The Courier 1418 by The Courier Online

Issue 1418 Monday 6th Dec 2021

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BRIT Awards removes gender categories

Smart-watches Friends or foes of public health? Science | page 11

Following other awards shows, the BRITs work to be more inclusive

Bad boy beguiling Erin Fox asks why this stereotype catches so many eyes...

Music | page 21

Relationships | page 12

Newcastle students Reclaim the Night Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Comment sub-editor

Newcastle’s students took back the night in a large scale march through the city centre

n the 25th November students and activists from Newcastle University’s ‘It Happens Here’ society took to the streets. Leading the march with the message to ‘Reclaim the Night’, the mission aims to make people from marginalised genders feel safe on the streets. The Courier and NUTV joined ‘It Happens Here’ during their banner making activity in the Bamburgh Room. We spoke to one activist who kindly showed us their sign for the protest and chatted to us about what made them want to get involved. “It Happens Here is all about sexual violence, and the point of ‘It Happens Here’ is to show that it happens here. I feel like as one of the societies it’s incredibly relevant to all of student life because there is such high rates of sexual violence within the student community.”

the anti-spiking campaign has often been female-centric: “I definitely think it’s really important to be talking about victims instead of just women or any other specific faction of that.” At around nine o’clock we moved to the arches - the starting point of the march. After a quick rehearsal of the chants: ‘Who’s streets? Our streets!’, ‘What do we want? Safety! When do we want it? Now!’, ‘People united, never defeated!’ we began our walk to Monument. The route was a full loop: down Northumberland Street, onto Grey Street, past Market Shaker and Flares, then back up towards the final destination of Monument. Along the way the march was met with positive and negative reinforcement. Some joined in with the chants and cheered us on, whilst others yelled

things like ‘Shut the f*** up!’, ‘Do something useful!’ and laughed at the cause.

“I’m sick of being told that this is my responsibility” Perhaps the most upsetting part of the heckling came from the bouncers. In particular, the bouncers at some Bigg market clubs were not enthusiastic about us walking past. Despite this negative reception, the group walked on. Led by Elizabeth Marriage on the megaphone, morale stayed high until the end. Speakers from across the community took their opportunity to address the

crowd. One speaker was Sarah Gate from Women’s Street Watch. “I don’t know about you but I’m sick of being told that this is my responsibility.” She continued “Either there is no issue or there is one. It doesn’t make sense to tell women to protect themselves while insisting we should be grateful that things are not worse.” Towards the end of the night, NUSU’s Welfare and Equality Officer Briana Gordhan took the megaphone. Speaking about working in activisim, the officer revealed “If I’m being completely honest with you, at points I’ve seen my mental health deteriorate.” “We live in a broken system and I’m fighting my best to see it improve. I hear stories about what happens in our university. Wether it be sexual violence, misogyny, hate crime... the list goes on

and on.” Closing her speech, she said “Today I am inspired. I’m inspired by our collective power to come together because we will demand for more and we will not stop until our streets, until our clubs, until our institutions, until our everyday lives are safe. And we will reclaim the night.” The night closed as it ended - on an immense high of positivity, hope and most of all unity for the future. It Happens Here should be overjoyed with their campaign and for running a truly inspiring march. The world may not be what we want it to be just yet, but as for the 25th November, the night was truly reclaimed.

Along the way the march was met with positive and negative reinforcement

Their sign was colourful and simple - a fist with ‘resist’ boldly underneath. They said “Resistance is really what we’re going for here. Time and time again the police have used horrendous authoritarian powers against anyone who would dare to disagree with them.” George Wood, the Liberation Officer at NUSU also spoke to us. “It’s definitely really important march we’re doing tonight and I think it’s a really nice show of solidarity.” Part of this solidarity does include the lack of safety people have felt due to spiking in recent months. We asked George about this and discussed how

Image: Kayleigh Fraser

Monday 6th December 2021

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2 Inside 6th December 2021 Current Affairs | News

Get involved!

Join our Discord server to suggest article ideas of your own & see what's available following Student Media Afternoons!

World AIDS Day 2021 Health officials call for a more intersectional approach in treatment of HIV/AIDS Page 4

Current Affairs | Comment The ethics of dark tourism A question on the morals of visiting sites of disaster: justified or morally wrong? Page 9

Life & Style | Relationships The 'truth' about sex? Sex is a unique experience for everyone, but does it still lend itself to a universal meaning? Page 12

Life & Style | Lifestyle When to cut off a toxic friend A discussion on the importance of boundaries when it comes to choosing our friends. Page 15

Life & Style | Travel The story of a commuting student Commuting students face troubles that the rest of us don't, yet don't receive the right representation within the Universty. Page 17

Culture | Music Goodbye Spotify's shuffle feature! Do we neglect the story intended by the order of the tracks when we hit 'shuffle'? Page 21

Culture | Arts Going NUTS for theatre! A special celebration of the cast and crew involved in the NUTS productions from this term! Page 27 Why did the man put a boat on his head? Because it was cap-sized - George Bell, Courier Jester and Film sub-editor

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 Armanino

Sport

Senior Editor: Peter Bath -- p.l.bath@ncl.ac.uk

Muslim Taseer -- m.taseer1@newcastle.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

Travel

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

Food & Drink

Marcel Shamshoum Scarlett Welch

-- courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Katie Siddall Castor Chan Lucy Rimmer Ethan Todd

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

Gaming

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

Arts

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

Puzzles

Joeseph Caddick

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Monday 6th December 2021

News

200 Newcastle bar staff join 'Shout-Up!' Scheme Speaking to Emma*, she disclosed an incident that happened in Market Shaker that made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe: ‘It was so busy and this guy started chatting to me, I chatted back but then said I wasn’t interested in anything more. He then started groping me continuously and, because it was so crowded getting served, I couldn’t really move. I told the bar staff and they literally just shrugged and then my friend told the bouncer and nothing happened.’

Shout-Up! is set to take the momentum and push it even further Image: Shout-Up! Evie Lake

— Music Sub-Editor

Newcastle City Council’s new initiative aims to tackle the prevalence of sexual harassment in bars and clubs

he scheme was launched in 2017 but has relaunched this month with 11 ‘certified venues’ which have been cemented as

‘sexual harassment-free zones’. The venues include The Cluny, The Old Coal Yard, The Cumberland Arms, Spot White, Powerhouse, Rusty’s, The Blonde Barrel, Holy Hobo, and Habita, Domain and Reds Bar (located in Northumbria Students’ Union), but Shout-Up! is looking to train and certify 35-40 more venues in the coming months. Shout-Up! training is targeted at giving venue staff the tools and knowledge to identify cases of sexual harassment, allowing them to intervene safely. The training will have to be refreshed every two years for venues to keep their certified status. To gain certified status, venues are required to carry out: Bystander

Intervention Training, implementation of sexual harassment policies (thus protecting all staff and patrons), a publicly available procedure for dealing with sexual harassment, commitment to making the venue a sexual harassmentfree zone, visible signage explaining participation in the scheme (including what patrons can do in the event of sexual harassment), and finally, the venues must pass six-monthly reviews on policies, procedures and training. The timing by Newcastle City Council is apt, with the spiking ‘epidemic’ still raging, and with reports of women being spiked via a needle in Newcastle, women need reassurance that venues know how to handle sexual harassment and assault.

Since this incident Market Shaker have been vocal about the prevalence of spiking in Newcastle and have implemented various policies to ensure the safety of their customers, for example, increased security, CCTV and drinks covers and testing kits available from the bar. However, it is evident that incessant experiences have seen women build up a distrust when it comes to reporting such incidents. Jenny* is a third-year student at Newcastle and she lamented the uselessness of reporting harassment to venue staff: ‘I’ve witnessed an infinite amount of sexual harassment in bars and clubs but have never seen a man being removed because of it. It’s gotten to the point now that I view a man touching me up whilst ‘trying to get past me’ as so minor and insignificant, it makes me quite ill when I think about it in retrospect.’ She continued: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever

reported something like that, or ever will because they’re there and then they’re not. They easily get away with it because they’re just a pair of hands that disappear into the crowd.’ Notably, there has been a major shift in discourse around safety in Newcastle venues in recent months. Shout-Up! is set to take the momentum and push it even further. Ian Johnstone is the manager of Rusty’s and Blonde Barrel, two newly certified venues under the scheme: ‘Being a part of the Shout-Up! campaign and completing the Shout-Up! training has strengthened our management and bar staff ’s confidence in recognising potential cases of sexual harassment, understanding how to safely intervene and help in various situations where getting involved can sometimes be tricky. It has given us the knowledge to ensure that our venues are safe spaces for all staff and customers’

The training will have to be refreshed every two years for venues to keep their certified status. Dawn Bowman overlooks Shout-Up! as well as working for the charity Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland. Speaking about the initiative they said: ‘It’s clear there is a lot of work to do to make sure everyone, and women particularly, are able to enjoy Newcastle’s nightlife safely. Shout-Up! is just one part of the solution. We’re pleased to be working with venues that take this seriously and recognise their responsibility to our community' *Names have been changed.

Improve student job prospects or lose funding, Minister urges universities Gabbi de Boer - Relationships sub-editor

After a study on social mobility showed high drop-out rates, universities are urged to better support students from lowincome backgrounds

niversities Minister Michelle Donelan has called for universities to re-write their access and participation

plans. This comes after a study into social mobility revealed that those from the poorest backgrounds didn’t do as well in universities with higher entry requirements as opposed to those who attended less selective universities. This means that many universities must hit new targets in order to allow those from poorer backgrounds

to attain higher paid jobs when they graduate, or forfeit these students paying their full course fees. Students who come from less advantaged backgrounds tend to have lower social mobility than those who are more well-off, and by going into higher education, these students increase their mobility into higher income brackets. Currently, most universities have targets regarding how many students from disadvantaged backgrounds they must accept each year, however, the minister is suggesting that these targets must now extend past enrolment, supporting these students past graduation. In their first year, around 1 in 10 students from the poorest backgrounds drop out, so universities must also find a way to maintain their places in higher education. One option for universities is to work more closely with schools, offering things such as tutoring and summer programmes, as well as presenting them with more flexible degrees and degree apprenticeships to broaden the number of options available to prospective pupils. The amount of students from poorer families enrolled into Russell Group universities has improved year

on year, however not enough is being done to increase their opportunities once they graduate. Universities are also encouraged to guide prospective students onto courses that increase employability, in a bid to reduce dropout rates and increase value for money in the future. Courses like pharmacology and computing lead to higher social mobility, therefore universities could encourage students to choose these courses so as to increase social mobility rates in disadvantaged pupils. Generally, newer and less selective universities do better at helping their poorest students gain social mobility, due to the amount they take on each year. This is not to say that those that attend older institutions don’t have good prospects - in fact, they offer the best chance for them to become higher earners. However, many poorer students who attend top universities (such as those in the Russell Group) often feel that their course is not worth the money they are paying once they graduate. These new measures are due to come into effect in 2023.

Image: Wikimedia

Monday 6th December 2021

News

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2021 World AIDS Day: Doctors call for 'more inclusive healthcare' Renzo Szkwarok - News Sub-Editor

Health officials call for a more intersectional approach in treatment of HIV/AIDS

he world’s oldest global health day came around on the December 1 to raise awareness for the still incredibly misunderstood and stigmatised illness. In the throes of another wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, this day stands as a reminder of one of the most deadly and destructive pandemics the world has seen. ‘Rock the Ribbon’ was the encouragement from the National AIDS Trust this year – the now infamous red ribbon is an attempt to make the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis more visible. According to the National AIDS Trust, there are currently over 105,200 people in the UK living with HIV, and over 38 million globally. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses since its identification in 1984. Although medical advances have resulted in lower deaths related to the illness and lower rates of transmission,

there are still many misconceptions around HIV/AIDS. In addition to this, reports have shown that discrimination and marginalisation still exist in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. To mark the day, the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNAIDS, and other groups came together at an event in Geneva, Switzerland, at which Winnie Byanyima (Executive Director of UNAIDS) said that “the world must move fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic”. The CEO of the National AIDS trust has also called for a more intersectional approach to the eradication of HIV/ AIDS. Saying that although “HIV has long been perceived as a condition that typically affects cisgender gay and bi men” this has been the group that “has made the most progress, with rates among gay and bisexual men at their lowest in 20 years”.

There are currently over 105,200 people in the UK living with HIV and over 38 million globally. Structural racism is a key factor in the discrepancies in health care provision,

with black and other ethnic minorities making up 74% of heterosexual people that received HIV care in the UK in 2018. Reports have also found that this is also a group that is least likely to seek sexual health services – where the drug PrEP is available.

A focus of this years campaign was to eencourage people to get tested wherever possible Under funding of (sexual health) services for trans people have resulted in the need for greater levels of support, especially with mental health provision. There have been sustained calls for more specialised support for those at the cross-section of these two groups. Newcastle student Tom Wrath has said that “raising awareness for HIV and AIDS can only be a good thing” and that the “continued stigmatisation of treatment needs to end”. A key takeaway message from this year’s campaign was to encourage people to get tested, as a long with the drug PrEP, this is one of the best ways to mitigate the crisis. Newcastle University’s Welfare & Support Centre

Image: Geograph, Andrew Abbott

provides a free HIV+ testing clinic for students, as well as other STI tests. There are also other providers of STI testing kits in the city of Newcastle. A levelling up of healthcare provision is needed globally if the world is going to achieve its goal of no new transmissions by 2030 – according to the WHO, this is currently not going to be achieved. These statistics prove that World AIDS Day is crucially important to reminding governments to continue acting to

support those that the illness affects.

If you have been impacted by HIV/AIDS, get in contact with the Student Advice Center at NUSU

Warwick University bans the term 'trigger warning' Ruby Story-Dartford - News Sub-Editor

Members of the Amnesty International Society gathered on campus to promote sexual consent

he Russell Group University has changed the term to content notes over fears the term could upset students Warwick University has banned the term ‘trigger warning’ over concerns that the term may cause distress amongst students taking it’s drama and literature course. A Freedom of Information request revealed that the term will be replaced with ‘content notes’ instead. It has become common practice for trigger warnings to be placed before certain topics to alert students of sensitive material. Sensitive material includes issues such eating disorders, racism, violence, homophobia and mental illnesses. Warwick University first initiated trigger warnings in 2019 and has pre-warnings before literature such as George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Homer’s The Odyssey. Following requests from students, other universities have made amendments with Greenwich University also choosing to ditch the term. The change has been met with

mixed reviews to which Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said, ‘Warwick’s decision to take offence at the word trigger is ludicrous’ and questioned, ‘How is this preparing students for a life in the outside?, Who is actually calling for these trigger or content warnings?’ In response to the comments made by

the MP, Newcastle student, Meg Howe, also undertaking a History course said ‘I think trigger warnings are necessary, people have had different experiences with different things and we don’t know how someone will be impacted by what we do or say, it’s selfish not to have them’. Others were also in favour of the

change. Newcastle University student Callum Davies said, ‘I think it’s a good idea, these issues shouldn’t be used as a means to trigger or upset students but just to pre-warn them of sensitive content, we have to move forward with the times.’ In reference to the changes, A

spokesman for Warwick University said, ‘The department has always had strategies in place to address these questions, although the way these strategies are flagged has changed.’

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Monday 6th December 2021

News

XR block Amazon's Newcastle depot amidst national day of action Charlotte Airey -- Music sub-editor

Extinction Rebellion have taken direct action and disrupted Amazon operation on Black Friday

s'Extinction Rebellion' protestors blocked the gates to Amazon warehouses across the country this Black Friday morning. Those protesting believe Amazon shows a lack of dedication towards tackling the climate crisis. They believe that not only is Amazon making no efforts towards their net-zero 2040 target as there is no evidence for it if their supply chain is included, but the exploitation of their workers and their wastefulness (destroying returns) as a multinational company is dreadful. Ex-Amazon worker and university student Chris said that “we can no longer live under the system based on manipulated overconsumption coupled with continuing destructive economic growth at a cost of people

on our planet”. The various groups of activists have targeted warehouses across the country, intending to tackle the company head-on, on one of the most important trading days of the year. This is a widespread event that will have a large impact not only on the delivery dates for people’s items, but on workers too. Protestors were at the Gateshead site since 4:00 am, with the action aiming to run over 48 hours, using various techniques such as lock ons and bamboo structures. Chris also said that the reason that he was taking part in the action was “to put a stop to Amazon's destructive practices if only for a day with the hope that soon we stop forever more”. Approaching the christmas season, there are concerns that XR will continue to disrupt deliveries at the busiest time of year. A member from XR who chose to remain anonymous said that "distruptive action is necessary to bring about change - this is the only way they will listen".

Image: Charlotte Airey

Find our comment article on this topic on page 7

Storm Arwen strikes the North East this, and the icy conditions, freezing temperatures and damage by falling debris, many schools, libraries and similar institutions remained closed on Monday following the weekend’s weather. Students at one Northumbria halls were evacuated as part of a wall was ripped off as a result of the high winds; whilst no one was injured, several students were forced to relocate.

Additional measures were put in place to protect people in the severe weather conditions

Image: Twitter (@DanMotheRocker)

Ruby Story-Dartford -- News sub-editor Maud Webster -- Head of Culture

Storm Awren, which hit the country on Friday, caused significant damage across the region as temperatures

plummeted. Intense wind speeds upwards of 50mph swept the area and extensive transport and power disruption affected

the North East. Image: Twitter The Met Office reported that a wind speed of 98mph was recorded at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland. Snow fell intermittently over the weekend, and a red alert was issued by the Met Office on Friday in anticipation of the strong winds. The storm sadly killed three people in other parts of the country, as a result of falling trees caused by the adverse wind conditions. The Tyne and Wear area was one of the worst hit places with power cuts, as the Northern Powergrid reported 240,000 houses suffered a loss in power as a result of the weather. As a result of

Many trees fell and caused disruption throughout Newcastle’s city centre, including one which blocked part of the road and a cycle path on John Dobson Street. The Christmas Tree outside the Civic Centre, gifted from the city of Bergen (Norway) also fell over, but has since been ‘salvaged’ according to Newcastle City Council. Newcastle City Council enacted their “Severe Weather Emergency Protocol”, providing “additional arrangements that will be put in place to protect people when there are ‘severe weather conditions” including “arrangements for a single offer of a safe place to stay for people sleeping rough”. However, this Protocol was halted on Monday 29th November as the City Council deemed the temperatures not sufficiently low enough. Some sporting events, including the Newcastle vs Arsenal match (though this was held at Emirates Stadium), went ahead, whilst others including a rugby game against Worcester were cancelled. The Metro system was also majorly affected, with debris on lines causing significant issues for maintenance teams

attempting to troubleshoot issues as they arose. They tweeted on Monday “our sincere thanks to customers for your patience during the major disruption that was caused by Storm Arwen. And to our staff, who undertook our biggest ever recovery operation to restore services. It was an incredible effort.” The Met Office suggests “wintry showers” will continue to affect the region on-and-off over the course of the next two weeks, which could further

affect transport links and day-to-day activity across the country.

Send in your photos of the damage caused to our social media!

Image: Kayleigh Fraser

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Monday 6th December 2021

Campus Comment Rate It or Hate It: The Dog and Parrot Annabel Hogg - Relationships sub-editor

h, The Dog and Parrot – with its 3 for £8 trebs, multitude of indie boys, and stairs that could send you to an untimely death (but that provide great anecdotes), it’s easy to see why the place is a firm favourite amongst students of the Toon. It is the only place in Newcastle where you are guaranteed to hear at least three Arctic Monkeys songs within the hour and could start physical fights around the Blur v Oasis debate. The sticky floor, dingy toilets and neon signs that feature on almost every student’s Instagram are just part of what makes this magnet for mullets so special. I think the place is so famed because though it is actually called a pub, and somewhere you may go before moving onto its big brother The Cut - time seems to disappear within its walls and in my case, you may find yourself being carried home from there before 11pm. To me, it’s not a club or a pub – it’s simply a limbo space for people who should probably start using capital letters when they type, and that is the

beauty of it. Some may say that D&P is a place for people who think they’re cooler than others, and I think that’s probably true, but at least you know you won’t be forced to sing to Olivia Rodrigo five times in the same night. You can keep your Shaker and Soho, for the next year and a half you’ll find me falling down the stairs from the indie heaven of the North East. Overall, I rate Dog and Parrot.

Image:

Emily Kelso - Comment sub-editor

e f o r e I dive into my re a s on s f o r hating Dog and Parrot, I will openly admit I have only been there once. Some of you would rightfully argue that going to a place once isn’t enough to decide if you hate it or not, but leave me to my irrational ways. We do not have an infinite number of days to walk this Earth, and quite frankly, walking back through those

Image: Pixabay

PublicDomainPictures

doors is low on my list. The music is certainly a downside at D&P, more so the volume than the genre. My friends and I had managed to secure a booth while we fetched drinks (which in of itself is another reason to hate D&P – we resembled sardines in a tin being squished into that booth!). When it came to actually having a chat, we found we couldn’t since we could *barely hear ourselves think*. We gave up after two minutes and relocated outside, where we didn’t even have heating for the first 15 minutes or so. I suppose my main reason for not wanting to return is that two or three days after my visit, I heard through the grapevine that someone had been spiked there. Some could argue this is not the fault of the venue, but indeed the current spiking culture. The Dog and Parrot openly described all of the measures in place to prevent spiking however before I heard the news, suggesting such measures aren’t enough. Taking the above into consideration, I would not enjoy it if I went back nor would I feel safe. It therefore seems justifiable to me to hate Dog and Parrot.

Image: Public Domain Pictures

Jobs for students: necessity, Why do student burden or distraction? halls feel unsafe? Manon Sanchez

ore students now work to fund their studies. New research shows the number of working students now stands at 59%. A survey of 2,128 students found that nearly half of students – 45% – have a parttime job, including a third of students now working part-time during term time. There are mixed views concerning this topic on whether students should be juggling their studies as well as a part time job.On the one hand there is the idea that students should have part time jobs because it gives them a chance to get out and contribute to the community. It teaches students the value of money and gives them skills that they can use in their future.This is a very valid point as it introduces us young adults to the working world and allows us to have some experience before being thrown into the work life. Not only that but students are greatly needed to participate in today's society, getting a job in the community is a great way to participate and get themselves involved. It gives students a sense of ownership, that they too are an active member that helps make the society function at its highest level.

Students are greatly needed to participate in today's society When students get a paycheck they have to know that they need to budget their money and also to create a savings account for future purchases. It also teaches them the value of money. When about to spend their money they can stop and question themselves 'is

this a want, or is this a need?' This is a great tool for young adults to acquire at a young age. Finally it gives students important skills useful for their future. For example, a student is to get a job at the local cafe, one would learn how to handle money, how to stock shelves, order supplies that are needed, customer service and the ability to handle hazardous materials. It also builds a student's character and trust worthiness. However, like with every controversial topic there are always very opposing views. One of the down sides to working during your studies is that it takes up valuable time. As a student, this is one of your greatest assets especially when your course gets tougher – you will need to allocate more of your day to research and revision. Besides that, the ugly truth about part-time jobs is that you will rarely find a job which can help glamorize your CV and allow you to miss a few working days to meet your assignment deadlines. Realistically, most students will not be able to get jobs at law firms or newspapers since these positions usually demand at least an academic degree or some working experience in related fields. Therefore, students would most likely end up occupying unskilled positions like waitressing, dish

washing, babysitting, product promoting and so on. Some would also argue that uni is a time to have fun, enjoy student life before being thrown into the deep end and working a proper job. Having parents willing to pay for their studies makes the financial aspect less of a worry and allows students to have a good time without the financial worry. As a whole, part time work for a student is a key element in future success. It allows the student to grow and learn as an individual and creates a strong work ethic. There is nothing more valuable to an employer than an employee that has these skills and in life there is nothing more desirable as an individual than to have a strong sense of worth, character and the ability to handle and manage money to their fullest potential. But it is understandable for students not to want to work if the job won’t benefit them and if financially they are capable of having a suitable lifestyle without the financial worry or burden.

Elizabeth Meade - Head of Current Affairs

fter the recent incident at Warwick Uni, the question arises: are student halls safe? My year in Castle Leazes was, to put it mildly, disappointing. I'll admit that attempts at 'security' were made. These included not letting me get my own mail after certain times and hesitating before reluctantly letting me have one, slightly rotten, apple because I arrived one minute after dinner had ended. I'm sure fruit theft in the UK has never been lower. While the smart card entry system to get into the building was supposed to keep intruders out, anybody could follow students through the automatic doors. It was obvious that people were getting into Leazes who weren't residents or even students. Our hallway was always littered with advertisements for club nights, to the point I put a sign on my door telling people to stop slipping them under my door. (This was ignored. Meanwhile, I had to get special permission to put up a poster for a Student Union event, because apparently anyone critical of climate colonialism can't be trusted.)

It was obvious that people were getting into Castle Leazes who weren't residents or even students Image: pxhere

Besides being a huge waste of paper, I couldn't help but think: if these people can get in, can't anyone?

I have no doubt that a motivated individual who wished to assault students could easily enter the residence. Over time, it became clear that hall staff knew about advertisers entering and didn't care. While I was treated with disdain for wanting accessible laundry machines, nobody saw a problem with letting strangers come in to advertise to students. Although most of these people only showed up to leave flyers, it would be very simple for someone with bad intentions to enter with the pretense of distributing ads. There was also no way to prevent violence between students. While this is always going to be a risk, the small, cramped rooms and hallways would make it difficult to avoid an assailant. With no common areas besides a few study rooms in the main building, there was nowhere to hide. In my entire time at Castle Leazes, I couldn't help but feel that if I were assualted, staff and security wouldn't care. Given their lacklustre reaction to any and all complaints, I doubted they could do anything about crime if they couldn't even ask City Council to salt the path across the field after multiple people fell on the ice. Given the badly-run nature of student halls that patronizes students rather than helping them, I don't think they are a place students can feel safe. Too much attention is paid to insignificant details while broad safety measures are ignored. Private flats and accommodations have gotten around this by requiring physical keys or passcodes to enter swiftly-closing automatic doors. Physical keys are often required to enter blocks of flats as well. While my experience only reflects one student accommodation, I am sure other university accommodations have the same or similar issues. Unless student accommodations take a more holistic approach to safety and security, students are not safe from violence.

Comment

Monday 6th December 2021

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Can the Tories recover from crisis? John Heycock

In the wake of recent Tory controversies, can trust in the governing party recover?

t's fair to say November was a month the government would rather forget, having imposed a series of negative press on itself. The Government's poor judgement in backing Conservative MP Owen Patterson in the 'sleaze scandal' was the initial catalyst. The Tories had been attempting to change rules that would've let Patterson off the hook. It was found that he had lobbied the government across a five-year period for two firms, which had paid him half a million pounds. The government was further damaged by revelations about former attorney general Geoffrey Cox working on a legal case from the Caribbean, rather than spending time in his constituency. This exposed a 'second job' scandal involving mostly Conservative MPs. Finally, after promising to build HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse Rail in full, the government chose to scrap the eastern leg of HS2 and almost all of the planned new line for NPR.

Whilst these letters won't come anywhere near the 55 needed for a leadership challenge, they may provide a wake-up call for the government.

This, alongside the energy and fuel crisis of recent months, a rising cost of living and a tragic loss of life from perilous channel crossings has led to the Conservative voter base, along with the rest of the country, become increasingly frustrated at the operations of government. So after a disastrous month for the government, many in the Conservative party hoped that Boris Johnson's speech to the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) would reset the trajectory. Instead, he was ridiculed for losing his place for over 20 seconds, comparing himself to biblical figure Moses, imitating the noises of an accelerating car and having a two minute tangent about the "safe streets" of Peppa Pig world - asking the business leaders if they'd ever been.

Many in the Conservative party hoped that Boris Johnson's speech to the CBI would reset the trajectory. Consequently, the Conservatives slumped in the polls, being overtaken by Labour as voters began to lack confidence in the government's leader. In fact, Labour managed to gain a lead of as much as 6 points in some polls, despite having previously trailed far behind the Conservatives. A recent Labour reshuffle, in which stronger performers have been promoted, will no doubt make life tougher for the Conservatives. Former Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is back on the frontbench in the same role. After proving highly effective as chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, she'll now have the opportunity to challenge the government's record on key issues. Lisa Nandy, may also be able to land successful punches over the broken levelling-up commitments. David Lammy, one of Parliament's strongest advocates for victims of the Windrush

scandal, has been promoted to Shadow Foreign Secretary. Johnson will also need to keep an eye out for threats from within - with behind-the-scenes battles to be his successor ongoing. MPs may also be favouring replacing Johnson with his Chancellor or Foreign Secretary. There are reports that many MPs have submitted letters of no confidence to the chair of the 1922 committee. Whilst these letters won't come anywhere near the 55 needed for a leadership challenge, they may provide a wake-up call for the government.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Ultimately, despite the Government getting themselves into choppy waters, it's likely that how they will emerge from them will depend on the political weather. Yet the new Covid-19 variant could also be a determining factor. A successful response will likely rescue the government's position. A poor response will cause partypolitical problems, as well as being disastrous for the country. The next few months will likely prove very important in deciding this government's long-term fate.

Spotlight Debate: are you for or against Marxism? For Marxism: Harry Jones - News sub-editor & President of NCL University's Marxist Society

ith the burgeoning crisis of climate change and the rise of capitalist monopolies such as the monolith that is Amazon, the discourse on how we combat these threats to the world’s wellbeing remains ever more relevant. However, solace can always be found in the philosophy posited by Karl Marx. Covid 19 has revealed to us in full the failures of the major figures of the bourgeoisie. This has been supplemented by the exacerbated exploitation of the working class, all during a time of fatal crisis. With the rising stocks of Amazon creating a stark contrast to global cuts across essential sectors and rises in unemployment, their concerns are steeped in classism and nepotism. The net worth of Jeff Bezos, former Amazon CEO, rose over $100 billion while unemployment in the UK soared from 4% pre-Covid to 5.2% between November 2020 and January 2021. The cause of the working class is their responsibility alone. It is clear then that the working class must take their fate into their own hands. They must establish a state in which the working class is the only class and remove economic exploitation based on the appropriation of the means of production. This is paramount. In conclusion, Marxism is great.

Against Marxism: Also Marx had a cool beard.

Emily Kelso - Comment sub-editor

arxism, as a practical ideology, h a s several flaws. One such reason is that the historical context in which Marx penned his works. Marx lived in cities such as London in the 19th century, which coincides with the Industrial Revolution. Such a period is notorious for the poor working conditions in which physical labourers/ blue-collar workers operated, which can help explain why Marx advocated seizing the means of production to aid workers in improving their quality of life. Times have changed, however. Most workers do not engage in physical labour and reforms have been

introduced such as the 1998 Human Rights Act. Can Marx have relevance in a workplace which barely resembles its 19th century equivalent? A further flaw is that our social structure has changed. The traditional three-tier model of upper class, middle class and working class might have had relevance in the past, but in the 21st century it cannot be applied with ease. A study by RSA found seven separate groupings in the workplace, thus suggesting we cannot simply refer to employees as ‘the working class’ any more. It is too broad a term. Granted, such a flaw can be overcome by simply dividing the world into ‘us’ and ‘them’, but such an approach is hardly helpful. Finally, one need only look at the number of nations following Marxist ideals which have since altered their economy to function privately instead of publicly. Following the dissolution of the USSR, most of the 15 postSoviet states transitioned to a market-based economy and have remained that way since. Even modern day communist nations have permitted a degree of privatisation in their economy, such as Cuba who in 2021 legalised private businesses in most sectors; such a policy is in direct opposition with Marxist dogma and gives me the impression Marxism is too flawed to be useful.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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COURIER

Monday 6th December 2021

Comment

The Three Amigos: A Summit Struggling To Succeed Ross Bennett

The summit held between Mexico, the USA and Canada is discussed, exploring the successes and failures of the proceedings

o say the “Three Amigos” summit – a gathering between the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States – was a success would be the grandest of overstatements. Making Chevy Chase and Co. seem like diplomatic geniuses; Trudeau, Obrador and Biden seemed to meander their ways through the talks. Of course, there was the atmospheric sheen of political camaraderie that President Biden had tried to instill in the majority of his discussions with foreign leaders – likely to present a cleaner image of an American president to wash out the inflammatory stain left by his predecessor. But whilst there was the overtly artificial sense that the trio got along, it seemed that very little headway was made in actual talks.

It seemed that very little headway was made in the actual talks

It can be said that there were some successes, although meagre ones at that. The North American leaders reached an agreement on sharing vaccines; such an agreement is crucial considering a new strain of Covid-19 has been discovered named Omicron, and vaccines will be needed to further protect people. There was a mostly positive discussion about possible supply chain issues, which the three leaders agreed to address further by forming a working group. There was even a pledge to focus efforts on the overdose epidemic sweeping the continent, with work being done with the North American Drug Dialogue (NADD). Yet these high points were few and far between.

This year's summit was at best mediocre. At worst? Another unneeded disappointment Frankly, little headway was made in areas in real need of diplomacy. There was no commitment on the US-Mexico border issues and its accompanying migrant crisis. Instead, President Obrador praised the Biden administration’s amnesty and preferred to discuss the ‘root causes’ of migration. This completely ignores the growing complaints about the lack of security on the border, something that is very worrisome for swaths of the population. It seems the border situation will only deteriorate further if the current administration continues to pretend as if it’s little more than Republican rhetoric. A rather large sticking point was found in the automobile trade; a symptom of Biden’s Build

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Back Better initiative would mean that Americans would receive tax credits on electric vehicles – yet only if they’re made in US. Whilst this would be a victory for the American driver concerned with the environment, it would by no means help the automobile industry supplied by Canada and Mexico. Canada and Mexico supply billions of dollars’ worth of parts to the US auto industry annually and this kind of legislation would see them getting cut out of needed trade. Whilst Trudeau did mention he was concerned, little was done to alleviate any concerns. Candidly, this year’s Three Amigos summit was

at best mediocre. At worst? Another unneeded disappointment added to Biden’s glooming collection due to the failure to engage with several issues. Unmistakably, the burden of these talks weighs heavily on the American’s shoulders. Whilst President Biden is excellent at smiles and handshakes, he has not shown himself to be any kind of political maverick on the world stage. Biden needs to learn fast how to manage these summits, otherwise the USA could suffer in the event of future domestic and foreign crises.

The Ethics of Dark Tourism: is it disrespectful to the dead to visit sites of disaster and destruction? Olivia Gibson

The phenomenon of Dark Tourism is discussed to see whether it is justified or if it should be consigned to the past.

TW: Discussion of genocide and death

ark tourism is a travel trend that has been gaining popularity since the early 1990s, when the term was originally coined. From Ground Zero to the abandoned city of Pripyat in Chornobyl's Exclusion Zone (Ukrainian spelling is deliberate), dark tourist sites across the globe have recently seen a sharp rise in number of visitors, mostly thanks to the popularisation of TV shows and movies depicting real disasters. One such TV show is the critically-acclaimed 'Chernobyl', which explores the 1986 accident at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Whilst many tourists value the opportunity to immerse themselves in historical hardships through exhibitions and visits to dark sites, others question the ethicalness of the dark tourism industry.

There is no doubt however that we as humans have a morbid fascination with all things grisly and gruesome For

most people, being able to visit the site of an ancient catastrophe presents a chance to learn about the world we live in and the events which have shaped it. There is no doubt however that we as humans have a morbid fascination with all things grisly and gruesome. As a result, the lines

between education and voyeurism have become blurred within dark tourism. There is no shame in being fascinated by death and destruction; I myself had a tricky time trying to convince my French teacher to squeeze in a visit to the catacombs on a school trip to Paris a few years ago. What matters most is how tourists behave in order to show respect for the dead, as well as those affected by tragedy.

Social media has encouraged the poor conduct of tourists at sites where they are expected to show respect for the dead In recent years, complaints about visitors posing for inappropriate selfies at sites such as AuschwitzBirkenau have become the most common criticism about the behaviour of tourists. There is no denying that social media has encouraged the poor conduct of tourists at sites where they are expected to show respect for the dead. Perhaps the most disturbing example of inappropriate conduct in sensitive locations on social media is thanks to Youtuber Logan Paul. In 2018, Paul filmed a newly deceased man at the famous Aokigahara ‘suicide’ forest in Japan. Footage of Paul posing in front of the corpse was uploaded to his channel which had over 15 million subscribers at the time, many of them young children. It is not just the behaviour of the tourists themselves which casts doubt upon the morality of dark tourism; many view the industry as capitalising off the deaths and suffering of millions of people. Lots of dark tourism attractions, such as the London Dungeons, set up tours with live actors and themed rides in a bid to become more

mainstream; it could be said that the authenticity of the site is being lost as a result. Nevertheless, many companies who own dark tourism sites donate a percentage of their profits to charities who work to preserve the site and raise awareness, such as the mine tours in Potosí, Bolivia. A visit to the site of a historical disaster is a profound and educational experience for many

Image: Shaun Kelso

tourists, who generally treat the site with the respect and humility it deserves. While some question the ethics of the industry, it is important that dark tourism exists otherwise moments in history that have impacted the modern world could be lost.

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Monday 6th December 2021

Science

Amazon deforestation reaches Can we reduce public highest level in over 15 years uncertainty about the Holly Shaftoe

This vitally important forest is under dire threat

deforestation. However, sources reveal that prior to COP26, the government touted false claims of deforestation decline and presented preliminary monthly data as annual data to appear successful in reducing deforestation. Furthermore, far-right president Jair Bolsonaro still insists mining and commercial farming takes place in protected parts of the rainforest despite studies indicating these as major

he Amazon rainforest spans 6.7 million km2 and supports 10% of the world’s known biodiversity. A recent report from The Guardian uncovered deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has skyrocketed 22% in the past year, the highest level since 2006. Brazil’s space research agency, INPE, reported that 13,235 sq. km (5,110 sq. miles) of the Amazon was deforested between August 2020 and July 2021. For comparison, this is an area 17 times the size of New York City. This dire report questions the legitimacy of claims made by the Brazilian government at the recent UN climate summit in Glasgow and president Bolsonaro’s commitment to conserving the Amazon. At COP26, the Brazilian government pledged to end illegal deforestation by 2028, a target requiring serious Image: PxHere commitment to reduce annual

contributors to deforestation. Urgency to protect the Amazon rainforest has reached critical levels as it is essential for absorbing vast amounts of planet-warming gases like CO2. If unprotected, scientists warn it may soon dry out into a savannah, releasing enormous quantities of CO2 and rendering all pledges to curb climate change unachievable. Yet, Bolsonaro’s government appears unable and unwilling to reduce rainforest deforestation. Since 2019, failed military intervention to prevent illegal deforestation has left the Amazon at the mercy of illegal loggers. Mauricio Voivodic, head of environmental group WWF Brazil, accused the government of accelerating the Amazon’s destruction whilst trying to “hide with imaginary discourses and greenwashing efforts abroad”. Despite the Brazilian government’s apparent reluctance to reduce Amazon deforestation, the message is clear: Action needs to be taken now to protect this precious rainforest before it's too late.

Smartwatches: saviours or stressors? CC Lee

Smart watches now have the potential to detect diseases. But there remains good reason to see these gadgets as damaging to public health

recent study has found that smart watches could help detect and prevent viral diseases, such as rhinovirus. Wearable devices can distinguish between infection and non infection diseases with more than 85% accuracy. But what does this mean for the wider population? And could this negatively impact on people’s mental health? In the study, thirty one participants were inoculated with H1N1 and eighteen were inoculated with rhinovirus. Whilst using wearable devices, the equipment was able to distinguish between infection and noninfection. The devices for H1N1 participant’s results were 92% accurate and 88% accurate for those who were inoculated with rhinovirus. As the infections were detected before showing symptoms, this could be helpful in the long run to stop the diseases

from spreading. Consequently, this outlines that it is probable to use technologies to prevent the spread of diseases and limit the impact of these diseases in hospital. Thus giving priority to other patients i.e., cancer patients. Whilst this could prevent the spread, it could also perhaps eradicate the viral diseases in the long run. Obviously reducing the death rates of these diseases and causing a lower impact on vulnerable groups who are affected each year. Whilst this seems promising -that technology has advanced so much that a non-invasive device can detect such diseases - as the study was only conducted on a small amount of people it’s hard to predict the effects on the entire population. In accordance, they should have perhaps measured mental health in relation to an increased track in their health. Most of the time people

who constantly track calorie intake, lead to damaging their health rather than helping it. What makes a smart watch that detects diseases any different? Moreover, a constant tracker that can detect disease before people show symptoms could lead to mass populations growing paranoid. Essentially, increasing the damage on people’s mental health. Not only could this heighten paranoia but this new device could marginalise those who can’t afford it. For the UK, the smart watches can be available for free. Although, they may only be free for certain age groups – who are more prone to dying from such diseases. This then means that potentially life saving healthcare could be withheld from poorer communities, setting a monetary gap between who gets to live and who can’t. How then would the government decide to administer the new technologies? Would everyone get it, for the sake of fairness, or would the cost be too great that only the rich could access this type of health care? In conclusion then, whilst this seems like a promising result from the study, the results may differ when tested on a bigger group of people. It could also provoke fear around health and potentially become privatised healthcare. With all this in mind, it seems obvious that such devices could cause more harm than without.

Image: Free SVG

quantum world?

Joshua Watson - NSR Deputy Station Manager

How can scientists inspire curiosity for Schrodinger's Cat?

ith the international physics community planning a yearlong celebration of all things quantum in 2025, we thought it would be a good time to review the general public’s understanding of the most interesting and controversial areas of physics. And while Richard Feynman’s quote ‘’I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics ‘’ is still very true to this day, some understanding is better than nothing. By why should anyone have any understanding of Quantum Physics? Well, a large amount of this area of science has been used in every part of your life - whether you know it or not. If you ever wondered how your device keeps getting smaller, lighter and thinner? As the semiconductors within your devices begin to shrink they run into all the problems of the quantum level. And in the future with talk of Quantum computers - devices that go beyond the binary on/off system that traditional computers are restricted to - becoming as common as the PC, understanding how all this tech works might save you an expensive future visit to Curry's for a repair! There is also a strong argument to make that an understanding of quantum mechanics can radically change someone’s worldview - similar to learning a new language. This idea has had some academic backing, notably Kristina Turner’s paper ‘Big ideas in education: Quantum mechanics and education paradigms’, and leads to an interesting theory that students studying in the traditional school system end up with a ‘Newtonian’ framework to view the world. While I find some of the metaphors brought up in this article questionable, the basic premise holds. So how is this knowledge current dispensed to the average joe on the street? By far the most common form this knowledge takes is through popular science books. Works such as Carlo Rovelli’s ‘Reality Is Not What It Seems’ often act as good introductions, great additions to the coffee tables of those interested in learning the ideas of physics without having to wallow through pages of the detailed equations that make up most of my current coursework. These books are fine but can often feel rather similar. Most cover the same ground (Schrodinger’s Cat, the Double Slit Experiment and the Uncertainty Principle) and often don't delve deeper into the subject due to the need for complicated mathematics to explain and describe what occurs at the quantum level. Another method of science education,

Images: Wikipedia and Pixabay

which has been very effective in the field of astrophysics, is the documentary. Prof. Brian Cox, well known for talking about the start of the universe while staring off into the distance in some tropical location, has been the face of this movement in the UK with many presenters from around the world following suit. While this medium has had some success in the quantum world - see ‘The Secrets of Quantum Physics’ by the BBC and Netflix's ‘The Most Unknown’ - it has been far outshone by its Astrophysical counterpart. This is due to how easily Astrophysics conforms to visual media; when the most interesting aspects of quantum mechanics are phenomena that cannot be observed, it is hard to say that Quantum documentaries give a full showing of physics. And I must admit - looking at the photos from the Hubble telescope will always make better television than some animated balls bouncing around. In all this, I have neglected to mention education’s role in explaining the phenomena of quantum. Well, here is the thing. Without all the super complicated maths I have been alluding to throughout this article (and trust me reader - it is indeed super complicated) it is almost impossible to test for an understanding of the field. Now, this should not be a problem. As we are all too aware, school is an intuition of testing, not teaching. As a result, even the simplest understanding of quantum theory is left as a footnote or fun thought experiment with no more than a single question at the end of the paper checking if the pupil has some idea that the particle/wave duality exists. This is particularly disappointing to me - however, I will save you my screed about the issues with the education system for a different article.

The Hubble telescope will always make better television than some animated bouncing balls Having thought more about this subject, I return to the Feynman quote from the beginning of the article. It is hard to teach the general public about quantum theory because by its very nature it is almost impossible to understand. Unlike areas such as kinematics, electromagnetism or even nuclear physics - quantum does not have any real visible effect on the world. One cannot point out the window and stop the actions taking place, so much so that even under perfect lab conditions observing the particle will cause the quantum effect not to occur. So my only hope for 2025 as the year of Quantum is that, by then, at least someone will understand quantum mechanics.

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Monday 6th December 2021

Relationships

COURIER

The irresistable nature of the 'bad boy' Being alone

Erin Fox

Leather jacket clad and mysterious, who can resist the allure of a 'bad boy'?

t some point or another, the comment “we all like a bad boy” (sound familiar?) will have been thrown into the conversation, and I can guarantee that at least one person agreed with it. At the time, this overall consensus might have been brushed over, but maybe it’s time to consciously think about the ‘bad boy’ more closely. Everyone, including myself, can recognise the ‘bad boy’ from a mile away - whether they are strutting on the big screen, breaking hearts in books, or simply catching your eye on a crowded street – they capture your attention. With their tousled hair, chiselled body and brooding persona, what else can women do but swoon? But the question that everyone really wants the answer to remains - what makes the ‘bad boy’ so attractive when there are plenty of suitable partners out there in the world? There is an endless list of expectations for women to abide by, and it can be considered taboo to deviate from the setout plan created by said expectations. From having a successful career, being in a stable relationship, and the eventual dropping of hints in relation to starting a family, women’s lives are dictated by everyone else’s desires. When all of this pressure becomes too much, who can women look to for a sense of escapism? Cue the slo-mo entrance of the bad boy - bringing unpredictability, excitement and rebellion into

a mundane life (whilst simultaneously looking extremely hot) and changing up the game. With zero expectations and an adventurous aura, obviously, a woman would want to risk it all for a chance to be with them, even if it’s not necessarily the right choice. In fact, according to Robyn McKay (PhD psychologist and co-author of Smart Girls in the 21st Century), women do possess traits such as rebelliousness. However, these traits are suppressed during childhood, and women are socialised into being compliant and agreeable – hence the stepby-step life plan is ingrained into their lives. The attraction to the bad boy therefore represents the side to them that women feel is unexpressed,

and that when with him they have the chance to vicariously reveal their adventurous side.

'Bad boys’ of the world exhibit masculine qualities that may lead to some form of commitment.

Furthermore, a study published by Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2012 stated that during ovulation, women found themselves thinking that sexy ‘bad boys’ were more likely to become loyal partners and better dads in the future, compared to the ‘reliable’ male counterpart. Apparently, these so-called 'bad boys’ of the world exhibit masculine qualities that may lead to some form of commitment. Yet the short time frame of this thought process indicates that when the rosetinted glasses come off, Mr. Right is actually the exact opposite, and the bad boy persona just won’t cut it anymore. So, the ‘bad boy’ may not be a long-term aspect of a person’s life, and romanticising them as Mr. Right might not be a reasonable expectation. However, the thrill of escaping reality even for a short amount of time breaks up the monotony women constantly experience, giving them a chance to feel free from the constraints in their lives. And yes, you can continue to gush over the fictitious, mysteriously unavailable bad boys with a soft spot for that one girl Image: IMDB – I know I will.

The 'truth' about sex? Meg Howe - Head of Life & Style

The definition of sex is complicated, so let's uncover it's 'true' meaning

n most definitions of the word ‘sex’, one will encounter at least one of the following things: intercourse and/or reproduction. The social taboos surrounding sexual activity have conditioned us to associate sex with the act of procreation, meaning that we also seem to only acknowledge penetration as the only form of ‘correct’ sexual activity. Early theories surrounding sex and gender claim that in sexual encounters women are ‘indifferent’, which makes it all the more important for me to discuss sex from a feminist perspective; in turn, helping to bridge the orgasm gap, too. Much like everything else in our lives, sex is a unique and personal experience. It’s something that has a different meaning to all of us, and I believe this makes it unpredictable (in a good way)! I most certainly don’t use sex for procreation, nor are my sexual encounters always penetrative, so does this mean that it doesn’t have some kind of meaning for me?

I believe all of these experiences have had some degree of value in my life. I don’t mean to sound like a rom-com - well, maybe I do - but sex can be such an intimate

experience; a chance for self-growth. Just like trying new foods, sex has worked as a way for me to figure out my likes and my dislikes, and has allowed for experimentation. Making myself vulnerable, as I believe sexual encounters tend to do, has allowed me to not only explore myself, but has allowed me to share myself with another person. Writing this, I’ve realised that, at the time, the sexual encounters didn’t have this meaning, but this seems to have been a bi-product; something that I’ve only realised long after the encounter itself. I think this is why I have no regrets when it comes to these encounters: I believe all of these experiences have had some degree of value in my life, in one way or another. Scientifically speaking, sex makes you feel good. The “rush” that we might feel with consensual sexual encounters actually is a surge of dopamine. Dopamine plays a huge role in the way we feel pleasure. Therefore, I think we can scientifically state that sex makes us happy! Whilst this surge of dopamine does occur through orgasm, it’s not limited to reaching climax alone. Dopamine is released as a product of sexual stimulation, which can be achieved without reaching climax. Sex is something that makes us feel good; not only physically, but mentally too. As mentioned above, sex is considered to be an act of penetration. Society conditions us, therefore, to believe that sex is an encounter between two people. However, since having discussed the importance of sex to release dopamine, it is

necessary to highlight masturbation. 'Solo sex', as some may call it, has neither the aspect of another person nor the aim to procreate. Since solo sex is, of course, solo, there can be no pressure. Solo sex has all the benefits of non-solo sex, except there is no pressure. I believe one of the purposes of solo sex is to explore yourself. And whilst society may lead us to believe this, it’s certainly not something to be ashamed of! The 'truth' about sex is that there is no universal truth. Sex is something that is unique and personal. To me, sex is fun; sex is the opportunity for self-growth; and sex is a time to make myself vulnerable and connect to people in a way that would not be possible otherwise.

Image: Pexels

doesn't have to be lonely Gabbi de Boer - Relationships sub-editor

You may be tempted to go to crush FOMO, but how about taking time to yourself?

he world is a big place, and sometimes, being alone makes it feel even bigger. It can seem like the end of the world if you’re not surrounded by people, or if you’re not always out on a Saturday night. But sometimes, being alone can be the best thing for your mental health. Becoming an adult means new responsibilities - be that university, a job, or moving away from home. It can be scary if you have no support system in these unfamiliar settings, and sometimes all you have is your own company. And that’s okay. Being an adult can be busy with almost no time to yourself. The only person you will spend 100% of your life with is you, and in this modern age, being able to be comfortable with just your own company is something we all need to learn. FOMO, driven by social media, certainly contributes to the illusion of having to be constantly surrounded by friends, or that in order to be #winningatlife you need to be in a relationship. The pressure to be sociable and always involved can feel like an incoming tsunami - wave upon wave of anxiety or guilt that doesn’t stop until you give in. Even if you know you’ll hate it, you still go; it’s not until you’re out that you realise you’d rather just not have come at all. Always being surrounded by people can become a drain on mental health, but even so, you still choose to go, because anything’s better than being alone. But maybe the fear of being alone isn’t as scary as you first thought. Many fear that if they aren’t always involved, they’ll lose friends or be cast out of social circles. True friends wouldn’t do this - especially not if you need it. Some people just simply aren’t comfortable in their own company, or don’t know what to do on their own, which is perfectly valid too. We’ve been conditioned to think that being a loner or an outcast means something is wrong with us. Maybe it’s time we learned that being alone isn’t scary or boring, it’s actually self-care. Maybe it’s taking extra time to do a nightly routine, or watching a show you’ve put on your watchlist for the last 6 months. Maybe you want to tidy part of your house, or try that new, slightly complex recipe you’ve not had a chance to yet. Just do whatever you’ve pushed aside because you’ve felt the need to be social. It doesn’t make you selfish and it certainly doesn’t make you antisocial, it makes you feel better. Relationships and friendships shouldn’t define who you a r e , only you can control that, and only you truly know what makes you - you. Image: Pexels

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Monday 6th December 2021

Relationships

Sponsored by Harry's Rate the Date

Ruby Journalism, 21

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Lifestyle

Being an Introvert in a world full of Extroverts Georgia Purcell

How can we rectify the false perception people have of introverts?

ave you ever scrolled through Instagram on a Friday night on the sofa, watching countless stories of friends on nights out, and simultaneously desperately wanting to join them, whilst also being perfectly happy curled up at home? When Carl Jung coined the terms 'introvert' and 'extrovert', far less was known about psychology and the human brain than we know now – but even now we use the terms to describe ourselves, often in a very limiting way. Viewed as polar opposites, extroverts are seen as the people who spend all day every day surrounded by friends, enjoy nothing more than a night out, and plan coffee dates like they’re going out of style. On the other end of the spectrum sit the introverts: quiet and reserved – think Mr. Darcy at the beginning of Pride and Prejudice. I think a really important distinction to make here is the idea of the spectrum; so often we’re asked if we think we’re an introvert or an extrovert, but the very idea that someone is expected to be consistently one is so limiting and unforgiving. Although coining yourself one or the other isn’t necessarily a bad thing to do, the knowledge that each day is

different, and that we aren’t defined by labels, is important to keep near the front of your mind. The expectation that someone who appears to be extroverted will always be ready to welcome a massive social gathering leaves little room for that person to take any time for themselves, and almost places a responsibility on them to be the life of the party, regardless of anything else going on in their lives. This same idea goes the other way; introverted people are portrayed so often in media as quiet and introspective and as being much more comfortable with an evening of Netflix than a night out. But this presentation isn’t always possible in a society that places so much importance on high-intensity social engagements, especially with the drinking culture around university life. With the move to university, a delicate balance has to be found between the social elements of uni life and the preservation of both mental health and academic workload, which is not always an easy thing to do. I heard someone recently describe it as ‘an extrovert’s world’ when she was struggling to get motivated to attend a social, and it hit deep. There’s so much pressure to attend every night out and organised social event, especially after a year of closures, that it can be hard to say no, even if all you’re craving is a hot water bottle and a feel-good film. The takeaway from this is that it’s alright – whether you feel most alive when dancing to ABBA in Flares, or when you’re curled up on the sofa, there shouldn’t be any pressure to feel like you have to conform entirely to the definition of extrovert or introvert – after all, each day is different and should be taken as it comes. Image: Pixabay @Mohamed_Hassan

Friends are better over letter Molly Taylor - Lifestyle sub-editor

etter-writing is something we often associate with the years before phones and computers. Nowadays, it’s so easy to keep in touch with friends and family over text and email, that it has fallen out of common practice. I love writing letters because it feels tremendously more personal than a short ‘Hi, how are you?’ text message, which will inevitably be responded to with a ‘Good thanks, what about you?’. Watching my mum write letters since I was young has instilled in me a desire to put pen to paper rather than finger to screen, and has also made me realise the creative potential of writing letters, which can allow you to reflect properly on your day, week, or month with a friend who you know will respond back with an equally reflective and insightful letter. Letter-writing also develops a feeling of closeness to the person you are writing to. Similarly, receiving a hand-written letter feels extremely personal, and makes me incredibly grateful that someone has taken the time out of their day to write something to me, which they then proceed to fold up in an envelope and post into a letterbox. Having known that I enjoy writing letters, I decided that I was going to find a penpal from a different country when I was 16. I really

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Monday 6th December 2021

wanted to learn more about another culture, and connect with someone who I had never met before. After a bit of searching, I found various websites and forums that were built purely for people to find penpals. I posted an advertisement on a penpal forum on Tumblr (I know, how very 2016 of me), and received an email from a lovely girl in Hungary. We exchanged a few emails, and then our addresses. Since then, we have written to each other ap-

I love letter-writing because it feels tremendously more personal than a short text proximately once a month for the last 5 years. My epistolary relationship with her gives me a lot of joy, because I’ve never had a friendship that feels so connected despite us never having met one another. We are both interested in very similar things: crafts, Wes Anderson, reading, and films, and finding someone I would otherwise never have met is something I really cherish. We have been penpals through the highs and the lows of each other’s lives, and she feels like a really great friend to me, despite never having met face-to-face. I hope to one day fly to Hungary and meet her in person! Image: Pixabay

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Gossiping

Nasty or Natural? Scarlett Welch - Food sub-editor

Meg Howe - Head of Life and Style

ossiping tends to have very negative connotations. It is certainly the case that gossiping can be harmful and spread hurtful rumours. However, it’s not all bad. Gossiping is a stereotypical female trait, and historically women have been demonised for it, despite evidence which suggests that people of all genders gossip just as much as each other. On average, people gossip for 52 minutes a day. So if everyone gossips this much, why do we claim that we hate it? As humans, we are instinctively interested in other people. Unsurprisingly, if we hear something interesting about another person, we want to discuss it and pass it on, and gossip is born. It’s how a lot of news travels, whether it’s about celebrities or people we know. Think back to recent conversations with friends - who can honestly say that a lot of the subject matter wasn’t about other people? Whilst some gossip can be nasty, a lot of it is neutral or even positive. It can help us to learn about others, to bond with those who trust us with gossip and to give and receive advice on situations. And despite pretending we don’t, we all enjoy it. Of course, gossiping can get very nasty. If what we are gossiping about is untrue, or someone has told us the information in confidence, it can be harmful to pass it onto someone else. But this is an issue of what we are gossiping about, not the act of gossiping itself. So unless it’s malicious, carry on gossiping!

ossiping is something that everyone does, but this definitely doesn’t make it right. I’m going to be quite frank here, and say it as it is: I don’t like gossiping! Gossiping is a bad habit and nobody deserves to have their personal lives discussed behind their back. And yes, I hear you: “gossip isn’t always bad”, but if you’re talking about somebody, it’s very easy to slip into negative discussions of that person. I think the biggest issue I have with gossip comes from the fact that we do it when the person/people that the gossip is about aren’t around. It’s normally never something we would say to their faces! Secondly, think about the way that gossiping might impact someone’s life. Things that people do and say can be taken out of context, and it seems as people that we’re very easy to jump to the conclusion that someone has done something wrong. Gossiping about someone’s actions could seriously damage their reputation. And whilst gossiping may begin as something minor, it’s very easy for these things to turn into pretty huge allegations. Not only that, if you aren’t the empathetic type, think about the damage this could do to your reputation! If people think that they second they leave the room you’ll be talking about them, you’re very quickly going to lose friends and people won’t trust you anymore. Finally, we live in a world full of joy and excitement. And despite how cheesy this sounds, wonderful things happen every day that deserve to be spoken about. I truly believe that if the only thing you and your friends do is gossip about others, then you really are boring people! My advice to you: find something else to talk about! Maybe your favourite music, TV shows or films; discuss what’s been on the news; or your plans for the weekend. But stay away from gossip, it’s just downright nasty!

Images: Pixabay @7089643

A cheap & sustainable gift guide

Lyndsey Sleator

hristmas- a time of good food, reunions with loved ones, and gift-giving on sometimes extreme levels. While Christmas presents are a lovely way to show friends and family how much they mean to us, have you ever thought about the environmental impacts of your gift choices? According to Business Leader, 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging is generated each year in the UK at Christmas time. This is a stark statistic that we can all collectively alter by making small, simple changes to our shopping behaviours, while also enjoying the sparkle of Christmas! Here, I'll show you some amazing alternatives which will not only leave your pocket feeling happy, but our planet smiling too.

Refillable and natural soaps and deodrants There are many fun and sustainable deodorants and fragrances available online and on the high-street, but one that stood out to me was Wild’s refillable and natural deodorant. Not only are there amazing, seasonal sets such as Toffee Apple, but the deodorant is also in a case that you can then keep and refill with your next replacement, reducing the copious amounts of waste from deodorant cans while also reducing air pollution. Plus the trio set is only £12.99!

Reusable water bottle Reusable water bottles have taken the world by storm in the past couple of years as saviours of plastic bottle waste, so why not treat your friend to a Chilly’s bottle starting at just £15 and available in many creative designs and colours?

Get creative and make your own amazing gifts Why not get artsy and make your own personal Christmas cards and gifts? You could help in saving the 8 million trees used each year at Christmas by making your own or by reusing last years. Simply cut off the front and make it into a Christmas postcard! You could also get into the Christmas spirit in the kitchen by making your friends and family some Christmas treats such as Christmas shortbread or reindeer brownies! All wrapped up in a reusable fabric knot wrap from Lush for only £5- wrapping paper is an especially important change to make as per 1kg of wrapping paper produces 3.5kg of CO2! Plus, the gorgeous reusable fabric can be used for many other purposes, so is a gift in itself for the beholder!

Give the gift of green What is more lovely than a new houseplant or cactus? Instill some green in your friend’s life with a plant that will not only make their space feel refreshed, but will also give back to the environment in producing clean oxygen - yay! Christmas can be what you want it to be - there is no reason for excessive spending and giftgiving to show your loved ones that you care. Excessive consumerism is just unnecessary, and through giving gifts which care a little more for the environment, you are helping make the world a cleaner and happier place. Image: Pixabay @Memed_Nurrohmad

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Monday 6th December 2021

Lifestyle

Newcastle's Coffee scene: A cafe for every occasion

Image: Pixabay @FloweroFDestiny

For Brunch... There are so many good cafes offering fab food options if you're seeking out somewhere to go for brunch or lunch. A good option if you're feeling especially gluttonous is The Dispensary, lurking just below the Business School - if you're going with a friend, 'hack' the menu and order a breakfast and a pancake stack, then split and share to get a taste of both savoury and sweet

coffee

It can be hard to get any work done at home, and maybe the silence of the Robbo just isn't where you work best. If you like a little conversational hum in the background of your study sessions, as well as some coffee to motivate / wake you up, then here are some of the best coffee shops to study at in Newcastle. Camber Coffee is just round the corner from Monument, and has a lot of vegan options as well as nice views of the hubbub of the city and lots of single seated tables. Flat Caps in Carliol Square has very good coffee and is filled with tonnes of plants for a very nice, studyesque vibe. Also, for a couple of options further out of the city, try Shoe Tree Cafe or Heaton Perk for relaxed, aesthetic, yet pretty quiet places to get some work done.

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For Studying...

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ewcastle has TONS of good, independent places to study, grab a quick social coffee, or go for brunch. Here's a selection of places which may range from your already firm favourites, to new places you may want to scout out...

Right on our campus, you could check out The Grand or Northern Stage for a quick coffee break between your lectures and a catch up with course-mates. Pink Lane near the station also makes for a great location for a little meet up over some very good coffee. The Ouseburn also has a bunch of good coffee places, including Kiln and Northern Rye, both of which also do great pastries and cakes if you're in the mood. If coffee isn't your thing, you could alternatively check out Bubble T Break on Cross Street, nearish the station, for what is (in my opinion) the best bubble tea options for a pretty decent price. They also have a nice little seating area indoors if you're wanting to stay in and chat with a pal. There's also Tea Sultra Teahouse about five minutes from Campus, which offers a wide range of teas and also food.

if you're on the fence as to which extreme to go for. There's also a couple of incredible vegetarian (with very good vegan options) cafes you can check out for brunch - Little Green in Sandyford has full breakfasts and french toast alongside a delicious seasonal menu, and Supernatural near the station has a very cute interior and offers an extensive list of breakfasty/brunchy/lunchy options, whatever you're fancying.

Whether you want a break or to try some incredible coffee, here is your ultimate guide to coffee and brunch in the Toon.

For meeting friends...

Maud Webster - Head of Culture

gr st a n I ge: Ima

The era of the Photodump

Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Comment sub-editor

What has changed about the way we use Instagram?

nstagram. We've all grown up with it, we've seen how it's changed. From a photographers gallery to adopting an aesthetic, the platform has evolved dramatically since its launch in 2010. Now, we're moving into this era of the 'photo-dump'. Embracing the unaesthetic has never been more aesthetic. Social media has, since its inception, been a way to socialise and catch up with friends. Within this, you can easily tell everyone what you're up to. Quick snap of a cocktail on your

Image: Pixabay @USA-Reiseblogger

story? You're on a night out at a bar with your girls! Beachside tanned leg photo? Holiday goals! Early Instagram was far different to the platform we know today. It was like an art gallery - photographers posting snaps of wildlife and destinations. At least, when I naively had the app at age 11 that's what I saw. It was around 2012 that things started to change. YouTubers and influencers quickly noticed that the platform was a brilliant tool to build a brand upon. For a long time, Instagram posts became contrived and almost staged. You'd see Mickey Mouse ears in Disneyland, hundreds of photos with mint green in them (I must admit I did partake in buying everything mint green... I even have my room painted that colour!), skater skirts and having ombre hair. Any 2000's kid can recall at some point hearing the phrases 'Which filter should I use?' or 'I need a perfect caption!' and even 'I don't know which photo to post!'. Images on our feeds were so well thought out and focused on likes alone. We posted for aesthetic and not for ourselves. Of course, it hasn't been like this for many years now. At some point in the late 2010's,

many people gave up on having the perfect feed and started taking Instagram less seriously. The rise of body positive and empowering influencers has helped this change happen. Emily Clarkson is one of my favourites! Now, many people are aware of the message that what you see online isn't real and have changed what they output to reflect this. This brings us into our current era of Instagram and the brand new 'photo dump'. In 2017, the app gave its users the ability to add multiple photos and videos to one post rather than just one. Adding this feature completely transformed feeds. Some users opted to utilise it as a progressive tool and show how a day/holiday developed, whilst others were able to add photos and videos from one event rather than two or three posts. One fun use of the feature I've seen is people adding memes to their posts - adding a balance of humour makes the app so much easier to engage with. Now, you're able to see a person's unfiltered side without having to fit into a 2015 Pinterest-made aesthetic. In 2021, nothing is more quintessential to Leeds now than the elusive 'photo-dump'. It has no boundaries, no requirements. The photo-dump is a mish-mash of singular moments that work together to paint a candid picture of a person's life. The point of the dump is to post less and post one feed block. But, its other impact is driving against aesthetic conventions and creating an un-aesthetic, yet beautiful insight in to who a person truly is. It's beautiful to see the platform being used in such a liberal fashion that expresses personality rather than a fake feed filled with posed moments. 2021 will, for me, be the year of the un-aesthetic. Nonetheless, this will change in the future and the photo-dump will be another of Instagram's lost eras. But for now, the 20's are changing Instagram for the better - this is only the beginning.

When do you cut off a toxic friend?

Kate Benson

s a child, we were never taught boundaries. I can't believe it took me until I was 23 to learn about them - they have already changed

my life. Boundaries were explained to me in Michelle Elman’s book ‘The Joy of Being Selfish’. What it means is putting your needs first, and not expecting other people to meet your needs for you. You have to be your top priority. This can include saying no to events you don’t want to go to, not always being instantly available for people via text or call, and MANY other things. How many times have you been in friendships which don’t make you feel good? I hope you can say none, but for me, that’s not the case. When you are younger, it gets reinforced that you have to put up with people you are friends with and there’s no option to end the friendship. I remember having arguments in primary school and being forced to accept their apology and go back to normal. I didn’t want to be friends with them - but what choice did I have? If I didn’t forgive them, I would be seen as a horrible person. Reading Michelle’s book made me realise that you don’t have to do this; you can have a friendship break up. She uses the phrase toxic behaviours rather than toxic people because ‘we are not our behaviours’. We all have toxic behaviours which we need to work on, including gossiping - something that is normalised but is a sign of poor communication and poor boundaries, and can’t be part of healthy friendships. I have definitely been guilty of this. Something important she highlights is that ending a friendship is not a failure, and it can be hard to realise this. You can still have had amazing times with the person, you can still love them; but people grow and change and sometimes friendships just won’t work anymore. If you have grown and the other person can’t accept this, or if you have friends that don’t respect your boundaries or make you feel bad, it might be time to break up or have a time out. Communication is key in this scenario. You wouldn’t end a romantic relationship without telling your partner. In Michelle Elman’s book, she sets out templates of how to text somebody to explain that you need to have a break from the friendship. Poorna Bell, tweeted ‘Easier said than done but we should normalise/encourage making new friends in our 30s and 40s and not holding on so tight to friendships that naturally drift... My friends mirror my life where it currently is - not where it was 10/20 years ago. I still have my old friends who are very dear to me, but I think as we evolve, the people in our life must evolve too...’. I think this is relevant and can also apply throughout your life. I can’t say I have been particularly good at implementing this so far, but I am learning. It takes time when you have been brought up your whole life thinking that you have to cling onto friends and put up with anything. Implementing these boundaries in your life may make people think you are selfish. WSo, have a read of the book and start making those boundaries! It will change your life for the better.

Image: Instagram @recollectedself

Monday 6th December 2021

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Fashion & Beauty

COURIER

Winter wardrobe wants

Olivia Channing

Winter wardrobe stables inspired by timeless classics and current trends

hen it comes to dressing for this winter, I think we all might be finding it difficult to leave behind the ‘Stay At Home’ tracksuit bottoms and oversized hoodies we’ve all come to love over the past year and a half - but instainspo is certainly making me feel more enthusiastic about ditching the sweats and embracing more ‘put-together’ winter ‘fits. My ‘dream’ wardrobe for the new season includes garments and styles adorned by the most impressionable of today’s social stars. Accessories, Actually: I have always admired Keira Knightley’s Love Actually wardrobe but her iconic baker-boy hat has always been something of a pièce de résistance – and this year claims no exception: brightly coloured and patterned hats are, for me, the stars of the show this A/W season. From berets to beanies, designer or depop, hats are the ultimate accessory to change-up a staple outfit and bring colour to generally cooler and darker toned palettes; and my love-affair with simple but effective accessorising doesn’t stop at headwear. Scarves and gloves can also bring fun to any minimal ensemble. Keep It Cosy: Although integrally important to a winter ‘fit, accessories can

only be accessories if they have a main-show to complement. Time and time again big knits, long coats and poufy puffers trail the way in colderclimate dressing, and all three feature in my ‘dream’ wardrobe. Turtle-necks are consistently a favourite of mine, and this year I’m looking for them in every colour: they’re not only perfect for still looking put-together amidst UK snow showers, but they’re versatile too – wear them with jeans, tailored trousers or with a mini-skirt and tights. Like accessories, don’t be afraid to play with bright palettes and pattern combinations when it comes to knitwear – the bolder the jumper or sweater vest, the better. As for coats and jackets – everything from trench coats to bomber jackets are sparking my clothing envy this wintertime; and they share with turtle-necks in the gift of versatility too.

Don't be afraid to play with bright palettes and pattern combinations when it comes to knitwear

Blondes have more fun, or do they? The trending question: is it 'over' for the supremacy of the blondes?

ove over blondes - your fun is over. For years, blonde hair has been so coveted that people were willing to stick to sWtrict routines of bleaching their roots every six weeks. But maybe it’s time different shades took the stage. During lockdown, many people experimented with their hair colours, and at-home hairdressing became a way to entertain ourselves. From at home bleaching experiments, to shaving hair completely off, no ones head was left untouched. And maybe with the world slowly rolling back into action, more natural hairstyles could be the go-to for everyday styling.

Image: Instagram @legallyblondemovies

Image: Instagram: @ emmalouiseconnelly

Chunky but funky: Moving head-to-toe, I can’t not mention winter footwear. Fulfilling everyone’s 90s and 2000s dreams, this year chunky black boots are certainly taking to the street-wear stage and I want a pair for myself. Whether they be Chelsea or knee-high, these boots come in various chunky forms and can be worn with just about anything. For me, the pair taking the spotlight are Steve Madden’s Duke boots – thankfully, dupes are

The Blonde Bombshell... Is blonde hair moving out? Gabbi De Boer - Relationships sub-editor

definitely available on the high-street and might just be kinder to my bank account. For a more low-key look, another pair of boots are making a comeback – UGGs. Although a cause for a divide in opinions, I have to say a pair of short black UGGs are definitely on my wish list. Not only are they weather-appropriate, but they look street-style-casual when paired with baggy jeans and a jumper – great for making long Christmas shopping days that extra bit comfortable. Christmas-Party Classics: my ‘dream’ winter wardrobe doesn’t just cover day-time accessorising and layers – socials have been providing me with dressed-up-drinks inspiration too. My favourite trends? Patterned tights and tartan prints. Bring something different to Christmas-catchups with polka dot legs or a tartan miniskirt. Pair both together with some boots or chunky loafers for a cute but cosy look.

There is also much more awareness around bleach damage (possibly due to disastrous lockdown bleach attempts), with less people willing to put their locks under that kind of stress. The turn to healthier lifestyles with less chemical involvement and plastic consumption may be be a big reason bleached blonde, especially, is becoming unpopular. On average, it takes 45-100 foils for a full head of bleach. Obviously, this is very unsustainable, and hair bleach isn’t particularly good for the environment either! As well as this, beauty and fashion trends are becoming less and less Eurocentric. Representation in the media is becoming more diverse, and we are finally moving away from Western beauty standards based on child-like features. There is a wider acceptance of natural hair colour and texture, with less emphasis on needing to fit into a box of what is considered ‘beautiful’. Although having blonde hair isn’t necessarily unfashionable, high-maintenance bleached locks are becoming unpopular. Even classic celebrity blondes such as Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid are going brunette (what would Marilyn say!?). People are realising that it’s just not worth it anymore healthy hair is beautiful hair.

Image: Image: Instagram @gigihadid

Image: Instagram: @abellalondon

Smooth like velvet Emma Rutimann

opularity of 90s/Y2K style continues to dominate our Instagram feeds worn not only by our favourite influencers, but also by many fellow uni students, and this style, by no means, excludes luxe velvet fabric. Given our chilly days in the Robbo and the recent snow in the Toon, velvet is deservedly enjoying its place in the limelight again. Trend or timeless ? Definitely timeless. The versatility of velvet enables it to be worn in a multitude of ways creating countless pieces. Velvet's rich history also contributes to its timeless aura. In fact, the first mentions of the fabric are found in the 8th and 10th centuries in Syria and Iran! When velvet reached its peak of sophistication in the 15th century Ottoman Empire, it symbolised a sense of royalty, aristocracy and luxury. The presence of the fabric on the Fall/Winter 2021 runways like Dolce & Gabbana secures the timeless element of velvet clothing. Even at affordable prices, velvet manages to

capture an opulent, elegant and powerful but still exclusive style all at once. Juicy Couture cannot go unmentioned and has made a major comeback since the pandemic with a modern adaptation and is currently sold at Urban Outfitters and JD Sports. The fun and fashionable loungewear brand is not only convenient for cold and cozy days in Jesmond, but also makes me feel more put together with its street-style sensibility. Peachy Den, one of my favourite emerging brands, produces an array of velvet pieces ranging from their ‘Slinkys’ to cardigans to their famous and flattering jumpsuit titled ‘The Kernel’. These, in particular, come in many colours including pink, blue, maroon and (the very trendy) brown and are rather unique, causing them to sell out within days of restocking. And we can't forget about Reformation! Athough expensive, their velvet party-wear range is to die for. This red two-piece with the square neck crop-top, and ruched mini skirt, is firmly on my when-I'm-rich wish list.

Image: Instagram @juicycouture

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Year Abroad Diaries

Elana Shapiro

Europe is known for it's Christmas markets and what a better way to finish the year than exploring one of the best

his week saw the opening of many of Berlin’s Christmas markets. With the alarmingly high number of Covid cases in Germany threatening their closure, and another possible lockdown on the horizon, I have spent the week trying to see and do as many things as possible before places are shut. Germany is often associated with Christmas markets and although I have been told by several people that the ones in Bavaria are far better, the few markets which I visited in Berlin have not disappointed by any means. However, I would also like to acknowledge that there are many markets recommended to me which I have not yet visited, and the ones I will go on to discuss are not necessarily the best ones to see, just the ones which, by chance, I have. 1/ Alexanderplatz Market. These have been open the longest, for a couple of weeks perhaps, and I have been a few times. I enjoyed a truly amazing apple strudel with custard here and there are a lot of great traditional German food options on offer. The markets are conveniently located right in the centre of Berlin, which also means that they are always very busy and a key attraction for tourists. When the topic of Christmas markets arose whilst speaking to my boss at work, these were the only ones which she advised against visiting. 2/ Zoologischer Garten. Whilst this market is not especially big, it is definitely a case for quality over quantity. Set in the shadow of the stunningly beautiful Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and shrouded in glittering Christmas lights and various spectacular illuminations (including a giant Santa), this market is also home to some incredible craftspeople. There is also the typical and delicious selection of Bratwurst, Currywurst, waffles and crepes, should you become hungry whilst browsing the stalls. 3/ Historical Market at RAW Cultural Centre (near Warschauer Strasse). My visit here was short but sweet – I went briefly with a friend before going to watch Berlin Ice Bears take on Manheim in an ice hockey game, the ticket for which was also undoubtedly the best 13 euros I’ve spent since being here. This ancient market is the only one on the list which required an entry fee (I think it was only two or three euros), however it was also the most interesting, with traditional German foods and drinks, a very large nativity scene, donkeys, and different rides. There are different activities to try, fully outfitted performers, a large bonfire going on, and I felt I definitely could have spent more time here to fully appreciate everything going on.

Monday 6th December 2021

Travel

My Dream Christmas Holiday Katie Siddall -Sport sub editor

Disney Land or Disney World would have to say, and I believe most would agree, that the best place to spend Christmas Day would be at Disney World or Disney Land. For me, either will do! If we’re thinking on the lines of Disney Land, then I would have to say Disney Land Paris. Why? Well… I’m not one for travelling long distance in planes to begin with but also it’ll, hopefully, be SNOWING! I imagine that Disney Land California doesn’t get much snow and for me, Christmas needs snow. The snow needs to be fluffy so that it doesn’t turn to slush and the snow fall has to be light and stays in your hair – just like in the films. I will let you in on a secret – I have already been to Disney Land Paris over New Year; however, this was when I was seven and I cannot remember it. Writing this article is like I have never been… Going back to the imagery of snow, I also imagine Mickey and friends to be dancing, singing and laughing in the nightly Christmas parades (whilst it snows, of course). The lights, the animations, the floats just being phenomenally amazing as I stand

with my family, which includes my two younger giddy brothers (aged nine and six), beaming as our favourite characters walk past us. During the days at Disney Land Paris, I would love to get on as many rides as possible with as little queuing as possible. Luckily this is My Dream Holiday so I can dream big, which means there would be no queues at Disney Land – I know this won’t be reality but imagine queuing for less than 30 minutes. That is a dream! As well as the many rides I’d hop on, like Roger Rabbit’s Toon Town Spin and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, I would also be queuing to meet the Disney Princesses. I have many photos of myself with the various princesses and characters, as well as the autograph book that every seven-year-old carries around the park. Even at the ripe old age of 20, I still want it to be acceptable for me to get their autographs! Big kids can get autographs and photographs with characters too! Try and stop me. I just want to be able to feel like a child again who doesn’t have to pass her second year at university; therefore, I cannot think of any other holiday I would rather be on than Disney Land Paris at Christmas. The magic there makes you feel happy, makes you feel alive, makes you forget all the cruelty in the outside world

Jude Parkinson

A Vienna

Image Credit: Thomas Evraert on Unsplash

Christmas in Vienna sounds to most like something straight out of a story book. The city puts on a truly magical array of Christmas festivities, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, it’s bound to get you in the Christmas spirit. Certainly, a winter destination dream for many. Vienna, Austria’s capital city, is situated in the north-east of the country, nestled between the foothills of Alps and the Carpathians Mountain range, boasting spectacular panoramic views. The city on Christmas eve and Christmas day is open for business, unlike most European cities which shut down, meaning you can spend Christmas day browsing the shops and dining out, making the most of your Christmas day abroad.

There are Christmas markets around every corner in Vienna, however their most impressive has to be The Viennese Dream Christmas Markets situated in front of the city hall. The baroque backdrop boasts as an impressive site for markets stalls overflowing with gifts, food, handmade Christmas baubles and decorations bringing plenty of seasonal joy. Similarly, Christmas Village Belvedere Palace is host to over 40 festively decorated stalls offering endless hand-crafted goods and festive culinary delights all which can be admired in front of the Viennese palace. The advent concerts which take place at the city’s landmark, St. Stephan’s cathedral on Christmas eve, are show-stopping. The breath-taking architecture paired with classics performed by choirs, musicians, and festive carols is a unique experience! There are endless options of festive things to do during the lead up to Christmas day. For example, walk through the Rathauspark, a small park just off from the city centre. Illuminated by trees wrapped in lights, you follow a trail of hidden displays which often depict nativity scenes and some of the city’s biggest landmarks too. Another display, infamous in the Christmas season in Vienna, is the giant glittering chandeliers. This display can be found on most of the pedestrianised areas around Vienna. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a hot drink alongside some ice-skating. Austria has its own take on mulled wine called Weinachtspunsch which comes in a variety of flavours and from December to February, Vienna transforms its city hall square into a huge ice-skating rink one of the biggest open-air rinks in the world !

Image Credit: Jacek Dylag on Unsplash

So, you're a commuter student, are you? Rebecca Williams

Commuting students are a group that often get overlooked, but they endure many struggles on a daily basis

ou're sitting in a lecture and the person next to you says: “You commute? No way, me too!”, right after they’ve just explained how they sometimes catch the Metro into university from Jesmond. Yet, in reality, they don’t commute in the same way that you do. Hidden amongst the masses of students who have travelled far and wide across the UK and the globe to attend university are the students who chose to go to the university ‘right on their doorstep’ – or rather, more than a few Metro stops away. These are the students who wake up at 06:00 am, and probably again and again every five minutes until their next alarm goes off at 06:30am, to embark on the long journey (and by long, we sometimes mean more than one hour) into university after making our way through our sleepy morning routine. It’s no secret that living at home is often a choice made based on financial, or personal reasons. Yet despite the money saved and those promises of washed clothes and free food, the struggle is real. In fact, the commuter lifestyle can be as precarious as that of the #StrappedForCashButLivingTheU niExperience student. Of course, the living out experience comes with various challenges, but it is often perceived that commuter students have

it easier than those who have moved out simply because they live ‘rent free’ (which, I might add, not all of us do!), or because some of us may have less responsibility when it comes to maintaining a household.

It is often percieved that communter students have it easier One such challenge is the stigma that is attached to being a commuter student. One student who regularly travels into the university, often on a journey that takes roughly one hour, expressed concern that commuter students are “underrepresented” at university, particularly in societies. Often, the commuter lifestyle is not considered when societies meet, and commuters face criticism for not staying out late when they need to catch the last Metro home, or if they are unable to attend certain events due to the challenges of public transport. There are plenty of times that commuter students have been called out as “flakes” for being unable to attend socials due to the dependence we have on public transport. Of course, public transport is not always an obstacle to commuter students, and we are aware that taxis are available to use if we miss the last Metro home. However, it is not always possible for commuter students to just get a late taxi back, or drop everything and travel in at a moment’s notice because living further out of town means taxi prices go up quite quickly. The commuter lifestyle actually involves much more planning than this. Of course, the commuter lifestyle is not completely without flexibility and there are plenty of

perks to being a commuter student. We’ve already mentioned those extra pennies that can be saved up, meaning we can afford to spend a little bit of extra cash on club or society socials when we are able to make it. Also, living with our families means we are easily able to stay in touch with our parents and other relatives, so we don’t miss out on family gathering as much as some students may do. Given that we are also from the area, we happen to know a lot of the cool places to hang out and recommend to our classmates. Commuter students contribute to the diversity of the university. Is it time that commuter students had better represention at universities?

Image: Wikipedia

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Recipe of the Week: Italian Bean Casserole Jake Watson

This week's recipe is a hearty Italian bean casserole, perfect to combat those winter blues

don't know about you, but Storm Arwen has got me hunkering down in my flat, watching Richard Curtis films, and gorging on lots of bread. Winter feels like it has arrived faster than any of us were expecting this year and with this weekend's dusting of snow across the city, you're no doubt feeling the need for a few hearty classics on your table. This week, I offer you an Italian Bean Casserole. Classic, warming, and a great way to get your protein without eating meat, this humble dish of goodness is a real winner for every night of the week. Ready in just over an hour and with very little preparation, this is a great one to let simmer away whilst you get wrapping those presents. Serve it with mash, or a few great hunks of Sourdough (try PureKnead's, if you fancy a treat).

Monday 6th December 2021

19 Food & Drink Five food bloggers to feed your feed Autumn Keil -Film sub-editor

A guide to the best North East food bloggers for all your foodie inspiration

ewcastle is fast on its way to becoming one of the best cities for food. Full of small up and coming eateries in places like Haymarket and Stack, as well as in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Heaton, Sandyford and Jesmond, it can feel hard to navigate the hundreds of places serving food from the world over. Luckily, Instagram is full of foodies happy to share their experiences and recommendations..

Method: 1. Grab a large casserole or saucepan and heat the oil on a medium heat. Add the diced carrots and celery and stir until softened. After about 8 minutes, add the leeks and cook for 4 minutes. Then stir in the crushed garlic and 50ml of wine (pour yourself the rest). Let the wine cook out and let the ingredients reduce for a few minutes. 2. Once reduced, add the tomatoes and lemon zest to the pan, plus a little seasoning. Add the vegetable stock and allow to simmer at a medium heat for 3035 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally. You're aiming for the liquid to reduce and thicken and for the vegetables to be tender. 3. Finally, stir in the beans and cook for 5 minutes. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the oregano and lemon juice. Give it a taste and add some more seasoning if you need it. 5. Spoon into bowls and add a little oregano to garnish.

Image: Instagram (@june.d.arville)

@geordiefoodguide

What to expect: Run by Blyth based foodie Elizabeth Wilson, @eatingaroundthetoon is most noticeable by its striking selection of images jam packed with food. There seems to be a focus on burgers and pizzas,and Elizabeth also travels out and around, in cities like Leeds, as well as Newcastle- giving a broad view of Northern Restaurants. Due to her following, she also has some sponsored content, giving you a heads up to new businesses opening in the local area. This account is an essential follow for any local foodie.

Run by Victoria, her recent posts cover Greek, Italian, Fast Food and Asian Fusion. The Geordie food guide is an account featuring a huge range of cuisine, as well as coverage on newly opened food outlets in Newcastle. Each caption details exactly which dish Victoria ordered off the menu, which is super helpful if something catches your eye. Keep an eye on the vast range of food on offer in the city and follow this account.

@eatwithlottie Newcastle student Lottie Jenkins, offers a great perspective from someone who has recently moved to the city. Every post is ful of enthusiasm and detailed praise for the venue, often including details about the experience of dining as well as just the food. Lottie is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, so expect a run down of where you can find the best cup of coffee in and around Newcastle. If you are looking for student approved spots, this is the account to follow.

@acannycuppa What to expect: Jo is a self proclaimed cake lover, and her account is a bright colorful feed of sweet treats, with the occasional coffee, cocktail or cuppa alongside. Her jolly, emoji adorned captions describe the dish and tag the venue, so make sure to check out this account before you head out for your next cake-fuelled study date.

@ne1.for.seconds

You will need: - 1.5 tbsp olive oil - 200g canned borlotti beans, drained and rinsed - 200g canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed - 2 celery sticks, roughly diced - 2 medium carrots, roughly diced - 1.5 leeks, trimmed, washed and sliced - 1 garlic cloves, crushed - 50ml white wine - 400g can of chopped tomatoes - 1 lemon, juice and zest - About 400ml vegetable stock, hot - A handful of fresh oregano (some goes in, some to garnish)

@eatingaroundthetoon

Image: instagram (@eatingaroundthetoon)

What to expect: Run by two sisters, Ne1.for. seconds definitely takes the best username title. With story highlights based in major UK cities such as Leeds and London, as well as detailed recipes for great bait such as nachos and a variety of dips in their “Sunday Scran” features, NE1. for.seconds is packed full of food content. Their Newcastle based reviews cover restaurants from within the city, to Jesmond and as far as Whitley Bay, with a focus on takeaways. Prepare for your next night-in and give these a follow.

Image: Instagram (@geordiefoodguide)

Review: Twenty Twenty Newcastle Meg Howe - Head of Life & Style

wenty Twenty opened its doors to the public on 19th November 2021. Owners Darren Todd-Smith and Mark Van Hoppleswate have taken the opportunity to step foot out of their comfort zone and successfully open their own bar and restaurant. The name Twenty Twenty comes from their astonishing selection of twenty cocktails and shocking 20 inch pizzas, as well as a much needed allusion to the astonishing year in question. Twenty Twenty is open Wednesday through to Sunday, from 12 until 2am, serving coffees, brunch and, of course, the infamous pizza. And having that 2am license definitely makes Twenty Twenty all the more unique!

huge, blue, neon sign entices you in before you’ve even had a chance to look at the menu. Upon arrival, the staff who greeted us were polite and friendly, which is always a bonus! The interior vibes were immaculate: a mixture between red brick walls and experimental art work. The perfect atmosphere to enjoy the delish pizzas! I do have to say that my favourite part was the fact the menus were shaped like newspapers… I wonder why that is? We then ordered cocktails! The alcohol section behind the bar was by far one of the biggest I’ve seen. Out of the twenty cocktails, we decided upon an espresso martini and a watermelon iced tea, which I have no complaints about. Then the main event: the 20” pizza. Between the two of us, we opted to share a ‘Keanu Leaves’. The stoned baked

The exterior of Twenty Twenty completely outshines any other building along Bigg Market Whilst Twenty Twenty have pushed their 20 inch pizzas as their number one dish across their social media channels, their menu is much more vast. Ranging from a selection of small plates and starters to “the boujiest popcorn in the Toon”, Twenty Twenty really do have something for everyone. Their pizza’s all have uniquely fantastic names, which really lends itself to the cultural vibe of the place. They have a huge selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, but what I think really makes Twenty Twenty’s pizzas better than anywhere else is that every pizza can also be made with Vegan ‘Cheese’ and Vegan chargrilled ‘Chicken’ at no extra cost. Finding somewhere that offers these alternatives for free really highlights how progressive this new establishment is! The exterior of Twenty Twenty completely outshines any other building along Bigg Market. The

Image: Meg Howe

base was topped with a delicious tomato sauce, with mozzarella, goats cheese, beetroot, green leaves and a balsamic glaze. It wasn’t like a pizza I’d ever had anywhere else. The small, unique touches really make, what could be a pretty bog standard pizza, stand above anything else I could get from an independent chain in Newcastle. On the whole, I would rate Twenty Twenty 5 stars out of 5. I’ve been waiting to save a five star rating for something pretty fantastic, and I have to say that Twenty Twenty did not miss a single mark. From the cosy, warm atmosphere, to great staff and even better food, my experience at Twenty Twenty isn’t one that I’ll be quick to forget, and I’ll be returning again - very soon!

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Monday 6th December 2021

Music Spotify: death of a shuffle button Lyndssey Sleator

Are running orders an art in themselves?

n an increasingly commercialised music industry categorised by fast streaming, music superpower Adele has taken a stance in favour of artists’ creative intention by making Spotify remove the shuffle button at the top of albums. But why should we listen to albums in order? We have lost the art of deep listening to short attention spans and the power of singles, leaving us with the question of whether albums are even necessary in a world where attention is only given in short bursts. I think albums are not only necessary but crucial to allowing artists to take listeners on a journey; a journey preserved by the death of the shuffle button. An album is a story and I am a firm believer that authorial intention in music should be recognised just as much as those who write books- and true fans will always take the time to listen. Many albums are moulded in a way in which the songs

merge into each other and listening in order is not only crucial to the sound but entirely essential to the collective meaning behind the work. An incredible album that comes to mind is Tyler The Creator’s impeccable 2017 project Flower Boy, an album that would not be the same if not listened to in order as it could easily be one masterpiece of a song flowed as one. Music is an art and a journey of artists’ minds. Even listeners mould their playlists in this way, as I am also guilty of creating my own playlists on Spotify in an order in which the songs merge together as one as there is something so satisfying about this connectivity in music and musical flow- songs on their own are amazing but listening as an

BRIT Awards remove gendered categories Maud Webster - Head of Culture

t’s a couple of months til the 2022 Brit Awards, and organisers have recently announced that they’ll scrap genders categories in favour of two, non-gendered categories to cover artist awards. Other award shows, including the Grammys, removed their gendered categories in 2012, a decision praised by many artists. Rather than choosing a best British male solo artist of the year, and female counterpart, the new award “Artist of the Year” condenses these two gendered categories into one. The same change will be made to the International Solo Artist of

Image: Twitter (@MoTheComedian)

the Year award, which is currently also separated into "male" and "female". Organisers explained the move by arguing that by "celebrating artists solely for their music" will help make the show more "inclusive" for non-binary artists. Even regardless of the very important inclusivity element, the move makes so much sense - why be seen as the best solo artist of X gender rather than just... the best solo artist, full stop? Last year, Sam Smith criticised the gendered categories: "The Brits have been an important part of my career … Music for me has always been about unification not division. I look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in. L e t ’ s celebrate everybody, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality and class.” 2022's Brit Awards will be hosted by the comedian Mo Gilligan, and held on the 8th February at the O2 Arena.

ordered collective is how meaning is grasped. Adele has given her own reasoning to this move, stating on Twitter that “We don’t create albums with so much care and thought into our tracklisting for no reason..” and while many may argue that this change is entirely undermined by the fact that you can revert this change in you Setting, I don’t think this is the point. The point is that it has finally been recognised by the biggest music streaming platform in the world that artists spend years on curating an album and at least deserve for their work to be listened to in the way they intend it. This is a clear victory for the human side of music.

Image: Pixabay

We have lost the art of deep listening to short attention spans and the power of singles, leaving us with the question of whether albums are even necessary in a world where attention is only given in short bursts.

Image: Wikimedia

An Evening

Adele

With Silk Sonic

Rowan Christina Driver

Martha Lilli Probert

An artist’s past is not an artist’s present. Adele’s first release in six years, 30, is different from its predecessors, yet delivers timelessness in the singer’s authenticity. It is more than just an album; it is a journey. Unlike most current pop releases, 30 offers traditional musicality in melodic piano motifs, old-school jazz and soulful ballads. This material harbours an overwhelming contemporary openness. Containing interludes of dialogue. Adele bares all, discussing feelings of loneliness and mourning for the memories she will never get to make. These interludes in fact contribute to the album’s resounding intimacy - it can often be easy to dehumanise stars, but this album encourages a reexamination of such perceptions. Just like the feelings we can all understand, she is lonely, and she is heartbroken. It’s not the explosive “break-up album” we see here; it’s not the pieces falling apart, rather, the pieces are being picked back up again. It’s the stages of this woman’s grief, followed by a process of resolution and acceptance, and the catharsis found in the eventual emergence of hope. Ultimately, Adele delivers her most personal body of material to date; 30 is the epitome of raw emotional outpouring. It is a testament to the ability of artists to diverge from expectations while remaining stylistically true to themselves. While for some it may not be the off-the-bat crowd-pleaser they anticipated, it’s an authentic piece from start to finish. “Cry your heart out, it’ll clean your face”, Adele sings – if this is the case I won’t be needing to invest in any facial scrub for a while. In swapping elaborate metaphorical lyrics for naked honesty, we are provided with the kind of emotion to which many can relate. Adele hasn’t simply given us what we want to hear, she has given us something she truly connects with, and thus something we can truly believe; she has yet again provided us with a masterpiece in album form, but did anyone really expect any less?

Silk Sonic

Way back in February of this year, during the (thankfully final) lockdown, Bruno Mars made an announcement that lit up the hearts of music fans worldwide. He was teaming up with Anderson .Paak to form a new band, aptly named ‘Silk Sonic’. .Paak was a critical darling, who had opened for Mars on his 2017 world tour; Mars had not released an album since 24K Magic in 2016, and anticipation for new music was high. On March 5th, 2021, ‘Leave The Door Open’, along with ‘Silk Sonic Intro’, was released, reaching the top spot on BillBoard’s Hot 100. Over the coming months, two more singles appeared, confirming an albeit very long build-up to the eventual release of a full album, which – to my immense excitement and, frankly, relief – was released on November 12th. The album in question is a masterpiece in the modernising of classic soul and funk. Bootsy Collins is a more than appropriate feature; his influence runs through many of the album’s basslines, giving it an at once nostalgic and fresh feel. Indeed, the opening four bars of ‘777’ could be pulled straight from a Parliament album. The P-Funk inhabits ‘Fly As Me’, too, a track punctuated with an energising, percussive bassline and underscored with an undeniably Seventies’ soundscape. The album’s lyrics are suitably suave, and often possess a knowing sense of humour and selfawareness, which not only adds a sense of levity to the album as a whole but constitute a heartfelt acknowledgement from Mars and .Paak to their musical forefathers. For me, the album truly comes into its own with its middle triptych – ‘After Last Night’, ‘Smokin Out the Window’, and ‘Put on a Smile’. The lush production, evident throughout the album, comes into full effect here. Rich harmonies, deft percussion from .Paak and some of Mars’ best ever vocal work come together to produce three tracks that could each contend, in my eyes, for the best song released this year. Amidst the winter blues, this album brings soulful warmth. If anything can get us through the coming exams and essays, it’s Silk Sonic!

Monday 6th December 2021

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The cherry on top: a Bake Off Finale to remember Jess Bradbury - Film sub-editor

Bake Off 2021 is finally over and we have a brand new king of the tin! MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE BAKE OFF FINAL

t’s a year that’s seen Italians win the Euros, Eurovision and gain a record number of medals at the Olympics - but their biggest achievement to date has to be Guisseppe winning the finale of The Great British Bake Off.

Each of the bakers turned out something beautiful, but it was Guisseppe's panna cotta that had the judges enthralled.

It was the episode that boasted possibly the most even playing field for any final yet, with all three bakers claiming the title of star baker twice and numerous Hollywood handshakes held between them. Who was going to win? It was nearly impossible to tell - with fan favourite Jurgen being knocked out in the semi-final, it was anyone’s game. Crystelle and her beautiful aesthetics, Guisseppe’s precise and perfectionist methods and Chigs’ ability to pick up any recipe and turn out a masterpiece, despite only baking for a year, meant

strong competition. I found myself oscillating between who I wanted to win - Guisseppe had been my favourite throughout the series, but it would have been so heartwarming to see Chigs win with only a year of experience under his belt. Similarly, seeing reigning star baker Crystelle finish on such a high would have felt like the cherry on top of the cake, as it was clear to see how much baking shapes her life. But in the end, it was Guisseppe who took the crown and with a wholesome dedication to his father, was crowned the winner of the series. Watching the episode with a group of friends, we all gave a loud cheer as Noel announced his name at the end. But the winner wasn’t the only highlight of the episode, of course, the bakes looked as delicious as ever. First up in the signature was a carrot cake - a bit of an odd choice for a finale in my opinion. It was an even start, with none of the bakers really excelling at the challenge - Guiseppe’s was too soft, Chigs’ too rubbery and Crystelle’s too wonky. The technical saw Crystelle's firstever win as the recipe simply told them to “make Belgian buns” and nothing else. But it was the showstoppers worthy of a Mad Hatter’s tea party that really took the biscuit. Each of the bakers turned out something beautiful, but Crystelle’s raw focaccia saw her go out of the running almost immediately. Chigs’ Cheshire Cat cake in the Leceister City colours made me chuckle and Guisseppe’s panna cottas had the judges enthralled. It was a finale that was mainly free of any drama, all the tension bubbling under the surface of the cool bakers, but

even still it was highly enjoyable and I will miss watching the programme until it returns. If the GBBO finale taught us anything it’s this - Italians really do everything best. Image credit: Bake Off, tYouTube

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Hawkeye - Barto Emma Leask

Marvel's most underrated Avenger becomes a mentor to Kate Bishop in Hawkeye. Image: IMDb

The Witcher - set to bless our screens once again Which shows get ou Maja Mazur -Arts sub-editor

ver the last couple of months, Netflix has been teasing fans of The Witcher releasing clips, trailers and posters of Season 2. So, what do we know about the show two weeks before its premiere? Two years have passed since the release of the first season, which turned out to be a great financial success, finding an audience not just among fans of the book. As a reminder, Season 2, similarly to the first season, is based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series (specifically Blood of Elves) and not CD Projekt Red games. That being

said, the trailer is full of easter eggs and monsters, such as leshens, that fans will instantly recognise from the games. The show mainly focuses on the story of the witcher Geralt, the sorceress Yennefer and the powerful granddaughter of the queen of Cintra, Ciri. In the trailer, we can see Geralt and Ciri arriving at Kaer Morhen, an old keep, where witchers are trained. I’m excited to see Ciri learning how to fight and control her powers, and I'm hoping that the show will not only present her as a badass warrior but also a morally

ambiguous character as in the books. I think the casting of witchers is promising, although it is a shame that Mark Hamill won’t appear as Vesemir, as rumours had it. What we can guess from the released materials, is that this season will focus more on elves, their history and their plans. In the trailer, we see an elven queen, Francesca Findabair. A mysterious character for many as, despite being one of the most powerful sorceresses, she doesn’t appear in games. The heavy makeup of Nivellen didn’t prevent fans from recognising that he is played by Kristofer Hivju, Tormund from Game of Thrones. However, it is probably the change of the Nilfgaard armour that excited viewers the most. Fans made fun of the weird black armour we saw in the first season, and showrunners clearly listened to criticism. Now we see Cahir in an impressive armour, which is a considerable glow up. As a fan of both the book series and games, I can’t wait to see season 2 of The Witcher. I’m still a bit sceptical about Yennefer’s plotline, which was the biggest letdown for me in the previous season, but I still believe that the show won’t disappoint me this time.

Image: IMDb

Miranda Rebecca Sykes -Arts sub-editor

’ll surely be tuning into the BBC sitcom Miranda this Christmas (and hoping they make another season!). It’s all about great family, friends, well-meaning mayhem, and the pressures of family, friends, and well-meaning mayhem! A perfect watch for everybody at Christmas! Series 3, Episode 1 of Miranda opens with typical shenanigans, but at Christmas. The Christmas cheer is infectious from the festive decorations, the squabbles with friends, the making up with friends, and the Christmas carolling. Trying to escape Penny (Patricia Hodge) and Tilly (Sally Phillips), Stevie (Sarah Hadland) and Miranda (Miranda Hart) run into a very festive square and into a group of Christmas carollers. Stevie belts out ‘I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on’, finding her ‘thing’- a hobby all characters start the episode trying to find. Miranda takes the next line…and let’s just say carolling is not her thing! Ultimately, though, the sentiment of Christmas is ‘I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on’, and it’s only echoed in every immensely funny and joyful episode of Miranda.

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Monday 6th December 2021

on's opportunity to shine at last Review: The Beatles: Get Back

Arthur Brown

he festive season meets the action and excitement of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Marvel’s newest Disney+ show, Hawkeye. The show follows the most understated of the Avengers, Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), in a post-blip New York, two years after characters. Avengers: Endgame. There he meets Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) , a young woman skilled with a bow and arrow and who is about to bring a whole load of trouble his way. The action starts from the beginning of the first episode, introducing Kate’s backstory and her involvement with past events. Fans will love seeing references to iconic scenes from the movie. It made for a powerful opening scene, as it is clear to see Kate’s emotional connection the Avengers’ history, as well as to Hawkeye himself. It seems that we’ll be seeing a Tony/ Peter type of mentor and mentee relationship develop between Kate and Clint, with the two becoming involved in an unprecedented way and burdening Clint with no doubt more than he bargained for upon becoming an Avenger. There’s an instant watchable dynamic between the two of them, with Kate being sarcastic and full of energy and Clint being his usual under-the-radar self. Clint is seemingly struggling with imposter syndrome upon the series' opening too. Kate is already a very skilled archer, but she needs the tuition of Clint in developing her abilities and for dealing with the consequences

of putting herself in dangerous situations. Clint is also dealing with his own problems, including his grief following the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), as well as juggling family life with being in the public eye. In the first episode we see him wearing a hearing aid, a reference to one of the many long-term impacts of all he has been through and influenced by comic iterations of the character. There are constant reminders all around him of the friends lost (including the iconic Rogers: The Musical scene), and it’s a refreshing change to see a hero dealing mentally with what his actions. Overall, this show promises to provide an exciting new storyline, with fabulous characterisation.

Image: IMDb

our writers into the Christmas spirit? Gilmore Girls Carly Horne -TV sub-editor

o matter what Christmas looks like for us this year, there's no doubt I'll be tuning into Gilmore Girls to get into the festive spirit. Lorelai and Rory do nothing by half measures - and Christmas is no different! While the show's usual tone is light-hearted and fun, there's something about Stars Hollow over Christmas that just gets me in the mood for festivities like no other show. From that beautiful scene where Luke builds Lorelai an ice rink, to another where the family come together when Richard ends up in the hospital (timed alongside a Gilmore Family freezeout) - Gilmore Girls never really goes to a dark place with its plot. From the twinkling lights covering the Town Square, to the awful nativity plays produced by town locals; to Santa Claus burgers and the snowfilled streets of small-town Connecticut - Amy Sherman-Palladino's classic will always be my first choice of show on the lead up to Christmas.

Blackadder's Christmas Carol Carly Horne -TV sub-editor

delightful inversion of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas ghost yarn, Blackadder’s Christmas Carol takes the wonderfully awful Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson)… and makes him quite the opposite. The ‘nicest man in England’ Blackadder navigates a night of ghostly visitations… which has the opposite effect of the Scrooge spirits. Christmas, whilst a peaceful time for joy and reflection, is also a concentrated explosion of pressure to perform sterile, picture-postcard perfection. From presents to presence, it's practically impossible for the average person in the space of a day. A cynical reading, I concede. But the comedy of Blackadder resonates with me in this sense – it makes a dryly funny mockery of the virtues of some great, constructed Christmas spirit. (Those, which, I do believe we should all aspire to, but not on some seasonal principle of personal pleasure, but as genuine virtues for our everyday life). The familiarity that emerges as Blackadder returns to his self, however, instils the cosiness of Blackadder’s Christmas Carol. It is a festive watch that is richly draped in the Dickensian aesthetic of roaring fires, plush nightgowns, frostdusted windows – despite being a frank inversion of classic Christmas narratives. Blackadder’s Christmas Carol is a favourite of mine, one which allows itself to be both festive and funny. In the words of Baldrick (Tony Robinson), Have a ‘Messy Merry Christmas!’

The much awaited The Beatles: Get Back has arrived on Disney+.

ith a run time of a l m o s t eight hours, The Beatles: Get Back shows the title artists rehearsing and recording what would become their final album Let It Be. In addition, Get Back is an unrivalled lens into the process, creative genius, and character of the most influential and best-selling band of all time. Get Back is directed by Peter Jackson, universally acclaimed Lord of the Rings and They Shall Not Grow Old director, who spent four years watching and dissecting over 60 hours of film footage and 150 hours of audio recordings. The three- part documentary revolves around a 21 day period in January 1969 when the Beatles must rehearse and record their forthcoming album, to be accompanied by a live performance and film. Let It Be and the

Jackson does a brilliant job in lettering the natural friendships and humour throughout the documentary. accompanying 1970 documentary (from which Jackson uses and restores film), has been historically surrounded by myths of infighting and falling out. Whilst there are moments of drama, such as Harrison’s brief departure from the band and disputes over leadership and musical direction, Get Back paints an entirely different picture of the latter stages of the Beatles existence. Never before have fans been able to see so well the undeniable chemistry that the Merseyside boys share. There’s tension at times, as there are with all friendships, but Get Back allows us to see that the Beatles were the same band, capable of making the same great music that they

had in the past. Jackson does a brilliant job in lettering the natural friendships and humour of the group shine throughout the documentary, allowing the band to feel relatable, even ‘ordinary’ as they discuss what was on BBC 2 the night before.

It’s these moments, where we see the creative process that makes Get Back indispensable for fans. As a fan of the music, the most engaging parts of the series were the conception and evolution of some of the best Beatles songs. In part one, as the band wait for a late John Lennon, McCartney spontaneously creates Get Back, adding lyrics as he pleases. In part three, with only two days to go until their live performance, the band are developing Something, which would eventually feature on Abbey Road. It’s these moments, where we are allowed to see the creative process of these incredibly talented people, that makes Get Back indispensable for fans. For the non-fan, its long run time would feel tedious, and I don’t feel as though it will require a re-watch any time soon. This said, Get Back is a must-watch for fans, and an essential part of the Beatles story, one that continues almost fifty years after the band's separation.

Get Back is a must watch for fans, and an essential part of The Beatles' story.

Image credits: IMDb

Monday 6th December 2021

THE

Film

COURIER

Review: Encanto (PG) - "among some of Disney's best animated work" Mukilan Suresh

Is Disney's animation worthy of marking it's 60th milestone?

isney’s 60th Animation film – Encanto is magical, heartwarming and holds up to its own name by being exquisitely charming. Encanto explores the vibrant and mystical family of Madrigals and makes the audience feel intertwined in its beauty by making us a part of the family itself! Set in Colombia, the film mixes realism with magical elements to make it enthralling. The movie kicks off with the tragic background story of Alma Madrigal, voiced by María Cecilia Botero, on how she receives her mystical powers. When many fleeing natives are killed by European colonizers, Alma is blessed by a river that gives her an eternally burning magic candle. This blessing also isolates their land from invaders and builds them a new sentient home ‘Casita’ for Alma to raise her family and thrive. We are then taken forward in time where Alma is famously known as ‘Abuela’, and she is the

matriarch of her multi-generational Latino family, the Madrigals. We soon discover each child through the generations has received the blessings of the magical candle and gained superpowers. The Madrigals use their blessed powers to help and serve their communities. There is an exception to this rule, our protagonist Mirabel Madrigal ( Stephanie Beatriz) who has failed to receive any powers when she came of age. She tries her best Image: IMDb to help everyone but pales in comparis on to her other family members. Also, she is the first Disney princess with glasses! Mirabel is a brave, loving character with the tenacity to keep her head up even when it seems the cards are stacked against her. Mirabel plays

a complex part in understanding and trying to resolve why their family magic is being lost. She has a wonderful character arc on how she grows to be a true part of this multifaceted family, even without a special power. The world of Encanto mesmerizes you with its marvellous artwork that you would generally expect out of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The lush flora and fauna of Colombia make you feel the warmth of being with nature and its own people. It is hard to forget the exotic tapirs, chilled-out capybaras, and

The world of Encanto mesmerizes you with its marvellous artwork judgmental toucans as you leave the movie theatre. The animations even flesh out the emotions for the ‘casita’, which makes it feel like a thriving family member of the

Madrigals. Each family member also oozes with life, personality, and a myriad of emotions. Unfortunately, there is no earworm in this new Disney musical. The songs 'Surface Pressure' and 'We don’t talk about Bruno' will make you tap your feet, even though the lyrics won’t stick with you. Other than this, the background score is phenomenal and immerses you Image:IMDb in this fantastical world. An exotic setting and a touching storyline coupled with a nice execution show how Disney has grown in its portrayal and storytelling about people from different ethnicities. This is among some of Disney’s best-animated work, and it is a must-watch in the theatres near you. Overall, this movie is like getting a warm embrace from a person you love on a cold winter night!

Does Size Really Matter? Our writers' arguments fo 90 Minutes Maud Webster

-Co-head of culture

weigh in on this pretty contentious issue with the (maybe controversial) opinion that films should have a runtime of 90 minutes: an ample time to tell a comprehensive story, and if whoever is making the film doesn’t think so, then it should be made into a TV show instead. When films verge over this, my attention span peters out, I get restless, and the film doesn’t have as much of an impact on me. And I’m sure in this Tiktok, content flooded, constantly

moving visuals shoved down your throat society, most people would find the same. Maybe if all films were undeniably on-the-edge-of-your-seat captivating then sure, make them longer. But most films are not. Many films are bad. So stick to ninety minutes, please. Then again, I admit to often watching films at 1.5x speed so you should probably disregard this opinion.

Image: IMDb

2 Hours

Selin Hasan

s someone who watches a lot of films, I feel quite confident in saying that the best length for a film is 2 hours. With that, there’s time to fit in enough dialogue and information so that everyone knows what’s going on and situations are explained. But scenes aren’t dragged on forever, and you don’t have any boring filler content that gets the audience thinking about how much they need a wee or the assignment they have due tomorrow. Of course, there are exceptions that I wouldn’t

Preview: Nightmare Alley - a neo noir look What can we expect from Del Toro's latest horror venture?

he next film from prolific Horror/ Thriller director Guillermo Del Toro has received its final trailer before its mid-December US release. Nightmare Alley brings viewers into a dark, star-studded world inspired by the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsay Gresham.

Image: IMDB

The film, which does not explicitly centre around supernatural elements, is something perhaps a little out of Del Toro’s comfort zone. Most recently helming 2017’s Academy Award

Given the critical success of Del Toro's work, Nightmare Alley will be one to look out for come awards season The film focuses on an uncanny world of the carnival, accompanied by hallucinatory elements and a Neo-Noir aesthetic that will likely leave audiences distrusting what they are seeing at any given moment. The cast, including the likes of Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe and Toni Collette amongst others, gives the film serious star power, in doing so putting pressure on

Winner The Shape Of Water. Water. and before being best known for Horror-Fantasy Pan’s Labyrinth, Labyrinth, Del Toro has demonstrated many times what he can do with the more overtly supernatural, and although Nightmare Alley promises to be something of a departure on that front, the trailer makes it clear

he has not left behind his dark tone and penchant for period pieces. The 1940s era of the novel gives Del Toro the perfect setting to build off. Given the critical and awards success of some of Del Toro’s previous works, as well as the immensely talented cast at his disposal and the huge budget that brings with it, Nightmare Alley will be one to look out for come awards season if his vision is fully imagined. Sadly, it seems UK viewers will have to wait a month longer than their counterparts across the pond, with Nightmare Alley being currently slated for a January 21st release.

Image: IMDb

Mitchell Hall

Del Toro to get the best out of such a wide cast of talents.

change, such as Inglourious Basterds (153 min) and Reservoir Dogs (only 99min) which are obviously famous not for their run times, but although neither are 2 hours, both are the right length for what that film had to say. Some would argue that the perfect length for a film depends on the film itself, but it’s not that deep. If you have too much story to fit into 2 hours, then that’s too much information for one person to digest in one sitting. Some films are just too long. For example, The Irishman (209 mins) which I tried 3 times to get through- but it had too many endless conversations and a painfully slow pace that I didn’t expect from Scorsese. I understand that it’s deliberate as the film spans over 50 years, and the scenes that did interest me were exceptionally done, but that further proves my point! If the

Review: Hous Autumn Keil

-Film sub-editor

Ridley Scott's newest feature film explores the family behind the fashion house

n the 27th of March 1995 Maurizio Gucci, was murdered by an assasion ordered to do so by his ex wife Patrizzia Reggiani. A story of murder, money, high fashion and passion, the story of the Guccis is one almost readymade for cinema. Ridley Scott knows this - he has owned the film rights to the book the film is based on for nearly twenty years. In House of Gucci, Gucci, what Scott doesn’t know, however, is how he wants to tell this story. The trailer promised a camp, fast paced film alongside meme-able one liners that are now crucial

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COURIER

Monday 6th December 2021

Film

Review: Tick Tick BOOM (12): Love and fear in a time of anxiety Garvit Hora

Is Lin Manuel Miranda's latest film worth the hype?

ick Tick Boom tells the irony-filled story of Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield), whom we follow as he struggles to get his musical Superbia off the ground in 1990 New York. He juggles these artistic endeavours while attempting to make balance with finances, friendships, and romantic love. As the title suggests, suspense is built across much of the film’s runtime. Amidst its anxiety, which is accentuated by Miranda’s heavy-handed camerawork, is a persistently touching narrative. Alice Brooks’ highly expressive cinematography and Alex DiGerlando’s meticulous set design eases viewers into the dichotomies at the core of the film – fear/love, and dreams/reality. Larson’s description of Superbia being in ‘a world where emotion has been outlawed’ allows viewers to read tick, tick… BOOM! as a commentary on the misery of the realities of capitalism. The musical numbers throughout the film are

a celebration of the idea of feeling. This mood is encapsulated by the appropriately titled Therapy, sandwiching the film, which sings viewers through the entanglement of thoughts and emotions. The destitution we see Andrew Garfield amongst showcases the light with which he conducts every song and scene. Together, with Garfield’s passionate and confident vocals across the film, supported by the likes of Robin de Jesus, Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, and more, tick, tick… BOOM! counters the emotional depravity and rigidity we can find ourselves subjected to at the hands of capitalism. Rated 12A, the film very innocently introduces us to these grand themes.

I found myself loving the film's lean towards cliches, however un-naturalistic they may have seemed This same conceptual diversity the film plays with thematically is its hamartia. While successfully provoking high emotional fluctuation with credit

to some of the anthemic songs, Miranda’s direction integrated with the editing can often make the film more scattered than I feel it may intend to. Though it was largely faithful to Larson’s merciless life, in its biographical adaptation, the film’s blows seemed relentless, nearing on futile. Despite the casting and performances being amazing, this clash between stage- and screen-acting was sometimes unpleasant and clunky. The generously naturalistic scenes between the numbers are occasionally unrealised, making the film seem collage-like at times. As a musical, I found myself loving the film’s lean towards clichés, however un-naturalistic they may have seemed. I left the film with a delusional optimism in my aspirations and heightened compassion for my peers. The two hours, however volatile, left me with enough jingles and tunes to stay alight for weeks. Image: IMDb

or what the ideal running time of a film should be film was shorter, maybe I would be a bigger fan. Two examples of perfectly paced films that fall right at 2 hours are some of my favourites: Parasite (132 mins) and Beautiful Boy (120 mins). Parasite,, being a very dramatic and political Parasite story, has tension where it needs it and slows down when it needs to, and maybe that’s what makes it such an incredible watch. Beautiful Boy,, a (more) emotional watch, has the same Boy qualities, flawless dialogue, and is, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made. Overall, a film being 2 hours is ideal. It allows for enough, but not too much, of everything a film needs. Image: WikiMedia

2.5 Hours

Pauline Totry erhaps 2.5 hours is not the best running time for every film. 2.5 hours of Transformers: Age of Extinction might have been a mistake. But many of the best films ever made are unapologetically lengthy. In an audience-led film ranking such as IMDb’s Top 250 Films, only one film from the top 10 is less than 142 minutes. So, if the length does not always equal quality, in general, beloved films run for over 2.5 hours. Of course, a studio is more likely to invest in lengthy films if they are guaranteed

to be commercially successful, which in turn means they are more likely to be directed by an acclaimed filmmaker who can keep the momentum of the film going for over 150 minutes (Scorsese’s The Irishman is one of many examples). But a longer running time also allows for more subtle characterisations and more elaborate plots. With the current obsession with the complex characters and stories of TV shows, the desire for manufactured emotional bonds between stories and audiences is arguably higher than ever. So, avoid resolving your abandonment issues incensed by the end credits of shorter films and turn to the comfort of 2.5 hour-long stories.

Image: WikiMedia

se of Gucci (15) - A film stuck inbetween genres b

Jared Leto is an Oscar Winner. Ridley Scott is an Oscar Winner. The King’s Speech (2010) and Spotlight (2015) are recent modern history

Image: Pxhere & Wikipedia

D IM

Leto creates a caricature that verges on both absurdity and offense.

3/5 stars

Sadly, little about House of Gucci is over enthusiastic. Watching arrests, passionate sex, and a motorcycle escape from law enforcement, the film somehow failed to rouse any sort of excitement within me. Its potentially astonishing content seems muted as Scott appears unable to muster up an original retelling. One scene of dialogue is segued to the next by a quick blast of music straight from a “greatest hits of the 80s” CD. Absent of any thought-provoking craft, House of Gucci moves through the motions of filmmaking. The film is somewhat redeemed by Adam Driver and Lady Gaga. Driver brings depth and subtlety to Maurizio, transforming him from a nervous and hesitant young man, to a suave ruthless tycoon, while still maintaining a goofy charm. Gaga does all she can, and she does it well, to bring to life a wide eyed young woman who becomes enamoured

storytelling and Best Picture winners. But House of Gucci proves, somewhat reassuringly, that even with all the strands of potential for an awards season sweep, without a clear, tangible artistic vision, you can’t sew together a fantastic film. It needs something special, a feeling that captures your imagination and your attention. Gucci itself may have this indescribable allure, but Scott’s film certainly does not.

Absent of any thought provoking craft, House of Gucci moves through the motions of filmmaking

with wealth and power, in a film that isn’t sure how to treat her. She produces vulnerability, sensuality, aggression and humour. Any moments of true dark comedy and outrageousness as promised in the trailer are thanks to her. Jeremy Irons and Al Pacino take on the roles of the oldest Gucci generation present in the film. Their vast experience creates believable, charismatic performances, particularly in their interactions with Gaga’s character, who holds her own against such esteemed performers. Jared Leto’s Paulo Gucci, however, is distracting when alongside these actors. A mix of Borat and Mario, Leto creates a caricature that verges on both absurdity and offense. While this wacky performance may have worked if Scott leant into the extravagance of this true story, it instead stands out and derails any solemn scenes. Paulo was a man who fell from extreme glamour to death in poverty, had many lovers and spent time in prison. Leto, a man known for his extreme commitment to his roles, doesn’t seem to attempt to find any such depth in his Paulo.

to any modern blockbuster. “I don’t consider myself to be a particularly ethical person” muses Gaga over a cup of espresso, “but I am fair”. The film’s press tour has pulled out some truly ostentatious anecdotes, such as Jared Leto claiming to sweat parmesan. It seemed this film was on track to achieve cult status, an over enthusiastic cast of bombastic characters in a truly outlandish story.

Monday 29nd November 2021

Gaming

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COURIER

Should Video Games be political or a form of escapism? John Heycock

Games should be a form of escapism.

've always used games as a means of escapism from the real world. As anyone who has read the Gaming section of The Courier in the last two months would know, I'm a big Pokémon fan. Traversing a fantasy region, with a team of imaginary monsters to help you on your journey, has always provided an antidote to the dramas of real life and I wouldn't want it any other way. Whilst I don't think anyone would suggest bringing politics into the forefront of Pokémon - a game targeted primarily at children - real life politics in any game immediately prevents it from offering the escapism that so many crave when looking for a new game to play.

Even if the game does still seem relevant at time of launch, the political storyline may not age well Politicising games not only removes potential for escapism, but could also cause problems for the development and replayability of games. The

development process of a video game can often Sophie McMillan take several years, in which time the political Games should provide events which the story is based around can become outdated and no longer relevant, given the fast- political commentary changing nature of politics. Even if the game does still seem relevant at time of launch, the political storyline may not age well - leaving he definition of the game with limited replay “politics” ranges value. from person to So whilst including person, some may real-life politics strictly define in games might politics as economic systems sound like an and a position on a political interesting compass, while others concept for may interpret far more some, in concepts as political, practise such as the use of a I think female, homosexual very few or transgender games p r o t a g o n i s t . would Whichever way you b e lean, this wide range able to makes discourse exe c ute surrounding the a politics in gaming very political difficult - but if video stor yline games want to be taken to a high seriously as an art form, standard we need to accept that and manage political, ethical and other to attract a heavy topics will be present, large enough whether this is welcomed by audience to certain demographics or otherwise. Image: ineedtoknow.org make a political Most, if not all pieces of fiction already game a success. offer a viewpoint on what is moral and what is not, which is arguably a “political”

stance. You likely own multiple political games already, whether you realise this or not is another question - some may not recognise or contemplate the required adherence to western-style capitalism in order to progress and “win” in Civilisation and other empire-building games, and that’s ok; even if a game has political themes, you aren’t required to think deeply about them or analyse them critically, though the option should be there for people who want to do so. Political representations in games such as tyranny, corruption, brutality and even the likes of racism and sexism are there to allow people to raise questions, consider their own environments, positions and governments; they are not there to stamp a huge “vote a certain way” over a piece of entertainment. Most games that contain political commentary are obviously not intending to break immersion, but rather to make an impact on the player and allow reflection throughout, and after the story of the game has finished. Many “political” representations can be cathartic and deeply meaningful to players, making the game so much more important to some than simply a piece of escapism, and for others, political storylines can make players more aware of their real-world environments, and spur on genuine action related to the themes they had been introduced to by their games. Obviously, not all games are political - and not everything has to be. For example, Cooking Mama is not going to contain discourse on the Vietnam War (I doubt it ever will) and that’s ok. I do believe some games should provide pure escapism, but some should also be political, whatever your definition of “political” is.

Online Games: a hotbed for right-wing radicalisation Elizabeth Meade -Head of Current Affairs

ccording to Home Office statistics, more and more youth have been indoctrinated with farright views since the pandemic began. How is this happening, and what can we do to stop it? Between April 2020 and March 2021, 25% of referrals (1,229) to the Prevent programme were related to 'Extreme-Right' ideology. Overall, most individuals referred to the Programme were aged 15-20, and 63% (199) of the 317 Channel cases for Extreme-Right ideology involved those 20 or under. 30.8 (per million population) of all Extreme-Right referrals were in the North East. What does any of this have to do with gamers? Many young people use social media daily, and can be heavily influenced by these communities. These online networks make it easy for far-right leaders to target youth. According to The Guardian, UK white nationalist groups such as Patriotic Alternative are targeting youth

through gaming tournaments and platforms like Roblox. The facade of gaming allows extremists to encode their messages as memes or typical gamer chat. As someone who spends a lot of time on the Internet, this content isn't hard to find elsewhere, either. There are plenty of Facebook groups dedicated to right-wing viewpoints, often disguising themselves as dedicated to the study of European culture or traditions. Some advertise themselves as 'Skyrim IRL' or similar and show images of the idealized pastoral fantasy of medieval Europe that right-wing ideology promises. Pretending the groups are simply about Skyrim allows these groups to get past Facebook's moderation rules. Young people without context or critical thinking skills are unlikely to identify this propaganda for what it is. Sites such as Reddit with open forums that cater to all interests and have low standards for moderation tend to foster these communities. While there are relatively few overt extremists on the site, it's not unusual for users to advocate for bullying, harassment and violence towards others. It's easy for groups that genuinely are dedicated to,

say, Minecraft to allow extremists to spread their ideas. Although few of these statements are serious threats, it's not hard to see how an environment such as this allows harmful views to proliferate. Given the ways that right-wing advocates hide

their ideologies, there are few solutions--none of them simple. It is very important that parents are aware of what their children are looking at online, but this can only be achieved through building trust. A teenager who is comfortable telling their parents about their interests is far more likely to be open about their online activity than one who is not taken seriously. Parental controls are helpful but only go so far to prevent young people from accessing political propaganda. Parents and educators need to be aware of right-wing groups, their ideologies and the language they use to promote them. With so many code words and 'dog whistles' designed to confuse those who oppose right-wing views, it's important to be aware of what messages youth are encountering online. Furthermore, youth must be taught critical thinking skills with regards to media from a young age. While all this is easier said than done, a societal shift in our approach to youth and technology is necessary to solve these issues.

Black Friday Deals, worth the wait? Or buy on launch?

W Kefan Chen

hen I'm interested in a video game, I prefer to wait and perform my own research. So I'm saying you shouldn't rush out and purchase a game

straight away. If you're looking to get a thorough picture of a game, there are a number of YouTube videos that might help. Not saying I'd watch anything in whole, but in the case of Metro Exodus, I watched a couple movies and hopped about before making my decision. A wonderful opportunity to establish your own view without spending money. To obtain additional ideas, there are wikis for games where you can get full walkthroughs of the game, missions, and so forth. It all depends on what you're looking for. On the other hand, it depends on how much I'm willing to spend and my current financial status. I'd wait for retail game offers to come around more often in the past. When it comes to Nintendo-published ti-

tles, it seems like you have to wait forever for a discount. So on occasion, I'll simply go right in from the beginning. Image: ggwash With yearly multiplayer games, you don't really have a choice. At launch or not, you have two options: purchase it now, or wait till later. For the last several months, I've just stopped purchasing them since they're no

longer worth it to me. Since it's not dependent on player numbers, games that aren't dependent on player populations are left behind. At this moment, you have the option of either waiting or not waiting. At least for me, I'm going to wait and see. It also depends on the game you are playing. When I'm looking for a good deal, I think about these things: How much would I be willing to spend for this/this kind of game? The creators have made me a fan. Surely, it's a game I've been eagerly anticipating for years. For example, I pre-ordered Monster Hunter: World, Red Dead Redemption 2, Witcher 3, Resident Evil 2 remake, etc. since I knew I'd play them for a long time and enjoy every minute of them. I waited for price cuts on games like Division 2, WWZ, and others before purchasing them. For me, buying on launch is the finest example of placing all your confidence in the hype of commercials and fanboy enthusiasm and relying only on the idea that the product produced would live up to a specific degree of expectation. A new prod-

uct is not merely a "game," but rather part of the company's economic plan, and it seems like you've completely forgotten this reality. Even though we all know that in the real world, things might go awry from time to time. Buying a game or any thing before doing your due diligence means you're effectively depriving yourself the opportunity to learn more about it through after-launch reviews and YouTube clips. If you wait only a few days after the game's release, you can even view full gameplay videos to get a better sense of the game. Not everyone is like me, but if the product I buy is unpolished to the point where it is evident that Quality Assurance and testing were cut down, or if it's just a massive disappointment, I would like a return or better, to not having spent my $60. If a game is on sale, I usually purchase pre-owned so that I have seven days to check it out and return it if I don't like it. Then there are the instances when a game is too short, and it would be better to just return it.

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Monday 6th December 2021

COURIER

Arts

Going NUTS for theatre atr e h T

ty e i c o

Submissions are now OPEN for productions next semester!

Review: Stags and Hens

Review: Posh Jon Deery - Science Sub-Editor

Jake Watson

ampus is brighter again! NUTS are back! After almost two years of being starved of the student theatre we all know and love, things are looking up for the theatregoers amongst us. This week in NUSU's Venue, a troupe of 12 actors take to the stage to reignite Willy Russell's comedy classic, Stags and Hens. Originally scheduled to have been performed in March 2020, Lucy Duncan's directorial debut of Stags and Hens was axed under circumstances I doubt I even have to mention. In a devastating blow to NUTS' semester two programme, the play was forced to be cancelled in its final, fully rehearsed stage - hours of rehearsals just cast asunder. However, when the opportunity for new plays opened this semester, Lucy Duncan picked up right where she left off and got Stags and Hens back on the road again. With a full new cast and backstage team - having spent two years in the dark - this production team is readier than ever to take the limelight. Bawdy, foul-mouthed, and thoroughly Scouse, Russell's Stags and Hens is a comedy of wedding eve nerves, pissy club toilets, and young love. The story follows the recently engaged couple, Linda and Dave (Sophie Chapman and Xander Kennard), who unwittingly rock up at the same grubby club for their stag and hen parties. Stags and Hens in tow, the action takes place in two separate bathrooms; ladies to the left of the stage and gents to the right. Determined not to let the Bride and Groom see each other on the night before their wedding, what follows is a barrage of drunken slurs, emotional outpourings, and a spot of infidelity that could make the whole thing come crashing down. This classic 1970s delight is a humourous and bright look at the whys and wherefores of love, lust and marriage, coupled with a smattering of sparky Liverpudlian accents. Lucy Duncan picked up right where she left off and got Stags and Hens back on the road again. NUTS' production is a triumph. It encapsulates everything that I love about student theatre and I am so glad it's back. From the outset, you're transported to a boozy club of the 70s - hand stamped on the way in, pint in hand, time to take your seats. The set is low budget - as most student productions are - but the cardboard toilet cubicle and the shoebox urinal do nothing but add to the comic genius of this piece. Scrawled on the back walls of the toilets are markers of the time we're in; 'I love Rod Stewart', 'I've slept with more sl*ts than

If you would like to join NUTS, contact nnuts@newcastle.ac.uk.

N Mick Jagger', and every now and then a little drunken existential quote - cubicle food for thought, you know. First to take the stage are the girls. Yasmine Bridge's Bernadette is sharp, fierce, and never lets the act drop. Originally described by Willy Russell as 'The Dictator' of the group, she pulls this role off to a T. Unremmitingly narcissistic: regularly checking herself out in the mirror and constantly playing with her hair, she soon establishes herself as the leader of this drunken pack. Enter Maureen, the constantly-crying, clumsy member of the friend group who is terrified of letting the bride see the groom for fear of it all going wrong. Sophie Macdonald's portrayal is golden. Full of wit and well-timed humour, she very quickly becomes the most loveable on the stage, and not just for her characteristic scouse 'ach!'. These girls have a tight bond and their razor-sharp dialogue hits the mark every time. Taking (or crawling) to stage-left are the boys. Xander Kennard's Dave, our inebriated groom, doesn't utter a single line until the final scene. Rather, each scene is punctuated by his hilarious sprawling around and about the toilet. He doesn't have much to do, but with what he does, he does it superbly. Robbie (Matthew MiersJones) is the cocky lad of the group - unafraid to address his audience as he goes about trying to get with as many girls as he can - Miers-Jones pulls off the role well. Arriving later is Charlie Prothero's Eddy, who is palpably disillusioned and on edge. He's keen to protect his friends and, as the captain of the local football club, is clearly the father of the friend group. Prothero is skilled in his portrayal of his character. Well acted with nuance - he doesn't just go for unbridled shouting but shows varying moments of care and anger very well - Eddy's angst is clear. But, for me, it was Ciara Montgomery's Billy that shone so brightly. Despite having very few lines, her characterisation was immaculate. Full of dazzling facial expressions and little jives, she had the audience in tears. A welcome comic relief to what is a potentially explosive situation. Last but not least, I feel Jon Deery, as our local star and crux of the situation Peter McGeegan needs a mention. Not least for his commendable ability to walk in a pair of flashy heeled boots, but his human and realistic presentation of a guy who has grappled with unrequited love. Stags and Hens is a real treat. It is a slice of Liverpool dished up on our very own campus, and last night, a hit with every member of the audience in there.

UTS has made a fantastic return this semester. Opening their week of shows with Stags and Hens (which I was in, so take Jake Watson’s word instead that it was a ‘triumph’), and closing with the phenomenal Posh, student theatre at Newcastle University has made an appropriately dramatic comeback. Posh, with its two-show run on Saturday the 27th of November, gave the necessary bang to end the week; a breathless tour through the vertiginous heights of British class culture, this production was as polished as the boots of its main characters. The play follows an elite club of Etonians as they get wasted in (and then proceed to lay waste to) a small family pub. It is a direct satire on the infamous ‘Bullingdon Club’, of which, as the programme reminds us, Boris Johnson was once a member. This production doesn’t shy from direct political messaging - our current prime minister is not only name-dropped, but also imitated by the cast. Tom Gill’s Alistair Ryle makes mention of a ‘prozzerrrrr’, his pronunciation unavoidably calling to mind Johnson’s attempts at saying ‘frisbeee’, or ‘veegan’. Even if these pronunciations (and some cast members’ Johnsonian habit of slapping the table to hammer home a point) weren’t intended as direct takes on the PM, this play still provides a withering indictment of the privilege of the current ruling class. This is a difficult play to stage, with such a large cast of even larger personalities all interacting with each other during extended dinner-table scenes. It had the potential to look too chaotic too quickly - but not in this production. The cast worked all together as one roaring beast when roaring was required, slamming tables in unison and moving as one unit, which helped to tell a visual story about this club as a collective. That’s not to say that nobody stood out; quite the opposite. Every cast member had their own moments to take over a scene, and each fully exploited those moments. From Patrick Thompson’s Jeremy, the veteran of the club who talked with tangible excitement at the start about his memories of the Riot Club, wiggling and jerking like a British Mr Burns in his bowler hat, to the boisterous confidence of Harry Villers (Conor Love), whose controlled manipulations at the start of the play were convincing enough that his vulnerably emotional moments later in the play hit with startling force; this cast made a pretty unlikeable bunch of characters unique and compelling. Hugo was played gloriously by Martha Watson, who fully leaned into the self-confident mannerisms of an Etonian, but her occasional looks of indignance, her quick reprimands of other characters, demonstrated Hugo’s greater sense of morality than the others. Callum Ismail strutted around as Dimitri, resting his arms on the

furniture and generally posing like he owned the place. Of all the characters, he looked most at home in this environment, which only made the discrimination he (Dimitri) faced for his Greek heritage all the more outrageous. Lewis Watson’s slightly heartbreaking portrayal of the bullied Miles, Ricky Pancholi’s drunken staggering and giggling as Toby, and Tim Daft’s sycophantic chortling as Ed, all combined into a display greater than the sum of its parts. Among all that, Tom Gill still dominated scenes as Alistair Ryle. His enjoyment of the lead character was clear in the delivery of every line; he put his full body and face into an impersonation of the pub owner Chris, he played with a sword during other people’s dialogue, and his monologues on the decline of the country felt so real they actually provoked sympathy for this clearly misled character. Gill delivered every line with relish, and with more than a whiff of magnificence. This is a play about the excesses of a privileged male elite, and as such doesn’t leave much room for female characters. Those who do interact with the Riot Club

become a part of the destruction it leaves in its wake - and it is this destructive aspect of the club’s lifestyle that was highlighted so well by the performances of Tilda Billsberry-Grass (Rachel) and Grace Parry (Charlie), as well as by what happens to Chris (played by Alex Hearne-Potton). Rachel is played as an excellent counterweight to the arrogant club members, her interjections and witticisms in the first half played so confidently as to make her later exasperation, her flinches and cries, even more poignant. Her last line turned an already powerful scene into an unforgettably tragic moment. An intense play all round, with rarely a dull moment, this production directed by Emily Hope and Lauren Li filled the fittingly grandiose space of King’s Hall with ease, and more than lived up to the name of the club it depicted. Truly a riot.

Thanks to Ellie Denton and Louisa Rimmer for all images!

Monday 6 December 2021

28 Across

Puzzles

1. Online auction site. (4) 3. 1982 Hall & Oates song. (8) 7. Admire greatly. (7) 8. Antoni ___, Spanish architect and pioneer of art nouveau in Europe. (5) 10. ___ Fett, Bounty hunter in Star Wars. (4) 11. Second-hand. (4) 12. Tool for chopping wood. (3) 13. Exist. (2) 15. Adult male chickens. (8) 16. Old currency, one pound and one shilling. (7) 18. Harry ___, Former One Direction member. (6) 20. Small guitar-like instrument. (7) 24. Oscar ___, Wrote The Importance of Being Ernest. (5) 25. Someone new to something (especially gaming). (4) 26. Plant material used to make rubber. (5) 27. 2001 DreamWorks film. (5)

Down

1. Scottish capital city. (9) 2. Single-celled organism. (6) 3. Party/ball where guests wear masks. (10) 4. Postcode area representing Newcastle. (1,1) 5. Jelly-like substance obtained from red algae. (4) 6. ___ of the Lost Ark, first Indiana Jones film. (7) 9. Rich and delicate Italian sponge cake. (7) 12. Contains no cells. (9) 14. International organisation aiming to maintain peace. (1,1) 17. Type of printer. (6) 19. Move stealthily. (5) 21. Brand of male grooming products. (4) 22. Large feline, males have manes. (4) 23. Nocturnal bird. (3)

Wordsearch - Mythical

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Crossword

Last Week's Answers

Word Wheel: Wednesday

Centaur Cyclops Harpy Hydra Pegasus Siren

Cerberus Gorgon Hippocampus Minotaur Satyr Sphinx

Chimera Griffin Hippogriff Ouroboros Scylla Unicorn

WIN A PRIZE!

Upload your puzzle solutions to Instagram and tag @thecourieronline to enter the prize draw!

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Monday 6 December 2021

Puzzles

-+-+

Nonogram

Instructions

Colour in the cells in the grid according to the numbers on the sides of the grid to reveal a picture. The individual numbers in each row/column are separated by spaces of 1 or more squares.

Notes

Difficulty: Hard

Sudoku 6 December 2021

Word Wheel 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: 40 words

Monday 6th December 2021

Sport

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Formidable wins for Newcastle's Newcastle Wildcats Women’s Ultimate Frisbee beat Sheffield 11-1 Leyla Ferrand

Frisbee is back and the Newcastle team are demolishing the competition

fter a year-long hiatus, the Newcastle Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team launched into their first BUCS outdoor tournament of the year, hosted in Cochrane Park on the 20th of November. In two 70 minute games, first against Sheffield and then York, the team crushed the opening of the

year’s outdoor tournament, winning 12-3 and 15-0. The basic rules of Ultimate Frisbee are straightforward. The field is split

It offered an opportunity for building selfconfidence and gelling the team.

into three parts, with the two end zones being the areas in which points are scored. The team in possession of the disc must catch the frisbee in the opposite end zone. Those holding the frisbee cannot run with it, and therefore

it is a dynamic game relying heavily on communication, running and handling. A mixture of both experienced and newer players, the BUCS tournament offered an opportunity for building self-confidence and gelling the team. Led by captain, Izzy Retout, the women’s team relied predominantly on zone defence, wherein there are designated spaces in which players defend rather than specific people. However, considering the windy conditions, they were adaptable to match mark or change up their offensive strategies to earn their formidable wins. The Women’s Team now heads into Indoor Regionals on the 27th and 28th of November in Nottingham.

Hannah Danks

W - NUIHC President

hat an amazing debut game for our C team. The Newcastle Wildcats took on the ferocious Sheffield Bears E team, and I am pleased to say the Wildcats absolutely decimated the Bears with a score of 11-1. The Wildcats entered cautiously, with most of the players in their debut game for the Wildcats Ice Hockey club, seeing the bears come with an abundance of players, maybe too many perhaps that would lead to their inevitable downfall. The first goal, scored by our lovely James Martin granted with an assist by Jazib Akhyar, set the game into motion around the 10-minute mark and the confidence in Whitley Bay’s atmosphere grew as the crowd of 3 supporters screamed their cheers. The game then intensified, with 3 more goals scored in the second half of the first period, 1 by our newly appointed co-captain Mabel Mundy assisted by our other newly appointed co-captain Brian Wicks, to be followed by 2 consecutive goals from our man of the match Ethan Willet with

respective assists from Matthew Payne and Hannah Wilson. All in all, a very skilful and wellplayed game by the Wildcats C team with our Mabel and Ethan displaying a tremendous debut hat-trick each, with players Mathew Payne and James Martin scoring 2 goals each and 1 by our defenceman Ian Hope. A remarkable play from our goal assists: Jazib Akhyar, Matous Elphick, Mathew Payne, Brian Wicks, Ethan Willet and Hannah Wilson.

Man of the Match: Ethan Willet (2 goals assisted by Matthew Payne & Hannah Wilson) A special mention to Emma Cole and Heidi van Nieuwkerk for an incredible performance at holding down the fort in defence with Emma consecutively piledriving through 3 of the largest bears. And of course, a big congratulations to the C team as a whole for a sensational debut game, and to those C team players for their very first ice hockey game! Image credit: Instagram @nclwildcats

Image credit: Newcastle University Women's Football Team

Cross country: NUAXC take on Edinburgh Braids Toby Loveday - NUAXC President

NUAXC president reports on their exploits North of the border

he long-awaited Edinburgh braids... Uncharacteristically for Scotland, there were no angry clouds in the sky, the sun was shining, and the winds were minuscule! The conditions of the course might

have been nice… if only it hadn’t rained the night before. It was set to be a tough race, with the infamous incline, mud to your ankles, and tough rock surfaces. Nonetheless, NUAXC brought their Agame, with team spirits high, and their competitive streak even higher! Racing for NUAXC were past and current alumni, with some sprinters in the mix too, making this race one to watch! First off was the 5km loop, with 23 of our runners opting for the shorter of the two races. Making it up the never-ending incline was hard enough, but the decline brought a second, knee-shocking reason to cry. Although tough, all of our racers brought their best performance,

making NUAXC extremely proud! Both Freshers Ed and Joe came into their first race with NUAXC and absolutely smashed it with some incredible times. Shona ran strong, coming top 10 in females, with Emily not far behind at 24th. Special mentions to Emily for managing to not fall over during a race, and to our current 100m sprinter Jake who performed excellently with his “5k is just 50 sets of 100m” mentality. What’s worse than doing a 5km loop with a huge hill? Doing it twice. Next up was the 10km race, with 10 strong runners giving it their all to overcome the incline not once, but two times! Our runners absolutely smashed it,

with strong performances from all. Ex Alumni Alex finished first for the NUAXC men, with Harry only a few positions behind. Natasha brought it home for the NUAXC women, being the only female to partake in the 10km race, finishing with a great time and a brilliant position of 39th in her category. Special mentions again to President Toby, who still smashes his races, even with no training. First race results: Edward (9th), Joe M (21st), James (24th), Sam (27th), Shona (61st), Christian (82nd), Jaden (94th), Emily (97th),

Matthew (108th), Daniel (112th), Cameron (147th), Jonathan (149th), Stephy (167th), Jeanclaude (193rd), Phoebe (197th), Hannah (200th), Aoife (208th), Laura (213th), Archie (232nd), Sophie (239th), Annie (241st), Melissa (254th), Jake (281st). Second race results: Alex (48th), Harry (54th), Joe P (56th), Toby (70th), Jamie (81st), Luke (90th), Christopher (93rd), Tom (131st), Sigarth (142nd), Natasha (186th).

Left to right: NUAXC team, Melissa, Jake and Ed. Photos: NUAXC

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Monday 6th December 2021

Lingard faces an uncertain future Mitchell Hall

Our resident West Ham fan speculates on the uncertain future of the Manchester United outcast amid transfer speculation.

esse Lingard has struggled to earn game time at Manchester United since his return from his loan spell at West Ham last season, and in a time where managers are turning over and the future of the entire club lies in uncertain territories, what is next for the Englishman? Lingard electrified the premier league last season in East London, contributing directly to 13 goals in just 16 appearances, and returned to Manchester hoping to be able to fight for a spot in the first team, however the dream has not materialised for the 28-year-old. The arrivals of marquee signings such as Jadon Sancho and the return of Cristiano Ronaldo did not bode well for Lingard, and even throughout Rashford’s injury at the start of the season, he failed to break into the starting squad beyond insignificant cameos and cup appearances. Naturally, this lack of game time could

reasonably have caused some discontent, and Lingard has been extensively linked to moves away from the club too the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham and, perhaps most significantly, West Ham. With Lingard running out of time on his contract, it is likely he may be available for a cut price if he is indeed unwilling to renew with the red devils, with reports suggesting the number may be around sold for around £10 million. If Lingard has any chance of rekindling last season’s form, then that will be a price sure to attract a variety of clubs. Many placed blame at the door of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who seemed determined not to give time to Lingard, and perhaps even more obviously Donny Van De Beek, which means Solskjaer’s recent departure has once again opened up speculation on where these players may fit in the future plans of the team.

The arrival of Ralf Rangnick could push Lingard's future in either direction dependant on the German's plans. The arrival of Ralf Rangnick could push Lingard’s future in either direction, dependant on the German’s plans for the squad. Lingard has previously demonstrated his desire to earn a place at his boyhood club and one can imagine he will be eager to have a discussion with the new man in charge as soon as possible. Whatever direction this saga takes next, the January transfer window will be the month where Lingard will determine his footballing future, the decision to stick or twist being a crucial one for the seasons of him and, potentially, whichever club secures his services. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Sport

Premier League Chair resigns after Newcastle controversy Paige Rutter

Gary Hoffman to step down as Chairman of the Premier League.

remier League chairman Gary Hoffman is to leave his position after only 18 months in the role amid Newcastle United takeover frustrations. This resignation arises from backlash from multiple Premier League clubs following the Saudi-Led takeover of Newcastle United. Other clubs expressed their frustration on how the deal passed the owners’ tests and the lack of informant on the takeover deal - meaning no action could be taken against it. It is known that many clubs found out about the takeover through email or even publishment within the media. This comes as Newcastle’s takeover is blighted by an array of human rights concerns as well as evident links to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The government has recently backed a Fan-Led Review of Football Governance. This comes with multiple recommendations involving the financial stability of the game. One of the main points involves creating a new independent regulator of English football. Following this is the recommendation

Hoffman expressed in a statement on his departure that “It has been a privilege to lead the Premier League through the last two seasons”.

Twitter: @premierleague

– however – failed to say whether it would have been stopped. Going on further to state his decision to step down is to “allow new leadership to steer the League through its next exciting phase”. Hoffman took up the role in April 2020 during a time of suspended football following the coronavirus pandemic. The takeover backlash isn’t the first issue that the 61-year-old had experienced with the proposed European Super League bringing in a wave of serious complaints. Hoffman was also caught up in a dispute over Project Big Picture - which planned to reduce the amount of Premier League clubs to eighteen. The Premier League also followed up the statement sharing gratitude to Hoffman for his “committed service”. Expressing that the search for a new chairman would begin immediately as Hoffman is due to step down from the role in January 2022.

A personal account of the newly introduced safe standing areas.

ecently Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club, introduced safety rail seats to give fans the option to sit or stand during games. Around 1,800 seats with safety rails have been installed at the back of the Kop Stand as well as about 6,000 in the lower tier of the Anfield Road Stand. As I am a Liverpool fan, I recently attended their Champions League group stage game against Porto, where I was situated in the safe standing area in the lower tier of the Anfield Road stand. Sceptical about how it would work, I was intrigued to find out whether it would be a beneficial move

or a negative one from the club. Although you have the option to sit down as there is still one seat per person, myself and my brother opted to stand for the entirety of the game which added to the experience and atmosphere in the stadium. Being tall is often an issue in stadiums where you must sit down and cram yourself in between people where the gap between you and the seat in front is

The standing area was almost a relief and left us with a lot more space than we would have had if we were sitting during the game.

M1 v Manchester 2s 6-2 M3 v Leeds 3s 2-6 W2 v York 2s 5-3 W1 v Durham 1s 4-4

BASKETBALL

M1 v Durham 1s 92-65 M2 v Durham 2s 84-41 M3 v Leeds Bec' 2s 60-51 W1 v Durham 1s 58-93 W2 v York 1s 58-17

DODGEBALL

M1 v Imperial 1s 9-19 M1 v Leicester 1s 12-16 M1 v UEA 1s 11-17

FENCING

M1 v York 2s 110-87 W1 v Nott'ham 1s 115-130

FOOTBALL

M1 v Loughborough 1s 1-4 M2 v Leeds Trin' 1s 4-2 W1 v Northumbria 2s 7-0

FUTSAL

M2 v York 1s 3-2 M1 v Leeds 1s 10-1 W1 v York 1s 9-1

M1 v Lancaster 1s 3-1 M2 v Manchester 1sts 2-1 M4 v Leeds 4s 3-1 M3 v Durham 4s 3-3 W3 v Sheff' Hall' 1s 1-1 W4 v Sheff' Hall' 2s 9-0 W6 v Durham 6s 1-3

LACROSSE

M1 v Lancaster 1s 7-1 W1 v Durham 1s 23-2 W2 v Leeds Bec' 1s 16-10 W3 v York 2s 2-31

NETBALL Image - Twitter @BarryJIngham1

W1 v Northumbria 1s 68-33 W2 v Sheffield 1s 41-51 W3 v York St John 1s 53-32 W4 v Durham 4s 34-49

RUGBY LEAGUE

that the new regulator should create a new owners’ and directors’ tests. Although the Newcastle takeover has already gone through, Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch insists the takeover would have been “stresstested more” under IREF new tests

M1 v Northumbria 1s 4-46

RUGBY UNION

M1 v Nottingham 1s 18-25 M2 v Durham 3s 35-13 M3 v Hull 1s 35-0 M4 v Hudd'field 1s 64-7 W1 v Leeds Bec' 1s 45-17 M5 v Sheffield 3s 54-0

NUFC Crest. Image credit: nufc.co.uk

not so big. The atmosphere is another thing I wish to expand on. I feel in general being able to stand during a football game gives you more freedom to join in with chants and songs, especially when others around you are also standing up doing the same thing. There was also no issue of others not being able to see as the safe standing area is still tiered, allowing people behind you to still have a good view of the game. All and all, I thought the safe standing areas within Anfield was an enjoyable experience and I would definitely go back to it if the opportunity came.

BADMINTON

HOCKEY

Standing areas are back, but should they be? Lewis Thompson

BUCS RESULTS

SQUASH

M1 v Northumbria 1s 5-0 M2 v Durham 4s 3-0 M3 v Durham 5s 2-1 M4 v Hull 2s 2-1 W2 v Bradford 1s 3-0

TABLE TENNIS

M1 v Sheffield 1sts 14-3 M3 v Durham 4s 9-8 W1 v Liverpool 1s 5-0 W2 v Durham 3s 5-0 W2 v Leeds 1s 5-0

TENNIS

M1 v Sterling 2s 2-4 M2 v Yorks 1s 6-0 M3 v Sheffield Hall' 3s 6-0 W1 v Leeds Beck' 2s 5-1 W2 v Durham 4s 4-2

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

M1 v Durham 3s 12-3 M2 v Durham 2s 0-15

VOLLEYBALL

M1 v Durham 1s 3-2 W1 v Durham 1s 1-3 Image credit: Lewis Image credit: Thompson Wikimedia Commons

WATERPOLO

W1 v Durham 1s 21-10

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Monday 6th December 2021

Sport

Blood, Sweat & Tears: Periods in Sport Katie Siddall

— Sports sub-editor

The impact of periods on sporting activities - a conversation ignored for too long.

‘‘...we are expected to power through the pain when for some people it’s hard to function with it.” This signifies there is even a stigma around ourselves, around those who have a period, as we are scared to be in front of one another like our bleeding is a crime - and for some reason, we don't talk about these issues. No one should feel left out, scared or worried about being on their period. With the thought of spreading awareness, I thought I would collate a few answers below, (see bottom left) so those of you out there do not feel like you are on your own, and so there is an understanding of our different struggles.

During my research, I also approached many Newcastle University sporting societies to pass my survey around, as well as placing the link on social media. The President of Newcastle University's Women's Football Club Amelia Silcock made my day when replying to my email as she said: "I didn't realise how much I needed to hear this sentence. As a community, we have to spread awareness and information about our struggles." With these answers come not only the physical struggles our bodies take on, but how we deal with them. As a menstruating sporting community, being aware of others' suffering can help us as much as we can help them. Some of the people who took the survey are terrified to leak, and when asked what sanitary products they use, they use tampons and pads at the same time for maximum protection whilst playing sports. This could be a useful tip for those who haven't thought about this before, or allow someone to feel as though they are not the only one who does this neat trick. Everyone sees menstruation as a taboo subject and due to this, no one talks about it. Yet when researching on campus about our sufferings and whether we shun sporting activities whilst on our periods - we all come together. We all have the same thoughts and feelings, even if we don't experience periods in the same way. Not all of it is bad though. Oh our physical pain definitely is! but menstruation awareness is on the rise. For instance, in 2020, Scotland became the first country to make sanitary products free. And within the sporting world

Dominique Gisin and Tina Maze Image: Twitter @Olympics

fter reading an article by The Independent, it got me thinking how those on campus felt about their periods coinciding with sporting activities. Due to the nature of my curiosity, I set forward an anonymous survey – you might even have taken part in it. I'll start with the numerical results of the survey as I asked two very important questions, the first being "Do you struggle to do sporting activities whilst on your period?" 64% of those who menstruate answered "yes". The other important question was “Do you ever not go to a sporting activity due to your period?" I wish I could say 'surprisingly' but I will unfortunately have to go with... unsurprisingly 70% responded with "yes" whilst the other 30% said "no". I feel as though this won't come as a shock, especially because I am within that 70% who skive off. Now... I said "skive off ". I don't actually believe that if you miss an activity due to your period that you are skiving. Some of us have periods where our bodies and brains are in a lot of pain or just decide they don't like us at all. One person wrote: "Because my pain is so bad, it’s often difficult to move. Just walking is a horrible experience so running about or swimming is even more of a challenge." Taking time off sports and feeling like this definitely isn't skiving! It's a common occurrence for those with periods to feel like they are skiving; however, especially since this answer continues, this should not be the case: "The stigma definitely does exist and we are usually expected to

power through the pain when for some people it’s hard to function with it." I do think it is society's opinion that plays in our minds, as for those who menstruate, there seems to be a lot of shame. Periods are seen as "gross" and "icky", yet they are one of the most naturally occurring things our bodies do. There shouldn't be a stigma surrounding them! But, briefly, going back to these percentages - though these percentages are very similar for both questions, personally, hats off to those who said "yes" then "no", respectively, how do you do it? How do you struggle through your pain? Seriously, well done! Going back to the stigma we all feel... some questions within the survey were very personal and it's amazing to see how detailed and forward those who took part in the survey were (as seen in the above comment). Another person commented "[they] often feel wary and embarrassed in case [they] leak when wearing shorts and also when getting changed in the changing rooms."

Survey Responses Image: Katie Siddall

itself, football stadiums are working with the On the Ball campaign (a scheme which aims to ensure sanitary products for female supporters are provided free of charge across football grounds) - Newcastle United FC is among the many football teams working with them. Though this doesn't help with suffering from period symptoms or making us more active in sports, it can be seen as a start for conversing about menstruation. The more we talk about our body's natural occurrences, the less stigma there will be around these subjects. It does not matter how many times one person can tell another that "menstruation is not a taboo subject" because until society changes its ideals - even if it is increasingly getting better at a slow rate - neither will those who menstruate. Making others feel comfortable during their periods can be simple. One person "[...] found that many more people are supportive about [periods] and are willing to help out and look out for [them]." This shows that society is healing itself around anxious, stressful, and (often described as) "gruesome" subjects. Everyone within the sporting community is slowly coming together to help. Everyone is changing their ideologies, so they don't discriminate against those with menstruation. And no one will be left out. Newcastle University Student Union is also helping us battle our day to day lives with periods as they give out free sanitary products on campus. Image: Wikimedia Commons

View from the AU

University football is “inspirational” Fergus Mainland

— Athletic Union Officer

ny city has a beating heart and for Newcastle, that’s St James’ Park. I’ve done a lot over the past four years, but I had never been and watched a Newcastle United game. I’ve always been told about how loyal and passionate The Toon Army is. They stuck with their team from the highs of Shearer to the lows of relegation in 2016 and all the way to the most recent takeover. I got to see this on display last Tuesday. It wasn’t a star-studded line up of Ronaldo or Kane. Rather a proper league grudge match between two teams with everything to lose. The Toon Army was loud and the halftime pie was well filled with a good ratio of pastry. I haven’t followed football particularly closely over the years. I’ve often thought players were overpaid drama queens who ought to stop diving, learn to respect the referee and set a far better example for the next generation. To a large extent I still think this but after seeing Scotland’s campaign to get to the Euros and the positive impact that Southgate’s England team had, I’m coming round to the beautiful game. How can’t you? It’s such a simple game that sparks up conversation in millions of homes up and down the country. As such, it allows a nation to follow it religiously. Fixtures dictate a calendar and the working week revolves around what time kick off is. I’m coming round to football. I think our Men’s and Women’s Clubs at the University are incredible and the results they are producing are inspirational. I’m loving the hype, the spin and the narratives that come with football. A trip back to St James’ Park is needed, maybe I’ll be lucky enough to see a win. But regardless of the outcome, the fans will stay till the end of the game and till the end of the season and beyond. That’s all they’ve known, it’s a way of life and for many it’s a damn good one to live.

INSIDE SPORT TODAY

Football

Campus Sports

BUCS Results

Page 31

Updates from Frisbee, Ice Hockey, Futsal and Cross Country. Page 30

Find out how the Team Newcastle sides did this week. Page 30

Lingard’s future, standing areas return and PL chair to resign.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: @nc_wildcats via Instagram