The Courier 1416 by The Courier Online

Issue 1416 Monday 22nd Nov 2021

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A source of Winter warmth

NUTV recieve commendation from NaSTA!

Imogen Mole shares her thoughts on combatting the cold with companionship

News | page 4

Relationships | page 12

Jesmond residents “fear” student residency: Uni and City Council bolster community efforts Ruby Story-Dartford - News sub-editor Meg Howe - Head of Life & Style

Representatives from Newcastle’s Community Unity board talk to The Courier about changing Jesmond for the better

he return to ‘normal life’, after an academic year like no other, brings with it the return of the Jesmond buzz. The merge of two somewhat different groups of people once again means that the sense of community shifts. As many Newcastle University students return to Jesmond, a place they feel happy to call home, it is time to bridge the gap between permanent and non-permanent residents? Newcastle University’s Deputy Registrar, Marc Lintern is working to create more community-based schemes to bring Jesmond residents together following fractured relations throughout the Pandemic last year. Lintern and many permanent residents of Jesmond, are keen to rebuild harmony between residents and nonresidents in the popular student suburb. The combination of Covid and lockdown restrictions led to a spike in anti-social behaviour amongst students in Jesmond last year, creating a further divide between both groups. However, Ward Councillors wish to connect with students living in the area in order to bridge this infamous divide. Speaking to North Jesmond Councillors, Stella Postlethwaite and Tanya Prestwell, it is clear that their aim is to unite all residents through a number of community schemes. Highlighting that Ward meetings are open to all residents, Stella and Tanya indicate that the aim is to “create connections between community and student groups”. Lintern understands that there are struggles living alongside students, stating that “students live very differ-

ent lives to residents’’. However, further action to reunite both communities in Jesmond was made a high priority, as he claims that “residents [have been] in tears over the summer”. Yet, with the lifting of lockdown restrictions, many expect this academic term will be different. With more students choosing to return to nightlife in town, as opposed to house parties. With Operation Oak set to be scrapped, Lintern told The Courier, “I hope this year will be easier” and recognises how hard the restrictions were upon both residents and non-student residents last term. Similarly, Stella and Tanya describe anti-social behaviour during the 2020/21 academic year to be “uniquely bad”, highlighting the hope that bridges can be built now that life is easier for everyone living in the area.

Lintern recognises how hard Covid restrictions were upon both residents and non-term students Lintern intends to create a space where “residents can offer both a welcome to Jesmond, and also a reminder that this is a residential area”. To accomplish this, Lintern has suggested students, “get to know their neighbours”, alongside informing residents on upcoming parties, maintaining bin waste and participating in volunteer work within the community. Stella and Tanya reinforced this, stating that there should be “mutual respect” between all residents, in order to improve the sense of community. Alongside Marc Lintern and the Ward Councillors, NUSU’s Athletic Union Officer, Fergus Mainland, has been working with Newcastle City Council to unite the community to which he said, “last year for students was particularly tough”, in reference to numerous lockdowns which saw students forced to remain in Jesmond for months on end. Once a student and a Jesmond resident himself, Mainland recognises the challenges faced by students moving to

residential areas. In order to encourage the community to work as a collective, Mainland states, “we’re moving away from this idea of students and residents”. He has also been in talks with the council for improvements to the City Council website to make it more accessible for students moving to Jesmond, to make sure they are “treated in the same way you treat a resident”. Improvements to the Newcastle City Council website include information surrounding designated bin days, further information regarding council tax resources, and support for students when reporting landlords. Mainland hopes that “students can see the council are looking out for their interests as well”. Newcastle University lecturer and Jesmond resident John Burn highlighted the need for students and residents to work together for the suburb to thrive. In reference to the importance of the student community, Burn said, “if all the residents left, the facilities would go with them, the shops on Acorn Road, Jules, the library, the pool”. Having lived in the student hotspot for several decades, when it comes to student behaviour, the lecturer said, “it takes a little bit of vinegar to spoil milk”. A collective feeling amongst residents, as many feel the actions of a few students tarnish the reputation of all. However, not all non-student residents believe that harmony can be achieved so easily. Residents Coralie and Jonathan, members of the ‘End Anti-Social Behaviour in Jesmond’ group, believe that non-student residents are the “backbone of the community”. They believe that divisons in the community are created as student residents (who they believe should be referred to as non-permanent residents) have “no common sense”. They say that this prevents them from respecting the fact that non-student residents have lives that differ from their own. Coralie and Jonathan believe that if students were able to use their common sense, then unity within the community could be successfully achieved. Whilst they do not believe in “big gestures”, Coralie and Jonathan believe that students should “take pride in the area”, by looking after their properties and respecting their neighbours.

Describing the Jesmond community, Coralie and Jonathan acknowledge the diversity that is created through bringing a large variety of people together. However, they believe that the families in the community should be acknowledged, so that their “children can grow up safely”.

‘End Anti-Social Behaviour in Jesmond’ believe that students create divisions in the community However, Lintern is keen to change this view as he insists, “the residents want to reach out and know their neigh-

bours”, recognising the need for change. When questioned upon the future of Jesmond he said, “we’ll be having the same debates in ten years”. The reality is that residents and non-student residents will be forced to unite, given the popularity of the suburb, therefore, there is no choice but to work in harmony. Newcastle student Samuel Bunting commented: “as a collective, students are not bad people, certain people do tarnish our reputation in Jesmond, we do recognise the importance of the residents, without them, Jesmond wouldn’t be Jesmond”. Lintern, the Ward Councillors and non-student residents believe that a united community can effectively be created through tolerance; mutual respect; and being considerate of living amongst a wide variety of people who live very different lives.

Image: Meg Howe

Monday 22nd Novemeber 2021

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00-No! James Bond/Playboy club scrapped A members only club has been rejected after fears that this would negatively impact the community . Page 5

Current Affairs | Campus Comment Industrial Action hits UK Universities Students across the UK may pay the prices for UCU strikes occuring early next month. Page 7

Life & Style | Lifestyle How should Newcastle improve its LGBTQ+ culture? Spaces catered to all of the LGBTQ+ community need to do just that; cater for all! Page 15

Life & Style | Fashion & Beauty The Pooch Parade: doggies as handbags The history behind Hollywood's obsession with using our furry friends as a fashion statement. Page 16

Culture | Music Review: Red Taylor's Version Neve Watson gives Taylor's new release a five star rating - find out why! Page 21

Culture | TV The importance of television TV is such a meaningful part of society, but some are touched more deeply by it. Page 22

Culture | Gaming New BBC show: 'Sound of Gaming' Video game music is finally granted a platform, as the BBC launch a show dedicated to the genre! Page 26

Sport | Welcome back, sports! A message from your AU Officer There is no better time to be proud of Team Newcastle! Fergus Mainland tells us why. Page 32

THE COURIER

SECTIONS Editor

Deputy Editor

Social Media

Current Affairs

Life & Style

Culture

George Boatfield -- editor.union@newcastle.ac.uk

Senior editor: Elizabeth Meade -- e.a.meade1@newcastle.ac.uk

News

-- courier.news@ncl.ac.uk Ruby Story-Dartford Harry Jones Becca Alexander Renzo Szkwarok

Campus Comment

-- courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Tiyanna Mistry Kayleigh Fraser

Comment

-- courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Humphrey Jordan Rosie Norman Emily Kelso

Science

-- c2.science@ncl.ac.uk Jon Deery Erika Armanio

Sport

-- courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Senior Editor: Peter Bath -- p.l.bath@ncl.ac.uk Katie Siddall Castor Chan Lucy Rimmer Ethan Todd

Muslim Taseer -- courier.deputy@ncl.ac.uk

Senior editor: Meg Howe --m.j.howe1@ncl.ac.uk

Relationships & Blind Date

Annabel Hogg Gabbi de Boer

Lifestyle

-- c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk Faye Navesey Leanna Thomson Molly Taylor

Fashion & Beauty

-- c2.fashion@ncl.ac.uk Sophia Ayub Imogen Clarke

Food & Drink

Marcel Shamshoum Scarlett Welch

Travel

-- courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk Lenka Minarovicova Alice Holmes

Sarah Lahiri -- s.a.n.lahiri1@newcastle.ac.uk

Senior editors: Maud Webster --m.webster4@ncl.ac.uk Hattie Metcalfe -- h.metcalfe1@ncl.ac.uk

Music

-- c2.music@ncl.ac.uk Evie Lake Oren Brown Charlotte Airey

-- c2.TV@ncl.ac.uk Rachael McCreanor Carly Horne Rebecca Sykes

Film

-- c2.film@ncl.ac.uk George Bell Jess Bradbury Autumn Keil

Arts

-- c2.arts@ncl.ac.uk Tom Wrath Claire Dowens Maja Mazur

Gaming

What happens when a blackberry cheats on a blackcurrant with a raspberry? Find out on page 3 (Current Affairs) -- George Bell, Courier Jester and Film sub-editor

-- courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk Michael Duckworth Haaris Qureshi Joesph Caddick

Puzzles

Joeseph Caddick

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Monday 22nd November 2021

News

On the ground at COP26 Elizabeth Meade

—Head of Current Affairs

OP26, the recent climate talks in Glasgow, attracted thousands from all over the world. What brought people to COP26, and what did they hope to achieve? COP26 was more than just a conference of world leaders. While the Blue Zone was limited to world leaders and other delegates, the Green Zone allowed ticket-holding members of the public to enter as well. Both areas were heavily guarded by police and several layers of security. Many of Glasgow's roads were blocked and vehicles near the Blue Zone had to enter a checkpoint. Green Zone attendee Chris Kay, father of two, was inspired to go to COP26 for its educational value: 'We wanted to check it out and signed up for events, and it was a good chance to learn about climate change.' The event's location, a science museum, was very family-oriented. Blue Zone attendee Bernard, a delegate from Austria, wanted to 'see how [the conference] works' and be-

lieved 'we can make a difference but it's a long way to go'. It seemed that many shared that sentiment. An event like COP26 doesn't happen every day. It was definitely a new experience for attendees in both sections. On Saturday, 7 November, a climate march of over 100,000 took place, culminating with a rally at which activists gave speeches. Intermingled with these calls to action were artistic performances and chants and cheers from the audience. Environmental organizations participated in the march, including Green New Deal Rising and Extinction Rebellion. Various political groups joined as well, advocating for causes as varied as communism, socialism and Scottish independence. Religous groups including Quakers, Jesuits and members of Hare Krishna were present as well. Members of various organizations began the morning campaigning in and around Kelvingrove Park, the starting point for the march. Organizers from Supreme Master Television, a channel that promotes veganism worldwide, and Climate Realists displayed large inflatable animals--including a huge orange cow. 'Animal agriculture is the leading

cause of climate change, and it's not on their menu in the restaurant and it's not on their menu in the talks. We have to remind people this is the cow in the room that noone wants to speak about. This is Vega, and we wanted to take Vega in but we're sure she'll get arrested and we'll probably get thrown out,' said Zena, an SMT member. Artist Carl LeBlanc designed the cow, which was later accompanied by a chicken, a pig and a fish. Protest volunteer Bella from COP26 Coalition volunteered out of a desire to bring social justice matters to the climate talks. She described the organization as 'a network of loads of organizations fighting for climate justice': 'We want to make sure there's a platform for all voices at these climate talks, especially the people who are suffering the most from climate injustices, such as Indigenous groups, so they've been working hard to organize these protests and organize fringe events to make sure that those justice matters are brought to attention to try to push the policy makers and world leaders to bring them to the climate talks'. Indigenous activists have long advocated to be included in the conversation on climate change alongside world leadImage: Garry Kinight

ers. Land defenders from Indigenous groups worldwide attended the march. In the Green Zone, panel discussions were held with prominent leaders and entrepreneurs. 'So You Want A Green Career?' featured President Ivan Marquez of Colombia, Dr. Enass Abo Hamed of H2Go Power Ltd., Jamie Crummie of Too Good To Go, Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar; and Aicha Seifelislam-Schreiber of Kandaka Naturals.

"there are so many opportunities to step up do good and help turn the climate crisis around" We spoke to Burghart about his interest in COP26 after the talk: 'I think this is an extraordinarily exciting time to be young. And there are so many opportunities to step up, do good and help turn the climate crisis around. That's going to come through innovation, it's going to come through the skills to meet the challenges of the next few years and it's going to come through social enterprise and social activism. And the young people I meet in the course of my job are absolutely driven in this direction. So I think it's a wonderful time to be young, because I think it's gonna be young people who solve this challenge that we face'. COP26 is an event that has attracted people with an interest in climate change and something to say. Of interest to activists, leaders in the private sector and families, its appeal goes beyond that of a typical government summit. While its impact remains uncertain, the presence of such a high-profile conference has certainly sparked interest and discussion in the climate crisis.

Newcastle named UK’s smartest city in global Smart City Index Muslim Taseer

N — Deputy Editor

ewcastle has been named the UK’s smartest city in the global Smart City Index, ahead of cities like London and Manchester. The list is based around measuring how citizens lives are changed and improved by smart technology. The past few years have seen huge advances in smart living technology, to the point where people can control every light in their house through a screen, or look through their doorbell cameras from miles away from home. As this technology ramps up it’s inevitable that the urban landscape will change with it.

Newcastle climbed the rankings, going from 23rd globally last year, to 21st Newcastle climbed the rankings, going from 23rd globally last year to 21st this year, making it the smartest UK city. Worldwide, Singapore beat out Zurich and Oslo, leaving them in second and third place respectively, and earning Singapore the title of the World's Smartest City. The index is decided through interviewing 120 citizens of each city on how their lives have been effected by new technology. Researchers also assessed the cities independently, based on data from sources such as the World Bank, the Economist, the International Monetary Fund and the Lancet. Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, had this to say; "It gives me enormous pride that what takes place in Newcastle is being recognised on a global scale, and to be the leading UK city is testament to the work that takes place within the city. By far the most pleasing element is that these rankings are compiled based on the feedback of residents, and it is brilliant to see people’s admiration for the progress being made in Newcastle."

Newcastle UCU ballot falls short of threshold Maud Webster — Head of Culture

Staff affiliated with Newcastle University's UCU branch will not be taking strike action

ewcastle UCU have narrowly missed the turnout threshold to proceed with proposed strike action later this year, by a narrow margin of .1% and .5% of turnouts for the two ballots. Between 18 October and 4 November, university staff affiliated to the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) nationwide were balloted to see if they want to take Strike action over USS pensions, and working conditions and pay. Newcastle University was one of 62 institutions. However, whilst the outcome for the Pensions vote was 80.1% YES and the

pay and working conditions was 73.0% YES, the turnout was only 49.5% and 49.9% respectively. Ballots are required to have over a 50% turnout in order to move forward with proposed action. This means Newcastle University staff will not be taking strike action as a result of the two ballots at the end of this year, and until a re-ballot takes place.

2018, after changes to pensions were announced. One Newcastle academic commented on the result on Twitter: "While I’m heartbroken that we missed out by literally 2 votes in meeting the threshold, I’m buoyed by the fact that

our branch remained united on the two campaigns and see them as entwined. It’s also willing to fight to change the system. I’ll take that for now." Northumbria University UCU affiliated staff, who were only balloted on working conditions and pay, also

"I'm heartbroken that we missed out by literally two votes"

Concerns have risen amongst many staff in Newcastle University over the past few years over a multitude of issues. These include casualised contracts resulting job insecurity, unacceptable race and gender pay gaps, threats to pensions and toxic working environments. Strikes have previously effected Newcastle students' study, notably at the start of 2020 and also in

Image: David Whinham via Twitter

did not reach the required threshold of votes. Newcastle University UCU are scheduling a meeting on Monday to "regroup and debrief ".

Monday 22 November 2021

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The Big Night... Out? Kayleigh Fraser

— Campus Comment sub-editor

Newcastle's streets remain buzzing amidst nightclub boycotts

ollowing the national campaign to tackle spiking, Newcastle locals were encouraged on the 28th of October to boycott clubs and stand in solidarity with spike victims. Did it work? We took to the streets to find out. The 'Big Night In' campaign was all over our screens last month. Posted on Instagram, Facebook and discussed across the UK; its mission was simple. Boycott the clubs - take action against the spiking epidemic. The movement grew traction after reports surfaced of people being injected in clubs, inspiring action across the country. As well as Newcastle, cities like Leeds,

Edinburgh, Nottingham and Belfast organised their own boycotts. Before the night, support on social media was huge. Newcastle's boycott account on Instagram amassed a following of over 2,500 accounts. Loughborough's account also had 2,000 followers. To many, the movement looked like it was going to make an impact. Students' Instagram stories displayed reminders of the boycott - encouragement of the campaign was widespread and so many people looked like they were going to take part. To test this, we took to Newcastle's streets after midnight on the 28th (technically the 29th) to ask one simple question? Has it worked? The first stop on our pre-planned route was Lady Greys. Known for its late night drinks, the bar is usually popular with locals. Approaching the bar, there was a large group of people outside smoking or drinking. To anyone looking on, it looked like a typical night on the toon. We went to Greys Club next. Upon our arrival, we were surprised to see it

closed. It seems to be one of the only Newcastle clubs closing in support of the movement. Next up it was time to head to Soho. A favourite among many, stories about Soho's stairs are infamous from Newcastle students. Thus, it was surprising (yet encouraging) to see it relatively quiet. Outside the bar, we chatted to some bouncers about the boycott and asked them a few questions. Unaware of the campaign, the team told us that Thursday was their 'quietest night anyway. We don't get many students in on a Thursday night'. Talking more to the staff, we found out that Soho are offering lids to go on top of drinks to ward off spiking - one of many tactics, they say, is helping to keep everyone safe. One bouncer candidly revealed to us that if they see a young woman outside on her own they are encouraged to 'take a tenner out the till to get her a taxi'.

Is a conversation about spiking truly enough to turn the tide? Moving on, we took a stroll two minutes up the road to one of my favourite places - Flares. From the outside, Flares was as busy as usual. One thing we did notice, however, was the majority of customers were older. Despite this, we found a group of students (who were also promoters) that were happy to have a chat with us. On the campaign, one stated 'it's all been quite a big thing, and we've worked with a couple of the club venues'. He continued, 'Stopping the clubs for the night is probably a good thing, you know, in terms of making people more aware of it'. "I completely understand the campaign, I am completely for the campaign, but I didn't know about the boycott. At first, I got it, but now clubs are on board with it everyone is doing really well".

Image: The Courier

When asked if they had ever been spiked, one spoke up. "I've been spiked, that was in first year', she said, referring to the 2019/20 academic year. 'It was in Bijoux. I was put on a stretcher, I had to go to hospital". In terms of the Big Night In, she stated "I agree with the one night off but it's Halloween after, so everybody's just going to be back out. I don't know if it's just going to make people come out on the weekend because they know everyone's out". After this we took a walk across the road to Tup Tup. The queues outside and the crowds within told us all we needed to know. One of the strangest parts about this was the fact that The Cut was closed. Looking ahead on to the clubs you see two sides of a story separated simply by a wall. Continuing our quest, we took a walk to Rusty's. From our perspective, it was, without doubt, the busiest club we'd seen that night. An even mix of the older and younger generation were gathered in swarms inside and outside the popular venue. Lastly, we ended our night in the witching hour (specifically 2:30am) paying a visit to the Bigg Market. The Bigg Market chippy's glaring white lights lit up the night as usual whilst students gathered to grab some prehangover bites. Then, it was time to end on the most

important venue of the night - Market Shaker. We were more invested in Market Shaker as they had posted awareness, safety and support for the movement and were widely acknowledged to have a strong anti-spiking rhetoric by many. As an experience, it was eye opening to be around town and see if the 'Big Night In' gained traction. My conclusion? A dismal no. Although, despite the boycott itself failing to make concrete change, we must consider the many conversations it's started.

Soho are offering lids to go on top of drinks to ward off spiking Whether you stayed in or went out, you cannot deny that this movement has brought about discourse that's long over due. But, we must ask, what comes next? Is a conversation about spiking truly enough to turn the tide? I know myself and women across the country will anxiously wait to see. Special thank you and credit to George, Emily, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Jack, Miles and Muslim for documenting this with me and coming out in the small hours of the morning. I couldn't have done it without you!

NUTV awarded for sports coverage at NaSTAs Renzo Szkwarok

— News sub-editor

Newcastle University Student TV attended the National Student Television Awards last week

ewcastle University’s TV station, NUTV, picked up the award for Highly Commended Sports Coverage at this year’s NaSTA awards. Taking place over the 5-7 November, the University of Salford hosted this year’s conference and award ceremonies. Whilst nominated for Best Live Broadcast, Best News and Current Affairs, and Best Light

Entertainment, the award recognised the station’s coverage of 2019-2020 Fight Night. Ringside action and pundit insights brought the best of the evening direct to viewers at home who could not make it in person. Five long years of improvements to the station’s livestreaming capabilities, as well as an incredible amount of work on the night from the team all paid off in making this possible broadcast possible. Haaris Qureshi (NUTVs current station manager) was delighted with the accolade, stating that he was “very proud of NUTV receiving recognition at the 2021 NaSTA Awards”. Despite coming second, it showed signs that trophy is not far off, hinting at bigger and better things to come. Representatives from across Newcastle University’s student media travelled to the North West for the weekend-long event. Joined by representatives from The Courier and Newcastle Student Radio the weekend was a massive

success, with George Boatfield stating that: “it is really great to see student media at Newcastle picking up awards”, adding that he is “incredibly proud of the team”. Peter Bath, The Courier's Head of Sport , congratualated NUTV on their success, and recognised their hard work over the course of the last year: "I cant wait to work with them again in the future!" Hot off the heels from the awards night, NUTV are getting right back to it with their biggest show of the year – coverage of Fight Night 2021. November 18 saw a stream of Fight Night that covered all the fights taking place and streamed to an estimated 12,000 people.The second fight night of the year takes place on December 2 - make sure to tune in!

From left to right: Miles Ogden, Haaris Qureshi, Jack Train and George Boatfield

Image: The Courier

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Monday 22 November 2021

News

00-No! Newcastle City Council 'strips' club of license to open Ruby Story-Dartdord — News Sub-Editor

Newcastle City Council have scrapped plans for a ‘James Bond meets Playboy club’

he club set to replace Newcastle’s Pizza Express in Dean Steet has been rejected following concerns that the niche idea would only appeal to a "shrinking male demographic". There were concerns that staff would be treated as sexual objects because of the "scantily clad" attire. Plans for the members-only club were unveiled this summer, yet the Cad Club has since been denied a licence following concerns that the theme misinterpreted women. Community safety boss, Joan Flood described the idea as a "retrograde step". The committee concluded that the opening of the venue would lead to a "negative impact" on crime, disorder, and public nuisance within the city centre. Councillors rejected plans for the club to remain open till 3am, which exceeds the city’s alcohol licensing cut off at 2am.

"We need to be going forwards not backwards into the 1950s" Bijoux Leisures Ltd’s, Dan Miller objected the claims of misogyny and said the Cad Club would be a venue for "like-minded people". He also

referenced that there had been no other interest in the venue and that his idea had been misunderstood, to which he found the criticism of misogyny as "deeply offensive". Miller ensured that staff, both male and female, would be given a budget to choose their "glamourous and upmarket" clothing to suit the aesthetic, with the clubs approach more of a 1960s style venue rather than that of a place for sexual objectification.

"If women need a job and [...] they're happy to do so, they can, it's their choice" Newcastle Women’s Aid revealed concerns over the plans which would be, "reinforcing [that] girls are for sexual entertainment, and this somehow is male entitlement". Newcastle councillor Lesley Storey said: "we need to be going forwards not backwards into the 1950s" with fears that the club would "promote waitresses as sex objects". Yet not everyone is in favour of the council’s decision. Newcastle University student Emily Hughes said: "If women need a job and they know they have to dress like that, and they’re happy to do so, they can, it’s their choice, it’s autonomy". Whilst some viewed the club as a place for empowerment for women, others weren’t as sold on the James Bond concept to which Newcastle student Daniel Wales labelling it as "strange". Journalism student, Lauren Johnson said: "There isn’t a market for a club of that type, women face enough misogyny without a nightclub that focuses on a Playboy theme. I think

the concept is outdated and shows a lack of understanding of Newcastle's audience, would this idea really appeal

to students? Probably not". A spokesman from Northumbria Police, Julie Cottiss said she had "grave

Image: @bijouxbarnewcastle Instagram

concerns" over the opening of the club.

Durham Uni blasted for controversial 'don't get spiked' advice Charlotte Ratheram

Durham University has been criticised following an insensitive tweet regarding spiking incidents.

urham University have been accused of victim blaming following a post from their student wellbeing Twitter account. The now-deleted tweet advised students that ‘drink spiking is something you can prevent from happening to you and your friends’. A rise in spiking cases in recent weeks has led to concerns over women's safety on nights out. The advice also urged people to contact police after a suspected case.

Twitter users criticised the ‘tone deaf ’ message, arguing that this leads to victim blaming as opposed to targeting perpetrators. Durham Student Union’s President Seun Twins also criticized the tweet to which she responded: ‘This victim blaming messaging is extremely dangerous. What was this supposed to achieve other than to divert attention away from predators and predatory behaviour? Disappointed for the umpteenth time.’

"Please stop blaming us for being spiked and say sorry" In response to the backlash, Durham University has responded: ‘We appreciate the feedback on our recent post about drink safety. Students have reported concerns to us about drink spiking on nights out. We take this very seriously and work with the police

and others on guidance to help people be safe and report incidents.’ However, Twitter users have demanded further acknowledgment of the mistake. 'Our Durham Streets' Twitter account argued that ‘An apology from the university is needed at this point, not telling us you ‘appreciate the feedback.’ Please stop blaming us for being spiked and say sorry.’ In response to the recent ‘epidemic’ of spiking cases, students throughout the UK plan to boycott clubs and bars over the next few weeks in order to spread awareness in a movement labelled ‘Girls Night In.’ Durham’s ‘Girls Night In’ boycott took place on 26 October, with several Durham societies backing the campaign on social media, whilst Newcastle’s occurred on 28 October. Market Shaker, a popular student bar in Newcastle, have outlined preventative measures they have implemented to avoid incidents of spiking through social media. These include additional CCTV, drink covers and testing kits for drinks. Newcastle University student Samuel

Bunting said: 'It's disappointing that institutions fail to recognise that the reduction with the spiking epidemics will take more than women remaining cautious on nights out'. Image: Geograph

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Monday 22nd November 2021

Campus Comment

An honest take Industrial Action: UK students on Reading Week pay the price for UCU strikes William Allender

will begin by making it clear that I love reading week. I think it is great and I have very few bad things to say about it. However, I personally feel like I’ve spent my time during reading week doing things the university did not intend for… I'll come clean and admit that I’ve barely looked through the enrichment week activities on Canvas. I may have briefly glanced over them whilst simultaneously watching whatever mind-numbing shite was on TV at the time, and I can’t help but feel my time is better spent absorbed in the TV. It’s good to have time Image: ClipArt away from work. Stress can very easily build up. For my own sanity it was good to step away from the assignments, lectures, and study group tasks for a bit of therapeutic metime. My reading week is great so far. I’ve travelled to visit friends in Manchester where we went to watch

Black Midi perform at the Ritz. We then went to Leeds where I saw The French Dispatch (which I highly recommend if you haven’t seen it

It was good to step away from the assignments It is a well needed week for relaxation. I doubt the university wanted reading week to be used for socialising, but after committing a large portion of your life to working it’s important to get things back in balance. It’s called an ‘enrichment’ week and I suppose I’m technically enriching myself in other aspects of my life, primarily the social parts. Reading week is worth it. I also use the time to get back on track. It’s a free week to sort my life out. I spent a whole day working my way through the festering pile of laundry that had begun to get out of hand during a hectic fortnight of lectures. If you're behind on work, you can use the time to catch-up on those tedious recorded lectures. Last year my assignments were due in after the reading week, so it was impossible to relax and take my mind off work. Gratefully this year is different, and more effective. Assignments were submitted prior to reading week. I can finally relax and prepare myself appropriately for the onslaught of work before Christmas... with a mind that is clear, fresh, and ready...

Covid-19 vaccines on campus: is it enough? Emily Kelso - Comment sub-editor

hilst some may be anxious regarding the continuing high level of Covid-19 cases in the UK, some solace can be taken in the fact that the Government statistics map shows the Newcastle area to have (as of the 31st of October) fewer cases than surrounding areas like Wallsend and Whitley Bay. Vaccine rates are also remarkably high (when compared with turnout in other opt-in public schemes such as elections): 87.2% of the population eligible for the vaccination have had their first jab whilst 79.6% of the population eligible for the vaccine have had both. The high vaccine takeup is the likely reason behind no dramatic rise in Covid-19 cases

with students returning to Newcastle this year, unlike 2020 in which there was an increase of 217% in cases. The take-up is not 100% however, which begs the question as to what can be done to get more people vaccinated? It is impossible to miss the vaccination bus present on campus opposite the SU, with its cohort of volunteers waiting to give students a dose. The choice of location cannot be a coincidence; it seems to be part of a wider campaign to get students vaccinated, which is likely a byproduct from the pandemic and lockdowns itself when students were believed to be major Covid-19 spreaders. Having vaccinations easily available both on campus and close to home is a clever initiative in making the vaccine accessible for all and thus helping to protect the wider community, but is it enough? Image: Open source government

Alex Rimmer

ust as students begin to receive limited in-person teaching once more in the form of a hybrid ‘blended learning’ system, the UCU’s call for action may mean that these face-to-face academic interactions are to be short lived. The University and College Union have once again called for nation-wide strikes, and recent votes have revealed that fifty-eight institutions, including Newcastle University, are willing to participate. The motivation behind this call to action is what the UCU have labelled the ‘four fights’; equality, workload, casualisation and pay levels. It is these four principles that warranted the strikes of 2019 and 2020. As teaching has begun to resume, so has the UCU’s determination to change working conditions for university staff in these specific areas. Strikes appear to be imminent; on their website the UCU reports to have written a letter to university bosses “outlining what university vice chancellors have to do to avoid industrial action before Christmas, escalating into spring and beyond.” When looking at the history of strained relations between the union and

University employers, it seems unlikely that bosses will be able to satisfy the union to the point where action will be called off entirely in the short time frame outlined. Futhermore, the financial strain placed on university’s from decreased international student fees due to the Covid-19 pandemic makes strikes seem inevitable at this stage.

The motivation behind this call to action is what the UCU have labelled the 'four fights' It is clear that working conditions of university staff are unjust and need to be addressed and adjusted for example, the current gender, racial and disability pay gaps. However, it is students who repeatedly pay the price for strike action. Current third year students faced strikes in November, December, February and March of their first academic year, with the strikes ending due to the onset of the pandemic. They then faced the trials of online learning in the interim, and just as they have been welcomed back onto

Image: Geograph

Rate it or Hate it: Park View Izzy Ellis - NSR Station Manager

ark View, the pinnacle of Newcastle University living. Love or hate it, it’s the best accommodation on campus. Being the newest accommodation, it’s the perfect way to avoid those boarding school rahs whilst spending your days looking at the luscious Leazes park, or if you are lucky, Newcastle University’s brand spanking new gym. Described as the most consistent and safest option of them all, it’s likely you are going to bag a sound bunch of pals, with the acceptation of the inevitable weirdo, but they always add spice, I guess. It’s the perfect blend of social yet serene and there’s always something to keep you occupied. If you are planning on having Park View as your haunt in your first year, don’t forget your post in notes, because of course, there’s nothing funnier than a penis shaped collage… All jokes aside, Park View is the hottest place to live and who even are you if you aren’t at Park View?

campus, it seems they must soon leave once again. Whichever stage of learning a student is currently in, the looming strikes are very frustrating. Many feel they are navigating University in a solitary fashion whilst paying huge sums of money and accumulating debt. Aside from the monetary and academic pitfalls of the strike, the all too familiar isolation factor that students had to struggle with during the pandemic resurfaces once more. Students will not be on campus and will be carrying out their work alone, often without even minimal e-mail support from lecturers participating in the strikes. Students hold out hope that the UCU and employers will be able to achieve successful negotiations and some form of consolidation in their fraudulent relationship- and quickly. This is not solely because they want their staff to have appropriate and justified working conditions, but also so they won’t have to repeatedly and infuriatingly be left to their own devices. Feeling alone and perhaps even scammed whilst trying to complete their degree, as this is not what they signed up for.

The Four Fights

1. Equality 2. Workload 3. Casualisation 4. Pay Levels

Image: Maxpixel

Monday 22 November 2021

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Comment A return to the party of sleaze? Discussing Tory prospects after the Paterson scandal Amana Khan

In the wake of the Paterson scandal, questions are being raised about the conduct of our ruling Party.

wen Paterson was found to have lobbied the government on behalf of two separate firms, Randox and Lynn's Country Foods, in what was described in the dedicated Committee on Standards report as "an egregious case of paid advocacy". Investigated on suspicion of breaching MP lobbying rules by Kathryn Stone, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Paterson was found to have approached officials at both the Food Standards Agency and the Department for International Development multiple times on behalf of the third-party companies.

It is clear that party sleaze has encouraged a sense of discontent or distrust amongst the public For his advocacy on behalf of the two firms Paterson received a combined sum of over £100,000, this being in addition to the publicly funded salary of nearly £82,000 which he received

as an MP. As result of Paterson’s actions, he faced a 30-day suspension from the House of Commons, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson seemed to defend Paterson through backing attacks to dismantle parliament’s anti-sleaze system. This caused major outcry from the public, the media, and other MPs, as Johnson’s actions were seen as “shameless” according to the Daily Mail. This caused Johnson to make a U-turn, withdrawing his support for Paterson, and it was announced that Paterson would resign from parliament, instead of facing a by-election and enduring his suspension. Despite such damage control, the actions

It was announced that Paterson would resign from Parliament instead of facing a by-election and enduring his suspension of Paterson and the reaction of Johnson have encouraged the widespread criticism of Tory party sleaze— and it is not only opposing parties who have gotten behind this perception of the Tories, but the media, as well as the public. This was not helped by the fact that Boris has been told to apologize for his reactions multiple times, only recently confessing that the situation could've been handled 'better'. The idea of the Tory party being ‘sleazy’ has been further perpetuated by Boris Johnson’ flat refurbishments, the bill for which having been

settled by Lord Brownlow, a peer and a donor. This has raised questions around the influence that donors have over Tory MPs and the PM, encouraging a general perception of party sleaze, with former Prime Minister, John Major arguing that the government had participated in “politically corrupt activities.” The controversies around the influence that donors have has not gone unnoticed by the general public, especially after the Paterson scandal has shown that the ratings for those who consider Boris Johnson a 'good Prime Minister' have suffered a drastic fall to 35 percent, Labour's unchanging 36 percent placing the opposition party in the lead. It is clear that party sleaze has encouraged a sense of discontent or distrust amongst the public— an attitude severely detrimental to the reputation of both the Tories (more than a quarter of which have high paying second-jobs) and the Prime Minister, as well as having an apparent impact on the voting intentions of the British public. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Are you for or against the existence of ghosts? Ghosts exist Peter Bath -Head of Sport

ave I seen a ghost? No, I can’t say I have. But do they exist? Yes. How do I know? There’s no smoke without fire. And when it comes to ghosts, there’s a lot of smoke. Since prehistory, humans have been fascinated by spirits of the deceased, from the late inhabitants of the underworld in Homer’s Odyssey to the various forms of ancestor worship practised around the world More recent culture is saturated with ghoulish figures: A Christmas Carol, The Turn of the Screw, The Sixth Sense, Ghost (the film), Ghosts (the show)... Even such seminal texts as Hamlet and Ghostbusters are preoccupied with the spectral. Despite reductionist attempts to explain away the supernatural, ghosts have come into vogue in recent years. French philosopher Jacques Derrida coined the term ‘hauntology’ - a pun on 'haunt' and 'ontology' which works better in a

French accent. Derrida draws on Marx’s declaration that “A spectre is haunting Europe - the spectre of communism” as well as the ghost of Hamlet’s father, to describe the way our present is haunted by collapsed visions of the future. Writers like Mark Fisher have subsequently applied this to the present culture, observing ghostly disruptions of linear time in everything from The Shining to Ariel Pink. This metaphorical conception of ghosts might be intellectually stimulating, but can post-structuralism provide reassurance when you see a glowing form in the corner of your room at night? While some may argue that the proliferation of ghosts in today’s culture is the cause of ghost sightings, the reverse is true. Such a universal obsession with the undead can only mean that somewhere, deep in the collective unconscious, ghosts do exist. Image: Flickr

Ghosts do not exist Muslim Taseer - Deputy Editor

t is a well-known and widely accepted fact that ghosts simply do not exist. Not only is there no solid, scientific evidence for the existence of ghosts, the very idea of it violates several laws of physics and nature, and most psuedoscience surrounding ghosts is no more than hackery and charlatanry. I've still got a bunch of words left. What a silly proposition, the existence of ghosts. What sort of sensationalism are we stooping to? You know though, it's only human to be drawn to superstitions like this. I'm not above it either! The hallway outside my apartment gets really dark sometimes. Often, I'll hear a faint sound, or feel eyes on my back, or get a sudden unexplainable chill. But that's just stuff the body does! Hell, you can't even trust your eyes. One time, I thought I saw a face in the hallway window, but when I got closer no one was there. When you're tired, your brain

can misinterpret light! The fact that the face closely resembled the face of my dead grandfather was only the malfunction of a tired mind! The white red speckled and coal black feathers that keep showning up on my windowsill in bunches of threes are nothing more than serendipitous happenstance, not some sort of dark omen! Right?

Image: Flickr

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Monday 22 November 2021

Comment

Do you think the USA will ever repeal the Second Amendment? Amana Khan

The possibility that the USA's gun law enshrined in its constitution will be removed in our lifetime is debated.

hen making a list of the countries that restrict the use of guns or ban them outright, it would include the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand and Japan, as well as many other countries. So why is there still a lack of restrictions on the use of guns in the US, and why is the protection of the Second Amendment so important to many Americans? The Second Amendment of the American Constitution calls for the protection of the right to keep and bear arms. Following a Supreme Court decision in 1980 regarding the District of Columbia vs. Heller case, in which Columbia's gun laws were found to be impinging on the right to bear arms, it was essentially ruled that Americans have an unlimited right to own guns. The Second Amendment has been the source of much contention for many years. There are several compelling arguments for the repealing of this amendment, not least the historic examples of mass shootings in the US. Most recently including the Las Vegas attack of 2017 and the 2018 Parkland massacre. However, these shootings have not yet been enough to

lead to any definitive moves towards repealing the ame nd me nt . Instead, many continue to defend the Second Amendment as a necessary freedom for Americans. Furthermore, although the gun debate is ongoing, the amendment makes up a key part of the US' codified constitution, meaning that to repeal the amendment would be a highly complicated process. The process would require massive amounts of support, not just from Congress but also from a majority of American citizens. The difficulty of repealing constitutional amendments is exemplified in the fact that the only amendment to have ever been repealed is the 18th (which had prohibited the manufacturing and sale of alcohol).

The Second Amendment has been a source of much contention for many years Experts in case law, such as Kevin McMahon, have argued that it is extremely unlikely that the Second Amendment could be repealed and points to the fact that it is challenging enough for gun control legislation to be passed in America. To repeal the Second would require a dramatic shift in the views many Americans hold, not only regarding gun control but also regarding the

Constitution and even America itself. The gravitas of the Second Amendment should not be underestimated. The result of it being arguably a perpetuation of gun culture in the US. Moreover, the backdrop to Americans' 'right to bear arms' are statistics such as the 14,400 gun-related murders in 2019 alone, accounting for three quarters of all murders in the US that year. It is clear that the defence of the Second Amendment rests on ‘freedom’, yet this neglects any acknowledgement of the damage done as a result of gun ownership. It is for this reason that I believe that the United States will not repeal the amendment in my lifetime. Americans hold the belief that the Constitution encourages their ‘freedoms’, so to repeal the Second Amendment would appear to take this freedom away. Image: Wikimedia Commons

The Courage of Hopelessness: Jonathan Franzen and Lost Causes Humphrey Jordan - Comment sub-editor

Jonathan Franzen's controversial essay 'What if We Stopped Pretending?' may just offer a key to navigating climate change...

n January 1st, we saw the release of Jonathan Franzen’s What if We Stopped Pretending?. I maintain that Franzen, straight white male and nonclimate scientist that he is, nonetheless creates here an opening essential to facing our changing climate. The short text, barely clocking in at eighty pages, gives voice to a stark thesis: our mode of schematizing (figuring) the climate crisis— and thus the collective ethos determined by a model of how to resolve such —is fundamentally misguided. Given the various conditions (the radical policy changes globally and unequivocally necessary, the liminal margin for error and such commitments having to measure against a swathe of petty concerns) which Franzen crams under the term ‘human nature,' more accurately expressed as “the constraints of human psychology and political reality,” we appear on course to breach the twodegree bound.

If you're younger than sixty, you have a good chance of witnessing the radical destabilization of life on Earth. Despite the bleakness of this claim’s content, Franzen nonetheless sees acknowledging such as a liberation— not in the sense of license (that is,

complacent nihilism: we’re screwed either way, live it up while you can), but rather as liberation from an ethos bound by a terminal point. ‘Face the probability of crossing the point of no return’ is the above as maxim. The quasi-eschatology of the terminal point renders a certain form of response intelligible, and arguably at one point realistic, but the moment has come whereby we must start to project ourselves across such a boundary.

The short text, [...] gives voice to a stark thesis: our mode of schematicizing (figuring) the climate crisis... is fundamentally misguided. Franzen offers a glimpse of such a landscape: If you’re younger than sixty, you have a good chance of witnessing the radical destabilization of life on earth— massive crop failures, apocalyptic fires, imploding economies, epic flooding, hundreds of millions of refugees fleeing regions made uninhabitable by extreme heat or permanent drought. If you’re under thirty, you're all but guaranteed to witness it. Such a vision may beget a variety of responses: paralysis; the aforementioned nihilistic-hedonism; and, perhaps worst of all, an attempt to track down the alchemical feat of transmuting this wretched scenario itself into some vaguely defined ‘opportunity’. The essential element of Franzen’s thought here is the suspension of such options through, in Slavoj Žižek’s words, passing through the “zero point of hopelessness”— despite Franzen falling back on the language of ‘hope’ to describe what occurs afterwards. Here an ethos of prevention is replaced by that of mitigation, reparation and robust socio-political organization— though such likewise produces one of the text’s most obvious flaws: the semanticbloating of ‘climate action,’ to the point where Franzen will claim that “any movement toward a

more just and civil society can now be considered a meaningful climate action”. It’s worth highlighting that the reduction of carbon emissions still has its place in this expanded sense of ‘climate action’, and, though the emphasis on it is necessarily diluted by such a framing, it is still held to issue a strong ethical claim upon us. Franzen’s text is of value, warts-and-all, precisely insofar as it contributes to a progressive articulation

of a latent stimmung (a mood, an atmosphere) from which a new, more adequate collective ethos may emerge. And it is likely that soon this will be more necessary than ever before.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Monday 27th September 2021

Science

Mr Beast's quest to save the seas CC Lee

There's a deep problem with this YouTuber's ocean cleanup effort...

eam Seas Project, a YouTuber's attempt to raise £30 million in order to clean the oceans, plans to remove 30 million pounds of trash from beaches and use new technologies to clean the top layer of the seas directly. On the surface, this would perhaps appear like a step in the right direction – that Mr Beast (23, YouTuber) and Mark Rober (41, former NASA employee turned YouTuber) have set out with a pretty impressive goal. Right? But, from a wider perspective, their efforts seem minimal. Every year over eight million metric tons of plastic goes into the oceans. How much difference could Team Seas' three million pounds over three years removal target really make? And will this sustain a long-term impact? The difference between the two – in pounds

- is roughly 17,633,981,000... Which means that once they’ve reached their goal there will still be around 7,986,000 metric tons of plastic in the ocean from this year alone. Considering the amount of money people are donating, which could go elsewhere, this could actually have a negative impact in the long term.

more beneficial than taking a minimal amount of plastics out of the ocean: lobby the government Team Seas are collaborating with the non-profit organisation The Ocean Cleanup. They have a new machine that cleans up the surface of the ocean, getting ‘rid of plastic’. The money raised will be concentrated on paying for these machines (as well as funding the beach clean ups). However, the money funding the ocean clean-up could be used more

Dead crabs washing up along the Teesside coast Image: Pixabay @Galletita_arts

Isabel Lamb

As yet, the cause of this mysterious phenomenon has not been discovered

government investigation has been launched into the thousands of dead crabs and lobsters washing up on beaches in the North East. Last month multitudes of dead crabs were found on the beach between Marske by Sea and Saltburn in Teesside. There have now been multiple reports of countless dead or dying crustaceans found all along the Teesside coast. Divers in the area have reported seeing dead crabs littering the sea floor and fishermen are experiencing a 95% decline in catches, frequently finding their pots empty. At the start of November the Environment Agency launched an investigation in collaboration with the various conservation agencies and concerned local councils. Samples of sea water, sediment and crabs have been taken from affected areas for testing. The Environment Agency is focusing their efforts on testing for pollutants, whilst Cefas (The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aq-

uaculture Science, a collaborator in the investigation) scrutinise shellfish samples for signs of disease. The cause of the deaths is as yet unknown but initial investigations have been able to rule out several possibilities. In a recent press release, Hannah Westoby, who works for the Environment Agency as a senior marine monitoring officer, spoke about testing for sewage, seismic activity and underwater cables, saying that “results for... water samples have come back as normal for those locations”. Cefas have not yet been able to reject an aquatic animal disease as the cause. Head of the Fish Health Inspectorate, Mike Gubbins commented saying, “none have been detected so far”. Cefas will continue to run testing to rule out the possibility completely. There is no current evidence of a risk to human health, however local residents are being advised to avoid affected areas and any contact with dead crustaceans. Understanding what is behind the death of so many crabs is important if further deaths are to be prevented. Crabs are a vital food source for many marine animals and play a central role in nutrient cycling for ecosystems. The continuation of crab deaths at such a magnitude will quite possibly have a substantial impact on other marine species.

critically; funding better infrastructures for waste disposal – especially in developing countries (where the clean up is based). Additionally, not all plastic is floating on the surface of the oceans and more is below the depths that are being collected. Which, of course, will damage ecosystems and affect sea life. Team Seas have raised an incredible amount of money, and are raising awareness about plastic being

in the ocean. But it’s problematic as they aren’t trying to directly stop the source of the issue i.e., the exponential increase of manufacturing and consumption of single use plastics, along with the lack of proper investments to recycle the plastic. Moreover, the mass population could think that donating money to a small clean up of a handful of beaches is ‘doing their part' and contributing to the wider issue, which could prevent genuine political action. Something that’d be more beneficial than taking a minimal amount of plastics out of the ocean would be to lobby government, for them to make systemic changes to prevent more virgin single use plastics from being manufactured. Plus, when they clean the beaches and the oceans - how can

we trust that the plastics won’t actually end up back in the ocean? I don’t think the Team Seas project is consequential in the fight against plastics. If they emphasised the fact that this cleanup needs to happen alongside lobbying tactics then this could be successful, however, as they haven’t – the campaign is rendered ineffective.

Image: @mrbeast

Are the e-scooters working? Maud Webster — Head of Culture

Newcastle City Council has announced an expansion of the e-scooter ride zone, but is the project working?

hen the vivid orange scooters started appearing around Newcastle, people quickly discovered you couldn’t actually take them into a lot of areas to the East and West of the city. Well, that’s all changing and now the city’s ride zone has been expanded to include Elswick, Arthur’s Hill, Heaton, Byker and Ouseburn - so clearly, city officials think the scheme

is working. To be honest, the scooters got off to a bit of a wobbly start - with dangerous incidents taking place after the launch last year including five being charged for drunk driving. The Courier’s Tom Wrath mused over the benefits and cons of the scooters a month in, concluding “There is potential for misuse wherever these e-scooters are. It’s time to trust the majority, and understand that e-scooters can become a respected, loved and climate-saving form of public transport". It seems the council agrees. The Chronicle spoke to the City Council's cabinet member for transport, Ged Bell, who commented the scooters have become “an important part of how the city’s residents get around” and that "it is great that so many people have taken the opportunity to use Neuron’s escooters over the past nine months, and that they are providing a convenient

way to make short journeys, that also helps to reduce congestion and improve air quality by displacing car journeys." Since February, the scooters have (according to Neuron) resulted in 33 fewer tonnes of CO2, assuming the rides replace car journeys. I think this is possibly a stretch - scooters are largely used by students and young people, who are less likely to own a car, and more likely to use scooters to replace walking or public transit journeys - but whatever, it'll probably have saved some carbon. We'll now see extra scooters getting added by Neuron to their current brigade of 450, as well as 57 new official parking stations and more safety ambassadors around the city. I actually think it's too early to say if the escooters have made any difference, but it does seem like residents want them enough to keep them, and that hopefully they have some environmental benefit...

Image: Wikimedia

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Monday 22 November 2021

Relationships 'Cuffing Season': Why we crave relationships in Winter months

COURIER

Imogen Mole

As the weather gets colder, the urge to snuggle under a blanket with someone gets stronger

he nights are dark, the weather is cold, and the last thing we feel like doing is putting on a tiny top, paying £20 for an Uber, and heading to the club. The winter months are upon us, which for single people, means the dreaded relationship cravings kick in - but why do we crave relationships so much more in the winter months? Looking at it practically, the winter months are when the happy hormone serotonin is at an all-time low, coupled with long days, depressing weather, and the pain of 9ams, means feelings of loneliness and anxiety are at an all-time high, so really it's no wonder we feel the itch to find someone to share the pain with. To make it worse, when it comes to the leadup to Christmas, it seems like most activities are designed for couples. Whether it's watching fireworks on Bonfire Night, wandering around Christmas markets, ice skating, or even pulling a Christmas cracker, everything seems to require two people. And though this can be done with friends and family - when Instagram feeds become

filled with couples, it's hard not to feel deflated if you don't have someone. On top of this, each year at winter time we sit down and watch the same Christmas rom-coms, relaxing in the comfort of knowing the girl will end up with the guy by Christmas day and everything will work out. Although I can definitely be guilty of this with the likes of The Holiday and Love Actually, at some point after the hundredth rewatch, the idea that we must find a partner by Christmas day begins to creep in, and when we don't, we feel like a failure. This is the first time I've been single in winter for two years, so naturally, it feels weird remembering that I have to wrap up warm because no one's going to bring me a spare jumper, and it is

tempting to slip back into the warm cosiness of a relationship. But although we might crave them, we can have just as much fun with friends and save a lot of money not trying to find the perfect expensive present. It's important to remember that although it may feel like we need to couple up and hibernate for the winter months, a relationship is not just for Christmas, and in the near distant future the nights will get lighter, the days will get longer and being single will have never felt so good.

Image: Pixabay//Maud Webster

"I think they are leading me on" Malice or mis-communication? Georgia Purcell

It's a phrase that's thrown around a lot, but is 'leading someone on

he definition of ‘leading someone on’ seems to have been stretched to cover every budding romance that doesn’t quite flourish – a convenient way to protect yourself from a genuine rejection, but the question remains – what is leading someone on and is it always intentional? When the spark in your budding romance begins to fade away, despite you having already picked out both your wedding dress and the bridal party, it’s easy to blame it on the guilty party ‘leading you on’, i.e. dating you without any intention of forming a true relationship. But the very idea of leading someone on implies such an in-depth understanding of your feelings that I can’t

help but feel slightly sorry for those who have been accused of it. I believe that most instances of ‘leading on’ are accidental – when you’ve given your all to something and then the conditions or emotions have changed it’s easy to be accused of leading someone on, but emotions changing is natural and not something that can be controlled. It’s easier to go along with someone’s ideas and plans without thinking too hard about it, and it’s easier to tell a white lie to let someone hear what they want to hear. The real line is crossed when the intention becomes malicious – agreeing with someone’s ideas of commitment whilst planning to sleep with them and then move on, or even worse, using them whilst holding out for someone better. Deciding after a couple of dates that you and your date aren’t the right fit for each other doesn’t have to be messy but when one of you believes the other has been leading you on it’s difficult to move away amicably. If you’re the one being accused of leading them on it’s almost impossible to persuade

them that you didn’t intend to cause any hurt.

It’s almost impossible to persuade them that you didn’t intend to cause any hurt.

Communication is undoubtedly the best way to make sure you don’t run into problems in the very initial stages of a relationship, show you respect someone by making sure you’re on the same page as them and take the time to hear what they want to achieve too. No one wants a moment like Elle Woods at the beginning of Legally Blonde!

Image: Pixabay

Porn? Yes!

Katie Siddall - Sports sub-editor

Need some inspiration? Try having a look at porn!

o… in my personal experience, women watching porn is a taboo subject. People don’t think we watch it and, for some reason, we’re scared to admit that we watch it. Though this article is not fixated on people being disgusted that women actually watch porn, it is going to talk about bringing porn into relationships, specifically mine, from a female perspective. Everyone’s sex life is different; however, I feel like everyone has the same thoughts now and then, for example I’m bored of the same old shite or I want to try something new with my partner, but what? Well… I believe that many will just google “How to make my sex life more interesting” when all they need to do is open up a porn website. Again, this could be a taboo subject dependent on your gender – don’t let this stigma get in the way! Having watched porn since the ripe old age of 16, I am happy to admit – even in print – that I do watch porn. I’ve watched porn single, and I’ve watched porn whilst I have a partner. I have never watched porn with my partner – yet – but we do incorporate porn into our sex life. We want to make things interesting, now and again, as the same positions can become mundane. Sometimes the same things just don’t have the same spark as they used to and we are not particularly creative. So… now and again we have a brainstorm and my ideas (I can’t say for sure about my partner’s) come from recent porn videos I’ve watched. We may only try one thing once, and not like it, but other ideas stay, especially when we want to be more creative and adventurous. Obviously, whilst we have these brainstorms, we may toss ideas to the side (without trying them) because it’s all about what you and your partner are comfortable with doing. Don’t forget about consent! It is just as important, at any stage, in a relationship as it is at any other given point in life. Make sure you have consent. Consent is key! Whilst, it could be said, that I am advocating that you bring porn into your sex life – after delving into my own sex life – it might not be for you. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work for you. Again, everyone’s sex life is different.

Image: Pixabay

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Monday 22 November 2021

COURIER

Relationships

Sponsored by Zarabanda Bing Bing Rate the Date

Emma, History, 19

Why did you sign up for blind date? Definitely for the experience, and if anything came from it then it would have been a bonus! How did you prepare for the date? I looked up what food options there were at the venue and got my friends to help pick my outfit a few days in advance What was your first impression of your date? He was very smiley and approachable What was the best part of the date? The venue - had really nice food and drinks! If you had to describe Yesesvi as a cocktail from Zarabanda Bing Bing, which one would he be? A raspberry mojito - bubbly and a bit different What advice would you give someone going on a Blind Date? Not to go in expecting something to come out of it and to be relaxed so you can be yourself Finally, do you think you'll be going on a second date? No I don't think so aha

Rate the Date Why did you sign up for blind date? Ooo I signed up cause I liked the adventure aspect of it and also wanted to meet someone like minded so I thought why not lol How did you prepare for the date? Being fully honest, I didn't 'prepare' really, I just asked my friend to help me pick an outfit and just took myself there cause I thought there was no point in preparing, I'll just be myself in all my authenticity What was your first impression of Emma? I thought Emma was really sweet! She had a very original sense of aesthetic and was very passionate about the stuff we talked about and had very cool stories! What was the best part about the date? I have to say the company ahah, I was initially so nervous about the entire construct but it got easier as we spoke to each other and was quite comforting after it reached a point If you had to describe Emma as a cocktail, what cocktail would she be and why? I'd a say a cosmopolitan, again, i keep saying this cause I think she's really sweet What advice would you give someone going on a blind date? Head first, eyes closed, maximum authenticity, can't go wrong. Finally, will you be meeting Emma for a second date? I would love to meet Emma again for a second date, if she feels the same about it too, of course!

Yesesvi, Biomed, 21

Lifestyle

Man Down or Man Up?

The silent crisis of men's mental health Ewan Joshua Helliwell

Men suffer disproportionately from mental illness, yet are least likely to gain access to support both from medical professionals and from their loved ones.

en are three times more likely to die from suicide in the UK. In fact, men report lower levels of life satisfaction on average. Yet, they only consist of one third of NHS therapy referrals. What can be done about this silent crisis? As it's Men's Mental Health Month, there's a lot more to talk about besides Zac Efron's Movember moustache. Progress is being made, as male celebrities and athletes are talking about their mental wellbeing more than ever. Despite this, however, there is still an increasing amount of men experiencing mental health problems. What can we do to change this? For starters, we can continue to educate people through media, schools, and everyday discussion. Education on mental health is the beginning of the end of the mental health crisis. Discussions on mental health need to acknowledge the differences between genders too. Men are more likely to turn to substance abuse, and express anger when they cannot cope, as well as isolating themselves from social groups when they are struggling. Noticing these behaviours in your male friends is a sign something is wrong. Another issue is that men need to be aware that it's okay to talk about their emotions. Continued discussion about mental health is benefiting everyone and, specifically, the men close to you. Seeing your favourite footie player discussing his own struggles is important, as it normalises something that many people struggle with.

Education on mental health is the beginning of the end of the mental health crisis Even if men feel like there is no-one to talk to, having the knowledge that it is alright to do so is the first step. Masculinity has to reconcile with mental health, and as men understand this more and more, the scales will begin to tip. The media is talking about mental health more and more, but we can take responsibility too. You can ask any male friends how they are if you notice they have been a bit off. However, remember to talk, not 'fix'. Other people's mental health, regardless of gender, is not your sole responsibility. The most responsible action is to tell people how they can get professional help. Men's Mental Health Month will pass by again soon, but we cannot afford to allow this discussion to go silent again. Mental health is a constant battle for us all, but it is often a deadlier one for men. It is slow and steady, but it will win the race. For Newcastle Students, you can visit the University's Mental Health Support at: www.ncl. ac.uk/wellbeing. We are lucky to have access to free mental health services, without long waitlists, and students are encouraged to use them. You can also make use of student activities; societies can offer commitment, physical activity, and people you can bond with over common interests.

Re-paw-pose your feed Leanna Thomson -Lifestyle sub-editor

Drown out the negativity on your screen by following these three furry friends.

follow more an imals on Instagram than I do people. There, I said it. And you know what? I’m not ashamed of it. In fact, I think it is exactly what Instagram should be used for. Social media can be a pretty dark place at the best of times. All the doom scrolling, the unrealistically flawless bodies, and the utter FOMO you get from those certain people’s feeds who always seem to be having a better time than you are, doesn’t leave you feeling particularly mentally healthy. So, how can we fix this? Take out the hyper-aspirational trash and replace it with fluffy faces that will never judge you. Here’s my top three picks for animals you should be following on Instagram.

1. @Jiffpom

(Okay, I know we said we were avoiding hyper-aspirational content, but why does this dog have a better hair cut than me?!) With 9.9 million followers, Jiffpom is the most followed animal on Instagram, and it’s not exactly hard to see why. This tiny little teddy bear of a Pomeranian is always dressed in the most adorable outfits and always has his tongue stuck out in a cheeky smile. Try and tell me you don’t need that in your life. Some of his notable achievements include being in Katy Perry’s Dark Horse music video, and holding a world record for being the fastest dog to run on two paws.

2. @Peggy_no_leggy Born with three legs, this blue eyed beauty has a habit of waving her paw up when she’s hungry, and it melts my heart EVERY TIME. Luckily, Peggy’s human is always on hand to film compilations of her trick (my favourite has Hands Up by Ottowan playing alongside it). Adopted in 2018, follow her account to watch Peggy live her life to the fullest in Perth with her sister, Luna, and their Boston Terrier siblings, Kevin and Lola. Image: Pixabay @NekoMachines

3.@Alfie_the_alpaca_in_

adelaide

Images: Pixabay

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Monday 22 November 2021

Despite alpacas usually living in herds outdoors, Alfie is domesticated and seems very comfortable pottering around his house in Adelaide. With a love for beach walks, nose boops, scratchy bushes and befriending the local dogs, he’s made quite a name for himself, appearing on several news sites. This smiley little fluff ball makes my day every time he struts onto my feed…and has me trying to make room in my house for an alpaca of my own. If you won’t take my word for it, listen to the science: according to an article from VeryWellMind, several studies have suggested that looking at cute animals on social media may have far-reaching benefits such as stress relief, building of resilience, increase of relationship satisfaction and boost of productivity! Now, do I finally have an excuse to make an Instagram account for my pets?

Image: Pixabay @Ralfdesigns

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How can N more incl Scarlette Welch -Food & Drink sub-editor

At times, Newcastle's LGBTQ+ scene fails to include more than just gay men and straight people, can this famous scene cater for all members of the community?

ewcastle, like most major UK cities, has a thriving LGBTQ+ culture, especially present in several gay bars across the city. However, the majority of these venues are just that - gay bars; meaning that they do not always cater for the rest of the LGBTQ+ community. A huge problem with LGBTQ+ culture in general is that consistently the most ‘acceptable’ and therefore best catered for group is white gay men. This is most likely because in the eyes of a society dominated by straight white men, this is the least ‘other’ amongst the LGBTQ+ community and is therefore easier for wider society to accommodate. This is not the only issue, though. Newcastle’s LGBT friendly bars, such as Powerhouse and Rusty’s, are well known for being populated by a majority of gay men. Understandably, this is appealing for straight women who are tired of being harassed by men in other clubs in Newcastle. Whilst the idea of a safe haven for women is understandable, it comes at the cost of the safety and enjoyment of LGBTQ+ women. When ‘gay bar’ becomes synonymous with ‘gay men and straight women’, queer women can feel ostracised and left out in spaces which should welcome them. When it’s no longer safe to assume that a woman in a gay bar is interested in women, the safety of queer women cannot be guaranteed. Similarly, plenty of straight men also end up visiting predominantly gay bars. Once again, the

How to hav Molly Taylor -Lifestyle sub-editor

With the Christmas period coming up, how can we celebrate and still be considerate towards our planet?

or some, Christmas is a wonderful day to spend quality time with loved ones. For others, it’s just another day of the year. Whatever your plans, I think we can all agree that mother nature weeps a little bit every time a Christmas tree is cut down, or another sparkly Santa hat is thrown in the bin. By now, all of us are aware of the climate crisis, and by following some of these easy steps, we might be able to work towards having a lovely Christmas and sustaining the planet at the same time.

Wrapping Paper Let me set the scene: you’ve bought a lovely bottle of gingerbread-infused gin for your mum (the one she always points to on the shelf in Aldi), and now you want to wrap it up. Firstly, good luck wrapping the neck of that neatly. Secondly, why not use some lovely fabric and ribbon instead? That way, the recipient can re-use it again and again, and it also, in my opinion, looks much nicer.

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Monday 22 November 2021

Lifestyle

Newcastle's LGBTQ+ culture be lusive for the whole community? issue here is not having straight people in these venues - after all, they should be inclusive for everyone. The problem arises when queer women go somewhere to surround themselves with their own community, yet are still often harassed by men. The number of times that me and my friends have been approached and harassed by men in supposedly gay bars is astounding.

When ‘gay bar’ becomes synonymous with ‘gay men and straight women’, queer women can feel ostracised and left out These issues, in Newcastle and across the country, mean that although society as a whole is becoming more inclusive, the LGBTQ+ community is losing the sanctuary of our own unique spaces. Just looking at the reviews of Powerhouse online, most are complaining that it is no longer aimed at or even friendly towards LGBTQ+ people. It is not just an issue of men and women. Newcastle has little to no spaces specifically designed for transgender and non-binary people. Even at popular LGBTQ+ venues, the lack of inclusivity for the trans community is evident. Part of the problem is that Newcastle’s LGBTQ+ culture is heavily centred around nights out and drinking. LGBTQ+ people do not only come

out at night, and having spaces designed for inclusivity, particularly for trans and non-binary people, would be a huge step towards improving diversity and inclusivity within the city. Even within nightlife, venues could make far more effort to be more inclusive when customers are actually there, rather than just advertising themselves as ‘LGBTQ+ friendly’ with little attempt to support this.

ve a 'Green' Christmas Wreaths If you’re planning on having a wreath on your door this year, why not make one rather than buying one that’s plastic? You could go foraging in Jesmond Dene for some holly and pinecones, and make it into a fun activity with your friends or flatmates. I also enjoy drying orange slices in the oven and incorporating those into the design.

Presents

Presents are undoubtedly a big part of Christmas celebrations for some. Instead

of buying something new, why don’t you have a look in charity shops, or on second-hand apps like Depop, eBay, and Vinted? Alternatively, why not treat your loved ones to experiences rather than physical gifts? I personally would find a lovely meal out with my friend more memorable than a pair of socks they bought me that just sits in the bottom of a drawer. I think the thing to take away from this article is that you don’t need to buy lots of things to have a great Christmas. There’s an unhealthy consumerist mindset that surrounds this holiday, and by making these few small changes, we can really make a difference to the environment (and our bank accounts!)

Image: Pixabay @Wixin_

Image: Pixabay @Alexandra Koch Image: Instagram @rustysnewc

Greenwashing: How to identify false brand environmentalism Imogen Clarke - Fashion & Beauty sub-editor

o, I stumbled into H&M this week and accidentally bought a top. When I got it home I noticed this green label. And it got me thinking, is this Greenwashing? It’s not something I had ever really considered before (I know I should!), but are brands like H&M capitalising on the new public interest in sustainability? Yes, the climate crisis has largely been caused by capitalism and consumerism, and yet the impending doom of it all is still being used for profit. Many customers are now directly opting for more sustainable clothing options, but it’s difficult. Brands are steering their marketing and branding towards sustainability, fooling us into seeing past their reckless business practices. Take H&M for example, who are using the colour green to make people think subconsciously “oh, this must be good for the environment”. I may have been guilty of this! It’s very clever when you think about it. However, a bit of googling from me has revealed that H&M still produce most of their clothes in China, Bangladesh and India. The top I’m wearing now says ‘made in Turkey’! We all know that this isn’t

environmentally friendly (think of the air miles!) And don’t even get me started on the lack of fair wages. The labels often have a silly little “Recycled Paper” box on the label too. This is good, but they are clearly just using that to distract from the harmful environmental practices. And there you have it- greenwashing. This top from H&M is just one example. And I am guilty of buying from green-washed companies; we all are. However, in my opinion, such garments are only ‘fast’ if we make them so. H&M do some great basic pieces, and if we buy wisely, we can get wear after wear out of them. And thus our fashion becomes slower. So, we don’t necessarily need to avoid all companies that greenwash. If we shop smart, and don’t buy into ‘trend pieces’, we can help solve the problem. So, the moral of the story is, buy less! But how do we know if a brand is greenwashing? The app called “Good On You- Ethical Fashion” provides a rundown of the environmental impact of 3000+ brands. Online brands such as PrettyLittleThing only rank 1/5 for obvious reasons, but they aren’t even pretending to be “green”. Brands such as Reformation get a 4/5, but obviously you pay a lot more for the pleasure! Unfortunately, if a cheaply priced high-street brand is claiming to be environmentally friendly, they’re probably greenwashing- at least a little bit!

Image: Pixabay

Monday 22 November 2021

Fashion & Beauty

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How I dress vs how I want to dress! Meg Howe - Head of Life & Style

Fashion defines us, and through providing a creative outlet for self expression, is something we should embrace

don't consider myself to have any sort of unique or distinctive style at all. I dress in what I feel comfortable in, and what makes me feel good. And this changes every day. When I think about the question 'How do you want to dress?', I didn't really think I had an answer; I didn't think I wanted to change the way I dress. Maybe this is a bit of a cop-out, since I’m supposed to be thinking about what I want to change, but the point really is that I don’t want to change much at all. I guess it’s probably best to start by explaining what fashion means for me, to understand why I don’t want to change it that much. My choice of clothing is geared towards three different things; all that sort of combine together in my head to create

my own style (if I could call it that!). The first of these three things is empowerment; I want to wear things make me feel good, and that I feel comfortable wearing. I think empowerment is a unique thing for each person, and I feel just as empowered wearing my tartan trousers as I would in a smart dress suit! If I think I look good on the outside, it makes me feel better on the inside and therefore perform to a much higher level in whatever task I’m performing. If I'm just going to out for a casual coffee, or possibly even a lunch date, I might wear something as simple as a cosy jumper and my favourite jeans. But, I'm going to an event,

or out for an evening meal, I could wear a dress with heels. But equally, if I wasn’t feeling the ‘fancy vibe’, then I would definitely decide on something that might be considered a little more casual. The same goes for sitting at home. I see no problem wearing my pyjama bottoms as long as I'm cosy. This leads to the third thing quite nicely, and that is comfort! This is probably the most important consideration I make when deciding what to wear, no matter the occasion. I want to feel comfortable; I want to not worry whether my shoes will cause me pain later in the night; or if my new frilly blouse will cause me problems with indecent exposure after a few drinks! I like oversized

I see no problem wearing my pyjama bottoms as long as I'm cosy Image: Meg Howe

If I think I look good on the outside, it makes me feel better on the inside sweaters, comfy trousers, and the shoes I’ve already broken in far too much to really change for the latest trends, or to copy someone. So for me, and to answer the question I've set myself, I wouldn't want to change how I dress! Whilst I do walk down the street, see outfits and think ‘Ooh, I’d like to dress a little more like that’, I think this about styles that aren’t any different to ‘my own’, and often the pieces I like don’t seem to fit into the same style at all. Of course, I could absolutely see my style change as I grow both throughout my future career, and as a person, but I can't ever see myself putting style above comfort, for example. In a future office scenario, whilst I picture myself wearing a powerful suit or a long, sleek dress, I picture this to be something that’s comfortable. I don’t see myself getting jealous of what others wear; to me everyone’s style is unique and if I’m jealous of someone, it’s definitely not because of their style (but that’s a whole different matter completely). Our style can be an expression of our personality. It can be a way to speak to people before we've met them; maybe even tell them things we're interested in if they looked hard enough, but it doesn't particularly define us. For me, it just means the three things I've talked about above, and I wouldn't want to change that when it already makes me feel comfortable!

Debating the fur The pooch parade Sophia Ayub - Fashion & Beauty sub-editor

an acclaimed appreciation for the fabric by Haute giants such as Michael Kors and Fendi. Through film and documentaries, a majority of consumers have put a great deal of pressure on brands to encourage the production of more ethically sourced garments.

sthe winte season begins to loom, and we’re all beginning to layer up, the resurfacing of the fur coat has been immense, not I have always maintained at all surprising you may think. I can’t deny acclaiming myself as a selfan appreciation for our verified Kardashian superfan. So watching Khloe Kardashian's journey throughout her planets furry friends appreciation of faux fur, (we’ll just pretend she never got caught out wearing real fur after advocating for faux - yikes). Not to mention, with our wider social dynamic From a young age, I have always maintained having more admiration an appreciation for our planets furry for celebrities who friends. I remember actively advocate for welling up at every ethically friendly WWF advert to hit the garments, means telly, resulting in me there is currently aggressively pleading less attraction for with my mother to such clothing. adopt every dying We have socially species on the planet. progressed in So it is only natural our association that I preferred of what is fashioning faux deemed as fur in my winter a symbol of wardrobe, to my power, and mother's dismay. have instead However, this awoken to always sparked my the price curiosity. What is the animals pay deal with fashioning in order for real animal fur? What the fashion does it symbolise? industry Tr a d i t i o n a l l y, to fashion, real fur associated essentially, itself with a highanimal class luxury market, carcasses. historically styled by the more ‘socially superior’ members of society, i.e. royalty, Image: Instamgram @foxbloodshop knights etc. We now see

Ruby Butler

Hollywood is obsessed with the K9 trend, but since when did we swap our purses for pooches?

suggests your heart is in the wrong place and the dog is not wanted as a companion to love and have a connection with but to have for selfish reasons by making a fashion statement. Let’s all return to the cheaper and surely less messy days of purses!

he barking mad fashion trend of using dogs as an accessory is being revived from the 2000s, with the latest must have pooches being Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs. These doggos are always dressed to the nines, looking as fashionable as their owners (who accessorize their pets with bows, checkered coats and shoes) and far chicer than anyone else on the street! Hollywood is OBSESSED with this trend as celebrities like... Even fashion houses are jumping in on the trend, much like the accessory designer Tod who recently came under fire for making his models carry dogs down the catwalk -the ultimate contradiction! - causing a stir amongst fans and animal rights activists (especially since his designs are known for using genuine leather from other animals). So is it morally right to use your dog as an accessory? The problem for me is that this is a trend, and like all trends, they come to an end very quickly. This begs the question of what happens to dogs when they are no longer the latest must have? Buying an expensive dog purely as an accessory for your handbag

Image: Instagram @brown.girl.illustrations

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Year Abroad Diaries

Elana Shapiro

Home comforts are necessary no matter where in the world you are, to this year abroad student watching the football was a must!

nce I’d arrived in Berlin, there were several logistical matters which had to be sorted – registering my address (Anmeldung), opening a German bank account, and finding somewhere to watch Manchester United. This may sound a relatively easy task in a city as multiculturally diverse (teeming with Brits) as Berlin; however, there are certain things which must be considered, and these make it a significantly more difficult job than one might expect. Some of these influencing factors include, but are not limited to, locality, television size, fellow viewers, and price of beer. Looking up sports bars in Berlin, I found Caffe-Bistro-Italia-Sport, located a mere 10 minute cycle from me in Zoologischer Garten, and, as the name might suggest, an Italian bar.I decided to give it a try and I was not disappointed. Well, I was initially, as when I arrived they said they weren’t able to

The atmosphere was immense, enhanced by the football memorabilia covering every inch of the walls show the game, however, fortunately, there were some other United fans, visiting from Stockholm, although originally Norwegian (big Ole Gunnar fans still despite his current form), who assisted my cause and eventually the owners agreed to put it on one of their six screens. The other screens were devoted to games from the Italian league, and it seemed this was the bar of choice for the local Italian community. The atmosphere was immense, enhanced by the football memorabilia covering every inch of the walls. There was a fair number of United fans and we groaned in unison as we conceded. The sting of going down by one was diminished by the beer, which was cold and refreshing, and I got to know the family who own the bar/restaurant and are some of the most welcoming and friendly people I have ever met. Furthermore, they also offered traditional Italian pizzas – “the best pizzas in Berlin” is how they were sold by the waitress, who is married to the chef. I have been back for every single game except one, where I ventured into an Irish pub recommended by a friend and immediately regretted my decision. In CaffeBistro-Italia-Sport, there is an unmatched warmth, and it wasn’t long before I started visiting even when Manchester United aren’t playing.

Monday 22 November 2021

Travel

Looking for something to do in Newcastle? Paige Rutter

ith so many hidden gems and famous destinations, here is a rundown of some great things to do in and around Newcastle. From the cinema to visiting museums, there's plenty to do if you have time to spare between lectures!

The Lit and Phil For the literature lovers, your dream world lives within the walls of The Lit and Phil. Situated a few yards from central station, this hidden library holds more than 170,000 books and magazines. Maintaining a vintage look, this story emporium is free and open to all. Various events also take place here such as book signings, art classes and storytelling. Not only is it home to an array of stories, it also holds up to 10,000 LP’s covering everything from jazz to audiobooks.

40 rides and attractions. Alongside rides to get your adrenaline going, there are activities such as bowling, laser quest, and indoor amusements. The Park is currently running their Winter Wonderland activities, which includes ice skating for all. Just a short walk from South Shields metro station, this a place you should add to your Newcastle bucket list.

JamJar Cinema Sit back and relax at the JamJar cinema, this is an independent run cinema with the profits reinvested into education activities. Located in Whitley Bay, this cinema and lounge is ran by local people, and showcases new and retro movies. In 2020, the cinema won the award for best small business, and has also won awards such as the heart of the community award. This local business recently

adopted a tier paying system, where viewers get to choose how much they want to pay for their visit.

Beamish Museum If you feel like venturing further afield, why not check out the amazing Beamish Museum located in County Durham. Founded in 1970, this museum will have you feeling as though you have stepped back decades. With things to explore such as the 1900s town and colliery and the Rowley Station, you will be submerged into a land of history. There are also some great shops to visit whilst at Beamish, with the Herron’s bakery serving delicious bread and cakes - all baked using Edwardian recipes. Tramlines run through the museum, making it easy for you to get around and explore all the areas on offer.

Markets The Quayside markets are a statement along the River Tyne at weekends with food, art and handmade antiques being pride of place. If you find yourself with spare time on a Sunday, head down to see what luxuries you can get your hands on. Not only are the quayside markets great, but Tynemouth also have markets running over Saturdays and Sundays. With over 150 stalls from records to paintings, there is no doubt there will be a vibrant piece that catches your eye.

Ocean Breeze Pleasure Park

Looking for something thrill-seeking? South Shields is the place for you. This stunning coastline is home to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park. This is the North East’s largest fun park, with over

Image: Unsplash

24 hours in Amsterdam What would you do if you only had 24hrs in Amsterdam?

Emma Rutimann ondering where to visit for your perfect weekend getaway? Amsterdam couldn’t be more ideal with temptingly cheap flights as low as £16 return (!!!) and the short 1hr voyage. Here’s how to make the most of your day in the Dutch capital...

7AM: Rent a bike and breakfast! To experience Amsterdam like a local, and also maximise the area you cover in a short period of time, it is worth renting a bike with Holland Rent-abike Buersstalling. I would recommend a leisurely cycle along the flower-lined canals through one of the most loved neighbourhoods in Amsterdam; the Jordaan. Be careful to remain inside the orange bike lanes which are the best way to stay safe! Next, make your way to Pancakes Amsterdam

straight across from Central Station to enjoy some Dutch ‘poffertjes’ and ‘stroopwafels’ for breakfast.

10AM: Shopping and sightseeing! After breakfast, a stroll down Damrak to Dam Square and the Kalverstraat is a great spot for some morning shopping. After which, if the rich Dutch history and culture interests you, I’d suggest making a visit to the fascinating Anne Frank House or the Museumplein where you’ll find the iconic works of Rembrandt and Van Gogh and perhaps get a picture with the I AMSTERDAM sign outside the Rijksmuseum.

1PM: Lunch activities

and

afternoon

By this time the cafes in the area offer warm and appetising Dutch delicacies consisting of bitterballen, frikandellen and kaassoufflés

for your lunch. Afterwards, turn right at the Rijksmuseum for a stroll through Amsterdam’s Vondelpark or turn left towards the Heineken experience; a tour through Heineken's previous brewery, with a tasting room at the end...

7PM: Dinner and night canal cruise For an unforgettable dinner, you might be interested in visiting Restaurant Moon... Described as ‘The Restaurant that spins round like a record, baby’, the revolving restaurant, which provides a 360º view of the city, is located on the 19th floor of Amsterdam Tower. To finish your day, the Night Canal Cruise is one of the best ways to experience Dam’s famous canals, the uniquely lit up Amsterdam architecture and the Amsterdam Light Festival!

Image: Nastya Dulhiir (Unsplash)

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Monday 22 November 2021

Fruits and veggies: A November guide Francesca Crosby

How to make the most of local fruits and vegetables which are in season this November

nly because summer has gone doesn’t mean you can’t get hold of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables locally. This guide will let you know which are in season right now, where you might be able to find them and ways you can use them!

Vegetables People often associate winter with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots and parsnips, which are definitely at their best at this time of year if that is what you like. However, there are plenty of other options too. These include: butternut squash, cauliflower, beetroot, a variety of mushrooms, leeks and kale, to name just a few. You can cook up all kinds of veggie meals and snacks with these. Why not try a spicey butternut squash and cauliflower curry, a bowl of creamy mushroom soup or some fresh kale and beetroot crisps

Food & Drink

Review: Jollibee at Newcastle Amy Haslam

After a long wait, Jollibee has finally opened its first branch in the North East, and it's here in Newcastle!

he Filipino fast food chain Jollibee has recently opened here in Newcastle. Since its opening people have been queuing in the hundreds to get their hands on some Filipino fried chicken, burgers and spaghetti. So, I decided to go and investigate myself whether it is was genuinely worth the hype. Once I was in, the decor seemed trendy, plus the signature bee mascot is everywhere. As fast food mascots go, he's a lot less terrifying than the clown Ronald McDonald and a lot cuter than the old bloke from KFC, who was almost certainly a racist (look it up). I ordered my meal; the Chickenjoy chicken was exceptionally crispy, making an audible crunch in your mouth like a cartoon sound effect. It was a pork scratching level crunch. The flavour isn't as strong as KFC’s ‘11 secret herbs and spices’ but I like that - they can keep their easily googleable ‘secret’ herbs. It has enough going on without all that. Not overly greasy either. This was the best part and 100% the main attraction. One slight note of criticism was the ease of finding napkins from within the establishment. During my man-

handling of the chicken, my friend had to get out his man sized tissues he stores in his backpack. Next was the Jolly Spaghetti, perfect for any lady and the tramp moment. This part of the meal was what I was most excited for; somehow sweet like ketchup and also salty with hotdog to cut through. It was good and perhaps fits into the category of foods you might have a bizarre pregnancy craving for. I also tried the gravy which was a little thin, but had a lovely savoury curry sauce-like aftertaste. I just wish it was thicker and had more body to it. I'm not asking them to simmer gravy overnight, but it gives me the same vibe as what you end up with when you go rogue on the instructions of a Bisto packet. he Yumburger with cheese tasted really good but the patty was lost in the enormous bun. It also cost around 3 pounds - which for a small burger that is mostly bun feels a little overpriced. No fast food meal is complete without the might fries. If you think McDonald’s fries are salty, then these fries are like Salt bae himself stood over them sprinkling for about 2 hours. Other than that they were standard and quite crispy. Finally to wash all this deliciousness I had Jollibee's pineapple juice, which was so refreshing and had just the perfect amount of sour. Definitely the best pineapple juice i've ever had, why doesn't everywhere do pineapple juice?! It's much bet-

World food prices sky rocket! Charlotte Dredge

The UN say that world food prices have hit a new peak, but what does this mean for us? Fruits By November, the range of fruits available is definitely smaller, but there are still ways to make the most of local fruits and berries. All varieties of apples and pears are fantastic during the colder months; some are better for eating fresh, like cox apples, while some are best used in cooking, like bramleys, so have a browse. Blackberries are coming to an end soon, but you may still be able to find some. Cranberries are seasonal and they will help get you in the festive spirit! Have a go at using any combination of these in a pie or crumble, or try poaching pears in wine for a warming and sophisticated winter pud. A lot of these will be available in the supermarket but, if you want to help local businesses, there are some fantastic market stalls and vendors in Newcastle that stock fresh produce. Grainger market is home to Bryan Muers & Son Quality Fruiters and Hutton & Oliver, so stop by for your fix of fruit and veg this November.

Images Pixabay

he UN has reported that world food prices are at their highest in over a decade. This reflects a variety of issues including disruption to supplies, poor harvests and political tensions globally, which has led to a 30% price increase in the last year alone. Dairy goods, wheat products (such as pasta and cereal) and vegetable oil are amongst those most impacted. This echoes current production cuts, such as in Wheat from Iran, Turkey and the US. This inflation is predicted to disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups, exacerbating global inequities, as many are at risk of being pushed further into poverty. Countries reliant on imported goods will also be greater impacted. The UK imports more than 95% of its

trade by sea, so current disruption to shipping is causing concern amongst the UK food sector surrounding Christmas demand, with shops already experiencing some shortages.

This inflation is predicted to disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also cited a shortage in migrant workers as compounding the trend. In the UK, demand for Lorry workers has already caused disruption for several months, with both Brexit politics and the pandemic undermining the ability for migrant workers to enter the country. UKHospitality has told MPs that there are currently 10% vacancy rates within the sector, causing a quarter of hospitality businesses to reduce their trading hours. Sector bosses have also warned MPs of likely disruption into the festive season.

ter than sprite. It was like the holy water saving me from the amount of salt I was consuming. I'm definitely glad I tried Jollibee, the chicken and spaghetti have indeed live up to the hype. I'm not sure if I can honestly say I'd choose it over a McDonalds, but I'd certainly return for the pineapple juice, or to take an Italian there to try a new spaghetti experience.

Image: Molly Taylor

Simple Recipe Marcel Shamshoum - Food & Drink sub-editor

This Middle Eastern Baga Ghanoush is easy to make and will add many healthy foods to your diet You will need

- 1 aubergine - 2 medium sized tomatoes - 1 to 2 garlic cloves - 1 to 2 chillies (optional) - 2 Tbsp tahini - Extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper - Pita bread or tortilla chips (optional)

Method

1.Pre heat your oven to the highest setting 200-250C. 2.Cut the aubergine in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and wrap in tin foil. Then cut the tomatoes into discs and the chilli in half also lengthwise. Once done line some baking parchment on a tray and place all the vegetables inside, and season the tomatoes and chilli with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven for 20 – 30 minutes. Note: you might need to take out the tomatoes and chillies before the aubergine as they take less time to cook. 3.Once everything is cooked. Roughly chop the tomatoes and chilli and place in a bowl. For the aubergine, using a spoon scoop out the flesh discarding the skin. Roughly chop the aubergine flesh and add to the tomatoes. 4.To your vegetable mash, add in the crushed garlic and fold. Drizzle in the tahini and add the lemon juice and mix again until homogenous and smooth. 5.Garnish with more olive oil and enjoy with pita bread.

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Monday 222nd November 2021

21 Music Streaming Services: bad for the environment? Maud Webster - Head of Culture

Our Culture Editor looks at how music streaming services can rack up a pretty massive carbon footprint...

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: Pi

ou may assume that obviously streaming music would be more environmentally friendly than listening on ‘physical’ forms of music media - like vinyl, or CDs - however, we are now seeing this isn’t quite the case. A fascinating article by the New Statesman from last week dove deep into considering how environmentally friendly music streaming actually

is; the piece speaks to a lecturer in environmental sustainability, Sharon George, who explains: “There is this association that ‘in the cloud’ means it’s intangible, but there is a carbon footprint when you stream music,”. When you stream, you both use charge (thus, electricity) to power the device you're listening in, but you're also triggering a chain of data getting transmitted through servers (also requiring electricity). Though on a per-play perspective, streaming has a much lower carbon footprint than comparative physical formats like CDs (by three times) and vinyl (over thirty times), the massive boom in music consumption, thanks to the accessibility of platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, means the low emissions

An introduction to: Spector Joe Millward

pector could be a band in an identity crisis. 2000’s era synth makes for singalong indie rock bangers that sharply twist into dark and brooding lyrics. A band then, for those of us similarly disoriented, and perhaps feeling a little left behind. The debut album plays very much as 2000’s era nostalgia, almost like an extended play of the infamous ‘Hot Fuss’. Tracks ‘Chevy Thunder’ and ‘Celestine’ certainly make for enjoyable, if a little vapid listening, while ‘No Adventure’ and ‘Twenty nothing’s unhappy observations are cut from the best of The Killers’ playbook. A strong album, if only surface deep. Forming the complexity that makes Spector's discography so interesting then, is sophomore Moth Boys. If ‘Enjoy it while it lasts’ is sweet and superficial “bubblegum” pop, Moth Boys is bitter, bittersweet. The lyrical skill moves from catchy lyrics to true poetry, kept clean with smooth synths, where every line can be appreciated as its own piece - “I thought we’d be an item - ad infinitum”. ‘Believe’, ‘Lately it's you’, are excellent in this regard. It’s the duality, chiaroscuro-esque switches from pop to prose that mean you can only listen as the discography turns into something more, a layered complex of dreams, cynical remarks and vain hopes, compounded by sad selfreflection, forming the very real personality of a young person muddling through it all. Whether that's an incredibly pompous interpretation

is outweighed by the sheer amount of streaming which is taking place. Data gathered for the New Statesman article found that the carbon footprint generated by Spotify streams alone of the single ‘Drivers License’ by Olivia Rodrigo, since January 2021, is greater than flying roundtrip from London to New York a stunning 4,000 times. Stats like this really put into perspective the immense impact streaming has environmentally. Earlier this year, Spotify announced their plans to carbon-offset their audio advertising, starting with O2 adverts for which 1,500 trees were initially planted offsetting 320 tonnes of carbon. However, are these moves too little too late? Considering the aforementioned

Red (TV) Taylor Swift

Prioritise Pleasure

Neve Watson

Self Esteem Wednesday Croft

or not (it is - I’m sorry), I want to express how Spector’s humanity makes any listening

So with an identity defined by its juxtapositional nature, Spector cement themselves with the 3rd album, Non-Fiction. experience a calming and thoughtful experience, whether you're up on high or down and out. This time a blend of the earlier albums, firmly taking aim at this modern life of relationship statuses, fiat 500s and bloody expensive train tickets. Sure, some observations are more than a little jaded and pretentious, but we should all be self aware enough to recognize our own thoughts personified in the lead singers crooning baritone. Live, however, lead Fred MacPherson’s voice changes to fill the whole room with energy and optimism, the heartfelt songs and big personality on stage easily pulling the crowd in. Basically, if you want bangers, they've got bangers, but equally if the autumn leaves are turning to mush and you've been left uncuffed out in the cold, Spector is gonna be there to remind you that past sad grads and difficult phonecalls, those untempered joys and memories of yesteryear are just a shuffle away. Just don't listen to 'Celestine', or you’ll be back to square one over that ex. Image: Facebook: Spector

example of 'Drivers License' churned out 4,180 tonnes of carbon - if this is the impact of one individual track, the mammoth task of offsetting all streamed music is virtually out of the question. When pondering over the future of music going into this decade, Courier writer Tom Moorcroft highlighted the impressive ability for streaming services to propel new artists into the spotlight: "with the rise in streaming of all platforms, never mind music, we can see that the availability of music has increased massively. The ability for younger artists to get their music out to the world has given the future artists of the 2020’s the platform to promote their talents across the globe." Music fans clearly see streaming services as an integral part of the music industry going forward into the future. Given this inevitability, we must ask ourselves if we think it's the responsibility of streaming services, like Spotify and Apple Music, to be doing something about this - and if so, what?

ed was lifechanging to me. It was the first Taylor Swift album that I fully remember being released, along with all the buildup, including the 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' and the 'I Knew You Were Trouble' music videos. As an avid Taylor Swift fan (as everyone who knows me will tell you) I was highly anticipating Red (TV). It certainly didn’t disappoint. Red broke records, becoming the fastestselling album in over a decade, selling 1.21 million copies in its first week – and Red (TV) has already, in its first 24 hours, had over 90 million streams. The re-release includes all the original songs, and nine Vault tracks: unreleased songs that didn’t make it onto the original albums. Red (TV) is a testament to heartbreak, love, and the uncertainties of entering adulthood. Her vocals are, of course, phenomenal. It’s nice to hear how her voice has matured in the past decade and you can clearly hear her emotions, too: happiness in 'Stay Stay Stay', frustration in 'Sad Beautiful Tragic'. Something that has been brought up previously is the lack of female artists having large supporting roles in her songs, such as HAIM in 'No Body, No Crime'. When it was revealed that Phoebe Bridgers was featuring on one of the Vault tracks, 'Nothing New', there was concern that she would just be doing backing vocals. However, I can confirm that Bridgers has her own verse, and both voices complement each other fantastically. If I had one criticism (and it’s barely that) it would be the whiplash you get when listening to the Vault tracks. Of course, we can’t do a Red (TV) review without talking about the absolute masterpiece that is 'All Too Well'. The song remembers Taylor and Jake Gyllenhaal’s relationship. The re-record didn’t disappoint: whilst the original was so raw for her, this sounded nostalgic. The 10-minute version is genuinely everything you could want and more. Red was revolutionary upon its 2012 release and is a better album in 2021. Its popularity proves that it’s timeless. It’s a cathartic journey, for Taylor herself, and old and new fans alike. Her songs are brilliant, but the beauty is that it’s so much more than just releasing another album. It’s continuing the battle of owning her music, it’s a statement, and allows her to revisit past heartbreaks. I can’t recommend Red (TV) enough, but heavily suggest you have a bottle of wine and some tissues to help you through it. Did the love affair maim you too, Jake?

elf Esteem (Rebecca Lucy Taylor)'s show-stopping new album Prioritise Pleasure is a powerful and joyful call to do exactly that: cast off your insecurities, put your best foot forward and live life your way. The opening track 'I'm Fine', with chorus declaring RLT's need to be "completely free", rich harmonies and almighty drumbeat sets the tone for the album. The song ends with a recording of advice on what to do if you're approached by threatening men: "bark like dogs", since nothing puts them off more than a deranged woman. Although it should be shocking, this pragmatic and primal response to predatory behaviour tells you all you need to know about the album. One of three singles from the album, 'I Do This All The Time' is a monologue from RLT (which she recorded once without notes!) to a past self, encouraging her to be kinder to herself, in spite of the torrent of cruel and misogynistic comments she faces: "keep still / be quiet / you're a good, sturdy girl" to name a few. Self Esteem provides a welcome tonic to this rhetoric in her fierce chorus: "Look up, lean back, be strong”. This encouraging sentiment is echoed across other tracks like 'The 345', the opening lyric to which is "I just wanna let you know there's a point in you, and I know you find it harder than your peers do". 'How Can I Help You?' brings a new level to the album, with Self Esteem almost spitting lyrics like "I don't know shit" over a driving drum beat and little else. This song is a cathartic f**k you to anyone who ever belittled her and a deliciously sarcastic indictment of those who behave like God's Gift to women. One of the most compelling aspects of the album is the admission of humanity - that with even the strongest will in the world there are mistakes to be made and lessons learnt. On 'Moody', Self Esteem makes light of her irrational behaviour: "Sexting you at the mental health seems counterproductive", making you feel at once like you've in on the joke and reminding you that healing is a process. RLT's vocal prowess and musicality is an unwavering constancy on the album. If you listened to it for that alone it would triumph. In fact, Self Esteem's meticulous composition from the heart makes Prioritise Pleasure a multi-sensory experience, you have to listen again as soon as the final song ends because there's more to hear. This album will feel like home for anyone who has ever felt other, and is an invitation to be part of what will inevitably RLT's long and distinguished musical career as Self Esteem.

Monday 22nd November 2021

Netflix's reccomended section: Uncovering the evil truth William Allender

Lifting the curtain on Netflix's immoral attempt to crawl into our brains

don’t recommend Netflix’s recommended section. Part of me hates it and rebels against everything it stands for. This sick computer-based algorithm thinks it knows me? Incorrect. How dare it present me with films that are supposedly the “top picks for William”. Only I can decide what my brain will enjoy, and I protest against this evil A.I. trying to decipher the inner workings of my mind. I can only describe it as a gross extension of human opinion.

Victims of this algorithm will never expereince anything new or exciting. Late one night with my fingers hovering above the Netflix search engine I may have clumsily clicked on an episode of Sexy Beasts… accidentally. Now I’m subjected to various reality TV shows which Netflix forces down my throat every time I open the app. It’s not right.

Looking down the list of Netflix’s recommended films for my dad, I see war films, films about war, war documentaries, and TV shows set during war… I was stunned. How had I not seen this before? My eyes were opened as a very clear pattern started to emerge. The same was true for my brother's recommended

I have a solution. One I'm

not afraid to take directly to the Netflix headquaters. section as I cycled through hundreds of similar anime films. Something about it felt wrong to me. I was awakened to the horrifying reality. The Netflix algorithm recommends the content which forces its viewers deeper and deeper into inescapable comfort zones. Therefore, victims of this algorithm will never experience anything new or exciting. As a consequence, we may face growing up stunted and introverted as we struggle to fit in with anything in this big world that isn’t contained in the evil recommended section of Netflix. The show that single-handedly tainted William's reccomendations forever... Don’t panic. I have a solution. One in which I’m not afraid to take directly to the Netflix headquarters. I propose an overhaul of the current recommended section in favour of one I have come up with. I believe Netflix should recommend content which is unlike anything you have ever watched before. The recommended section should be a place with a variety of new content you have never heard of and would have otherwise never dreamed of watching. This would allow its viewers to broaden the type of content they consume and expand their likes and dislikes, inspirations, tastes, information…etc. You can take YouTube as an example of this. The recommended videos there are seemingly random. There has been many a night where I have fallen asleep to an episode of Would I Lie to You? and have been awoken at 3am to a video of whales mating or a remix of a giant panda sneezing. These are the kind of completely d i f f e r e n t recommendations Netflix needs to make. The recommended section needs to be a place where you can find what you truly enjoy instead of a place where the same kinds of content are repeated. I truly believe the world will be a better place if this is changed.

Image: PixaHive, Wikimedia

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My Love Languag Annabel Hogg

— Relationships Sub-Editor

November 21st marks World Television Day, so we consider: why is TV so important to us?

ou’ve probably heard of the five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, gift-giving and acts of service. Well, my love language is TV. More specifically, when someone actually watches the TV shows I recommend them.

TV shows aren't just entertainment. They're the people, times, and places that we love, miss and have lost. I’m a firm believer that you can tell a lot about a person from what their comfort series is. That’s why each time I give someone a recommendation, I feel like I’m actually giving them the tiniest little piece of my soul that’s buried within the characters and places that I turn back to over and over again. I can get so protective over my favourites and that’s because to me, TV shows aren’t just entertainment. They’re the people, times and places that we love, miss and have lost. Every time we return to a particular one, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Not only can TV transport us to a happier place, but it can also be incredibly powerful in teaching us important lessons. University is one place where this nostalgia is definitely needed. It can be incredibly lonely in a big city, far away from home, and sometimes Netflix is our only company. On days where the world has felt a little bleak, I’ve come home a bit deflated only to spend my evening laughing in the loft with Nick and Jess, sipping coffee in Stars Hollow and walking the streets of the Upper East Side (I’d say that I also teamed up with AC12 but that’s not the tone of relaxation I’m aiming for). Not only can TV transport us to a happier place, but it can also be incredibly powerful in teaching us important lessons. Sex Education, It’s a Sin and I May Destroy You are just some of the incredible shows that have got people talking about incredibly important issues in the last few years. TV is an easily accessible source of education that uses fiction to enlighten us on the things that

Binge-worthy shows for dead Gossip Girl

Joe Pera Talks With You Peter Bath

— Head of Sport

oe Pera Talks With You follows a mildmannered choir teacher living by the shore of Lake Superior. In each ten minute episode he talks to viewers about one of his favourite subjects, from rocks to ‘Baba O’Riley’ by The Who. The series emerges into something more as the characters develop, but the beauty of it is in the simplicity. We follow Joe as he goes for breakfast, waits for his nana in the hairdresser's, or drives to see a waterfall, all shot exquisitely.

It is tempting to see this strangely earnest show as ironic, but with time one learns that the best way to appreciate it is at face value. It’s not all retirement home stuff - the show is distinctly weird, with Conner O’Malley, who cowrites and plays Joe’s neighbour, routinely pitching in with his absurd chaos. On Adult Swim, home to shows like Rick and Morty and The Eric Andre Show, it is tempting to see this strangely earnest show as ironic, but with time one learns that the best way to appreciate it is at face value. Pera’s peaceful tone, gentle humour, and way of seeing the beauty in the mundane make binging the first two series, and the third which is airing in the US now and due on Channel 4 in the future, a blissful experience.

Maud Webster

--Co-Head of Culture

’m definitely throwing Gossip Girl in the category of both ‘bingeworthy’ and ‘relaxing’ and I’ve turned to it many, many times as a relaxing comfort show, particularly around times of deadline stress. I suppose you could argue the actual content of the show is far from relaxing - full of drama and deceit - but for me, the familiarity and kind of silliness of it makes it so enticing as a show to relax with.

The familiarity and kind of silliness of it makes it so enticing as a show to relax with. The whole show, up to the final reveal of Gossip Girl’s actual identity, was kind of nonsense and I suppose this quality of it takes you away from the stresses and worries of the ‘real world’ and allows you to laugh and cry with characters living such an unimaginable lifestyle. Furthermore, the sheer quantity of series and episodes avalible to binge on offers plenty of opportunity to retreat into the theatrics of the Upper East side - maybe like eight seasons to plough through?! So yeah, I take to the fictions of Blair and Serena living their Upper East Side theatrics when I’m looking for a familiar show to relax with.

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Monday 22nd November 2021

ge is TV are happening all around us in the real world. Whether this is about real-world problems or who ‘H’ is in Line of Duty – nothing unites the British Public quite like sitting down to watch the same show at the same time. There’s something super comforting about knowing that millions of other people also care whether it’s going to be Giuseppe wins this year’s bake off or not.

Fundamentally, TV gets people talking. For me, there’s nothing quite like the bubbling excitement of when you realise that somebody shares your love for a TV show (the absolute fastest way to become my best friend is to talk about Gilmore Girls – and be on Team Jess). Chances are, if you geek out over the same shows then you probably have an abundance of other things in common too. Ultimately, TV brings people together like nothing else and allows us to escape to a better reality for a few hours, and in the current climate – isn’t that what we all need? Image: Pixabay

23 TV Review: Netflix's Dynasty (Season Four) Castor Chan

— Sports Sub-Editor

skewed concept of 'work-life balance'. This train wreck culminates with #Falliam teetering on the edge of divorce when it is revealed that, well, this is one twist I’ll leave for your enjoyment. The first episode also immediately slaps viewers with a mystery character death.

Petty drama, stunning costumes, lots of drama... Dynasty returns with season 4

ynasty's Season 4 dropped on Netflix last month and I’ve already binged it. (That’s what reading week is for, right?) It's one of my guilty pleasure shows, and with Elizabeth Gillies ever-present as the brilliant but acerbic Fallon Carrington, I was hooked from the pilot. Spoilers below! The show has its writing faults - where is Steven?? - and some characters start to become predictable. There are only so many times Adam can cycle between redemption and resident murderer. But nevertheless, Dynasty’s petty drama, witty lines and incredible costume styling keep me coming back.

With I thought Season 4 handled the theme of grief well, and this arc repeatedly brought me to tears.

The first episode immediately slaps viewers with a mystery character death. One of Season 4’s biggest storylines is Fallon and Liam’s relationship. Their love is portrayed beautifully by Gillies and Adam Huber, even as their marriage proves not to be the concrete bond they hoped for. Their relationship is stripped bare, with roadblocks like Liam’s new, obsessive interest in an exposé to clear his father’s name and Fallon’s drive to continue the Carrington dynasty with a

Image: IMDb

They tease a lot of neardeath situations, with Cristal’s (Daniella Alonso) health scare, Kirby's (Maddison Brown) stabbing and overdose, and Fallon and Liam getting held hostage. Again! But to my utter devastation, it is Anders (Alan Dale) who meets his end, and it's all the more heart-breaking as he dies after banishing Kirby from the manor. I thought Season 4 handled the theme of grief well, and this arc repeatedly brought me to tears as he continues to appear to each character to offer advice and help them start to heal. Overall, I quite liked this season of Dynasty. I enjoyed seeing Fallon taking the lead of the family, but also realise how to care for her loved ones. It was also good of the writers to explore more friendships like Sam (Rafael de la Fuente) and Culhane (Robert Christopher Riley), and I'm interested to see how new character Amanda (Eliza Bennett) will fare.

dline distraction Who are the real stars of the show? Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Rachael McCreanor

—TV Sub-editor

ou may find it odd for a student to willingly choose to watch two middle-aged men go fishing, and you would probably be right. But there is just something about Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing that sets the flounder(ing) world to rights. Fear not, an intense love of fishing is not a requirement to enjoy this show.

Ultimately a life-affirming yet consistently comedic series. It's like therapy, just with less crying. Take it from someone who has absolutely no interest in fishing and does not care to develop one – as simplistic as it may sound, watching two good friends enjoy themselves, regardless of what they are doing, makes for a comfortingly wholesome viewing experience. Quite possibly one of the least stressful shows out there, Gone Fishing follows two of comedy’s greats on a journey around the waterways of the UK as they contemplate life, their pasts and ultimately produce a life-affirming yet consistently comedic series. It’s like therapy, just with less crying. So, next time deadlines get on top of you and you’re contemplating dropping out, stick on the telly and embrace some fishy fun.

Leah Graham

n the case of CW's iZombie, there was a slew of compelling characters. Ravi Chakrabarti became the heart of the show and kept all the characters together. From his banter with Liv to his bromance with Major to his will-they-won’t they relationship with Peyton, the morgue doctor was a goalpost for the cast. Ravi, a self-proclaimed nerd, provided most of the comedic moments for the series. Granted, the main character Liv was a close second. But it wasn’t just his humour that endeared him to fans, but his character's journey. One of the main plots of the entire show was his attempts to create a zombie cure; through never forsaking his oath as a doctor and his commitment to leaving the world a better place, Ravi became a fearless fighter for justice against his foes. Zombie, or, you know, non-zombie.

Paris was a force to be reckoned with, knowing exactly what she wanted to achieve and how she was going to do it.

From a self-proclaimed nerd to a prom queen, another character who shone brighter than others was Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Cordelia. Whilst most people would consider Spike worthy of this spot, Cordelia was an icon from the first episode. Though only appearing until series 3 then transitioning to the spin-off Angel, Cordelia gave viewers a different perspective to the stereotypical popular girl trope. Even after being roped into many dangerous Scooby-gang missions, she never lost her fiery personality, even at one point

questioning if the world was ending again so that she could get out of her homework. Despite being a secondary character for only three series, Cordelia went from being an air-head cheerleader to abandoning her former lifestyle to help Buffy and friends fight against evil. She even embraced dating nerd Xander- they were meant to end up together and you can’t change my mind. The final character in this list probably deserves the title the most, Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls. Whilst Rory became their school’s valedictorian, we all know that it was Paris that shone brighter.

Cordelia went from being an air-head cheerleader to [...] help Buffy and friends fight against evil.

Over seven series Paris was a force to be reckoned with, knowing exactly what she wanted to achieve and how she was going to do it. Her lack of social skills and tunnel vision on academics led her to become isolated, so when she realised that Rory challenged her intelligence, a bond was formedwhether it was friend or foe. Paris never let anyone stand in her way and often went to extremes to achieve her goals, in one example almost becoming a dictator in her job as her college newspaper’s editor. Her fiery personality left the show with some of its best quotes, “No, it’s national baptism day, tie your tubesidiot” and “I can scare the

stupid out of you, but the lazy runs deep.” Each of these characters held up the TV shows that they appeared in, and without them, the shows probably would never have been the same. I’m still waiting for a Paris Geller spinoff show. I’m here for her becoming president or taking over the world- whichever is easier. Image: IMDb

Monday 22nd November 2021

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Film Spencer (12A) Review: Filled with Suspence(r) 24

-NSR Station Manager

The story of Princess Diana is one covered time and time again. But does this latest entry do enough to stand out against the crowd?

escribed from the get-go as a “fable taken from a true tragedy”, Spencer emphasises something that needs to be remembered when watching this: it’s not meant to be a retelling of Diana’s 1991 Christmas at Sandringham. Many critics have criticised the fact that the story is over stylised, and that the narrative is not a true reflection of Diana's character and experiences. It's hard to pinpoint the exact genre of Spencer which is why such criticisms feel in poor taste.

While there were many aspects of the film that did fit in the realm of the historical drama, I felt that was never the main focus. The film was psychologically thrilling with points where it fell into the horror genre with chilling and unsettling aspects. I will admit, it creeped me out.

The film really did a great job of pushing the other Royals aside and focusing on Diana The story centrally trails Diana and her psychological state - with dribs and drabs of appearances from the likes of Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) and The Queen (Stella Gonnet). The film really did a great job of pushing the other Royals aside and focusing on Diana as the main character. When the trailer first dropped, I won’t lie, I was surprised and a little disappointed to see Twilight (2008) star Kristen Stewart in the starring role of Princess Di. My first thought was - why would an American portray ‘the people’s princess’? But 5 minutes in I found myself corrected - I genuinely believed Stewart was Princess Diana. Her accent was quintessentially English, and she really grasped Diana’s quirks. Diana’s erratic behaviour throughout the film made for an extremely compelling tale, with the inclusion of eating disorders and spiritual encounters examining previously untold elements of this mystical narrative. However, with this being not a biopic, it did a great job at seeing the hardships Diana faced within the monarchy, but as an audience, we also saw her annoying sides and at times, I found her actions quite sporadic and irritating. The film did not fall into the trap of

being overly sympathetic to her as a result of her tragic death in 1997. Her character was rude and obnoxious, taking on an angle of Diana that I have never seen portrayed before. The account of her seems honest and raw; you really get down to the roots of her mental health, as she wrestles with not being able to reveal her true self and being brutally aware of her husband’s seemingly public affair. Taking away the glamour of the RoyFamily, this was truly a tale of tragedy and psychological turmoil and could have easily still been as compelling without the flashy and controversial background of the Royals. However, what Larraín and Stewart achieved was an untold story with an intoxicating symphony of lyricisms and tragedy.

Image: Flickr

The film was psychologically thrilling with points where it fell into the horror genre.

Chilean director Pablo Larraín has previous success in biopic movies after his hit success Jackie in 2016, and he has now decided to cross the pond and tell the tale of the UK’s tragic pride and joy.

Image: IMDb

Izzy Ellis

Terrific Titles, Terrible Films Eternals: Not That Marvel-lous?

-Head of Current Affairs

George Bell

-Film Sub-Editor

thought the name Shark Tale was a great film title as a kid. It sounded like it was going to be something like one of the many other ocean movies I liked as a four-year-old. While I still don't regret walking out of the film seventeen years later, I imagine I might like it a bit more now that I'm old enough to get the jokes.

I got bored and told my dad I wanted to leave the cinema That said, it never gained the status of classic family films like Shrek or High School Musical, so I don't think I'm missing much. After all, if kids don't actually get your film's jokes, it's hard to connect with your young audience. I found that similar films like The Reef (2006) had more entertainment value, even when they weren't that much better. Image: IMDb

Image: IMDb

went into watching 365 Days completely blind, and I exited wishing I was completely blind. Asked by a bunch of friends to watch it with them, I was excited and intrigued by all the "recommendations" but most of all by the title. What could be happening in those 365 days? Could it be a siege, a deadline or a threat of death? My mind was racing as to what this timeline title could mean and when I eventually sat down to watch I didn't know what to expect. I should have expected the worst. Turns out that those titular 365 days was the amount of time a mafia member holds a woman hostage in an attempt to get her to fall in love with him. This film upsets me down to my very core and being asked to watch it has added permanent strain on some of my friendships.

I strongly believe that this film was the cause of the pandemic, it's that bad Also, I believe that given this film's February 2020 release, the national lockdown for the UK starting in March of the same year is no coincidence...

Emily Kelso

-Comment Sub-Editor

he Eternals is the latest Marvel film out in cinemas – but it definitely doesn’t take the title of greatest according to Rotten Tomatoes. Eternals has been given 62% on the website’s Tomato-meter, meaning it now overtakes Thor: The Dark World (with a rating of 66%) as the Marvel film with the lowest rating. Does Eternals deserve the hate? As someone who has seen Eternals, I would say it certainly isn’t the worst of the MCU films. I do have some criticism, which I shan’t dive into because spoilers sweetie! All I will say is that there were many sub-plot lines and times in the film where the pacing was too slow. I’ll talk about the positives though. It had engaging dilemmas at the core of the film, characters I want to learn more about (although the film robbed the audience of the chance to watch their journeys continue, thanks Marvel) and a few laugh out loud moments. As a Marvel film, it certainly wasn’t the best but I would re-watch it. At the end of the day, it feels a lot more different than any other Marvel film I’ve seen, perhaps that is why it has fallen so far in the rankings. Why has it been ranked so low? I reckon it is mostly due to the fact that the Eternals is a Marvel film in name only. Aside from a few scant references to Thanos, there were no other references to the rest of the MCU. From a storytelling point, this makes sense, as the Eternals is across a wide timespan (when most of the MCU is within the 20th and 21st centuries). Equally, by not mentioning other MCU films,

Image: The Noun Project

Elizabeth Meade

365 Days (2020)

Image: IMDb

Shark Tale (2004)

this helps the Eternals establish their own sphere of influence not exactly linked to the Avengerscentric world. Without spoiling too much, the post-credit scenes help build on the canon being established through the Eternals instead of acting as teasers for upcoming MCU content like the Hawkeye series or Spiderman: No Way Home. It can also be marked down for more technical aspects of the film, but for Marvel fans, ties to the rest of the MCU are important. Does it deserve the hate? It does have flaws for sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s the worst MCU film. That dubious title I would award to the Guardians of the Galaxy series, but that’s a debate for another day…

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Monday 22nd November 2021

COURIER

Film

Review: Eternals Animation Station - Review: Hoodwinked! (U) Jessica Mckeown

Abbie Thorn

Reviews aren't great for Eternals, but what about ours?

Physical appearances aside, many believe this to be a fantastic animated film, but does is it as good as they say?

hen Wandavision was released at the start of the year, it was clear that it was breaking the standard Marvel formula by incorporating sitcoms. But would it be a trend that the rest of phase four would follow? Eternals follows a group of immortal beings sent by the Celestials, the creators of the universe, to defend Earth from predators known as Deviants. The deep history created and dominating presence of the Celestials makes everything else we have seen so far in the MCU feel so insignificant in comparison. Marvel seems to be laying the groundwork for several continuing storylines in their phase four projects so far, particularly the multiverse storyline. Yet it is unclear how and where the Eternals story will go.

espite the questionable animation, this was my all time favourite childhood film and I have remained a loyal fan and avid defender throughout the years. Even to the point where I’ve come to appreciate the animation style - but I’m aware that might just be me.

Hoodwinked! (2005) seemingly begins to follow the fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood and her run-in with the Big Bad Wolf. However, the film's plot completely subverts the classic tale with a much more modern, innovative and comedic approach. Instead, the story told is equally as dramatic as it is a hilarious whodunnit that delves into each character's point of view in a bid to prove

Despite featuring big stars such as Angelina Jolie (Maleficent) playing Thena, Salma Hayek (Frida) as Ajax and Richard Madden (Bodyguard) as Ikaris, it is Gemma Chan’s (Captain Marvel) Sersi who is the central character of the film. Her love triangle with Ikaris and Kit Harrignton’s Dane Whitman is at the emotional heart of the film but it, unfortunately, caused some of the other Eternals to be side-lined. One Eternal I wish we saw more of is Makkari, played by Lauren Ridloff (The Walking Dead). Makkari is a speedster and is the first deaf superhero in the franchise yet got significantly less screen time than the others as she was the last to appear when the team reassembles.

shocked at the villain’s unmasking, both at my heartbreak over who it was but also at the bigger evil plan that was uncovered. Now, older and wiser as I am, this reveal still hits me each time I watch it as I notice more things I missed in my youth, rewarding with an even bigger pay-off. Overall, Hoodwinked! does so many things right. It delivers numerous unforgettable songs, is packed with humour and emotion, and is amazing at building suspense. The voice acting is incredible as the cast consists of many acclaimed actors including Anne Hathaway (Interstellar), Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), and Patrick Warburton (Bee Movie). To top it off, the film finishes on a high, avoiding the pitfall that so many other great films fall into - a bad ending. Maybe my nostalgia and childhood love toward this film has made me blind to its flaws because I wholeheartedly believe this is a perfect, must-watch film for everyone and is undeserving of its measly 46% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rethinking the Golden Age of Hollywood Elizabeth Meade

-Head of Current Affairs

Is is time to stop romanticizing the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema given its less than pleasant history?

At its heart, it still feels like a superhero film bu it is unique with its mythos and style

Image: IMDb

The story told is equally as dramatic as it is a hilarious whodunnit

A love triangle at the heart of the film sidelines some members of the cast

Content warning: sexual assault, death, rape, sexism, racism, antisemitism and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people

Image: instagram @ Tynesidecinema

Unlike the colour palettes of some other Marvel films, the film is rich in colour and filled with stunning visuals. The CGI used in the Eternals for their powers takes a gold minimalist look that differentiates this from the other CGI battles. With beautiful visuals and set pieces, it stands out from the other MCU films in part due to director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) and her unique directorial style. At its heart, it still feels like a superhero film but it is unique with its mythos and style. It seems to me that Marvel should keep changing up its formula to make their individual films more memorable.

their innocence to the police over accusations of being the villainous Goody Bandit. This figure’s presence lurks throughout the whole film, with each character having their share of run-ins with this unknown thief who goes around stealing recipes from different bakeries. While the crimes of the Goody Bandit may seem juvenile, the film does what every great family film should - appeal to both its child and adult audiences. I remember as a child being

ilm star Natalie Wood's sister, Lana Wood, has recently confirmed rumours that Kirk Douglas sexually assaulted Natalie when she was a teenager. Lana's new book, Little Sister, also includes her belief that Natalie's husband Robert Wagner was responsible for her death in 1981. Knowing what we do now, is it time to stop romanticizing the Golden Age of Hollywood? Hollywood's Golden Age is defined as an era roughly between the 1910s and 1960s. It’s seen by many as a glorious, idealistic time. However, knowing what we do now about the assault of Wood and other film stars, that view comes into question. The behaviour of powerful men in Hollywood is notoriously harmful. In the past few years, many people have come forward a b o u t assault,

harassment, and violence they have faced in the industry. While many in Hollywood during the Golden Age are retired or no longer living, much of today's industry is built upon their work. Beyond the direct abuse of women, sexism was common in the film industry in general. Women were expected to look and behave a certain way both on and off-screen. They rarely got to direct films or make major creative choices, and didn't have the same power as male actors and filmmakers. The industry also held a narrow view of what to present in film. Relationships between two people of the same gender, or of different races, were not allowed to be portrayed on-screen from 1934 to 1968. This was due to the Motion Picture Production Code, a self-censorship initiative. While some likely disagreed with these rules, these ideas were not uncommon among people in power and the white, heterosexual target audience of the time. Beyond Hollywood,

these same issues pervaded the US. Laws, mandating segregation and outlawing interracial marriage until the late 1960s when they were declared unconstitutional. Abortion and contraception weren't fully legal until after the 1970s and marital rape was only outlawed in 1993. The reality for white men was vastly better than that of anyone else, and LGBTQ+ people still face many barriers in the 21st century. The Cold War compounded matters. From 1947, anyone suspected of being a Communist or sympathizer were often denied employment or experienced barriers to their work. Jewish people were often targeted, as were those producing anti-war films and members of groups deemed subversive such as the Congress of American Women. Although this eventually ended, it was clear for a time that only people with certain views were given a voice in the industry. While the Golden Age of Hollywood produced a lot of memorable films, it's not a period that should be romanticized or seen as a bygone ideal state. The same could be said of the time period as a whole. In an age where many long for an idealized past, it's important to recognize the negative side of history and how these issues continue to impact our modern world. Image: IMDb

Monday 22nd November 2021

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Gaming BBC Sounds introduces "Sounds of Gaming" 26

Joe Millward

The BBC have launched a weekly show called ‘Sound of Gaming’, which will shed light on the relatively underappreciated space of video game music.

ideo game music is amazing, but often is considered simply a byproduct. In truth, video game music can easily stand alone, and in fact pushes musical genres further, providing spaces for new techniques and genres, made to match boundary-breaking games. Classical music wasn’t cool until the gang is storming Battlefield 1’s trenches, and jazz folk isn’t ‘hitting different’ until the masses are designing their perfect islands in Animal Crossing. Similarly, there wouldn't be many outright fans of Nordic bard music, but the first few notes of Skyrim's ‘Dragonborn’ will send any gamer hurtling back to the dappled glades (I’ve tested it). Similar titles, like The Witcher or Red Dead Redemption II, with grand scopes and grander scores, are games we put a lot of

time in, make it difficult to discern whether the soundtrack is held up purely by nostalgia. Perhaps the real trick to these scores was that they never got old while exploring such vast worlds, and will never be unwelcome to listen to. Tracks from both games are featured on BBC’s 'Sound of Gaming'. Video game soundtracks are not always custom, often with games mimicking a radio, allowing developers to compile soundtracks from the best musicians, and still trying to match the game’s aura - it’s not

Image: Subnautica Wikia / Unknown Worlds Entertainment

Is the Animal Crossing update worth returning to your island? — Film sub-editor

Nintendo released the update on November 5th and it’s already provided the game with the kick it needed to keep it interesting.

ike many other players of the game, I reached a burnt out feeling with Animal Crossing: New Horizons after a certain amount of time playing it. I consider myself quite lucky with this though, mainly due to the fact that I only got my Switch last October. So, whilst many fans had played it from the March when it was released, I only began later in the year and so have only recently been feeling that burnout. However, when Nintendo held their direct event and announced the features of the new update, I was just as excited as other fans to see how the game was getting a

I've felt reinvigorated with my island since getting the update. breath of fresh air introduced to it. This newness was funnily enough created through the introduction of old elements from other Animal Crossing games, bringing in familiar fan favourite elements such as The Roost and the froggy chair. I’ve felt reinvigorated with my island since getting the update, having the motivation to redecorate the landscape and home that was basically nonexistent a few weeks ago. A particular favourite update of mine in the

update has been being able to go on Kapp’n’s boat tours - even though it does mean I’m having to keep my mile numbers up at 1000 a turn. I have to say that the islands I’ve been on with his tours haven’t been the most exciting so far, but it’s still been worth it to hear the wholesome little songs he sings on the journey. I’m also excited to start cooking and farming on my island, with the kitchen being one of my favourite DIY recipes to make so far through the game. It’s something that’s never really been explored on Animal Crossing, but it’s already clear it has revitalised a large game because it intersects with most other elements of the game such as fishing. I’m yet to get my hands on the paid Happy Home Paradise DLC, but I’m eager to play it as the concept of having a job in the game amuses me. It’s a bit of a shame that it’s taken so long for the update to arrive but has it been worth the wait? Absolutely!

Images: Nookipedia / Nintendo

Jess Bradbury

as easy as it sounds. Done well, like in Fallout’s apocalyptic 60’s Americana, you have a wonderful reintroduction to some classic genres and titans of ages past. Other games, like the GTA series, have provided a radio experience for a generation who would’ve gone without, and they act as a great introduction to music as a whole - I’m looking at you Burnout Paradise, for my 'Tchaikovsky' and 'Alice In Chains' appreciation. (Don’t ask, just listen). Some titles are simply on another level.

Games with such bangers that it doesn’t matter if the game came attached or not. Furi went under a lot of radars, but it's original soundtrack (OST) did not.

Hopefully video game scores can be appreciated fully as works of art they are. Custom made, through a collaboration of some of the best indie electro artists, it is its own techno album, transporting the listener to the game's acidic dreamscape, whether the played its visual accompaniment or not. DOOM (2016) was an impressive update to the mythical game of old, but the most impressive of its overhauls was the soundtrack. Mick Gordon wrought a masterwork of metal that is recognized as one of the best progressive metal albums. Soundtracks may often not get the recognition they need, but hopefully with gaming awards becoming more popular and radio shows like 'Sounds of Music', video games scores can be appreciated fully as works of art they are.

Writers Personal Pick Dragon Age: Origins Harry Jones

— News sub-editor

Dragon Age: Origins throughout my life has remained a standing point of computer RPG excellence.

hrough constructing a world unique to the genre, it allowed for analogies grounded in our own world, creating a compelling yet dark tale whilst leaving questions unanswered to the

gives a breath of fresh air, with each origin story and choice allowing for a distinct form of replayability and further role playing opportunities. The gameplay cycle represents a form similar to its spiritual predecessor Neverwinter Nights, however with an expansion on tactics-based combat allowing for a form of customisation to automated combat. This allows for the player to prioritise certain targets and greatly expands what we consider computer RPG combat. Largely the beauty of this game and extending to the series is in its distinct and in-depth world building. This game is a must for any RPG fans from the more casual RPGS of Skyrim to the new generation of classic RPGs like with Baldur's Gate.

player. From the plight of the darkspawn emerging from an unnatural source, to the purpose of blood magic. Origins uses its areas such as the grandiose yet worn city of Orzammar to present key elements of world building whilst posing natural questions to the viewer. But where the game find its strength is within your companions. Due to coming primarily from the DnD lineage of games (being a spiritual successor to Neverwinter Nights) it ascribes personalities that contribute to the world building of the narrative and gleam a further depth when you engage with the romance system. This concept remained two dimensional until with Dragon Age emerged a form of constructive character development that can be seen in later games like Fallout 4. But what remains recognisable to the game is how the romance system can shape the outcome of your game alongside with your origin story that is set as your character introduction. This allowance of player agency

Image: Dragon Age Wiki / Electronic Arts

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Monday 22nd November 2021

Arts

Interview: Lucy Duncan, Review: Janice Okoh's The Offing Director of Stags and Hens

Ruby Taylor

he Offing, set in Robin Hood’s Bay in the aftermath of World War II, follows the unlikely friendship of Robert and Dulcie. 16 year old Robert has left his home in a mining town in Durham for the summer in search of the sea, and along the way, meets Dulcie, who takes him in and shows him her world of literature, food and wine. It is heartwarming to see the friendship unfold between these two characters, who are vibrantly portrayed by James Gladdon and Cate Hamer. They are both kind and generous to one another, with Robert working the meadow for Dulcie, and Dulcie keeping him in books and meals. This innocence of their friendship is emphasized by the backdrop of Robin Hood’s Bay in the summer, as Sally Ferguson on lighting design and Ana Silvera, who composed the music and designed the sound, perfectly simulated this lovely natural environment. However, we soon learn the story is not so idyllic, when we first meet the specter of Romy Langdale, portrayed excellently by Ingvild Lakou. Janice Okoh, the playwright, has adapted this aspect of the book extremely effectively, with Romy acting like a ghost who is never quite there. Romy and Robert are often on the stage at the same time, but never interact; however, we get the sense that all the characters lives are entangled in one another’s.

Tom Wrath

— Arts Sub-Editor

Lucy Duncan joins us to chat about her upcoming production, directorial techniques, personal growth, and the scouse accent. Could you give us a little background as to why you chose Stags and Hens? Stags and Hens is so funny and fast paced and there’s opportunities for everyone because there is no part of the play that doesn’t require every actor to be on stage. It’s so fast-paced and at the end of such a hard few years we want to boost morale and bring a feel-good factor. That being said it’s interesting and exciting to watch, it’s comedy with a purpose. Personally, I tried to put on a production of this back in 2020 when we were quite far through rehearsals, but it was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID Have you taken a different approach this time around? The first time around it was my first directorial role and something that I was both excited for and incredibly proud of. However, it’s a very different approach this time around: different sets, costumes, and different ways of shaping my characters. With the show being so deep and multi-levelled, there are so many things to try, and the cast have been brilliant- only small tweaks have been needed throughout to make them show ready! I’ve been able to see how far I’ve come from the first production, and how much better the show could be this time! That is no detriment to the original production, but I’ve changed a lot as a person and in my directorial stance.

Image: Lucy Duncan What sort of creative, directorial techniques have you used throughout the process? The main thing is to let my cast know they’re doing a good job, to make sure they’re both encouraged and motivated. Constructive criticism- telling actors ‘You’ve done a great job with this, but maybe just try doing this instead’ is so important!

Image: Lucy Duncan Do you take anything from your own experiences acting into directing? I’d taken part in 3 very different NUTS shows before directing the first production; a serious, a comedy and a musical. Being able to apply that direction that I received before to my directing helped me negotiate the different sections and moods of Stags and Hens- from the more serious scenes to the musically parts. Can you give us a little plot summary? 1997, Liverpool, and set in potentially the grottiest club in the city, there are a set of Stags and a set of Hens. At the end of the first act, they bump into the hens ex, and things begin to unravel- I won’t spoil it too much though! What do you plan to do with the set? We’ve got a really exciting set and gorgeous costumes. We’re going to have a split stage with stags and hens on opposite sides and are really going for a grotty nightclub with lots of stains, peeling paint, chewing gum on the walls, posters, and lighting! It’s strange because it’s a simple set to construct, but the decoration will make it truly immersive, with plans to light up one floor just like Flares! Set and costume are passionate about being environmentally sustainable, buying the majority of stuff from charity shops to keep costs down, and help recycling. One last question: how are your cast getting on with the accent? (Laughs) Ohhhh the Scouse accent! This time we have two scousers on the cast who have been a massive help. I cast many strong accents, but they have all genuinely picked it up so well, and it’s lovely to watch them developing as they go through it. Billy will be Scottish, to demonstrate the lack of social mobility in the 70s, and the character profile really lends itself to this. Can you give me three words to describe the show? Gritty, effervescent, and… emotional. Stags and Hens runs at Venue (underneath NUSU) from 22nd23rd November- with two evening and one matinee performance.

The timeline of the narrative jumps around, meaning the characters are at many different ages throughout the play; for example Robert goes from being 16 to 90. Interestingly, the souls of the characters seem to be valued much more than the actors looking exactly like their character should.

An interesting aspect of the play is that the age of the actors has little correspondence to the age of the characters they are playing. Much like how the actors often are not the right age, neither is the cabin that makes up the set, as it goes from being disused to renovated within the story. On stage the set appears in a state of decay, and this design by Helen Goddard works perfectly: the cabin is just another ghost present in the play. This was a heartening, mysterious story, that left you falling in love with the souls of the characters over all else. It was so easy to become enchanted and absorbed by the world created, it's definitely worth a watch if you have the chance before its run ends on Saturday 27th November!

Balancing Books Emma Leask

How can you make space for personal reading when you're keeping up with academic reading?

ith the start of the first in-person semester for over a year, it can be difficult to adjust to all the changes whilst wanting to keep up with your reading life. This article will give you some advice for how to balance university with your personal reading. 1. Create a cosy space just for reading. This may be difficult in university accommodation where your room is your only personal space, but even sitting in a different spot to where you work helps you distance yourself from studying and get in the reading mood. Putting on an ambience video on YouTube to block out background noise can help you focus on the book. 2. Have a dedicated time for reading and commit to it. This may need to change depending on deadlines and other commitments, but try and set aside a period of time, as long or short as you want, when you switch off your phone and read. You could also fit some reading in when you’d otherwise be scrolling on your phone. Grab your book whilst your dinner is cooking, or read a couple of chapters before bed. 3. Listen to an audiobook whilst doing boring tasks like washing up and laundry and you’ll be surprised at how many pages you can get through. Travelling to and from university is another perfect opportunity for listening to audiobooks. If you have a long journey back home, you’ll be able to listen to a good chunk on your travels. 4. It might be helpful to set a page goal for each day/week/month or even a goal for how many books you want to read. Although you might need to change this when other things come up, keeping a number in mind is a good motivator for picking up the book and reaching a milestone with every page you read.

by Niamh Foy

Pied Wagtail Here, rubber trainers against the asphalt at five past dark in mused September, dragging suitcase under the starry vault that heaven crafted ere I remember, and flickered still in time, exceeding me, age eighteen, clasping the strands marked child, desperately old, wishing my age free but sensing my soul as forever wild, and feeling this was man’s adminicle: living in the light under numbered days; and knew that I had reached a pinnacle since I accepted this in a halfway phase. My hours sandgrains in an hourglass case, My brief life merely a liminal space.

Peafowl A man is his colours - memory-hued; as the picked cherry red of scabbed-up skin, the stinging amber kindling whiskey nude, the yellow buttercup under the chin; the tender green in tiny buds in spring, the two-tone navy of the ocean wide, the plum-wine purple of sick, discrowned king, the cradling brown arms of loving boy or bride. Thus a man is painted, rug and ceiling, in gilded emotion as if embossed His soul is bolder for gaudy feeling; his heart is art for having loved and lost. The stale grey-scale world would have him duller -

Image: Canva

Paint the town: love him in technicolour.

Monday 22 November 2021

Puzzles

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Crossword Across

Down

1. Italy’s capital city. (4) 3. Official counts/surveys, especially of populations. (8) 9. Medusa’s species. (6) 10. Planet famous for its rings. (6) 11. Collection of items carried by specialists. (7) 15. A sheep’s cry. (3) 16. Raised in the jungle. (6) 18. Pop ___, precursor to The X Factor. (3) 19. Stringed instrument from India. (5) 21. Coding language and snake. (6) 23. Inexperienced. 24. Thank you. (2) 25. Little devil. (3) 26. Descendent of mammoths. (9)

1. Correct. (5) 2. Popular mascot racing game. (5,4) 4. Video game company, responsible for FIFA games. (1,1) 5. Turner with a flat, blunt blade. (7) 6. Beetle considered divine in Ancient Egypt. (6) 7. Number of legs on an insect. (3) 8. A game bird that launches itself into the air when forced to take flight. (8) 10. Vossi Bop rapper. (7) 12. Channel 4 soap opera. (9) 15. Oldest dog breed. (7) 17. Cyprus’ capital city. (7) 20. Dry. (4) 21. Robert ___, Prime Minister 1834-35 in and 1941-46. (4) 22. Device for capturing animals. (4)

Wordsearch - Kitchen

Bowls Cutlery Fridge Mixer Plates Spices Whisk

Cabinet Food Hob Oven Scales Tins Worktop

Colander Freezer Microwave Pan Spatula Toaster

Last Issue's Answers

Word Wheel: Isometric

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Monday 22 November 2021

Puzzles -+-+

Word Ladder

Crossword fan? You may like the ACPT... Elizabeth Meade - Head of Current Affairs

Start at the top of the ladder, and change one letter each time to form a new word. By doing this, you will be able to get to the word at the end of the ladder.

If you fancy yourself a crossword wizard, then you might want to learn more about the America's very own tournament for it...

he American Crossword Puzzle Tournament takes place every April in Stamford, Connecticut. Competitors race to solve crossword puzzles as quickly as possible and the event attracts many famous constructors and solvers.

WIN A PRIZE! Upload your puzzle solutions

to Instagram and tag @ thecourieronline to enter the prize draw! You can also come into the Courier office in NUSU to show us your solutions.

After months of practice with the New York Times crosswork, completing such a challenging competition was rewarding

I attended the event for the first time in 2021 via the Internet and it was an excellent experience. Though I didn't place, I gained insight into the crossword puzzle community and tested my skills. After months of practice with the New York Times crossword, completing such a challenging competition was rewarding. If this sounds like something that may interest you, more information can be found at crosswordtournament.com.

Hard

Word Wheel

Difficulty:

Sudoku 22 November 2021

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Create as many words as you can of 3 letters or more from the wheel. Each letter can only be used once and you must use the one in the middle of the wheel. Try to find the 9 letter word that uses all the letters. Goal: 50 words

Monday 22nd November 2021

Sport

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Campus sport: BUCS Hockey is back Millie Clee

An overview on the lastest from the NULHC

new year means a new season of BUCS hockey and Newcastle University Ladies Hockey (NULHC) are back with a bang! With the first, third and fifth teams top of their league only 3 weeks in, the ladies hockey have really got that ball rolling, doing Newcastle proud with a strong start to the season. Like many other sport societies, NULHC participates in the Wednesday BUCS competitions, where all six teams travel up and down the country playing other universities. Due to the pandemic last year, BUCS did not go ahead; therefore, both, freshers and second years, it is their first time playing BUCS. Wednesdays are historically known to be dedicated to sport, whether it’s playing or socialising with your team. However, this Wednesday, October 27th, NULHC are having a sober social to support Girls Stay In or The Big Stay In - the campaign running across the country to boycott nightclubs for one night. This is in aid of raising awareness of the danger and horror that spiking someone causes. Now, for a round up of the past two weeks of BUCS games. We saw only three losses throughout the whole club!

The girls really turned it around and showed their grit and determination to come home with a win.

Ones are top of their BUCS league Ones are top of their BUCS league, starting the season off on the 6th October against Liverpool University Ones with a big 4-1 win. Then on the 13th October the ones unfortunately lost away at Loughborough University Twos (1-2); however, came back fighting the following Wednesday beating Nottingham Twos 4-1. This week sees the Ones traveling all the way down to Oxford Brookes University. Then the Twos have only had one game, so far, as Sheffield postponed last weeks game due to shortage of transport. However, for their first game of the season the Twos travelled to Manchester bringing back a tough 3-2 win. After losing 2-0 at half time the girls really turned it around and showed their grit and determination to come home with a win! Meanwhie the Threes, who are also top of their BUCS league, are on a winning streak in both the Saturday and BUCS leagues they have not lost

a game so far. They beat Durham University Fours 5-1 on the 13th October and then smashed Sheffield Twos, 4-0, during an aggressive game from an angry and rude Sheffield side on the 20th October. With each game, the Threes are getting better and better, passing around the oppositions and working as a team resulting in high score wins. Credit to

the girls and new coach Chris for really bringing their A-game this season. Following in the Threes footsteps, the Fives have also won both of their games and are also top of their BUCS leagues. The Fives first game was a league derby against the Sixes, which they won 3-0 and most recently they have beaten Durham Sixes 3-2, away. The Fours and Sixes have both won

one and lost one, the Sixes most recently winning 8-0 against Cumbria Ones away with eight different goal scorers and the Fours winning their first game against Hull University Ones 2-0. This winning streak for NULHC is only set to continue as the new players are settling in, becoming more confident and are helping to improve the level of hockey within the club. Hockey Ladies 3rd team Photo: Millie Clee

Why get into artistic swimming?

AU update

Innez Merrett

Fergus Mainland

Take a dive into artistic swimming and find out why you should get involved.

rtistic swimming, or synchronised swimming, is undoubtedly an underrated sport. The majority of people may see it at the Olympics, wonder briefly what it is, and ultimately not think about it again for four more years. However, I’m going to try and convince you that it’s a great sport to watch any time of the year! First, it should be pointed out that artistic swimming is a performance style sport. It’s a show and the whole aim of it is to look great. This means it’s literally designed to be watched! From the swimming costumes and the music to the make-up and facial expressions, the whole competition is a performance choreographed months in advance. We know it makes people think it’s less of a serious sport but what’s wrong with wanting to put on a show? The effort athletes put into making the sport look easy means that artistic swimming is actually deceptively challenging. It requires

flexibility, strength, and endurance, all while swimming with a smile. There are also a lot of hidden rules which are easy to miss, but when you know them, it makes the sport more complex. Did you know that having more than six lifts in a team gets a penalty? Or that using the pool floor is forbidden? The more you watch, the more you learn, and the more you

become invested. Even if it’s not a sport you fall in love with and make your friends watch all the time, the novelty of artistic swimming certainly makes it interesting to watch even once. It’s a mixture of gymnastics, swimming, and dancing, which makes it completely different from anything else you will have seen before.

Sometimes I find myself watching it and wondering how it even got invented! It’s weird for sure, but that’s part of its appeal. So, if you find yourself bored over the coming weeks, why not start watching artistic swimming? With the senior championships and combo cup coming up, I can’t think of a better time to try it!

— Athletic Union Officer

Continued from page 32 At present our clubs have hit the ground running admirably. We sit ninth overall on the BUCS table which is testament to all the hard work behind the scenes. Sport is as strong as it has ever been at this university and as such, now is the perfect opportunity to reignite Team Newcastle. This has been a strong and powerful brand, one which brings together the Athletic Union, the Sports Centre and everyone that positively contributes to the success of our student athletes. We had over 30 home fixtures across our sports centre and it’s all free, high-quality sport to go and watch. Team Newcastle is the players, the coaches, but it is also the supporters. It’s our fellow students getting out and being a loud voice for opposition to fear. I have big plans to make Team Newcastle a dominant force in UK sport but also creating a recognisable and respected brand. Sport is one of this university’s best assets and it’s one we should all be incredibly proud of and engage with.

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Monday 22nd November 2021

Sport

Newcastle Women's football teams are BUCS untouchable in an undefeated week RESULTS Lucy Payne

It's been a fantastic week for the Newcastle Uni women's football team with a double win First Team: Durham 0-1 Newcastle

he first team travelled away to Durham to play their second team in a game that would be a battle for the top of the league. Both teams started off a little shaky, struggling to get into the rhythm of the game. Durham tested Newcastle’s defence on a couple

of occasions but the defensive line stayed strong. Newcastle played a few lovely through balls, with Charley and Kenzie both having attempts at goal. Half time 0-0.

The winning goal came around the 75th minute. Newcastle started off much stronger in the second half, making some great passing plays and having better possession of the ball. Lucy had a close chance on goal early into the second half, with a shot outside of the box just missing the top right corner. Hannah also made some great saves that kept Durham off the score sheet. The winning goal came around the 75th

minute. A corner was whipped in and Freya headed it straight into the back of the net. The final 15 minutes were nervy but Newcastle stayed strong to keep the lead. The full-time whistle shortly after meant that Newcastle stay top of the table.

Women's 1st team. Photo: NUWFC

BADMINTON

M1 v Manchester 1sts 4-4 M2 v Durham 2nds 3-5

BASKETBALL

M2 v Bradford 1sts 83-34 M3 v York 1sts 71-73 W1 v Man Met 1sts 97-64 W2 v Sun'land 1sts 62-52

Second Team: Newcastle 3-1 Leeds

FENCING

The second team were playing in a top-ofthe-table clash against Leeds at Cochrane Park. After a slow start, putting their bodies on the Women's 2nd team. Photo: NUWFC

line to compete for every ball, the girls started dominating the game. In the 25th minute, Ellie Stringer battled to win the ball back and released Rhianna Cliffe into space down the wing. Individual brilliance from Cliffe saw her go past 3 players to put the ball in the back of the net and make it 1-0. Just 4 minutes later, Sophia Birks crossed a corner into a dangerous area which Emma Saville headed in to make it 2-0. Leeds came back straight after halftime, playing a long ball to their striker, who took her goal well to make it 2-1. This didn’t affect the girls who continued to dominate the game throughout the second half. The 3rd goal again came from another corner, this time played short to Libby who took a strike from outside the box and hit the back of the net, making it 3-1. The girls continued to attack until the 90th minute and were unlucky not to add to the goal tally, but joint top of the table doesn’t sound so bad!

They were unlucky not to add to the tally but joint top of the table doesn't sound so bad!

PSG's Aminata Diallo released from custody following Hamraoui assault Arthur Ferridge

PSG footballer Aminata Diallo was taken into custody under suspicion for attack on fellow player Kheira Hamraoui and has since been released.

aris Saint-Germain Féminine midfielder Aminata Diallo has been released from custody following her arrest (10 Oct) in connection with the assault of her teammate, Kheira Hamraoui. Diallo and Hamraoui are longtime friends and teammates and have been known to go on holiday together during season breaks. They play together for both PSG and the French national team. The pair were driving together with a third teammate at the time of the attack, during which two masked men pulled

Hamraoui from the car and beat her with an iron bar. She was hospitalized and required several stitches. Diallo was arrested Wednesday and spent one night in a prison cell. Police believe that Diallo did not appreciate playing second fiddle to her new teammate. Hamraoui had recently won favor in the starting eleven just months after signing for the team, eclipsing Diallo, who has appeared for the side 64 times since signing in 2016. Hamroui had also recently been the first choice in the French national team.

"The club continues to support its players [... and] reiterates its confidence in the justice system to shed full light on the events." Statement from Paris Saint-Germain

Diallo was also accused of organizing threatening phone calls made to five of her PSG teammates including Hamraoui. These began as early as October and led to players being assigned personal security guards. Despite initial suspicion, Diallo was released from prison on Thursday with no charges against her name. PSG said in a statement that “The club continues to support its players to allow them to overcome this ordeal as soon as possible… [and] reiterates its confidence in the justice system to shed full light on the events.” In a statement released on her Instagram page on Friday, Diallo shares that she was “amazed” to be accused of organizing the attack. She affirms that she fully cooperated with police throughout her 48-hour detainment and denies any rivalry between Aminata Diallo. Image credit: herself and Ham@Football_Tweet via Twitter raoui. She also expressed

her with

disappointment being arrested at all, calling the situation “regrettable.” These events come at an unfortunate time for Les Parisiennes, who face title rivals Olympique Lyon on Sunday. The teams are tied on 21 points each, both winning seven out of seven so far this season.

M1 v Durham 4ths 112-104 W1 v Ed'burgh 1sts 75-135

FOOTBALL

M1 v Nott Trent 1sts 1-2 M2 v Leeds 2nds 1-5 M3 v Hull 4ths 3-2 W1 v Durham 2nds 1-0 W2 v Leeds 2nds 3-1

FUTSAL

M1 v Sheffield 1sts 14-1 M2 v Teeside 1sts 2-1

GOLF

1sts v Liverpool 1sts 0-6 2nds v Leeds 1sts 1-5

HOCKEY

M1 v Manchester 1sts 3-1 M2 v Liverpool 1sts 1-0 M3 v Leeds Beck' 2nds 0-4 M4 v Sheff Hall' 2nds 2-0 W2 v Manchester 1sts 1-3 W3 v Durham 4ths 1-1 W4 v W5 2-2

LACROSSE M1 v Sheff Hall 1sts 9-4

M2 v Durham 3rds 1-1 W1 v Nottingham 1sts 3-31 W2 v York 1sts 5-9 W3 v Hull 1sts 26-1

NETBALL

W1 v Leeds 2nds 63-34 W2 v Sheff' Hall 1sts 45-33 W3 v Sheff' Hall' 3rds 32-31 W4 v Teeside 1sts 53-48 W5 v Teeside 3rds 77-4

RUGBY LEAGUE

M1 v Leeds Bec' 1sts 12-66 M2 v Bradford 1sts 4-58

RUGBY UNION

M1 v Edinburgh 1sts 12-29 M2 v Lancaster 1sts 0-55 M3 v Leeds 2nds 29-12 M4 v Leeds 3rds 28-7 W1 v L'borough 2nds 28-62

SQUASH

M1 v Manchester 1sts 2-3 M2 v Leeds 2nds 3-0 M4 v York 2nds 0-3 W2 v Sheffield 2nds 4-0

TABLE TENNIS

M1 v Nottingham 1sts 2-15 M2 v Northumbria 1sts 17-0 M3 v Durham 3rds 8-9 W1 v Manchester 1sts 5-0

TENNIS

M1 v L'borough 1sts 0-6 M2 v Sheff' Hall' 1sts 3-3 W2 v Sheffield 1sts 1-5 W1 v Manchester 1sts 3-3 W2 v Sheffield 2nds 5-1

ULTIMATE

M1 v M2 15-1

VOLLEYBALL

M1 v Imperial 1sts 3-0 W1 v Coventry 1sts 3-1

WATERPOLO

W2 v Leeds 1sts 3-18

PSG Badge. Image credit: @PSG_English

THE

COURIER

Monday 22nd November 2021

Sport

Misogyny in football: “I never feel more unsafe than on a match day” A deep dive into why football is yet to feel like a safe space for women.

Annabel Hogg

— Relationships sub-editor

his summer, drunk on a bottle of wine, far too much Chinese food and wonderful company, I joined the rest of the country in crying euphoric tears over Kane’s rebounded penalty in the Euro 2020 semi-final. Subsequently, I found myself asking a question I never thought I would: why had it taken me 19 years to actually enjoy football? Well, when I found myself in the aftermath of the Newcastle v Chelsea match a few weeks ago, my question was answered. During my 10-minute journey to the train station, I witnessed several fights, one of which ended in a young boy being knocked out into the road with an audible crack, where his head began to bleed as he remained unconscious. I was then cat-called by three different groups of middle-aged men and overheard another girl in a Halloween costume being told that she deserved to be stared at because she was ‘practically naked’. And what do these events have in common? All the perpetrators were wearing the same stripey top. So, there we have it: it took me 19 years to like football because I never, ever, feel more unsafe than I do when walking through town on a match day.

darling… the list goes on.” Ultimately, what is already an incredibly scary world for women (especially female bartenders) becomes even more terrifying when football happens. In fact, a 2014 study found that reported cases of domestic violence increased by 38% when England lost and by 26% when they won – whether England win or not, women always lose. As horrifying as this figure is, a report for the national office of statistics found that there was actually no increase in non-alcohol-related domestic abuse. It seems then that this culture of violence is curated outside of the stadium, rather than within it, especially given that alcohol in the stands has been banned within football stadiums since 1985. So how do we tackle the violent, alcohol-based culture that football perpetuates? I wish I had an answer. It

...so many of my friends would engage more with the sport if they didn’t feel so unsafe in its presence.

saddens me that so many of my friends would engage more with the sport if they didn’t feel so unsafe in its presence. Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t start and end with misogyny. Everyone witnessed the horrifying racial abuse that Rashford, Saka and Sancho faced after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final. I find it absolutely baffling that football fans turned against their own team within a matter of minutes, resorting to disgusting racist comments to express their anger. Additionally, a Gay Times and Paddy Power survey with YouGov found that a third of fans believed that LGBTQ supporters weren’t made to feel welcome at matches – a statistic that hits particularly hard in the wake of Josh Cavallo’s coming out, making him the only openly gay active top-flight footballer in the world. But one t h i n g ’s for sure, until the football

community becomes a welcoming space for everyone, the frequent resentment towards the sport will understandably continue. I hope that one day everyone can feel safe at the pub, Wembley, or in the train station on a match day. Yours sincerely, Someone who really, really, wants to like football. NUFC Crest Image: nufc.co.uk

St James’ Park Image: Wikimedia Commons

...what is already an incredibly scary world for women becomes even more terrifying when football happens. In my experience, football has always had a misogynistic undertone. We’ve all been asked to explain the offside rule whenever we’ve shown a vague interest in the sport – the gatekeeping against women is insane. But unfortunately, the issue runs much deeper than that. A bartender in a Newcastle-based sports bar said on working match days: “I have to deal with unwanted touching, disrespectful behaviour and my biggest pet peeve – the nicknames. Love, pet,

AU Officer: welcome back, sport Fergus Mainland

— Athletic Union Officer

ver the course of the pandemic, the sporting world took one hell of a blow. Grassroots sports was decimated, the Olympic Games postponed, and passion was drained from stadiums as fixtures were played behind closed doors. And then we waited. Deadlines came and went as to when we would be back on the pitches. I remember going home, checking the calendar, and seeing that BUCS Regatta was 4 weeks after Day 1 of lockdown, foolishly thinking that a three-week lockdown would be long enough to fix COVID. Hindsight really is a wonderful thing. Three lockdowns later and the sporting world couldn’t be more different to those bleak days, absent of atmosphere. For so many in the sporting circles, sport is a way of life. Those who live and breathe sport gain a sense of belonging, a purpose, and an identity. Many lost their way during the pandemic. I have taken a huge amount of inspiration from our 62 sports clubs and what they have achieved. I’ve seen a passion reemerge that you only ever see in the sporting arena and bonds have been re-formed that you only ever get when you are fighting towards a common goal with a friend or a teammate. One side of this is the social community, you really do make friends for life whilst participating in university sport. When the team successfully comes together, the trust and camaraderie can at times be invincible, regardless of the situation it finds itself in. At present our clubs have hit the ground running admirably. We sit ninth overall on the BUCS table which is testament to all the hard work behind the scenes. Now is the perfect time to engage our students with the joys of sport. I have big plans to make Team Newcastle a dominant force in UK sport but also creating a widely recognisable and respected brand to accompany it. Sport is one of this university’s best assets and it’s one we should all be incredibly proud of and want to engage with.

INSIDE SPORT TODAY f

Dive into the deep end Innez Merrett makes a splash with her introduction into artistic swimming. Page 30

BUCS Results

Find out how our athletes have done in the BUCS league. Page 31

Featured Millie Clee and Lucy Payne give us the highlights on the NCL ladies hockey and footPages 30 and 31 ball matches.