Issue 1450 by The Courier Online

Issue 1450 Monday 20th November 2023

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Est. 1948 thecourieronline.co.uk

Should celebrities speak Skiing on a budget Think skiing is an expensive holiday out on global that’s completely out of reach? Think again! Travel | page 19 affairs? In light of recent global crises, many celebrities have been using their platforms to speak up. Opinion | page 8

The Toon’s iconic films A look at Newcastle’s role as a muse for Geordie-set flicks. Film | page 24

A rental revolution: NUSU weighs in on the Renters’ Reform Bill

Tommy Atkinson - News Sub-Editor

The Courier takes a look into the new rental reform bill and NUSU’s statements anticipating the bill.

n adviser from the Newcastle University Student’s Union (NUSU) recently spoke to the BBC saying that the proposed Renter’s Reform bill “has good intentions” but “does raise some concerns”. The bill was introduced by Levelling Up, Communities and Housing Secretary Michael Gove after the private rented sector white paper was published in June 2022. The main measure set out within the bill is the banning of section 21 “no fault” evictions; the practice most often used by student landlords to end tenancies in time for the next academic year. The intended impact of this on the student housing market is that landlords will begin to move away from periodic agreements and allow for longer-term tenancies, also seeking to end the cyclical nature of rented student accommodation, but it may also dissuade landlords from renting to students due to eviction difficulties. This would potentially give students the ability to settle in their community and give international students more housing security. Apart from the banning of “no fault” evictions, the bill also legislates for stronger protections against excessive above-market rent hikes, introducing a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, creating a Privately Rented Property Portal to help landlords better understand their legal obligations to tenants and give tenants the right to request a pet in a property. Moreover, nearly a quarter of private rented accommodation does not meet basic decency standards, as evidenced in a number of high-profile deaths in recent years and the bill will seek to address these concerns. During the King’s

speech the government also announced an enshrinement of rights for student landlords to ensure that properties can be ready for the new academic year. Speaking about their experiences of private rented accommodation, students have told The Courier of horrible conditions and inattentive landlords. One student described their flat in Jesmond as being unclean on move in day, having a rat infestation and an excessive number of dead insects being present throughout. They had bathroom issues that led to vegetation growth and a separate issue that caused faecal matter to flow into the bathtub when flushing the toilet. When asked to fix the problems the landlord obfuscated and delayed, some of these issues took months to be fully rectified. Another student said that their flat was found to have a pneumonia presence that forced them to be moved into a nearby Airbnb. Finally, a third student

spoke of a belligerent landlord who overcharged their tenants for anything and everything, in one case charging £150 collectively for a stool that retails for only £30. NUSU President Yaseen Ali recently produced a video for students who are having issues finding housing amid the crisis, signposting them to the NUSU website and the Student Advice Centre should they require support. The “Renters’ Reform Coalition”, an advocacy group including charities such as Shelter and Crisis said that the bill will “rebalance the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords” and will “drive up standards”. The National Union of Students have also welcomed the new reforms. They said that, as a part of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, they are pleased for the “significant step forward” in renters’ protections. They go on to suggest that the end to Section 21 will “make it easier

for [students] to demand improvements to poor quality homes”. However, the bill does not have universal support, NUSU advisor Ruth Gibson recently spoke to the BBC and questioned the legislation, saying that the plans could “cause issues for tenants and landlords”. Ms Gibson said that the main focus of her concerns was student’s giving notice of intent to vacate a property, saying that, under the new plans “no one tenant can give notice for the full house” and “ there is a risk when there is inter-tenant friction” that cause tenancies to be abruptly ended. She ended by saying that “this looks very chaotic from a student perspective”. When asked for comment on both the bill itself and reaction to Ms Gibson’s comments to the BBC, NUSU issued the following statement: “We are aware that some students are finding it difficult to secure accommodation in the city due to a shortage of rented accommodation

and we are concerned that this problem will escalate next year. We know that housing is becoming a major concern for our students and that it is causing additional worry and anxiety. We are aware there are some concerns about the Renters Reform Bill possibly making even less properties available to students, but this has not yet been confirmed. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill and how it might impact student rental contracts. The BBC article from October highlighted what we see as some welcome reforms but also some areas that need greater clarity or may be of particular concern in respect of student rentals. The Bill is still in the early days of development and there is a possibility that aspects may change so we will now wait until it progresses through Parliament to comment further.”

Image Credit: David Kemp on Wiki Media Commons

A note from your Editor...

achow kids, it's me, ya boi, Gabbi de Boer. Two more weeks have passed and here we have another delighful installment of The Courier. Whilst everyone's been away over enrichment week (hopefully enriching yourselves), the lovely sub-ed team have been grafting away to get Issue 1450 into your hands. Each week, The Courier team goes from strength to strength, and each issue is a testement to their brilliant attitude. Now, I myself was also away gallivanting in The South (yes, I'm sorry - I am a stinky southerner), and it was very nice to have some time to myself. I even got to see

my dog, Penny, amongst other people. Obviously, though, she was the most important... Anyway, as you may (or may not) have noticed, last week's paper came out a bit later than normal. The office was rife with technical issues and it simply wasn't sent off in time. With my looming annual leave, I was TERRIFIED of leaving and things being left hanging...but my wicked senior ed team stepped in and I'm so so so grateful. I'm very lucky to be supported by such a team, and I hope all our lovely readers appreciate the time and effort we put in! On the 18th November, The Courier also celebrated it's 75th Birthday. We've been combing through the archives this past week to bring you snippets

Inside 20th November 2023

Want to get involved?

f you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)! You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Wo r k s h o p s ,

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, of and the funabsolute articles topleasure show you andfacts I have of just great this paper and beinghow your Student mediawas, Officer continues to be. We're so proud toOver keep and Editor-In-Chief this year. the alive, I’ve and to follow in the the legacy summer, been working footsteps of some incredible like hard behind the scenes people alongside Dianne Nelmes, team Monica Doughty, the Editorial and NUSUand to Newcastle lecturer David bring youUniversity this Freshers’ issue. Baines ( to name few).find loads of Not only will ayou I'd like toarticles also use this by as our an incredible written opportunity to thank Mark Sleightholm, fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also one our amazing alumni, for his find ofa one-stop guide to Freshers’ help of this week,in discovering including the an history introduction wonderful paper, andweek for documenting to the Freshers’ assistants itwho so well!have put together an Now, that'sprogramme enough from of me. daytime Keep on amazing keepin' on, kids! activities for you all. Freshers’ week is a time to get to know more about

Gabbi

OUR NEXT SMA:

'How to write for Lifestyle' Wednesday 22nd November 1:30pm Bamburgh Room, NUSU

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THE COURIER SECTIONS Editor

Current Affairs | Science Chimpanzees and the menopause A recent study reveals that chimpanzees also have to endure 'the change' | Page 11

Life & Style | Lifestyle

Gabbi de Boer mediaofficer.union@newcastle.ac.uk

Social Media

Current Affairs

Life & Style | Travel

Amana Khan Izabela Kirschnerova Tommy Atkinson

Culture | Films A reel through the toon's iconic films We take a look at Newcastle's rich and colourful role as a muse for classic Geordie-set flicks | Page 24

Sports| Features Drive to thrive: McLaren signee Bianca Bustamante is breaking down barriers Is the Filipina driver's academy contract a sign that F1 teams are finally taking steps toward gender equality? | Page 31

Deputy Editors

Rachael McCreanor and Ross Bennett R.Mccreanor2@ncl.ac.uk / R.Bennett3@ncl.ac.uk

Heads of Social Media: Paige Rutter and Jess Bradbury P.E.Rutter1@ncl.ac.uk / J.L.Bradbury2@ncl.ac.uk

NUSU welcomes LGBTQ+ safe space on campus The latest LGBTQ+ safe space is now open and welcome to all on campus| Page 15

Backpacking vs Bikepacking: a complete rundown Our sub-editor uses her own personal experience to discuss the ups and downs of both| Page 19

Senior editor: Sam Norman S.Norman3@ncl.ac.uk

News

Campus Comment

Libby Griffiths Grace Boyle Mia Dale

Opinion

Adelaide Dodson Rosie Brennan Margaux Martinez

Science

Elisabeth Gores Matthew Barratt

Sport

Senior editor: Arthur Ferridge A.Ferridge2@ncl.ac.uk Mitchell Hall Castor Chan Raff Tindale Dan Balliston

Website

Heads of Online: Anthony Welsh A.J.Welsh2@ncl.ac.uk

Life & Style

Senior editors: Daisy Harrison D.M.Harrison3@ncl.ac.uk Samantha Seidu B.S.Seidu2@ncl.ac.uk

Relationships

Rebecca Wright Adriana Newbury

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Charlotte Lee

Lifestyle

Zahra Hanif Jay Barber Marina Snyder

Fashion & Beauty Lana Free Ivy French

Travel

Charlie Reid Ollie Withers

Food & Drink

Roseanna Leconte Anna Nix

the first floor of the Student Union, right outside the Activities corridor, Festive Food Drive On is located a basked designated as Festive Food Drive - a multi-university Go Volunteer, Floor 1 of the NUSU Building

where you'll have the chance to learn new skills and become an even better writer. Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you. If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out!

endeavour intended to collect donations which will split between the student pantry and feeding families.

Culture

Senior editors: Imogen Smillie I.C.Smillie1@ncl.ac.uk Lucy Bower L.A.Bower2@ncl.ac.uk

Music

Poppy Bedford Madeha Ali

Ella Townson Jenica Davis

Film

Jess McKeown Olivia Carter Ned Carter-Owen

Gaming

Adam Lovegrove James Kellett

Arts

Sarah Tunstall Laura Kasongo

Puzzles

Katie Siddall K.E.Siddall1@ncl.ac.uk

THE

COURIER

Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-editors: Amana Khan , Izabela Kirschnerova, and Tommy Atkinson

News

Tensions continue in StudentCouncil,Vol.2: Newcastle bus strikes NUSasksforstudentvoice Daisy Harrison - Head of Life and Style

o North East bus services could face a 12-week strike as Unite members have rejected latest pay offer. Workers in the North East argue that those in the North West earn more than them, prompting pay disputes and walkouts, over the last month. Two-week strikes had already been staged however a continuous walkout began on 28 October. Negotiations on 6 November between Go North and Unite ended after 4 hours, with Unite walking out.

just over a year. Go North East claim that this new pay offer would make the drivers the best-paid in the region, with those working a 41-hour week on track to earn £30,000 per year. Unite has recommended that its workers reject this pay offer. Whilst the strikes continue, the bus company has pledged to operate more than 80 buses this week, prioritising journeys covering vital school, hospital, and works services. These services include school buses in Durham, the NHS Hopper carrying hospital staff between the RVI and Freeman hospitals, and the 327 linking Newcastle city centre and DFDS ferry terminal.

Office workers and managers with bus driving licenses have been filling the place of striking workers during this time. Go North East business director, Ben Maxfield, stated “our responsibility is to put the best possible offer on the table to try to prevent a strike. This is what we have done.” Depots affected are Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, Percy Main, Sunderland, and Washington. During this disruption, Go North East season tickets will be accepted on Metro services, as well as Arriva and Stagecoach North East bus services.

"Last year, Go North East increased their drivers' pay by 10%." Unite have demanded for a pay increase every six months, starting with a 13% increase to drivers’ wages. In July last year, Go North East increased their drivers’ pay by 10%. Combined with their latest offer of a 10.3% increase, drivers will have had a 20% pay rise in

Image Credit: JoshR06 on WikiMediaCommons

Chinos and blue shirts banned at Cardiff SU Mia Dale - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

The infamous blue shirt and chinos combo is causing quite the stir at Cardiff SU!

ccording to Cardiff University’s Student Union, blue shirts and chinos are notoriously associated with sport social nights out and therefore reckless behaviour. The outfit has become an unofficial uniform for male students in sports clubs. As a result, the Student Union has now said that anyone wearing this outfit will be refused entry on a Wednesday club night.

"Cardiff University's Student Union claims this action has been taken for 'students' safety'." Cardiff University’s Student Union claims this action has been taken for "students’ safety," as the behaviour was “reckless, dangerous and incredibly irresponsible”. The rugby freshers were reported to be pushing each other whilst waiting to get into the venue, however it is still unknown which specific membersIm-

were involved. An email from the SU to the Athletic Union said, “Due to dangerous behaviour portrayed by groups of i nd iv i du a l wearing chinos and blue shirts […] a decision has been made to temporarily prevent similar attire to be worn to future events.” The ban has made its across social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter and Reddit, with people sharing their opinions on the situation. One commenter on Reddit says “bizarre, don’t they realise that people can actually wear different outfits”, whilst another said, “It seems really strange to just ban specific items of clothing as innocuous as chinos and a plain coloured shirt”. But others agreed that the rugby freshers are “complete animals” that “get up to all sorts of mayhem”. Cardiff University has claimed that since introducing the ban, behaviour in the queue has significantly improved. Image Credit: Phillip Hernando on Pexels

and 100% pass rejoice

Sam Norman - Head of Current Affairs

Read the highlights from the second Student Council of the 23/24 year!

nce again, Chair of Council George Wood opened the student council meeting, noting only one motion and the National Union of Students (NUS) Big Conversation Activities Officer Alex would be leading. The council began with the minutes of previous committee meetings passing, with no objections stated beforehand. Following, the final open council place was filled by PhD student Mukilan who won the vote for the space with 61.29%. There were once again no nominations to fill the Student Parent, Guardians and Carers officer role or Marginalised Genders officer. The steering committee report, as well as the scrutiny committee and disciplinary report, all passed with no objections. President of Newcastle University Student Union (NUSU) Yaseen gave the State of the Union report, which he defined as a "key highlight of what the Sabbatical Officers have been doing." Yaseen stated he had met with Local MPs to discuss the cost of living crisis, was working to hold landlords accountable and meeting with law firms to secure legal support. The President highlighted the Education Officer Lulu's work, with her ongoing meeting with Heads of Schools and Deans for assessment feedback, as well as her campaigning to maintain the Cost of Living Crisis PECs. Postgraduate Officer Chriag's creation of the Northeast PG catchup team with sabs and officers from the five universities in the North East. Welfare and Equality Officer Lucy's lobbying for affordable student housing was addressed, as well as her opening of the LGBT+ safe space in the Frederick Douglas Centre. Yaseen stated Kimiko, the Athletic Union officer had been planning the AU ball whilst also engaging with different sporting clubs and attending events. Activities Officer Alex's engagement in the sustainability campaign, through the Evening Wear Swap Shop was stated in the report. Yaseen also confirmed the early planning stages of the Grad Summer Ball, as well as the Festival of Culture expected to start in December. Finaly, the President discussed the work of Student Media Officer Gabbi de Boer releasing the first issues of The Courier and the recording of new shows and podcasts with Newcastle Student Radio. Gabbi had also been lobbying the University to

keep Cost of Living PECs alongside Lulu. The State of the Union report passed with no objections. The floor was then opened for any questions to the Sabbatical Officers, where a student enquired about the officer's backing of a ceasefire in the Israel and Palestine Conflict, and what they are doing in addressing the situation. Activities Officer Alex answered the question, stating the sabs were firm in their "support for students." She reiterated they are in constant conversation with students and "students are open to submit motions for what support and what they wish sabs to recognise." Following, all officer reports and executive committee minutes passed as a block. The first and only motion was then introduced where Chirag campaigned to change the membership of the NUSU Education Executive Committee. Chirag stated according to the constitution the Postgraduate officer does not sit on the committee but has done so for the past few years, therefore this should be officialised. The second part of the motion also addressed the number of members in the Education Executive Committee, with Chirag stating the current 58 reps is substantial. Lulu seconded the motions, affirming the Postgraduate Officer is an important part of the community and should be there to represent. A student supported the motion, stating it would be nice for PGRs and PGTs to get a more recognised voice in the union. The motion passed with 100%, thus changing the process for electing anyone from council to Education Exec. One of the two places on scrutiny was filled, as well as two of the eight places on the disciplinary committee. Welfare Officer Lucy filled three of seven spaces on the Welfare, Campaigns and Liberation Executive Committee. Lucy affirmed the committee is a good insight into the work of the Union and Nightline but also a good way to receive support for what students want to work on. Any students wishing to fill the remaining spaces should attend Student Council 7 December. To close Council, Activities Officer, Alex led the NUS Big Conversation centred on the student experience and what students would like to see improve not just at Newcastle, but nationally. Alex briefly discussed NUS as a "force for radical change since 1922," stating they "believe education should be accessible for all." Attendees of the Council were asked to rate how happy they are being a student with the most common rating of 8, and the lowest score received being four. Students expressed concerns about housing, money stress and disability awareness for affecting their experience negatively.

Sub-Editors: Amana Khan , Izabela Kirschnerova and Tommy Atkinson

Monday 20th November 2023

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5 News Top university courses are becoming more desirable for disadvantaged students

Sarah Myles

Students from more disadvantaged backgrounds are beginning to apply to top university courses.

that the most disadvantaged students are 18-year-olds applying from areas in which the fewest number of young people go to university. Since last year, this has risen by 7%. Evidently, there has been an increase from 2950 disadvantaged applicants in 2023 to 3160 for 2024.

niversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has revealed that record breaking numbers of 18-year-old students from disadvantaged areas are applying to top universities and courses for the upcoming academic year in 2024. These include Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, and courses including dentistry, medicine and veterinary sciences. Each of these courses have October deadlines as opposed to January, and UCAS has clarified that the number of October applicants from underrepresented areas have risen by 7%, which is very “encouraging”. The measure splits students into five groups based on the number of students which go into higher education aged 18 to 19. It reveals

Image Source: Ninara on Flickr

On the contrary, the most advantaged areas in the country have seen a rise in applications by only 2%, however, the rise in total number of applications has nevertheless resulted in five times the number of advantaged applicants compared to disadvantaged areas, with 17,080 in total this year.

The founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust, Peter Lampl has said that while the increase in applications from disadvantaged UK students was “encouraging”, the advantage gap has “hardly shifted”. He added that students from under-represented areas still face an “uphill struggle” once arriving at

university. This is because “they have to borrow more than well-off students just to live on, resulting in them graduating with higher levels of debt, which is both shameful and hugely unfair.” Previous research has found that this results in students “skipping meals as well as working sometimes full-time hours.” This discrepancy between UCAS data and Sutton Trust research may have risen from poorly represented surveys, due to these findings being extracted from measures conducted by local areas in the UK, regarding where students are applying for university. Further UCAS analysis of October applications reveal that the number of UK applicants receiving free school meals (FSM) has risen by 6%, in accordance with the total rising number of FSM pupils in England. The total number of UK 19-year-old applicants has fallen by 18% year-onyear, dropping from 6,770 to 5,580 this year. Moreover, there has been a 7% drop year-on-year regarding the number of 18-year-olds applying for medicine degrees. The total number of international applicants, ranging in ages, have seen a slight drop from 20,970 to 20,850.

Unveiling the housing crisis: youth homelessness in North East England Sarah Daly

One of our writers discusses the current state of youth homelessness in the North East.

alking around Newcastle city centre, it becomes evident that youth homelessness is a pressing issue in the North East of England. Recent government data paints a stark picture, indicating that nearly one in five individuals who reached out to councils for assistance were aged between 18 -24. This equates to at least 3,300 young individuals and this number is only increasing, marking a 6% increase from last year. An analysis was conducted by the BBC, which revealed that the North East leads the nation, with 15 out of every 1000 young people aged 18 to 24 being granted council assistance due to homelessness. Moreover, a statistic has emerged revealing that an additional 80 individuals who sought help for homelessness were as young as 16 or 17 years old. The unaffordability of rental accommodation is a significant hurdle, with monthly rents typically hovering around £550. This creates a challenge for those with low incomes and benefits. Young people across the North East are experiencing similar circumstances

and are facing issues of finding stable housing and building a life. In 2022-2023, local councils in the North East conducted assessments on 18,750 individuals who reported being homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities indicates that 77% of those needing support were under 45, with half of all eligible applicants falling below 35.

"The government has initiated the Single Homeless Accomodation program." To address the pressing crisis, the government has initiated the Single Homelessness Accommodation program, aiming to provide up to 2,400 homes by March 2025. This program includes housing options specifically for young people at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping, along with funding to bolster crucial support services. Balbir Kaur Chatrik, the director of policy and communications at the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, expressed deep concern over the latest figures and called on all political parties to prioritise the issue of homelessness. She emphasised the "devasting impact" of homelessness on young people’s lives, exposing them to exploitation and curbing their ambitions, making it increasingly difficult to escape the cycle of homelessness. Chatrik highlighted the urgency for change, stressing that the situation is unsustainable.

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons - Wilfredor

THE

COURIER

Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Amana Khan , Izabela Kirschnerova and Tommy Atkinson

News

The North East devolution deal takes one step closer to fruition Sam Norman - Head of Current Affairs

The latest steps taken on the North East's journey to devolution.

n yet another momentous turn of events in the North East, the long-awaited devolution deal looks to finally be taking shape. Newcastle's Labour Leader Nick Kemp praised the deal, that would create a new regional mayor representing over 2 million people across Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland. Newcastle's City Council cabinet gave their consent for the anticipated £4.2bn agreement to proceed on Thursday 2 November. This joins their counterparts in North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Durham who have also endorsed the deal. Leaders in Sunderland and Northumberland are now left to back the deal for the last local hurdle to be cleared. Following this, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove will be expected to present the necessary orders in Parliament to establish the new North East Mayoral

Combined Authority. In a statement on 2 November, Councillor Kemp emphasised the significance of the achievement. He expressed his own optimism in the deal and the potential for the city of Newcastle and the North East as a whole to enhance and develop. The devolution deal would promise to address crucial issues including: transportation, clean energy and green infrastructure. Kemp did however note that the deal is just a "starting point" for further increased investment across the region.

with lead to the creation of 24,000 new jobs and unlock an additional £5 billion in private sector investment. If the deal is to pass through Parliament in early 2024, an election would be held in May to choose the

inaugural mayor of the North East. This would not be the first time the region has attempted to unite under a mayor, however, in 2016 Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside withdrew from the devolution deal.

This led to the formation of the North of Tyne Combined Authority in 2018, which would be dissolved under the new deal.

"The devolution agreement encompasses 30 years and investment fund of £1.4 billion." The devolution agreement encompasses 30 years and an investment fund of £1.4 billion to support economic growth and regeneration and approximately £60 million annually for adult education and skills. An additional £900 million is expected for transport investment and £69 million for housing and regeneration. It is hoped the deal

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons - Steve Nova

Overseas students and workers targeted in illicit visa trade Joseph Thomas

International students are expressing their discontent over visa fiascos.

currently process visa applications for 62 different countries. It has been found that third party agents are pre-booking slots for the biometric stage of a visa application and

reselling them at a premium. Slots are typically priced at around £40 and being resold up to £800. The scam targets foreign workers and students who are typically unaware of the process.

The scam is centred around applications from Pakistan. The Courier found several websites based in Islamabad pretending to be official visa application services. One

"One international student from the United States described the process as overly complicated."

oth students and workers hoping to come to the UK are being unfairly targeted by visa scams. An investigation by The Observer on 29 October reported that visa applicants in South Asia could be expected to pay up to £800 for a visa appointment.

"Third party agents are pre-booking slots for the biometric stage of a visa application and reselling them at a premium." The Home Office currently require all visa applicants to undergo a biometric application where fingerprint information and a photograph is taken. This is currently outsourced to a private company, VFS global, who

promised to run a “priority visa appointment service”, a service not currently offered by VFS global. In response, the Home Office released a statement where they promised to tackle “abuse of the visa appointment booking process”.

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons - Tom Page

The investigation comes in what is already a complex situation to obtain international visas to the UK. In the 2021/22 academic year 19% of Newcastle University students were international. One international student from the United States described the process as “overly complicated” and involved a “lot of paperwork”. They noted that some stages of the visa application could not be completed until the summer before they were due to start at Newcastle. Student visas in the UK may become less appealing. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman recently promised to ban international students, including postgraduates, from bringing family with them from overseas during the course of their visa.

Sub-Editors: Grace Boyle, Libby Griffiths and Mia Dale

Campus Comment

Monday 20th November 2023

THE

COURIER

A look into student mental health support at Newcastle University Amala Parry

Newcastle University has been ranked as one of the best for Mental Health support in the UK.

ewcastle University has often been ranked as one of the best for Mental Health support in the UK, but are we worthy of such high esteem? According to recent statistics on student mental health, found on the UK Parliament website, mental health conditions in students have risen 'nearly seven times as high' as in the previous decade. In a 2022 survey by Student Minds, 57% of respondents reported that they've struggled mentally, with 27% claiming they've been formally diagnosed with a mental condition. The main issues contributing to these staggering statistics, according to the National Institute for Health

and Care Excellence, include 'moving away from home, academic and financial pressures and the absence of familiar social and emotional support networks.' All of these factors can, understandably, increase feelings of anxiety and depression among University students - especially first years.

"I didn't just feel bad mentally, but the anxiety took a physical toll on my body." I count myself within the 57%, having struggled with my mental health throughout my time at University so far. I found the first year of University, especially the last few months of my first year, draining on my mental health. Perhaps it was the homesickness finally catching up to me, or the stress of end-of-year assignments (or a mixture of both) that led to the breakdown of my mental health. The last few months leading up to the summer break were filled with restless nights and anxiety. I didn't just feel bad mentally, but the anxiety took a physical

Graduating in a cost-of-living crisis Sophie Psaila

The forced U-turn of graduating and going back home during a financial crisis.

s the end of my second year looms closer, my thoughts naturally turn to what I plan to do after graduation. The transition from student life to adulthood is inevitably stamped with uncertainty, but shouldn't it be a period of excitement for new beginnings and self-discovery? Unfortunately for many current students this isn’t the case, as the reality of their graduation is being tainted by the undeniable weight of the cost-of-living crisis. Soaring energy bills, rapidly rising food prices, and a crumbling housing market are leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of graduates up and down the country. One particular issue facing graduates is spiralling housing costs, coupled with the limited availability of affordable options.

Image Credits: Unsplash, Leon Wu

When I moved to university, I gained my independence - living alone was a huge step towards the freedom of adulthood, but with house prices rocketing higher than ever, degree holders are being forced to U-turn back into shared living with their parents. There is an underlying sense of guilt for the responsibility placed on parents to make ends meet on behalf of their children. I have worries about how the broader job market will be affected and how this will impact my ability to secure a graduate job. Increased competition and lower starting salaries mean that students must struggle to stand apart from their peers. Such an onerous process means degree holders must remain dependent on parents and caregivers for even longer, while repeatedly facing demoralising rejections. So, as I prepare to step onto the graduation stage, my peers and I must be ready to face the reality of the cost-of-living crisis. While these obstacles will be challenging, we must have the determination to overcome them and redefine a successful future on our own terms.

toll on my body - I felt tired and weak all the time, leading to unhealthy sleeping patterns and a general lack of motivation to do anything. The absence of routine outside of my lectures massively contributed to this instability, as I had no excuse not to sit around and do nothing all day. Luckily, I took it upon myself to utilise the University's m e n t a l health support system and

reached out for some counselling sessions. I accessed six free counselling sessions through the student wellbeing team and was paired with an incredible counsellor who made me feel understood and supported. I wasn't expecting the University services to be that great, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much they helped me prepare for, and settle into, my second year. Newcastle University offers a wide range of mental health and student well-being options, catering for those who are seriously struggling with their mental health, and those who are looking for extra support during exam season or periods of transition. These services include free, in-person or virtual counselling sessions, of which the University offers 6 sessions to each student per year. A d d i t i o n a l l y, they provide CBT and online self-

help sources through Silvercloud, as well as support for PostGrads, estranged and international students.

"They provide CBT and onlilne self-help sources through SilverCloud." These services can be accessed through the 'Student Wellbeing' section of the Newcastle University website. Another student reviewed the services saying, "My therapist was brilliant. They were incredible at their job and provided me with long-lasting support mechanisms which I hope will help me for a long time to come." Due to the wide range of options available and the generally positive feedback Newcastle University receives for its Student Wellbeing services, which I can back from my own experience, I think our mental health support system is worthy of its reputation.

Image: Source: Unsplash, Dev Asangbam

A case of the university student vs. the world Laura Kasongo - Arts Sub-Editor

Feeling small in a world so big during times of crisis.

dmittedly, like most uni students, scrolling for hours through my phone is my main method for procrastinating assignments. But scrolling in a world, which exposes global atrocities alongside memes in one swipe, makes that difficult to do. As mindless as I try to be when relaxing, news is something I can’t be numb to and if I’m not aware of everything going on at every moment, I feel an immense guilt I can’t shift.

than putting the fire out seems like ignorance. Yet, there is no bliss in that so-called ignorance. This wasn’t easy to come to terms with myself, but invalidating your own life experience does not help you to be a better ally or understand the struggle. If anything, it drowns you and so you can’t outstretch a helping hand.

"Trying to balance the weight of the world with your degree severely wears you out." When I’m mentally and academically overwhelmed, sometimes the only thing I can do is listen to and share the voices that need to be

"News is something I can't be numb to [..] I feel an immense guilt I can't shift" Whilst being socially aware is important and integral to change, there is so much pain that makes my studies and own worries seem minute in comparison. Being behind on reading, under/over the wordcount, left on ‘seen’ or homesickness, feels lost in the rubble of Palestinian and Ukrainian tragedy. Its hard to force a smile at the best of times, much less when the world is on fire, and putting effort into anything other Image Credit: Unsplash, Juliana Kososoki

heard. Sharing posts, signing petitions and attending protests or vigils have a bigger impact than you might think. If leaving the house is its own hurdle, simply having a conversation with someone does so much to change social opinion and still leaves you with time to breathe. There’s that age-old belief that looking after your own wellbeing is selfish, but trying to balance the weight of the world with your degree severely wears you out. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to go for a walk or do what you enjoy. That doesn’t make you any less of a good activist or student, it makes you human.

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Grace Boyle, Libby Griffiths and Mia Dale

Campus Comment

To read or not to read: what to do during a week off University Jack Evans - NSR Head of Specialist Programming

All the options for a "week off " university.

eading week comes round once a year. But, is it necessary? And how should you spend those seven days effectively? It's quite fitting that I'm writing this on the FlixBus home, because I've got two and a half rather cramped hours to think of some answers.

"If you're feeling burnt out, there's nothing wrong with taking a few days, or weeks, for a break." Starting off, I think it's certainly necessary. Being at university is a stressful place to be. If you're feeling burnt out, there's nothing wrong with taking a few days, or weeks, for a break. And, halfway through a semester seems

the perfect time to do just that. Most of us aren't from Newcastle, and the new life we took on months (or years) ago takes some adjusting to. Life in a different city feels, at least for me, as if it goes 100mph sometimes. So, taking time to press pause and relax is very

"I've gone home for every reading week, the way that I like to spend it." important and essential. I've gone home for every reading week, the way that I like to spend it. I've always been lucky enough to slip in and out of different routines, so it works for me. As an only child, I feel obliged to show my face at home every now and then, so that's the main reason I make the trip back to Yorkshire. To enjoy my home comforts and to see my home friends. Saying all this, you don't have to go home. You may live miles away, you might not be able to go home, and you might not even want to. So, staying in Newcastle may work best for you.

Another reason to stay is for parttime work (or to go, depending on if you work at home or away at uni). I'll be going back to work since university is expensive and a bit of extra money is never a bad thing. Probably not the most fun way to spend a reading week, but probably the most worthwhile if your bank account looks like mine. Nearly halfway home on my Flixbus, I've not even mentioned the idea of actually doing uni work yet. If you've got an essay due or are simply feeling a little behind don't worry! You've now got a week to do it uninterrupted,

"So, the bottom line is there's no correct answer for what you should do in your reading week." use it to your advantage. They call it 'enrichment week' for a reason. So, the bottom line is there's no correct answer for what you should do in your reading week, there's so many equally worthwhile options. I asked

some friends to see what they're going to do, and I got a load of very different answers. One's going home to see her boyfriend, a few are going home to work and a few are staying in Newcastle. They're all doing what they think is best for them, so you should do that too! University is all about growing and finding what is best for you and that doesn't have to change with reading week!

Image Credits: Unsplash, Joel Muniz

Your Top Toon Are students respectful picks for bars of residential areas? Katie Alice Galvin-Keay

Do students and residents live peacefully, or is there tension?

In my first year of university, I was told that Jesmond was the place where all the students moved to after living in student accommodation, so as a person with no prior knowledge of the areas of Newcastle, I was quite surprised how residential it is.

"We all know that students, and Newcastle specifically, are known for roaring nightlife." So, do students and residents live peacefully or is there tension? I

Image Credit: Pixabay, Skitterphoto

must say when walking around the streets, they appear relatively clean and clear of any litter and rubbish, so I would not think that is an issue. However, we all know students, and Newcastle specifically, are known for roaring nightlife.

"Everybody I knew was off to a house party the weekend of Halloween." Newcastle’s vast number of bars and clubs seem to play in favour of student residents, as it feels you can have a good night out any day of the week, minimising the need or desire to host big house parties. Obviously, there are exceptions to occasionally opt for a classic house party rather than a night out, e.g., recently all the Halloween parties. Everybody I knew was off to a house party the weekend of Halloween and I felt for the families who happened to live so close to where any of these were being hosted.

Still, many of the hosts seemed conscious of people living nearby (whether it is other students or residents) and had informed and some even asked their neighbours about having a party in the first place. I feel students often have a bad reputation, but I think we (mostly) deserve more credit as we're not out to cause trouble or be disrespectful. Often times we're more aware of our surroundings and areas that do struggle with students and residents living in the same area.

"[Students] deserve more credit as we're not out to cause trouble." Perhaps both would benefit from better communication between the two. But, on the whole, I think we live together relatively harmoniously.

Amana Khan - News Sub-Editor

Which Newcastle bars take the top spot for predrinks?

ewcastle is full of bars and pubs that are a great place to go for pre-drinks before you inevitably end up having too many red pints or trebs and decide to go out for a boogie ... but there are certain places that out-do all the other bars in the city and that uni students cannot stay away from. Of course, everyone is partial to going to spoons or another local pub in the city center, but as someone who has been in Newcastle for a few years now, nothing will ever beat the atmosphere of Osborne Road. From Bar Blanc to Osbornes to Jam Jar, there is a multitude of bars in Jesmond that all uni students roll into and never leave. The atmosphere, the presence of other students, and the cheap

drinks (especially on a Tuesday) have allowed the bars on Osborne Road to become a staple part of any student’s university experience.

"The bars on Osborne Road are, without a doubt, the hub for students to go before a night out." I don’t think that anyone can escape going into them and not leave in the direction of the last metro, ready to either head to Market Shaker, Soho or Holy Hobo. And don’t forget the significance of £2 Tuesdays. Every Tuesday you will see a plethora of students heading to these bars in Jesmond, for £2-ish pints, which then leads to double vodkas, maybe some jagers, and definitely ending up going out out. The bars on Osborne Road are, without a doubt, the hub for students to go to before a night out or even just for a drink or two. Whether you are a Blanc or Osbornes kind of person, it is this road you want to go to.

Image: Source Unsplash_Kazuend

Sub-Editors: Adelaide Dodson, Rosie Brennan and Margaux Martinez

Opinion

Monday 20th November 2023

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Do celebrities have a duty to speak out on global affairs? Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Celebrities are using their platforms to speak on social justice, but is it their place to do so?

ocial and global issues have been around for as long as time. Our generation is only unique in how our social media use intertwines with this fact, bringing our awareness to events and allowing users to spread information - but also too often, misinformation, at the speed of light. Increased awareness has proven a useful tool for several reasons, such as compiling funds to provide aid and informing the uneducated, resulting in increased action. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that when global issues occur, internet users urge their favourite celebrities to take a stance - as their platform provides a far greater reach than theirs could. But do celebrities even have a duty to? In an ideal world, they should. Yes, celebrities aren’t famed for their political opinions, likely it’ll be their acting or musical career. But when severe injustices are unfolding, they should recognise their privilege - which is immense in comparison to the average person - and speak for those who don’t have platforms at all. The argument sometimes arises that this is

delving into the parasocial, that they are solely entertainers and not politicians, but when tragedies are unfolding on a global scale and basic human rights and lives are on the line, it becomes a moral imperative for individuals with this reach to utilise their privilege and platform.

"[Celebrities] are just as susceptible to misinformation." But realistically, there are a few factors that complicate this. For example, celebrities are no different to us on many levels, one of them being that they are just as susceptible to misinformation as we are. Therefore, if they choose to take a stance that is born from ignorance, the influence that they carry becomes a tool for bad rather than good - thousands, if not millions, of users will be misled. Many individuals have this blind trust in their favourite influencer, but that’s a completely different conversation. So while I think celebrities should utilise their position, I think that they should be carefully informed before doing so - they need to recognise both their platform and their privilege and genuinely be committed to the cause they are speaking for. Just like us, they need to take the time to educate themselves before posting anything for the masses to see, and be conscious particularly of susceptible fans who may take their words as a given.

Image: DaniloLauria on WikimediaCommons

Trump on trial: The importance of

guilty or not guilty? Black History Month Felix Hervey

The case against the former President grows.

nce again we find Trump fighting not only the court of law, but also the court of public opinion, as he faces a civil lawsuit over claims of fraud relating to his net worth and the finances of his company. He’s facing these accusations in New York city. Judge Arthur Engoron has already found Trump liable for fraud and the case has now progressed to the point where Attorney General Letita James is seeking a lawsuit of $250m (or £202m) from Trump to be paid from the profits of his fraudulent behaviour. The civil trial will also address six other fraud claims in the case and determine the penalties for them with Judge Engoron to issue the verdict on the non-jury trial. Last week, we witnessed Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump take the stand to deny their role in the allegations made. Both brothers told the same story, pushing the blame onto their accountants despite the fact that there are multiple documents which both brothers have signed claiming the company was giving fair and accurate financial information. Donald Trump has of course refuted the accusations and claimed the trial as “election interference,” and that it’s stopping him from campaigning in the run up to the 2024 elections. This is untrue as it’s a civil trial meaning he hasn’t been required to attend as of yet.

Although, he has made his presence known by insulting and name-calling Judge Engoron and his colleagues just outside the courthouse to the media and sitting in on many of the witness statements made against him. After two days of his ex-attorney, Michael Cohen, on the stand claiming that he was “tasked with manipulating” documents, Trump’s lawyers protested the claims. When Judge Engoron didn’t immediately rule in favour of Trump the 77-year-old stormed out of the courtroom. Instead of actually campaigning, Trump appears to be leveraging media attention to help raise millions for his campaign. He is doing so by reinforcing the conspiracy rhetoric of “Kill Trump,” which he claims his enemies are planning to carry out with a, “corporate death penalty.” He has posted on his social media account on Truth Social 115 times in the last month about the trial and sent out 300 fundraising emails appealing to people to “save America,” by donating to him. The behaviour we’ve seen Trump exhibit over the course of this trial is unfortunately not surprising. His actions have more closely resembled that of a moody teenager than an ex-president and business tycoon but one thing we shouldn’t do is underestimate the man. He’s got a skill for manipulating millions of people into his pocket and with this skill was elected president. The question we’re faced with isn’t whether he’s guilty or not anymore, because he is guilty, having been found liable for fraud. The question now remains how guilty he is as the trial proceeds with six other accusations of fraud in the coming weeks.

Samantha Seidu - Head of Life and Style

Reflections on Black History Month's significance today.

he month of October is what is known to many of us as Black History Month. It’s a month dedicated to celebrating Black British history, pioneering figures and success. Now that October has been and gone, it has given me the chance to reflect on how important it is. Black people have had a presence in Britain from as early as the Roman occupation. As well as this, black people across the diaspora have suffered greatly under the British Empire. Despite the hardship, they have made vital contributions to the structures that keep the country running everyday. Under the rule of the British Empire, black Africans fought in both the First and Second World War, the Windrush Generation left the comfort of their homes in the Caribbean to rebuild the country after the devastation of the Second World War and to this day, continue to contribute in high numbers to our public services. It is a fact that without the contributions of black people, the Britain we know and live in would not be what it is now. But with all our contributions, we have experienced abhorrent racism that persists to this day. We all know the infamous ‘no dogs, no blacks, no Irish’ signs outside pubs, segregation of the Windrush generation, colonialism all the way to the Windrush scandal,

the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the disproportionate COVID-19 deaths of Black and Asian people. Yet, that doesn’t take away from our contributions. For me, Black History Month is not just about celebrating figures such as Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr and Mary Seacole. Whilst their contributions to Civil Rights should always be acknowledged, I would say that Black History Month should be used to celebrate the average black person. We should celebrate the Windrush Generation who helped to rebuild the country, our black health care workers who help to keep the NHS on its feet, our black entertainers, musicians, influencers, sportsmen and women who represent the country despite the blatant racism. As well as this, we should see Black History Month as a call to action. The fact we even need a Black History Month is evidence that racism and racial disparities are still issues that must be addressed with urgency. I also want to use this opportunity

to recognise the contributions of immigrants in this country regardless of their racial background. For all the immigrants who have historically had bad rep based solely on misinformation. As someone who has immigrant parents, I have seen first hand the difficulty of giving to systems that want your labour, benefit from your culture but don’t appreciate the role you play in giving back to society. Finally, we must acknowledge that Black British history is British history. All the good and the bad did happen in real life, therefore no matter how bad something seems, it is important that future generations know exactly what happened and when it happened. Looking back on the past is the only way we can look forward. So for the rest of this year, for the rest of next year and all the years that follow, always remember the contributions of black people regardless of whether they are widely known or your average person.

Image: Terrence Osbourne on WikimediaCommons

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Sub-Editors: Adelaide Dodson, Rosie Brennan and Margaux Martinez

Monday 20th November 2023

Opinion

Trigger warnings and their function in modern media Charlotte Stobart

In such tumultuous times are trigger warnings contributing helpfully or harmfully to society?

hey say that this generation is going soft. In fact, older generations have been saying this about the young for centuries. Kids these days. Snowflakes who need to join the real world, who need to understand that facts don’t care about their feelings, and that they can’t stay wrapped in cotton wool forever.

“[Trigger warning] allow people to anticipate and manage their stresses.” For them, an indicator of the perpetual softness of the youth is the recent explosion of trigger warnings. These are statements which warn of potentially distressing stimuli, particularly associated with content known to cause trauma. Examples of topics include self-harm, suicide, and violence. Initially they tended

to be found online, but recently they’ve spilled over into the real world, with some universities even instituting policies which require trigger warnings. Trigger warnings intend to create autonomy for people, so that they can choose whether to engage in things which might negatively affect them, especially due to past traumas. In many ways, they are equitable to allergen warnings.

"Research suggests an anticipated response."

trigger warnings have less to do with their actual efficacy and more to do with perceptions of them. They have become politicised. Some on the conservative right wrongly equate trigger warnings to censorship. But the content is still there, distressing things are still said, just with a short preamble. Trigger warnings have become another hot-button issue in the culture wars, a shield for the woke, brandished by conservatives as an unnecessary invention of sensitive snowflakes. ‘Triggered’ has also become a buzzword for both the left and the right, with the right often using it to make fun of the left.

This makes conservatives getting triggered by the concept of trigger warnings as ironic as it is unfortunate, indicative of their central, ubiquitous hypocrisy.

"Trigger warnings have become warped and disconnected." So, the issue is not with trigger warnings themselves, but rather with their (over)-use.

Central to considerations is the question of what exactly we owe to each other. Do we want to live in a world where we don’t feel that we owe each other a little concern, and comfort, and kindness? Why shouldn’t we do things that, at very little cost to us, less than a sentence worth of words in most cases, make other people’s lives easier? The world is a distressing place, so shouldn’t we seek to reduce the discomfort of others? Is that not what being compassionate and being human is about? So, trigger warnings are ‘nice’ thing to do, but do they work? In a number of studies surrounding their efficacy, they were found to be at best trivially helpful. They allow people to anticipate and manage their stresses, but some research suggests that this leads to an exaggeration in the anticipated response. However current debates around

For example, a recent trigger warning on the musical ‘The Sound of Music’ for distressing themes, especially as related to the rise of the Nazis, or before a play warning of the ‘death of a puppet’. It borders on patronising. In recent years, trigger warnings have become warped and disconnected from their original purpose, which undermines their legitimacy and validity. Sometimes, oftentimes, they are useful, but their current implementation seems to be out of control and is foundational to the hostility towards their usage.

Image: Pixabay, geralt

Do we feel safer in places where cops have guns? Multiple Writers

Arthur Ferridge, Head of Sport

efore I moved to Newcastle for university, I spent eight years living in Washington, D.C., which boasts the highest number of police officers per capita in the United States, with nearly 56.9 police officers for every 10,000 residents as of 2015. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, consider that New York City and San Francisco employ 42.3 and 26.4 officers per 10,000 citizens, respectively. It’s no secret that American coppers do not have a good reputation, both in the US and internationally. A seemingly perpetual string of police brutality incidents has given them a reputation for shooting first and asking questions second. Naturally, many Americans are terrified of crossing paths with the police. A 2022 Pew Research poll found that just 26% of Americans have “a great deal” of confidence in police, with racial minorities, young voters, and liberals all emerging as particularly wary of law enforcement. In my own limited run-ins with the police, the presence of a service weapon is impossible to look past. It's terrifying. In 2018, I attended the March for Our Lives, a march to the Capitol building calling for strengthened gun control legislation, and we were somewhat

ironically monitored by armoured policemen with assault rifles. In 2020, I was pulled over while driving through rural Maryland. The highway cop kept a hand on his pistol for the duration of our interaction. Both of these experiences left a bad taste in my mouth: a peaceful protest met with military grade weapons, and a speeding high-schooler made very aware of an officer's service weapon.

“A huge amount of Americans are frightened of those who are supposed to 'protect and serve'.” Of course, given the American right’s fetishistic obsession with the Second Amendment and the staggering amount of guns in the country, cops need a pistol and realistically couldn’t do their jobs without them, but their presence contributes to the dramatically unbalanced power dynamic between citizens and law enforcement. A huge amount of Americans are frightened of those who are supposed to “protect and serve”, and a frightening amount of cops seem to feed off that fear. At the end of the day, all I can speak to is my own experience. Having lived in one country rich with gun-toting policemen and one without, I can safely say that I’ve always felt safer around Met officers than sheriff ’s deputies.

Isla Sutherland

he United Kingdom is well known for its unarmed approach to its police force. Despite having separate armed response units, the majority of UK police officers do not carry guns while in duty. The success rate of this approach can be arguably seen through the statistics of armed police incidents in the UK, showing only around 0.05% percent of armed operations follow shots being fired. Countries such as Iceland and Norway, have some of the lowest crime rates in the world; Iceland being voted the safest country in 2023. All of which have little to none gun activity throughout its civilians and police force. In contrast, the U.S continues to foresee on average 1000 fatal police shootings annually, with 2023 currently standing at around 707 civilians being shot by police force. The rate of fatal police incidents among Black Americans carried between 2017-2023, remains the highest among any other ethnicity, with police brutality being one of the top politically charged topics in recent years within the U.S. Therefore it is important to recognize that for individuals the extent of feeling safe in countries where police officers hold gun rights, may vary among ethnicities due to the number of racially profiled incarcerations and deaths by police force in the U.S.

Furthermore, there is a clear correspondence between armed police forces and the gun activity and/or laws that are practiced in in various countries, making it difficult to compare countries such as the UK and Iceland, to the U.S, as not all civilians are not given a right to arms. As a person who grew up as a teenager in Mclean, Virginia, I attended a regular American High School, where I was subject to the ongoing problem of school shootings that occurred throughout the country. As a safety protocol we had an armed security guard on site at all times and practiced regular lockdown drills. Although at the time I felt safer with t he s e

regulations in place, it was the gun itself getting into the wrong hands that us as teenagers feared the most. Therefore, does having a trained guard in uniform holding the weapon change the percussions of the gun being present in a place of education with over 1000 underage children? It is hard to say whether as a collective we feel safer in countries with armed or non-armed police force. However, it is critical that as a society we question whether a visible badge and uniform is enough to hand over a willing trust for such individuals to mentally and physically be given the responsibility to handle arms.

Image: Lorie Shaull on Wiki Media Commons

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Sub-Editors: Matthew Barratt and Elisabeth Gores

Monday 20th November 2023

Science 11 "Mirror-test" experiment suggests Remembering Karl Von Frisch that roosters may be self-aware Joe Keeble

Matthew Barratt - Science Sub-Editor

The results have prompted debate over animal welfare.

new version of the classic "mark test" may have proved that Roosters can recognize their own reflection. There are but a few species of animal that are recognized as possessing the cognitive ability of self-recognition. Among these are the great ape species of chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos but also Asian elephants, bottlenose dolphins and the birds species of Eurasian magpies and Indian crows. Roosters may now be the newest addition to this elite club according to the new study published in Plos One (2023) last October. Mirror self-recognition (MSR) is the process used to obtain these conclusions and takes the form of a mark test in which an animal, placed in front of a mirror, is marked with a colored spot on an easily reachable part of their body. If the animal notices the mark whilst standing in the mirror and takes active

interest in this anomalous colour, then this is solidified as proof of the subject’s ability to recognize their own reflection. Chickens, more specifically Roosters, are a little bit more complex when tested on using MSR. The domestic fowl exhibits a unique behavior when in the accompaniment of their conspecifics. In face of an oncoming predator, a fox for example, the rooster will exclaim to warn others around them to make an escape. When alone, however, the rooster will remain quiet, lest they expose themselves to becoming a victim of their pursuing predator.

The volatile particle only exists for a billionth of a second before it combusts.

joint venture between American and Chinese scientists has resulted in the discovery of a new form of nitrogen with 9 nucleons. With seven protons and two neutrons, the forces that bind together this nucleus are incredibly weak compared to other nuclei. As a result of the particles lopsided makeup and the fact that the forces that bind the particle together aren’t strong enough to act over the range of 9 nucleons, researchers only observed this particle for 1 billionth of a nanosecond before it combusted.

“Scientists are currently debating whether to deem the isotope a definitve particle.” Due to the iota of time that it existed for, scientists are currently debating whether to deem the isotope as a definitive particle. However, many currently believe that it still counts as a discovery of

who participated in the research may have perceived their reflection as a fellow conspecific who uncannily mimics their movements. Nevertheless, the study itself is a valid starting point which challenges the preconceived notions about MSR, as chickens are regarded as one of the least expected candidates to respond to it. The study itself has important implications for the development of attitudes towards animal welfare, rights and the knowledge of animal cognitive intelligence.

“These fowls were able to differentiate a conspecific from that of their own reflection.” Researchers used this behavior to their advantage and constructed a grid separated by two compartments in which two roosters were placed within each respective segment. A projection of a predator was displayed on the ceiling and scientists observed that in sight of this façade, the roosters would exhibit the warning call to their conspecific. Then a mirror was placed between

A first glimpse of the most elusive isotope, Nitrogen - 9 Joe Keeble

the two roosters, cordoning them off from view. When shown the predatory projection, the roosters, in view of their reflections, performed their alarm calls drastically less, thus aiding the hypothesis that these fowls were able to differentiate a conspecific from that of their own reflection. These findings are not definitive proof that roosters themselves are self-aware but the evidence certainly points towards the potentiality of such. For example, the study puts forth the suggestion that some of the roosters

a new nitrogen isotope. The implications for this developing branch of theoretical physics are extremely exciting, as current models do not have the sophistication to investigate and define more complex concepts, such as that of the nuclear system which binds Nitrogen - 9.

“Due to its relevance, it has vast implications for theoretical physics.” It was observed from the decay fragments of a larger system of particle collisions, and was deduced by this method rather than direct observation, although this is a common method in particle physics detection such as was the case for the Higgs boson. Due to its relevance, it has vast implications for theoretical physics such as in the field quantum mechanics and also puts forth questions into how the existence of such a volatile and unique isotope came to be. It also invites questions for quantum systems that interact openly, such as in quantum computing or in a biochemical system, as the production of this isotope could radically alter how they function e.g. the effects of nitrogen 9 production inside cells or small circuits.

Image Credit: Pixabay: MabelAmber

Chimpanzees and Menopause! Imogen Smillie - Head of Culture

A recent study shows that chimps also have to endure "the change".

And the results were very interesting… The hormones levels showed that, yes, these chimps experience a reproductive transition similar to humans, characterised by increased levels of FSH and LH hormones and declined levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Another result was based on the age of these chimps. It appeared normal for the females in this study to live past 50 years old. These age ranges showed that any female who reached adulthood was post-reproductive for about one-fifth of her adult-life. Around half as long as humans! Perhaps now that we know our close animal relatives also go through ‘the change’, we can learn from this study on how our hormones actually change during this time. It may also spur further studies into menopause studies of other animals (I’m personally very interested if the humble sloth has to endure the torture). So, while the menopause may still be seen as a taboo subject for most of the human patriarchal society (boooooo!), maybe the chimps can understand it better!

erhaps you’re like me, and you’ve heard about the joys of that… ‘interesting’ change one may go through later in life: the menopause. Similar to when a young person blessed with the female reproductive system starts their period, this change adapts their (reproductive) life both physically and mentally. But did you know, this also occurs with female chimpanzees? A recent study, published in Science, Vol. 382 (6669), tells us that female chimps are one of few animal species to exhibit the process of menopause, alongside humans and a few species of toothed whales. The study aims to look at the demographic and endocrine data of 185 female chimpanzees at the Kibale National Park, in Uganda. Spanning a whopping 21 years of observation, analysis followed age-associated trends in hormone levels from 66 females varying from 17 to 67 years old. These hormone levels (taken from pee samples) were then compared to those of human females to identify the process of menopause in the chimps. Image Credit: WikiMedia Commons: Aaron Logan

On this day: Nobel Prize recepient Von Frisch was born.

oday marks the anniversary of the birth of Nobel Prize recipient and ethologist, Karl von Frisch whose explanation of concepts such as the 'waggle dance' proved to be foundational for the behavioural studies of honey bees. Born in Munich, West Germany (now Germany) on November 20th, 1886, Karl's parents were Surgeon Karl Ritter von Frisch and Marie Exner. He studied at the Universities of Vienna and Munich, and received his PhD at the latter university in 1910, specializing in natural sciences. He undertook a teaching position at Munich in 1912 in the field of zoology. His early research focused on the perceptions of the honey bee. He was the second to demonstrate that bees have colour vision, using sugary coloured paper to study their movements, and discovered that they have a similar colour range to humans with a propensity towards the UV light spectrum. This is important because they can distinguish between hundreds of flowers which seem identical to human eyes but have much more variation in the UV spectrum. However, it is his later research which led to his award of the Nobel prize. In his research, Frisch discovered that bees perform a certain dance to each other to indicate complex information about nearby food sources.He observed that they move towards the honeycomb and waggle their posterior and then fly back to their initial starting positions. The length of time they waggled their posterior corresponded to the distance towards the food source, the angle with which they flew from the vertical was the angle of flight from the sun towards the food source. They use their sense of smell to detect other characteristics of the food source, such as its pollen count.

“Some of the most sophistictaed communication between animals." This system is so effective that even large physical barriers such as mountains don’t prove to be too complicated to figure out and is remarkably some of the most sophisticated non-primate communication between animals ever observed. Whilst initially met with some skepticism, it was found to be an accurate theoretical description of the communication of honey bees , hence the later award of the Nobel prize. The ceremony was held on December 12th, 1973 in Stockholm however Frisch was unable to attend. On his behalf, Frisch's son, Otto von Frisch was presented the ceremony and decoration by Nobel Committee member, Börje Cronholm.

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Rebecca Wright and Adriana Newbury

Relationships

Sexiest uni degrees: hot or not? Hope Cryer

Let’s face it, some university degrees give off a certain allure. Check out this totally definitive list to see if your degree is hot or not... English literature Not to be biased (as I am a third year studying the subject) but English Literature was one of the first to come up when I asked about sexy degrees. I mean, who can blame someone for being attracted to a book wielding, glasses wearing, effortlessly chic individual who is not afraid to tell you their feelings (whether they've been asked to share or not). Thanks to instagram accounts such as @hotguysreading , and to characters like Jess Mariano from Gilmore girls, it is definitely up there with sexy degrees. History This bookishness appeal also goes for history. People will get in line to be next to date you whether they’ll be divorced, beheaded or lucky enough to survive is definitely worth the gamble to date a well-read history student. Psychology Next up is psychology, but this hot degree came

with a catch. The general consensus was that it only applied to girls and not boys. I suppose being psychologically examined for girls was a turn off but for boys it is a turn on... who knew using the Oedipus complex would really get a guy going? Mechanical and Chemical engineering Lucky for the engineers a lot of people apparently want to listen to your technical lingo (without being able to understand a word). Acting clueless whilst a guy explains the workings of circuit board is a switch waiting to be turned on. Or are people just looking for someone to fix their boiler this upcoming winter?

Geography Unlucky for geography, the decision does not fall in their favour, as theirs is the first degree to fall on the 'not' list. Maybe it's the colouring in,or the deep knowledge of rocks but for you lot, he prospect of a relationship is quickly eroding. Architecture Architecture on the other hand came up on the 'hot' list- the skyscrapers they’re designing will definitely reach the 69th floor. Sports science and physiotherapy Basically P.E. at a higher level, no one wants to date someone who will cancel their date for the big game. Even though I will give them some points, as those guys really know what to do with their hands.

Medicine Medicine was stuck in between the lists, as it has all the promise to get things going with a mystery ailment diagnosis and a big pay check once they’ve eventually qualified. But you definitely have to be in it for the long haul for this payout, and will understandably be a second priority to the degree! Business and finance Business and finance degrees have a certain 'hot' appeal, as they often come with the promise of financial success and a luxurious lifestyle as well. A huge added bonus as they can explain why we can’t just print more money.

think people just can't face having to watch Pulp Fiction or The Godfather with their date mansplaining the plot Ken-style.

Languages Lastly, languages and linguistics can be captivating and made the 'not' list, as the ability to communicate in different tongues (or should we say with) is seen as both impressive and alluring. Who wouldn't love to be wooed in French... oohla-la!

Film and media Film and media unfortunately made the 'not' list, even though the allure of the silver screen and the glamour of the entertainment industry are hard to resist. I

Image: Source (pixabay)@dariuszSankowski

A guide to seeing Our 20's: what are we meant to be doing? your one night stand on campus Marina Snyder - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Amana Khan - News Sub-Editor

How to make the awkwardness slightly more bearable...

he transition from school to uni is not just an academic one. It is also one that involves living independently, making new friends, living in a new city, dating new people, and for many people, sleeping with new people. Now, many people have experienced a onenight stand. You know the drill! You go to a club, the drinks are flowing, everyone’s dancing to ABBA, and the next thing you know you’re in bed with someone. It could be anyone: a stranger, someone from your course, a friend, even a housemate. There is no shame in it, in fact it always makes a great debrief story the next day to all your friends, but what is awkward is seeing them on campus.

in dealing with this that reduces the hangxiety. When I think about the one-night stands I had in my second year of uni and how awkward the encounters were then, I remember that now I am laughing about it and if I see them again now, there is just a look of acknowledgement, and we move on. I take this principle and apply it now and think 'if I were to see them in two years’ time, it would not bother me at all, so why let it bother me now?' Not only this, they may have seen you naked, but you also saw them naked. It’s a twoway street and so whatever you are feeling or thinking, they are probably (hopefully) feeling and thinking the exact same, so there is no reason to stress or be embarrassed. Also, seeing your one-night stand can be funny. Just imagine going back to your friends and having a gossip about who you just saw, and you can take the embarrassment out the situation by doing that. Now, I am not saying that seeing a onenight stand is ideal but there is only so much a person can do to avoid them, and it is honestly not worth the time or effort to avoid a onenight stand. So, just take my advice and turn it into something you can laugh about.

“It’s a two-way street and so [...] they are probably (hopefully) feeling and thinking the exact same.” Image: Source (pixabay)@sipa There is no sugar coating it, seeing a onenight stand on campus is probably one of the most hell-ish experiences there is. This may just be me, but I dress as if I’m going to bed when I am on campus, as well as having bags the size of Texas under my eyes and that is no good look if I’m about to bump into the guy I just slept with. However, after being at uni for a few years now, I have learnt a few ways

Image: Source (wiki)@fibonacci

Being in your 20's is chaos. Being in your 20's is messy. Being in your 20's is uncertainty.

ne minute you're living at home with your family, living out a life that is scheduled for you the moment you wake up: breakfast, school, friends, homework, dinner. And the next thing you know, society has deemed you a fully functioning adult, you’ve left home, and you’re assumed to fend for yourself. They’ve thrown you into the ocean with nothing but a “good luck!” and that’s that...you’re on your own, kid. As a child, and even as a young teenager, a twenty-year-old sounded very grown-up to me. I thought of ‘twenty’ and I thought of freedom. I assumed I’d have figured out life and would be put together by now. Well, how wrong I had been. If anything, I think this age, this next decade even, will be a new chapter in most of our lives, but it will be a messy one. This is the age when we will make the most mistakes... and that’s also okay. I like to think that the 20's does not mean you have to be put together, rather, it’s an age to experience life and to learn lessons, as cheesy as it sounds, it’s the time to ‘find ourselves’.

“There’s this longing to be a child again, to have someone to take care of you and to tell you what to do because it’s too tiring just doing it all yourself.” A couple of weeks ago I was at the doctor's and the nurse asked me if I had any weekend plans. I told her I was celebrating my 20th birthday and she looked at her colleague with a sigh, “we were all that age once”. I thought about how strange it is that right now, I think about how lost and

clueless I often feel in life, and how unexpected it was that that woman is longing to be the very age I am now, that maybe one day I’ll look back and smile, thinking about this time right now and how freeing it is to not know what I'm doing.

“Focus on making an impact on yourself, the priority is waking up every day and working on liking who you see in that mirror.” I think it’s also worth mentioning how lonely being in your 20's is. You can be surrounded by a group of people and friends but at the end of the day it is undoubtedly a lonely period in life. But with that said, you learn to be alone, and you learn to find comfort in going on walks and to cafes by yourself, it’s sometimes incredibly lonely, but it also allows you to get to know yourself better. I recently read Dolly Alderton’s “Everything I Know About Love” which was essentially about the author’s life in her twenties and how she navigated friendships and relationships. Something that stood out to me was a reference to selfishness; the concept that in your twenties everyone is only thinking and caring about themselves. I think there’s some truth in this: we are constantly thinking about ourselves – what to wear to our classes, who to go out with, who to sleep with next. We are absorbed into our own bubbles, each thinking of ourselves as the centre of our own little world. But it’s understandable and it’s natural, this doesn’t mean we don’t empathise or think about our friends and family, it just means that we are figuring ourselves out now, and that, I think, is the top priority for being in your twenties. You will have time later on to create an impact on this world, but for now? Focus on making an impact on yourself, the priority is waking up every day and working on liking who you see in that mirror. Your twenties will not be perfect, it will be chaotic to say the least, but embrace it... embrace being messy and embrace what is to come, this is the true beginning of our life and who we are yet to become.

Sub-Editors: Zahra Hanif, Jay Barber and Marina Snyder

Monday 20th November 2023

Lifestyle

On friendship rituals Rosie Brennan - Opinion Sub-Editor

Why the little things do count, and how they bind us together.

irlhood is possibly the most beautifully ugly complex phenomena to ever exist. And it is kept alive, in my opinion, by the joint rituals of female friendships. These may seem like insignificant things, but they result in some of the best (and of course, worst) times of our lives. Here are my personal favourite rituals: The Groupchat Everyone has one group chat, usually consisting of 3-6 people, that you would rather die than have anyone see. You’ve sent about a million 'you deserve better' texts in it. You’ve said things only Regina George would repeat about people in it. You’ve sent about 90 voice notes in it, telling your friends five stories at the same time. Your fittest selfies are in it (because you obviously need to ask which one to post), as well as your worst moments (that time you went on the pole in Soho). The groupchat is one of the most sacred parts of female friendships because we truly see the best and worst parts of one another. The debrief You wake up Thursday morning full of hangxiety, and the one thing getting you out of bed is the desire to know where THAT friend managed to end up last night. Over about 30 cups of tea, you discover that she somehow managed to fix a middleaged couple’s divorce in the smoking area, punch a rugby boy in the face (deservedly so, probably) and force Cosy Joes to let her sing ABBA’s entire discography. All hail the debrief. The rant The moment you see your friends true colours. Usually begins with ‘you know who’s been doing my head in a bit recently?’ And ends with ‘not to be judgemental or anything’. I’m all for spreading kindness, but a good gossip just feeds the soul.

"We truly see the best and worst parts of each other." Hot girl walks, wholesome café trips, screaming Taylor Swift at a completely unacceptable volume: all of these things make us who we are, and they allow us to see the most amazing, and equally, the most ugly parts of each other.

Image credit: Pixabay @sweetlouise

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"(S)express yourself" National Sexpression Conference 2023 Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

n the weekend of the 4th November, I had the privilege of attending Sexpression:UK's National Conference, held by Sexpression:Newcastle at Newcastle University this year. Sexpression:UK is a national, student-led charity dedicated to delivering sex education to young people in local schools, and opening up healthy discussions around a wide range of topics including relationships, bodily changes, gender identity and sexuality. One aim of this is to move away from a solely biological focus when discussing sexual health, in a manner that simply aims to tick a box on a curriculum and move on, in order to remove certain stigmas around discussions revolving around sexuality in both classrooms and wider society. The weekend was packed with talks and workshops, all with the aim of empowering guests with this year’s theme being '(S)express Yourself '. Attendees received gift bags upon arrival, containing a mixture of sex-related goodies and educational resources. We then got to attend workshops of our choice - with an array of different events being held, it was hard to choose between some! The workshops ranged from tote bag making for the creatively inclined to burlesque dancing for those wanting something more active. While

very different activities, both had the same goal of allowing the participant to build their confidence as they expressed themselves through their preferred means. I went to several art-based workshops, such as intersectional collaging and a (clothed) life drawing session. The collaging served as a means to reconnect with ourselves by collaging our experiences, and was hosted by Dami Fawehinmi of Navii Media. The life drawing session was more about observing the human form as we replicated it through our mediums of choice, which was lots of fun as we tried out different techniques and colours. One of my highlights of the weekend was attending a Drag GRWM workshop, in which we watched Drag Queens get made up, all while talking us through their process and answering questions from us about their routines, what Drag means to them and how empowering it is for them, and their performances. The weekend also contained panels and talks. I sat in on an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion panel, which hosted important conversations, regarding inclusivity in language choices, LGBTQ+ sex education and how vital it is that sex education takes place in the classroom and isn’t assumed to be taken on by parents. The keynote speaker for the second day was Eva Echo, a trans rights activist, spokesperson and writer. She spoke to us about her experience being trans, how we can act as allies to the trans community, and the beauty of trans joy. I got to speak to the President of Sexpression:Newcastle, Maxime, about how she

thought the conference went: “I am pleased with the conference overall (and quite relieved that the hard work paid off!) - I was very lucky to be able to invite a number of amazing speakers and workshop leaders, who work within the field of sexual health and RSE both locally and nationally. I am also so proud of my volunteers, without whom the conference could not have gone ahead - they worked hard to uphold Sexpression values, and to make everyone feel safe and happy to be there. The (S)express Yourself National Conference was a very important event, as it was based on and built around sex-positive expression and education - it is rare to have a whole weekend aimed at viewing sexual health and sex in a safe, fun and positive way. I hope the attendees will have gone away with a more positive outlook on what is unfortunately often a stigmatised topic, and lots of happy memories to look back upon. Overall, I feel very proud to have been able to host this important event at Newcastle University.”

Image credit: Zahra Hanif

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to Jenica Davis - TV Sub-Editor

Why your birthday doesn't need to live up to the hype.

our birthday is a special time of the year where you get together with your loved ones to celebrate your life, reflect on how far you have come, and party the day away making even more memories. But why does it also happen to be the worst day to ever exist? If you experience birthday blues, you are not alone. For many of us, we are counting down the days until our birthday in anxiety instead of excitement. A lot of people despise birthdays because of the inevitable, daunting phenomenon that is aging. I can’t say that aging itself is something that bothers me, but I think for me it all boils down to expectations. With each year that passes, you gain wisdom and experience, and your life is supposed to be that tiny bit more put together. However, despite the law telling you that you’re an adult, you never really feel like one; you’re constantly migrating between a state of growing and learning to feeling like you’re falling behind. And to those who like to ask people on their birthdays whether they feel different: No. We don’t.

just adds stress to an already stressful occasion. Being a twin and sharing your birthday definitely makes it more enjoyable, with the attention always being split between me and my brother. But birthdays don’t hit the same as they did when we were younger. I definitely have my mum to thank for that, who always nailed every birthday party I had. My friends can vouch that my birthday plans now are very last minute, typically decided a few days before my actual birthday. For me, the birthday dread is due to simply the fact that I don’t really care about my birthday, but I feel like I should. I know I’m more than happy to treat my birthday like any other day, but there’s always that lingering pressure to go

somewhere and do something. Despite society’s idea of how one should spend their birthday, you must not fall into the trap of people pleasing – do what you want to do!

"You must not falll into the trap of people pleasing - do what you want to do!" Notably, my hatred for birthdays only extends to my own. I actually love other people’s birthdays: getting to find presents for my friends and family as well as it also being the perfect excuse to avoid any work I have to do and go spend quality time with them. Perhaps the key to overcoming birthday blues is shifting your perspective. Instead of it being an important day about you, see it as an excuse to tick something you’ve been wanting to do off your bucket list and to catch up with people you enjoy spending time with. At the same time, if you don’t want to do anything, that’s fine too – it’s your day, after all!

" For many of us, we are counting down the days until our birthday in anxiety instead of excitement." The day itself is ridden with high expectations and social pressures. You must look your best, feel your best, and it must be a day to remember – for good reasons. Some people would argue that the bigger the better, the more the merrier. But, for some of us, throwing a grand, extravagant party

Image credit: Pixabay @quangpham2512

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Sub-Editors: Zahra Hanif, Jay Barber and Marina Snyder

Monday 20th November 2023

Lifestyle

NUSU welcomes LGBTQ+ The unrealistic standard safe space on campus of the 'clean girl aesthetic' Daisy Harrison - Head of Life and Style

The latest LGBTQ+ safe space on campus is now open and welcome to all!

ewcastle University Student’s Union (NUSU) have opened an LGBTQ+ safe space on campus. The space is designed to be welcoming for all students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and is full of games and entertainment. NUSU have a zero-tolerance on discrimination and harassment, so the area is a safe and respectful place, where students can relax in between

Image credit: Instagram @newcastlesu

Frederick Douglass Centre, 1.12

The development of the space came about in 2020, after feedback from student representatives. A lot of research and conversations with the University went into having a permanent space for the community. NUSU wants the space to be used, respected, and constantly improved – so make sure to visit and scan the QR codes to give your thoughts and feedback.

"NUSU want the space to be used, respected, and constantly improved." You can find signposting to support within the space, such as talking to a member of NUSU’s welfare team or visiting the Support & Advice Hub. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a professional adviser, to talk about any issues. You can access this support on the Ground Floor of NUSU. The LGBTQ+ safe space is located at Newcastle Helix in the Frederick Douglass Centre, Room 1.12 (near St James’ Park). It is open every weekday, 9:00 – 17:00, but closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Access Times Weekdays 9.00-17.00 Weekends CLOSED Bank holidays CLOSED

Sophie Jarvis

Is the TikTok trend 'Clean girl aesthetic' harmful towards the way we perceive ourselves?

licked-back buns, soap brows, and spotless skin— at face value, the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic promotes natural beauty, health, and skincare, but are the aesthetics' implications just as clean? The surfacing of the "clean girl aesthetic" hashtag emerged in January 2022 along with ‘how to’ guides across TikTok, which have now surpassed 6 billion views. It’s undeniable that social media microtrends have amplified people’s desire to conform to an aesthetic— from ‘Blokette’ to ‘Rockstar’s girlfriend’, from ‘Gorpcore’ to ‘Cottagecore’, the majority are focused on what you wear. And yet, when it comes to the clean girl aesthetic, cosmetic and clothing companies nurture the trend via lip-glosses, dewy highlighters, and neutral garments. It soon becomes clear that the trend is taken a step further - suddenly, it also regards what you eat, your skincare, and what your room looks like. This is where the clean girl aesthetic differs from most: it’s a lifestyle.

“This is where the clean girl aesthetic differs from most: it's a lifestyle.”

It’s refreshing to have a trend with a focus on taking care of yourself and your skin and enhancing your features to feel better about yourself. However, the aesthetic, unfortunately, leaves little wiggle room for representation; rooted in Eurocentric ideals with an undertone of ageism, the expenses behind having the 'desired' 30-step skincare routine and quality makeup products aren’t accessible, nor time-efficient, which can often make you feel like you’re 'failing' the firm aesthetic that must be characterised by being ‘minimalist’ and ‘effortless’ in life.

“Rooted in Eurocentric ideals with an undertone of ageism.” The term ‘clean girl’ is also harmful, as it poses the question: if you don’t follow the aesthetic, are you dirty? Are you unattractive? Defining a specific lifestyle under the guise of it authorising you as ‘clean’ perpetuates the beauty industry’s impossible standards and reveals the rampant consumerism behind the hashtag. The face of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic is unblemished, clear skin, but does that mean that women with acne don’t qualify? Is wearing a high-coverage foundation something to be looked down upon? With that being said, it’s important to note that applying one aesthetic to your entire life will come with its own unrealistic standards, whether it be ‘clean girl’ or not. An existence can’t be categorised under one term! Embrace reinvention without feeling the pressure of guidelines.

Society Spotlight: It's time to unbox Gilbert and Sullivan society Poppy Bedford - Music Sub-Editor

Interested in staging or performance? Have a look at this week's showcased society...

he Gilbert and Sullivan Society (NUGSS) is one of the longest running societies in the university, founded in 1952 and putting on two productions, more or less, since their opening year. Last years productions of HMS Pinafore and a Midsummer Night’s Dream were held to particularly high acclaim with the society being recognised for its work by the International Gilbert and Sullivan festival, winning awards for best actor in a male role, best actor in a female role, best director and a special recognition award for ‘The Captains Song – vomit and toe business’, as well as being nominated for best male voice.

the G&S treasure. Princess Ida shows leadership and independence by starting her own university but as Prince Hilarion yearns for his love, and those around them yearn for power, a big kerfuffle unfolds in this three act symphony. NUGSS take on a more modern approach to this comedic operetta, 'taking away the focus on gender as we show the war of brain vs brawn.’

"Provides friendships and skills that will last a lifetime." NUGSS is not only an award winning society but provides friendships and skills that will last a lifetime. It is entertaining to be a part of and boasts an environment that will not only allow you to grow as a performer but also provides a community that will allow you to grow as a person.

Image credit: Instagram @nugssociety

"With the society being recognised for its work by the International Gilbert and Sullivan festival." NUGSS doesn’t only put on award winning shows, they run socials throughout the year for all their members, including a recent Halloween photoshoot where members dressed up in white sheets (you may have seen them around the university campus); they also do regular nights out and group trips. Princess Ida is this year’s main show and runs from February 29th to March 2nd 2024. It was written in 1884 by Gilbert and Sullivan themselves, and has been performed by the society four times over its 71 year history. The show has been re-interpreted this year with ‘a ‘new take’ on

Instagram: @nugssociety

the 'shopping haul' Jay Barber - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Are shopping haul videos encouraging overconsumption?

Although you could argue that one haul video won’t lead to the world setting itself alight, it’s important to consider that we, as viewers, are impressionable. When we see each others' lives through a screen, comparisons come easily and so too can feelings of insecurity. Influencers earn money by promising us that our life will be changed by buying a new coat, fridge organisers, a lipstick, or whatever product they gain commission from. The unfortunate truth is that these videos pretend to solve a problem that was never there. It’s not that you, the average person, are lacking anything. But if you can be convinced that you were, then you’re an easy target to profit from. The instant gratification of a haul is undeniable, but what can we do instead? Becoming a conscious consumer – of both the things you buy, and the things you watch online – is a fantastic first step. Embrace the charity shop. Put that jumper in your ASOS basket to see if you still love it in a week. Shop small, where possible. Re-wear the dress in the back of your wardrobe. And, trust me, those fridge organisers are more hassle than they’re worth.

hopping hauls make for easy content to consume. Viewers can enjoy the shopping sensation without spending a penny, or rely on the influencer’s supposedly trustworthy reviews and follow an affiliate link to make a purchase of their own. Though this might seem harmless, the rise of fast fashion in our consumer culture suggests that it’s time to go beyond the unboxing and examine the effects of these hauls on our society, our psyche, and our planet. On an environmental level, it is welldocumented that many fast fashion companies are carbon criminals with disastrous records of workers rights. Garments from these companies, while much cheaper than some sustainable alternatives, are often produced at a much lower standard and won’t last beyond a few wears. While a Shein shopping haul might include some stunning dresses, it’s worth considering the carbon footprint they leave behind. "Shop 'til you drop" shouldn't come at the expense of our planet. Image credit: Pixabay @borevina

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Lana Free and Ivy French

Fashion & Beauty

Class is back: a guide to autumn menswear Aaron Grainger

It’s time to bring the subtle elegance back - without raiding your grandad’s wardrobe!

t is time to bring the subtle elegance back; classy men’s fashion is in style, and that doesn’t mean dressing like someone’s grandfather! Here are some go-to classic pieces when trying to expand your wardrobe as a man this autumn. Though fashion is certainly subjective, it is always recommended to have a range of pieces to choose from. Give room to explore who you are, alleviating your wardrobe, and perhaps moving away from that sweatshirt you’ve worn three times this week already!

“I would encourage any man to try out a pair of beige pleated trousers.” When considering the top half of an outfit, subtle items of clothing as seen in trends such as the ‘Stockholm style’ are taking over, giving men more elegant pieces that can easily be worn with any outfit combination. A turtleneck can give a classy and masculine touch to your outfit, keeping you warm as well. However, leave any neck jewellery undeath the garment or you will be asking for the classic Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson comment! The fitted quarter zip is also an excellent choice for a

majority of men’s styles, and they are already taking the campus by storm. In terms of colours, the sky is the limit! (Neutral tones are always easiest to match to the rest of the outfit.) To complement these upcoming autumnal tones, I would encourage any man to try out a pair of beige pleated trousers, a regular of Daniel Craig’s, found in almost any clothing store. Or because jeans are such a safe bet when getting ready in the morning, you can add more casual sophistication by expanding on the shape of those denims. Perhaps change it up a bit and go for a more relaxed fit or even flared if you’re going for a more vintage bolder look!

Always remember to accessorise with a subtle chain and ring, giving a bit more depth to your desired style. I would motivate you to step out of your comfort zone, no matter how small that step may be, wearing that piece that will give you confidence for the day ahead.

“A turtleneck can give a classy and masculine touch to your outfit, keeping you warm as well.” Finally, as we drop to sub-ten-degree temperatures, a beige trench coat or a black overcoat would truly praise the attire underneath. A more casual piece is the gilet; perfect for any outfit. Lastly, the classic leather jacket is a safe choice, made in enough styles to elevate anyone’s style personality. The leather bomber jacket is always a good shout and another vintage choice, and the black leather blazer has also made a comeback in the past year - a favourite of Timothee Chalamet.

Image credit: Jeon Changha, Instagram @boss

‘It girl’ red: the colour trend this season Rosie Brennan - Opinion Sub-Editor

A fiery colour trend to transform your look...

eep red has officially been crowned the ‘It girl’ colour of this season. This year, red has been absolutely everywhere. After Prada, Stella McCartney, Gucci and Valentino all featured bright, bold reds in their lines throughout Fall Fashion week this

year, the Gods themselves, British Vogue, even said that red is making a ‘fiery comeback’ this autumn 2023. If like me, you’re more likely to be glued to TikTok and Pinterest than attend Paris Fashion Week, you will have seen the internet’s darkened autumnal adaption of this fiery red trend. Often referred to as ‘cherry’ or ‘wine’ red, a deep, vampire-esque red has been gracing out screens, and we’re obsessed. Nails, clunky boots, bold lipstick, accessories, leather jackets: this cosy colour can be incorporated into your outfits in a million different ways. Simply adding a splash of this dark, bold red to your autumnal outfits can be the statement you need to become this season’s ‘It girl’. Paired with simple and

classic black tops, skirts or bottoms, ‘cherry’ red can completely transform your look. Motel Rocks’ ‘Walta’ jacket in ‘Redwood’ has been dubbed the must-have of autumn fashion. Unfortunately for me, my student budget can’t extend to spending £90 on a jacket, however gorgeous it may be. There are, however, some amazing dupes on Vinted and Depop, if you fancy being a sustainable ‘It girl’ on a budget. Image credit: Pinterest @cirenawilson

Does a shopping addiction cure seasonal depression? Esther Arnold

The toxic relationship between our wallets and winter weather.

s winter hits, does spending our cash along Northumberland Street really get us out of a funk? For me, one thing I have noticed over the autumn and winter period is the ever-increasing size of my wardrobe. Whilst feeling somewhat fed up after looking out on another wet and blustery day, I have always found solace in one of my favourite pass times shopping. Now I must admit, I’m a sucker for getting lost amongst aisles of clothing in all seasons of the year; however, shopping when you are feeling down just hits different. As other activities such as a trip to Tynemouth or Whitley Bay fly out of the window due to the weather and a walk along the Quayside just isn’t calling your name, the only thing that can truly fill that hole you’ve been feeling for the past couple of days is hitting

the charity shops and your favourite stores. A new outfit brings me all kinds of joy that nothing else can provide and, despite future regret of my now crumbling student budget, my winter blues are always (somewhat temporarily!) forgotten.

“A new outfit brings me all kinds of joy .” The perks of technology these days allow us to get quick blasts of dopamine through our screens, whether that be TikTok or YouTube, it’s truly up to you. But for me online shopping can really give me that boost when I have the hump. Even if I never end up buying anything, I strangely feel more uplifted, even after wasting hours online, accomplishing nothing. In a way, shopping and social media are the same. When feeling low, these activities give us momentary relief, making way for addictions in all manners of the word. Shopping is a strange concept that brings a certain ecstasy to those who relish time on the highstreets, with its

effects being almost like a drug. This burst of bliss that we feel most definitely motivates us to shop more often and when winter arrives in full swing, we focus on what can still prove to be satisfying even when the elements are against us. The coming of Christmas and all things merry and bright fuels us to participate in the growing consumerism of our world as we shop till we drop with friends and family to make our seasonal blues disappear.

How to: Accessorise Anuska Banerjee

A guide to upgrade your outfits using accessories.

ccessorize right, and you are quickly transformed into a style maverick. You don’t need to go shopping before every event, be wise in your choice of accessories and you have 10 new outfits, lying in your closet already, and without having to break the bank. Be it the iconic Miranda Priestley (The Devil Wears Prada) announcing “Details of your outfit are the first things that people notice.” or the great Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl) declaring “Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It’s movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be”, the fact that accessories really “make or break an outfit” is undeniable.

“Co-ordinate your heels to the bag you carry, and you automatically look like you put in the effort.” In fact, here are some tips on accessorizing your outfits that would make your style ‘speak-volumes’ even when you don’t. A statement belt to synch the waist, or a scarf is really the quickest way to harmonize a sophisticated office-wear look to your personal style. And, with a simple swapping of the jewelry or addition of a sparkly clutch and matching heels takes the same outfit from work-day to cocktail-night. One of the best tricks to make accessorizing simple is to match the tones in your outfit. Co-ordinate your heels to the bag you carry, and you automatically look like you put in the effort. Accessories hold the power to transform a basic ensemble into a fashion statement. With the right kind of accessorizing, outfits can become perfect expressions of personality; so next time you go shopping, look for pieces that scream “YOU”, that hold the power to be your voice when you walk into a room. Invest more in timeless pieces compared to ‘trendy’ ones. A pair of nude heels, a black clutch, golden hoops are some accessory staples that can elevate any look. Make sure you own a bright red lipstick, and express yourself through your fashion choices. It can make you feel a sense of agency like nothing else. But the key to accessorizing lies in moderation; because ‘less really is more’. Remember, all it took for Audrey Hepburn to transform her little black dress into an absolutely timeless statement, was ‘a single string of pearls and a red lip’.

Image credit: Pixabay @moisessouzasilva Image credit: Pixabay

Sub-Editors: Roseanna Leconte and Anna Nix

Monday 20th November 2023

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Food & Drink From home-cooked meals to fast food: how the eating out script has flipped 18

Anushka Banerjee

From Indian home-cooked meals to fast-food at uni, this writer reflects on how their eating habits have changed.

arlier on, eating out was an experience that I looked forward to with bated breath; because grabbing Dominos was reserved solely for birthdays and anniversaries. Pizza wasn't ‘just food’, it meant ‘pay-day’, it meant ‘celebration’. With time, that has changed. Modernisation now implies big adverts of fast food chains, making life for busy office-goers a lot more convenient. Now, getting a cheeseburger after school has become a norm. It is quick, easy, “fast” food. Most common foods we eat today, especially in big cities are on-the-go meals, with sandwiches being the most popular. Food is a product of culture. Fast food: an invention to cope with the fast-track life of fast cities. However, my relationship with food has always been personal, because food holds memories. Growing up in India, my taste-buds are naturally quite demanding, having been indulged in the delectability of rich, yummy home-cooked goodness filled with love and nourishment. My most cherished memories surround food; the ‘chicken curry’ made by my grandma which filled my soul after a long day, spicy ‘pani-puri’ and other street food form an indelible part of my

childhood. Understandably so then, food is an emotion for me. Back home, I remember being in actual tears because I was fed up of eating the same old lentil-rice; I wanted ‘tacos’, but mum refused.

“Life has become as fast as a bullet train now, and fast food is its trusty sidekick." It has been more than a month since I have moved to the UK for university. I, too, now consume fast food regularly. I get a burger when I am out for the whole day, and I never forget my diet-pepsi. ‘Fastfood’ has successfully fooled us into believing that it isn't the poster-child for ‘junk’ like our parents once told us; it has been revolutionized, now keeping in mind all those healthy, calorie-counting busy millennials who have very little time and energy at the end of the day to cook in, but also don’t want the added guilt that earlier ensued, the moment you swiped your card at a fast food till. I am left with zero motivation and cooking is just another of the tasks on my long list at the end of the day. We are all collectively stuck in an indefinite race, and now, getting chicken nuggets on a Monday morning, simply because I can, is the quickest way for me to feel some extent of agency in life. It is truly disheartening but I wish the child who had been ‘craving’ to eat-out could see me now. I don’t want tacos for dinner anymore, I want my mum’s bland lentil curry which satiated my hunger after an exhausting day, way better than

spending 20 pounds at Burger King ever does. Fast food has shaken my relationship with ‘eating out’. I do it because it is convenient, not because I love it, like I used to. Perhaps, amidst the ‘‘fast” availability of chips and cola, the faint voice in the back of my head pointing out the preservatives loaded in my dinner, gets stifled. Or, I simply choose to deliberately ignore it, even though I know what it wants: it simply craves for a plate of food that makes my heart ‘full’. And while I am thankful that the restaurant experience isn't simply a luxury anymore, the fact that eating out is more of a socialising event for young people, I

also see how fast food has ruined the very lure of wanting to ‘eat out’. Life has become as fast as a bullet train now, and fast food is its trusty sidekick. it is the best aid for a multi-tasker in our busy schedules; but kids these days will never have the memories with food that we hold so special. Even though I can grab lunch and respond to my emails at the same time now, I hardly even remember what I ate in the first place. Because it wasn't the much anticipated ‘dominos’ drive-through experience that five-year-old me couldn't wait for after dad’s pay-day; it was “Nothing special: just food”.

Image Source Pixabay, sstoyanov

Are we ultra-processed students? Cosy Cafes Jacob Isaac Hamilton

What is ultra-processed food and should we be worried?

arlier this year Dr. Chris van Tulleken waged a war on white bread with his best-selling book Ultra-Processed People. He warns that our diets are dominated by ultra-processed foods and rings the alarm about the associated danger to our health and environment. But what are ultra-processed foods? Are they really as bad as van Tulleken makes out? Are we ultra-processed students?! What is ultra-processed food? The best definition comes from the NOVA classification system developed by Professor Carlos Monteiro and his team – but it’s pretty complex. In summary– “Ultra-processed foods are formulations of ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use, typically created by series of industrial techniques and processes.” Dr. Chris van Tulleken boils it down to– “if it’s wrapped in plastic and has at least one ingredient that you wouldn’t find in your kitchen, it’s ultra-processed food.” You might be thinking at this point– “wrapped in plastic…. with ingredients that aren't in my kitchen, that sounds like most of what I eat!.” You wouldn’t be alone ¬– an analysis of food intake in the UK found that ultra-processed food makes up on average 57% of our diets, and that climbs to 83% for adolescents. The question is – should we be alarmed by that? The evidence There’s a growing body of observational evidence linking ultra-processed food consumption with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and diseases including obesity and cancer. But there’s a caveat with observational evidence – it’s difficult to distinguish the exact cause of the increased risk and control for other

factors. Is it to do with the ‘ultra-processing’? Or is it just down to factors we’re already aware of, such as the high added fat, salt and sugar content of most ultra-processed foods and low amounts of fibre and micronutrients? Apparently, it’s not that simple! In 2019, researcher Kevin Hall and his colleagues investigated whether individual nutrients are responsible in a landmark study. They found that on average ultra-processed food eaters gained weight and ate about 500 calories per day more than those who ate unprocessed foods. This was despite the processed and unprocessed meals being matched for calories, sugar, salt, fat and fibre. The ultra-processed food eaters tended to request more food after meals even though they didn’t even report preferring the taste of them. Factors such as texture, palatability and the food matrix likely contributed to the overeating. Also, there are almost definitely contributing factors that we don’t yet fully understand. But is this a good enough reason to demonise all ultra-processed foods? The expert consensus Ac c ord i n g to the experts – no there isn’t. Just this summer, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition for the UK government released a statement on processed foods and health. They concluded: “The observed associations … are concerning – however, the limitations in the NOVA classification system, the potential for confounding, and the possibility that the observed adverse associations with ultraprocessed food are covered by existing UK dietary recommendations mean that the evidence to date needs to

be treated with caution.” So, until we have better quality evidence, UK healthy eating guidance (The Eatwell Guide) remains the same with no mention of food processing. The Eatwell guide recommends keeping added sugars below ~30g a day, saturated fat below 20-30g, salt below 6g per day and getting a daily dose of at least 30g of fibre. My take Does the current evidence warrant being scared of bread or fearful of cereal? I don’t think it does. I’ve certainly noticed how easy it can be to overeat certain ultra-processed foods and exceed the recommended upper limits for salt, sugar etc. But on the other hand, they’re cheap and convenient, which are important factors for a busy student on a budget. Additionally, I’d argue that not all ultra-processed foods are unhealthy! Ultimately, I'm not worried about being an 'ultra-processed student' but I will try to eat the less healthy ultraprocessed foods in moderation. I do agree that our current food system has detrimental impacts on our health and our planet’s health. So, I certainly don’t veto van Tulleken’s valiant efforts to raise awareness around diet-related disease – but I won’t be binning the baked beans just yet.

Martha Lewis

t’s officially cafe season. With clocks changing in October, the weather getting crisper, and the workload ramping up, there’s no greater time to hunker down in a cafe or cosy study spot than now. I consider cafe hopping an art in itself (I’m dead serious). I have familiarised myself with many of the cafes in town, and have discovered some firm favourites. The Magic Hat Resembling an open plan, farmhouse dining room - the place has a communal feel for certain. They change their menu every day, meaning there is always something new to try. They often have avocado toast on the menu for 4 quid. You can also volunteer here. It’s a cracking place that’s more than just a cafe. Tiny Tiny Another frequented cafe pick, also in the centre. They grind the finest specialty coffee and are not stingy when it comes to brunch portions. They do all the classics but with a twist – check out their carrot and walnut porridge or stottie breakfast rolls. Laneway and Co A must due to its location. It sits on cobbled high bridge, and feels like a cosy gem, but it has a real buzz once inside. Its scandi interiors calm the senses and the drinks on offer are equally appealing. Perfect for anyone looking for a central spot which is just a little off the main drag.

Image Source: Instagram @drchris_drxand

Meli Cafe Perfect if you want somewhere central which feels like a pocket of peace and relaxation. Just off Northumberland Street, I stopped here after shopping for a quiet break and people watched from above! The window views you get here are gorgeous. The coffee was even better; I went for a freddo espresso.

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Charlie Reid and Ollie Withers

Travel

Backpacking vs. Bikepacking: A complete rundown Anna Nix - Food and Drink Sub-Editor

Our writer uses personal experience to take us through the ups and downs of both Bikepacking and Backpacking.

do love a good adventure, and having grown up on holidays spent under a tent you can bet that it left a permanent mark. Now in my twenties I can’t imagine a better vacation than trekking up a mountain or cycling along a river, carrying only essentials and leaving everything else behind. Truth is I’ve done both backpacking and bikepacking and although the name rings of familiarity the activities could not be more different. To put it into context, bikepacking is something I’ve done more than once, but my biggest trip was two years ago, when I cycled the Donauradweg route with two of my friends. Backpacking is something I’ve only ever done once and it was last summer when I attempted to hike the West Highland Way. When it comes to packing... Before you even head off for either adventure you will hate the packing part as I know I did. Compared to my excited packing when I am heading to a beach vacation, this seemed more like a task from hell than anything else. It comes down to the fact that you can pack so much more for a cycling trip, as I had bags on both my front and back wheel as well as handlebars. Whereas for my hiking trip I carried a 20kg backpack and was only able to pack necessities and still it was far too heavy.

The physical and mental strains As with any sport activity different parts of your body take the hit based on what you do. From my bike – my thighs, butt, knees and shoulders hurt the most. However, the pain subsided after three or four days. Admittedly, second and third day were the worst, each for different reasons. Second day was pain upon pain, neither me nor my friends were able to properly sit down on our bike, which also seemed heavier than the day before. Third day was all about mentality – it just seemed like the road was never ending, but the pain was slowly going away. Hiking, however, a completely different story. Knees took the biggest hit for me – the additional 20kg was too much for them. Then it was my feet, I was curing the blisters from my shoes for the following two months. And then of course my back and shoulders – putting the backpack on felt like torture and throwing it onto the ground (because putting it down calmly was too much effort) felt like I could finally breathe again. Mental side of things, I thought I was going to give up on my second day. For the beginners Truthfully, I think bikepacking is easier for beginners. Bike is easier because after you get off it you can still function – you can walk. As you are using different muscles when on a bike compared to walking, you feel less exhausted in the campsite after your day of cycling then compared to hiking all day. You don’t get much respite from hiking when you are in the campsite as you are still using the same muscles as you did during the day, albeit without extra weight. Bike or the hike I went hiking alone but cycled with my friends,

How to do the most on the US East Coast Sam Norman - Current Affairs Senior Editor

What's hot and what's not on the Eastern Seaboard.

fter spending around three weeks in several different states on the East Coast of the United States, I would like to think I have a shred of authority in my opinions on the best spots. In reality, America is a diverse multitude of different places; the states are home to beaches, mountains, landmarks, but, for me, the exhilarating pulse of the USA lays with the unique blend of culture and thrill in the cities.

“It checks nearly every box for social factors as well as for the foodies." Washington DC For the purpose of giving an authentic opinion, the cities I list will be ones of the East Coast I have visited, and there is nowhere else to begin other than where I began: DC. With so many National Parks, only a fingertip away from each other, the entire city is incredibly well-looked after. Turning over your shoulder to see a national monument at each angle isn’t too bad either.

Boston, Massachusetts Controversial potentially, but Boston didn’t live up to the hype for me. It was fine – that’s about it. Had some cool parts, and admittedly the weather was terrible, and we didn’t do

much tourist things, but compared to other places it was extremely unremarkable. The only significant part of my few days there was a stunning lobster bisque and a terrifying trip to Salem. New Haven, Connecticut Home to Yale University, New Haven is a hidden gem on the East Coast. I may be biased due to the friends made whilst there, but New Haven has a unique essence to it. It holds both the lively bar atmosphere of a student city, as well as the aspects of a homely cosy neighbourhood. Good bars, good food, good atmosphere; New Haven isn’t one to miss if travelling through the area. New York City, New York Sensory overload will be the only way I can define NYC. Was seeing the Statue of Liberty and going up the Empire State Building some of the best experiences of my life? Yes. Did I find every time I crossed a road or walked down the street a Hunger Games style quest? Yes. For most people NYC is, understandably, a bucket list place – I don’t blame them. However, set your expectations reasonably, NYC is great, but it is not the big city utopia you might believe. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Now Philadelphia for me was everything people think NYC is. It checks nearly every box for social factors as well as for the foodies. The city is alive with culture and excitement – watching a Phillies baseball game, visiting the Rocky Statue and touring Eastern State Penitentiary were just some of the activities I barely scratched the surface within Philly. In fewer words, of all the city breaks, Philly may not be the top of mind, but it is the place to be.

which obviously has a huge impact on the way I view both experiences but putting that aside – hiking might be more rewarding. There is probably nothing better than climbing up a hill and then getting to enjoy the view. Enjoying immaculate views is easier when hiking – there is no way I would get my bike up any mountains as the terrain usually isn’t made for bikes and my legs would also give out very quickly. On the other hand, I love that with a bike I can cover more distance, see more places. So, in the end, it’s entirely about what each of us prefers.

planned hike. All in all, though, I’d say they were both amazing trips because I have learned a whole list of valuable lessons, made unforgettable memories and added more fuel to the fire in my heart that just wants to pack my bags and run to the forest.

“Truthfully, I think bikepacking is easier for beginners. Bike is easier because after you get off it you can still function – you can walk.” The end of both Funny thing is that both my trips ended earlier than planned, however each for different reasons. Biking trip was cut short because the route we wanted to take was hit by a landslide, so we altered our trip a little, biked somewhere else and ended up coming home a few days earlier. Still, the trip stretched for 10 days with about two or three days of sightseeing more than biking and at the end we had 555 km's on our tachometer. My hiking trip was cut short because my shoes fell apart. Simple as that I kind of failed in the most important of preparation tasks and the shoes I brought were good and proper hiking shoes, but they were too old. And since I had no means to walk anymore, I had to hop on a bus and go back home without, unfortunately, finishing the

Image: Pixabay @northpak

Skiing on a budget Sophie Storey

Check out this budgetfriendly skiing location!

s someone who never went skiing with their family, my only experience of this type of holiday was on school trips. I was very fortunate to go to Les Menuires in France and then Colorado a few years later. It was great to have my secondary school plan the whole trip; all I had to do was turn up and try not to be coach sick. Nonetheless, it did mean that as I entered adulthood, I had no conception of how much skiing actually costs. There are so many components that add up, not to mention the additional lunch stops on the slopes. I was left seriously questioning how it would be possible to continue my love for skiing whilst on a student budget. This is when I found Bulgaria. It may not be one of the immediate countries to think of when planning to go skiing, but I promise you, it is the absolute best if you are on a budget. Being a little more off the radar, Bulgaria’s prices are dramatically lower. One massive bonus is that transfer times from Sofia airport sit at around the 90-minute mark meaning that taxis are super affordable – especially if you pre book a transfer online in advance. This is excellent for students, as hiring a car, and winding up slippery mountains as fairly new drivers,

is not a desirable decision. Having more accessible resorts is only one of the reasons why I love to ski in Bulgaria. I visited Bansko back in January 2022 and spent a week skiing there for about £600 all in. Additionally, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any of the key components of a winter holiday. Although the resort is slightly smaller, there are still a wide range of slopes to explore. The snow was decent, and there were après style bars dotted around to enjoy that post slopes pint. The other main resort in Bulgaria is Borovets which I hope to visit this year. The expectation is the same. Short transfer, cheap lift passes and ski hire, basic but functional accommodation and above all, a good time. The major expeditions to Canada and Japan can wait until I'm a bit older!

Image: Pixabay @Up-Free

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Poppy Bedford and Madeha Ali

21 Music Album Why music is your Single winter therapist... Review: review: Drywall 1989

lobal sensation Taylor Swift has re-released the highly anticipated 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and fans worldwide could not be more excited. The awaited release is a testament to Swift’s determination to regain control over her early music which was sold by her former manager, Scooter Braun. Whilst masterfully encapsulating the magic of the original album, 1989 (Taylor’s version) adds a new dimension of experience and introspection.

“Whilst masterfully encapsulating the magic of the original album, this one adds a new dimension of experience and introspection.” The original album is peppered with a youthful exuberance which is encapsulated in songs like ‘How You Get The Girl’. This song hones in on the excitement of young love, celebrating the giddy anticipation that comes with the beginning of a blossoming relationship. The same energy is beautifully recreated in ‘You Are In Love’ where Swift takes listeners through a whimsical journey of the realisation of finding someone you truly love. With her reinvigorated vocals and wisdom over the years, the new recordings of her older songs holds a beautiful element of nostalgia. Then there are the iconic singles, including ‘Style’, ‘Blank Space’ and ‘Wildest Dreams’ which left an indelible mark on pop culture. Even if you are not familiar with Taylor Swift as an artist, chances are these songs will still transport you back to your childhood. Swift’s ability to craft music that remains relevant is showcased in the enduring popularity of these tracks. My personal favourite part of the album is the re-recorded ‘Bad Blood’ with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar’s feature in her re-recording serves to emphasise how important it is for artists to support one another in the evolving music industry. Whilst the album revisits the artistry of her past songs, it also introduces five new tracks from the vault. These include ‘Slut!’, ‘Say Don’t Go’, ‘Now That We Don’t Talk’, ‘Suburban Legends’ and the popular ‘Is It Over Now?’. These new additions highlight Swift’s evolution as an artist and showcase her increased confidence in releasing music confidently and

Images: instagram@taylorswift

“I don’t remember the last time I went a day without listening to music – is this even possible?” Like everyone else on Earth, music is a big part of my life. I don’t remember the last time I went a day without listening to music – is this even possible? Even when I find myself in complete silence, there is bound to be some verse stuck in my head; it’s like there is a mini radio in the back of my brain that hits shuffle at random points throughout the day. There is an indisputable connection between music and your mental health. Music holds a therapeutic influence over our mental well being, causing our dopamine levels to soar. It can also help to decrease levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Not only does it activate the sector of your brain that is responsible for your emotions, but it also triggers memories.

Madeha Ali - Music Sub-Editor

Jenica Davies - TV Sub-Editor any people dread entering the winter season, those arduous days of darkness and frost that seem to never end. This time of year does not only bring a change of weather, but a bleak change of mood. There is a medical term for what most people know as seasonal depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Although this sounds quite unnerving, it is a psychological disorder that is extremely common, with 1 in 3 people in the UK suffering from SAD every year.

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f th e Issu

We all have those songs that instantly transport us back to a specific summer or remind us of a loved one. on us during winter. In these dark, bitter months, something as simple as playing music that evokes strong, positive memories on your way to uni could turn a bad morning into a good one. It’s important not to just have music on in the background all the time, but to actively listen to songs from time to time. Take in what you hear and how it makes you feel. Feel empowered to take control of any feelings of isolation and melancholy that can creep up on us during winter. When you’re feeling depressed, it might seem like the most practical thing to do would be to play some upbeat, mood boosters. But many researchers have argued that upbeat music is actually less effective for beating the blues. Instead of forcing yourself to get up and dance to those feel good classics, it is better to own your melancholic state. Putting on a sad song when you’re feeling depressed can have a rather soothing effect – you feel understood and a little less alone in the world. Melancholic albums provide the validation and reassurance that often becomes absent during the isolating months of winter. Despite many people in my life not understanding why I would choose to wallow in sad music, you can definitely count on me to be listening to Sufjan Stevens and Mitski as soon as the temperature drops. Whether you’ve got your headphones on or you’re seeing a musical at the theatre, music can act as a form of relief for your depression and anxiety. Although music is certainly not a cure for seasonal depression, don’t underestimate the significant difference it can make in tackling your winter blues!

Can't Catch Me Now By Olivia Rodrigo Image: Pixabay

Barbora Pacherova

aris Paloma’s new single ‘drywall’ is a melodically beautiful look into the liberation from an abusive relationship. Paris Paloma’s new single ‘drywall’ is a melodically beautiful look into the liberation from an abusive relationship.

“Her music talks about womanhood – the female suffrage – all sacrifices and invisible hits women take.” Paloma is well known for her powerful lyrics and storytelling through music. Her music talks about womanhood – the female suffrage – all sacrifices and invisible hits women take. 'Drywall', just like her most popular song ‘labour’ has a powerful story and evokes strong emotions, but this time it focuses on a being in a destructive relationship. The song starts off gently, with nothing but the artist’s voice and the soft melody of an acoustic guitar, but slowly builds up in catharsis as it describes breaking free and, in the song’s own words ‘severing ties’. Despite the setting and the story of the song being negative, it inspires hope – hopefulness and resilience. Paris Paloma's music isn’t new to dark themes, her music continues to explore different aspects of the dark side of womanhood, about the overlooked, forgotten and stomped-on part of humanity. However, in contrast to the already haunting music that fit the lyrics of songs like ‘fruits’ or ‘labour’, ‘drywall’ stands out, making the listener feel like everything is alright, and contracting the meaning of the lyrics with the gentle melody. Image: instagram@flowersliving

The ultimate TV soundtrack Poppy Bedford - Music Sub-Editor

ovember 21st is national television day – here’s a few of my picks for best songs used in TV shows:

1. Yellowjackets: 'Just A Girl' by Florence and the Machine Florence and the Machine has been a longtime favourite of mine, with her haunting vocals, mythical interpretations of life and anthems for the girl in us all. This song, written especially for Yellowjackets, is no different. In fact, I often find myself yelling this song as loudly as I can; to me, it belongs with 'Silver Springs' in its ability to be sung just to spite those around you. 2. Glee: 'Don't Stop Believing' by Journey Though I am sure we’re all haunted by the experience that was being allowed to watch Glee during our formative years, there is no denying that the franchise cemented its' brand early as ‘that one show who uses that one song by Journey’. It is no accident thatthe series reprised the song multiple times throughout its' run including in the final few episodes.

3. The Detectorists: 'Detectorists' by Johnny Flynn Though this song is nowhere near as well known as the others on my list, I added it to the mix as, every single time it plays, I can’t help singing along and thinking about this sweet little show that I used to watch with my dad. The beat is simple, the tune is winding and, before you know it, you are reminiscing about a field in the middle of England that you had to leave behind.

a song used in a TV show. Kate Bush’s 'Running Up That Hill' took the world by storm when it was used in the fourth season of Stranger Things and, again, became an unofficial anthem of the show. It is worth noting that Stranger Things has had a few notable songs used in its run, 'Never Ending Story' being very close to making this list as well.

5. Our Flag Means Death: 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac While I have long thought of this as one of the greatest songs ever written and it has always been very popular, The Chain by Fleetwood Mac really hit new heights of popularity when it was used as the outro music in an episode of Our Flag Means Death’s first season. The show was a surprise hit and really boosted this song to new realms, becoming the unofficial anthem for the show and a calling card to all fans. 6. Stranger Things: 'Running Up That Hill' by Kate Bush It felt wrong to write this list without including, Image Credit: Instagram @florenceandthemachine, @dvidjenkins, what is arguably, the most popular example of @eleanorjanephoto, @strangerthingstv, @gleeofficial

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Monday 20th November 2023

COURIER

Sub-Editors: Ella Townson and Jenica Davis

In memory of Matthew Perry Christmas Episode Battle: Community Vs. Modern Family Thomas Atkinson - News Sub-Editor

Remembering TV comedy actor, Matthew Perry, and his dedication to helping others with addiction.

actor Matthew Perry tragically passed away on 28th October at 54 years old. I’ll admit, I tried to write this article once before with a far more serious tone and simply couldn’t do it, it didn’t feel true to Matthew Perry or to Chandler Bing. As an avid Friends fan I wanted to add a lighter, more personal touch to show the impact that Perry’s work had on me and so many others. I grew up in what my girlfriend calls a “Friends household” - my dad would watch it every morning on Comedy Central and show me the episodes he and my mum watched live in the 90s. I immediately resonated with the character of Chandler, the quickwitted king of sarcasm who provides the funniest of the jokes in the show. He begins his arc on the show by being desperately awkward around women and yearning to find a partner, lest he end up like Mr Heckles and become “crazy snake man”. Eventually, after the trials and tribulations of the 1990s New York dating scene he finds love just across the hall, marrying Monica and living his dream life, happily ever after. As a very awkward and

sarcastic man I find myself relating to the character of Chandler. There was a line said by Phoebe's boyfriend Roger, which Perry repeated in the Friends Reunion show decades later, that Chandler was “so funny” but he “wouldn’t wanna be there when the laughter stops.” This moment stuck with me and echoes times in my own life where I have used outlets such as humour as distractions for my own personal battles. For me and so many others, Perry helped us through our battles but was never able to leave his own behind.

“Perry helped us through our battles but was never able to leave his own behind." Thus far, I have spent my time discussing the life of Chandler and not Matthew Perry, which is where the tragedy of Perry’s life post-Friends comes in. Throughout the filming of the show and the years after he struggled very badly with drug and alcohol addiction, with he himself saying that he can’t rewatch the show because he could chart which addiction afflicted him when: “I could go drinking… opiates… drinking… cocaine. Like I could tell season by season by how I looked.” Furthermore, Perry had feelings for his co-star Jennifer Anniston which made his experience filming the show extremely difficult. This preceded a string of Hollywood romances, none of which lasted and Perry was supposedly “alone and desperate for a family”. In the end, Chandler lived the life of Perry’s dreams and Perry lived the life Chandler always feared.

N Josh Hague

ovember has arrived which means it’s out with Halloween, and in with Christmas. This time of year has always been a favourite of mine, from the music, the films and all the different activities: it's great. But nothing quite matches the joy of television Christmas specials, and no one does these better than sitcoms. When I think of this type of sitcom episode, there are two of my favourites that immediately come to mind. Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas from Community, and Modern Family's Express Christmas. I think the two come to mind for several reasons. In particular, they both take a strong 'family angle' approach that for many, is a key part of Christmas celebrations. Of course, Modern Family does this in a much more conventional way, following the shows core family as they rush to celebrate Christmas, weeks prior to the actual December 25th. Each dynamic between the different family members work together brilliantly, like the show always does, to make these

hilariously funny moments that make the episode so great. But it is the last moments of the episode, where the family comes together to celebrate, as a fake snow machine sets a snow-white scene, that really makes the episode a perfect Christmas watch. It brings with it that warm, fuzzy feeling you need from these Christmas episodes. However, Community, an underrated favourite show of mine, takes a more alternative approach to family at Christmas, utilising the ‘found family’ trope to provide those same festive feelings. The episode trades in the shows usual live-action format, instead being entirely Claymation, as a way of paying tribute to holiday classics like ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.’ This puts ‘Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas’ in a league of its own when it comes to Christmas themed episodes, but what makes it even better is the heart at the core of its story. It follows Abed and the rest of the study group travelling through “the most Christmassy planet in the universe,” that is in fact a fake scenario the rest of the gang plays along with to understand why Abed is seeing everything in Claymation. At the end of the episode, we learn Abed’s mum won't be visiting for the holiday, which has sent him into this emotional spiral of stop motion. It’s only when the group all come together to become Abed’s “new family” that he can see things as normal again. Its beautifully heartwarming, yet unbelievably funny at the same time, and that’s what allows the episode to become one of the greatest Christmas episodes of television. Whatever holiday themed episodes of TV bring you that Christmas spirit, it’s officially the season to start rewatching, and it’s never too early. Image credit: Instagram @modernfamily

Image credit: Twitter @soundsofseries

Preview of The Crown Our obsession with prisons Amana Khan - News Sub-Editor

The trailer for part one of season six is here! One of our writers tells you what to expect in the final season.

new trailer for the first part of season 6 of The Crown was released recently, and it presented a sense of suspense and mystery for the upcoming season. If anyone hasn’t watched The Crown, it is dramatised depiction of the monarchy from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and follows the lives of the Royal Family, with each season depicting a new era for the family. The trailer for this season seems to follow the end of Princess Diana’s life, with the trailer highlighting the contrasting emotions the Royal Family and the public had before, during and after the death of the late Princess. Though this tv show is not one that is entirely fictious, the trailer creates a sense of suspense with its quick

snapshots of differing scenes and conversations between characters, as well as the sound bites and music used in the trailer, and in doing so this has added to the intensity of the trailer, leaving me, as a viewer, intrigued as to what is to unfold in the rest of the season.

“This season seems to follow the end of Princess Diana's life, with the trailer highlighting the contrasting emotions." The end of the trailer hears the character of King Charles, then Prince Charles, say “This is going to be the biggest thing that anybody has ever seen”, and I think that gives a great sense of what is to come in this season, which will leave viewers the edge of their seat after each episode. The first part of The Crown is to be released on November 16th and the second part on December 14th on Netflix.

Image: Source: Instagram @thecrownnetflix

has officially gone too far Cory Gourley

One of our writers discusses the exploitation of prison life at the hands of reality TV.

hree barely recognisable celebs, one former prison and a camera crew, tells us only one thing and one thing only, our obsession with prisons and true crime has gone too far, not to mention our constant yearning for Reality television. It’s time we pack this in! Reality TV is about unwinding and finding a way to switch off from the outside world, it’s that comfort blanket during the winter months, it steams things up over the summer (Hey Love Island Producers), so shoving a bunch of ex soap stars, MPs and ex Gogglebox stars into a prison for our entertainment proves our obsession with prisons and true crime has gone too far, it’s exploitative and makes light of a dark underworld. Let’s be honest, disturbing crimes, psychopathy and prisons have all become the basis for many dramas and TV programmes, we have a real desire for this on screens. However, with a true crime documentary we can learn something. This makes a mockery of the criminal justice system and prison life, it makes it appear a contrived and safe environment with its obvious scripted

events and cosy chats, painting a deceitful image of prison life. The latest instalment of Jimmy McGovern’s drama Time on BBC One also exemplifies this, these shows almost make prisons appear places of intrigue and fantasy whereas in reality they are harsh, complex places. The use of celebrities is patronising, real prisoners can’t just ring up their agent and ask for a quick fix to get them out, real prisoners are not paid to stay in a prison cell and real prisoners can’t nip onto the This Morning sofa to discuss their "ordeal" and "the truth behind the cell".

“Using Prisons as a fish bowl for everyone to gather around for a laugh, isn’t entertainment...it's ridiculous, insensitive and in poor taste." Essentially, using prisons as a fish bowl for everyone to gather around for a laugh isn’t entertainment, nor a factual documentary, it’s ridiculous, insensitive and in poor taste. It proves we have stopped caring about the harsh reality of prisons and disturbing crimes and have got lost in a world of popcorn drama and reallife crime documentaries. P.s to any future celebrities thinking of taking part in this Zimbardo-Style, C List Celebrity, prison Jamboree, sign the panto contract instead!

Image credit: Twitter @AKAgentsLondon

Sub-editors: Jessica McKeown, Olivia Carter and Ned Carter-Owen

Monday 20th November 2023

Film

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A reel through the toon's iconic films! Anuska Banerjee

A look through Newcastle's rich and colourful role as a muse for classic Geordie-set flicks.

I think I would always be happy here in this wild, ancient, beautiful place that we call Tyneside." Sue Bridehead looks back at the lovely Newcastle in Jude (1996) as exactly this. A city with such beauty: with breath-taking modernity juxtaposed against rich, historical elegance. Naturally therefore, Newcastle Upon Tyne has lent itself as the charismatic setting for several iconic films over time; the city's picturesque landscapes, from the quayside to its historic streets having charmed and inspired many a director and filmmaker across the globe, to paint their stories on the beautiful canvas offered by the city. In many cases in fact, the city with its rich tapestry of culture, and the warmth of the Geordie spirit has transformed into a film character on its own. Let us consider Michael Cane’s iconic

portrayal of Jack Carter in the 1971 classic Get Carter. The gritty crime thriller, featuring many memorable scenes in the heart of the city, such as the majestic Tyne Bridge, had taken Newcastle by a storm. It showcased the city's darker and grittier side, the urban landscape serving as the perfect canvas for the brooding storyline. As Carter navigates the city streets, his character aptly describes the essence and indomitable spirit of Newcastle as "You're a big man, but you're in bad shape. With

"Newcastle, with it's cobbled high streets and old rustic buildings, has it's name etched in the annals of film history." me, it's a full-time job. Now behave yourself." I, Daniel Blake (2016) showcases the more intimate and humane side of Newcastle. Ken Loach's heart-wrenching social drama sheds light on the struggles of a Newcastle resident navigating the UK's welfare system. The film's emotional resonance is amplified by the setting as Daniel states, "I am not a

client. I'm not a customer. I am Daniel Blake, a man. And I demand my rights!" His dialogue “I, Daniel Blake, am a citizen, nothing less and nothing more” really speaks as the voice of every resilient resident of the city. The romantic comedy The One and Only (2002), set against the backdrop of St. Nicholas' Cathedral and the picturesque Quayside, which followed a football-mad Geordie pursuing t h e woman of his dreams, truly captured the essence of love and dreams that resonates with the spirit of Newcastle. As filmmaker Mike Hodges rightly articulates "Newcastle is a city with a rich history, and the locations for filming provide a great backdrop for storytelling." Films have often leveraged the city’s antique architecture, as a crucial ‘actor’ in their stories. Take, Purely Belter (2000). The film captures the hopes and dreams of two teenagers from Newcastle, as they pursue their dream of owning season tickets for Newcastle United. This is truly a testament to how the city comes to life on reel. The city’s passion for sport, its energy and the camaraderie is captured with such eloquence, even in dialogue, as one of the characters, Gerry, passionately expresses,

"Newcastle isn't just a place; it's a feeling. It's a way of life." The cinematic charm of Newcastle has made film-makers come back here, again and again. This Academy Award-nominated Billy Elliot (2000), a celebration of the human spirit set against the backdrop of the bustling streets of Easington, a former mining village near Newcastle, is also living proof of the city’s embracing spirit of diversity. Newcastle, with its cobbled high streets and old rustic buildings, has its name etched in the annals of film history: making it a must-visit for cinephiles. It is a city that serves as an inspiring and ever-charming character in its own right on the silver screen. And as Santiago Munez from the film Goal! in 2005, (which again, features the iconic Tyne Bridge and St. James' Park stadium) says while he gazes at the city's skyline and reflects, "This is Newcastle, where legends are born."

My answer: overly ambitious streaming services. In the past several years, Netflix were the first to set the trend of distributing a series of young adult book adaptations. Although a success with preteen adolescents, who let’s face it have practically only just graduated from Peppa Pig, YA novels such as All the Bright Places (2020), To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018), and The Sun is Also A Star (2019) have been slaughtered during their journey from page to screen. These shoddy attempts leave you wondering whether anyone involved in the production ever read the book at all, or just skimmed the Wikipedia summary before boshing out what I view as a crime against screenwriting. However the real villain here is Wattpad. Watching the After (20192023) and Kissing Booth (20182021) series (both dreadful Wa t t p a d success stories) would be my equivalent of a Saw trap; it’s like when Doctor Octopus reformed the Sinister Six in Amazing Spider Man #334 – the dreaded collaborations of super

villains, ready to cause catastrophe in the book to film universe.

Image credits: IMDb

Book to film adaptations – a super fan's dream, or a brutal butchery? Jodie Steer

There seems to be a huge divide in the success stories of book-to-film adaptations where does it all go wrong?

t is difficult to miss the increasing monotony of mainstream cinema, particularly as streaming services turn their hand to producing films. Innovation and uniqueness have been buried underneath commercial success and clichés; unfortunately book to film adaptations have been unable to escape the same fate.

"Wattpad success stories would be my equivalent of a Saw trap." Transforming page to screen hasn’t always been a complete and utter car crash – The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and The Green Mile (1999), both based on Stephen King’s short stories, are widely considered to be two of the greatest films made, with The

Shawshank Redemption rated number one on IMDB, and The Green Mile in the top thirty. Films such as Fight Club (1999), Trainspotting (1996) and my all time favourite The Princess Bride (1987), have all achieved cult classic status, and are similarly all based on novels of the same name. It is clear that books can and have been successfully adapted into cinematic masterpieces, so the question must be where are filmmakers often now going so horribly wrong?

"My recommendation: stick to the classics and steer clear of YA amateur hour." All in all, page to screen adaptations can be groundbreaking homages to their original forms, but equally can be enough to drive you to the cusp of insanity. My recommendation: stick to the classics and steer clear of YA amateur hour, particularly if you have any nostalgia that you don’t want to be brutalised in front of your very eyes.

Image credits: IMDb

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-editors: Jessica McKeown, Olivia Carter and Ned Carter-Owen

Film

Bottoms: A satirical, queer D i s n e y ' s comedy everyone must see Once Upon Josh Hague

his year we were dealt a summer of raunchy comedies with releases such as No Hard Feelings and Joyride coming out back to back. But they didn’t stop there, because finally after a long wait since it’s American release back in August, the UK has FINALLY been granted the chance of watching the new, queer comedy that’s been added to the mix: Bottoms. Bottoms is an absurd, teen comedy that follows the two best friends PJ and Josie, played by the talented and hilariously funny duo of Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, as they form a fight club at school in an attempt to seduce and sleep with two girls from the cheerleading squad. This concept that the films narrative hinges on offers up loads of potential for the film to really lean into the camp aspects, and wow does Emma Seligman, the director, not disappoint. Both Ayo and Rachel deliver pitch perfect performances, with both their individual styles of comedy working well to compliment one another’s, creating a chemistry that is extremely enjoyable to watch. The chemistry between the two is definitely helped by the fact that both have worked together frequently on sketches in the past, allowing them to have a great foundation of friendship to work off of, which seamlessly translated to screen and helped let the story appear much more real and authentic for the viewers. Ayo in particular has a scene that, without spoiling it, involves her and Rachel sat in a car as she rants and rambles about what her future may hold. The scene was entirely improvised by

Ayo Edebiri which allows for the comedy to flow so naturally as she manages to pack in and land a ton of jokes that had both me, and the rest of the audience I watched with, in pieces. Bottoms is easily a standout role for Ayo, in a year where she’s had great success with movies such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Theatre Camp, as well as the critically acclaimed TV show The Bear. Rachel and Ayo are also able to flourish in the film due to the support of an incredible ensemble cast that are all given their moments to shine. Ruby Cruz (Hazel) and Zamani Wilder (Annie), who both are members of Josie and PJ’s fight club add such comedic value to the film, as do Kaia Gerber (Brittany) and Havana Rose Liu (Isabel), playing the cheerleaders and main love interests for PJ and Josie. However, when thinking of the comedy this ensemble cast brought with it, two characters immediately come to mind: Nicholas Galitzine as Jeff and Mashawn Lynch as Mr G. Nicholas Galizine has had a particularly great year for his career, much like Ayo Edebiri, after having a breakout lead role over summer in the gay teen romance flic Red, White and Royal Blue. But his character in Bottoms, Jeff, couldn’t be

further from the royal prince Henry we’d seen him as before. Here, Galitzine gets to show off his talents in comedy, with his satirical portrayal of this teen jock, football captain. The character in itself is wildly funny in how it represents jocks, both presenting as extremely macho and yet undeniably flamboyant, a combination that only adds to the absurdity of the film. all, Bottoms manages to deliver exactly what it set out to: an unapologetically gay, completely absurd, teen comedy. It's so important we get movies like these because, whilst the film is so satirical that it couldn’t possibly be set in the same reality we live in, it's still so amazing to see gay teenagers exist on the screen and behave how they do. Bottoms is easily one of the most enjoyable watches I have had this year and I couldn’t recommend this film enough. If you’re looking for a movie full of lesbians, women fighting and fun, absurdist c o m e d y, THIS is the film for you!

they're used in some very effective moments of horror that make up for the somewhat tame gore. Josh Hutcherson plays the lead character Mike, and it's great to see him in something this big again after his child actor performances in films like Bridge to Terabithia (2007). He lends the film more realism than you expect from a film about killer robot animals. The relationship he has with his little sister Abby, as well as the traumatic memories he has about his brother going missing, were surprisingly well-handled and incorporated into the plot in a way that didn't muddy up the narrative. Well, for the most part. So the core of the film is

actually pretty good. Unfortunately there are some issues once we come out of this. It's a tonal mess for one thing, with moments of tension and brutal fates being undercut by bizarre moments of comedy, the most notable being a montage of the robots helping Abby build a den while Connection by Elastica plays in the background. Mike's aunt is an overbearingly annoying and cartoonish side character trying to take custody rights away from him, an issue you'd think the scriptwriters would take a bit more seriously. The first act is also a bit of a mess, with little more than dour dialogue-driven exchanges and strange nightmarish visions for the first half-hour until the movie finally gets going. And once it gets going, it did begin to click with me. I found the third act to be a lot of fun, as it focuses in on the story's best elements and has some cool twists and moments in store. I'm also quite interested in how the film leaves certain things open for potential sequels, which there almost definitely will be since cinema tickets for Five Nights at Freddy's have been selling like hot cakes. There are a lot of things here that need work. The tone is confused, the plot is occasionally convoluted, and the film sometimes feels like it's holding back on its best assets. However, if the inevitable sequels work on ironing out these problems and ramp up the ridiculousness, then a non-initiate like me might come back and pay for a ticket. Who knows? I might actually play the games.

Image credit: IMDb

'Five Nights at Freddy's' movie from a fake fan Alex Paine

Five Nights at Freddy's - is it accessible for the uninitiated?

he title of this review should probably clue you in that I have absolutely no connection to, knowledge of, or interest in, the Five Nights At Freddy’s universe. I have seen images of killer bears and mentions of a pizza restaurant in my time on the internet, but I could not tell you what any of those references meant. The good news was this meant I could watch this movie with an open mind, despite some of the negative buzz it's been getting from most critics. I'm not prepared to fully stand up to the critical consensus by declaring that this film is a masterpiece, because it is far from great, but the Five Nights At Freddy's movie was more fun than I was anticipating, and in a cinema landscape containing some fairly woeful video game adaptations, this one is far from the worst. I know there are many fans complaining that the animatronic characters are not used to the extent they should have been, and admittedly there aren't as many shocking gory kills as you're hoping for. Every time something really nasty is about to happen to someone, the camera cuts away, making it remarkably tame for a 15-rated movie. However, when the animatronics are on screen, I thought they were a great presence. They looked really good, and

A Studio

James Kellett - Gaming Sub-Editor

It's been over 100 years of Disney brilliance - does this short film manage to encapsulate the magic?

s Walt Disney Animation Studios Celebrates 100 years on our screens, they sought fit to dish out their famous movie magic to recognise their major milestone. Once Upon a Studio became the newest addition to their plethora of motion picture marvels. The short film begins with a Disney employee conversing with Disney legend, Burny Mattinson, who sadly passed away in February after committing 70 years to the company, starting in 1953. Whilst conversing, Mattinson remarks on the Disney centennial landmark stating: “If these walls could talk” … and talk they did. With the employees out of the studio building, the studio springs to life with our favourite characters from generations old and new, turning the building into a whole new world. Characters from some of our most cherished works collide in comical ways by using infamous sound bites from some of their most celebrated works. The short is filled with characters partaking in the somewhat mundane, a reality that simply amused my child-like Disney brain. We are shown Gaston pampering himself in a mirror, a litter of Dalmatians glued to a screen showing the formidable Chernabog, and even Mangiafuoco venting his frustrations on a vending machine. As the characters assembled, a Mickey Mouse march was organised for all characters to head to the front of the studio for a centenary photograph. For many, Disney films can be a generational component in their life, they can trigger memories of holidays, parties or simply cinematic awe, which all culminate in some form of emotional attachment. On reflection, the film as a whole brimmed with nostalgia, we were showcased a variety of Disney generations all of which I and many others have connected with in differing ways. Overall, this nostalgia in turn enabled me to have an emotional connection with the film, although I of course have favoured certain Disney works, it made me remember that they all include the special dose of Disney magic that provide the bare necessities to enjoy a film. I may no longer be the child that would constantly nag my dad to play our Disney CD in the car, but Once Upon a Studio reminded me to be grateful that I have had those memories, which have all stemmed from 100 years of cinematic magic. For those poor unfortunate souls who have not watched this heart warming piece, I implore you to see the light and partake in this reminiscent yet cheerful cinematic experience.

Nah I'm kidding. Rating: 6.5/10 Image credit: IMDb

Image credit: IMDb

Sub-Editors: James Kellett and Adam Lovegrove

Gaming

Monday 20th November 2023

Spider-Man 2: Swing for the Fences Mitchell Hall - Sport Sub-Editor

Insomniacs' latest Spidey instalment...

ears after the release of Insomniac Games’ sensational Spider-Man, and its fun sized sequel-dlc-spin off title Spider-Man: Miles Morales, audiences have finally got their hands on Spider-Man 2.

The anticipated sequel was an important member of Sony’s Playstation 5 exclusive lineup, myself buying it on release having only just picked up the next gen console the week before. Having played the other Spider-Man releases from Insomniac, I was excited to revisit the story of the co-heroes of New York, and was pleasantly surprised by how well the game balanced the two main characters. Peter has more involvement in the core story, but Miles isn’t neglected, his relationships with fellow students Hailey and Ganke provide a nice emotional grounding which pairs well with the otherwise fast-paced game.

"Spider-Man 2 is the best SpiderMan game yet from Insomniac."

Image: Source: X, @insomniacgames

That said, this pacing is what makes these titles so electrifying, and SpiderMan 2 does not slow down one bit. The usual webswinging is bolstered by new traversal tools such as the ‘web-wings,’ a wingsuit mechanic that allows you to surf city drafts over entire neighbourhoods in seconds, and the feeling of swinging through city blocks alongside the other Spider-Man is joyous to an inexplicable degree. These games have always been great at making you feel, well the best way to describe it, fast. You fly over skyscrapers, you boost out of a dive by swinging yourself 360 degrees alongside a building before flinging yourself over huge stretches of water in a single jump, you are fluid

with your movements in a way that can only be replicated in parkour games. This is all available to some degree in previous releases in the franchise but Spider-Man 2 refines it into its best iteration yet. The same cannot necessarily be said for the combat, which remains much the same apart from some changes that I think take a step backwards from previous games. The gadgets at your fingertips don’t feel like the tools of Spider-Man quite so much. I found Spider-Man 2018 refreshing in its multiple approaches to combat, whereas the sequel seems to try and shepherd you gently into utilising the new web lines mechanic and hitting enemies exclusively in the air. I can count on my hands how many times I used the ‘upshot’ gadget, and wish with all my heart for my precious web bombs instead. The boss fights provide interesting conversation between the Spider-Men and their adversaries, and whilst some are more tedious than others, generally they provide a nice challenge and variety in their approaches.

"These games have always been great at making you feel, well the best way to describe it, fast." Generally tight dialogue and a solid story are furnished with gorgeous graphics and a multitude of activities throughout the city to provide players with a strong core experience, and the side missions provided through the FNSM app in game pack an emotional punch that indicates such a passion from their developers, you can see the love in this game. Spider-Man 2 is the best Spider-Man game yet from Insomniac, even if the difference is slightly more marginal than some would have hoped.

Memory Card: The Sims 2 (2004) Jess McKeown - Film Sub-Editor

Sul Sul! Whippna choba darg!

ul-Sul! Who hasn't heard of The Sims franchise? After having a monopoly on life simulation games for over twenty years, with four major titles and countless expansion and stuff packs, it looks like Maxis and EA's baby may be dethroned by the upcoming Paralives. Taking a trip down memory lane, let's look at the second instalment in the franchise: The Sims 2. Having played a bit of Bin Weevils and Moshi Monsters as a child, my first proper introduction to video games was The Sims 2, specifically the Double Deluxe edition. This edition contained the base game, along with the Nightlife expansion pack and the Celebration stuff pack. The opening video when you fire up the game, showcasing Sims living life to the fullest, always got me hyped, though I never did manage to get the helicopter in game. The best element of The Sims 2 is how rich it is in lore. I mean you have Bella Goth getting

Image: Source: X, @EA

abducted by aliens, Daniel Pleasant cheating on his wife with the maid and the Caliente sisters and Don Lothario seducing Sims left, right and centre. And that's just in Pleasantview, one of three pre-made neighbourhoods. Other base game neighbourhoods include Strangetown, which has aliens and an amnesiac Bella Goth, and Veronaville, which features characters from Shakespeare's plays like the Capulets and Montagues from Romeo and Juliet and characters from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

"As a life simulation. you get to play as a Sim from birth to death, hitting all the milestones in between." Though the customisability of Sims and build mode is vastly limited compared to later instalments, the game mechanics remain easy to navigate. As a life simulation, you get to play as a Sim from birth to death, hitting all the milestones in between such as first kiss, first woohoo, marriage, giving birth, ageing up and of course a standard alien abduction. Throughout your Sims' lives they have wants and fears which you can choose to pursue acting as either a benevolent or maniacal god. I will admit that I did dabble in the latter, removing pool ladders and boxing a Sim in until they die of starvation but hey, who hasn't done that? The most recent instalment in the Sims franchise, The Sims 4 (2014), has been criticised for the ridiculous number of add-on packs as the base game itself lacks many of the core features found in the earlier games. I watched a video by YouTuber Bull Technology who did the math

and worked out that with 14 expansion packs ($39.99 each), 12 game packs ($19.99 each), 18 stuff packs ($9.99 each) and 23 kits ($4.99 each) plus the base game (originally $59.99 on release) that The Sims 4 in all its glory would cost a player $1,154.32. Absolutely insane from EA, no wonder their reputation is in the gutter. Rewind to the noughties and there were eight expansion packs such as University, Apartment Living and Nightlife along with ten stuff packs themed around Celebrations, IKEA, H&M and Christmas themed packs. Each pack was a valuable addition, adding new experiences to the game. Looking back, one can only shake their head in disappointment at the loss of the greatness this franchise once had. The Sims 2 may no longer be available on Origin but I will be digging out the disk when I crave some of my childhood nostalgia.

Image: Source: X @EA

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Mario Kart 8 sees a Deluxe Boost George Brownless - NSR Head of Tech

New waves of courses flood into the world of Mario...

lmost 10 years after its first release and nearly two years after the Booster Course Pass was announced, Mario Kart 8 is finally complete. But is it worth your time? Initially, the DLC advertised 48 tracks over six waves, with tracks from across the series. By the end of it we got an awful lot more than we expected. At the start of 2023, characters were revealed to be introduced, however I feel it would’ve served them much better to release characters from the start of the DLC. But their inclusion is welcomed all the same, bringing fan favourites like Diddy and Funky Kong among others. I was excited to see it announced, however, there were complaints about the graphical differences between tracks in the base game and those featured in the DLC. Every track that has featured in the DLC was featured in the mobile game Mario Kart Tour, which didn’t help its reception, given Tour’s poor reputation before it removed its gacha gambling mechanics in October 2022. I personally don’t mind the graphics, the artstyle feels much closer to your typical Mario games than the realistic style of the base version Mario Kart 8 uses.

"Dashing through the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the final few turns is exhilarating." Away from this, wave six is the best wave they’ve released. Rome and Madrid make their entrance as the final cities from Tour, with Madrid being my favourite of the two. Dashing through the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the final few turns is exhilarating. Rome is one of the better cities in the DLC, though it is definitely on the more confusing end. Piranha Plant Cove also makes a return from Tour, being one of the most unique underwater courses we’ve seen, it looks fantastic. Now for the true retros, starting with DK Mountain from Double Dash. The music is phenomenal, being very representative of the Donkey Kong Country series. Rosalina’s Ice World from MK7 was a surprising inclusion, but the additional final corner shortcut helps to keep the end of races more exciting. Bowser's Castle 3 from Super Mario Kart is only the second Bowser's Castle course in MK8DX, personally, I would’ve chosen to add another. It is a fantastic remake nonetheless, much better than other SNES tracks. Finally, we have the Wii tracks, Daisy Circuit is a fine enough remake, but Rainbow Road is where things truly shine. It looks incredible, and the nostalgia simply beams through. So, is it worth your time? In my opinion, absolutely. This is truly a celebration of the series’ long history, and makes an already great game even better.

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Sarah Tunstall and Laura Kasongo

Books in a Burning World - Can Literature influence social change? Amelie Baker

In a time of conflict, can literature influence social change?

iterature might be only ink and paper, or words trawling across a computer screen, but the power of the written word, and the information it brings, is crucial to social change.

"Literature is the first step towards activism, and social change."

With the conflict between Palestine and Israel at the forefront of all our minds, we can only wait for more news, and more stories. The more points of view and experiences that are exposed, written down, and publicised, the better we can understand the conflict as well as the surrounding cultural and political context - and this goes for all conflicts that are happening globally. Literature is the first step towards activism, and, ultimately (hopefully), social change. Furthermore, there is more than one way to

combat violence with literature - introducing: Sally Rooney’s publishing boycott. Since 2021, she has refused to let Israeli publishers, Modan translate and publish her most recent novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You?, into Hebrew. Consequently, two Israeli bookstore chains have removed her from their bookshelves. And yet Rooney has not stopped her boycott, which she initiated as a part of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement (BDS), a campaign that works to “end international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and pressure Israel to comply with international law”. Whilst she stated that she was proud to have her previous works translated into Hebrew, she would not sell to an Israeli-based publishing house as a protest against the horrors that are currently occurring in Gaza and the West Bank. And it is not only authors and writers that can fight for peace. We, as readers, also have power. T h e current boycott of St Martin’s Press and their imprint Wednesday Books, only shows the choice that we have over the books we consume, as well as where those books come from. An employee of Wednesday Books has been spewing out racist and

G More online... Gender fluidity in As You Like It ...written by Jodie Steer

"Although we can't stop bombs with books, it allows us the opportunity to fight peacefully." Literature offers us so much on so many fronts. Although we can't stop bombs with books, it certainly allows us the opportunity to fight, peacefully, in our own small ways.

rowing up as a theatre kid, Frantic Assembly has always been my favourite theatre group. When I heard they were doing an adaptation of Kafka’s novella, Metamorphosis, I knew I had to see it for myself. So, I did. On Thursday 26 October, at the Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne. Despite attending a matinee show, I still felt the horror and thrill of an evening performance. So much so, that I was surprised it was still daylight when I exited the theatre. Whilst I knew expectations were high from Berkoff ’s renditions of Kafka’s work – I knew Frantic Assembly could put on a show. And that, they did. The collaboration between Frantic Assembly and poet Lemn Sissay OBE showcased the contemporary dynamic movements at the roots of Frantic Assembly, whilst remaining true to the original tale of Metamorphosis. Without Sissay’s contributions in writing the script, I am not sure the performance would have been as emotionally thrilling and horrifying. Our story follows Gregor Samsa, breadwinner for his family, who undergoes a quick spiralling deficit resulting in him taking the form of a beetle. Many say his transformation is physical, while others argue psychological, but Frantic Assembly seems to combine both in their production. Whilst it could be argued the approach taken towards creating the “beetle” was more

Ayo Akingbade: Show Me The World Mister open @ Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

18-16 Dec (Re)Grounding exhibition @ The Newbridge Project

psychological rather than physical by only using one character overall (strange from Frantic Assembly – since they often use ensemble techniques.) Both elements are utilised to demonstrate painful suffering, through the actor’s bodily movements, moaning wails, and the set design’s hanging ceiling lamp and climbable ceiling. More is to be said about the set design – the greatest asset to the production, in my opinion. Despite my initial disappointment in expecting to see the “beetle” created by an ensemble group to portray a huge ghastly creature, I was pleasantly surprised with Gregor Samsa’s performance as a one-man beetle. At first, I thought the set looked rather simple and sparse. But when the characters started moving around the space, and to my surprise – up the walls. All the daring stunts added to the overall thrill and terror of the performance. There is something abnormally off-putting about a man hanging upside down from the ceiling, and not just the physics of it. Even with my bias towards Frantic Assembly, I still rate this production very highly among the rest of their incredible work. The entire performance was captivating, thrilling, disturbing, and everything you would want from Kafka brought to life. Rating: 4.5/5 Image credit: @northern_stage on Instagram

22nd Life Drawing @ Cobalt Studios

30th Queer Comedy Showase Live @ Alphetti

26th Art Club @ Star & Shadow Cinema

Sits in your bedroom. Doe-eyed with a hibiscus tea and the smell of well-loved fiction. All silk, all soft. Her back pressed against a cold radiator,

The open window is a gift

29th Brown Girls Write - Skin Deep Live @

24th Drag Karaoke @ The Grove

Gratitude

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons

21st Seed Talks: the History of Studio Ghibli @ The Grove

Rebecca Wright - Relationships Sub-Editor

breaking through airy curtains.

What's on...November-December 18-14 Apr Stepping Softly on the Earth &

Indulging the gold reflections

Frantic Assembly's Metamorphosis Libby Griffiths - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Image credit: Sarah Tunstall

Islamaphobic content across their social media, as well as refusing to send out requested books to black and Muslim influencers. The boycott of these companies will last until they crack down on this employee, and reassess their values surrounding these issues. These hateful actions, stemming from a divisive, prejudiced ideology that contributes to and leads to war and genocide, should not be tolerated at any level, and as readers, we have the power to stamp it out within the literature sphere.

Arts

Alphabetti Theatre

Theatre, Out Of Your Head @ Cumberland Arms

30th - 16th Dec Three Acts of Love @ Live Theatre

so rain streams through it like piano notes. Eyes shut she’s swaying, unsettled like the sea on the edge of your bed. Out in your garden, amongst the ferns. Digging her toes beneath the wet earth, planted and soaking in the light of a day she hasn’t experienced yet. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Monday 20th November 2023

Puzzles Master: Katie Siddall

Puzzles

Down

Crossword 2

7 8

10 13

7 18

15 19

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QR Code Do you want to create your own puzzle?

Scan the QR code below to submit your very own creation. Also, scan the QR code for more info.

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thirds (7) 1. What service launched 7. A seafood that is an aphrodisiac (6) streaming to its 8. What World Cup did subscribers in 2007? (7) 2. What is the surname of South Africa win? (5) the frontman of the Arctic 9. A song by The Beautiful South: “Have ___” (3) N Monkeys? (6) 10. Nathaniel’s wife from 3. Feisty (10) 4. A dog can be described MAFS UK 2023? (4) E 11. An establishment as what (5) which contains animals 5. The acronym for T typically displayed in an Individual Savings public (3) Account (3) F 6. In the F1, who crashed 13. Short for “thank you” (2) out in the first corner of 16. A small mountain L their home race (5) mammal, native to Asia 12. A colour and a fruit and North America (4)I (6) 19. When writing a 14. A primate (3) literature essay you mayX 15. Ignite (5) say a quote “suggested” or 17. A noun I use about “ ____” something (7) myself when I find mistakes in the crosswords 21. An adjective to describe something that (5) is strange and frightening 18. The pentameter (5) Shakespeare typically 22. Translate this phonetic writes in (6) spelling into English: / 20. A film with Scrat, A Crush and Eddie in it (3,3) eIbl/ (4) 23. The prefix that means: 24. Sick (3) opposed to, or against (4) 25. To give power or Across authority to someone (7) 1. A sports game with 26. The Spanish feminine seven players where they aren’t allowed into certain article (2)

Word Ladders

Puzzles Master: Katie Siddall

Monday 20th November 2023

COURIER

Puzzles

Word Search B

AGGRESSIVE

IAMBIC

ORANGE

SPARK

ANTI

IDIOT

OYSTER

TURNER

EERIE

IMPLIED

NETFLIX

ZOO

EMPOWER

LOYAL

RUGBY

L I

C A

A A E

T R

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U M

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Student Made

Issue 1449 Answers Crossword

THE

The answer for this crossword will come out via NSR. Keep an eye out for the Podcast named 'Time Waste Gameshow.'

Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston and Raff Tindale

Monday 20th November 2023

Sport

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End of an Era: Lions' World Cup hopes dashed Dan Balliston - Sport Sub-Editor

Any signs of the team's confident 2022 performance were nowhere to be found.

ngland’s defeat to Australia last Saturday followed the five defeats that the Three Lions have suffered in just one month of fifty-over

cricket. Six losses in thirty-four games preceded this tournament, and against the very same set of opponents, Matthew Mott’s team have equalled that number of defeats in just seven matches. Losses to the formidable India and Australia are nothing more sinister than a disappointing afternoon, but heavy defeats to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are not only cause for crisis, but an absolute necessity for change. Going into the tournament with a strong team consisting of Ben Stokes, the hero of England’s 2019 World Cup triumph; Harry Brook, in the conversation as the new star of the world game and Joe Root, who throughout his esteemed England career has never needed a justification, England fans had their sights set on at least a semi-final appearance, with genuine belief that they could retain

their crown. It was also Jos Buttler’s second World Cup in his captaincy, yet his first in the longer format and this inexperience has been on show throughout. From picking an unsettled and unbalanced eleven each game to abysmal decisions at the toss, England’s opening game against their final opponents four years prior set the tone for a disastrous campaign. New Zealand dismissively chased down England’s below-par 282, losing just one wicket at the hands of England’s toothless bowling attack. Crucially, that attack did not feature the enigmatic superstar, Jofra Archer, who had played such a talismanic role in their 2019 glory.

"Former captain Eoin Morgan's calm influence was notable in its absence as team selection suffered." They were also missing legendary captain, Eoin Morgan, who had led this team to world domination and now called the shots from the Sky Sports commentary box. His calming and controlled influence over the team was even more notable in its absence as team selection suffered. Harry Brook was dropped whilst Joe Root, a man who has experienced a staggering drop of form this month, remained the head

of the abysmal batting lineup. A comfortable victory over a poor Bangladesh side gave supporters hope that the New Zealand thrashing was purely a false start, with Root and Malan cashing in on big scores, however a crushing sixty-nine run defeat to surprise package Afghanistan confirmed that things were horribly out of place in the England camp.

"It showed that things were horribly out of place in the England camp." With problems on the pitch, and suspected issues off it surrounding player contracts, a crunch match against early pace-setters South Africa felt like the perfect opportunity for this fine team to arrive at this tournament. However, leaking one short of four hundred runs and being bowled out for under two hundred, it was nothing short of a hammering that was replicated by Sri Lanka five days later: signalling the beginning of the end of England’s World Cup defence. The end was in sight as teams that would usually fear the tournament holders were bookmarking their clash as the most winnable game of the group stage. Hosts and subsequent tournament favourites, India, made light work of Buttler’s men. Despite being restricted

to 229, England’s star-studded batting lineup managed just 129 in their reply as their campaign came to a whispering close. Australia mathematically sent the Three Lions packing with a professional display to keep their own tournament hopes alive and left England sat at the foot of the group. With Pakistan and Netherlands still left to play and the Lions in danger of failing to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy, it makes you wonder what the future is for this group of players. All eras come to an end and this team appear to have run their natural course. With the English Cricket Board making no secret of their prioritisation of test cricket, perhaps this downfall of the fifty-over format was inevitable, yet the disappointment that a group of fifteen superb cricketers cannot come together to at least make a fist of their title defence begs the question of after just two years, whether a ‘white-ball reset’ should once again take place within English cricket.

Image credit: X @englandcricket

Magical Messi wins eighth career Ballon d'Or Rachael McCreanor - Deputy Editor

We look back at the winners and losers of the prestigious awards ceremony, and how it needs to change.

he 67th annual ceremony of one of football's most prestigious awards saw a record-extending win for Lionel Messi, a first for Barça Femení star Aitana Bonmati, and highlighted one of the most significant controversies surrounding the ceremony following the introduction of the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2018. The evening saw its usual range of awards before the final two Ballon d’Or winners were announced, celebrating their outstanding performances throughout the 2022/23 season. The Kopa Trophy for the bestperforming player under twentyone was awarded to England’s Jude Bellingham who signed for Real Madrid earlier this year. Bellingham’s teammate, Brazil’s Vinícious Júnior also walked away with an accolade, after being presented with the Sócrates Award in recognition of the player's humanitarian work. The Yashin Trophy for best performing goalkeeper was awarded to Argentinian player, Emiliano Martínez. The player was commended for his performance in the World Cup, though a replay of his ‘Best Save’ during the World Cup Final against France prompted host, former Chelsea player Didier Drogba, to request 'respect' from the audience after an onslaught of booing.

FC Barcelona Femení collected the award for Best Women’s Team, and with six nominations for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, the Supercopa de España Femenina and the UEFA Women’s Champions League under their belt, it’s not difficult to see why. Manchester City walked away with the Men’s Club of the Year award, with seven nominees for the Men’s Ballon d’Or. The team enjoyed another exceptional season, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. Indeed, it was City’s Erling Haaland who came out on top for the

Gerd Müller Trophy, having scored 56 goals across the season. In the Men’s Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi won his eighth title after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, extending his record of the most titles for any

Image credit: X @ballondor

footballer in the history of the award. The accolade tops off another exceptional season for Messi, after winning the coveted Golden Ball in the World Cup, breaking the record for most games played at a World Cup, and winning the MLS Leagues Cup with current team, Inter Miami CF. Aitana Bonmati secured her first Ballon d’Or trophy following a historic season with both Spain and Barça Femení. Bonmati ended the 2022/23 season highly decorated, being presented with UEFA’s Women’s Player of the Year award and The Golden Ball for best player in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, as well as securing the treble with Barcelona Femení and, perhaps most memorably, being a key part of Spain’s winning World Cup squad.

Despite the evening’s celebratory atmosphere, there remained a significant absence during the ceremony – most of the female nominees. The startling number of vacant seats highlights an issue dominating debates around the Ballon d’Or within women’s football – the clash between the ceremony and women’s international duty. Indeed, out of the thirty women nominated for this year’s award, only seven were in attendance.

"Out of the thirty women nominated for this year’s award, only seven were in attendance." Georgia Stanway, one of four England Lionesses nominated yet unable to attend, expressed disappointment at missing the ‘once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity. Stanway, who placed 22nd, called for better scheduling in the future - "You want to feel like a star among the stars […] if it was planned a little better then it would be easier for a lot of female footballers to be there." Stanway’s comments were echoed by Ireland captain Katie McCabe, as she casually brushed off suggestions that she would be in attendance – ‘Nah, I’ve training on Monday!’ Whilst significant headway is clearly being made both within the Ballon d’Or and the wider sporting world regarding the inclusion and recognition of female footballers, the scheduling clashes and lack of female equivalents in most award categories imply that there is still much work to be done. However, with the introduction of the Best Women’s Team award this year, and the rising popularity of the women's game, there remains hope that the ceremony will continue to adapt, becoming more inclusive and representative of the breadth and talent of world football.

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston and Raff Tindale

Sport

Drive to thrive: McLaren signee Bianca Bustamante is breaking down barriers Kat Hatton

Is the Filipina driver's academy contract a sign that F1 teams are finally taking steps toward gender equality?

would love to be able to write that it is every young girl's dream to be signed by a Formula One team after finding love for the sport. That girls have been inspired to become drivers, mechanics, analysts, or any of the other thousands of roles it takes for a Formula One team to function. Unfortunately, I cannot write that yet, but Bianca Bustamante might be able to change that.

In true F1 style, the new announcement has sent fans into shock as McLaren named Bianca Bustamante as their new signing for their driver development programme. The programme fosters young talent with the aim of supporting the drivers to the end goal of Formula One, IndyCar or Formula E. Why is this shocking? Well, Bianca is the first female

driver to ever have been signed into the development programme with McLaren and at only 18 years old she has the talent, time and now backing to give a Formula One career a real shot. Bustamante has already amassed quite an impressive track record (literally). To list some more recent successes; she joined the W-series in 2022 for her debut and only climbed from there earning top rookie

honours. PREMA Racing saw this rising talent and signed Bustamante to race this year in F1 Academy where she has already won two races ahead of the final race in Austin.

"At only 18 years old, she has the talent, time, and now the backing to give a Formula One career a real shot." This new signing with McLaren allows Bustamante to run their classic papaya livery next season where she will continue to drive in F1 Academy, although she will switch from PREMA Racing to ART Grand Prix. With all eyes on the driver in papaya next year, can Bustamante be the first woman since Lella Lombardi in 1976 to start an F1 race? I guess you’ll just have to keep an eye on Bustamante to find out.

BUCS RESULTS BADMINTON

M1 V Leeds Beckett 1 (A) W1 V Manchester 1 (A) M2 V Leeds 2 (A) W2 V Leeds 2 (A)

BASKETBALL

M1 V Durham 1 (H) 91-90 W1 V Durham 1 (H) 88-68 M2 V Manchester 1 (A) 69-85 W2 V Northumbria 2 (H) 53-12

FENCING

M1 V Durham 2 (A) W1 V Durham 1 (H)

FOOTBALL

135-118 133-115

M1 v Durham 1 (H) W1 V York 1 (H) M2 V Leeds 2 (H) W2 V Durham 3 (H) M3 V York St. John 4 (H)

3-0 1-0 4-1 1-1 4-4

M1 V Nottingham 1 (H) W1 V Nottingham 1 (A)

3-4 8-1

MIX V Leeds Beck. (A)

5-1

M1 V Nottingham 2 (H) W1 V Notts Trent 1 (A) M2 V Durham 4 (A) W2 V Lancaster 1 (A) M3 V Sheffield 4 (A)

3-3 1-0 5-3 1-3 0-4

FUTSAL GOLF

Image credit: X @ARTGP

South Africa best All Blacks to clinch third Rugby World Cup title Kiara Wilson

fter seven weeks of passion, excellence, and some heartbreak, the Rugby World Cup came to an end last weekend, with South Africa beating New Zealand 12-11 in a tense and gripping final. The Springboks secured their crown for the fourth time in Rugby World Cup history, making them the most successful team to ever play in the tournament. From the opening game at the Stade de France to the final match in Paris, the tournament was one that generated excitement for all. Let's look at it's most memorable moments and the players that shone! As the teams battled each other early on in the Group stages, one match went down as the biggest shock of the tournament. With Portugal down 23-17 against Fiji and only 2 minutes to go, a brilliant last-minute try from Rodrigo Marta, followed by a conversion in the final seconds of the match brought Portugal to the lead, defeating the Flying Fijians 24-23. The Quarter Finals sparked great upset, with New Zealand beating former World Number 1’s, Ireland, in a nail-biting 38-24 win. The loss brought tears for the Irish as captain Johnny Sexton played his final game before retirement. Four teams advanced into the semifinals, with England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina all fighting for a spot in the final match in Paris. The All Blacks were the first team to make the final, smashing Argentina 44-6 with an exhilarating

performance from Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett. The England vs South Africa game brought heightened controversy to the rugby world. After the Red Roses narrowly missed a place in the final, losing 15-16 to the South African Springboks, England player Tom Curry accused South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi of making a racial slur towards him, calling him a ‘white c***’. England fans were fuming as South Africa soared their way into the final. The final contest between the All Blacks and the Springboks was certainly one of drama. New Zealand’s captain

Sam Cane was given a red card in the 27th minute of the game for a dangerous tackle. This decision from referee Wayne Barnes sparked major controversy, as never before had a player been sent off in a World Cup final, certainly not the captain. With one player down, the All Blacks lagged behind, and by half time the Springboks led 12-6. As the second half commenced, the drama was not over. A skillful try from All Blacks Aaron Smith was disallowed due to a knock-on by Ardie Savea, though a legal one was scored shortly after bringing the score to 11-12. A game-winning kick was missed by New Zealand player Jordie

Barett, followed by some incredible tackles from South African players Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe, stopping the All Blacks from equalizing. Despite an incredible fight from the New Zealand team, the South African side clung on and clinched the 12-11 win at full-time. It was certainly a World Cup Rugby tournament to remember, and while the Springboks were the ones to take the Webb Ellis Cup home, all 20 nations were thrilled to compete and take part in such an inspiring sporting event. Image credit: X@Springboks

0-8 7-1 8-0 3-5

HOCKEY

LACROSSE

M1 V Durham 1 (H) 3-11 W1 V Edinburgh 2 (A) 3-16 M2 V Hull 1 (A) 5-9 W2 V Durham 5 (A) 7-16 W3 V Leeds Becks. 2 (A) 4-21

NETBALL

1 V Manchester 1 (A) 2 V York 2 (H) 3 V Northumbria 2 (H) 4 V Sheffield 3 (A) 5 V Hull 4 (H)

60-58 41-36 46-33 39-48 47-23

M1 V UCLan 1 (A) M2 V Sheff Hallam (H)

10-18 6-36

M1 V Edinburgh 1 (A) W1 V Loughb. 2 (A) M2 V Manc. Met. 1 (H) W2 V Manchester 1 (A)

5-31 31-24 34-31 72-7

M1 V Durham 1 (A) M2 V Leeds 1 (A) W2 V Sheffield 1 (A) M3 V Sheff. Hall. 1 (A)

1-4 4-1 4-0 3-2

M1 V Edinburgh 1 (H) W1 V Durham 2 (A) M2 V Sheff. Hall. 1 (H) W2 V Manchester 1 (A)

0-17 0-5 3-14 4-1

RUGBY LEAGUE

RUGBY UNION

SQUASH

TABLE TENNIS

TENNIS

M1 V Loughborough 2 (H) 0-6 W1 V Newcastle 2 (A) 0-6 M2 V Sheffield 1 (H) 0-6

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

W1 V Sheffield 1 (H) W1 V York 1 (A) W1 V Leeds 1 (A)

VOLLEYBALL

M1 V Sheffield 1 (H) W1 V Durham 1 (H)

WATER POLO

M1 V Edinburgh 1 (H) W1 V Nottingham 1 (H)

0-13 13-0 13-0 3-0 1-3 15-14 2-29

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Monday 20th November 2023

Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston and Raff Tindale

Sport

Newcastle hand the L to LJMU Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Why you should be coming to support our netball teams courtside!

wet and chilly Wednesday afternoon in November saw Newcastle University Netball Club and Liverpool John Moores’ netball 2s teams go head to head at Newcastle’s very own Sports Centre (indoor and heated, the smart move given the weather conditions). Stakes were high as both teams took to the pitch, with palpable tensions even as the two teams warmed up on opposite sides of the court. The match kicked off at 3pm, with Liverpool John Moores (LJMU) taking the lead as they scored the first goal of the match, and appearing to direct the game as Newcastle fumbled their first few shots on the other side of the pitch. However, a switch was flipped as Newcastle scored their first goal, and five more relentless dubs followed this. The coordination between the wing attack and the goal attack was phenomenal, securing the team goal after goal, win after win, with the goal keeper on the opposite side of the court successfully blocking LJMU from

scoring and leaving Newcastle with an insurmountable advantage by the end of the first quarter, with 16-5 points to Newcastle.

“A switch was flipped as Newcastle scored their first goal, and five more relentless dubs followed.” The second quarter saw the match speed up as LJMU desperately tried to bridge the gap between the two scores. They showed potential as they scored just a minute in, but then fell back behind as Newcastle, spurred on by the threat of their quick success, retaliated and took back control of the game, leaving them with only 7 to their 23 by the fifth minute of the second quarter. The chemistry between the Newcastle players once again proved an asset, as the goal shooter managed to redeem a missed shot by the goal attack. The last few seconds of the second quarter saw a desperate frenzy from both sides, accompanied by chants of “You’ve got time!” from the sidelines - which was validated by an LJMU goal in the last 20 seconds of the quarter, which was impressive until it was matched by an even more impressively timed Newcastle goal in the last four seconds of the quarter. By half time, the scores

were sitting at 37-13, with Newcastle comfortably on top, having expanded their lead, and ready to fight through the last half of the match. The third quarter began with, to no one’s surprise, another Newcastle goal. This set the tone for the rest of the fifteen minutes, as they continued their streak with the ball barely leaving their side of the pitch. While LJMU did manage to get a few goals in, it seemed that they had already accepted defeat as the game massively de-intensified, and onlookers saw longer and slower passes and less fast-paced action play out. Even with several free throws to LJMU they no longer stood a chance against such a strong lead. The goal keeper managed to block their last attempts at scoring before time was called, cementing a probable Newcastle win, even with another quarter to go, as the board read 54-20. The last quarter seemed to start up the pace once again, as the teams appeared to be revived after their short break. LJMU were scrambling for any chance to redeem their ranking, presenting more of a serious challenge than they had previously, but they were still ultimately unsuccessful, as Newcastle outdid their newfound energy and brought them down with a four-goal streak within the first two minutes of play. These last fifteen minutes saw the most chaos of the game, with falls, fumbles, and even a Newcastle goal

made up of two missed shots and two catches - epitomising ‘third time lucky’. The game ended on 68-27, a Newcastle win that was inevitable right from the first quarter of the game. A massive congratulations to the team, who have not only cemented their winning streak following weeks of wins against other universities nationwide, but stand a solid chance in the league. Ella Patrick was also named their Player of the Match.

“The team have not only cemented their winning streak following weeks of wins, have a solid shot at the league title.” I got the chance to speak to one of the players, who told me how they thought the game went from their first-hand perspective. Orla told me: “The game on Wednesday had energy the whole way through, we kept a lead as a team and there was consistent strength from our attack as they threw to our defence. Each quarter was a success and we seamlessly made loads of player rotations. We are currently on a winning streak so we are entering each game with high hopes and with any luck, we hope to win the league.”

View from the AU Kimiko Cheng - Athletic Union Officer

t’s been a week packed with action for NUWPC with three matches in five days for the women’s first team and two matches for the men’s side. Both teams play in the premier division of BUCS with the men being new to the league.

“It has been a week packed with action!” Despite our four losses in five days we haven’t lost our spirits. The one win came from the men against Edinburgh to achieve their first ever win in the league. It was a tense match with Newcastle being the underdogs and conceding the first 3 goals, but they weren’t fatalists and clawed their way back to a 4-3 lead at the end of the first quarter even with 2 exclusions. They lost their advantage ending the second and third quarter with 7-9 and 1113 (at least they’re consistent). We scored a thrilling goal that skimmed the surface of the water before flying into the back of the net to edge towards equalising. Half a quarter passes and with 72 seconds left on the clock the visiting team give away a crucial penalty and our scholar takes it and levels the score. 20 seconds later and Edinburgh score again but we return the favour almost immediately. Now with half a minute to spare, Edinburgh have possession and take the opportunity to call a timeout; our defence is too scrappy and our player gets sent out, not long after Edinburgh follow suit. With four seconds left on the clock our recently booked player comes back on and scores the winning goal, making it 15 – 14 and keeping it lemon. On the women’s side we’ve not had the same success, our players are less experienced but we continue to train hard, I’ve personally learned so much from each foul committed, goal conceded and skirmish lost. Our next match is against St Andrews and it’s one to watch in the relegation battle.

Images: Zahra Hanif

INSIDE SPORT THIS WEEK

Bianca Bustamante How she is helping motorsport even out its gender imbalance Image credit: X @ARTGP

Messi and Bonmati win Ballon d’Or A look at how the historic ceremony needs to change

Image credit: X @ballondor

2023 Cricket World Cup

The Three Lions were left flailing through the entire tournament Image credit: X @englandcricket