UEA Form Guide Top 10 Women’s Hockey (WWWWWW) Men’s Table Tennis (WWWLWW) Men’s Lacrosse (WWLWWW) Men’s Tennis (WDWWLD) Women’s Netball I (LWWWWL) Men’s Football II (WWDLWL) Men’s Fencing I (WWLW) Men’s Tennis II (WLLWLW) Women’s Tennis I (WDW) Men’s Football I (LWLLWD)
Doug Patient
Northampton deal Men’s Rugby a knockout blow Matt Scrafton Sports Editor
Men’s Rugby II Northampton I
10 50
Just occasionally, sports teams take the saying “take the fight to the opposition” just a little too literally. Wednesday afternoon’s (25 January) match at a chilly Colney Lane was a perfect case in point. The game should have been remembered for a routine victory for an unbeaten Northampton side, as well as a valiant effort from UEA. Instead, the focus will remain on a fight that broke out towards the end of the match as the fixture threatened to boil over. The feisty atmosphere was evident from the outset, with the referee taking the brunt of Northampton’s bickering and constant complaints. But the referee could only stand and watch as the two sides were embroiled in a full-scale scrap, after a UEA player didn’t take too kindly to a late off-the-ball dump tackle from Northampton’s rightwinger. The tackle was made well after the referee’s whistle
had been blown, and the player certainly knew that and had every intention of causing pain. Thus, reactions were bound to be angry, but the reaction from both sides cannot be condoned. The referee set the tone for the match when he penalised Northampton with a number of questionable decisions early on in the game. However, there was very little respect shown from the visiting players towards the official, and from the touchline you could see the anger and frustration slowly creeping in to their gameplay. Nevertheless, it didn’t affect their dominance on the match. Northampton have won every league game so far this season, and their quality was evident to see as they ran in with a number of impressive tries. Their passing and handling was top notch, and whilst not dominant in the scrum, they certainly held the advantage. UEA performed fairly well in the opening period, spending plenty of time in the Northampton half. But the league leaders were ruthless with any opportunities that came their way, as was made evident with the 28-3 half-time scoreline.
Despite an early response from the hosts at the beginning of the second-half, Northampton continued where they left off, as they took advantage of any mistake from UEA. The hosts were much improved in terms of tackling and cutting down on mistakes in the second period, but there still wasn’t much they could do to halt the visitors crossing the try line on a consistent basis. With the result already
Greg Mann
confirmed, the two sides began to lose their discipline again. Northampton, as they had all game, maintained their quarrels with the referee, who was forced to sin bin one player for repeated fouling. By this point both teams were beginning to make some noticeably robust challenges, and the official had completely lost control of the match, which is when the “incident” occurred.
22
SPORT
facebook.com/ConcreteSportUEA @ConcreteSportUEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
Canary Corner Fell scale new heights in Scotland
by Adam Plom
Norwich City capped an excellent week by beating West Bromwich Albion (WBA) 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. The Canaries, full of confidence following their hardfought draw with Chelsea, took the lead 35 minutes into the game, through Grant Holt’s ninth goal of the season. After the break, WBA came out strong and were soon level through Marc-Antoine Fortune, after Jerome Thomas capitalised on some poor City defending. As the tie drew to a close, a replay at Carrow Road looked to be on the cards. However, Norwich do not know when to give in and they were rewarded with another late goal. Super sub Simeon Jackson made the most of Craig Dawson’s error and snatched the winner for the Canaries in the 85th minute. City’s place in the last sixteen owed a lot to young goalkeeper, Jed Steer on the day. Steer, making his senior debut, pulled off a number of crucial saves, denying Thomas, Mattock and Long late on. Seven days previously, Lambert’s side had secured an impressive point against Chelsea. Again, the Canaries had their goalkeeper to thank, as well as the misfiring Blues’ forward
s
Fernando Torres, who made it 17 games without a goal for club and country. John Ruddy made a string of excellent saves as the Norwich defence managed to shut the West London club out at Carrow Road. After being foiled by Ruddy in the first half, Torres had a great opportunity to put Chelsea in the lead after the break, but toepoked wide from just ten yards out, much to the delight of the City fans. In the end the Canaries held on and were good value for their point.
“Norwich do not know when to give in and they were rewarded with another late goal” Meanwhile, in transfer news, City sealed the signing of Jonny Howson from Leeds United. The twenty-two year old admitted that leaving Leeds was the “hardest decision of his life,” but also that he was delighted to be joining the Premier League club. Going the other way, Richie De Laet had his loan spell with the Canaries cancelled. The Belgian, who only made six appearances for Norwich has returned to Manchester United. Finally, Korey Smith joined Barnsley on a one-month loan deal.
concretebucsindex
Pl. Team
P W D L
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23
5 6 5 4 3 6 3 6 6 6 6 5 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 6 4 6 1
Hockey W1 Lacrosse M1 Table Tennis M1 Fencing M1 Tennis W1 Tennis M1 Golf Netball W2 Badminton M1 Football M2 Tennis M2 Squash M1 Rugby M1 Rugby M2 Badminton W1 Football M1 Football W1 Netball 1 Lacrosse W1 Hockey M1 Futsal M1 Rugby W1 Water Polo M1
5 5 4 3 2 4 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
0 1 1 1 0 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 5 4 4 3 3 4 2 5 2 4 1
Diff.
Win %
23 18 37 41 16 8 1 -5 -10 1 9 -5 55 -64 -10 -7 -3 -3 -9 -30 -6 -64 -18
100 83.33 80 75 66.66 66.66 66.66 50 50 50 50 40 37.5 37.5 33.33 33.33 33.33 33.33 33.33 33.33 25 16.67 0
Phil Thomas Sports Correspondent Imagine discovering yourself perched within a precipitous gully, clinging perilously to the north face of a Scottish mountain, secured only by the firm grasp of an ice axe and pair of crampons biting into the snow. “There’s no such thing as winter hill walking,” said the instructor that morning, “only winter mountaineering.” His words seemed pertinent as the group embarked upon the ascent of a couloir later that day. Eight members of UEA’s Fell and Mountaineering club ventured northwards into the Cairngorms to embark on a course in winter mountaineering. Once acclimatised we soon became acquainted with the array of specialist equipment and terminology required for winter mountaineering, and set forth into the corries, where sufficient snow had accumulated. Fell’s first lesson in ascent was a slow and arduous exercise in traversing the snow securely without crampons, by step
kicking with sturdy boots, and step cutting with the aid of an ice axe. Having gained some altitude we next began to excavate stable seats in the snow. We fitted our crampons and acquired newfound confidence in our footholds and balance as we ascended and descended the snow slope, soon even manoeuvring ourselves across hazardous sheets of ice. With dusk fast approaching we made a hasty retreat and celebrated an early Burns Night in the cabin, musing on the whereabouts of wild haggis over a glass of scotch. The next day our training schedule concerned various means of descent. These ranged
from the intentional to the accidental. Using the pick of an ice axe as a brake, we practiced “selfarresting” techniques, which can prevent rapid and potentially fatal falls. Hurtling head first down an icy slope was certainly the most daunting variant to rehearse, and a terrifying prospect. A safer and gentler method of descent is attached to a rope, which can surprisingly be secured in the snow by digging snow anchors or ice bollards. Winter mountaineering is ideal for anyone with a passion for adventure, however it is a potentially hazardous pastime and is best enjoyed with the necessary training and safety precautions. Howard Jeffs
BUCS away game round-up Concrete Sport looks at the recent fortunes for UEA’s sports teams With just three fixtures being played on home turf, the majority of UEA’s teams found themselves on duty away from home, in what for many teams was their first game back following the Christmas break. Results were mixed for our BUCS sides on their travels, with five wins, five losses and a draw across the 11 fixtures played away from UEA on Wednesday (25 January). Men’s Table Tennis enjoyed yet another victory in Midlands Division 1A, as they demolished Warwick II 16-1 to move into third place. Their record of four wins and just one defeat ensured they kept up the pressure on Birmingham I and Nottingham Trent I above them. Men’s Football I were the other side from UEA to make
the journey to Warwick, but they came away on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat, leaving them mired in relegation difficulties in Division 1A. By contrast, Men’s Football II extended their unbeaten run in Midlands Division 4B to three matches thanks to an impressive 3-1 victory over Leicester II, a result that moves the team into second place in the league. However, Men’s Rugby I’s trip to Leicester saw them lose a tight match by a scoreline of 8-3, leaving the side in midtable in Midlands Division 2B. An away trip to Nottingham Trent I brought yet another victory for Men’s Fencing I, as their impressive start to the season continued with a 12589 win, ensuring they kept up
the pressure on Cambridge II at the top of Midlands Division 2A, despite their closest rivals having a game in hand. Two other sides made the trip to play counterparts at Nottingham Trent, with Women’s Football I managing a 2-2 draw and Men’s Hockey I suffering a 6-0 defeat as their search for another victory looks set to continue. Two sides made the long trip to Oxford during this round of matches, and while Women’s Badminton I lost 6-2 to Oxford I in their Midlands Division 1A match, Men’s Lacrosse I’s excellent season in Division 2A continued with a comfortable 11-4 over Oxford Brookes I. Finally, Men’s Tennis II enjoyed an impressive 11-3 victory over Northampton I as they look to make progress in Midlands Division 3B, while Women’s Netball I suffered a 45-25 defeat at the hands of Birmingham III.
SPORT
facebook.com/ConcreteSportUEA @ConcreteSportUEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Issue 264
Badminton make a racket in hard-fought win Billy Sexton Sports Correspondent
Men’s Badminton I Cambridge I
5 3
With an inspiring pre-match team talk from captain Michael Wood, Men’s Badminton were able to defeat Cambridge 5-3 in an intense encounter at the Sportspark on Wednesday (25 January). UEA were hopeful of victory against rivals Cambridge, as they had already defeated them 5-3 previously in the season. Their opponents Cambridge were sat second from bottom with only one win to their name, and thus looked to reverse a run of three straight losses. UEA were able to race ahead to an early 3-0 lead thanks to an impressive display from Wood, whose superior skill and technique frustrated his opponent and also gave him a victory in straight sets (218, 21-13), he utilised his smash shot throughout the match. Ben Hitcham and Matt Farrow were victorious in their first doubles match and they too were able to record a straight sets victory. Andy Pebbles, who was playing
with glandular fever, competed with great intelligence to secure victory too, ensuring that UEA were put in a good position for the rest of the fixture. A Cambridge challenge looked likely, and Wood appeared to be buckling under pressure in his second match, needing three sets to overcome his tricky Cambridge opponent. Wood kept his head though, and despite an intense rally, he emerged victorious after a smash shot, to
ensure that UEA would secure at least a draw. Wood was undoubtedly man of the match, leading from the front and providing encouragement to his team-mates throughout. Doubles pairing Matthew Cavalcanti and Chris Piff were unlucky in both their games, losing out narrowly to Cambridge, with the away side’s doubles pairings putting in an impressive display. With the scores edging closer, UEA were reliant upon the duo
of Hitcham and Farrow to secure victory. Both stepped up to the plate, seeing off their opponents in straight sets, ensuring a muchneeded victory for the hosts. The victory will move UEA clear from the relegation zone as they hope to remain in the BUCS Midlands 1A division. Their next fixture is against Birmingham III, who are currently bottom of the league, and so UEA will be hoping to build on this victory and begin a good run of form.
Harriet Jones
In what turned out to be the longest match in Australian Open history, Novak Djokovic retained his title in a five set victory over Rafael Nadal. Despite facing each other many times before, these two had never made it to five sets and both players were clearly exhausted by the time the match ended at 1.30am. The encounter, which lasted for over five hours, was a gruelling effort in which mental toughness became as important as technical ability, and it was Djokovic who ultimately prevailed. The Serbian proved to be a worthy winner after having to pass Andy Murray en route to the final which also required a high level of physical endurance. In the women’s finale, Victoria Azarenka shocked Maria Sharapova to win her first grand
slam title and become the new world number one in the process, replacing Danish star Caroline Wozniacki. Azarenka fully deserved her triumph as she outshone her Russian counterpart in a straight set victory, dispatching the former Wimbledon champion in one hour and 22 minutes. The 22 year old from Belarus reached the Wimbledon semi finals in 2011, but was knocked out by eventual champion Petra Kvitová, who also defeated Sharapova in her path to glory. The tournament has left Andy Murray still awaiting his first Grand Slam victory, despite an outstanding performance in his semi-final defeat to Djokovic. Under new coach Ivan Lendl, Murray is experiencing for the first time what it is like to be taught by a former world number one, and his knowledge of the sport has clearly benefited the Scot’s game. Murray left no one in doubt that
Humiliation for England’s cricketers After two woeful batting performances, England find themselves standing on the brink of a series whitewash against a plucky Pakistan side. In both matches England were found wanting in the batting department. With only a few innings of any note it is far to say that this side are, like many England teams of the past, unable to handle spin in the subcontinent. Over the last two matches, Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal have been destroying a lacklustre England middle order. The left arm spin of Rehman should be relatively easy to play, however with the indecisiveness of England’s batting and the presence of the impressive Ajmal, Rehman has figures of a world beater.
“It is fair to say that this side are, like many England teams of the past, unable to handle spin on the subcontinent”
No Murray-cles down under as Djokovic triumphs Tom Shaw Sports Correspondent
23
he has the quality to win a grand slam, with even Rafael Nadal claiming so, and can be pleased with his efforts. If he is to triumph
on the big stage however, he will have to overcome Djokovic, who is currently playing tennis of a superb standard.
Add in the top class swing bowling of Umar Gul and there is a strong bowling line up, however not as deadly as England have made them seem. No credit should be taken away from the performance of the Pakistani bowling attack who through consistent lines and lengths have managed to skittle England out for under 200 three times, the most recent being 72, which can not be entirely down to poor batting. In stark contrast to their batting, England’s bowling has been impressive. The return of Monty Panesar to the line up saw him achieve figures of 6-62, and with Stuart Broad and James Anderson continuing were they left off against India with accurate wicket taking bowling. The next match will be a huge test of character for this England side, who in recent years have not been accustomed to tasting defeat. Fans should expect to see a far more defiant side in future tests. Sam Tomkinson
s
concretesport
issue264 31january2012
www.concrete-online.co.uk twitter.com/concretesport
UEAsport Rugby match report | p21 A review of UEA’s away BUCS matches | p22
Inside concretesport this fortnight:
• Billy Sexton watches an impressive win for Men’s Badminton, while Doug Patient introduces us to UEA Sub-Aqua • Tom Shaw reviews the Australian Open, and Sam Tomkinson reports on the struggles of England’s cricketers in the sub-continent
Women’s Rugby crush Nottingham Trent Chris Teale Sports Editor
Women’s Rugby I Nottingham Trent I
60 5
Women’s Rugby ran in ten tries as they thrashed Nottingham Trent I 60-5 in a one-sided contest at Colney Lane. The team were looking to keep up the pressure on Warwick I, who are just above UEA and outside the relegation zone on points difference. The team’s large margin of victory more than halved the difference between themselves and Warwick in Midlands Division 1A of the BUCS league. UEA began the game showing greater attacking intent, and scored their first try after just two minutes. Forcing a turnover from a Trent ruck, Nina Crowther ran in a superb solo effort, which was converted to give the home side an early 7-0 lead. Crowther followed this early success with two more tries inside the first 10 minutes, to complete a stunning hat-trick and give UEA an early 20-0 lead. The home side were exerting incredible pressure on the Trent defence, and were dominant in lineouts and scrums. Despite a few responses from the away side, handling errors and strong UEA defence meant they were unable to hold possession for any length of time. Despite their constant attacking threat and a lack of any reciprocal threat from Trent, it took UEA until the half hour mark to extend their advantage, again through another try from Crowther after good work by the forwards in a scrum. Then, almost
Greg Mann straight after the kick-off, another superb passing move saw Crowther cut swathes through the Trent defence and score her fifth try of the opening period. This period of domination was brought to a close by a sixth try of the half, meaning that at halftime, UEA were in a seemingly unassailable position with a lead of 40-0, and the away side struggling to find any response.
The second half saw a definite change in the pattern of play, as Trent began to attack with more intensity, and gave UEA’s defence a thorough examination. Trent spent nearly 20 minutes almost exclusively attacking, but the home side’s defensive rear-guard held firm. After a period of attrition, in which both sides struggled to gain any momentum, a superb
breakaway UEA move saw the ball make its way to Crowther once again, who came through for yet another try, her sixth and final one of the game. This seemed to galvanise UEA’s attacking play, with three more tries being registered in the final 15 minutes, two of which were scored by winger Steph Creasey. This took the scoreline to 60-0 in favour of the home side,
but to their credit, Trent kept driving forward, and eventually scored a consolation try of their own, which at least gave them something to celebrate on the long journey back to Nottingham. The final score was 60-5, and with this victory UEA ensured that they maintained the pressure on Warwick I, who are directly above them in Midlands Division 1A.