The Courier 1199

Page 1

Walking in a winter wonderland: students showcase this season’s latest trends Life & Style, page 18-19

Issue 1199 Monday 16 November 2009 www.thecourieronline.co.uk

FREE K. LIN

University exposed for exploiting post-grads Fran Infante Deputy Editor Students are facing homelessness after Newcastle University employers informed them they will only be paid for one out of every eight and a half hours they work. The team of three post-graduate students – who all live and work at the halls of residence Leazes Parade – were hired earlier this year as Senior Residents by the company INTO, who run the unit on behalf of the University. Their job on campus is to be welfare representatives; providing support, guidance and practical assistance for the international students who inhabit the residence and for whom INTO caters. They were told that they would be paid £7.51 per hour and that the hours they worked would give them enough to pay their £80 a week rent plus £10 to £20 extra cash. The duties were initially to be shared among a team of four but a fourth was never hired. Around six weeks after they started work, the Senior Residents were issued with contracts stating very different terms of employment. Due to a cryptic series of clauses and exceptions they would be paid for only one hour of every eightand-a-half hours that they were on call, giving them in effect an hourly wage of just 94p. When the residents raised the issue with INTO they were told that there was nothing that could be done and if they wanted to make up the money they would simply have to work more hours. INTO’s website describes the residence as: “An environment where you can learn your independence within our 24-hour support network” and offers foreign students the chance to live in “a safe environment with additional support from our live-in Senior Residents.” Town Planning MA student, Vildan Aydin, told The Courier of her

frustration: “With the way they have structured it we are basically paying to work here. “I don’t understand how they think it’s a good deal, how they can hope to recruit anyone who is aware of the actual terms of the contract. “It’s so unfair; the work takes up all my time so I can’t look for a second job and still have any time for my studies. My room at Leazes Parade is contingent on my working for INTO - if I quit, I’ll be homeless. “The ridiculous thing is I’m going to have to leave anyway now because I cannot afford to pay £80 a week out of my own pocket. “It feels like slavery because they are taking my time and not compensating me for it. I am lucky though; I’m from London and so my family are here to help me deal with this mess. “One of my colleagues is from Palestine and she is effectively trapped here because the borders have been closed. “She has had no support and has been trying to sort all this out in a second language; it’s appalling.” She added: “We have been left feeling misled and disappointed, as if we have no-one to turn to. “I went to the Student Advice Centre and as soon as I said I was a Senior Resident the advisor there just rolled her eyes and said ‘it’s been an issue’.” The situation appears to have arisen out of claimed confusion following a change in the payment system of Senior Residents. In previous years they received no monetary payment for the work they did and instead were provided with their year’s accommodation free of charge. This, however, caused problems with the visa requirements of some of the overseas students enrolled in the scheme, resulting in the decision to charge for accommodation but to also pay the students for their work. Continued on page 5

Inside today >>> Northern Angels Newcastle University’s Cheerleading Team audition for Britain’s Got Talent News, page 3

Castle Court comes to Leazes University’s new state of the art DFFRPPRGDWLRQ LV RI¿ FLDOO\ opened on campus by ViceChancellor Chris Brink News, page 6

Ethical consumerism Is the increase in fair trade merely GULYHQ E\ SUR¿ W SRVVLELOLWLHV" Jack Peat challenges consumers to start playing businesses at their own game Comment, page 12

Obama’s big change As Obama’s health care reforms look set to go through, Laura Heads discusses whether it will be a positive step for the USA Comment, page 11

Mi casa es su casa Danya Bazaraa on her travels to the Spanish province of Granada Life & Style, page 14

Clash of the Titans Northumbria edge Royals in Kingston Park showdown Sport, page 44

New Yorker Tony Ray urged students to “raise their voice together” to help increase awareness of the global AIDS and HIV problem at the Stop AIDS Speaker Evening last Wednesday night

Students help give voice to Stop AIDS campaign News, page 4

Maximo Park Former Newcastle student Paul Smith talks about his university experience in the North East Culture, page 24

2

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

Students help raise AIDS awareness

The Union Society, King’s Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QB. Tel: 0191 239 3940

Comment The energy solution Is it time to accept that nuclear power is the way forward? Page 10

> News, page 4 News Editors: Simon Murphy and Jessica Tully - courier.news@ncl.ac.uk

8QLYHUVLW\ SRVWV UHFRUG SURĂ€ WV DV QHZ 5XVVHOO *URXS IUDPHZRUN FRXOG LQFUHDVH IXQGLQJ

Life & Style James Brown

Stranger to Grainger? The secrets behind Newcastle’s popular market revealed Page 14

Culture Pudsey’s back! TV and Radio preview Children in Need Page 34

Sport Dutch courage The Newcastle rowing team race a ship to Holland Page 39

Meetings Timetable: Monday Sport - 11am, Committee Room B News - 12pm, Committee Room B Comment - 12pm, Committee Room B Photos - 1pm, Committee Room B

1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ FRXOG SURĂ€ W from a new framework for allocating research funding, as it this week posted record-breaking research funding data. The amount of research funding allocated to top universities is the subject of a parliamentary review currently getting underway which has already caused controversy. According to the head of the RusVHOO *URXS WKH HOLWH JURXS RI large research-intensive universities LQFOXGLQJ 2[IRUG &DPEULGJH (G inburgh, Leeds and Newcastle, top universities should get even more funding than they currently do. ,Q D VSHHFK LQ 2FWREHU WR WKH 7LPHV Higher Education Conference, Professor Michael Arthur, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds University, insisted that more money – 90%, instead of the current 75-80% – should be given to the top 25-30 universities in the UK, in order to continue to fund the excellent research they do. ,Q ZKDW KH FDOOHG D ´GHOLEHUDWHO\ provocativeâ€? speech, Prof. Arthur argued that as the government seeks to reduce its expenditure in the aftermath of the recession, funding for universities is likely to be scarcer, and a framework for fund-

ing that concentrates on top universities would avoid a slide into “mediocrity.� “How many well-funded research universities do we need?� he asked.

´, GRQ¡W EHOLHYH LW LV ,¡G OLNH WR suggest it is somewhere between 25 and 30,â€? he said. Prof. Arthur’s suggestions have put him on a warpath with some of

his colleagues, and further divided opinion between larger and smaller universities, such as those in the Million+ group, which represents new universities formed since 1992. Speaking out against Prof. Arthur, Pam Tatlow of Million+ said: “The same people who want a market in tuition fees also want a closed shop for research funding.â€? Newcastle has nothing to fear if Prof. Arthur’s proposals come into effect: it is a member of the elite RusVHOO *URXS DQG D OHDGLQJ UHFLSLHQW RI research grants, both from the government funding agency HEFCE and regular bids for EU cash. The University’s latest accounts came out this week and showed a record-breaking year for research. Total research income increased by DQ LQĂ DWLRQ EXVWLQJ IURP ODVW year, to almost ÂŁ85 million. All three faculties expanded and the total income of the University LQFUHDVHG E\ WR Â… PLOOLRQ ZLWK D VXUSOXV RI DW Â… PLO lion. Newcastle remains in a strong Ă€ QDQFLDO SRVLWLRQ ZLWK D WRWDO RI ÂŁ87 million saved in the bank over previous years, despite spending ÂŁ50 million on capital investment such as new buildings including the newly-opened, gleaming King’s *DWH EXLOGLQJ RQ %DUUDV %ULGJH

Tuesday Life & Style - 12pm, Committee Room A

T-shirt pub crawls under the national spotlight after 6KHIÂż HOG VWXGHQW FDXJKW XULQDWLQJ RQ ZDU PHPRULDO

Wednesday Film - 12.30pm, Committee Room A Music - 1pm, Committee Room A

Nile Amos

Thursday TV & Radio - 11.30am, Committee Room A Arts - 12pm, Committee Room A Editorial Team: ‡ (GLWRU 'DYLG &RYHUGDOH ‡ 'HSXW\ (GLWRU )UDQ ,QIDQWH ‡ 1HZV (GLWRUV -HVVLFD 7XOO\ DQG 6LPRQ Murphy ‡ &RPPHQW (GLWRUV &DUROLQH $UJ\URSXOR Palmer and Nicholas Fidler ‡ /LIH 6W\OH (GLWRUV /DULVD %URZQ $OH[ Felton and Ashley Fryer ‡ &XOWXUH (GLWRU $OLFH 9LQFHQW ‡ $UWV (GLWRU 6WHSKDQLH )HUUDR ‡ )LOP (GLWRU )UDQFHV .URRQ ‡ 0XVLF (GLWRUV 0DUN &RUFRUDQ /HWWLFH DQG Chris Mandle ‡ 79 5DGLR (GLWRU $LPHH 3KLOLSVRQ ‡ 3X]]OHV (GLWRUV 6X]L 0RRUH DQG 1HG Walker ‡ 6SRUWV (GLWRUV 3DXO &KULVWLDQ -DPLH *DYLQ DQG 7RP -DPHV ‡ 'HVLJQ (GLWRU 9LFWRULD %HOO ‡ &XOWXUH 2QOLQH (GLWRUV *RUGRQ %UXFH DQG -HVVLFD 0RQVRQ ‡ 3URRI (GLWRUV 5XWK $OVDQFDN &ODLUH Childs, Kath Harmer, Lucy Houlden, Anna Kenolty, Charlotte Loftus, Emma Peasgood and Claire Russell

The Courier is printed by: Harmsworth Printing Limited, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby, DE1 2DW. Tel: 01332 253013. Established in 1948, The Courier is the fully independent Student Newspaper of the Union Society at the University of Newcastle-UponTyne. The Courier is published weekly during term time, and is free of charge. The design, text, photographs and graphics are copyright of The Courier and its individual contributors. No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without the prior permission of the Editor. Any views expressed in this newspaper’s opinion pieces are those of the individual writing, and not of The Courier, the Union Society or the University of Newcastleupon-Tyne.

2UJDQLVHG SXE FUDZOV DUH IHHOLQJ WKH KHDW DIWHU SKRWRV RI 6KHIĂ€ HOG student Philip Laing were beamed across the country. While the 19-year-old faces the consequences of urinating on a wreath of poppies, the anger of many student unions, local councils and police forces has turned to the companies that promote, and make money out of, t-shirt pub crawls. 3DUWLFXODUO\ LQ WKH Ă€ ULQJ OLQH LV Carnage UK, whose pre-ordained pub crawls operate in 45 towns and cities for around 350,000 students every year. Carnage now faces a severe backlash from many student unions after the images of Laing clearly showed him to be wearing one of their ÂŁ10 t-shirts. Newcastle University was one of WKH Ă€ UVW LQVWLWXWLRQV WR SDVV D PRWLRQ banning t-shirt pub crawls in 2007, but some student unions are only now taking action to disassociate themselves and discourage students from parting with their money for the sake of organised binge drinking. This week, Carnage takes its t-shirts to Bath, Lincoln, Swansea and York. ,Q UHWDOLDWLRQ WKH WRZQV¡ UHVSHFWLYH student unions are threatening to withdraw any endorsement of bars that take part in the events. The National Union of Students (NUS) is also supporting the disruption of Carnage events, claiming that the organisers are acting in a morally irresponsible way. Richard Budden, vice-president of the NUS, told a Guardian investiga-

tion that the promoters “make their money and then disappear, leaving student unions, police, and sometimes even the hospitals to pick up the pieces.â€? :DOWHU -DFNVRQ D VHFRQG \HDU Town Planning student, told The Courier ´, FDQ XQGHUVWDQG ZK\ XQ ions want to condemn these events. However, drinking must be acceptHG DV SDUW RI XQLYHUVLW\ OLIH , FDQ see the appeal of the Carnage pub crawls, especially to Freshers looking to explore the town, but any pub crawl needing an ambulance in tow is clearly a concern.â€? Students continue to participate in union-banned t-shirt pub crawls, and some commentators believe that this is actually the result of student unions turning to promoting responsible drinking. The nature of Freshers’ Week and traditional drinking holidays such as St Patrick’s Day are often the perfect impetus for pub crawl organisers to seek out thirsty students. Union Society President Andi *HRUJLRX WROG The Courier: “The Union doesn’t endorse t-shirted pub crawls and no longer allows them to start in the Union. We passed a motion through Union Council in 2007 to ensure that such events were not promoted or sold on Union premisHV WKXV VXIIHULQJ Ă€ QDQFLDOO\ DV D result. “However, the welfare of the students is our main priority and concern and so this is why the decision ZDV PDGH ,W LV QRW VXUSULVLQJ WKDW Carnage is making the headlines; the very name of the event seems to promote binge drinking.â€?

Charlie Oven Commentary 'ULQNLQJ LV D GHĂ€ QLWLYH SDUW RI WKH VWXGHQW H[SHULHQFH ERWK SDVW DQG SUHVHQW DQG LV PRVW OLNHO\ WR UH PDLQ VR LQ WKH IRUHVHHDEOH IXWXUH )ULHQGVKLSV DUH PDGH DQG FH PHQWHG RYHU WKH RGG GULQN RU WZR 7KDW DVLGH WKH VR FDOOHG ÂśGULQNLQJ FXOWXUH¡ WKDW ZH VHH KDV QRW EHHQ ZLWKRXW LWV SLWIDOOV 7KH 1DWLRQDO 8QLRQ RI 6WXGHQWV UHFHQWO\ ODXQFKHG D FDPSDLJQ WR VWRS WKH XQLYHUVLW\ SXE FUDZO SUR PRWHU &DUQDJH 8. IURP KROGLQJ DQ\ IXUWKHU HYHQWV 6XFK PHDV XUHV KDYH IXHOOHG WKH GHEDWH RQ ZKHUH ZH GUDZ WKH OLQH RQ VWXGHQW GULQNLQJ ,W LV FOHDU WKDW XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH ZKDW PD\ VHHP WR EH GUXQNHQ IXQ FDQ TXLFNO\ WUDQV JUHVV WR GDQJHURXV H[FHVV 7KHUH LV QR FOHDUHU RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU VXFK D VFHQDULR WKDQ RQ D PDUD WKRQ EDU FUDZO &DUQDJH 8. ELOOV LWVHOI DV ÂśTXLWH VLPSO\ WKH EHVW VWX GHQW HYHQW HYHU¡ EXW LWV YHU\ QDPH LV DUJXDEO\ VXJJHVWLYH ZLWK FRQ QRWDWLRQV WR GHVWUXFWLRQ +RZHYHU DUH ZH WRR TXLFN WR FULWLFLVH" $V D OHJDO DGXOW LW FDQ EH DUJXHG WKDW LW LV WKH VWXGHQW¡V UHVSRQ VLELOLW\ ZKHWKHU WKH\ FKRRVH WR SDUWLFLSDWH LQ EDU FUDZOV :LWK WKLV LQ PLQG LV LW EHWWHU WR HGXFDWH RQ WKH GDQJHUV RI H[FHVV GULQN UDWKHU WKDQ VLPSO\ UHSULPDQG" 2Q WKLV SRLQW LW FDQ EH VHHQ WKDW &DUQDJH 8. GRHV RIIHU DQ HGXFDWLYH UROH 2Q LWV ZHEVLWH WKH FRPSDQ\ VWUHVVHV WKDW ÂśDW WKH IRUHIURQW RI RXU PLQGVHW LV VWXGHQW VDIHW\ ¡ 7KLV LV UHLQIRUFHG E\ D

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p FXOWXUH RI UHVSRQVLEOH GULQN LQJ WKDW LV WUDGLWLRQDOO\ V\QRQ\ PRXV ZLWK FRQWLQHQWDO (XURSH ,Q VKRUW WKH 186¡V DLP RI UH VWULFWLQJ &DUQDJH GRHVQ¡W UHVROYH WKH RYHUDOO GDQJHU RI KHDY\ GULQN LQJ DPRQJVW VWXGHQWV :KHUH RQH RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU H[FHVV GULQNLQJ LV UHVWULFWHG DQRWKHU VLPSO\ DULVHV 5HJDUGOHVV RI RSLQLRQ DOFRKRO LV DQ HQWUHQFKHG VRFLDO DVSHFW RI WKH VWXGHQW OLIHVW\OH WKH XOWLPDWH GDQ JHU OLHV LQ LJQRULQJ WKH OLPLWDWLRQV WR GULQNLQJ

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

3

NEWS

Bring it on: cheerleaders prove Newcastle University’s got talent A.WILSON

Brrr, it’s cold out here: Newcastle University’s Northern Angels Cheerleading Club could go on to perform in front of Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden after taking part in regional auditions at World Headquarters last Monday.

Tarren Smarr Newcastle University’s Northern Angels Cheerleading Club have proven there is talent in the Toon. The University’s cheerleaders showcased their pompom shaking ability when Britain’s Got Talent held UHJLRQDO DXGLWLRQV DW :RUOG +HDG TXDUWHUV ODVW 0RQGD\ Auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent takes weeks and even months to prepare. Potential hopefuls spend time on choreography, costumes,

music selections, and polishing off their routines. The Northern Angels had far less time in order to prepare for their DXGLWLRQ 3UHVLGHQW 6RSKLH /HGJHU told The Courier: “I received the letWHU ZLWK DERXW KRXUV¡ QRWLFH RI WKH auditions. ´:H¡YH JRW D VTXDG RI DOPRVW girls and would have liked to have taken them all along but it was such short notice so we only managed to get nine girls in the end – they did really well though.

“We are very proud to represent Newcastle University at the auditions. We are also excited for the opportunity to be able to showcase our skills and represent cheerleading as a sport on a national level.â€? $IWHU PHHWLQJ DW :RUOG +HDGTXDU ters, the girls were led to the holding area where other potentials were waiting for their auditions. Due to the nature of the activity ² LQYROYLQJ KLJK Ă \LQJ VWXQWV DQG basket tosses – the Angels were not able to perform in the audition room

due to its low ceilings, which were deemed a safety hazard. The girls were told they could audition in the holding room, which KDG VXIĂ€ FLHQW FHLOLQJ KHLJKW $IWHU shifting some furniture, the Angels had a few moments of practice to run through potential student seTXHQFHV IRU WKHLU SHUIRUPDQFH 6RSKLH VDLG ´7KH JLUOV DUH UHDOO\ H[FLWHG WR Ă€ QG RXW ZKHWKHU ZH¡UH going to be in the live shows. This DXGLWLRQ ZDV Ă€ OPHG LQ IURQW RI SUR ducers and they’ll be sending the

tapes off to London where they decide who gets to audition in front of the judges and the studio audience.� 7KLV LV QRW WKH À UVW WLPH WKH FKHHU leaders have attracted media attention. In early October, the club was UHTXHVWHG WR WUDYHO WR :DVKLQJWRQ WR participate in a celebration that was being covered by the BBC. 6R NHHS ZDWFKLQJ \RXU WHOHYLVLRQ you may just see a Northern Angel.

Former Newcastle student cooks up NSR hits national airwaves recession-busting cupcake business on BBC station 6 Music James Brown A former Newcastle student has found a novel way to beat the recession and stay sweet. Lydia McCaslin has founded her own cupcake company to avoid the woes of job-hunting in the legal world. Tapping into a growing trend for cupcakes that started in New York bakeries, the Newcastle graduate found a new calling away from her legal career by providing the residents of Jesmond with deliciously crafted cupcakes. The new mother decided to start a business whilst on maternity leave from her job at top Newcastle law Ă€ UP 6KH WROG The Courier: “It was initially just to earn some spare cash.â€? 6KH VWXPEOHG DFURVV DQ DUWLFOH about how cupcakes were growing in popularity in the UK and were established outside the home in deOLV DQG FDIpV LQ 1HZ <RUN &LW\ 6KH

decided she had found a niche in the market in Newcastle and went public with her home-made wonders. McCaslin, originally from Manchester, graduated in 1999 with a GHJUHH LQ PLFURELRORJ\ 6KH VDLG ´, greatly enjoyed my time at Newcastle. I met my husband James here. “I didn’t want to be a microbiologist; I think it would be far too boring.â€? Ex-Newcastle student Lydia McCaslin, 31, has set up her own cupcake company 6KH FRQYHUWHG WR ODZ DW 1RUWKXP bria University and spent several \HDUV DW 1HZFDVWOH ODZ Ă€ UP +D\ & Kilner. After the birth of her son Joseph, she set up the cupcake company. The Jesmond Cupcake Company

caters to cafĂŠs and offers giant cupcake tiers for weddings, parties, lunches and christenings. 6KH QRZ VHOOV DURXQG EHVSRNH cupcakes a week; all of which are home-made in her range oven. Varieties of cake on offer at CafĂŠ Antipasto on Jesmond Road and Jayz CafĂŠ in the Green Market in (OGRQ 6TXDUH LQFOXGH DQ LUUHVLVWLEOH lemon, a popular white chocolate and raspberry, a delectable banoffee, healthy carrot and much-complimented chocolate. +HU FDNHV GRQ¡W VWRS DW WKH XVXDO VXVSHFW Ă DYRXUV HLWKHU 6KH LQYHQW ed the tasty tiramisu cupcake, an Italian curiosity only available at Antipasto. 6WXGHQWV OLYLQJ LQ WKH KHDUW RI -HV mond need not fear; they can expect D Ă RRG RI FXSFDNHV VRRQ ZKHQ WKH QHZ &DIp RSHQV VRRQ RQ 6W George’s Terrace, opposite Tesco Metro.

Chris Mandle Newcastle University’s student raGLR VWDWLRQ ZDV IHDWXUHG E\ 6WHYH /DPDFT RQ 0XVLF ODVW )ULGD\ /DPDFT¡V VKRZ ZKLFK UXQV IURP SP XQWLO SP SOD\V ERWK QHZ DQG classic tracks whilst promoting unsigned bands and hot new talent. As part of its spotlight on student XQLYHUVLW\ UDGLR /DPDFT VSRNH WR 165 VWDWLRQ PDQDJHU &KULVWLDQ $O len, chatting about the station, the shows, and the music they play. $OOHQ D WKLUG \HDU 6RFLRORJ\ VWX GHQW VSRNH ZLWK /DPDFT LQ WKH FORV ing minutes of the show. +H WROG The Courier: “I was on just after Dizzee Rascal. We were all a bit surprised, because with the BBC you think it would be a pre-recorded thing, but it wasn’t. ´7KH SURGXFHU FDOOHG XS VHF onds before I went on, gave me a TXLFN EULHI DQG QH[W WKLQJ , NQRZ ,¡P OLYH RQ 0XVLF ,W¡V IDLU WR VD\

6WHYH WKUHZ PH LQ DW WKH GHHS HQG Âľ $OOHQ FRQWLQXHG ´6SHDNLQJ ZLWK 6WHYH VDZ D ULVH LQ RXU OLVWHQHUVKLS I was in the studio and we saw a real boost after I got off the phone. I think people were a bit curious DERXW 165 DQG ZDQWHG WR KHDU ZKDW DOO WKH IXVV LV DERXW +RSHIXOO\ we got some new listeners.â€? 165 LV EURDGFDVW EHWZHHQ SP LQ WKH *OREDO &DIp RQ WKH WRS Ă RRU of the Union building, and is availDEOH WR OLVWHQ WR RQOLQH /DVW )ULGD\¡V PXVLF VHVVLRQ ZKHUH 6WHYH /DPDFT VSRNH ZLWK 165 LV DYDLODEOH WR OLV ten to again on the BBC’s iPlayer for two weeks. 7KH VWDWLRQ ZDV VWDUWHG LQ DQG FXUUHQWO\ EURDGFDVWV IURP DP WR SP ,W SOD\V KRVW WR D YDULHW\ of shows presented by Newcastle 8QLYHUVLW\ VWXGHQWV LQFOXGLQJ 165 Introduces, a platform for new, upFRPLQJ DFWV DQG 6ZLQJWLPH D VKRZ dedicated to the Newcastle swing dance society.

4

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

NEWS

Speaking out: students support campaign to raise AIDS awareness Graeme J. Hill Students gathered at the Hyena Comedy Club on Wednesday night to lend their support to the Stop $,'6 6SHDNHU (YHQLQJ KRVWHG E\ Newcastle University’s student wing of the Stop AIDS Campaign (SAC). ,W ZDV D QLJKW Ă€OOHG ZLWK H\H opening interest, designed to raise awareness of the global HIV and AIDS problem at a human level. SAC event co-ordinator Diarmaid McDonald sees the experience as vital in recruiting support for a campaign designed to not only raise awareness, but put pressure on the government, and moreover the big EXVLQHVVHV WKDW JUHDWO\ LQĂ XHQFH HIV policy. He told The Courier: “The Stop AIDS Campaign uses the Speaker Tour every year as a way of translating the statistics and the numbers of HIV into something that’s much more human. “Behind every single statistic and number there’s a person, there’s a family, there’s a community and there’s a story.â€? One such story was told by guest speaker Daniel F. H. Kettor from Sierra Leone. In 1994, aged at the age of 11, Daniel’s family became refugees as war devastated the West African nation. His sister – missing for over four months – returned to him three months pregnant. She had been kidnapped in transit and raped by rebel soldiers.

It was found out after a miscarriage that Daniel’s sister had also contracted the HIV virus, dying at the age of 19. Daniel’s tale is one that highlights a general ignorance associated with the condition, as lack of knowledge of the virus led people to believe they could not go close to her. You could hear the pain in Daniel’s voice as he uttered that his sister had “died a lonely death�. This experience galvanised Daniel to seek a better understanding of the virus that had torn his family apart. Zambian-born speaker Chinyanta Chimba’s account of coming to terms with HIV in her family outlined the same issues; ignorance and misinformation within the community continued as the virus proliferated among families. Chinyanta’s experiences with her aunt (who died as a result of the virus) raised an issue that was pertinent to the entire evening – the universal, affordable access to treatment, support and care is integral in the handling of HIV sufferers in the developing world. The third of Wednesday night’s speakers – New York City resident Tony Ray – expanded on this issue, making it clear that a strong and ambitious personality will only get you so far. Tony explained that the focus on ‘prevention, prevention, prevention’ fails to recognise those who have already contracted the virus. Approximately six million people who are in need of HIV treatment

do not have access to the drugs. With 90% of the world’s children with HIV living in Sub-Saharan Africa, only 10% have access to childfriendly medication. The Stop AIDS Campaign is working hard with UNITAID and pharmaceutical companies toward developing universal access to drugs that are currently too expensive, exclusive or under patent. The ‘Patent Pool’ project that is being promoted through the campaign would allow for pharmaceutical FRPSDQLHV WR XSKROG WKHLU SURĂ€WV whilst allowing multiple companies to use their drugs. This would inevitably increase competition and eventually lower the cost of second line drugs that are so desperately needed. Mr McDonald was supported by a “real vibrant groupâ€? of Newcastle students, who helped put together an evening that conveyed a message RI JOREDO VLJQLĂ€FDQFH The treatment of HIV sufferers is a complex task, but if SAC can work towards easing access to life-saving drugs, then the road ahead will become considerably smoother. Tony Ray, who contracted the HIV virus last year, said: “We, as young people, if we raise our voices together, LQĂ XHQFH RXU JRYHUQPHQW PRUH now than we ever could before, because when we speak as one they GHĂ€QLWHO\ KDYH WR OLVWHQ Âľ 7R Ă€QG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH 6$& and sign their petition, visit: www. stopaidscampaign.org.uk Taking to the mic: Chinyanta Chimba shares her account of coming to terms with HIV in her family

Former Newcastle student speaks out about drugs advisory council sacking Nile Amos A former Newcastle University student who currently holds a place on the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has spoken out about the sacking of Professor David Nutt as Chair of the Council. Mr Patrick Hargreaves, who attended Newcastle during the mid1970s, has been on the council for a number of years and is due to step down in 2010. When asked his views on the sacking of Prof. Nutt, Mr Hargreaves told The Courier: “The Chair of the ACMD made some ill-judged comments. However, he is acknowledged to be one of the most eminent VFLHQWLVWV LQ WKLV Ă€HOG LQ (XURSH DQG has been sacked as a result of being over-critical of policy. “The current situation stems from the government not accepting advice it had requested from the Advi-

sory Council on the Misuse of Drugs; VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ WKDW HFVWDV\ VKRXOG EH downgraded from a Class A substance to Class B and that cannabis should remain a Class C substance and not be upgraded to a B. “At no time was there any suggestion from the ACMD that either substance was not hazardous or should be legalised. The entire council stands by that advice.â€? The row has led some members of the ACMD to resign from their posts in protest at the government’s decision to remove Prof. Nutt. Mr Hargreaves couldn’t specify whether he would do the same, but added that there would be consequences if the Council could not continue its work, saying: “The losers in all of this, should it fall apart, are all of us who will not be able to EHQHĂ€W IURP WKH GHSWK DQG LQWHJULW\ of the research and recommendations produced after robust discus-

sion and debate by some of the leadLQJ SUDFWLWLRQHUV LQ WKHLU Ă€HOGV 7KLV ranges from neuropsychology to youth work.â€? Mr Hargreaves said that he believes the laws and regulations that govern the misuse of drugs offer a puzzling outlook. The Misuse of Drugs Act, he claims, should not be used as a method of determining how much harm a particular drug causes. He added: “If people are looking to it as a tool to gauge harm, then tobacco, alcohol, volatile substances and most medicines should EH LQFOXGHG (FVWDV\ VKRXOG QRW EH grouped with heroin and so on - a confused message. “I have learnt and contributed a great deal to move the Council’s work forward. In common with the other members, this contribution has been entirely free.â€?

Food supply in danger warns academic Joshua Shrimpton-Dean A growing lack of interest in the study of plants could have dire consequences for the world’s food supply, Newcastle University’s leading authority on plants has warned. Dr Anne Borland, Reader in Molecular Plant Physiology, told The Courier that global food production needs to increase by 70% by 2050 to satisfy a growing population. “A knowledge of Plant Sciences is essential if we are to develop plants that are more productive, require less water and fertilizer, are resistant to pathogens and insects and are more nutritious,� said Dr Borland. Plants are struggling to appeal to a younger generation. Dr Borland suggests that TV programmes such as the BBC’s Life are glamorising the study of animals and placing plants in the shade. Dr Borland said: “TV wildlife programmes make animals very appealing to young people, whilst gardening programmes target an older age group.�

Head of School of Biology, Dr Heather Finlayson, told The Courier: “The Plant Biology degree ceased recruiting at the end of the 1990s. For the last three years of the programme there was an intake of only IRXU RU Ă€YH VWXGHQWV SHU \HDU DQG only about 20 applications per year. It was withdrawn because of lack of demand.â€? Dr Borland believes the declining interest in plant sciences will lead to a shortage of future botanists and plant scientists, which are vital to the long-term sustainability of the human race. “Studying plants increases our knowledge of life in general and understanding more about plants ZLOO KHOS XV WR Ă€QG EHWWHU DQG PRUH sustainable ways of keeping us fed, healthy, clothed, sheltered and happy,â€? said Dr Borland. “Newcastle University is still able to train botanists for the future, and to equip them with skills in molecular biology that will make them effective players in 21st century biological scienceâ€? said Dr Finlayson.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

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NEWS K. LIN

Continued from front page A major prerequisite to this was the guarantee of a minimum of 14 hours of work per week enabling residents to be assured that they could cover the cost of their accommodation by working in this manner. Head of Student Services Shonagh Doig told The Courier: “We believe this process will more than fairly compensate the Senior Residents for the work they do; however, as with all new systems, there can be teething problems and we are working with the University and our Senior Residents to resolve these.â€? That said, though, this meeting which was supposed to resolve the issues occurred last Thursday and only one of the Senior Residents attended. Aydin, who had gone back to her parents’ home in London for the ZHHN ZDV QRW HYHQ QRWLĂ€HG WKDW LW

had taken place until contacted by The Courier, aptly demonstrating the chaos and mismanagement that has characterised the whole affair. She responded to the news: “Why arrange a meeting on Thursday when they knew I was going to be back the next day? I am almost certainly going to leave anyway but I want to make sure that I will be paid for the hours of work I have already worked. “And I want to make sure that measures are put in place to stop this happening again. I don’t want other students to have to live through this nightmare too. The University needs to have some sort of safety net in place – they have a duty of care to all their students; it’s no excuse that this property is handled by INTO and not the University directly.� The third student involved has already handed in his notice of resignation and is preparing to exit the

accommodation shortly; he is described by Aydin as “really fed up.â€? In her statement to The Courier Mrs 'RLJ Ă DWO\ GHQLHV WKH DOOHJDWLRQV SXW to her and her department by Aydin. She said: “We value the Senior Residents very highly and the service WKH\ SURYLGH XV , FDQ FRQĂ€UP WKDW to date, none of our residents have been paid for less than 14 hours per week which is what was agreed at interview and provides them with VXIĂ€FLHQW IXQGV WR SD\ WKHLU UHQW DQG provides them with approximately ÂŁ100 additional per month.â€? Aydin responded to the statement saying: “It really seems like everything has completely been avoided by Student Services. I really don’t feel like they’ve answered any questions or made any assurances that would make me feel even slightly better.â€? The dispute continues.

Police target disorderly behaviour in Jesmond after two students are arrested Disorderly behaviour - including shouting, swearing and criminal damage - is being targeted by police in Jesmond. 2IÀFHUV DUH ZDUQLQJ WKDW DFWLRQ will be taken against offenders which could result in a criminal record and ultimately affect their future. The action follows a series of incidents involving damage to residents’ cars and homes, as well as late night drunken, rowdy behaviour. One Friday night (October 23), police arrested two people after they were seen running across people’s cars and damaging wing mirrors and doors at St George’s Terrace and Mistletoe Road. The men, aged 19 and 21, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and have been bailed for further enquiries. And on Tuesday October 27, police received reports of a series of damaged vehicle wing mirrors after similar activity at Grosvenor Place, Jesmond. Enquiries are still ongoing to trace the offenders. 2IÀFHUV ZKR UXQ WKH VXFFHVVIXO Operation Oak in the area - which is overnight patrols to ensure rowdy behaviour is prevented and that action is taken against any offenders, in front of the Newcastle student crowd at the Stop AIDS Speaker Evening last week

Harriet King Commentary We all know that as more and more people go to university it is getting harder for employers to decide between two graduates. But is how much voluntary work someone has done a good enough indication of their non-academic potential? I absolutely agree that the clasVLĂ€FDWLRQ V\VWHP LV JRLQJ WR KDYH to undergo some changes in order WR UHĂ HFW D VWXGHQW¡V DFKLHYHPHQWV in real terms. Already, more and more employers are asking for module marks as well as your overall average. This makes sense - someone with 69 has obviously achieved more than someone with 61, despite them both being within that all important 2:1 category. In many ways a report card does make perfect sense, but there are a few issues with the idea. )LUVWO\ WKH VXJJHVWLRQ WKDW Ă€UVW year marks are to be included in D UHSRUW FDUG LV ZRUU\LQJ ,Q Ă€UVW year you have just learnt how to produce university work. The media is full of stories about how school-leavers do not know how to

write an essay. This is not necessarily the case, but the fact remains that being left on your own to write 2000 words, using your own reading, with correct referencing is a daunting task. 6RPHWLPHV LQ ÀUVW \HDU \RX MXVW get it wrong, even if you put the ZRUN LQ ,QFOXGLQJ ÀUVW \HDU PDUNV in a report card would lose this safety net. Include second year by all means; it counts, and by then everyone should know what they are doing. Likewise, there was negative feedback about voluntary work being included. How many students can afford to carry out voluntary work regularly throughout their university careers, or have the time, unless it is over the summer? Inclusion in sports and societies has more validity as these are open to everyone, but that is the purpose of a CV. The idea of a module report card that includes mitigating circumstances is a good one, and degree FODVVLÀFDWLRQ LV VRPHWKLQJ ZH need to be less conservative about. Yet what is included must be carefully considered to limit to information that is truly worthy to employers.

are warning people to stay out of trouble. Chief Inspector Ged Noble, Newcastle Area Command, said: “We’re well aware that the majority of students who come to the area just want to study in two of the most popular universities in the country with the added bonus of living in a vibrant city such as Newcastle. “But there’s a very small number of students, particularly those living in the Jesmond area, who have been LGHQWLĂ€HG DV FDXVLQJ UHDO SUREOHPV for local residents and for police. “They might see their behaviour as a drunken prank but it’s distressing for residents when their car wing mirrors are smashed off or windows EURNHQ DQG KDV VHULRXV Ă€QDQFLDO implications. “And there have been some instances when drunk and disorderly behaviour in the middle of the night has caused an issue for local people.â€? Ch Insp Noble said residents welcome new people to the area and recognise the positives they bring to Jesmond and the surrounding area, as well as the economy of the city. But he said there has to be a line drawn between people enjoying themselves and them going on to

commit crime. He said: “We take crimes such as criminal damage and disorder very seriously and some of the people we’ve arrested will end up with a criminal record which could affect their future. You have to think, is some drunken prank really worth ruining a bright career? Of course it’s not. “We’re not saying don’t enjoy yourself. Just don’t cross the line into crime. We’re asking for a little bit more respect for other people’s property and lifestyle because when their behaviour impacts on the quality of life of other people living in the area - whether they are permanent or temporary residents - then this causes us concern. “There’s a great community spirit in Jesmond and this very small number of people causing problems will not spoil that. Anyone who wants any advice about the issues can speak to the Neighbourhood Policing team at any time; they are there to help.� The Jesmond and Heaton Neighbourhood team can be contacted via H[W IRU DGYLFH around crime and disorder, and for crime prevention information.

University to take part in pilot report card scheme Alex Bishop Newcastle University is one of 18 universities across Britain taking part in a pilot scheme for the new Higher Educational Achievement Report (Hear) which, if successful, could totally replace the current 1st WR UG GHJUHH FODVVLĂ€FDWLRQV A template of the report was introduced last week, with the news that information such as societies or sports teams that a student participates in will feature on the reports. A more detailed account of students’ progress, including modular and coursework marks as well as exam scores is also said to feature on the cards. It is the inclusion of students’ extracurricular activities that seems most promising to Newcastle University Academic Administration Manager Liane Brierly. She told The Courier: “Such information would provide a richer picture of a graduate’s accomplishments at university. There’s more to university than academic achievement.â€? However, she stressed that the information must be strongly backed up and not be simply a series of “qualitative statements.â€?

It is in this area that the University has been contributing to the pilot scheme, working on how to gather the information, which will naturally have many different sources. Ms Brierly also mentioned that some of the work is already being put into action. She said: “We have gathered prize information from last year’s graduates and it will be included in diploma supplements due to be posted out in the next few weeks. Having the information, we wanted to actually use it.â€? More extracurricular information including accredited work experience and projects are likely to feature on next year’s diplomas, though contrary to what has been reported, this year’s graduates at Newcastle University will not receive full Hear cards. The cross-university group, led by Prof Bob Burgess of Leicester University, which is overseeing the introduction of the Hear, said last week that all report cards would be given to graduates from all universities by the summer of 2012, with plans for them to replace the classiFDO GHJUHH FODVVLĂ€FDWLRQV E\ Burgess told The Guardian that the change from an “elite to mass higher educational systemâ€? was the cause

of the restructuring of degree assessment. However, Terence Kealey ViceChancellor of the University of Buckingham, earlier in the year told The Guardian that the move away from the single summative judgement of WKH FODVVLFDO GHJUHH FODVVLĂ€FDWLRQ LQ favour of the Hear, is because “it is embarrassed that its members can no longer disguise their degree inĂ DWLRQ Âľ With a record of two thirds of graduates across the country achieving 1sts and 2.1s this summer, the Hear has since received considerable enthusiasm from employers, with Carl Gilleard of the Association of Graduate Recruiters telling The Guardian that the report cards would “help employers to form a more comprehensive judgement of a graduate’s overall performance,â€? adding that WKH FXUUHQW FODVVLĂ€FDWLRQ PHWKRG used in isolation has “outgrown its usefulness.â€? Newcastle University Education 2IĂ€FHU (PPD %XGJH DOVR VXSSRUWV the scheme. She told The Courier: “The report cards will address the need for students to prove they are a step above the average graduate and give employers an idea of how useful they are in the workplace.â€?

6

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

NEWS

Vice-Chancellor opens luxurious accommodation David Coverdale Editor This month saw Vice-Chancellor &KULV %ULQN RIĂ€ FLDOO\ RSHQ &DVWOH Court, the ÂŁ5.2 million new accomPRGDWLRQ EORFN DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\¡V largest halls of residence, Castle Leazes. 7KH VHYHQ VWRUH\ EXLOGLQJ KROGV EHGURRPV LQ WRWDO ZLWK HDFK Ă RRU FRQWDLQLQJ WZR VHOI FDWHUHG Ă DWV RI seven en suite bedrooms. 7KH QHZ EORFN DOVR KDV WKH SRWHQ WLDO WR DFFRPPRGDWH XS WR VWX GHQWV ZLWK YDU\LQJ GLVDELOLWLHV ZLWK SULFHV IRU DOO VWXGHQWV WR OLYH DW WKH accommodation ranging between Â… DQG Â… D ZHHN GHSHQGLQJ RQ single or double beds. ,W LV WKH Ă€ UVW EXLOGLQJ DW &DVWOH Leazes to be self-catered, while the state of the art kitchen and commuQDO DUHDV LQFOXGLQJ $PHULFDQ VW\OH fridge freezers and LCD televisions as standard, make Castle Court the most luxurious of all of the UniverVLW\¡V DFFRPPRGDWLRQ 7KH 9LFH &KDQFHOORU ZDV FOHDUO\ YHU\ SURXG RI WKH QHZ GHYHORS PHQW SDUW RI WKH FXUUHQW FDPSXV ZLGH GHYHORSPHQW SURMHFW DV KH addressed an esteemed guestlist ZKLFK LQFOXGHG DOO SDUWLHV LQYROYHG in the new build. %ULQN VDLG ´,I \RX KDYH EHHQ DURXQG WKH FDPSXV LQ WKH ODVW \HDU RU VR \RX ZLOO KDYH VHHQ YHU\ ODUJH

SRVWHUV WKDW VD\ ÂśZH DUH LQYHVWLQJ Â… PLOOLRQ WR GHYHORSLQJ RXU FDP SXV¡ ´&DVWOH &RXUW ZDV SDUW RI WKLV Â… PLOOLRQ DQG LW LV WKH Ă€ UVW RI WKH QHZ EXLOGLQJV GHOLYHUHG E\ WKH IXQG WR EH RIĂ€ FLDOO\ RSHQHG Âľ The new block has been built in NHHSLQJ ZLWK WKH DUFKLWHFWXUDO GH sign of the existing three buildings DW &DVWOH /HD]HV ZKLFK ZHUH Ă€ UVW RSHQHG LQ The Vice-Chancellor continued: ´<RX PD\ KDYH QRWLFHG WKDW WKH QHZ EXLOGLQJ Ă€ WV LQWR LWV VXUURXQGLQJV DEVROXWHO\ PDJQLĂ€ FHQWO\ ´<RX GRQ¡W ZDON SDVW DQG WKLQN ÂśWKDW¡V D VWUDQJH QHZ EXLOGLQJ¡ ,W ORRNV OLNH LW KDV DOZD\V EHHQ WKHUH DQG , PHDQ WKDW LQ WKH EHVW SRVVLEOH sense. ´7KLV LV WKH WK ELUWKGD\ \HDU RI &DVWOH /HD]HV 2YHU WKH \HDUV WKH FDSDFLW\ KDV EHHQ MXVW RYHU VWXGHQWV PHDQLQJ WKHUH KDYH EHHQ RGG VWXGHQWV WKDW KDYH SDVVHG WKURXJK KHUH VRPH RI ZKRP DUH QRZ YHU\ HVWHHPHG DOXPQL Âľ %ULQN ZHQW RQ WR JLYH VSHFLDO WKDQNV WR D QXPEHU RI SHRSOH LQ volved including the architect, a former Castle Leazes resident himself, and Margaret Hunter, Director RI $FFRPPRGDWLRQ DQG +RVSLWDOLW\ Services, who was the original instiJDWRU RI WKH SURMHFW DQG RYHUVDZ LWV LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ

Top: Castle Court, the University’s new £5.2 million accomodation block at Castle Leazes halls of residence, which holds 98 bedrooms Below: Vice-Chancellor Chris Brink unveils the new accomodation which has been built to match Castle Leazes’ architectural design

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

7

National

Still no loans or grants for 100,000 students Tom Saunders At the beginning of November, 119,000 approved applications had not been paid, with a further 23,000 applications yet to be processed. Another 35,000 are being asked to submit more information in order to complete the application.

The Student Loans Company blame the massive increase of apSOLFDWLRQV DQG WKLV EHLQJ WKH Ă€ UVW year they have processed grants and loans. Universities have been forced to pay out thousands in emergency loans, but the SLC say they are working ‘around the clock’ to process the backlog.

Student victim speaks out after King assault Marlon King is only a few days into his 18-month prison sentence for breaking the nose of a 20-year-old after she rebuffed his sexual advances, and yet more damning evidence of his character is emerging. Claudia CaĂąadas had a similar experience with the Premier League

striker, and has claimed “prison is the best place for that beastâ€?. .LQJ ZDV Ă€ QHG Â… DQG IRUFHG WR SD\ Â… FRPSHQVDWLRQ IRU VWULNLQJ the 22-year-old student and spitting in her face after she had told him to go away.

Psychic scholarship for Northampton student &DOOXP &RRSHU D À QDO \HDU %6F SV\ FKRORJ\ VWXGHQW IURP 0DQVÀ HOG KDV EHHQ DZDUGHG … IURP the US Parapsychology Foundation so he can complete his studies

on telepathy and clairvoyance. His work will focus on the possibility of life after death and the existence of psychic abilities.

Tragic Oxford University meningitis death $QWRQLD %UXFK D À UVW \HDU WKHRO ogy student studying at Regent’s Park College, Oxford, has died from meningitis. Her close contacts have been preventatively treated with antibiotics,

but an investigation by the Health Protection Agency as to whether this is the start of an outbreak has began. College Principal Dr. Robert Ellis said: “Antonia was a popular and valued member of the college�.

Students scarred in bizarre halls ritual Fifteen Exeter University students performed a bizarre group ceremony, during which some had to bite on wooden spoons to stop them from screaming. A stove was used to heat up bent

coat hangers so that they could be used to engrave the name of their previous halls of residence on their bodies. The scars are emblazoned on various parts of the body, including chests, arms and thighs.

([HWHU VWXGHQWV LQYROYHG LQ À UHZRUN SUDQN A trio of Exeter university students discovered their house full of smoke DIWHU \REV SXW D OLW À UHZRUN WKURXJK their letter-box. Frankie Wilkinson, Kiri Bowman and Helene Michou discovered the smoke grenade after smoke alarms went off in the two-storey rented

house 7KH Ă€ UHZRUN ZDV SXW WKURXJK WKH door while the students were watching television. 22-year-old Wilkinson said: “I heard something at the door, but just thought it was someone coming home, so I ignored it.â€?

Behind bars: footballer Marlon King is serving an 18-month prison sentence for attacking a female student in Hull, breaking her nose, after she rebuffed his sexual advances

Future salaries used to advertise degree courses A University blueprint, fronted by Lord Mandelson, has been published detailing the Government’s plans for a revamp of the way universities promote their degree courses. Under the new system, each course would come with information such as the employment details of graduates, drop-out rates and eventually graduate average earnings.

In another move, possibly laying the way for a hike in tuition fees, the institutions would be forced to advertise ‘value for money’ by detailing the contact hours of the course. It is hoped this will harness consumer pressure, forcing weaker institutions to improve in order to still receive applications and public funding.

NEWS

Fee row continues Claire Childs David Willetts, the Shadow Universities Secretary, has claimed that universities have not earned the right to charge students tuition fees RI Â… SHU \HDU Mr. Willetts told The Times that he currently would not support a rise in fees: “This is not an argument that I believe the universities have won. They haven’t yet properly acFRXQWHG IRU WKH Ă€ UVW Â… WKH\ KDG so I would say not unless, and until, you have shown what is in it for students and their parents.â€? His comments come a few weeks EHIRUH DQ RIĂ€ FLDO UHYLHZ LQWR WXLWLRQ fees is set to begin. The review is not GXH WR Ă€ QLVK XQWLO EHIRUH QH[W \HDU¡V general election, but it is expected that it will advise an increase in tuiWLRQ IHHV WR D PD[LPXP RI Â… RU Â… SHU \HDU Newcastle University itself has been no stranger to the controversy surrounding tuition fees. As reported in The Courier in October 2008, former Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor Lord Patten supported a rise in tuition fees, saying at the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference last year that the cap on tuition fees was “intolerably lowâ€?. After criticism from the press, Lord Patten resigned from his position as Vice-Chancellor. Questions have also been raised over the tuition fee review group, particularly concerning whether student representation is required. David Willetts has said that students ought to be represented in the review group – an opinion supported by Wes Streeting, President of NUS. Speaking to The Times, Mr. Streeting said: “I warmly welcome David Willetts’ call for the student voice to be heard in the imminent fees review.â€?

8

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

NEWS

Elections Editor: David Coverdale - editor.union@ncl.ac.uk

(OHFWLRQ :HHN H[SODLQHG 7KLV ZHHN KRSHIXO VWXGHQWV DQG WKHLU IULHQGV ZLOO EH EUDYLQJ WKH 1RYHPEHU FROG WR DVN \RX WR YRWH IRU WKHP LQ WKH 8QLRQ (OHFWLRQV (OHFWLRQV DUH KHOG WZLFH D \HDU DQG DUH WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW HYHQW LQ WKH 8QLRQ FDOHQGDU The positions up for grabs this week are Freshers’ Week 2UJDQLVHUV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 2IÀFHU 6WXGHQW 3DUHQW DQG &DUHUV 2IÀFHU DQG 6WXGHQWV ZLWK 'LVDELOLWLHV 2IÀFHU (YHU\ VWXGHQW KDV WKH ULJKW WR YRWH IRU WKHLU VWXGHQW UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV DQG LW FRXOGQ·W EH HDVLHU <RX FDQ YRWH IURP DQ\ FRPSXWHU DQ\ZKHUH LQ WKH ZRUOG DV ORQJ DV \RX KDYH D YDOLG ,66 ORJLQ Go to vote.ncl.ac.uk from 4pm on 0RQGD\ 1RYHPEHU XQWLO SP RQ 7KXUVGD\ 1RYHPEHU WR FDVW your vote. The way the voting works is by single transferable votes. This PHDQV \RX QHHG WR SXW D QXPEHU QH[W WR WKH FDQGLGDWH \RX ZDQW WR ZLQ ,I \RX KDYH D VHFRQG DQG WKLUG SUHIHUHQFH WKHQ SXW D DQG QH[W WR WKHVH FDQGLGDWHV <RX FDQ VXEPLW ZLWK MXVW D ÀUVW FKRLFH RU ZLWK DOO WKH ER[HV FRPSOHWHG RU DQ\ FRPELQDWLRQ DV ORQJ DV VRPHRQH LV PDUNHG DV ¶ · The system will not allow you to VXEPLW \RXU YRWH LI \RX·YH GRQH LW ZURQJ VR LW FRXOGQ·W EH VLPSOHU 7KH FDQGLGDWHV DUH HQFRXUDJHG WR FDPSDLJQ ZLWK DOO WKH HIIRUW DQG imagination they can muster to convince you they are worthy of your vote. 7KH FRQGLWLRQV DUH VLPSOH WKH\ DOO KDYH WKH VDPH EXGJHW DQG DEVROXWHO\ QR QHJDWLYH FDPSDLJQLQJ LV DOORZHG <RX VKRXOG QHYHU KHDU DQ\ FDQGLGDWHV RU WKHLU WHDPV WHOO \RX why not to vote for anyone else, RQO\ ZK\ \RX VKRXOG YRWH IRU them. 2Q 0RQGD\ DW SP LQ WKH %DVHPHQW RI WKH 8QLRQ DOO FDQGLGDWHV ZLOO WDNH SDUW LQ +XVWLQJV 7KLV LV D OLYH GHEDWH DOO FDQGLGDWHV WDNH SDUW LQ ZKHUH WKH\ JLYH D VSHHFK DQG DQVZHU TXHVWLRQV VXEPLWWHG E\ (OHFWLRQV &RPPLWWHH DV ZHOO DV WKH DXGLHQFH They also all have a written manifesto, which you can see on WKLV GRXEOH SDJH 7DNH D PRPHQW WR UHDG ZKDW HDFK FDQGLGDWH KDV WR VD\ DQG LI you have more questions for them, consult their Facebook groups or VSHDN WR WKHP LQ SHUVRQ DURXQG campus this week. ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH FDQGLGDWHV there is also the option of voting for RON (Re-Open Nominations) LI \RX GR QRW ZDQW DQ\ RI WKH SURVSHFWLYH FDQGLGDWHV WR EH HOHFWHG LQWR D SRVLWLRQ ,Q WKH HYHQW WKDW 521 KDV PRUH YRWHV WKDQ DQ\ RI WKH FDQGLGDWHV the election will be run again at D ODWHU GDWH PHDQLQJ WKDW RWKHU SHRSOH QRW SUHYLRXVO\ QRPLQDWHG FDQ EHFRPH FDQGLGDWHV 521 LV DOVR XVHIXO LI \RX GR QRW KDYH D VHFRQG SUHIHUHQFH IRU H[DPSOH LI WKHUH DUH WZR FDQGLGDWHV LQ WKH HOHFWLRQ DQG \RX·G UDWKHU WKH election be re-run if your favourite GRHV QRW JHW LQ

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THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

9

NEWS

THE F WORD

Ingredients EXCITED... DRIVEN Approachable SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONFIDENT Passionate FW09 Supervisors CREATIVE RAG Committee/Crew ORGANISED COURSE SOCIALS ...STILL EXCITED

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9DFDQFLHV www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/vacsonline The Careers Service provides information DQG DGYLFH RQ GHYHORSLQJ \RXU VNLOOV ÂżQGLQJ a part-time job, work experience, supporting business start-up and (when the time comes) exploring graduate opportunities. For more details about these and other vacancies, including details of how to apply, visit their website at www.ncl.ac.uk/careers. Vacancies brought to you by the Careers Service: Job Title: Christmas Food and Beverage Staff Employer: Britannia Hotel Newcastle Airport Business: Hotel Closing date: None given Salary: ÂŁNational Minimum Wage Basic job description: Britannia Hotel near Newcastle Airport is currently looking for Temporary Christmas Food and Beverage Staff. You will be required to provide good customer service, and your duties will include: waiting on tables; taking orders; service of food and tables; function settings; and general duties within the restaurant and bar. This post is for up to 20 hours per week, with the possibility of more hours over the vacation period. Various hours are available for this post, starting ASAP, including days, evenings and weekends. A uniform is provided. Person requirements: You must be aged 18 years old or over in order to serve alcoholic beverages. Customer service skills and cash handling experience are preferred but are not essential as training will be provided. You must be available to Newcastle upon Tynework in Newcastle over the Christmas Vacation. Location: Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne. Please note that this vacancy is ap-

proximately 6.3 miles north of Newcastle University, but accessible by public transport (Metro). Job Title: Temporary Christmas Staff Employer: Christopher Alexander Business: Fine jewellery and watches, retailer and repair centre. Closing date: 04/12/2009 Salary: £5.80 per hour Basic job description: Christopher Alexander Fine Jewellery and Watches based in Eldon Square is looking for temporary staff to work in the store over the Christmas period. Duties of this post include: providing customer service, stock replenishment, booking repairs and cash handling. The hours of this SRVW DUH ÀH[LEOH DQG DUH WR EH GLVFXVVHG DW interview, although they will include evening and weekend work. Person requirements: Good customer service skills are essential. Sales experience is preferable, particularly with jewellery and watches. You must be available to work in Newcastle over the Christmas vacation period. Location: Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne Job Title: Personal Care Staff Employer: Care Management Services Business: Care Work Closing date: None given Salary: £6.50 per hour Basic job description: Care Management Services are looking for staff to provide personal care and assistance to enable a young disabled student to lead a full and enjoyable academic and social life whilst at university in Newcastle. Duties will include: dressing, bathing, feeding, driving, and providing companionship for the student. You will be required to work 10 to 20 hours per week, plus 1 to 2 overnight stays. You will receive £37.50 for sleeping overnight Person requirements: Candidates should be UHVRXUFHIXO HQWKXVLDVWLF ÀH[LEOH DQG KDYH a caring disposition. Care experience would be useful but is not essential as a thorough and professional induction and on the job training will be provided. A full, UK valid driv-

ing licence is essential Location: Newcastle Job Title: Bar and Waiting Staff (PSOR\HU &RQ¿GHQW &KRLFH Business: Recruitment Agency Closing date: 20/12/2009 Salary: £National Minimum Wage Basic job description: A local recruitment agency is looking for experienced Bar and Waiting Staff to work over the Christmas period. The days and hours of this post are ÀH[LEOH WR VXLW Person requirements: You must have previous bar or catering experience Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Job Title: Casual Rail Replacement Coordinators Employer: First Rail Support Business: Coach and Staff suppliers for rail replacement work Closing date: None given Salary: £7.00 per hour + expenses Basic job description: You will be required to supervise and co-ordinate the rail replacement bus services, including drivers and customers, to ensure that the rail replacement plan is fully met, ensure vehicles are despatched on time and delays are minimised and liaise with rail staff, control, drivers, colleagues and any other relevant staff. Proactively manage all aspects of customer service delivery, which includes supplying customers with any travel information as required, assist customers with special needs and restricted mobility and ensure passenger safety at all times. You will work on an as required basis by mutual agreement. Person requirements: You will need to be ÀH[LEOH DQG DYDLODEOH DW ZHHNHQGV DQG ZLOOing to travel, have high standards of appearance, good standards of customer service and communication skills. Location: North East

10

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

Swine Flu revisited Comment Editors: Caroline Argyropulo-Palmer and Nicholas Fidler - courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk

> Page 13

Should we embrace nuclear power? YES Kieran McCartney-Patel It is expected that by 2015 Britain will face an energy shortfall of around 20% as older power stations are decommissioned and demand continues to rise. Unless this gap is bridged in an effective and reliable way, we can all look forward to an age of either regular power cuts or expensive imported electricity, or a mixture of both. A lot of the anxiety about nuclear energy revolves around an obscure yet gnawingly visceral unease we have with things we can’t visualise. Culturally we have become increasingly sceptical of technology and the trend nowadays is to shy away from all that seems processed RU DUWLĂ€ FLDO ( QXPEHUV *0 IRRG Ă XRULGDWHG water and even vaccinations are now viewed with the eye of suspicion and so it requires no great leap to take a dim view of atom-splitting scientists working in huge clinical domes. To be esoteric is to be untrustworthy. In this discussion the 1986 Chernobyl disaster invariably comes to mind, though it is ironic this should serve to intimidate rather than reassure. The total death toll since that event has remained below 100 and stringent safety regulations were introduced within weeks by the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure that history could not repeat itself. 7KH UHDO GLIĂ€ FXOW\ IRU WKH *RYHUQ ment is that, having stalled for so long, it has left itself few alternatives. It would be a form of political harakiri for Labour to fund anything other than a low CO2 emitting energy source after harking on about global warming being the greatest threat to life as we know it. The remainder therefore is renewable, nuclear or the relatively new clean coal technology. In the eleventh hour, why not stick with what we know? The key word in this debate is ‘baseload’ power. Energy which can be guaranteed, uninterrupted and DPSOLĂ€ HG ZKHQ UHTXLUHG Schools, hospitals, transport and industry simply cannot operate on the warm feeling of self satisfaction we get thinking about how in touch with mother earth we are. Renewable technology has always been plagued by the fact that it relies so heavily on inherently capri cious sources. Who wants to have to watch the

The majority of the UK’s ageing nuclear infrastructure will have to be decommissioned by 2023. The government decided last year to go ahead with a new generation of nuclear plants, lifting a previous moratorium on expansion. Ministers hope to fast-track the construction of the new plants so that some can be producing energy by as early as 2018.

weather report just to know if you can make a cup of tea? Aha you may say, but what about hydroelectricity, our friend gravity vouchsafes that doesn’t it? Yes, but hardly anywhere in Britain. Moreover, there simply isn’t the time to put the infrastructure in place. Wind farms for example would have to cover 1 % of the total surface of the UK to bridge this looming energy gap, and force tinnitus on most of the countryside. Wave technology is just as fanciful

and still in its infancy. Nuclear power is not a panacea, but we don’t have to look far to see a country where it provides 80% of the domestic electricity with surplus to sell abroad. France has embraced the atom with few regrets. Renewable sources will have their part to play, but perhaps it’s time to get back to reality and stop dabbling in delusions.

The 10 sites deemed suitable for future nuclear plants are as follows: ‡ %UDGZHOO LQ (VVH[ ‡ %UD\VWRQHV .LUNVDQWRQ DQG 6HOOD¿ HOG LQ &XPEULD ‡ +DUWOHSRRO +H\VKDP LQ /DQFD shire ‡ +LQNOH\ 3RLQW LQ 6RPHUVHW ‡ 2OGEXU\ LQ *ORXFHVWHUVKLUH ‡ 6L]HZHOO LQ 6XIIRON ‡ :\OID LQ 1RUWK :DOHV

NO Danny Kielty Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s preparations to announce plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations need rethinking. Obviously we cannot think of nuclear power anymore without the

image of Chernobyl coming to mind, but for me to use an extremely rare DQG KRUULÀ F H[DPSOH VXFK DV WKDW would be a downright disgraceful act of scare-mongering. Now, I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore anti-nuclear protester as I agree that nuclear power is a proven VRXUFH RI HQHUJ\ DQG PRUH HIÀ FLHQW than the so-far patchy record of alternative and renewable energies. Be that as it may, the potential for LQWHUQDWLRQDO FRQà LFW FRQFHUQV RYHU

the safety of nuclear power and the effects of nuclear ‘myths’ upon societal attitudes are big enough to merit a reconsideration of the use of nuclear power. Firstly, Miliband’s comments that ‘nuclear is a low-carbon alternative’ and is ‘safe and secure’ will convince many that at last the ‘saviour’ of our climate change problems has been found. But the fact is that nuclear power is not carbon-free, with fossil fuels still needed in the process of uranium mining, shipping and that’s before you get to the radioactive waste. Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, highlighted the fact that radioactive waste ‘remains highly dangerous for tens of thousands of years and costs tens of billions of pounds to manage.’ Firstly, the Government still has no clear strategy for dealing with this waste. Secondly, considering costs of disposal are estimated at around ÂŁ56bn, I feel these funds could be better channelled into what the head of Greenpeace Robin Oakley called ‘proven green technologies such as wind and combined heat and power stations.’ Yes, people say they’re an eyesore, but realistically which do you think would be the bigger eyesore between a nuclear power station and a wind farm? Personally, as an environmentalist, my worries lie with the Government’s pursuit of nuclear power as a ‘miracle cure.’ It is yet another example of stale old solutions to glaringly new problems. Nuclear power is not a new concept. I fear that the reversion to nuclear power has the potential to stagnate the impetus on discovering cleaner energy resources and remove the urgency for you and I to take greater responsibility for how we consume energy. Attitudes cannot be changed by ‘passing the can’ to the next generation. At the risk of sounding like a nutter, I believe the public conscience needs to feel a jolt to drive this reality home. Lastly, I worry that a global spread of ‘going nuclear’ has the potential to create an international situation in the future. Whilst the western world would gradually build a monopoly of power stations, it is inevitable that the Iranians (as a recent example), and other nations would want to follow suit. Surely what would follow would be yet another East-West ideological struggle of accusation and suspicion. Many of our parents grew up GXULQJ WKH Ă€ UVW QXFOHDU DJH DPLGVW a climate of fear. Decisions made now may condemn our children to another.

Morals, anyone? James Stubbs Columnist

,I \RX HYHU Ă€ QG \RXUVHOI LQ WKH West Jesmond metro station, have a look above the entrance to the Lonsdale side near the ticket machines. I’m not sure if it’s still there, but when I last looked, a disgruntled resident, possibly drunk and in a moment of anger, had scrawled ‘get students out of Jes’ on the wall in reddish pen. Resisting the urge as a student of OHWWHUV WR Ă€ OO LQ WKH PLVVLQJ ÂśPRQG¡ at the end, I began to think about the debate that has been ongoing this term over plans to relocate many of us out of places like Heaton, Jesmond and Sandyford. It’s ridiculous of course, but then again I completely agree with our faceless protesting friend. Yes, I am a student, but if I were a tax paying resident I would want all of them to go away too. Musing over how much of a stupid thing that is for me to say I recalled events from my past three years that have reminded me just how rubbish students living DURXQG KHUH FDQ EH ERGLO\ Ă XLGV of all sorts on pavements every morning, bins kicked over every night, shouting morons meandering down the street at 4 in the morning. It’s embarrassing. Last year I lived near that all night bakery on Mistletoe Road: great for me and my terrible hunger-over, but not so great due to all the tanked up wallies chanting their silly chants, waking up my neighbours and spraying cars with vomit and piss all the way down the busy nocturnal thoroughfare that was my street. I venture further into the arena of hypocrisy with every word. I have behaved like a prick in my younger and more vulnerable years, and now I cringe at the thought of the things that I’ve done and said. But as I did them I learnt from the mistakes: you drink less, keep your voice down and don’t curse your neighbours for wanting to be asleep when they’ve got work in the morning.Last year a friend told me that on the way home from a night out he had suddenly felt compelled to hurl a brick through someone’s window. I put this down to him being a fool and I told him so. I don’t think he ever did it, but waking up in the morning he probably groaned in disbelief, as most of us would, and should. Another sad story is that of the amazing Jesmond Video store on Acorn Road that is no more; apparently students moved on without payLQJ Ă€ QHV DQG UHWXUQLQJ '9'V and left no forwarding address. For shame – that guy was a little odd, but great. He delighted in showing me his original Star Wars posters and had patience when bleary-eyed we asked ZKHUH DOO KLV PDUWLDO DUWV Ă€ OPV were. He’s just one of the thousands of people across the city who are put out all the time by a percentage of students who are idiots and give the rest of us a bad name. Get them out of Jes.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

11

COMMENT

The God Machine Tom James

$ WUDJHG\ RI WKH FRPPRQV Nicholas Fidler Comment Editor All aboard for the mediocre express. Such was the state of affairs last Friday as National Express East Coast’s rail franchise was handed over to a state run company in its place. This follows the failure of NXEC to keep up with payments to the Government on its £1.4 billion franchise over an eight year period. Whilst there are many strong economic arguments for letting failing companies go to the wall, in this case I think that NXEC are deserving of at least a renegotiation of their contract. ,Q WKH ÀUVW SODFH LW LV SDUWO\ WKHLU own fault for agreeing to pay for a franchise they could scarcely afford. However, it seems to me that they’re being punished for the economic situation they’ve found themselves in. What really hasn’t helped is Labour’s unwillingness to lend a hand in this instance. Following a summer of comedy sized bailouts, the precedent has been set. Instead of providing an altered contract, or a loan to aid their payments, the Government has sat idly by, forcing NXEC to raise ticket prices. 7KLV ZDV WKH ÀUVW PRYH WKDW

sparked a viscous downward spiral. NXEC needs money, Labour doesn’t help, NXEC is forced to raise ticket prices, fewer people travel due to increased prices, NXEC lose more money, ticket prices rise again, even fewer people travel and so on and so on until they inevitably default on their payments. This entirely preventable situation has come to exemplify the double standards our Government has applied to this so called recession. It was more than happy to shell out over a trillion pounds to save the City from collapse and went as far as devaluing the pound by printing additional money. Yet still, there are signs that this monster sized cash injection may not be enough. And what for? To NHHS VRPH XQTXDOLĂ€HG LGLRW EDQNers in their super-important posiWLRQV RI O\LQJ DERXW KRZ GLIĂ€FXOW their jobs are whilst pissing away other people’s money? Something like that‌ Thus far, it’s clear the Government doesn’t mind rewarding massive IDLOXUH EXW ZRQ¡W JLYH WKH Ă€QDQFLDO time of day to a company with a solid track record. Lord Adonis told the BBC: “The government is not prepared to renegotiate rail franchises, because

I’m simply not prepared to bail out companies that are unable to meet their commitments.â€? When does a company that meets its commitments ever need a bail out anyway? What about Northern Rock’s “commitmentsâ€?? Were they “metâ€?? In its short life span, NXEC has SURYHG WR EH D Ă€UVW UDWH WUDLQ FRPpany. Their trains are very rarely ODWH WKHLU IUHTXHQF\ LV VSRW RQ \RX can always get a seat provided you book reasonably early and they are dirt cheap! Tickets from Newcastle to London King’s Cross sometimes go for as little as a tenner; that’s less than ÂŁ0.003 per mile! Despite the scarcity of these bargain bin tickets, a great many advance tickets can be snapped up online at seriously knock down prices most of the time. They are the only train company in recent history that has taken public transport, a disgusting, unpleasant facet of life, and gone someway in making it a real competitor to the car. Of course, the car still wins hands down, but NXEC are far away from the disaster that was British Rail, when you may as well have just guessed when you were to arrive

and used that to plan your day. And their shiny new paint jobs don’t look bad either considering most of the trains are from the 1950s. If only they had the power to bar the hordes of chavs who think ÂśJRLQJ RQ D WUDLQ¡ LV VXIĂ€FLHQW MXVWLĂ€FDWLRQ IRU EUHDNLQJ RXW D WZHQW\ four pack of Carling in public from travelling. But it seems the Government would rather crucify NXEC for defaulting instead of showing a fraction of the leniency they’ve shown to our incompetent banking sector. It seems hard to justify how such a double standard can really be seen as legitimate. All we, the taxpayer, will be left with will be another government agency trying to perform a service that the market outpaces them in. State enterprise is accountable to no-one; it can do more or less what it wants, and we as consumers have our intentions ignored because of this. Whilst state monopolies can someWLPHV EH MXVWLĂ€HG LQ VHOHFW FDVHV DQG do occasionally offer brilliant services (NHS seems spot on), letting the market do its magic with the trains is by far the better option.

6SDUH D ÀQDQFLDO WKRXJKW IRU WKH 86 Tarren Smarr It’s the two words that no university student ever wants to hear: increased tuition. However, it’s all the talk on the streets nowadays. Potential of increased tuition mixed in with a bit of no available student loans/loans not coming in on time has students a bit annoyed. Well friends, just so you know, there is one thing worse than the issues above; not even getting into university. So while Newcastle students are complaining to whoever will listen about their tuition problems, I want to remind you, be happy you are even at university. The negative feelings of Newcastle University students about the potential for increased tuition really had me thinking the past few days. The conclusion: it’s not such a horrible idea. I know, looks of shock and awe are on your faces at this moment, but it won’t be the end of the world. I understand that there was a time when students did not pay tuition for their university studies. Unfortunately, those days are long gone and it’s time that university students accepted the fact that you will

have to pay for your education. I’m here to tell you that there are EHQHÀWV WR SD\LQJ D ELW PRUH IRU your education. First on the list is self responsibility. It will help you become a functioning adult. Example: one might think that if a student is paying for their own studies, they might take their period at university more seriously. I am from the United States and have known from the womb that I will be in debt over my head for the next 50 or so years of my life. I have always studied hard and earned appropriate marks. Don’t get me wrong, I have had a ton of fun, but my work always comes ÀUVW :K\ ZDVWH WKH PRQH\ WR EH DW a university when you are not going to do your job while you are here? I am amazed at how many people that I have met here at Newcastle who have failed a year, or two, or even three. That would never happen where I went to university. If a student couldn’t hack it, they ZHUH JRQH DIWHU WKHLU ÀUVW VHPHVWHU If that student was lucky enough to have a semester to redeem themselves and were unable to do so, they were out. By choice of the university. Try having that black mark

on your record. The sound of increased tuition seems scary, but maybe your time here will be better spent knowing that you will be paying for your education after you graduate. No more of this failing a year or two and thinking it is no big deal. Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are almost synonymous with the Ivy League institutions of Harvard and Yale in the United States. Trust me when I say that just about everyone knows these schools. They are known because of their prestige, but there is nothing to say that Newcastle can’t be as well known as these universities. Increased tuition will also allow more money to be allocated toward research. One of the ways that institutions rate universities is from their contribution to society through new and innovative research projects. University/institutional research can put a school on the world map. I know; I’ve exSHULHQFHG LW ÀUVWKDQG The university I attended in the US was not a household name before I started my university career. However, two Nobel Peace Prize winners and a few world renowned

research projects later, and stuGHQWV DUH Ă€JKWLQJ IRU D SODFH LQ P\ old uni. More money also brings in more possibilities for students such as the potential to work on life changing research with the medical program or the potential for innovative and exciting breakthroughs in psychology or even climate change. Or the potential to one day say “I studied at Newcastle Universityâ€? and have people look at you in awe and amazement. I think that Newcastle is a good university. It’s why I am here. This is our chance to make it great! Give yourself a pat on the back because you made it this far. While there are almost 50,000 applicants ZKR ZHUH QRW DEOH WR Ă€QG D SODFH DW university this year, you made it. You are here. So stop complaining. Do your studies, earn your degree, and make your mark on the world. Yes, you might see a few hikes in tuition, but know all the while that your degree is worth what you put LQWR LW ERWK LQ WLPH DQG LQ Ă€QDQFes.

September 2008 saw the Large Hadron Collider being switched RQ IRU WKH Ă€UVW WLPH LQ WKH 6ZLVV countryside. There were somewhat hysterical talks of black holes and the potential end of the universe, with WKH /+& VFLHQWLVWV Ă€JKWLQJ ODZsuits and contending with tearful phone calls from people begging them not to turn on a machine that they felt could end the world. Its purpose was and still is to recreate the conditions present at the creation of the universe or the ‘big bang’, but an electrical malfunction cut the project short on that occasion. Now, just over a year later and with another $60 million being added to a project that has already cost $9 billion, the LHC is ready to be powered up again. The project’s main aim is to identify the Higgs boson or the ‘God’ particle which could help to explain the origin of mass in the universe, as well as explaining what the unknown 96 % of the mass of the universe is made up of. The maths and numbers involved are almost beyond human comprehension as the machine will recreate conditions in the universe as they were within one millionth of a millionth of a second of WKH ELJ EDQJ E\ Ă€ULQJ SURWRQV DW almost the speed of light around a 27 kilometer tunnel. With such an inverse relationship between cost and the minuteness of what the physicists hope WR Ă€QG WKH TXHVWLRQ ZKLFK KDV WR be asked is ‘i s it worth it?’ The scientists working on the experiment obviously believe so but if the machine malfunctions this WLPH URXQG WKHQ VXUHO\ TXHVWLRQV will be asked about the validity of throwing more money into an already massively costly project. As well the cost, in a slightly head spinning argument, two reVSHFWHG VFLHQWLVWV KDYH TXHVWLRQHG whether the machine’s problems are possibly the result of it sabotaging itself from the future because of its abhorrence to nature. Rather ironically therefore, the ELJJHVW VFLHQWLĂ€F H[SHULPHQW HYHU undertaken could arguably be VSXQ DV FRQĂ€UPLQJ WKH SUHVHQFH of God. It’s a long shot but not beyond the realms of possibility. Science and religion have never exactly sung from the same hymn sheet (pardon the pun) when it comes to matters concerning how we got to be here. The LHC could be seen as science either trying to explain the mysteries of the universe or interfering with nature; a plot line ZKLFK KDV H[LVWHG LQ VFL Ă€ QDUUDtives for generations. Newcastle University chaplain Revd Catherine Lack explained: “I’m excited about the LHC and ZKDW LW ZLOO Ă€QG , ORRN IRUZDUG to its results. It has no effect, positive or negative, on my faith.â€? The Rev Canon John Polkinghorne, who was also a Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge and is therefore in an ideal position to comment on the science/ religion debate, described God as “the producer of the showâ€? at the LHC. Perhaps then, science and religion are being brought together in this Swiss underground tunnel and the results will be keenly awaited, just as long as nature doesn’t cause it to break down.

12

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

COMMENT

We should defend speech no matter what Jack Stevenson ,PDJLQH GLVDJUHHLQJ ZLWK D à DWPDWH over a question on Eggheads, or with a course friend on the answers to your latest assessment. Imagine disagreeing with the Prime Minister over his education SROLFLHV QRW GLIÀFXOW LV LW" 1RZ imagine being physically abused because of your disagreement; preposterous you say; it just wouldn’t happen... Here in the UK, we can say exactly what we want about whatever we want. We call it free speech, and class it as one of the most integral parts of our culture. In Cuba, things are different. Last

week a Cuban blogger dared to write against the Cuban Government. Yoani SĂĄnchez is no stranger to the blogosphere; her regular posts are popular in the West, which generally agrees with her negative view of the communist regime. Her blog is blocked in Cuba, but she emails her views to sympathisers overseas who post them on her behalf. This activity does not go unnoticed by Cuban authorities. With her latest post, SĂĄnchez claims to have been attacked by government agents. On her way to a protest, organised by fellow dissidents, she was forced into the back of an unmarked car and harassed by three men.

She was kicked and punched in the face because of her ideas. SĂĄnchez was released by the men with minor injuries, but that is not the point. While we in the West enjoy liberty without question there are people in some parts of the world who cannot even disagree with the way that they are ruled, let alone have a say over it. But maybe there are disadvantages to being able to say whatever you OLNH" Take the example of a recent article written in the Daily Mail about the late Stephen Gately; an example of extreme free speech. The author basically argues that she does not

the ideals of a totalitarian state, but perhaps a line should be drawn to encourage some decency towards those who could be harmed by such YLHZV" Although, if history has taught us anything, it is that for progress to occur, everything must be openly discussable. Free speech may cause offence sometimes, but without it our civilisation would stagnate. We must stand by those who strive for it in their own nations, so that eventually they can achieve the levels of freedom that we, quite rightly, take for granted.

America’s check up long overdue

3URÂżW IURP IDLU WUDGH Jack Peat Phrases such as ethical consumerism and corporate responsibility have been bandied around for at least a decade. However, it is only now that companies have really had WR OLVWHQ XS :K\" ,W¡V PRQH\ The notion of companies being ethical has never been a non-issue. The concept of better working conditions, fair trade and involvement in the community certainly seem like an ideal contribution by wealthy corporations. The problem faced by most organisations is that it costs without a return, which for the majority makes it a no go area. But with the sudden spurt in corporate ethics one must ask the question ‘what has FKDQJHG"¡ In a perfect world one would move to say that large companies are operating with their hearts as well as their minds; that they feel culpable about their carbon footprints or they feel ashamed of their exploitation of slave labour. It may be a guilty conscience playing on their minds when they see images of neglected employees living in squalid conditions. But in many ways, the slogan of companies investing in a better world is what they want you to think, and they will certainly go out of their way to paint it this way. In fact, it would probably be fair to calculate that for every penny a company spends being ethical it spends two on telling you about it. 6R ZK\ GR LW" 7KH UHDVRQ LV WKDW EHLQJ HWKLFDO KDV EHFRPH SURĂ€WDEOH Business has not changed. The concept of running a successful business always contains a predominant factor of being ruthlessly calculating and parsimoniously thrifty. Risks are more calculation than risk, investment is more reward than disbursal, and charity more image than contribution. With this equation in mind, the question of making a company ethical has actually never been about SURWHVWV RXWVLGH WKHLU RIĂ€FH RU EDG press in the newspapers. It has always been about applying ethicality to business management. As Starbucks and Gap will testify, there is a lot of money to be made in being corporately responsible. The media has had a fair part to play in the awareness of the consumer. Along with that charitable organisations that have used their place in the media to good effect. This hype has exacerbated the attentiveness and sensitivity of the public

agree with investigators’ assessment that Gately died from natural causes. She then goes on to link her suspicions to Gately’s sexuality and the lifestyle that she thinks it entails. The article was the cause of huge upset for thousands who read it; no doubt it caused anger and pain amongst those closest to Gately as well as those who feel strongly about some of the issues it refers to. Some argue that, because of the offence the article was bound to cause, it should not have been published at all. 1R GRXEW LQ &XED VXFK DQ DUWLFOH would not have been. Of course that does not mean that we should adopt

Katie Bayles

to these issues. On the shopping list instead of the usual marks next to tea bags, there is now an additional ‘make sure they are fair trade’. The demand for organic food has ULVHQ VLJQLĂ€FDQWO\ DQG ORFDO SURGXFH has become an important factor. In fact, anything that might give you a moral boost while perusing the supermarket is now in big demand, and the companies are fully aware of this. &RIIHH FRPSDQLHV Ă€JKW DQG WXVsle over making their working environments more sustainable, with adverts littered with ‘rainforest alliance’ plugs. &RPSDQLHV VXFK DV 1LNH $GLGDV and Coca Cola make efforts to inform us that their working conditions are now safe and sustainable, and their employees make a minimum wage. Congratulations to the big three, for elegantly using propagandistic literature to suggest that this isn’t what they should have been doing all along! Global warming and the publicity the subject has had can also account for the rise in this trend. The population is now fully aware of their separate black and green bins and they are increasingly living up to the idea that the ‘guardian of the planet’ role is ours.

So companies jump on board. Persil and Daz offer washing solutions that clean ‘deep down and dirty, even at 30’ and of course their intentions are only in the interest of saving the planet. They also make their detergents from biodegradable ingredients as DQRWKHU PHDVXUH RI VHOĂ HVVO\ VDYLQJ our planet. But it would be ignorant to disregard the fact that both companies have seen a huge leap in FRPSDQ\ SURĂ€WV The revelation of corporate responsibility in the 21st century has been one that can no longer be ignored by the company or the consumer. Of course this is a good thing, but it outlines who is really responsible for the change in direction. Consumers now looking for organic goods or ethically made produce drive the shift for a better world. The more that jump on board, the more substantial the cause becomes. As many have already found, sticks and stones don’t break their bones, and as long as the money is rolling in, the presence of a group of people with a few placards is a minor inconvenience. So hit them where it hurts, and use their business model against them. If you are shopping tonight, then your quest starts now.

‘Affordable’ and ‘healthcare’ are two words which are rarely seen together in relation to America but in a narrow victory, and by narrow I mean 220 votes to 215, the House of Representatives has passed President Obama’s most highly contested bill to date. If passed by the Senate, it will mean the Government is able to sell insurance alongside the private companies, and will make insurers offer cover to those with pre-existing conditions, resulting in nearly 96% of all Americans gaining affordable healthcare. To understand the gravity of the potential of this bill, and indeed the fundamental changes that will occur if the Senate approves it, it’s easiest to look at what the USA presently has in place. Unlike every other developed country in the world the United States of America currently offers no universal health care. 1RZ ,¡P VXUH ZH¡YH DOO VHHQ 6FUXEV or Grey’s Anatomy where there are constantly battles between the senior staff and those lower down about who to treat and who to ignore; it all boils down to who does and who doesn’t have insurance, ultimately who does and who doesn’t have money or a good job that covers them. It’s up to individuals whether to get insurance or not, and a study in 2008 by the US Census Bureau found that nearly 20% of the population under 65 were without health insurance. That being said, it’s not all bad news. The government does offer a Medicare scheme designed for over 65’s, and low-income parents, children, pregnant women and people with certain disabilities are entitled to the government-administered Medicaid programme. But let’s face UHDOLW\ LW¡V QR 1+6 LV LW" It seems strange to me that a country that prides itself on being at the forefront of the world, and attempts to push its democracy and freedom for all people on other countries, doesn’t offer universal healthcare to all its citizens. Instead it chooses to make them pay, and it’s undeniably common practice for those lucky enough to have insurance policies to be dropped from them at the smallest sign of illness. Frankly I like the idea of being able to walk into my doctor’s know-

ing that they won’t charge me for a check up if I’m ill or a reassuring pat on the back if I’m not. The idea that I would have to pay for that, no thank you. Payment already puts me off going to the dentist regularly so to do the same to doctors would have disastrous consequences. This seems, in my view anyway, to point directly to the need for a far better healthcare plan in the United States. Under Obama’s proposals thousands of Americans would gain security and stability in their already pre-existing insurance policies. For those who aren’t lucky enough to hold policies an equivalent to comparethemarket.com, the Health Insurance Exchange, would be set up. Obama also supports the setting up of a government-run scheme to provide insurance to those without cover, but, cynically speaking, like every other world leader, is willing to drop this proposal if the bill does not get the backing it requires. It appears to me that this is a pretty good deal for those Americans who are without health insurance and who can’t afford to get ill through fear of adding to oversized debts and the possibility of home repossession, and yet so many Americans are still against this idea. You could of course look at this from another angle, one that many Americans are choosing to take, that this is all a front for taking more power from individuals and centralising it in the federal government, something which is a big taboo in the United States. There has been a long history of American citizens vs. government battles when it comes to enacting policies which take away personal autonomy. We only need look back to Franklin Roosevelt’s days to see that, when he attempted to enact his so called ‘alphabet agencies’, designed to dig America out of the Great Depression in the 1930s. The opposition to them was as Ă€HUFH DV LW LV DJDLQVW 2EDPD WRGD\ but they too were passed and enacted and they proved to be just what America needed. It is only the Senate who need to ratify the bill now, and if Obama gains the 51 votes needed then there is a strong likelihood that this will be implemented early next year, helping to bring America up to date with the rest of the world.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

13

COMMENT

Living the lotto life in the public eye Katie Bayles

Who’s afraid of the big bad pig? Jonathan Barnes 6ZLQH Ă X RU ,QĂ XHQ]D $ + 1 LV D Ă X YLUXV ² DQ LQIHFWLRQ WKDW KLVWRULcally occurs in mass pandemics infecting millions of people globally. The last major pandemic, Hong.RQJ Ă X LQ NLOOHG RYHU RQH PLOOLRQ SHRSOH DQG 6SDQLVK Ă X 1918-19, the last H1N1 pandemic, killed almost 50 million. 7KHVH Ă€JXUHV DUH REYLRXVO\ FRQcerning, but did not occur in a 21st FHQWXU\ ZRUOG ² D ZRUOG ZLWK KL WHFK intensive care facilities, state-of-theart disease monitoring systems and modern anti-viral therapies. Despite this, and the fact that scientists tend to err on the side of over-caution rather than risk being branded blasĂŠ and ill-prepared, it was still extremely worrying when eminent virologist John Oxford described this outbreak as the “Armageddon sort of virus.â€? The troubling thing about this batch of virus is its striking similariWLHV WR WKH GHDGO\ 6SDQLVK Ă X )LUVWO\ on top of being the same strain, both viruses originated in the springtime IURP WKH $PHULFDV ² VZLQH Ă X IURP 0H[LFR DQG 6SDQLVK Ă X D PLVQR-

mer, probably from Kansas. Secondly both conditions mainly affect healthy adults, unlike most Ă X ZKLFK SUHGRPLQDWHO\ DIIHFWV young children and the elderly. The Ă€QDO DQG PRVW FKLOOLQJ FRPSDULVRQ WKRXJK LV WKH ZD\ WKDW 6SDQLVK Ă X infected many but killed few in the Ă€UVW IHZ PRQWKV XQWLO ZLQWHU ZKHQ GHDWK UDWHV URFNHWHG ² MXVW DV VZLQH Ă X VHHPV SRLVHG WR GR

The NHS “reasonable worst case scenarioâ€? predicts 65,000 deaths Only this week Chief Medical 2IĂ€FHU DQG 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ Chancellor Sir Liam Donaldson admitted there had been “a substantial jump in those needing intensive care.â€? 7R GDWH FRQĂ€UPHG FDVHV RI VZLQH Ă X DUH MXVW VK\ RI ZLWK RYHU 7,500 deaths, whilst in the UK over 20,000 have been infected and 155 KDYH GLHG 7KH UHDOLW\ RI VZLQH Ă XH is clear, so what is the world doing

about it? Across the world governments seem to be tackling the issue in three PDLQ ZD\V Ă€UVWO\ WKURXJK DZDUHQHVV ² HYHU\RQH , DP VXUH LV E\ QRZ aware of the concept “catch it, bin it, kill it.â€? The next way the disease will hopefully be managed is by social SODQQLQJ ² DOUHDG\ WKH 1+6 KDV D ´VZLQH Ă X VHUYLFHÂľ VR SDWLHQWV FDQ be diagnosed over the phone and do not need to visit their GP. 7KH WKLUG DUHD LV ZLWK GUXJV ² WKH NHS has just rolled out vaccinations for 14 million people, starting with healthcare workers and the hospitalised, whilst across the water Barack Obama has pledged $1.8billion toward drug development and promised fast-tracking for new treatments. So with all this in mind, should we be worried? Obviously no-one can know the answer yet, but with the lessons of history and a well equipped arsenal of hospital facilities and drugs we can only hope that the “Armageddonâ€? turns out to be more like a reSHDW RI ELUG Ă X ZKLFK OHW¡V IDFH LW never really took off.

It’s the question everyone has been asked; what would you do if you won the lottery? For me it’s a pretty unlikely scenario, having given it up as a bad job after failing to get any numbers on the draw on my sixteenth birthday. But on Saturday 7 November two winning tickets netted eight Brits a share of the £90m jackpot in the Euromillions draw - not a bad exchange for circling 6 numbers on a bit of paper One of the tickets was bought by a syndicate of seven Liverpudlian I.T workers, and amongst them they plan to buy houses, cars and holidays, and start university funds. But it’s the other ticket holder that has really caught the attention of the media. Lucky Les Scadding and his wife Samantha Peachey-Scadding won a total of £45,570,835.50, meaning that they not only have the world at their newly Prada-clad feet, they are also record-holders as the UK’s biggest ever lottery winners and WKH ÀUVW %ULWLVK ZLQQHUV WR DSSHDU on the Sunday Times Rich List. Compiler of the list Richard Beresford told The Sun that the couple could end up with a £5million house, £20million in the bank and the rest in assets. Anyone else wishing they’d spent their spare change on a lottery ticket rather than towards that extra pint of cider? Now, apart from feeling more than a tad envious at the winners’ fortune, and unless they turn out to be related to me, I don’t have that much interest in the UK’s latest millionaires. The British media, however, have been driven into a frenzy since Saturday evening as they awaited the unveiling of the winners. As speculation reached fever-

pitch, I started to question whether all of the exposure a lottery winner becomes subject to makes it worth WKH ZLQ LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH I mean, the champagne reception and huge-oversized cheque would be pretty amazing, but we’ve all heard the stories of so-called friends appearing from nowhere, equipped with sob-story, having seen your face in The Mirror that morning.

Anyone else wishing they’d spent their spare change on a lottery ticket rather than that extra pint of cider? Having said that, to me the thought of more money than you could ever spend just sitting in your bank would be a comfort against all of the unwanted attention you keep getting. Spare a thought for Mickey Gormley, a businessman who was inundated with messages about his ÂŁ45m windfall - despite not even winning the draw. It is unknown how the rumours VWDUWHG EXW WKH\ WRRN D Ă€HUFH KROG amongst people no doubt desperate for a share of the cash. Gormley told the BBC earlier in the week that his “head is fried with itâ€? and he became increasingly fearful that people wouldn’t believe he hadn’t won the draw. I’m sure that Gormley breathed a sigh of relief when the true identities of the winners were revealed, allowing him some peace. You never know, with an estimated ÂŁ2million per year in interest payments coming their way, maybe they’ll be generous enough to give the poor bloke some compensation.

Response There’s more to games than violence Letters to the Editor Eillot Bentley Nick Kershaw’s “Wii violenceâ€? piece last week was sadly another example of the misrepresentation of video games in the media. Going by Nick’s description of the games market, you would be forgiven for believing that it consisted only of ultra-violent murder simulations and the occasional football management simulation. A quick browse of HMV, or even general knowledge, would prove this assumption wrong: there are driving games, puzzle games, strategy games, music games, sports JDPHV SDUW\ JDPHV Ă LJKW VLPXODtors, horror games and platform games, to name just a few, and anyone who believes that every game available is a violent “murder simulationâ€? is entirely misled. The Sims is a good example of a non-violent game (unless a sadistic player drives his poorly-neglected sim to quit his job and insult his family before creating a prison-like cell with no windows or doors in which, FOLPDFWLFDOO\ WKH VLP LV KRUULĂ€FDOO\ EXUQW E\ QXPHURXV Ă€UHZRUNV ZKLFK have been carelessly placed in his vicinity), yet it is the best-selling PC game of all time, having sold over PLOOLRQ FRSLHV VLQFH WKH Ă€UVW LQ

the series was released in 2000. Call of Duty 4, the mega-blockbuster shooter whose sequel, Modern Warfare 2, is the latest focus of media controversy, has sold over 13 million copies. Yet this pales in comparison to the SDFLĂ€VW :LL )LW ZKLFK KDV VROG million copies in the same amount of time. These examples both serve to demonstrate the public’s desire for less violent games. Unfortunately the games industry is only just beginning to expand outside of the “young maleâ€? demographic it has focused on since its beginnings, and to produce games aimed at older and female audiences. Most violence within games is at a level similar to power rangers, with puffs of smoke and explosions of sparks that no-one above the age of VL[ ZRXOG Ă€QG RIIHQVLYH The reason players cheer when they shoot an enemy on the opposing team in the head from a distance is not because they enjoy watching a virtual character die. It simply appeals to gamers’ competitive nature, and much like a crunching tackle on the rugby pitch there is minimal malicious intent. Not that I am defending the most

violent games on the market. Many attempt to outdo each other in terms of publicity-grabbing controversy, or to appeal to a niche that enjoy killing virtual people in the most painful way possible - but that said, few match the gory output of Hollywood. There is no such public disgust shown towards blockbusters such as Rambo, 300, and the Saw series, despite their clear celebrations of graphic violence. Besides, if Nick does not want his children to be playing violent games, he should perhaps engage in some responsible parenting. There are clear movie-like age ratings on the front of every game, and shops operate under very strict, self-imposed rules to prevent minors from purchasing 15 and 18-rated games. 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ HYHU\ Ă HGJOLQJ DUWform is ridiculed and demonised before it is accepted by society. Films of the early 1900s were looked down on as cheap and vulgar entertainment, but are now considered an important and very popular form of entertainment. It would be a terrible shame to dismiss this vibrant, developing medium so early.

No offence intended in poppy debate

by the media. I would also like to apologise to anyone who may have been offended by my comments.

Dear Editor,

JOSHUA SHRIMPTON DEAN

In last week’s The Courier I argued against the wearing of poppies being mandatory. Having received some negative feedback, I would like to clarify my views. I commented that the BBC’s coverage of ceremonies on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday is excessive and not based on ongoing events. I recognise that this part of my article lacked clarity and was therefore open to misinterpretation. My intention was to argue that these ceremonies in particular are predictable occasions that do QRW GHYLDWH VLJQLÀFDQWO\ IURP RQH year to the next, and therefore, in my opinion, do not warrant the lengthy nature of the news coverage provided by the BBC. My suggestion was not that the deaths of service personnel should pass without any recognition. I believe that events as they happen in FRQà LFW ]RQHV LQFOXGLQJ FDVXDOties, should certainly be covered

Emails in response to articles should be sent to the Editor at editor.union@ncl.ac.uk

Online >>>

More response to ‘The Capitalist Manifesto’ Comment on this week’s articles now Vote for the winner of ‘The Debate’ www.thecourieronline.co.uk

14

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

Two girls in a Coffee Shop > Sex & Relationships, page 17

Life & Style Editors: Larisa Brown, Alex Felton and Ashley Fryer - courier.life@ncl.ac.uk

The Penny Pincher

Food & Drink

Rowan Taylor Columnist

Quality and quantity: secrets behind Grainger Market J. WEEDEN

Katherine Bannon & Kat Bishop &DVWOH /HD]HV PD\ EH \RXU IHHGLQJ JURXQG DV ZHOO DV \RXU VOHHSLQJ SDWFK RU you still have to realise that the student loan doesn’t stretch to replicate mother’s Waitrose visits. %XW HYHQ WKHQ LI \RX¡UH \HW WR H[SHULence the bargain purchasing possibilities RI *UDLQJHU 0DUNHW \RX QHHG WR FODLP WKH SRXQG EDFN IURP \RXU 0RUULVRQV WUROOH\ ULJKW QRZ GLVSRVH RI DQ\ H[FHVV baggage and pick your best local accent. /D\LQJ FODLP WR WKH WLWOH RI WKH FLW\¡V ODUJHVW WUDGLWLRQDO PDUNHW \RX FRXOG VD\ it doesn’t sound quite as impressive as WKDW RI ODUJHVW XQGHU FRYHU PDUNHW LQ (XURSH ZKHQ Ă€UVW EXLOW LQ WKH ¡V 6LWXDWHG QHDU PRQXPHQW LW VHOOV DQ\WKLQJ IURP DSSOHV WR FDQLQH IDVKLRQ ZLWK 'RF 0DUWHQV DQG PRYLH PHPRUDELOLD VRPHZKHUH LQ EHWZHHQ 7KH IRFXV LV PDLQO\ RQ WKH IUXLW WKRXJK ,I \RX¡UH D PDUNHW YLUJLQ VKHGGLQJ the shielding layers provided by supermarket shopping might seem daunting DW Ă€UVW EXW RQFH \RX OHDUQ WKH EDVLFV RI market etiquette Asda will appear a EULJKW OLJKWLQJ EOXU RI WRR PXFK SDFNDJing and too many price tickets. <RX GRQ¡W EURZVH <RX GRQ¡W KHVLWDWH <RX GRQ¡W VSHQG HYHQ VHFRQGV GHOLEHUDWLQJ ZKHWKHU RQH EDJ RI SRWDWRHV ORRNV bigger than the other. 2WKHUZLVH WKH Ă XLG Ă RZ RI VWDOO OLIH will come crashing to a halt and you’ll be LQ WKH PLGGOH RI LW SUREDEO\ XQGHU D SLOH RI VDLG SRWDWRHV <RX VKRXOG SUREDEO\ WDNH QRWH RI WKLV LQVLGHU NQRZOHGJH LI \RX WHQG WR Ă€QG choosing between value or supermarket EUDQG IUXLW DQG YHJ FKDOOHQJLQJ HQRXJK DV WKH DEXQGDQFH RI VWDOOV ZLOO GRXEWlessly leave you cowering somewhere ZLWKLQ (OGRQ 6TXDUH Hector Hall is the place to go. The suSHULRU KHLJKW RI WKH VDOHVSHRSOH EHKLQG PRXQWDLQV RI FDXOLĂ RZHUV VWDFNV RI VDWVXPDV DQG KHDSV RI PXVKURRPV PD\ VHHP VOLJKWO\ LQWLPLGDWLQJ EXW DW VL[W\ SHQFH IRU D PHORQ RU D EDJ RI PL[HG SHS-

pers you’d be bananas not to take the plunge. There’s a similar problem with the EXFKHUV ZKRVH XQLIRUPV FUHDWH D VHHPingly never ending kaleidoscopic array RI ZKLWH DQG UHG )LQOD\¡V LV D Ă€UP IDYRXULWH ZLWK VWDOO IURQW PDQ DQG PHGLD VSRNHVPDQ 6WHYH RQO\ WRR HDJHU WR RIIHU D KHOSLQJ KDQG ZKHWKHU LW¡V ZKDW WR FKRRVH IURP WKH ODUJH DUUD\ RI IRU Â… SLF DQG PL[ IUHH]HU SDFN RSWLRQV PLQL FKLFNHQ Ă€OOHWV SRUN ORLQ PLQFH VWHDNÂŤ or cooking tips and recipes. It was established nearly a century ago XQGHU LWV QDPHVDNH ZKLFK LW XSKHOG GHspite a change in ownership to remain loyal to the customer. ,W VHOOV ORFDO PHDW RII WKH ERQH VXSSOLHG IURP 6SHQQ\PRRU DQG 1RUWKXPEHUODQG WKH RQO\ VWDOO WR GR VR ZKLFK DOORZV them to source the produce should some pork not be up to scratch. ,W DOVR OD\V FODLP WR D Ă€YH VWDU K\JLHQH

Restaurant Review The Hancock, Hancock St Alice Vincent Culture Editor 7KH 6FUHDP 3XE ,W¡V D QDWLRQ ZLGH LQVWLWXWLRQ DLPHG DW WKH \RXQJ VXSSRVedly trendy and predominantly student PDUNHW 1HZFDVWOH¡V HIIRUW LV 7KH +DQFRFN EHORYHG E\ )UHVKHUV *HRUGLH %0; W\SHV DQG ZHLUGO\ ROG PHQ HYHU\ QRZ

and then. 'HVSLWH KDYLQJ EHHQ D WZLFH ZHHNO\ SURS RI WKH +DQFRFN¡V EDU LQ Ă€UVW \HDU , KDGQ¡W EHHQ IRU D JRRG ZKLOH ZKHQ , ZHQW UHFHQWO\ WR UHYLHZ WKH FRQWHQWV RI WKHLU PDVV SURGXFHG EXW KRPHO\ ORRNing menu. 6XUH GHFRUDWHG ZLWK FXWH FKLFNHQV DQG ZLWW\ GRXEOH HQWHQGUHV WKHLU PHQX ORRNV OLNH LQFUHGLEOH YDOXH IRU PRQH\ with an attempt to hide the corporate EHKLQG D KRPH JURZQ IDoDGH 7RWLQJ D Ă€WWLQJ VORJDQ UHJDUGLQJ VDYLQJ FRZV LQ SODFH RI HDWLQJ FKLFNHQ 7KH Hancock’s got a new chuck menu which we thought only right to sample.

DZDUG DQG DQRWKHU IRU LWV KLJK VWDQGDUG RI FXVWRPHU IRFXV $OWKRXJK LI \RX¡UH not yet ready to surrender your plastic ZUDSSHG RUJDQLF FKLFNHQ EUHDVW FKHFN ÂśHP RXW RQ <RX7XEH Ă€UVW *UHJJV PD\ EH DQ LQWULQVLF SDUW RI 1RUWKHUQ EDNHU\ FXOWXUH EXW DIWHU \RX YLVLW 1LFKROV <RXU %DNHU\ \RX¡OO QRWLFH just how grey their steak slices really are. +HUH WKH ZLFNHU EDVNHWV RI )UHQFK EUHDG PDGH IURP Ă RXU LPSRUWHG IURP )UDQFH are as authentic as the woman promoting them. Owner Emma-Claude Phillips deFLGHG WR GLWFK KHU GHJUHH DW 0DQFKHVWHU IRU D OLYLQJ LQ WUDGH DIWHU VSHQGLQJ KHU PDMRULW\ RI WLPH DV D VWXGHQW ZRUNLQJ LQ D FRIIHH VKRS LQ IURQW RI KHU KDOOV RI DFcommodation. 6KH¡V QHYHU ORRNHG EDFN )URP QH[W ZHHN LW¡V DGRSWLQJ WKH QDPH Âś7KH )UHQFK Oven’ and is promoting what our European neighbours do best – Crepes. It

The way the chicken menu works is that you can choose your ‘bed’ – double HQWHQGUH FKHFN ² RI VDODG FKLSV RU PDVK DQG JUDY\ DQG WKHQ \RXU WRSSLQJ IURP D YDULHW\ RI VDXFHV LQFOXGLQJ SLUL SLUL 6FUHDP %%4 UHJJDH UHJJDH KRQH\ DQG PXVWDUG FKHHVH DQG EDFRQ DQG D IHZ others. %HLQJ D VWLFNOHU IRU WUDGLWLRQ , NHSW PLQH SODLQ PXFK WR WKH DPD]HG DFFHSWDQFH RI WKH EDUPDQ $IWHU D FRXSOH RI JODVVHV RI SRVK VTXDVK ² SRPHJUDQDWH DQG UDVSEHUU\ RXU IRRG DUULYHG VXUSULVLQJO\ TXLFNO\ IRU D EXV\ )ULGD\ OXQFKWLPH $V SUHGLFWHG WZR JLDQW SODWHV ZHUH SURGXFHG ODGHQ ZLWK VNLQQ\ IULHV DQG KDOI D ZHOO VL]HG FKLFNHQ RQ HDFK QRW EDG IRU Â… *UDQWHG D ELW RI D JUHHQ JDUQLVK

DOVR SURYHV SRSXODU IRU (PPD¡V VHOHFWLRQ RI YHJJLH RSWLRQV DQG VKH LV JRLQJ WR EH SXWWLQJ ZKHDW IUHH SURGXFH RQ WKH VKHOYHV IRU FHOLDF VXIIHUHUV ,Q RWKHU DUHDV RI IDUH *UDLQJHU 'HOLFDWHVVHQ RFFXSLHV D FRV\ FRUQHU RIIHULQJ FKHDW PHDWV ORDGHG VDQGZLFKHV DQG GHFRUDWLYH VLJQV WR D OHYHO RI IHVWLYLW\ MXVW about acceptable in mid-November. 0HDQZKLOH LQ WKH QRQ HGLEOH Ă€HOG you’ll discover Primark isn’t the only opWLRQ IRU FKHDS :HGQHVGD\ QLJKW IDQF\ GUHVV DWWLUH DV QXPHURXV IDEULF VWDOOV DUH RQO\ WRR HDJHU WR DLG ZLWK +DELNQW FUDIWV SUHVHQWLQJ D PXOWLWXGH RI YLWDO Ă€QLVKLQJ touches. $W 0LOOHU¡V %RRN ([FKDQJH WKH FDVHV DUH WDOO WKH VKHOYHV DUH FUDPPHG DQG \RX DUHQ¡W OLNHO\ WR Ă€QG D ELJJHU VHOHFWLRQ RI 0LOOV DQG %RRQ ,W LV DOVR KRPH WR WKH 0DUNV DQG 6SHQFHU 2ULJLQDO 3HQQ\ %D]DDU WKH ODVW VXUYLYLQJ H[DPSOH RI WKH VKRSV WKDW JDYH birth to a legend in retailing. 6W $QGUHZ¡V QHZVDJHQW SURYLGHV Newcastle’s missing piece to the picWXUH RI D SHUIHFW FLW\ ² D +RPH %DUJDLQV DOWHUQDWLYH ,I \RX Ă€QG \RX FDQ¡W Ă€QG LW it’s probably because the sign was taken GRZQ WZR \HDUV DJR VR DLP WR VSRW LW through the prices instead. 7HQ DSSOH 1XWUL JUDLQV IRU Â… LV LQFHQWLYH HQRXJK EXW ZKHQ \RX FDQ PL[ DQG PDWFK ZLWK EDJV RI 6NLSV DQG 7ZL[ EDUV WKHUH¡V DQ LQĂ€QLWH DPRXQW RI VQDFNing combinations available. $W WKH VOLJKWO\ PRUH XSPDUNHW HQG Â… FDQ JHW \RX Ă€YH RI DQ\WKLQJ IURP &DGEXU\¡V &OXVWHUV WR SDFNV RI FUXPEO\ FKRFRODWH IXGJH 3LF DQG PL[ LV D PHUH S SHU J ZKLFK¡OO SUREDEO\ FDXVH you to retch into the pop corn stand next WLPH \RX JR WKH FLQHPD EXW DW OHDVW \RX now understand why Woolworths went bankrupt. +RZHYHU WKHUH LV D UHDVRQ EHKLQG WKH PDGQHVV DV WKH EHVW EHIRUH GDWHV UDQJH IURP DV IDU EDFN DV -XQH 7KDW¡V EHVW EHIRUH QRW XVH E\ :DVWH QRW ZDQW QRW you are a student aren’t you?

Lesson 6: Transport Have you not booked transport home at Christmas yet? What are you doing here! Put down this paper and get on the internet. Then pick this paper back up and work out how to travel home ZLWK XOWLPDWH Ă€QDQFLDO HIĂ€FLHQF\ ‡ 7KH HDUOLHU \RX ERRN WKH FKHDSHU it is. Advance train tickets can be bought up to 11:59pm the night beIRUH WUDYHO VR QR PDWWHU KRZ VSRQWDQHRXV WKH WULS RU KRZ GLVRUJDQLVHG \RX KDYH EHHQ DOZD\V FKHFN WKH DGvance tickets. ‡ 'LUW FKHDS FRDFK SURYLGHU 0HJDEXV KDV MXVW H[SDQGHG LWV UHDFK IURP 1HZFDVWOH LQWR 0DQFKHVWHU %LUPLQJKDP &RYHQWU\ &DUGLII DV ZHOO DV /RQGRQ 6KHIĂ€HOG DQG /HHGV It’s simple enough: order your jourQH\ D IHZ ZHHNV LQ DGYDQFH IRU D IHZ SRXQGV VKRZ \RXU FRGH WR WKH GULYHU DQG UHOD[ LQ WKH VPXJ NQRZOHGJH that the person next to you may have SDLG XS WR Â… IRU WKH VDPH VHDW A journey to London booked early HQRXJK ZLOO FRVW Â… FKDXIIHXULQJ you the 275 miles down the country DW WKH DVWRQLVKLQJ UDWH RI PLOHV WR the penny. This is open to the thickskinned only however: the journey takes nearly 7 hours. ‡ $ <RXQJ 3HUVRQV 5DLOFDUG UHwards your youth by shaving a third RII PRVW MRXUQH\V ,W DOVR UHGXFHV WKH London Oyster Card daily cap by a WKLUG 7KH\ FRVW Â… D \HDU VR VSHQG ÂŁ78 on trains a year and you’re in SURĂ€W ‡ 8VH D WUDLQ FRPSDQ\ VLWH OLNH 1DWLRQDO ([SUHVV (DVW &RDVW ZKLFK JLYHV \RX IUHH WLFNHW GHOLYHU\ UDWKHU than the ‘middleman’ service like The 7UDLQOLQH ZKLFK DGGV D ERRNLQJ IHH $OVR WU\ 73H[SUHVV FR XN VWXGHQWV ZKLFK JLYHV RII VRPH IDUHV ZLWK a railcard. ‡ :H¡UH QRZ HLJKW ZHHNV LQWR WHUP and how have you been travelling LQWR XQL" 0HWUR RU EXV" $K +DYH D guess at how much you’ve spent on SXEOLF WUDQVSRUW DQG VHH LI \RX JDVS $Q HDV\ ZD\ WR WUDYHO IRU IUHH LV WR JHW D ELNH <RX¡OO VRRQ UHFRXS \RXU LQYHVWPHQW DQG ZLOO EH JHWWLQJ Ă€W DW no expense. 1H[W ZHHN /HVVRQ %DQNV

'HDOV RI WKH :HHN ZRXOGQ¡W KDYH JRQH DPLVV EXW LQ D SODFH ZKHUH \RX KDYH WR OLWHUDOO\ Ă€JKW RWKHU FXVWRPHUV IRU WKH ODVW SLHFH RI FXWOHU\ one can’t expect too much a-la-carte. 6D\LQJ WKDW , ZDV VHULRXVO\ LPSUHVVHG E\ P\ SODWH RI \HOORZ IRRG 7KH FKLFNHQ ZDV ZHOO FKDU JULOOHG RQ WKH RXWVLGH DQG EHDXWLIXOO\ VXFFXOHQW DQG WHQGHU RQ WKH inside. &KLSV ZHUH GRQH ZHOO DQG LPSRUWDQWO\ LW ZDV DOO ZDUP HYHQ WKRXJK WKH plates weren’t – but that’s just a personal gripe. 7KH VHUYLFH ZDV YHU\ DWWHQWLYH ZH FRXOG KDYH KDG D IRRG Ă€JKW ZLWK WKH DPRXQW RI FRQGLPHQWV RQ RIIHU DQG WKH FRQVWDQW VXSSO\ RI HDUO\ V SRS YLGHRV allowed us to accidentally while away DQ DIWHUQRRQ :HOO ZRUWK FKHFNLQJ RXW

%HONLQ +HDGSKRQH 6SOLWWHU Â… delivered @ Amazon.co.uk 0DNH SHUVRQDO PXVLF OLVWHQLQJ VRcial again. A splitter means two sets RI KHDGSKRQHV FDQ OLVWHQ WR RQH PXVLF GHYLFH DYRLGLQJ WKH DZNZDUGQHVV RI VKDULQJ WKH VDPH VHW \RX NQRZ ZKHQ WKH RWKHU SHUVRQ DOZD\V pulls your earphone out. 7KLV TXDOLW\ %HONLQ RQH LV DURXQG Â… HOVHZKHUH DQG PDNHV XVH RI $PD]RQ¡V QHZ IUHH GHOLYHU\ SROLF\ 6HDJDWH ([SDQVLRQ 7% ([WHUQDO +' Â… GHOLYHUHG # 6FDQ FR XN Perhaps you’ve been downloading WRR PXFK MXQN RQ \RXU FRPSXWHU LQ ZKLFK FDVH \RX PD\ Ă€QG LW XVHIXO WR KDYH DQRWKHU *% WR SOD\ ZLWK

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 20099

15

Travel

LIFE & STYLE

SPAIN

Gaspacho in Granada

Top 5... Shopping areas in the world Claire Hall

Danya Bazaraa T-shirts hanging off market stalls on the vibrant streets of Granada all seem to bear the same logo which represent 6SDQLVK OLIH ÂśVLHVWD Ă€ HVWD ¡ Walking round the city during the KRXUV RI SP DQG SP \RX ZLOO Ă€ QG WKH tranquillity perhaps puzzling, but fear not; outside of these hours there is so PXFK WR GR WKDW \RX ZRQ¡W NQRZ ZKHUH WR ORRN Ă€ UVW Granada is made up of plaza after plaza, each centred with a divine fountain, lined with lush trees and pretty OLWWOH VWUHHW OLJKWV &REEOHG SDYHPHQWV and quaint architecture permeates the squares, and colourful market stalls FRPSOHPHQW WKH DWWUDFWLYH VWUHHWV :KHWKHU LW¡V H[RWLF IUXLW \RX¡UH DIWHU D selection of teas, some characteristic jewellery, or a touch of the Spanish fashion, \RX¡OO Ă€ QG LW $ODGGLQ VW\OH KDUHP SDQWV Ă RRG WKH VWDOOV DQG WKH FLW\ LQ JHQHUDO *ODPRURXV ZRPHQ HYHU\ZKHUH Ă DXQW

WKH H\H FDWFKLQJ EULJKW Ă RUDO SDWWHUQV these trousers epitomise the life in this FLW\ IUHH DQG FRORXUIXO <RX ZLOO QRW EH stuck for choice in terms of food and drink with the wide selection of bars, FDIpV DQG UHVWDXUDQWV Traditionally, with every drink bought \RX ZLOO JHW D IUHH GLVK RI WDSDV LW¡V JUHDW Things you must try – the famously rich hot chocolate, the churros, and maybe just for the interest rather than good WDVWH JDVSDFKR FROG VRXS *UDQDGD VWLOO KROGV PXFK $UDELF LQĂ X HQFH 7KH H[LVWHQFH RI WZR FXOWXUHV KDQG in hand in one place is what makes this FLW\ VR XQLTXH DQG IUXLWIXO (QWHULQJ LQWR WKH $UDELF TXDUWHU IHHOV OLNH VWHSSLQJ LQWR 0RURFFR <RX¡OO Ă€ QG 0RURFFDQ UHVWDXUDQWV JLIWV FORWKHV DQG KHDU WKH RFFDVLRQDO $UDELF conversation shouted from one stall WR DQRWKHU 3HUVRQDOLVHG LQN SDLQWLQJV done on request are on offer- men sit and SDLQW VWULNLQJ SRHWLF YHUVHV LQ $UDELF IRU D VPDOO SULFH

,I LW¡V UHOD[DWLRQ WLPH \RX QHHG WKH $UD ELF EDWKV DUH MXVW WKH WKLQJ Hot baths, low lights, candles, tea and VZHHWV RQ KDQG DQG D PDVVDJH WR Ă€ QLVK off- what more could you want to wind GRZQ" 7KH IDPRXV $OKDPEUD FDVWOH LV RQH RI WKH PDLQ DWWUDFWLRQV DQG LW UHDOO\ LV DOO LW¡V K\SHG XS WR EH :KHWKHU \RX¡UH LQWHUHVW HG LQ WKH KLVWRU\ RU QRW LW¡V DQ DPD]LQJ SODFH WR YLVLW The building itself is like no other, FRPSULVLQJ ERWK &KULVWLDQ DQG ,VODPLF patterns, and geometric art decorating WKH WDOO SLOODUV 7KH VXUURXQGLQJ Âś*HQHUDO /LIH *DUGHQV¡ DUH SLFWXUH SHUIHFW DQG from these can be seen the view of the ZKROH FLW\ The gardens are the ideal location for )ODPHQFR VKRZV :DWFKLQJ D VWRU\ EHLQJ told energetically and pristinely through movement, accompanied by stylistic PXVLF DQG H[FLWLQJ FRVWXPHV ZKLOVW VLW WLQJ LQ WKH JDUGHQV RI WKH $OKDPEUD LV VLPSO\ PHVPHULVLQJ

On the outskirts of the city are the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, and one of the most amazing things you can do there is to go on a horse ride around these mountains (despite the agonising pain you might have in your thighs the QH[W GD\

The tour guides that you follow on these trips time the rides so that just as \RX Ă€ QLVK WKH VXQ LV VHWWLQJ ULJKW LQ IURQW RI \RX 7KHUH¡V QR RWKHU ZD\ WR GHVFULEH *UD nada other than to say it really is a beauWLIXO SODFH LQ HYHU\ ZD\ LI \RX¡UH VWLOO QRW FRQYLQFHG Ă€ QG RXW IRU \RXUVHOIÂŤ

Inside today >>>

Interview with Maximo 3DUNÂśV 3DXO 6PLWK Culture, page 24

Cascine Park Market, Florence, Italy +HOG LQ D SDUN QH[W WR WKH ULYHU DQG MXVW west of the city centre is a market strictly XVHG E\ WKH )ORUHQWLQHV $V D UHVXOW \RX ZLOO Ă€ QG EDVLF ,WDOLDQ FRPHV LQ XVHIXO but apart from that, shop away to your KHDUW¡V FRQWHQW EHFDXVH WKH SULFHV DUHQ¡W JRLQJ WR VWRS \RX ,WDOLDQ VW\OH LV SROLVKHG DQG UHĂ€ QHG so as a result their cast offs are Western (XURSHDQ JHPV 9LQWDJH ERRWV W VKLUWV DQG GHQLP DOO DW D IHZ (XURV QRW WR PHQWLRQ WKH H[WHQVLYH KRPH ZDUH DQ tiques and toy sections Poppies II, Bali, Indonesia Forget the token traveller wardrobes picked up in Thailand, Bali is the place to pick up quality rubbish that you acWXDOO\ ZLOO ZHDU DW KRPH )LQG 3RSSLHV Lane II, the backbone of Kuta Bali; here \RX ZLOO Ă€ QG IDNH HYHU\WKLQJ IURP VXUI EUDQGV WR &KORH 3LFN XS VRPH EHDWHUV +DZDLLDQ VKRUWV DQG IDNH $EHUFURPELH MHDQV Then head to one of the famous taiORUV WR JHW D MDFNHW PDGH ZKHWKHU WKDW¡V a black dinner jacket or a giraffe print MDFNHW \RX KDYH DOZD\V QHHGHG 2QFH the shopping is done, walk to the end of the road and collapse amongst your EDJV ZDWFKLQJ WKH VXQVHW Beyond Retro, London, UK $ OLWWOH DZD\ IURP WKH (DVW /RQGRQ shopping Mecca that is Brick lane, is &KHVKLUH VWUHHW 6LWXDWHG LQVLGH D OLWWOH yellow door on the side of a warehouse LV YLQWDJH KHDYHQ 7KH Ă€ UVW WKLQJ \RX will see is a cat sleeping in a basket of silk scarves, the second thing will be URZV DQG URZV RI YLQWDJH FORWKHV %H\RQG 5HWUR KDV D UHOD[HG IHHO \RX could spend a whole afternoon their DQG WKH DVVLVWDQWV ZRXOGQ¡W JLYH \RX D VHFRQG ORRN 3DLU WKLV ZLWK WKDW IDFW WKDW¡V its much cheaper than the more popular 5RNLW DQG \RX¡UH RQ IRU D ZLQQHU The Souks, Marrakech, Morocco Unlike many other over-hyped tourist shopping destinations the Souks really GR GHOLYHU VRPH JHPV $Q HQGOHVV UDEELW warren of shops selling predominantly leather, the souks are reason enough WR JR WR 0DUUDNHFK 'HVSLWH SRSXODU EHOLHI LW¡V QRW GLUW FKHDS D JRRG OHDWKHU bag will set you back about ÂŁ35, but the TXDOLW\ H[FHOV DQ\WKLQJ \RX FRXOG Ă€ QG IRU WKH VDPH SULFH LQ (QJODQG $OVR FDVW \RXU H\HV RYHU WKH UXJV DQG blankets in every colour of the rainbow as well as the world famous shisha SLSHV -XVW GRQ¡W RYHUGR LW RQ SXUFKDVHV LW¡V DOO WRR HDV\ WR PDNH \RXU URRP ORRN like a gap year tragedy Dollar-a-Pound, Boston, Mass., USA

Photo of the Week Freddie Allen - 3rd year Economics 7KLV EDG ER\ ZDV WDNHQ ZKHQ ZH ZHUH VXUÂż QJ VRPH VLFN ZDYHV LQ %DOL 6RPH VLOO\ ELJ WLPHV 6HQG \RXU WUDYHO SLFWXUHV WR courier.life@ncl.ac.uk DQG \RX FRXOG ZLQ Â… ZRUWK RI SKRWR SULQWV DV ZHOO DV \RXU SKRWR SULQWHG DQG IUDPHG

Well off the tourist track and tucked DZD\ LQ WKH KLJK ULVHV RI %RVWRQ¡V Ă€ QDQ cial district is probably the best shop in WKH ZRUOG 7KH ERWWRP Ă RRU FRQVLVWV RI several mounds of clothes and a pair RI VFDOHV <RX VSHQG D MR\RXV KRXU rummaging through what is predominantly rubbish, to then have your stash ZHLJKHG <RX RQO\ SD\ WKH DSSURSULDWH GRO ODU SHU SRXQG LQ ZHLJKW 8SVWDLUV LV DQ amazing vintage shop; not only are all the clothes colour coded but also decDGH FRGHGÂŤSXUH EOLVV

16

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

LIFE & STYLE

Sex & Relationships

Sex & Relationships

Ask SeĂąor JosĂŠ

The problem-solving love machine is back from watching the Hayemaker win the WBA Heavyweight title in Nuremburg. SeĂąor JosĂŠ is here to lend an ear to all your woes and worries. Email him at courier.life@ncl.ac.uk

SeĂąor,

SeĂąor,

SeĂąor,

SeĂąor,

I am having the worst luck with men at the moment. Ever since coming to Newcastle, I seem to pick the bad guys, and I don’t understand it. , ZDVQ¡W WRR ERWKHUHG DERXW WKH Ă€UVW ones. Then I met a guy from my course and he seemed so sweet, and after saving myself, I made the decision to sleep with him. Now he’s ‘gone off’ me and I don’t understand why. What can I do?

I’m starting to worry about my friend. She is obsessed with counting calories -- knowing how many she has each day, and if she has a ‘naughty biscuit,’ she punishes herself the next day; she’s never had three daily meals. She really is pretty (and has a boyfriend), so I don’t understand. I’m worried she’s going to take it too far. What should I do?

I have a girlfriend who is living in a different country this year, but I like someone else who is living in my halls. I have kissed her, but she refuses to do anything else until I have broken up with my girlfriend. Can I really do this when she lives so far away? Should I just give this other girl a chance?

Sometimes, the only thing you can do in situations like these is to hold your head up high and keep moving forward. Don’t let the actions of others bog you down. Instead, learn from these experiences, while in the meantime remembering that you’re still in Uni. $W WKLV VWDJH LQ OLIH ÀQGLQJ D ORQJ WHUP relationship should come further down the list of top priorities. Keep your conÀGHQFH OHYHO ERRVWHG DQG \RXU RSWLRQV open, but also be more selective in who you let into your life. Men like women who are enigmatic; the ones who are worth having are willing to solve the mystery.

My girlfriend is Muslim and it has never been a problem, but I am worried that her parents will perceive me differently because I am probably not what they expect. My girlfriend hasn’t told them as she says that it shouldn’t matter either way. Should I press her into telling them that I’m whiter than the Winter Olympics or leave it and see how it turns out when I meet them?

If it’s a growing concern, and other friends are noticing the same trend, then it might be best to talk to her. Naturally, these situations are going to open up a few doors that may lead to a tension and stress between the two of you. But if you’re concerned about your friend’s health and well-being, sweeping this under the rug is the last thing you should do. Be there for her, and encourage her to seek professional guidance. You might even consider grabbing her by the arm, and taking her to a counsellor yourself. Tough love isn’t easy, but most of the time, it’s essential in making the right decision.

It’s important to ask yourself the reason behind these straying feelings. Would you be in the same situation if she was still in the UK? Is it an issue of commitment or distance? Either way, it’s important that you communicate with your current girlfriend, and determine whether breaking up would be a matter of lost love or convenience. Also, you need to remember that your girlfriend is in a different country, perhaps with very few friends or family to help her along the break-up process. Is that something you want to put her through? Yours is a delicate situation, and needs to be handled with the utPRVW FDUH DQG FRQVLGHUDWLRQ 7KLQN ÀUVW of others, and secondly of yourself.

Trust is very important in any given relationship, especially one that crosses racial and religious boundaries. If your girlfriend says there is no problem, then you shouldn’t have to worry. Even if her parents make it out to be like the bomb just fell on Nagasaki, you can trust her to stand up for the both of you. If her parents love her and respect her, they’ll listen to the voice of reason. Meeting the parents is always a nerve-wracking experience. Calm yourself down beforehand and remember that you’re a man who is willing to do anything for his woman. If they see this from you,

Taboo or not taboo? Jonathan Olding 3rd year Marketing Email courier.life@ncl.ac.uk to nominate your friend L. BROWN

Olivia-Marie Viveiros Is it ok to be friends with your best friends ex? Whatever your opinion, you must admit it can sometimes be a very uncomfortable position to be in. +DYLQJ DVNHG Ă DWPDWHV DQG RWKHU IULHQGV RQH WKLQJ WKDW LV GHĂ€QLWHO\ FOHDU is that this topic seems to be somewhat of a head scratcher! The main taboo seems to be over the term “friendâ€? and what sort of “friendâ€? you are to your best friend’s ex partner. 6RPH SHRSOH PD\ GHĂ€QH VRPHRQH DV D “friendâ€? if they share the occasional chat RQ IDFHERRN RWKHUV GHĂ€QH ´IULHQGVÂľ DV D table for two at Nandos. Another issue seems to be over how the two people met. If you knew each other beforehand, or if you introduced your friend to his/her long lost lover, then there should be no reason why you should stop being friends with him/her. However, if you met through your best friend, then your loyalties lie with them. The length of the relationship is also a

major factor to be taken into consideration. If it was a whirlwind romance of just two weeks with the bartender at the local pub, then the friendship shouldn’t remain a problem. Although, there may be a danger that your friend will think you have just been waiting for the break-up , in order to “make your moveâ€?. A serious and committed relationship will obviously be more of a touchy subject. Lastly but not least, the nature of the break up must be taken into account. Was it an amicable split, or will the mere mention of their name leave your friend VSLWWLQJ Ă€UH" ,I \RXU IULHQG LV KXUW WKHQ it’s a careful ground to walk on. If they are both still friends then there is no cause for concern. The conclusion of this dilemma is that if the friendship does not bother your friend then you have nothing to worry about. However, if your friend is still hurt, then you may need to be more cautious. After all, it’s not worth losing a friend over!

View Askew Kathy Jackman Columnist

In last week’s column I proclaimed myself to be a Goth. Obviously I still consider this to be true, but it certainly made me think. Ok, so I’m a Goth, but does that actually mean anything? It’s just a word; in fact it’s not just a word, it’s a label. When you pick it apart, you see the world is crawling with them. Think about it. How many times have you described someone you probably don’t know all that well with words such as “Well, she’s a bit of a Rah,â€? or, “God, he’s such a Chavâ€?? Even if you didn’t use those terms exactly, it’s likely you’ve used others: Moshers, Townies, Geeks, Punks‌I could go on, but you get the idea. I’m not lecturing: it’s always been a part of the human nature to put labels to things so they can make better sense of the world around them, so I guess it makes sense that this should apply to people too. I’ve been the victim of labelling all my life, and it’s likely that you’ve been too in one way or another. When I was at school I was the fat, awkward kid. At least, that’s how people saw me. I was stuck in an unforgiving environment surrounded by the popular and the sporty. As you can probably guess they made my life a misery. Why? Because I wasn’t like them. Sad but true I know, but that hasn’t stopped me from doing the same thing to others. I judged those who judged me because it gave me some emotional distance. It made me feel better to de-humanise these bullies who probably had just as many issues and problems as I did. We’re all becoming targets. Look at the vicious gang war between the Mods and Rockers during the 60s; WKH\ ZHUH WZR VXEFXOWXUHV Ă€JKWLQJ each other for the simple reason that they didn’t like each other’s dress sense and taste in music. Does anyone remember the Daily Mail’s hysteria-brewing nonsense over the Emo culture? That abysmally researched bollocks concluded that if you had ever worn black and listened to the dirge of My Chemical Romance then you were a self harming depressive in need of psychiatric help. Madness I say. Madness! Ahem. Ok, so I’m being dramatic. Our generation isn’t likely to see some epic, bloody battle between Alts and Chavs. Hopefully. Either way, maybe it’s time we took stock in what we say about each other. It’s getting to the stage when we’re simply using meaningless labels to push ourselves away from each other. A social group is essenWLDOO\ D MXPEOH RI VXSHUĂ€FLDO FKDUDFteristics. 7KH\¡UH LGHQWLĂ€HUV QRW GHĂ€QHUV They don’t make a person; more often than not we wear these clothes just because we like them. However, thanks to lazy stereotyping our individuality is being compromised. I for one don’t want to see the day when we second guess a certain item of clothing because we don’t want someone to ‘get the wrong idea’.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

17

Sex & Relationships

LIFE & STYLE

Two Girls in a Coffee Shop Fran Swan & Kath Little Columnists

A rather cheeky poke? Sophie Kellet Ironically, after reading ‘What Men Really Want’ a few weeks ago, it would seem Mr. Wood has done exactly what he implied us girls do – and read into things too much. How many girls are really analysing every text and wasting their time obsessing over the amount of kisses they leave at the end of Facebook messages? Clicking on the ‘Poke’ link is much less effort and if effective, hits the spot. Poking doesn’t leave as much room for ambiguity and if unreciprocated it could, at worst, be a little awkward. Two friends of mine - a girl and boy respectively, have Facebook ‘poking’ and Blackberry ‘pinging’ to thank for their personal increase in numbers. Could such behaviour damage a reputation? Undoubtedly. But, who really wants to blunder through their university years without creating any ‘extracurricular’ scandal? Before the time comes to reluctantly trade in the odd lecture and common hangover for full-time employment, now is the time to establish a reputation – be it good or bad. It’s character-building. Moreover, it’s more than likely going

to be short-lived. Reputations swing both ways, so whilst we know that you might show your mates the unfortunate drunken, dirty and sometimes desperate texts, don’t you wonder why all the girls know you as ‘Floppy Fred’ and wiggle WKHLU OLWWOH Ă€QJHU LQ \RXU GLUHFWLRQ" Don’t get me wrong – I’m not implying that all the girls are or should be whoring it around Newcastle but I can’t help but assert that Mr. Wood has stayed true to the male stereotype and thrown some double standards out there. Whilst ‘scrum-half Henry’ may get a IHZ KLJK Ă€YHV GXULQJ KLV VWULGH RI SULGH the morning after the night before, poor Laura-Whorer has to go through with the walk of shame, having already been EUDQGHG D VODJ 7KH JLUO Ă€QGV KHUVHOI LQ a catch-22 situation – does she accept the sleepover invitation and risk losing respect, or does she take the moral high ground and wait for a textual invitation that, chances are, will never come. After all – the guy bought her a ÂŁ1 VK orange - is he really going to have the sense to remember her name the next day, let alone get in touch? And, after that weak offering, there is no obligation to stay and chit-chat, let alone accept an invitation to a Francesca’s dinner.

Whilst it isn’t likely that the entertaining ‘tapps aff’ routine, favoured by many D ER\ JUDFLQJ WKH /HJHQGV GDQFH Ă RRU LV JRLQJ WR LQVSLUH ÂśORYH DW Ă€UVW VLJKW¡ ² LW does perhaps represent what both girls and boys look for on a night out – namely, just a bit of fun. And who is to say that a bit of fun doesn’t lead to something more meaningful in the future? Who is Mr. Wood to judge that the naissance of a relationVKLS FDQ¡W EH IRXQG RQ D GDQFH Ă RRU RU at the bar? After all, chances are the drink has loosened the boundaries and therefore, this would provide the couple with more of an insight into each other than what could be found at an awkward dinner or silent cinema date. If a girl goes home with a guy – whether it be normal behaviour or quite rare – why should she be tarred with the tart brush? Mr. Wood seems to feel that whilst guys can do what they want and offer cheap drinks to whoever takes their pick, it would be simply not in the ladies’ interests to go home for some fun. And for the record, when I last checked, ‘fun’ doesn’t require the House boxset – but rather just a house, a box and a working

set. These traditionalist views that girls should and do only look for a snuggle and a relationship is unrealistic, especially in the incestuous university bubble. If us girls are willing to accept the consequences such as putting up with some unoriginal nick-name and the knowledge that the friends and acquaintances RI \RXU LQ VLJQLĂ€FDQW RWKHU KDYH VHHQ photos of your boobs – then what is the harm in losing a few cheap pairs of pants until you’re ready to slip into your comfy Calvin Kleins? As long as you hold on to your self– respect, even if you don’t retain ‘whatshisnames’ from the other night’ then everyone is free to enjoy themselves! And anyway, you know when you know. If you meet someone and get on well – what’s the point in beating around the bush? If it’s right, then that Francesca’s meal will be coming your way, whether you’ve already dropped your Primarni knickers or not. And if you’ve put on a clean pair, whose to judge anyway? Boys: don’t stress yourself out about whether or not the girl(s) will go halvsies on the Francesca’s bill. A morning-after 'DQLHOD¡V ZLOO GR XV MXVW Ă€QH

Our urban myth: digital sexuality Renee Lilliecreutz There is an urban myth saying that the GLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQ \RX LQGH[ Ă€QJHU DQG \RX ULQJ Ă€QJHU FDQ GHWHUPLQH LI \RX DUH gay or not. Apparently this is true and it is called “digit ratio theoryâ€? and there is a range RI VWXGLHV WKDW KDYH FRQĂ€UPHG LW It is a question about how much testosterone and oestrogens you get while being a fetus. ,I \RXU ULQJ Ă€QJHU LV ORQJHU WKDQ \RXU

LQGH[ Ă€QJHU LW PHDQV WKDW \RX¡YH JRW more testosterone in your body and hence have a larger chance to be hyperactive and aggressive. 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG LI \RXU LQGH[ Ă€QJHU is longer it means more oestrogens and you are more likely to develop more neurotic and sensitive qualities. How long did it take you to look at your hand? Furthermore, there is another study which claims that it is actually when WKH Ă€QJHUV DUH WKH VDPH OHQJWK WKDW WKH

person is more likely to be gay - and this includes both women and men. The study specialised on lesbians and the different between butch and femme lesbians. According to them the result was obvious. Is it really this simple? Are these sciHQWLÀF VWXGLHV WKH DQVZHU WR ZKHWKHU homosexuality is biological: that you are born as a non heterosexual person? $QG FDQ WKLV EH FRQÀUPHG MXVW E\ ORRNLQJ DW \RXU ÀQJHUV" What about the men and women that

discover they are gay after a thirty year long heterosexual relationship? Do the Ă€QJHUV VXGGHQO\ JURZ LI WKH\ VKRZHG you were heterosexual when you were born? The evidence is dubious at best. For further reading about the subject I can recommend “Differences in Finger /HQJWK 5DWLRV %HWZHHQ 6HOI LGHQWLĂ€HG “Butchâ€? and “Femmeâ€? Lesbiansâ€? by Windy M. Brown, B.A. Christopher J. Finn, B.A. Bradley M. Cooke, Ph.D and S. Marc Breedlove, Ph.D

We’ve come a long way since Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, when a ZRPDQ¡V Ă€UVW SULRULW\ DIWHU JDLQLQJ the ability to speak and see, was snagging herself a husband. These days it seems like we’re looking for the exact opposite of eligible men (last year’s X-Factor winner can relate). Surely we have got it right- this time of our lives is about fun, ourselves, our friends and our ... degrees? And this term certainly started with a bang. Eager to embrace third year, the last few weeks have been a buzz of friends, boys, nights out and to say it again, ourselves. But as our workloads get heavier, we have started WR ZRQGHU RYHU RXU Ă€UVW 6WDUEXFNV Christmas-themed coffees of the season), should our love lives be doing the same? Having always been advocates of singledom, spending every spare minute with our friends (those of you studying humanities should understand just how many minutes we’re talking about), to question this lifestyle is a big step for us. But think about it; with so much time and so many social opportunities, it could be the perfect time to Ă€QG DQG QXUWXUH D UHODWLRQVKLS :LWK a plethora of potential mates (or dare we say, spouses) in such a concentrated area, ‘the one’ could be literally around the corner. One should note that time spent patrolling said corner might not suggest ‘girlfriend material’, but rather scream ‘psychopathic prostitute’. If now isn’t the time to be settling down or at least playing with the idea LQVWHDG RI WKH Ă€HOG ZKHQ ZLOO EH" ,W was a recent conversation about our IXWXUHV GHĂ€QLWHO\ GRRPHG WKDW LQspired this particular article. The thought of graduating (shit), Ă€QGLQJ DQ LQWHUQVKLS XQSDLG Ă€QGLQJ D KRXVH LQ +DUOHP Ă€QGLQJ D job to pay for the house (minimum ZDJH Ă€QGLQJ DQRWKHU MRE WR SD\ for our blatant coffee addiction, not to mention our extended Jesmond lifestyle, seems daunting and time consuming enough without having to look for the boyfriend/Adonis it’s taken for granted you will have stumbled upon by the time you are 26. Our previous ideal of the fabulous wedding and adoring husband before we hit 30 has come crashing down, taking the job market with it. So, with third year now well underway and nothing close to the perfect man in sight, maybe, after two years of unabashed freedom, now is the WLPH WR Ă€QG RXUVHOYHV D EDOO DQG FKDLQ and a less cynical attitude towards relationships. The time period previously allocated for such a task now seems to be Ă€OOLQJ ZLWK PRUH RGLRXV FKRUHV +RZ nice it might be to have a stallion already there, as a helping hand. This said, we must apologise, the fun-loving, single girls you have come to know and adore are no more. Say hello to ‘Trapping’ and ‘Desperation’ and be very wary of street corners. If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it.

Inside today >>>

Ape-X v Zap Culture, page 25

18

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

LIFE & STYLE

Fashion

Fashion

Winter gets luxe Black coat, £25, Primark

Blue sequin dress, £150, French Connection Knee high black socks, £5, Topshop Black Shoes, £59.99, Zara

Jacket, £35, Warehouse Shirt, £10, BooHoo.com Skirt, £25, American Apparel Boots, £64.99, River Island

What’s Hot...What’s Not... Michelle C. Alister

Hot

Purple is the new black for guys this season. Look smart & preppy with an in vogue v-neck sweater Us fashion forward students have always sported the worn and torn look, but now designer ripped jeans are bang on trend

Chunky Knitwear; think stylish busker in your woollen hat, scarf, arm warmers and toasty warm cardigan

Not hot Black & Gold, especially leopard print. Try that liquid ebony liner with gold eye shadow Reclaim your inner rock god or goddess by keeping on trend in leather and studs Check you out – plaid shirts are the perfect way to cover up as it gets a bit nippy

Neon, best kept for stag and hen parties storming the Toon’s “Diamond Strip” Tramp Stamps – if a tattoo is what you fancy, think long and hard before being branded with the impulsive monstrosity that will adorn your body forever more 80s throwback padded shoulders. Unless you’re lady gaga. This is one fad I’ll be sidestepping

They may be sending iridescent shimmers through French Connection and Primani alike, but too many sequins leave the best of us resembling cheap imitations of Eddie Izzard, more tranny than classy

Shoes boots – making slender pins look short and dumpy nationwide

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

19

Fashion

Blazer, ÂŁ35, H&M

LIFE & STYLE

Styling by Addy Pope, Claire Hall and Millicent Simon

6HTXLQ &DUGLJDQ Â… BooHoo.com Leather Skirt, ÂŁ15, H&M Fur Vintage Coat, ÂŁ20, Vintage Fair

7 VKLUW Â… (OHFWULF 6KHHS Grey fur scarf, ÂŁ45, Zara

Dress, ÂŁ30, River Island Leopard puffer jacket, ÂŁ30, H&M

6KRH ERRWV Â… 7RSVKRS

Dress, ÂŁ20, H&M Lace leggings, ÂŁ4, Primark 6KRHV =DUD Â… Fur Headband, ÂŁ13, ASOS

In the line or online: is it really worth the wait? Alice Vincent Culture Editor When the online fashion house net-aporter was proposed way back in the late nineties, style gurus and fashion journos claimed it was never going to take off. A decade later, and life without online stores is near unimaginable. Ok, so net-a-pricey might be out of the average students’ budget. However, ZKHQ LQER[HV DURXQG FDPSXV DUH Ă€OOing up with weekly updates from asos, 8UEDQ 2XWĂ€WWHUV 7RSVKRS $PHULFDQ Apparel and more, it becomes apparent that online shopping has only made it easier for students to splash their cash. Because it’s just too easy to casually browse thousands of items when that HVVD\ GHDGOLQH¡V ORRPLQJ Ă€QG WKH UHDO life version of that dress you’ve been imagining for Friday night, and before you NQRZ LW Ă€IW\ TXLG RI LPDJLQDU\ LQWHUQHW

money has zoomed through the air and an exciting little bundle arrives on your doorstep the next day. It’s guilt-free – you didn’t even go near Northumberland Street. Furthermore, there’s literally something for everyone online. Not much of a high street honey myself, the internet only increases my risk of bankruptcy at WKH TXLWH OLWHUDO H[SHQVH RI QHZ VKRHV Hello, my name’s Alice, and I’m an ebay-aholic. Even when the online auction site starts giving back, when I sell off my old crap and can get some new clothes, the LQWHUQHW LQYDULDEO\ JHWV KLW ÀUVW With a good physical knowledge of American Apparel’s merchandise, online it is only too easy to get involved with all the primary colours and hot girls I may one day look like. Like when I used to make a Christmas list by cutting out the Argos catalogue –

click, click, pow. Much for my love of online spendthriftery, however, nothing beats a good brog around the shops. In my case, charity shop alley is a big YLFH ² DQG WKH WKULOO RI Ă€QGLQJ D YLQWDJH classic for less than a price of a Starbucks gives retail therapy a whole new meaning. Even in the more salubrious venues of 7RSVKRS )HQZLFN DQG ERWK RI 1HZFDVtle’s H&Ms, the sight of well merchandised pretty things just isn’t the same online. In the shops those impulse purchases are just so much easier, and so much more satisfying – especially when you get the last size ten on the rack. 7KH H[FLWHPHQW RI Ă€QGLQJ D WXFNHG DZD\ ERXWLTXH LV DOVR LQĂ€QLWHO\ EHWWHU WKDQ Ă€QGLQJ D QHZ ZHEVLWH +DYLQJ D mooch, raiding the racks, trying it all on even if you don’t have the funds – there

are just some things you can’t do on the internet. 7KRVH PLUURUV WKDW DUH WLOWHG WR VKRZ the view from the back are another retail JRGVHQG \RX MXVW FDQ¡W Ă€QG RQOLQH $GG that to other human being company telling you just how large/great/weird you look in something, and the fashion fauxpas risk in the high street is far lower. Good shops are the ones where you can spend at least two hours and not even realise. Where the dĂŠcor, the displays and the tunes are all bang on. A good physical shopping experience is like a good sexual one – it hits all the right spots, and gets all the senses going; online the best you can get is a webcam. Saying that, when trawling the shops is bad, it’s really bad; rain, crowds, smelly changing rooms, strangers’ elbows in \RXU IDFH DQG ORQJ ORQJ TXHXHV ² JRRG god, if people could buy Primark online you know they would.

Online vs. High Street: it’s really a matter of what you’re in for. If you have to Ă€QG WKRVH SHUIHFW MHDQV WKHQ QDWXUDOO\ the ‘streets’ the way to go. (Although arguably the jeans mission is invariably the most soul-destroying retail effort of them all). If you’ve plenty of spare time on your KDQGV RQ D TXLHW 7XHVGD\ DIWHUQRRQ then the high street is a heavenly idyll of TXHXH OHVV WLG\ UHWDLO DFWLYLW\ However, if you have something very VSHFLĂ€F LQ PLQG GRQ¡W ZDQW WR WXUQ XS at a party in the same dress as four other guests, or just need something to do instead of that essay, online is clearly the way forward. Whilst high street has the physical buzz of material possessions, the internet has literally thousands of items for \RX WR EURZVH DW OHLVXUH 7KH\¡UH WRWDOO\ chalk and cheese, in fact; the only thing they have in common is selling clothes.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

21

We called on him: Eric Prydz interview > Music, page 31

Culture Editor: Alice Vincent - courier.culture@ncl.ac.uk

Festival fever: Evolution is quickly becoming a major Northern festival, but is it enough to satisfy Newcastle’s music fans?

Thousands campaign for North East festival Stuart Edwards Taking the local Facebook network by storm recently comes a petition with the purpose of showing demand for a major music festival for the North East. With nearly 14,000 members to date, the ever growing popularity of VTXDWWLQJ LQ D PXGG\ Ă€ HOG GULQN ing and seeing bands for a weekend doesn’t look to slow down come summer 2010; but with such ‘variety’ on offer, does Northumberland really need its own?

Although not particularly ‘local’, both Leeds Festival and T in the Park, two of the biggest musical events of the year, are within a reasonable distance’s travelling, and Evolution serves as a small introduction to the scene for the younger generation who are unable to travel (after all, what could possibly be PRUH IXOĂ€ OOLQJ WKDQ DQ HYHQLQJ ZLWK legendary acts such as The Wombats and The View?). Appeals for the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers litter the comments

wall. Yet faced with the reality of travelling to a semi-remote location up to 50 miles away, and stumping up near to £200, what would distinguish a new event from those already available, all with an established sense of heritage? It’s fair to say that for us students hitting the wrong side of 20, the majority of us will have at least had the chance to make the pilgrimage to such a weekend. The summer BBC schedule is already littered with enough excuses

to air Kings of Leon’s 50th UK gig RI WKH \HDU 3HQGXOXP¡V Ă€ IWK IHVWLYDO in as many weeks and The Prodigy’s bi-yearly slots around the country, so if the North East really is in true need of a musical weekend, why not bring something a little more cultured? The likes of Latitude, Hydro Connect and Green Man have slowly gained momentum in recent years, so surely a logical move would be to establish a yearly event for the PRUH ÂśXQGHUJURXQG¡ EDQGV WR LQĂ X ence the masses, at a smaller price

to provide a starter weekend for the young, and potentially a second yearly festival for those willing to travel. The North East may well be in need of one or two weekend festivals, but WKHUH VLPSO\ LVQ¡W WKH Ă€ QDQFLDO EDFN ing or demand to give us a plethora of arena-rock artists on our doorstep every year. Northumberland’s summers need a reason to attract festival goers from all ends of the country, not a reason to save us a train fare to Leeds.

with Danielle Cancelliere Alice Vincent Culture Editor Danielle Cancelliere is a serious theatre addict. Since seeing the magic in primary school and ‘falling in love with Shakespeare’ after seeing a travelling production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, she’s known what she wanted to do when she grew up ever since. Having been a NUTS member throughout her degree, performances at venues around the city, including The People’s Theatre (Heaton) and RGS (Jesmond) as well the Un-

ion have become an integral part of Cancelliere’s university experience. Cancelliere won a NUTS Oscar for directing ‘Best New Play’, Daisy Pulls It Off in her second year, which she calls her proudest moment. “It was such a sense of achievement and I was so proud of the cast and everyone involved. All the hard work paid off!â€? But her efforts go beyond the university’s theatre society. After taking part in 24-hour plays around the country with Bristol Old Vic New 9RLFHV LQ KHU Ă€ UVW \HDU &DQFHOOLHUH is a student ambassador for North-

ern Stage, which allows a great education in backstage antics. “I’m doing my Cultural Industries Placement there, and it’s extremely interesting�, she says. Also part of the Improv Group, Cancelliere’s repertoire extends to Greek Tragedies, Antigone and After Juliet. From a non-stage school background, Cancelliere is a true mark of the impact university societies can have. NUTS took a production up to the Edinburgh Fringe, performed 18 shows and got some great reviews, which gave the cast a real sense of how a professional

team works. “I didn’t realise just how exhausting doing a long run like that is! You have to have a lot of stamina – it feels like a real achievement�, Cancelliere comments. With a dream of becoming part of the RSC, Cancelliere can’t get enough of learning more about theatre. “There are so many ups and downs through rehearsals, but when it all comes together - it’s magical! The atmosphere on the opening night is just electric.� With such brilliant experiences, it’s hardly surprising that Cancelliere recommends the society to

others. “I can’t recommend Improv Group, NUTS, and the Comedy Society enough for people who are interested in theatre and performance and want to give it a go. If you like Who’s Line is it Anyway, you’ll LOVE the comedy society.â€? Director Laura Attridge previews NUTS’ Women In Mind on page 24. The show is on between 17 and 19 November at 7.30pm in the Basement of the Union. Tickets are ÂŁ6 and on sale outside the Union daily.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

23

CULTURE

6LQFH WKH Ă€UVW HYHQW LQ $Ucane’s main room at the Union has featured some of the world’s most renowned DJs including the likes of 2 Many DJs, Paul Oakenfold, Boy George, Benny Benassi, Darren Emerson, Giles Peterson, Sister Bliss and most recently Zane Lowe. A man who knows all about Arcane’s illustrious history is Wax:On resident TC Monckton, one of the DJs featuring at Arcane’s December event. The Newcastle-based DJ started his career back at the Students’ Union and has gone on to play alongside many dance greats from both home at abroad. He said: “No matter who you ask, Arcane was the night that everyone looked forward to. “It started for me in 2001 and from then on I always got goosebumps just thinking about it. Back in those days you had to get your tickets well in advance with touts selling tickets on the night for upwards of ÂŁ20 a ticket! ´,¡OO QHYHU IRUJHW P\ Ă€QDO \HDU RI Uni following Sister Bliss at 3am, looking out at pretty much all of my Uni mates and more going nuts right up until 5am. “Sweat dripping off the ceiling and a full house, what more could you ask for to round off your time at Newcastle University! He added: “No matter what the future holds, Arcane holds such a special place in my heart and long may it continue. Monckton will be looking forward to the event hot off the back of his recent track ‘The Dawn’, under his and DJ partner Paul Johan’s guise ‘Hacksaw’, which, remixed by Justin Robertson, was one of the biggest records of Ibiza last summer. And for December’s extravaganza, he will be joined in the main room by Shitdisco, the Dance-punk band from Glasgow, Dukes of Bedlam, and the headliners Utah Saints. The pioneering house act from Leeds have enjoyed unparalleled

MAIN ROOM

18 years since it began, legendary dance night Arcane returns to Newcastle Students’ Union next month. The last two decades have seen Arcane become a Newcastle institution, with the infamous end of term parties bringing six rooms of electronic music to students and the Newcastle public alike, covering the most exciting, eclectic music in the city and running till a staggering 5am in the morning.

Room 2 at Arcane is put on for all the drum & bass heads out there

BACKROOMS

7KH GXR Ă€UVW H[SHULHQFHG FKDUW success with the singles, ‘What Can You Do For Me’, the original of ‘Something Good’ and ‘Believe In Me’ - productions which sampled Gwen Guthrie, Kate Bush and Human League respectively. 7KHLU VHOI HQWLWOHG Ă€UVW DOEXP KLW WKH VWUHHWV LQ DQG URVH WR WKH Top 10 in the UK album sales chart. Utah Saints have since enjoyed unprecedented success, selling around 1.2 million singles and 350,000 albums, as well as performing with an enviable range of the industry’s biggest bands and artists including a ten show stadium tour with U2. Other names the Saints have supported include Moby, Orbital, Prodigy, Tiesto, Sasha & Digweed and Carl Cox. Their catalogue of remixes is also impressive, having worked with Stone Roses, Annie Lennox, Flaming Lips and Blondie. Alongside the music, visually the main stage is sure to keep your eyes wondering all night with Arcane residents Preamptive VJs teasing the screens with massive three dimensional fun. Preamptive started their careers off at this very night and have since been taking work off some major acts such as Calvin Harris and the Chemical Brothers. Look out for them in the Basement as they get set to dazzle you with their latest motion designs.

TC Monckton, Arcane DJ

“Sweat dripping off the ceiling and a full house, what more could you ask for to round off your time at Newcastle University!�

achievements over the past 15 years as recording artists and DJs and were responsible for one of the biggest selling dance tunes of 2008 with the re-release of their classic ‘Something Good’ entering the top ten on downloads alone. The pair, Jez Willis and Tim Garbut, started out back in the early V DQG ZLWK WKHLU VW\OH DQG DPELWLRQ Ă€UPO\ URRWHG LQ WKH XQGHUground, their unique productions quickly gained mainstream notoriety.

Tickets for the event on 6 December are available now from reception priced at just £10. Be sure to get yours as soon as possible as this event has been known to sell out. Any questions regarding Arcane RU WR ÀQG RXW KRZ \RX FDQ JHW LQvolved email events@ncl.ac.uk

TICKETS

Themes have always tied in to the history of Arcane to get students involved in the general atmosphere of the night, including the Jungle, Circus and Las Vegas in previous years. For December’s event, Arcane has excelled itself yet again to bring to clubbers Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Expect the entire Students’ Union to be kitted out with sweetie decorations, chocolate fountains at the bar as well as walls you can lick and bite whilst you dance the night away. If you are a fresher this year and enjoyed your Pandamonium dance night with Chicane, Urban Knights and the 3D disco you’ll love Arcane. For second, third and fourth years who have never been to Arcane before this is your chance to redeem yourself and head down for dance event of the term.

THEMES

and has showcased some excellent sets over the years from huge names such as High Contrast, Aphrodite, Craggz & Parrelle forces and Turbulance founder and resident Phobia. The sound system has always been a crowd pleaser in this room so prepare yourself for some hard hitting drum & bass beats in Basement 2 all evening. If your into your reggae and dub step then you’ll want to be spending most of your evening within the walls of the Blue & Green room. Prince Way I and the Rude Boyz & Galz have been playing Arcane VLQFH WKH HDUO\ V DQG UHDOO\ NQRZ how to mix up the pace. They’ve also been known to drop the occasional psytrance track at the end of the night so expect some diverse tunes all night. DJs in the Green Room meanwhile will be kicking out hard breaks and dubstep all night long.

18 not out: Arcane returns to the Union

CULTURE

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Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

CULTURE

3am Girls

with Paul Smith > Steph Ferrao talks North East culture with the Newcastle University graduate and Maximo Park frontman A lot of people don’t know that you’re a Newcastle University graduate. What did you study? Yeah, I did a Combined Honours degree: English, Linguistics, Art History and Drawing. I also did a Masters in American History and Culture. Did you get involved with any clubs or societies? I was a member of the Fine Art Society – we’d watch avant-garde stuff like the Seven Seal Ingmar Bergman Ă€ OPV Sometimes we’d watch a Russian Ă€ OP IURP WKH &RQVWUXFWLYLVW HUD that’s like a ballet, and all the people would be dressed in costumes made out of geometric shapes and weird stuff like that. I also used to play for a few intramural football teams, that’d be my Wednesday afternoon activity! I remember playing for Barca-Law-Na as well as the Town Planning team. Any favourite student haunts? I’d hang out a lot at both universities in the bars with my friends. I remember going to the Trent House quite a lot - it was only down the road and it had cheap vodka, a great jukebox as well as a friendly atmosphere. I tried to sort of go to places where there was a friendly atmosphere, because in some places in Newcastle, you see people dressed up trying to impress each other. Me and my mates would try and Ă€ QG WKH SODFHV ZLWK QR ERXQFHUV RQ the door. I kind of mixed with different groups of people –I’d go down the Union on a Friday with a certain group of mates, then Northumbria Union on a Saturday with another. You seem to be a big supporter of more intimate gig venues such as the Star and Shadow Cinema and Morden Tower? <HDK \RX¡OO RIWHQ Ă€ QG PH DW ERWK places. The Star and Shadow is a place I feel very strongly about – it’s good to have those kinds of spaces where people can congregate and share ideas. Even if you’re not a vocal campaigner, it’s nice just to be in the background absorbing things. It’s a place where things are a bit different. When I was a student in Newcastle, I would yearn for places like that and try and seek out that, if things were going on outside the mainstream. Yet at the same time, it’s good to go to the O2 Academy and watch a more mainstream gig – there’s such a good choice in Newcastle. You can see things outside of the norms; I love playing with Me and the Twins (Smith’s other musical project) at the Morden Tower where there’s only 60 or 70 people and you can do what you want because people go there with an open mind. It’s so important that these places keep going, that people keep frequenting them.

Morden Tower’s had Ted Hughes and Allen Ginsburg there. The woman who runs the place is a poet herself, and she’s wondering who’s JRLQJ WR FDUU\ WKH Ă DPH DQG LV ZRU ried about what the council will do to this place. It’s been preserved for so long and I hope people keep going there. I keep putting on gigs there, and keep putting on the poetry readings there. After the hectic festival season, how do you relax between gigs? When we’re on tour I go to gallerLHV DQG WU\ WR VHH DV PDQ\ Ă€ OPV DV possible. It’s brilliant that with your laptop, \RX FDQ ZDWFK D Ă€ OP DQ\ZKHUH , have a bit of an obsession with boxsets - when we were in Los Angeles recording our latest record, there was a shop called Amoeba Records. It’s like a warehouse of loads of reDOO\ JUHDW UHFRUGV DQG Ă€ OPV DV ZHOO You can pick up things on tour WKDW \RX FDQ¡W Ă€ QG DQ\ZKHUH HOVH just the same with seeing things in galleries! MaxĂŻmo Park’s lyrics are very proIRXQG 'R \RX WDNH DQ\ LQĂ XHQFH from poetry? The Cumberland Arms in Byker is another great venue – we have played a couple of times, I’ve sung solo there, but sometimes you’d go to a poetry night there and some of the stuff is absolutely dreadful. , Ă€ QG LW YHU\ GLIĂ€ FXOW WR VLW WKURXJK things that I don’t like, so I tend to be a bit more cautious about poetry and tend to do my own research really. I’ve been reading some poems by a woman called Elizabeth Bishop at the moment and inspiration-wise I’d say Frank O’Hara – he was a poet who combined very everyday things and talked about the things that you do: falling in love, as well as more mundane things like enjoying pop music. I get a lot of inspiration from things like that because I feel that there’s a lot of transcendence in the things that we do. ,W¡V DERXW WU\LQJ WR Ă€ QG WKH ZRUGV that suit you as a person and trying WR Ă€ QG \RXU RZQ YRLFH Pop lyrics can do that - I love the way they just come on, and people like Smokey Robinson, RQH RI WKH Ă€ QHVW SRSXODU poets of our times.

I’d like to think that I aim for those sorts of WKLQJV LQ RXU PXVLF WR Ă€ QG VRPHWKLQJ DUWLVWLF RU UHĂ HFWLYH Sometimes it’s something quite aggressive and there’s certainly an edge to our music, which allows us to create something a bit different from a lot of other bands. Besides the poems, what are you reading at the moment? ,¡YH MXVW Ă€ QLVKHG UHDGLQJ D ERRN from 1921 called ‘We’ by a guy called Yevgeny Zamyatin. ,W¡V WKH Ă€ UVW G\VWRSLDQ QRYHO DQG *HRUJH 2UZHOO ZDV LQĂ XHQFHG E\

it - we’re talking about this kind of futuristic society where control proliferates and nobody is allowed an individual voice. He was growing up in Russia at the time of the October Revolution, but the book was actually banned on its publication. It’s a very interesting book, it’s quite humorous and uniquely written and I’ve never read anything quite like it.

There are loads of places outside of the city centre like the Globe Gallery in North Shields, I remember going out there on the metro to openings: you’d go and get some À VK DQG FKLSV JR WR WKH JDOOHU\ DQG have some free wine!

Do you know of any lesser-known cultural gems in Newcastle?

I was thrown into it really. I didn’t know that I could be an art teacher with the degree that I’d done, but a friend of mine said that there’s an opportunity at the college he worked at, so I just took along a portfolio. They saw that I had a Masters and that I’d been to art college; I wasn’t directly TXDOLÀ HG WR do it, a bit bizarre considering I taught there for eighteen months!

Alt Vinyl’s a great record shop where you can just go in and chat to the people who work there and they’ll recommend records to you and you can listen to the records on in there without them pressuring you to buy anything. It’s more about sharing music with each other and À QGLQJ VRPHWKLQJ WKDW you’re into. There’s a little gallery in the back that exhibits up-and-coming artists, so you get a really good crossover of music and art. You’ll meet people there who go and put gigs on, and I think that’s what we’ve always done as a band, as Maxïmo Park. The Alt Gallery is run by someone called Rebecca Shatwell, who also organises the AV festival at the Tyneside Cinema - another great place in Newcastle. There’s also Workplace Gallery which is based in Gateshead, where one of my close friends recently had an exhibition. On our

À UVW album there’s a song called Acrobat which is slow and is all spoken word – we’d initially done that song for the Waygood Gallery. We made contact with a wer who’s sadly passed away called Julia Darling – she was a well known novelist and poet from this area, and she wrote a poem based on our music. It’s easy for people to make those little connections in Newcastle because it’s a small city.

Lastly, why did you decide to become an art teacher after university?

Megan Sclater & Maudie Oppenheim Columnists It is unlikely that any of you dear readers will have managed to remain oblivious to the phenomenon that is pub golf, especially if you are partial to the occasional late night out. Up until this week we had never been part of the visor-wearing crowd, however two very important ladies’ 21st birthdays stole us of our pub golf virginity. A quick trip to Primark supplied us with long socks and ÂŁ1 visors PHDQLQJ WKLV ZHHN RXU RXWĂ€ WV DFWX ally looked the part. If you’re not familiar with the concept of ‘pub golf’, it’s basically a drinking game-cum-bar crawl where you visit a prescribed number of holes (aka bars or pubs) which in this case was nine. At each hole you are required to drink a certain beverage in however many pars (aka sips); the number of sips you manage to do it in is then your handicap. Apparently this should all make perfect sense, but seeing as neither of us has ever stepped foot onto a golf course we were left feeling a little lost, so we just did as we were told, which was essentially buying drinks and trying to down them. What a night ensued! We made it to all nine holes, starting in Spy Bar before moving onto one of the true highlights of the night: The Union. Being a Thursday night it was pretty quiet, and thus allowed us to have piggy back races out of the toilets, force the DJ to play our favourLWH WXQHV DQG VWDUW D GDQFH Ă RRU LQ Mens Bar. It was also here where the birthday girl described one of her proudest moments of her time at university, watching her four housemates each down a pint of diesel (for four girls that did Freshers’ Crew it would have been a crime not to). We enjoyed many more drinks in many more a venue, stealing Viking hats in Basement and forming a very merry circle around the birthday girls, before moving onto Bar 42 where we emptied our trebles of ice and managed again to down them in one! Next we stumbled around town in search of a cage - it could only mean one thing - Sinners and more trebles. The cage was occupied, but this was not stopping our birthday girl who was happy to share, however the two bints unbecomingly grinding up against the bars, were not. This became all too apparent when one of them tried to strangle one of our golfers in a rage. All ended well though when the bouncers saw them out and the cage ended up full of very squashed golfers. 2QO\ Ă€ YH RI WKH JROIHUV FUHZ made it to Digital where we were supposed to end up, while the rest of us were left barrelling around in Vodka Revolution celebrating with the nights winners - two hardcore young ladies who managed to end on a handicap of nine. As much as we would have loved to go to Digital, food was calling. So we ate to soak up the alcohol excesses and stumbled back to end the night on Maudie’s sofa with the rest of the golfers that were still standing. This is probably the closest we will ever get to a game of golf, but at least we can say we enjoyed it.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

25

CULTURE

Club night battle: Ape-X and Zap go head-to-head Alice Vincent Culture Editor ,W¡V JRLQJ WR EH D PHVV\ RQH LQ 1HZ castle on Friday 20th November – not only are the city’s two biggest VWXGHQW OHG KRXVH DQG HOHFWUR QLJKWV occurring, but they’re going head to head. For those uninitiated, or even, VKRFNLQJO\ XQDZDUH RI $SH ; DQG =DS LW¡V XQOLNHO\ \RX¡OO EH DEOH WR PLVV RXW RQ WKLV SURPRWLRQ ZDU %RWK QLJKWV DUH VWXGHQW UXQ VSH FLDOLVH LQ KRXVH DQG WHFKQR DQG LQ YDULDEO\ EULQJ DQ HSLF FURZG RXW ,Q D SODFH DV VPDOO DV WKH WRRQ ZLOO there be enough dance lovers to do ERWK MXVWLFH" :KLOVW =DS VHOOV RXW WKH FD SDFLW\ 'LJLWDO EULQJLQJ VHULRXV dance music to the masses over three URRPV $SH ; FHOHEUDWHV WKH QLFKH DQG KDV SOD\HG KRVW WR D QXPEHU RI LPSUHVVLYH FXWWLQJ HGJH DFWV GXU LQJ LWV WZR \HDU H[LVWHQFH LQ YHQXHV varying from DB Social and Cosmic %DOOURRP WR ,EL]D¡V (GHQ 7KH\¡UH ERWK HTXDOO\ KHDY\ ZHLJKW $GGHG WR WKH IDFW WKDW WKH RUJDQLV ers are good mates and we’ve got an H[SORVLYH PL[ RQ RXU KDQGV , FDXJKW XS ZLWK *DEULHO 'D\ $SH ; DQG -RKQQ\ (GZDUGV =DS to discuss the clash. From both, it DSSHDUV WKH Ă€ JKW IRU DWWHQGHHV LV JR ing to be an amicable one. +RZHYHU DQ\ SURPRWHU LQ 1HZ castle knows that making enemies is never a wise move, Johnny says, “you need the network. If you’re QRW LQ LW WKHQ FOXE SURPRWLRQ MXVW doesn’t work.â€? 7KLV )ULGD\ ERWK QLJKWV DUH SXWWLQJ XS D JRRG Ă€ JKW ,W¡V =DS¡V VHFRQG anniversary of their move to Digital, DQG WKH\¡UH Ă€ OOLQJ WKH FOXE¡V JLDQW main room with electro sounds and techno undertones from Fabric’s <RXQJ '- RI WKH \HDU ORFDO ER\ 5XV sel Smith. 8SVWDLUV VHHV D XQLTXH YV EHWZHHQ GXEVWHS DQG GUXP DQG EDVV WLWDQV Turbulence and Grenade. =DS SULGHV LWVHOI RQ D FRPSLODWLRQ of Newcastle’s best dance nights, drawing DJ talent from the likes of -DXQW DQG $SH ; WR EULQJ WKH PRVW

DFFHVVLEOH LQ IDVKLRQDEOH GDQFH PX sic to a student budget. :LWK FDUWRRQ LQVSLUHG Ă \HUV DQG H[FODPDWLRQ PDUNV DOO RYHU WKH SODFH =DS¡V JRW ÂśJDWHZD\ WR GDQFH PXVLF¡ ZULWWHQ DOO RYHU LW 6R ´:D[ 2Q IRU D Ă€ YHUÂľ ² LW VRXQGV JRRG %XW FRQVLGHU $SH ; DQG WKH FKRLFH JHWV SHULORXV 6ZLIWO\ EHFRPLQJ D VHULRXVO\ FUHGLEOH FOXE QLJKW $SH ; RQFH DJDLQ SXOO RXW WKH VWRSV ZLWK an incredible double booking of DJ talent. &OLYH +HQU\ UHVLGHQW RI WKH GF ,EL]D¡V LQIDPRXV SDUW\ &LUFRORFR is the night’s biggest act to date. *DEULHO 'D\ VDLG ´:H MXVW FDQQRW ZDLW WR VHH KLP SOD\ RXU QLJKW “It’s very rare you get to book one RI \RXU KHURHV DQG LW MXVW VKRZV RXU success in the last two years.â€? 6HFRQG SDUW RI WKH GRXEOH DFW LV 2¡&KLOGUHQ¡V +DUU\ -DPHV FXUDWRU RI /RQGRQ¡V 6QDS &UDFNOH DQG 3RS +H¡V NQRZQ IRU VKRZFDVLQJ WKH OLNHV of Crookers, Duke Dumont and Shy Child and will be bringing informed HOHFWUR DQG GXEVWHS ZLWK EHDXV RI the moment, Mudlove. It’s likely you’ve had your head in D ER[ LI \RX¡UH \HW WR KHDU RI 1HZFDV tle’s latest electro night. Mudlove’s VWURQJ OLQNV WR 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHU VLW\¡V '- VRFLHW\ ² UHVLGHQW 0DUN 5L chardson founded it – demonstrate WKH SURZHVV RI WKH FLW\¡V VFHQH $UH WKH ER\V IHHOLQJ WKH SUHVVXUH" %RWK V\PSDWKLVH ZLWK WKH XQIRU tunate circumstances and wish the best for each other, but it seems that the difference between niche and FURZG SOHDVHUV ZLOO EH IDYRXUDEOH to both on the night. :KLOVW =DS KDYH FDSDFLW\ FURZGV WR IDOO EDFN RQ $SH ; NQRZ ZKHUH their clubbers’ loyalty lies. As *DEULHO 'D\ VD\V ´=DS LV D KXJHO\ SRSXODU QLJKW EXW , IHHO ZH FDQ UHO\ on the music fans to come down for RQH RI WKH PRVW UHVSHFWHG DUWLVWV LQ the world.â€? Ape-X is at Cosmic Ballroom 11pm4am, entry ÂŁ6 pre-tickets, ÂŁ7 guestlist, ÂŁ9 on the door. Zap is at Digital from 11pm, entry ÂŁ5 guestlist,ÂŁ7 other.

On the decks: how will the DJ talent arriving in Newcastle this Friday challenge the crowds?

Independent vs. Institution NUTS - it’s all in the mind Christopher Scott It’s easy to see why The Rough Guide to Great Britain voted Newcastle’s nightlife number one. Just go out any night of the week and \RX ZLOO Ă€ QG SOHQW\ RI FOXEV KROGLQJ events, large and small, and catering for any musical dietary requirements. But with so much choice on the menu, it can be hard choosing which kind of night to go for. :KHQ ZDONLQJ DURXQG FDPSXV LQ UHFRUG VWRUHV RU HYHQ DURXQG \RXU Ă DW LW¡V KDUG WR LJQRUH WKH KXJH JDULVK SRVW ers lining the walls, all advertising big QLJKWV RXW SODVWHUHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH ELJJHVW QDPHV LQ WKH GDQFH GXE VWHS RU R&B. 7KHVH SRVWHUV KRRN \RX ZLWK DQ XQ ZULWWHQ SURPLVH RI D JRRG QLJKW RXW DQG it becomes harder to ignore them whilst VLWWLQJ LQ 0XQFKLHV DW DP RUGHULQJ DQ RWKHU SL]]D QRW OHDVW DV \RX DWWHPSW D WURSK\ PLVVLRQ These nights are normally held in the ELJJHU FOXEV ZLWK ODUJH FDSDFLWLHV ELJ JHU EDUV DQG PRUH SHRSOH WR GUXQNHQO\ dance/stagger with. 7KHVH DUH WKH FOXEV \RX VHH SHRSOH TXHXLQJ IRU KRXUV WR JHW LQWR VR LI SHR SOH ZDQW WR TXHXH IRU WKDW ORQJ LW VXUHO\ must be worth the wait, mustn’t it? It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a student here, chances are you’ve already been drawn into one of these QLJKWV HVSHFLDOO\ DV WKH\ VHHP WR VSH

cialise in every genre imaginable. If it’s indie you’re into, look no further WKDQ Âś6WRQHORYH¡ DW 'LJLWDO ,I LW¡V GXE VWHS try ‘Rub a dub dub’ at Cosmic Ballroom. ,I \RX¡UH XQVXUH JR IRU D NHEDE VRPH WKLQJ ZLOO GHĂ€ QLWHO\ WHPSW \RX Another thing about these Institution nights is that they are weekly, so if you get the bug and want to go again, same SODFH VDPH WLPH QH[W ZHHN MRE GRQH And because of their recurring theme, WKH\ GHYHORS D ODUJH IDQ EDVH VR \RX¡UH JXDUDQWHHG D SDFNHG QLJKW But with all these tried and tested nights, it’s often easy to overlook the VPDOOHU LQGHSHQGHQW RQHV Usually organised by local students and lacking the kudos of the bigger events, it’s easy to miss the diamonds in the rough. These nights offer alternatives: smaller YHQXHV IHZHU SHRSOH SXVKLQJ SDVW \RX DOO QLJKW DQG D SOD\OLVW RI VLPLODU EXW SR WHQWLDOO\ PRUH QLFKH PXVLF WR WKHLU ELJ ger siblings. 'HVSLWH ODFNLQJ WKH ODUJH SRVWHU GLV SOD\V \RX FDQ VWLOO REWDLQ LQIR IRU WKHVH QLJKWV IURP SHRSOH IRUFLQJ ELWV RI SDSHU LQWR \RXU SDOPV DV \RX JR DERXW \RXU daily business, and even though they ORRN OLNH JRRG VFUDS SDSHU WR ZULWH OHF ture notes on, they are at times worth a look. While they face clubs who effortlessly SXOO RII PDVVLYH QLJKWV HYHU\ ZHHN WKH LQGHSHQGHQWV GRQ¡W KDYH WKH VDPH UHSX tation to fall back on.

Even though it’s easier to have a bad H[SHULHQFH IURP DQ LQGHSHQGHQW QLJKW IURP P\ SHUVRQDO H[SHULHQFH VRPH RI P\ PRVW HQMR\DEOH QLJKWV KDYH EHHQ DW the smaller venues. 7KLV LV GRZQ PDLQO\ WR WKH SHRSOH LW IHHOV OHVV OLNH ÂśIRUFHG IXQ¡ ZLWK PRUH SHR SOH MXVW JHQXLQHO\ HQMR\LQJ WKHPVHOYHV Everyone’s there to try something new, DQG \RX RIWHQ PHHW OLNH PLQGHG SHRSOH at such events. At the end of the day, it’s DOO GRZQ WR SHUVRQDO SUHIHUHQFH ,I \RX ZDQW D ÂśVDIHU¡ RSWLRQ DQG MXVW ZDQW \RXU FUD]\ DQWLFV WR EHFRPH PRUH GLOXWHG LQ D ELJJHU FOXE WKHQ RSW IRU WKH institution nights. ,I VKRUWHU TXHXHV FKHDSHU GULQNV DQG D change of scenery are what you’re after, JR IRU WKH LQGHSHQGHQW QLJKWV %RWK DUH ZRUWK D WU\ DQ\ZD\ VR FKDQF es are you won’t lose out. And if nothing on the menu tickles your fancy, go for the IDVW IRRG RSWLRQ DQG JR WR %DVHPHQW

Inside today >>>

Crossword, Sudoku and Picture Phrase Puzzles, page 37

Laura Attridge What would you do if you were VWXFN LQ D VH[OHVV ORYHOHVV PDUULDJH ZLWK DQ HJRFHQWULF VSRXVH ZKRVH VSLULWXDOLVW VLVWHU ZDV OLYLQJ ZLWK \RX LQGHĂ€ QLWHO\ DQG IRUFLQJ \RX to eat her atrocious cooking, while \RXU VRQ KDG MRLQHG D FXOW RQ +HPHO +HPSVWHDG DQG UHIXVHG WR VSHDN WR you? 7UDSSHG LQ WKLV VLWXDWLRQ 6XVDQ WKH SURWDJRQLVW RI $ODQ $\FNERXUQ¡V H[WUDRUGLQDU\ SOD\ Woman in Mind, FUHDWHV DQ LPDJLQDU\ IDPLO\ WR KHOS KHU HVFDSH IURP WKLV IUXVWUDWLQJ UH ality. ,Q KHU IDQWDV\ DQ DGRULQJ KXV band, brother and daughter shower her with affection and treat her to FKDPSDJQH RQ WKH ODZQ ,W¡V DQ LGH al state of affairs until Susan begins to lose control over the characters VKH FUHDWHG DQG WKH ERXQGDULHV EH tween fantasy and reality become terrifyingly blurred. The work of Ayckbourn, one of the most successful English Language SOD\ZULJKWV ZULWLQJ WRGD\ LV QRWR ULRXVO\ GLIĂ€ FXOW WR VWDJH HIIHFWLYHO\ QRW OHDVW EHFDXVH KLV SOD\V DUH ZULW WHQ IRU WKH WKHDWUH LQ WKH URXQG 2QH RI WKH Ă€ UVW WKLQJV DQ DFWRU LV usually taught is this: never turn your back on the audience. In the round, this rule no longer DSSOLHV VLQFH HYHU\ ZD\ WKH DFWRU

turns, his or her back will have to be GLVSOD\HG WR VRPH PHPEHUV RI WKH audience. The rehearsals for Woman in Mind have required the cast to almost FRPSOHWHO\ UH OHDUQ KRZ WR XVH WKHLU bodies and voices in relation to the VWDJH ,W¡V EHHQ D VORZ SURFHVV EXW WKH UHVXOWV DW WKH RWKHU HQG DUH LQ credibly rewarding for both cast and audience. Woman in Mind LV H[HPSODU\ RI WKH FODVVLF $\FNERXUQ WKHPH WKH G\V IXQFWLRQDO IDPLO\ ZKRVH SUREOHPV are both hilarious and devastating. (VVHQWLDOO\ WKH SOD\ FHQWUHV URXQG Susan’s mental and emotional EUHDNGRZQ EXW LW PDQDJHV VLPXOWD QHRXVO\ WR EH VLGHVSOLWWLQJO\ IXQQ\ -XOLD 0F.HQ]LH ZKR SOD\HG 6XVDQ LQ WKH Ă€ UVW SURGXFWLRQ RI WKH SOD\ received a letter from an audience member who wrote, “I came to see a matinee with my daughter who is in her forties. I had a thoroughly good laugh and I looked around to see my daughter crying. I took her for tea and said, ‘What’s the matter?’ 6KH VDLG Âś'DGG\ WKDW¡V KDSSHQHG WR PH , KDG WKDW VDPH FRPSOHWH FRO ODSVH ¡ , VDLG Âś, GLGQ¡W QRWLFH ¡ 6KH said, ‘I know.’â€? ‘Woman in Mind’ is being performed at 7.30pm on the 17th, 18th and 19th November in the Basement of the Student Union. Tickets are only ÂŁ6 and will be available on the door.

26

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

CULTURE

Arts

Arts Arts Editor: Stephanie Ferrao - courier.culture-arts@ncl.ac.uk

C. ASHMORE

The Sound of Music Joanne Bartlett The Sunderland Empire plays host to the internationally renowned Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, from the 17th November. This November, the West End of the North East welcomes the classic musical the Sound of Music. The musical plays out the story of Maria, a young nun who leaves her life in the convent to become a governess to the Von Trapp family – the strict Captain Von Trapp and his seven mischievous children. Maria has several obstacles to overcome, but eventually wins the hearts of the children and the Captain through her love of singing. Connie Fisher reprises her role as Maria - the part which many will remember her winning on the BBC’s Saturday night talent show, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, back in 2006. The award-winning talent contest saw Fisher compete to appear on the London Palladium stage under the watchful eyes of musical maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian – who initiated The Sound of Music’s revival. Fisher went on to star as Maria LQ WKH :HVW (QG IRU À IWHHQ VWUDLJKW months to substantial acclaim from critics and audiences alike. She returns for a UK tour, stopping in the North-East for two weeks only. Before winning the BBC show, Fisher trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, gaining a First Class degree in Musical Theatre. She has also starred in other theatrical productions and appeared on a variety of television programmes, including The Omid Djalili Show. The musical also stars Michael Praed as Von Trapp and Margaret Preece as the Mother Abbess - both of whom have reputable stage careers. Eighteen young actors and actresses share the role of the Captain’s six youngest children. The Sound of Music is directed

by Jeremy Sams who has worked on numerous productions in the West End and is choreographed by Arlene Phillips - best known as the formidable former judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series. The musical includes all of the well-known songs, which many will recognise from the 1965 OscarZLQQLQJ À OP ZKLFK VWDUUHG -XOLH Andrews as the leading lady. The Sound of Music has long been a favourite across generations and continues to be a regular feature in polls recounting the greatest musicals of all time. This particular production looks set to be an extravaganza of a show and includes a fourteen piece orchestra, over seven miles of cables for the lighting alone and a total of ninety-two people backstage during the performance itself. The show takes a lot of work to tour, with the set taking thirty hours to assemble and costume changes having, in some cases, to be done in less than nine seconds! The cast’s performances have already gained glowing reviews across the country and will not fail to put a smile on the faces of the audience. Fisher herself has won numerous awards for her role, including ‘Best Newcomer’ from The London Critics and The People’s Choice Award for ‘Favourite Actress’. It is almost guaranteed that The Sound of Music will be shown on television at some point this Christmas, so why not gather up your friends and celebrate Christmas early with this record-breaking stage production! This timeless and touching story is complemented by an impressive cast who, with a large dose of song, dance and laughter, make this an evening not to be missed. I for one am sure that the Sunderland Empire will be alive with The Sound of Music. The Sound of Music runs at the Sunderland Empire from 17 November to 5 December 2009.

Connie Fisher in the Sound of Music

Plans for a 2012 Olympics cultural monument

YES Rachel Flint Boris Johnson’s plan to construct a 15 million pound steel monument to celebrate the 2012 Olympics in London is hoped to be a huge future tourist attraction, promising to somewhat optimistically rival the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. Speculated to reach over 400ft tall, the structure will dominate the capital’s skyline, providing breathtaking views, from viewing platforms, from its central position in the Olympic Park. 15 million pounds may be a large amount to spend on what is speculated to be a giant electricity pylon particularly during the recession, but this is not just another tacky

meaningless piece of modern art littering our capital in the name of culture. The structure will commemorate what is predicted to be one of the greatest cultural events in British history, the 2012 Olympics. Regardless of cost, hosting the Olympic Games is a great opportunity for Britain to show the world what a powerful, forward-thinking and diverse nation we really are. It is an honour to host such a renowned event and we should embrace every opportunity this event offers, including the more artistic and cultural aspects. The games are a chance to really celebrate being British, to present a united nation, and the monument will provide a lasting reminder of this landmark event long after the athletes have left the stadium.

NO Polly Randall You would think an event which is completely restructuring, regenerating and re-branding a substantial part of our capital city would be in itself leaving a substantial legacy. Apparently Mayor of London Boris Johnson doesn’t agree and wishes to commission a 400ft statue in memory of the Olympics in 2012, something along the lines of a pylon meets a totem pole. Is this really a good representation of what the Olympic Games’ mean to London? More like art for art’s sake. Another commissioned sculpture in no way appears relevant in the current climate; when excessive

shows of wealth are a faux pas, particularly in the current economic climate. The current track record of British sculptures is further reason to steer clear of such projects, the B of the Bang sculpture erected in 2005 in Manchester to celebrate the Commonwealth Games was plagued with issues and this year is to be taken down. Rather than having importance DQG YDOXH FUHDWHG WKURXJK À QDQFLDO worth, shouldn’t art create its own? The Angel of the North is an image of the North in and of itself, the PDVVLYH FXOWXUDO VLJQLÀ FDQFH LW QRZ holds was not imagined when it was À UVW FUHDWHG E\ $QWKRQ\ *RUPOH\ 10 years ago. The Olympics are sure to leave their own mark on our country in stadiums and swimming pools, this PXVW EH EHWWHU WKDQ DQ\ DUWLÀ FLDO egotism masquerading as being of FXOWXUDO EHQHÀ W

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

27

Arts

CULTURE

M. MCLAREN

Shallow at BALTIC Gemma Farina Unleashing his latest work at Newcastle’s own BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Malcolm McLaren’s exhibition Shallow guarantees to raise both eyebrows and expectations. Shallow, on show in BALTIC’s Ground Floor Cinema from Friday 16 October, is a series of original musical paintings or cut-ups composed by Malcolm McLaren from DSSURSULDWHG FOLSV OLIWHG IURP Ă€OPV which depict people just before sex. The cut-ups have been excavated from the ruins of pop culture: DPDWHXU VH[ Ă€OPV DQG SRS PXVLF McLaren has likened them to a map of feelings that navigate both the ‘look of music’ and the ‘sound of fashion’. The exhibition has received critical acclaim worldwide after being shown at art institutions such as London’s Royal Academy of Arts. According to McLaren, the paintings encompass both the ‘look of music’ and ‘sound of fashion’. Combining art forms to create something new and exciting, as well as embracing all that is taboo, is naturally something of a hobby for Mr McLaren. So put aside your inhibitions and explore the works of one of the most remarkable pop culture icons alive today. Appreciate the collection of a man who sparked the beginnings

of the most exciting artistic and musical rebellions of recent years, but make sure an open mind is the one thing you take with you. McLaren has been a pop cultural icon for over thirty years. An artist in the most post-modern sense of the word, he has consistently been at the forefront. McLauren started out as a young student in London’s art schools including Goldsmiths College and Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design. He’s probably best known for almost single-handedly creating and manipulating the Punk movement which surfaced in the late 1970s. He was the imaginative force behind the safety pins/mohair jumpers/DIY look we know so well – add Vivienne Westwood’s fashion expertise into the mix and you have a style which empowered the youth DQG KRUULĂ€HG SDUHQWV RI WKH WLPH If you know the Sex Pistols you’ll NQRZ WKDW PXVLFDO DELOLW\ GHĂ€QLWHO\ wasn’t the key to their success. It was the anarchistic lyrics alongside clothes screaming ‘rebellion’ which really cemented the band as WKH Ă€JXUHKHDGV RI %ULWLVK SXQN FXOture. His management of the Sex Pistols combined style and music to generate controversy, and his recent artistic explorations rely on a similar formula. McLaren couldn’t have put it better

Shallow at the BALTIC

himself - in a recent documentary about the life of the late Sid Vicious, he described his mentality in 1979: ‘I realised that if it doesn’t cause trouble, it’s not worth doing!’ From his shrewd management of the Sex Pistols to his design partnership with Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren has certainly man-

aged to shock the British public over the past thirty years. In cultural terms, McLaren has explored almost every avenue possible. His creative abilities have been expressed through various jobs: from lecturing, to directing and even running for Mayor of London! He may not have done it all, but

If you haven’t heard of the Ouseburn Valley before, this is the perfect opportunity to check out the city’s real cultural headquarters! So, with the Ouseburn Open Studios weekend happening on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November, this is a fabulous opportunity for you to get a feel for the real Newcastle art scene. Whether it’s the underground music scene, a concern about the environment, an interest in highbrow cinema, hunting for original works of art, or simply to sample the contiQHQW¡V Ă€QHVW ODJHUV 2XVHEXUQ LV WKH place to be. There are a number of studios coming together for the event, including the recently established Biscuit Tin Studios, as well as The Biscuit Factory Studios, Cobalt, Foundry Lane Studios, 36 Lime Street, Mushroom Works, Northern Print and RASKL, meaning that there will be over 200 artists from the Ouseburn Valley involved in the event and welcoming you into their working environment. The weekend offers the public the rare opportunity to chat to studio holders about their work and learn about what goes on behind the scenes. Also, a wide variety of the work on display will be available to buy on special offer. There truly is an incredible amount of art on show over the weekend. Things kick off on Friday as the Biscuit Factory open their studios for a preview evening, which includes 28 independent spaces used by painters, photographers, sculptors, designers, glass and textile artists. Also open on Friday evening is Mushroom Works, a gallery that is fast establishing itself as the most eclectic and interesting collection of

artists and designers in the North East. They will be repeating their 20x20 for £20 artwork deals, especially for the event. Cobalt studio group also has a special offer of a 25% discount on all orders placed over the weekend. RASKL is another one to keep your eye on. They are a unique team of designer-engineers specialising in the production of exciting and innovative lifestyle products and custom design solutions. This year visitors are invited to sit with one of RASKL’s designers and talk through a concept for your ideal piece of furniture. Using 3D design software, the designer will draw up the piece live on a big screen, allowing you to watch your idea come to life right in front of your eyes. For more details and up-to-date news visit the website at www.ouseburnopenstudios.org.

Inside today >>>

Reviews of ‘The Fourth Kind’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ Culture, page 28

Preview of the BBC’s Children in Need this Friday Culture, page 34

Shallow will be exhibiting at the BALTIC until 10 January 2010

Oh Noetry!

Ouseburn studios open their doors to the public Taz Burwaiss

he’s certainly had a good crack at it. And nothing’s changed. Now approaching his sixtieth birthday, McLauren has managed to build up a fascinating collection from the debris of pop culture.

Finola Gibson

tion. The photos are to be submitted both digitally and physically and submitted at the reception of the Union along with a consent form that can be obtained there or from the UNCU website. The competition closes midnight Monday 23rd November. All the photographs will be displayed on Friday 27th November, provisionally at the new City Library exhibition space. Tickets are ÂŁ3 and include a glass of wine and nibbles. There will be plenty of opportunity to peruse the exhibition as well as comment on the photos, before the talk and prize giving. The prize is ÂŁ100 cash with 2 runners up prizes. Tickets for the exhibition evening will be available from UNCU members, look out for tickets on sale outside the Union over the coming weeks and, subject to availability, on the door.

As the weather in Newcastle starts to reach sub-zero, us students start to favour a night in front of the telly over queuing up outside Sea on a Friday night. But before you head for the sofa, there’s a new night that promises to laugh away the winter blues as the Linguistics and Comedy societies have come together to create a fresh new poetry and comedy night with a twist. Unlike any other comedy event, it combines the serious artistry of poetry reading with the crude but undeniable hilarity of student gags. The event celebrates those who have the balls to share their own views in a hilarious and original way...for prizes! The participants of the event fall into several categories. The comedic category for those who feel they have something funny to say and hope that the audience will laugh and smile knowingly. There’s also a category for those who are daring enough to be put on the spot and have only an hour or two to come up with a piece of comic genius. The event is a poetry slam, meaning that there are no rules or boundaries, so be warned there is sure to be bucketfuls of crudeness, and there’s even the chance of audience participation so watch out as you could be left blushing. Oh Noetry is the perfect evening event that’s easy on the wallet, leaving you more for Christmas shopping or even just for Rush Hour in the Mens Bar! If you’re a fresher like me, and you feel that the most cultural thing you have seen stretches no further than Countdown, then this event offers something culturally different that could spark off your own creative ingenuity and promises to leave you in hysterics.

For any more information :r.k.leckenby@ncl.ac.uk

Global Cafe in the Union, 8pm, 27 November, ÂŁ2 entry

Put your faith in photography Christine Lee So many people own a camera, whether it’s a two mega pixel on a phone or a SLR with heaps of functions, you need only spy a Facebook homepage to see the plethora of photos that are snapped! But, what about those which make you gasp, “Wow!�? The Christian Union are currently running a photography competition on the theme of ‘Hope’ and challenge you to get involved. This competition is open to anyone. You don’t have to be a fancy-pants photographer with an intimidating camera, it’s the representation of hope that needs to be captured. The judges are all professional photographers from fashion and international specialities. The main judge and speaker on the night is going to be Jodi Hinds, a successful photographer specialising in lifestyle, wedding, documentary and portrait photography. The photo is to be taken by the person submitting it but doesn’t have to have been taken for this competi-

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Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

CULTURE

Film

Film )LOP (GLWRU )UDQFHV .URRQ FRXULHU FXOWXUH Âż OP#QFO DF XN

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*L]PR DQG =DFK *DOOLJDQ¡V KDS less Billy from the quaint town of the original to a giant skyscraper LQ 0DQKDWWDQ Before you know it, the infamous ´UXOHVÂľ DUH EURNHQ DQG D Ă XUU\ RI UDELG *UHPOLQV DUH OHW ORRVH LQ WKH EXLOGLQJ 'DQWH UXQV ZLOG ZLWK WKH SRVVLELOLWLHV KHUH SDURG\LQJ WKH RULJLQDO DQG VHTXHOV LQ JHQ HUDO DQG FUHDWLQJ D QRQ VWRS UXQ RI GD]]OLQJ VHW SLHFHV At one point, the Gremlins acWXDOO\ LQWHUUXSW WKH Ă€ OP LWVHOI changing the channel to a John :D\QH Ă€ OP 7KH VN\VFUDSHU LV RZQHG E\ 0U &ODPS D PDUYHOORXV SDURG\ RI FRUSRUDWH $PHULFD SRUWUD\HG KLODULRXVO\ E\ -RKQ *ORYHU (OVH where, a host of character actors VXFK DV &KULVWRSKHU /HH DQG 'LFN Miller bring cartoonish life to the VXSSRUWLQJ FDVW Gremlins 2 is such a joy to watch DJDLQ DQG DJDLQ EHFDXVH RI WKH love of cinema which emanates WKURXJK HYHU\ IUDPH 7KLV LV D Ă€ OP IRU HYHU\ Ă€ OP ORYHU DQG HYHU\RQH ZKR¡V HYHU FORVHG WKHLU H\HV DQG OHW WKHLU LPDJLQD WLRQ UXQ ZLOG

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How David Haye became WBA world heavyweight champion Sport, page 38

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

29

Film

CULTURE

Reviews

ZDUQ WRUQ ,UDT QR OHVV ,Q WUDQVLW he meets Lyn Cassady (Clooney at his funniest), who regales Bob with

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:DUULRU EUDFH IRU LURQLF LPSDFW 7KURXJK D SDWFKZRUN VHULHV RI Ă DVKEDFNV ZH PHHW &DVVDG\¡V former mentor Bill Django (Jeff ‘The Dude’ Bridges) and rival Larry Hooper (Spacey), in what becomes a Cain and Abel story for the modern, SV\FKLF DJH Eventually, Cassady’s mission is PDGH FOHDU Ă€QG DQG UHVFXH 'MDQJR ZKR LV VRPHZKHUH LQ WKH ,UDTL ZLOGHUQHVV 7KH Ă€OP EDVHG RQ WKH QRQ Ă€FWLRQ ERRN RI WKH VDPH QDPH LV D KLODULous discourse on oddball military WDFWLFV 7DNHQ LQ VWULGH ZH JHW WR VHH WKH ins and outs of the very possible, ‘More true than you might believe’ adventures of what could have been $PHULFD¡V PRVW SRZHUIXO DVVHW 7KRXJK 0F*UHJRU¡V DFFHQW VOLSV now and again, it doesn’t detract from the Coen Brothers-esque sat-

The Fourth Kind

severe trauma after the unsolved murder of her husband, which prompts her to investigate the mysWHU\ IXUWKHU 7KH Ă€OP EULQJV WRJHWKHU ÂśUHDO¡ UHFRUGLQJV PDGH E\ 'U 7\OHU DW WKH time, an interview between director Olatunde Osunsanmi and Tyler recorded 2 years later and a dramatised version of events starring JoYRYLFK The decision to mix 3 different VW\OHV RI IRRWDJH ZRUNV VXUSULVLQJO\ well and, while the pseudo-docuPHQWDU\ DSSURDFK RI WKH Ă€OP SURYHV WR EH VRPHWKLQJ RI D RQH WULFN SRQ\ LW WKDQNIXOO\ GRHVQ¡W RYHUVWD\ LWV ZHOFRPH FORFNLQJ LQ DW MXVW PLQXWHV

-RYRYLFK SUREDEO\ PRVW NQRZQ for her lead role in the Resident Evil saga, puts in a strong performance ZKLFK KHOSV PDVN ZHDN DFWLQJ E\ VRPH RI WKH FDVW DQG KHU OLNHDELOLW\ on screen means some of the more à LPV\ SORW SRLQWV WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH ÀOP FDQ EH RYHUORRNHG (YHQ VR WKH ÀOP OHDYHV VHYHUDO WKLQJV XQH[SODLQHG )RU H[DPSOH a white owl is a heavily referred to DW WKH VWDUW RI WKH ÀOP EXW LV QHYHU H[SODLQHG :KLOH ODWHU LQ WKH ÀOP WKH PDLQ FKDUDFWHU ÀQGV KHUVHOI LQ WURXEOH with the law but seemingly forgets that she’s recorded all the meetings with her patients which would SURYH KHU LQQRFHQFH

The Men Who Stare at Goats Dir: Grant Heslov Cast: Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey Runtime: 93 minutes 'R PH D IDYRXU 7U\ WR SLFWXUH WKH VLPSOH JHRPHWULF VKDSH , DP WKLQNLQJ RI *R DKHDG LW ZRQ¡W KXUW \RX ,I \RX JXHVV FRUUHFWO\ KRZHYHU \RX PD\ EH FDOOHG XSRQ DW D ODWHU GDWH 'R QRW EH DODUPHG 6LPSO\ JR ZLWK them and await further instructions, and in the meantime, you may read the following: ,Q WKLV VWDU VWXGGHG LQGLH URPS we follow the story of local news UHSRUWHU %RE :LOWRQ 0F*UHJRU who after separating from his wife, does the only brave and heroic thing KH FDQ WKLQN RI KH UXQV DZD\ WR

Dir: Olatunde Osunsanmi Cast: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton, Hakeen Kae Kazim Runtime: 98 mins $ ÀOP WKDW FODLPV WR EH œEDVHG RQ true events’, The Fourth Kind reYROYHV DURXQG WKH OLIH RI 'U $ELJDLO Tyler (Jovovich), a psychiatrist located in the small town of Nome, $ODVND ,Q WKH ÀOP DQ LQFUHDVLQJ QXPEHU RI WRZQVIRON KDYH EHHQ ZDNLQJ LQ WKHLU VOHHS IRU XQNQRZQ UHDVRQV ZLWK WUDXPDWLF DIWHU HIIHFWV Tyler herself is still suffering from

A Christmas Carol Director: Robert Zemeckis Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth Runtime: 96 mins From the director who brought us The Polar Express and Beowulf comes DQRWKHU WDOH SDFNHG ZLWK FRPSXWHU HIIHFWV ZL]DUGU\ People are probably already familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Carrey), a miserly old grump who detests Christmas and is haunted by three spirits to get him WR FKDQJH KLV VHOĂ€VK ZD\V EHIRUH LW¡V WRR ODWH ,I \RX¡UH QRW RQH RI WKRVH people, then this wouldn’t be the ZRUVW Ă€OP WR LQWURGXFH \RX WR LW 1RU ZRXOG LW EH WKH EHVW $Q\RQH expecting a jolly tale to get them in

Bright Star Bright Star Dir: Jane Campion Cast: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Kerry Fox Runtime: 119mins Over the past few years period dramas have all tried give us timeless romantic stories of relationships that are supposedly able to stand WKH WHVW RI WLPH ,Q WKH ULJKW KDQGV WKHVH Ă€OPV FDQ be pure cinematic escapism and fantasy, in the wrong ones they can end up being lame attempts at Oscar JORU\ 7KDQNIXOO\ -DQH &DPSLRQ¡V ODWHVW offering, Bright Star LV WKH IRUPHU Beautifully crafted and delicately ZULWWHQ WKH Ă€OP HYHQ KDG 4XLQtin Tarantino sending the director D WKDQN \RX OHWWHU IRU Ă€OPLQJ VXFK

the mood for Christmas will be fairO\ VKRFNHG E\ =HPHFNLV¡ Ă€OP IXOO RI GDUN IURVW\ VSDFHV OLW E\ Ă LFNHULQJ FDQGOHV 7KH EXON RI WKH VWRU\ LV WDNHQ XS E\ Scrooge’s journeys through his past, present and future and at times it can drag a little bit through the sheer PLVHU\ RI KLV DQG RWKHUV¡ VLWXDWLRQV Having said that, when you are lifted out of the dim coal ember URRPV WKH FDPHUD WDNHV UROOHU FRDVWer rides, howling Scrooge in tow, through a digital Victorian London, you’d have to be fairly sceptical not WR EH WDNHQ LQ E\ Carrey is good, and with the aid of some computer magic he’s transformed into a wiry little frame with 'LFNHQVLDQ SRLQWHG IHDWXUHV DQG ERQ\ KDQGV Not so good are the spirits, also played by Jim Carrey, whose accent

GRHV WHQG WR VOLS D ELW *DU\ 2OGPDQ SOD\V WKH RQO\ RWKHU character with more than two dimensions, and really delivers as Bob &UDWFKLWW 6FURRJH¡V FOHUN VWUXJJOLQJ WR SURYLGH IRU KLV IDPLO\ ,W¡V D VSRW GDUN LQ SODFHV DQG H[cept for the Christmas Day resolution it can be a bit much, though as a casual watch you can do a lot ZRUVH ,W ORRNV JUHDW LQ ' WRR EXW LI LW¡V IHVWLYH FKHHU \RX¡UH DIWHU VWLFN WR WKH 0XSSHWV

H[FHOOHQFH %XW WKHQ DJDLQ ZKDW GR \RX H[SHFW IURP WKH Ă€OP PDNHU ZKR gave us The Piano 7KH Ă€OP LV EDVHG RQ WKH IRXU \HDU relationship between Poet John .HDWV SOD\HG E\ WKH XQGHUUDWHG Ben Whishaw) and his muse Frances Brawne (Abbie Cornish) and how it inspired the young wordsmith to FRQFHLYH VRPH RI KLV JUHDWHVW ZRUN <HW DV LQWLPDWH DV WKH ERQG EHWZHHQ the two lovers is, there is an innocence and playfulness rarely seen in VXFK Ă€OPV WKDW EULQJV D XQLTXH IHHO WR WKLV RQ VFUHHQ FRXSOH Ben Whishaw is superbly cast as WKH RGG EXW FKDUPLQJ .HDWV EXW LW is Abbie Cornish who really stands out as Brawne, the actress has the SHUIHFW EOHQG RI HPRWLRQ TXLUNLQHVV and realism in her performance that LV OLNHO\ WR EHFRPH KHU ELJ EUHDN &DPSLRQ¡V VNLOOV DV D ZULWHU GLUHFtor comes out in the elegance and

VXEWO\ RI WKH ÀOP PDNLQJ :LWK WKH essence of the story embedded in WKH XQVSRNHQ PRPHQWV DQG LQWULcacy of the many gorgeous scenes RQ GLVSOD\ As much of a perfectionist as Campion is, Bright Star is not going to appeal to everyone as the plot may not follow your typical romantic WHPSODWH ,W LV KRZHYHU D ÀQH H[DPSOH RI indie cinema and is one of the best ÀOPV LQ LWV JHQUH WKDW ZLOO DSSHDO WR fans of period dramas as much as WKRVH ZKR GR QRW

James Stubbs

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LUH And while the complex plot and bumpy pacing may be a bit much for some moviegoers, this bizarre foray on the military thriller is great fun, sporting just the right amount RI JORRP DQG ODXJKV %\ WKH ZD\ GLG \RX WKLQN RI D VTXDUH" ,I QRW ,¡P DIUDLG \RX DUHQ¡W WKH SHUVRQ ZH¡UH ORRNLQJ IRU ,I VR H[SHFW D NQRFN RQ WKH GRRU DQ\ PLQXWH QRZ <RX¡OO JHW LW ZKHQ \RX VHH LW

Those who go in with a cynical apSURDFK ZRQ¡W Ă€QG WKLV WR WKHLU WDVWH but if you can let yourself buy into the plot then The Fourth Kind provides plenty of scares and turns out WR EH D UDWKHU HQMR\DEOH URPS

Jonathan David Lim

Adam Williams

Jennifer’s Body Dir: Karyn Kusama Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody Runtime: 102 min The second silver screen project from Juno writer Diablo Cody comes in the form of this highly anWLFLSDWHG FRPHG\ KRUURU Ă LFN 7KH EDVLF RXWOLQH RI WKH Ă€OP VXUURXQGing a high school nerd and her poODU RSSRVLWH EHVW IULHQG Megan Fox plays the latter, as expected, with Amanda Seyfried as WKH PRUH VHULRXV IRUPHU 7KLV SDLU of naive teens live in a middle-ofnowhere American town that consists of one bar, one high school and a bottomless waterfall; their only contact with the ‘real’ world essenWLDOO\ EHLQJ YLD 0\VSDFH That is until Adam Brody and his EDQG URFN XS DQG FDXVH D ELW RI KHDW TXLWH OLWHUDOO\ All this culminates in the boy’s KDQG SLFNLQJ 0HJDQ )R[ IRU ULWXDO VDFULĂ€FH 7KLV EHLQJ VRPHZKDW lamely explained by the bands beOLHI WKDW HUP DQ LQYROYHPHQW LQ 6Dtan worship may boost record sales, of course! 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH\ PDNH D VOLJKW miscalculation in their selection of a virgin, (seriously Megan Fox?) and PDQDJH WR XQOHDVK D Ă HVK HDWLQJ demon unto the town, in the form RI WKH ÂśIR[\¡ 0HJDQ¡V ERG\ ² $ . $ -HQQLIHU¡V %RG\ 7KHQ LW¡V OHIW WR WKH Ă€OP¡V KHURLQH Amanda Seyfried, to save the day, (although she probably could have SXW LQ D ELW PRUH HIIRUW 7KLV Ă€OP OLNH Juno GRHV SLFN XS on some teen issues and anxieties; but unfortunately these issues and anxieties are far more overdone than those raised in Cody’s previRXV FLQHPDWLF VXFFHVV

Jennifer’s Body delivers a few intelligent one-liners but, other than that, showcases very little originalLW\ ,I \RXU VL[WHHQWK ELUWKGD\ KDV come and gone it probably isn’t worth the outing, even if it does manage to get you out of a chilly student home and snuggled into a FRV\ FLQHPD VHDW All in all, this movie is great for confused high school teens, but the narrative offers no relevance to an\RQH SDVW WKDW SHULRG LQ WKHLU OLYHV ,¡G JLYH LW D WU\ LI \RX¡UH IHHOLQJ nostalgic, otherwise, wait for the '9'

Alex Murray

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

31

Music

CULTURE

Music Music Editors: Mark Corcoran-Lettice and Chris Mandle - courier.culture-music@ncl.ac.uk

with

Eric Prydz David Coverdale Editor Eric Prydz shot to fame in 2004 when his single ‘Call on Me’, coupled with its infamous video, topped the UK singles FKDUWV IRU Ă€ YH FRQVHFXWLYH ZHHNV 7KH Courier caught up with the Swede ahead of his set at Digital to chat about his fear RI Ă \LQJ KLV UHPL[ RI &DOYLQ +DUULV DQG KLV QHZ DOEXP You’re back in Newcastle Eric. How do you like playing at Digital? I love it here. I’ve played here three or four times for Shindig at Digital and I’ve always had a great time – I love playing in Newcastle. The crowd is really good, the people are always up for it and I love the club. I really like the set-up for the DJ - it’s really well thought through and the sound is amazing. It’s a great club to play in. Have you got a favourite club in the world? It’s kind of impossible to pick one favourite. For me, because I’m Swedish, there’s always something special about going back to Sweden to do a gig. I’m going back home to play on Christmas Day actually and that is something I have been looking forward to for the last six months. So for me, the best place to play at is in Stockholm. Why did you come to the UK to live? There were a lot of reasons. I moved to London in 2004, mainly because Sweden is very up north. To travel to the rest of the world from Sweden was a bit of a pain in the arse really, compared to living in London where you are much closer to everything. I was also at a stage in my life where I was getting tired of the whole thing – waking up every morning, viewing the same sort of stuff. I didn’t really have anything that held me back in Stockholm - I GLGQ¡W KDYH P\ RZQ Ă DW DQG ,¡G MXVW broken up with my girlfriend. I went over to London for a week to visit a friend and I was just amazed

by the city. <RXU IHDU RI Ă \LQJ LV ZHOO GRFX mented. How is that these days? :HOO , Ă HZ D ORW ODVW \HDU , Ă HZ WRR much. It kind of burnt me out a bit VR ,¡YH GHFLGHG QRW WR Ă \ WKLV \HDU ZKLFK KDV EHHQ UHDOO\ GLIĂ€ FXOW EH cause I’ve been made to concentrate on other stuff. )RU PH WKRXJK LI , KDYH D Ă LJKW booked in a month in advance I will worry every day. It really gets to you after a while. I just decided to take some time out, tour round Europe and go into the studio a lot. <RX¡YH MXVW UHPL[HG &DOYLQ +DU ULV¡ Âś)ODVKEDFN¡ ZKLFK LV \RXU Ă€ UVW remix for a while. Why do you not do as many remixes as you used to? I don’t do that many remixes nowadays, purely because for me, it isn’t really fun taking someone else’s track and just tweaking it a bit. When I do a remix I want to change the whole track and I want people to look at it in a totally different way. If the track is really happy then I want to do it really dark. It takes a lot of work, and often when I am doing a remix of someone, I change it all around, and it turns out too good to give away. I like to just concentrate on my own productions for my own labels instead. Are you bringing an album out soon? 7KH DOEXP LV Ă€ QLVKHG , Ă€ QLVKHG LW off a few months ago actually. The thing with the album is that it was always meant to be a Pryda album which is one of my alter egos and also my own label, but the album turned out a bit too good I think. I don’t really want to release it as Pryda, I want to release it as Eric Prydz. I want to put my own name on it. I do all these things in the underground scene with Pryda and with Mouseville, then you have Eric Prydz which is the more commercial side with the number one singles. The reason for that is that I signed

a contract with Ministry of Sound in 2004 and they actually own the name ‘Eric Prydz’, so I have to deliver a certain amount of singles for them. That’s why I started off Pryda because I wanted to do my own thing – I wanted to release the music that I was playing when I was DJing. But Ministry obviously only want big singles which is why it’s become that Eric Prydz is the big chart topping singles and Pryda is more underground. The sound of the album is very happy and melodic and very summerish, so releasing it in the winter would just be stupid. I think we are aiming to release it around March. Do you ever worry about criticism you may get from fans when you bring out an Eric Prydz tune like Pjanoo that gets into the charts? Of course not. Pjanoo, for example, which was the last record that I put out on Ministry, was originally released on Pryda, but you never know with records, everything is

about timing. It doesn’t really matter how good the record is - you can sit in the studio thinking ‘oh this is going to be such a big hit’ but then the timing might be wrong and nothing happens. However, if you release the record the next year or a year after that, it sometimes just blows up, and that’s what happened with Pjanoo. How do you feel when tunes like that become chart hits? I think it’s really cool. You have to remember that Pjanoo is an instrumental track and so for that to be a huge hit in the UK singles chart is crazy. There’s no vocal or anything, it’s just an instrumental club house track. And I think that’s really good for the scene generally because it opens people’s eyes a bit more to what we are doing. Every now and then there are singles that have come from the underground scene and crossed over. All of a sudden they are being played on daytime radio and have a video. I think that’s really good because it

keeps the scene alive and it keeps the interest up from people outside of the usual circles. Have you got any tips for young producers? Yes I do. Don’t try to get successful. Do music and produce music because you love it. That’s the ethos that I had from day one. I’m not in it for the money, I’m not in it for the fame or anything like that. For me, it’s all about being in the studio and making that track that just makes my hairs stand on end. That is pay-off enough and if other people like it as well then that’s great. I think that you should make music that comes from the heart and not think ‘what’s the sound of right now, what are other people doing, I’m going to try and do something like that now’ – that’s not the way to do it. See page 32 for a review of Eric Prydz’s gig at Digital

Television bands: stop pretending? Elliot Bentley Bands with their own television shows can be the victims of major snobbery from music fans who PLJKW FRQVLGHU WKHP DUWLĂ€ FLDO DQG to be placing style over substance. And they’d be right. ‘Good’ bands originating from TV shows – the likes of Flight of the Conchords and Tenacious D – are best known for writing songs incorporating basic storylines and absurdist humour, rather than their music. That said, it’s all done with a knowing irony. Then there are the cheesy pop groups such as S Club 7, whose music is introduced to their tweenie audience through some form of

musical soap opera. The difference between such shows and traditional musicals is they’re merely a platform for selling records, rather than a creative merge of art forms. Disney, since the runaway success of High School Musical, have realized the potential of their children’s channels to sell records, I’m sure all of you have failed to hear of any of their focus-tested, family-friendly rock stars, the biggest being Hannah Montana and The Jonas Brothers, who have sold 8.1 million records. Some established artists have exSHULPHQWHG ZLWK 79 DQG Ă€ OP OHDVW of all the Beatles in ‘Help!’, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and the trippy ‘Yellow Submarine’. And who could forget no matter how hard they tried - the

Spice Girls’ big-screen blockbuster ‘Spiceworld’? But let’s not forget the original manufactured group, The MonNHHV ,QLWLDOO\ PHUHO\ DFWRUV WKH\ eventually managed to escape their creative shackles and write their own songs – though there is perhaps a moral to be gleamed from the subsequent cancellation of their TV show.

They’re merely a platform for selling records, rather than a creative merge of art forms

Joe Skrebels There’s always a certain amount of scepticism when actors cross boundaries and often with good reason – Jennifer Love Hewitt’s music is almost painfully dull, and The Hoff’s terrifying ‘Jump In My Car’ may have scarred me for life. There’s always a certain sense of it being undeserved when it happens, because record companies just have WR Ă DVK WKH IDPRXV QDPH DW WKH public for sales. But a look over the history of these crossovers shows why we shouldn’t write off the actor-cum-musician too quickly. A personal favourite of mine is Tenacious D. You can argue that their

entire angle is novelty rock, but after a brief time listening to Kyle Gass’ guitar skills and Jack Black’s ridiculously powerful voice it becomes clear that these two have the musical talent to carry them along, not to mention that they put on a better show than Metallica at Reading Festival two years ago. On the more serious end of things, Zooey Deschanel’s swooning indiepop album with M. Ward as She & Him received some very positive reviews and showcased her husky tones in beautiful fashion. So before you go slagging off the next jumped-up action star with a keytar, give them a chance, because Hollywood can hide some real gems.

32

CULTURE

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

Music

J. WEEDEN

Live Reviews Daniel Johnston The Sage, November 5th

(ULF 3U\G] Digital, November 6th

Maps The Other Rooms, November 5th

It is amazing when music still possesses the ability to surprise you, and this was more than ever the case with Daniel Johnston’s show. Having been drawn to this gig mainly by the support act of Laura Marling, I was oblivious to the work of the main act, but even if I had heard the songs on record, when performed they take on a very different form. A change from the everyday touring bands, Johnston rarely performs in the UK and this was clear in the devout fan base that had turned out. Songs, such as ‘Life In Vain’, which on the surface may have appeared simple and child-like, were transformed into lyrics with a real sense of yearning when performed live. The show really came into its own when Johnston was backed by the Ă€UVW VXSSRUW EDQG 7KH :DYH 3LFtures, who on their own had put on a quaint performance punctured with twee lyrics about marmalade. The occasional Beatles cover also appeared from time to time; not a bad thing but at the same time a tad unexpected. Laura Marling was a beautiful presence, delivering a mixture of new and old songs that meant overall the night was an enjoyable discovery of the endless possibilities of music.

(ULF 3U\G] MXVW GRHV QRW GLVDSSRLQW This may not have been a Shindig night, but it may as well have been. It was Digital on Friday, but it was like the Saturdays of old with a packed, up-for-it crowd and music to more than please the masses. John Dahlback, a fellow LondonEDVHG 6ZHGLVK SURGXFHU ZDV Ă€UVW on the turntables, and his blend of house music proved to be the perfect foil for what was to follow from 3U\G] When the Godfather of the SwedLVK +RXVH 0DĂ€D WKHQ WRRN WR 'LJLWal’s hallowed decks, he delivered in every single way, with tech-house monster ‘On Off’, produced under 3U\G]¡V DOLDV &LUH] ' WKH KLJKOLJKW of the opening hour. His set evoked memories of his epic Essential Mix from Radio 1’s Ibiza weekend in August, as he played a number of stand-out unreleased tracks; teasers perhaps for his eagerly awaited debut album next year. The crowd in Digital went off to WKH VRXQG RI 3U\G]¡V VWXQQLQJ QHZ remix of Calvin Harris’ ‘Flashback’, before his two-hour set was brought WR D FORVH ZLWK DQ HGLW RI Âś3MDQRR¡ D tune that still receives an immense reaction, no matter how commercial the track has now become.

Polly Randall

It took a few songs for Maps to get a crowd assembled, then a couple more to get them going. Sounding like the best bits of many other electronica bands combined, the onstage duo of James Chapman and live member August played song after song where layers of synth beats and electronic sound samples lacquered together with deep indie rock tones. :LWK QR WHFKQLFDO GLIĂ€FXOWLHV EDU the occasional vocals being hard to hear, the setup worked well. Neon tubing and trippy back lighting effects, combined with the music made the overall feel of the night quite a unique one. The pair created an almost hypnotic atmosphere and not one face in the crowd looked disappointed, with the most responsive moments coming when the pair played songs IURP WKHLU Ă€UVW DOEXP DQG Âś, 'UHDP Of Crystal’ from the new album, ‘Turning The Mind’. But even the new material was well received and was a good showcase of what they are able to do live. After the performance, speaking to James, he admitted the crowd probably needed a bit longer to fully digest the latest album, but they will be touring again very soon hoping to draw larger crowds and increase their following.

David Coverdale Editor

Christopher Scott

To see what gigs are coming up at the Union visit: www.unionsociety.co.uk/events

with Luke Haines Mark Corcoran-Lettice Music Editor As the leader of Britpop pioneers The Auteurs, a member of Black Box Recorder and a solo artist, Luke Haines has been responsible for some of the most singular and witty music of the last two decades. Along with NSR’s own Ben Lowes-Smith, Culture Chat got a rare audience with the songwriting legend. Your new album, 21st Century Man/Achtung Mutha, is a double album. How much of a conscious decision was it to make that the case? Well, it’s not so much a double album as two albums – if you were to take the Achtung Mutha tracks and mix them up with all the 21st Century Man tracks, it’s wouldn’t really work, it’d be fairly incoherent. I had all these incoherent tracks, which became Achtung Mutha, you see. Your last two albums seem to have warned against the fetishism of nostalgia; is that a concern of yours? It’s not a cultural concern, but it is a personal one; maybe it’s something I keep going back to. I don’t really mind repeating myself, that’s part of it. You develop a voice and a style, and you don’t necessarily do completely different things all of the time! Not that I’m making an excuse for my records all sounding the same – I don’t care if they do or not – but that’s just what I do.

On the cover of the new album, you’re pictured imitating [early 20th century Dadaist poet] Hugo Ball – do you consider him a 21st Century Man? Hugo Ball was obviously a 20th century man – that original photograph would have been taken in the 1910s – it wasn’t saying that I am Hugo Ball! That period though interests me, ZKHQ SHRSOH VHHPHG WR Ă DXQW DOO conventions, which I think maybe doesn’t really happen now. It’s quite GLIĂ€FXOW WR WU\ DQG LQYHQW DQ\WKLQJ new, certainly via music, and there are a couple of homages on the album to that period. The track ‘Russian Futurists Black Out The Sun’ is a homage to a futurist opera called ‘Victory Over The Sun’, which is about two cosmonauts who were going to wage war against the sun and create a new reality. To me, that’s having a go, writing an opera about waging war against the sun‌I can’t better that, so I thought I’d just doff my cap to it. I understand that ‘I’m A Rich Man’s Toy’ from the ‘Now I’m A Cowboy’ record was sent to Kylie Minogue people, which I thought was funny‌ Well, they didn’t think it was so funny! I used to do that occasionally, just pitch songs to people. Are there any contemporary pop artists you’d want to do that for now?

No! [laughs] I’m not very interested in modern pop music in any way really. I’m out of the loop really – I’m a man in his forties, and invariably I’m not very interested. I’d have to take an interest in young groups, which really would be a bit weird DW P\ DJH Ă€QGLQJ RXW ZKDW DOO WKH twenty-year olds are up to. My attitude is, good luck to them all, and I’ll leave you alone. There’s been some talk of a fourth Black Box Recorder album, is there any news on that? It’s not going to happen. We recorded a single, but I think we all feel uneasy, and I don’t really want to be a group, or hide behind a group name. I think you can still do rock’n’roll when you get to a certain age, but you have to acknowledge that you are that age. Nick Cave does it well, obviously, while Morrissey doesn’t do it well; D Ă€IW\ \HDU ROG PDQ VWLOO VLQJLQJ about gay adolescence‌I’d be interHVWHG LQ 0RUULVVH\ LI KH GLG D Ă€IW\ year-old man record. That’s the way old songwriters used to work, you’d be singing it from the view of a sixty-year-old, not from the view of a twenty-year-old. Your Britpop memoir ‘Bad Vibes’ came out this year, and I’ve heard that there might be a second volume‌ Yeah, I’m in the process of that at the moment. Chronologically, it overlaps a little with ‘Bad Vibes’, because when I wrote that I wasn’t planning a second, so it goes over

and into a bit more detail about the start of Black Box Recorder, and it goes on to about 2002-3. With Oasis having split up and the Blur reunion on hold, do you feel about having outlasted your old contemporaries? Well, the members of Blur are pretty successful in their own right, and Brett Anderson’s still making solo albums. A lot of the glut of that period has gone away, but I always expected it to. I just carried on making records, and whether anyone buys them or not, I couldn’t care, I’ll just get on with it. You will keep making records

then? Well, yes. The thing is, I don’t have the means to put out records as regularly as I used to do, where I had a major record label and I could go in, say ‘I’m making a record now’, and they would go ‘Okay, here’s a truckload of cash, go and make that record’. The music industry’s changed, and it’s a bit harder for me to make records, to try and pull everything together. I always use professional recording studios, which cost money, rather than just doing it at home or something. A full version of this interview can be found online at www.unionsociety. co.uk/nsr

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

33

Music

Record Reviews

Singles & Downloads

Flight of the Conchords - I Told You I Was Freaky When TV-hilarity greats Flight of The Conchords release an album of the tracks that permeate their selftitled cult comedy show, one cannot help but assume that it’s a desperate Christmas-related money spinner for HBO. After all, they’re a novelty band, aren’t they? Isn’t that made hugely apparent by the show that shot them to relative indie fame? Who would possibly want an entire record of tracks that are only listenable because they’re normally accompanied by amusing dancing and the lovable face of Brett? OK, enough rhetorical questions. The album’s here, and most cool-ish mums will probably be putting it in a stocking near you this Christmas. The good news is that it can still PDNH PH VSUD\ UHFHQWO\ GUXQN Ă€ ]]\ liquid all over my laptop from my nose in a thoroughly unladylike demonstration of amusement. Even the biggest FOTC fans will appreciate the legal compilation of 13 of the soundtrack’s best tracks at the touch of an iPhone. From disco remix classic ‘Too 0DQ\ 'LFNV 2Q 7KH 'DQFHĂ RRU ¡ to reggae-inspired ‘You Don’t Have To Be A Prostitute’ via the Fairport Convention-esque ‘Rambling Through The Avenues Of Time’, the

Biffy Clyro Only Revolutions

Conchords provide a comedic journey through the major musical genres with successful pastiche. The highlight is ‘Sugalumps’, which is quite honestly the best piss take of weak club R’n’B in existence ever; think of a male version of Black Eyed Peas’ ‘My Humps’. Especially as it makes up a trilogy of gritty ‘urban’ music with opening rap tune ‘Hurt Feelings’ and ‘We’re Both In Love With A Sexy Lady’. Unleashing this in Sea would probably reverse the recent heinous Imogen Heap sampling by Jason Derulo. Saying that, the album falls down on those tracks which require the show’s context to be listenable. ‘Petrov, Yelyena, and Me’ is such an example. Sure, it’s funny, but I’d skip it after a couple of listens, as I would ‘Friends’, also. Still, the lyricism just can’t be beaten for in-joke and public laughter points. I’ve been questioning my friends if they’ve ‘ever been told that [they] look like a llama’, or announcing that I’m ‘posing like a swan’ for days, and it’s still funny.

La Roux - Quicksand With its shrill vocals and repetitive synth, ‘Quicksand’ is pretty predictable – and anyone hear a bit of Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry’ in there? Still, on the back of a year as a familiar face in the UK Top 40, La Roux’s latest effort promises to grace the speakers of Digital for the next few months. Sigh‌ (Gemma Farina

Alice Vincent Culture Editor

Humasyoubitch/Sonofabitch

Ellie Goulding – Under the Sheets Blogged about, hyped up and riding on a wave of expectation, Ellie Goulding offers us a glimpse of why she’s talked of as being the next La Roux, Little Boots et al. A synth drenched slice of radio friendly pop, that does her cause no harm. (Tom Richards) The Horrors - Whole New Way The Horrors continue to shake off any remaining accusations of placing style over substance with their new song, ‘Whole New Way’, which sees another change in sound - this time to a more electronic one previously hinted at on Primary Colours. (Elliot Bentley)

8/10

Cosmo Jarvis

CULTURE

Maximo Park Twelve EP

Weezer Raditude

Alice In Chains - Your Decision Mighty grunge gods Alice in Chains have lost their way. ‘Your Decision’ is a four-minute acoustic driven dirge, the only redeeming feature being Jerry Cantrell’s powerful voice, but it seems that much of the original atmosphere from Layne Staley-era AIC cannot be recaptured. This is grunge without any of the attitude. (Linsey Teggert) Los Campesinos! – These Are Listed Buildings Cardiff’s favourite indie pop seven-piece come hurtling back as strong as ever. Gareth Campesinos still sounds like he’s on the verge of an emotional breakdown, his lyrics are catastrophically beautiful, the layers of instruments work perfectly, and just try not humming along to the chorus after listening to this. Perfect. (Tom Richards)

Newcastle’s favourite sons have invited four of their favourite dancebased artists to each remix a song of WKHLU FKRLFH IRU WKHLU Ă€ UVW Âľ (3 Twelve. What we’re given is three mixes of ‘Let’s Get Clinical’ and one of ‘A Cloud of Mystery’ (a dreamy PL[ E\ GXEVWHS SLRQHHU 0DUW\Q This could have rendered the whole affair a little samey, but actually acts as a glimpse into the scope remixers have for completely reworking the feel of a song. The ‘Let’s Get Clinical’ mixes take disparate approaches; Tom Middleton’s Twisted Edit is straightforward GDQFH Ă RRU IDUH DOO SXOVLQJ EDVV DQG looping vocals, whilst Hijacker’s Haunted House mix distances the vocals and concentrates on a simple drumbeat and bubbling synths. The best of the three is the Clark Remix which completely mangles Paul Smith’s voice and somehow manages to make Maximo Park sound like a danceable Nine Inch Nails at times. The Twelve EP isn’t destined to be a classic; whilst Clark’s remix is genuinely brilliant, the others aren’t anything particularly special. As an experiment however, it’s certainly an interesting enough stop-gap release before new Maximo Park material.

)RU :HH]HU IDQV HYHU\ QHZ DOEXP release ends up being a rollercoaster ride. After their undeniably brilliant self-titled debut, critics were quick to condemn the rawer sound of Pinkerton 5ROOLQJ 6WRQH PDJD]LQH ludicrously declaring it the second ZRUVW DOEXP RI DQ DOEXP QRZ RIWHQ UHJDUGHG DV WKHLU Ă€ QHVW ZRUN +HUH WKRXJK :HH]HU VHW RXW WR make a party album (frontman Rivers Cuomo claims ‘it sounds like a roomful of people having a great WLPH¡ DQG GHVSLWH that title, it succeeds. ‘(If You’re Wondering If I Want <RX 7R , :DQW <RX 7R¡ LV SHUIHFW SRZHU SRS DV RQO\ :HH]HU FDQ GR whilst ‘The Girl Got Hot’ and ‘I’m Your Daddy’ are much better than their cringeworthy names would lead you to believe. The sound is an amalgamation of their recent work – ‘Let It All Hang Out’ is pure Green Album, whilst ‘In The Mall’ could have come straight from Maladroit. 'HVSLWH WKH RGG KRUULĂ€ F PLVVWHS HVSHFLDOO\ WKH EL]DUUH /LO¡ :D\QH FROODERUDWLRQ Âś&DQ¡W 6WRS 3DUW\LQJ¡ and shallow lyrics, this is a much more focused and consistent effort than last year’s Red Album, and whilst it won’t satisfy those fans looking for the new Pinkerton, if accepted for what it is, this is the best :HH]HU DOEXP LQ \HDUV

6/10

6/10

7/10

Benjamin Jackson

Joe Skrebels

Ben Travis

7KH Ă€ IWK RIIHULQJ IURP 6FRWODQG¡V favourite trio, Only Revolutions, lives up to all expectations and then some. From the rolling drums on ‘Whorses’ to the falsetto vocals on Âś%XEEOH¡ WKLV DOEXP RR]HV HQHUJ\ ‘The Captain’ has caused some, for want of a better word, controversy among the hardcore followers but, in all honesty, I think it’s undeserved. Yes, it’s more mainstream, and it’s considerably different to their earlier songs, but different certainly does not equal bad. Take the stunning ‘Many Of Horror’, one of several acoustic songs. The arpeggio intro blends perfectly into the gentle orchestra on the chorus – it’s easy to see this becoming a huge live favourite in the vein of Puzzle hit ‘Folding Stars’. ‘That Golden Rule’ comes closest WR WKH %LII\ RI WKH Ă€ UVW IRXU DOEXPV with a frantic, brutal riff that starts with no warning, drums that constantly drive the song and the climactic strings at the end that make for a truly epic song. Whether you are a staunch protector of The Vertigo of Bliss or if you prefer the more ‘mainstream’ Puzzle, there is no way you could call this a bad album. It’s a fantastic example of a great band doing exactly what they know they do best.

This album is actually a double album, showcasing both Cosmo -DUYLV¡ PHODQFKRO\ DQG PRUH XS beat sides. With the names Humasyouhitch and Sonofabitch, there’s no SUL]H IRU JXHVVLQJ ZKLFK LV ZKLFK Âś&UD]\ 6FUHZHG 8S /DG\¡ LV RQH of the best on the album and pretty upbeat, despite the lyrical content being about a collection of highly questionable characters in highly questionable situations. Whilst on the topic of lyrics, they are hugely variable from thought provoking to dreadful, which is a shame given that the melodies behind them are consistently good. Whilst it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, with a fair chunk of lyrics being about pretty lewd teenage isVXHV UHDG SRUQ DQG PDVWXUEDWLRQ it’s not bad. The range of styles, emotions and moods captured are incredible. Most of the songs have a witty vein running through them, although this becomes tedious and \RX Ă€ QG \RXUVHOI FUDYLQJ O\ULFV WKDW are properly thought through as opposed to puerile nonsense. The idea is a good one and a great way to exhibit both of his personas, but he may have stretched himself too far here. On balance, it’s a good album, let down by a handful of songs.

9/10 Benjamin Jackson

The Cheek – Hung Up Pumping out of Suffolk’s music scene, The Cheek are here with a new single, ‘Hung Up’. It’s a bit of an era hopper, with a dash of 60s rock and roll and a load of indie. It’s a nice tune with some really great guitar sounds, but sadly it’s not going to blow anyone away. (William Tasker)

Gordon Bruce Culture Online Editor Once again, we’ve got another week of excluive coverage and writing here for you all, only at The Courier Online. For those of you intrigued by our Luke Haines interview, we’ve got a review of his recent performance at The Cluny by Romain Chenet, while Mark Corcoran-Lettice weighs in with a verdict on the man’s latest UHFRUG VW &HQWXU\ 0DQ $FK tung Mutha. There’s also all our blogs and excluive sessions for you, so log on to www.thecourieronline. co.uk to read all about it!

34

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

CULTURE

TV & Radio

TV & Radio TV & Radio Editor: Aimee Philipson - courier.culture-tv@ncl.ac.uk

Children in Need is here COURTESY OF BBC

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To make a donation to Children in Need this year: - Visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey - Call 0345 7 33 22 33 - Donate loose change at your local Coinstar Centre (www.coinstar.co.uk) - Via the red button on your TV

COURTESY OF CHANNEL 4

Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor

Coronation Street

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THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

35

TV & Radio

CULTURE

with

Miss Frank Fran Infante Deputy Editor & Michael Savage

Following their untimely exit from X Factor just three weeks ago, The Courier caught up with the Miss Frank girls, Shar Alexander, Gra]LHOOD $IĂ€ QLWD DQG 6KDQLFH 'DYLV before their performance at Powerhouse Nightclub as part of their whirlwind tour of the UK. )UDQ 6R JLUOV ZKDW KDYH \RX EHHQ up to since you left the X Factor? Graziella: We’ve been on a MAD tour since we stepped out of the house. Shar: We’ve been in different cities we can be in three cities in one day, in one night even! Shanice: We’ve shot a video, we’ve done a charity single for X factor – it’s called ‘You Are Not Alone’. Shar: It’s a Michael Jackson cover and all the proceeds go to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. 0LFKDHO 6R ZKHUH KDYH \RX EHHQ WRGD\ KDYH \RX KDG D FKDQFH WR VHH any of Newcastle? Graziella: We just got here from Harrogate. Shanice: And before that we were in Blackpool and before that Leeds... Shar: And that’s like, in two days! Shanice: In the last two nights! It’s mental. Fran: But enjoying it, yeah? 6KDQLFH 'HĂ€ QLWHO\ , MXVW GRQ¡W ZDQW it to stop! Fran: How different is it for you SHUIRUPLQJ LQ D YHQXH OLNH 3RZHU KRXVH FRPSDUHG WR WKH OLYH ; )DF WRU VKRZV" ,V LW OHVV QHUYH ZUDFN LQJ NQRZLQJ WKDW \RX KDYHQ¡W JRW to face the judges? Graziella: I think it’s actually quite nice instead of having to perform to the camera like on the show.

Shar: And having just four blank faces staring at you Graziella: Yeah it’s nice that we can interact with the crowds in the clubs, and have that intimacy that we didn’t really get on the X Factor. Shar: On top of that as well is knowing what the outside people feel about your performance and if they like you or not. Graziella: In clubs they can get raw, if they don’t like you they’ll boo you, you know? And so far we haven’t had it! [laughs] But when you’re locked away in the [X Factor] house, you don’t know how people outside feel about you. )UDQ , LPDJLQH QRW KDYLQJ WR ORRN GRZQ DQG VHH 6LPRQ &RZHOO¡V IDFH is a bit of a relief as well. Graziella: I think performing to more people rather than just four giant people that are in front of you , judging you on everything that you are insecure about anyway, is so much more relieving. Shanice: Because you can react with them – the judges just sit there with a straight face, they don’t give you anything. Fran: So on the show, you had the smallest amount of time of any of the acts to form yourself into D JURXS :KDW RWKHU JURXSV KDYH LQĂ XHQFHG WKH IRUPDWLRQ RI 0LVV Frank? Graziella: Yeah we had basically six ZHHNV IURP VWDUW WR Ă€ QLVK Shanice: I think we’ve taken a lot from Motown. Shar: Yeah everything old school. %XW ZH GLG ORRN VSHFLĂ€ FDOO\ DW 0R town, certain movements they had, the way they harmonise together and we’ve taken from that. Shanice: But mostly we have individual styles so we’ve used our own styles and meshed them to make us unique. 0LFKDHO , UHDOO\ OLNH WKDW \RX¡YH all got your own fashion styles too - that bracelet is mint! Graziella: (laughing) That’s from the

show! The day they kicked us off all the stylists were like “Oh we’re so sorry you goingâ€? and we were like “Yeah, yeah us tooâ€? – just trying to get all the free stuff in our bags! )UDQ 6R \RX¡UH GRLQJ VR ZHOO DV D JURXS QRZ ZRXOG \RX HYHU JR back to being solo artists again or is Miss Frank here to stay? Shanice: We’re going to keep working on Miss Frank for a while. Shar: We’re enjoying it and I think we’re all working our hardest to try and build on what we’ve got so far. Shanice: We have only been together for a very short time and I feel like we have achieved a lot, in terms of getting a fan base together, which we really appreciate, and I think we just really want to keep pushing this urban quality – just trying to hone in on it and get it out there so the public really can enjoy it. Shar: And you know we are song writers too so we do want to get on with some of our own stuff. 0LFKDHO 6R GRHV WKDW PHDQ ZH¡OO EH seeing an album from you soon? Graziella: Ooohh. Well we haven’t had the chance yet, we’ve just stepped straight into touring but it LV GHĂ€ QLWHO\ VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ZH ZDQW

to do, so watch this space. Fran: Who do you want to win X Factor? Shanice: It’s so hard to say because everyone deserves to win. Everyone is different and everyone respects each other for that. Shar: Everyone in that house is talented enough to win, everyone is working so hard; it’s impossible to say. Michael: Who do you think has the best shot at winning? Shar: I think maybe Olly. *UD]LHOOD 'HĂ€ QLWHO\ 2OO\ Shanice: I would like Jamie-Afro (Archer) to win because he’s different and he’s such a lovely guy, a real gentleman. 0LFKDHO $UH 6LPRQ &RZHOO¡V WHHWK as white in real life as they look TV? Shar: Do they really look that white? I never noticed! Maybe I just got used to it? Shanice: But then we all got our teeth laser whitened too. Michael: Really? All of you? 6KDU <HDK DOO WKH Ă€ QDOLVWV JRW LW GRQH

– it cost like thousands of pounds of each for us! Fran: The week you all left the VKRZ 'DQ\O ZDV LQ WKH ERWWRP WZR with you, and the following week he got lots of bad press about being big-headed. You know him better than us; is that criticism fair? *UD]LHOOD 'HĂ€ QLWHO\ QRW QRQH RI that’s true. Shanice: He’s not like that at all. Graziella: No, he’s such a sweetheart and so humble and a good bloke, you know? I think when you work on the stage you work with a mask, you work with your alter ego and you maximise all your strengths on stage but when you come off you’re back to yourself, who you really are. He’s just really humble and really sweet and caring and loving and yeah he’s one of my best friends actually. Michael: OK ladies, well I think WKH\¡UH ZDLWLQJ IRU \RX WR JR RQ stage. Thanks so much for your time! Miss Frank’s new single will be performed along with the other X Factor Ă€ QDOLVWV RQ WKH 6XQGD\ UHVXOWV VKRZ RQ 15 November.

Children in Need on air Wednesdays on NSRLive

Ayse Djahit It’s that time of year again when we say hello to our favourite yellow bear, Pudsey. And this year’s Children in Need promises to be bigger and better than ever. For those that might not be able to see the show on BBC 1, here’s a little taster of what’s on offer on the radio instead. This year, BBC Radio 2 is hosting a series of auctions; ‘Terry Wogan’s Auction of Things Money Can’t Buy’, and his fellow presenter Chris Evans is also getting in on the action. It all kicks off on Thursday 19th November during Evan’s Drivetime show. Chris Evans’ auction is clearly a car enthusiast’s dream: lot one comprises of the chance for up to 80 people to go to the ‘Drive Time Dine And Disco 2010’ at one of his three pubs, to enjoy a champagne reception and dinner. The winner of lot two however, will get to drive all seven of his Ferraris, culminating in a drive at the famous Goodwood circuit and a banquet. But if Ferraris aren’t your idea of a good time, Wogan, the veteran host,

Christian Allen NSR Station Manager

is offering four days of auctionpacked fun starting today with the chance to win a cruise with the stars (although it neglects to say which ‘stars’), a one-on-one cricket session with the legendary Kevin Pietersen or a ‘Get Hot With Gok’ day. If, like me, you’re torn between Pietersen and Wan, check out the BBC Radio 2’s website for more details on each of the auction lots. It just might be you getting one of Gok’s infamous fashion makeovers - and no you don’t have to look good naked!

If Wednesday’s child is full of woe, then one way to be rid of those sorrows is to log on to nsrlive.co.uk. From 4-6pm ‘One Step Forward, Two Steps Back’ plays a mix of both up-and-coming bands and alternative favourites from the past forty years. This week the team discussed the recent chart success of the Japanese P.M, new ideas for iPhone applications as well as regular features ‘MySpace Retrace’, ‘Spoken Word Track of the Week’ and ‘Achievement of the Week’. Last week’s playlist included The Soft Pack, Orange Juice, Cocteau Twins, Death Cab for Cutie and Two Doors Cinema Club; quite a teatime playlist. Following on from this is Cat and Joe’s Southern Comfort. Expect a mix of folk, indie and whatever else they feel like, last

week including tracks from Nirvana, Camera Obscura and Local Natives. Regular features such as ‘Crazy News’, ‘Movie Reviews’, ‘Alien Corner’ run alongside new features ‘Cat Le Sac vs. Skrebulus Pip’ (where one DJ plays a song the other DJ hates) and ‘Cat’s Yummiest Thing’ (Where Cat discusses her favourite foodstuff of the week). Ridiculous, sometimes stupid and often insane, Cat and Joe’s Southern Comfort shouldn’t exist but, lucky for us, it does. From 7-8pm, Ben Lowes-Smith presents NSR Introduces, often with a special guest, playing the latest new music from the local area and beyond. Finally, capping off the evening’s entertainment is Spodick and Skinner Unleashed, amusing news stories and great music from NSR royalty, the longest running show at the station.

NUTV is a society run by students for students who are interested in PDNLQJ Ă€ OPV LW SURYLGHV VWXGHQW development opportunities for those interested in news, sports, music and entertainment. We broadcast our programs online and we also have weekly viewings of videos we make at the Student Union. If you are interested in being a part of NUTV, check out our website www.NUTV.co.uk, or email us at nutvsoc@ncl.ac.uk. This week watch The New Cooking Show ‘NU-TV Dinners’ at: www. NUTV.co.uk. ,RDQD 3HVFDUX

Inside today >>>

Clash of the Titans Sport, page 44

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

37

Puzzles Editors: Suzi Moore and Ned Walker - courier.puzzles@ncl.ac.uk

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ANSWERS

38

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

Armstrong too strong for Engines > Sport, page 40 Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk

Making Haye in Nuremberg > Sports Editor Jamie Gavin was in the crowd as David Haye became WBA world heavyweight champion Witnessing someone win a world title is very special indeed. All I heard was “from London, Englandâ€? and that was it, all hell broke loose in the Nuremberg arena. It’s at moments like that when you have to do a reality check. Am I really here? Did I really just watch one of the most perfect displays of heavyweight boxing in British history? Yes. And all that was missing was the knockout blow - and he nearly had it in the 12th round after a magQLĂ€ FHQW OHIW KRRN VHQW WKH 5XVVLDQ giant stumbling across the ring, hanging on for dear life. Any doubts as to who had won the Ă€ JKW ZKLFK ZDV QRW D FORVH FRQWHVW forget the scoring) were blown away in this moment. Forget talk of a dull bout, this was a master class - a faultless display of boxing. Haye had fooled us all - including Nicoli Valuev - with his prematch chat. ,I WKH 5XVVLDQ WKRXJKW KLV RSSR nent was going to get involved in a brawl he had another thing coming. +D\H ZDV TXLWH VLPSO\ PDJQLĂ€ FHQW Talk of a knockout had been a bluff, and the 29-year-old from South London threw no more punches than were necessary. He bided his time, picked his blows carefully and completely out-thought and out-boxed his opponent. His discipline was faultless. UnOLNH 5LFN\ +DWWRQ ZKR OHIW KLPVHOI H[SRVHG LQ KLV WZR ELJJHVW Ă€ JKWV Haye was not about to let the occasion get the better of him. He and his coach Adam Booth had a plan - and they stuck to it meticulously. He waited for his moment to pounce and quickly retreated, often not throwing a punch for prolonged periods of time. So often we have been let down particularly in the heavyweight division. So-called prospects such as Danny Williams and Audley Harri-

son have failed to produce, and Britain craved a charismatic champion. But Haye is no pretender - he’s the real deal. Forget the Ali comparisons, they can wait. But the 29-yearold silenced his critics in 12 enthralling rounds last Saturday. What we have here is the genuine article. Yes, he talks the talk; but how often do we see a British sportsman with his level of self-belief? And it’s not arrogance; arrogance is when you get caught out, when you can’t quite live up to your selfbilling. Haye walked the walk in Nuremberg - with a swagger and a style that those who have watched him throughout his career have been accustomed to. 1RW VDWLVĂ€ HG ZLWK EHLQJ D ZRUOG champion at cruiserweight, Haye made the step up knowing that he was in for a tough ride in the top division. Not to do so would have been a far easier option. A few lucrative defences later, he could have bowed out a worthy champion, but Haye wanted more, and this is perhaps what I admire about him the most. And they don’t come much more daunting than Valuev. Giving away nine inches in height and an almost unprecedented seven stone in weight, many of us looked and saw an impossible task. It must have been a promoters dream. Don King and his team must KDYH KDUGO\ KDG WR OLIW D Ă€ QJHU WR VHOO this one. All the “David vs. Goliathâ€? rhetoric practically wrote itself, and it had us all glued. :KHQ LW Ă€ QDOO\ FDPH URXQG LW ZDV D privilege to watch. To appreciate the size of Valuev was quite astounding, but so was the speed of Haye. Not to mention his broken hand. To think that Haye went through the majority of the contest without the full use of his famous ‘Hayemaker’ is quite mind-blowing. Imagine Tiger Woods winning a major after snapping his putter on the third hole - or Federer without the use of his forehand. Haye didn’t have his main weapon - and he didn’t even need it. Such was his determination to bring the WBA World Heavyweight title home. It was a truly great moment as he was held aloft by his team, and

On top of the world: David Haye celebrates being crowned world heavyweight champion after a majority decision saw him beat Russia’s Nikolai Valuev

it was also a special victory for the four thousand or so that followed him out to Germany. In a slight minority to the Germans – who have adopted Valuev over the course of his career – the British fans made themselves heard. I was privileged to be among the lucky few witnesses on the night and we were all treated to something TXLWH PDJQLÀ FDQW ,I +D\H JDYH KLV all, so did the supporters. They kept LW XS IRU URXQGV DQG UH DIÀ UPHG British sports fans’ self-proclaimed status as the best in the world. Valuev was audibly booed as he entered the ring, something he’s not used to on German soil. But this was no ordinary match-up, and the Brits were out in force to hail their new hero. Our seats weren’t quite ringside, but I had an excellent view as the Hayemaker went to work. He set the tone early on, and his quick feet and hands were evidently too much for his seven foot opponent. $OWKRXJK WKH 5XVVLDQ WULHG WR FRU ner him on several occasions, Haye was able to avert any major damage, much to the British fans’ delight, who were on their feet at every duck, weave and blow that their man landed.

$V WKH À JKW ZRUH RQ LW ZDV HYLGHQW that they were about to hail their champion, who raised his hand aloft RQ WZR RFFDVLRQV LQ WKH À QDO URXQG It was the triumphant signal that he knew the result, and so did Valuev, who frantically tried to land a killer blow in the last few seconds, only to see Haye’s crushing blow nearly land him on the canvas for WKH À UVW WLPH LQ KLV FDUHHU This didn’t make the wait for the decision any less nerve-racking. Boxing experts will tell you how difÀ FXOW LW LV WR JHW D GHFLVLRQ DV D FKDO lenger in Germany, and any doubts of this claim were quashed as judge -XDQ 0DQXHO *DUFLD 5H\HV RI 6SDLQ scored it an even 114-114. Luckily, there were three judges, and Tom Miller of the United States and Stefano Corozza of Italy conÀ UPHG ZKDW HYHU\RQH HOVH LQ WKH DUHQD NQHZ LQFOXGLQJ WKH 5XVVLDQ whose body language said it all. Haye’s emotion after the decision showed what it all meant to him. David had indeed slain Goliath, but not with a single sling-shot - instead 12 rounds of calculated brilliance proved to be enough. So what now for the Haymaker? 2WKHU WKDQ KLV À UVW GHIHQFH DJDLQVW WKH PDQGDWRU\ FKDOOHQJH -RQ 5XL]

which looks set to be his homecomLQJ VRPHZKHUH LQ /RQGRQ PRVW probably the O2 arena or his beloved Millwall’s New Den) - he will surely set his eyes on the Kiltschko brothers. 5XL] ZDV RQ WKH XQGHUFDUG LQ 1X remberg, and although the former champion won convincingly, he is a similar size to Haye, whose speed should be far too much for the PuerWR 5LFDQ $PHULFDQ HVSHFLDOO\ RQ home soil. Undoubtedly, the Klitschkos - Vitali and Wladimir - will prove more of a test. The pair currently hold the WBC, WBO, IBF and IBO titles between them and unlike Valuev, will be more of a match for Haye’s style. /LNH 9DOXHY WKRXJK WKH 5XVVLDQ brothers have been most unimpressed with Haye’s verbals, as well as his decision to pose with a gory mocked-up picture of Wladimir’s fake severed head. So expect a classic contest if they are to meet, which now looks highly probable. And if the Hayemaker is able to give us a few more magical nights like the one I witnessed in Nuremberg, expect him to deservedly be ranked among the all-time greats of the division.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

39

SPORT

Rowers cruise to victory in fundraiser Paul Christian Sports Editor Picture racing a boat on a boat in a boat. Newcastle University’s rowers DFKLHYHG WKDW IHDW ODVW ZHHN 6RUW RI 7KH FKDOOHQJH ZDV WR UDFH WKH ')'6 6HDZD\V IHUU\ FURVVLQJ IURP 1HZ castle to Amsterdam whilst onboard the cruise ship. That’s a sixteen hour journey in case you didn’t know. NP LI \RX ZHUHQ¡W DZDUH :LWK WZR URZLQJ PDFKLQHV competitors and copious tubs of pasta, the Boat Club set sail at 5pm RQ )ULGD\ WK 1RYHPEHU IURP 1RUWK 6KLHOGV %XW ZKDW ZDV WKHLU PRWLYH" “We thought we’d try something GLIIHUHQW Âľ VDLG FOXE 3UHVLGHQW $Q drew Corrigan. “We needed to buy QHZ HTXLSPHQW IRU WKH FOXE DQG instead of raising money through standard bag packs etc., the idea emerged to do something more FKDOOHQJLQJ Âľ While inept shoppers might attest WR WKH GLIĂ€FXOW\ RI SDFNLQJ D EDJ (the item placement hierarchy baf Ă HV PH LW SDOHV LQ FRPSDULVRQ WR the mammoth task of racing a ferry to Amsterdam. The machines were set up on deck and a schedule was drawn up by the rowers. “We had two teams of eight, both of which were further subdivided into teams of four. Each person normally had ten minutes on the machine, pushing as hard

as they could, followed by a thirty PLQXWH EUHDN ,W ZDV TXLWH LQWHQVH Âľ To add to the test, it was an over night crossing which meant the issue of fatigue could be limiting. “We tried to give each competitor D WZR KRXU VOHHS VWDUWLQJ IURP LQ the evening to avoid disrupting our rhythm and maintain energy levels. ,W ZRUNHG TXLWH ZHOO Âľ DGGHG $Q drew. Considering the longest distance the Boat Club had previously com SHWHG DW ZDV NP NP SRVHG D step into the unknown. However Andrew and his team used simple logic to overcome the mental barrier HUHFWHG E\ WKH Ă€JXUH “We worked out that to complete NP LQ XQGHU KRXUV ZH ZRXOG have to be averaging a speed of P 7KDW¡V SUHWW\ GRDEOH 6R ZH MXVW ZHQW DW LW KDUG IURP WKH start. We didn’t know how it would pan out, but we knew we’d have a FKDQFH ZLWK DQ HDUO\ OHDG Âľ The race was on. Newcastle Uni versity Boat Club against the Prin cess of Norway. Two months of SUHSDUDWLRQ FUDPPHG LQWR D Ă€IWHHQ KRXU YR\DJH RI HQGXUDQFH DQG Ă€W ness. And a free trip to Amsterdam at the end. The boat club cruised to victory. By a cool hour and six minutes to EH H[DFW ´,W WRRN XV KRXUV DQG 24 minutes. We were pretty chuffed. More so that we were able to main

Lacrosse men suffer Durham hammering Men’s Lacrosse

Newcastle 1sts 'XUKDP VWV *DUWK 7LOH\ 7RP 'HQQLQJ at Redhall Drive

Ahoy there: it was plain sailing for the Newcastle rowing team on their race to Amsterdam

tain such a high tempo than any WKLQJ HOVH Âľ Granted, the rowers didn’t have the waves to contend with. But to triumph over a vessel travelling at NQRWV SHU KRXU ZDV DV ERDW FOXE spokesman Andrew Curry put it, ´PRQXPHQWDO Âľ Corrigan was rightly proud of his team, heaping particular praise on men’s captain Mark Bowers, ZKR ´ZHQW PHQWDOÂľ GXULQJ KLV WHQ minute spells. It was good publicity for the club too, and should help raise at least

KDOI RI WKHLU Â… WDUJHW 5HODWLRQV have also been strengthened with ')'6 6HDZD\V D FRPSDQ\ ZKR KDYH ZRUNHG ZLWK WKH 6SRUWV &HQ tre on various competitions over the years. All that was left was a day in Am sterdam for Andrew and his team. “We got straight off the boat at 9am...obviously knackered. We had to be back at 4pm for the return jour QH\ Âľ -XVW HQRXJK WLPH IRU WKH 5HG Light District then.

Knights victorious in Hallam thriller Men’s Basketball

Newcastle 1sts 76 6KHIÀHOG +DOODP VWV 72 Paul Christian Sports Editor at the Sports Centre A late surge from the Newcastle Knights ensured an emphatic vic WRU\ RYHU 6KHIÀHOG +DOODP DW WKH 6SRUWV &HQWUH In a pulsating game that neither side seemed destined to lose, the Knights held their nerve when it mattered and made it three wins out RI ÀYH IRU WKH FDPSDLJQ Eccentric Brazilian Rafael Vila Franca stole the show, emerging from the bench to plant a delicious WKUHH SRLQWHU WKDW VHDOHG WKH ZLQ But it was Canadian guard Adam Wilson who made the difference with a tireless performance epito

PLVHG E\ SRLQWV 6KHIĂ€HOG¡V VWLQW LQ WKH 3UHPLHU League last year was evident as they UDFHG WR D OHDG LQVLGH WHQ PLQ utes. Newcastle dug deep to stay in contention though and were buoyed by a good block from Oxby, fol ORZHG E\ D VPDUW OD\ XS +LV SUHV ence continues to be vital both on and off the court this year. The Knights were dealt a blow WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH Ă€UVW TXDU ter when Vila Franca picked up his WKLUG IRXO RI WKH JDPH :LWK Ă€YH fouls constituting dismissal, coach Dave Elderkin had no choice but to haul him to the bench. However Wilson was relentless in his pursuit for points, and dragged 1HZFDVWOH WR ZLWKLQ RQH RI 6KHIĂ€HOG DV WKH Ă€UVW TXDUWHU FDPH WR DQ HQG 7KH VHFRQG TXDUWHU VDZ PXFK RI WKH VDPH 6KHIĂ€HOG ORRNHG UHOD[HG in possession, constantly supplying WKH EDOO WR WKH GHDGO\ 6HEDVWLDQ &KL tagu. The rest was effortless class

1 13

from Chitagu who scored no less WKDQ SRLQWV 6WLOO 1HZFDVWOH UHIXVHG WR JLYH in. Greek giant Notis blocked and barged his way around the court like a gladiator while the introduction of Paul Crawford added urgency to WKH .QLJKWV¡ DWWDFN 7ZR Ă DZOHVV WKUHH SRLQWHUV IURP $DURQ 0F*RY ern brought the half to an end and WKH VFRUH DOO VTXDUH DW Vila Franca swaggered back into action in the third as Newcastle took WKH OHDG IRU WKH Ă€UVW WLPH ,W GLGQ¡W last. Instead a period of lethargy plagued the Knights. 6KHIĂ€HOG VHQVHG DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ and Chitagu began to pick off bas kets like a sharpshooter. When the buzzer signalled the end of the third, Newcastle found themselves down by six. Down but not out. The fourth TXDUWHU EURXJKW D IUDQWLF Ă€QDOH WR the game and had everyone glued to their seat (mainly because the

ref was dishing out technicalities to DQ\RQH VWDQGLQJ XS Astute manipulation of the bench from Newcastle breathed new life to their attack. The Knights went on the offensive in search of a comeback. Captain Noblesworth provided stability, allowing Notis and Wil VRQ WR SHQHWUDWH 6KHIĂ€HOG¡V GHIHQFH ,W ZDV LQVSLULQJ VWXII DQG DW with a few minutes remaining, far too close to call. Then Vila Franca. After refereeing half the match from the bench, he won it with graceful ease two min utes from time. The Knights added six more points to their tally and the JDPH Ă€QLVKHG Elderkin put it down to the effec tiveness of the bench. “We made good changes at pivotal points of WKH JDPH Âľ 'HVSLWH FDOOLQJ KDOI WKH VTXDG VRIW DW VRPH SRLQW (OGHUNLQ got it right. He’s instilled grit in his team to complement ability. It could be a good season for the Knights.

On a rainy day at Henderson, Newcastle Men’s Lacrosse team were well beaten by Durham’s army of yanks, hand picked from the elite American universities. With the home side’s numbers VHYHUHO\ GHQWHG GXH WR VRPH TXHV tionable, whiny injuries from our VR FDOOHG SUHVLGHQW DPRQJVW RWKHU fairies, they faced a daunting task. $ SUH VHDVRQ IULHQGO\ DJDLQVW 'XUKDP OHIW WKH 5R\DOV VKHOO VKRFNHG ZLWK D ORVV VR WKHLU prospects weren’t great. Then stepped in Tiley, Denning, Leach and Zanner. Early exchanges were tetchy, chances few and far between until a superb fast break left Josh Lee with an easy chance, which he duly missed. This was to be the theme of the performance with chances being created and Lee destroying them. $W WKH RWKHU HQG RI WKH Ă€HOG RXU defence were being overrun, but Leach and Phil were dealing some $FKLOOHV HVTXH MXVWLFH LQ GHIHQFH However the away side were VFRULQJ SUHWW\ IUHTXHQWO\ JRLQJ LQWR WKH KDOI WLPH EUHDN DW Coach Matt Hand again had some inspiring words, drawing parallels with Al Pacino in ‘Any *LYHQ 6XQGD\¡ )XOO RI YLJRXU 1HZFDVWOH UH HQ tered the fray, with some massive hits being dealt from Cheatin and Kearney. Further chances were moulded from the scraps left by Durham, EXW WKH 5R\DOV¡ Ă€QDO SDVVHV ZHUH letting them down. The home defence was still hold ing, and another lightning save IURP =DQQHU VHW XS D TXLFN Ă€UH UXQ from Denning. 6WRUPLQJ LQWR 'XUKDP¡V KDOI he took every hit swung his way. 0DQDJLQJ WR Ă€QG WKH RQO\ JDS LQ 'XUKDP¡V WDFWLOH GHIHQFH D ZHOO placed, visionary pass was pow ered towards Tiley. The rain stopped and time stood VWLOO 7LOH\¡V KHOPHW ZDV VWLĂ LQJ LW narrowed his vision. His stick was heavy. It threw him off balance. He stood tall, took his opportu nity and his shot penetrated at the bottom right corner, although the Ă€QDO VFRUH ZDV D FUXVKLQJ

Inside today >>>

)RRWEDOO ÂżUVWV VHDO emphatic away win Sport, page 43

Stirling performance for Raiders in season opener American Football

&ODQVPHQ Raiders

6 48

-DPHV 0F1DXJKWRQ in Stirling After last year’s record breaking season which saw them crowned Northern Champions, ultimately to ÀQLVK WKH VHDVRQ ZLWK D KXP

bling defeat in the National Final, Newcastle Raiders secured a com fortable victory on the long away WULS WR WKH ZHOO GULOOHG 6WLUOLQJ Clansmen. 1HZFDVWOH¡V 2IIHQFH FDPH RXW Ă€U ing, with elite athlete Ed Tate re turning from a year away showing KLV DELOLW\ Ă€QLVKLQJ D VZLIW GULYH with a passing touchdown to new offensive convert Charlie Dryden. 7KLV VHW WKH WRQH IRU WKH Ă€UVW TXDU

ter, with the Raider’s defence shut WLQJ GRZQ 6WLUOLQJ DQG WKH 2IIHQVH adding two scores on the ground through Dryden, and offensive cap tain Craig Miller. It took a further rushing score at WKH VWDUW RI WKH VHFRQG TXDUWHU E\ 4% 7DWH WR ÀUH XS WKH &ODQVPHQ $ FKDQJH WR WKH 6WLUOLQJ RIIHQVLYH VW\OH SURGXFHG FRQVHFXWLYH ÀUVW GRZQV ending in the Raider’s D, conceding WKHLU ÀUVW UHJXODU VHDVRQ WRXFKGRZQ

LQ RYHU D \HDU 7KH 6FRWWLVK GHIHQFH held out leaving the score at half WLPH A hard fought second half saw Newcastle’s defence bounce back, UHWXUQHUV Ă€QGLQJ VRPH IRUP DQG rookies playing well, culminating in rookie middle linebacker John ´6FRXVHÂľ %DUURZFOLII JHWWLQJ D SLFN LQ KLV Ă€UVW JDPH Not to be outdone, last year’s league leader in interceptions D,

FDSWDLQ /XNH ´)QRVHÂľ )LUWK UHWXUQHG one to the house in the fourth. With the Offense scoring a further two rushing scores through Tate and rookie Iain Heron in the second half WR UHDFK RIIHQVLYH \DUGV ² SDVVLQJ UXVKLQJ ² WKH JDPH Ă€Q LVKHG

40

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

SPORT A. WILSON

Armstrong condemn Engines to sixth successive defeat Intra Mural Rugby Union

Engines Armstrong

13 20

Colin Henrys at Close House Engines succumbed to their sixth consecutive defeat as a far from accomplished Armstrong side edged a tight match 20-13 at Close House. Armstrong, rallied by a Churchillian speech from their captain before kick-off, immediately looked to impose themselves physically. From the kick-off, a huge maul forced Engines back into their own half and, despite playing up the slope, the Armstrong pack remained on top in the early stages. The pressure created soon told. A big up-and-under was poorly dealt with by the Engines’ back line, leading to a penalty in front of the posts. Jack Samler capitalised fully, kicking Armstrong into the lead. This lead was soon extended as a poor throw by Engines’ scrumhalf was comfortably intercepted. The Armstrong counter-attack was held up as good defensive work by Engines on their own try-line forced a turnover, but the resultant clearance was kicked straight to the opposition. When a penalty was awarded for offside just metres from the posts, Samler comfortably doubled Armstrong’s lead. Engines soon responded though and won a penalty from the restart. Despite being a considerable distance from the posts, Anthony GrifÀQ FRQYHUWHG WKH NLFN Armstrong’s pack remained dominant but a poor line-out sailed over everybody and they conceded another penalty from the ensuing attack. Engines capitalised, building up pressure from some short phases before winning a second SHQDOW\ ZKLFK *ULIÀQ NLFNHG WR level proceedings. 7KH ÀUVW WU\ RI WKH PDWFK IROORZHG shortly and it went in Armstrong’s favour. Good pressure on the tryline led to a penalty which, despite ÀHUFH GHEDWH ZDV NLFNHG WR WRXFK Stanton rose to collect George Jackson-Stops’ throw and a huge maul forced the ball over the try-line with Jackson-Stops himself diving over. A neck injury to an Engines player led to real concern during the break, ZLWK WKH ODFN RI VXIÀFLHQW PHGLcal attention at Close House once again highlighted. Fortunately, for all involved, the injury appeared to QRW EH DV VHYHUH DV ÀUVW IHDUHG DQG the player in question was walking about again before the game had been concluded. It was Engines who began the second-half on top, and they soon recorded a try of their own. Dean Hogg cut inside from the left and touched the ball down under the SRVWV *ULIÀQ FRQYHUWHG WR RQFH again level the scores. *ULIÀQ WKHQ KDG VHYHUDO FKDQFHV to give Engines the lead as a lack of discipline by Armstrong led to a succession of penalties. The Engines’ kicker was unable to maintain his perfect record for the match though, and twice kicked wide. Armstrong seized upon their reprieve and once again forced Engines into some desperate defending on their own try-line. The pressure resulted in an Armstrong scrum deep into the 22 and, as the ball broke, Toby Neill scored a try in the corner. Another great conversion by Samler made the score 20-13 and so it remained until fulltime.

Joy of six for unbeaten Ladies Intra Mural Rugby Union

Cheeky Ladies Medics

19 12

Jonathan Taylor at Close House It was the Cheeky Ladies who claimed a crucial table-topping win at the expense of the Medics last week, making it six wins out of six, DQG IXUWKHU DIÀUPLQJ WKHLU WLWOH DPbitions. Fashioning a kit that even Stade Francais would have been proud of, the Ladies edged the top of the table clash at Close House, to the visible delight of Captain Andrew Fox, while condemning the Medics to a SDLQIXO ÀUVW GHIHDW RI WKH VHDVRQ The Ladies began the game in a FRQÀGHQW PDQQHU ZLWK WKH IRUZDUGV distributing quick ball to the backs, DOORZLQJ à \ KDOI 'DQ 'DFRVWD WR control the tempo of the match. After a good break by their inside centre, the Cheeky Ladies were offered a chance to score the opening points RI WKH PDWFK EXW WKH GLIÀFXOW NLFNing conditions forced Harry Turner to drag his penalty attempt wide of

the posts. The Ladies’ misfortune was shortlived however, with their good start rewarded after 14 minutes. After a number of recycled phases by the Ladies’ pack, Dacosta dissected the Medics’ defence with ease, skipping through two missed tackles to score WKH Ă€UVW WU\ RI WKH PDWFK Soon after, the Ladies were unfortunate not to double their advantage, after strong work from their tight Ă€YH $IWHU D ZHOO ZRUNHG OLQHRXW hooker “Laxâ€? crossed the try-line courtesy of a rolling maul, but to the dismay of the Ladies’ fans, the ball was judged to have been held up. 7KH 0HGLFV VRRQ EHJDQ WR Ă€QG their feet, with scrum-half Jack Mercer becoming increasingly inĂ XHQWLDO $IWHU LQGLVFLSOLQH DW WKH breakdown, the referee’s diagonally out-stretched arm allowed Mercer to narrow the Ladies’ lead to two points. Such indiscipline by the Cheeky Ladies proved a concurrent theme throughout the match. The Ladies ZHUH VRRQ WKH YLFWLP RI D Ă XUU\ RI TXLFN Ă€UH SHQDOWLHV E\ WKH UHIHUHH allowing Mercer to kick two more penalties, giving the Medics a 9-3

lead. :LWK RQO\ Ă€YH PLQXWHV UHPDLQLQJ in the half, the frustration of the Ladies’ management was evident as the Medics found themselves leading the match, without having to SOD\ ZLWK DQ\ NLQG RI Ă XLGLW\ ,Q WKH ODVW SKDVH RI WKH Ă€UVW KDOI however, the Medics proved unable to tame the ever-dynamic Ladies’ forward pack, with hooker “Laxâ€? Ă€QLVKLQJ IURP FORVH UDQJH DIWHU another troublesome maul. With winger Harry Turner successfully converting, the Ladies went into the break leading an edgy affair 12-9. Disappointingly, the second half of the match did not live up to the H[FLWHPHQW RI WKH Ă€UVW With the referee too frequently stopping the game for penalties rather than offering advantage to the attacking side, the half was plagued with stoppages. It was the Medics that made the more promising start to the second period, but fell victim to a clinical Ladies counter-attack soon after the restart. After collecting the ball LQVLGH KLV RZQ KDOI Ă \ KDOI 'DFRVWD H[HFXWHG D Ă€QH NLFN RYHU WKH 0HGLFV¡ defence, allowing centre “Munchieâ€?

Turner to expertly collect the ball DQG ÀQLVK XQGHU WKH SRVWV ÀULQJ the Ladies into a commanding 19-9 lead. The Ladies’ second try saw anothHU à XUU\ RI SHQDOWLHV LQ IDYRXU RI WKH Medics. However luck was not on the side of Mercer, who saw his next three penalty kicks all miss, with one even rebounding off the inside of the post and back out. On the hour mark, the referee was forced to stop the game after the Medics’ hooker was forced off the ÀHOG ZLWK D VHULRXV ORRNLQJ NQHH LQjury, and as a result, the game never lived up to its second half potential. After the Ladies’ replacement à DQNHU ZDV VKRZQ D \HOORZ FDUG by the referee for persistent indiscipline, the Medics were boosted by Mercer rediscovering his cliniFDO WRXFK DV D GLIÀFXOW SHQDOW\ ZDV successfully slotted to set up a tense ÀQDOH After showing commendable reVLOLHQFH LQ GHIHQFH GXULQJ WKH ÀQDO ten minutes, it was the Cheeky Ladies who celebrated after the fulltime whistle, deservedly edging the table-topping affair 19-12.

Bangor mashed by mighty NURL Men’s Rugby League

Newcastle 1sts Bangor 1sts

56 0

Kevin Davey at Cochrane Park NURL faced international opposition on Wednesday when last season’s Welsh champions Bangor were welcomed to fortress Cochrane Park. After twice defeating Scotland’s ÀQHVW LQ 1DSLHU LQ WKH 1HZcastle Death Machine was highly FRQÀGHQW JRLQJ LQ WR DQRWKHU KRPH nations encounter. With Bangor travelling from the far west of Britain resulting in a 7 a.m. GHSDUWXUH WKH RGGV ZHUH ÀUPO\ LQ favour of the undefeated Newcastle side. Still, NURL were keen to establish themselves at home after a frustrat-

ing draw with Leeds Met and in spite of the absences of Sam Boyd, Mike Bean and Ian McFearson. The match kicked-off in mildly tempestuous conditions and the home side immediately incurred WKH WKXQGHURXV ZUDWK RI WKH RIÀFLDO ZLWK D à XUU\ RI SHQDOWLHV SLJJ\ backing the Welshmen into NURL territory. The Owls’ typically stoic defence held out for the initial onslaught and points followed as soon as the backs got ball in hand with Jack Lines crossing for two early tries. With Newcastle gaining the asFHQGDQF\ VL]H DQG ÀWQHVV EHJDQ WR show. From a Bangor restart, an unexSHFWHG à DVK RI GH[WHULW\ IURP XVXally cumbersome prop Joe Robinson led to the most unlikely of tries. After collecting the ball on his own in-goal, Robinson charged the approaching defensive line and VKRZHG D UDUH à DVK RI DJLOLW\ WKDW

he would normally reserve for faredodging or a Pie giveaway. The step was unanticipated by ERWK WHDPV DQG D VROH 5RELQVRQ à HZ like a red-breasted Albatross 90m for the score. The try was met with ecstatic celebrations causing Bangor palpable disconsolation. From that moment on, Newcastle settled in to a rhythm and comfortably saw out the match. As the points tallied, the Bagnor resistance became somewhat slapdash with defensive techniques such as the slide tackle and belly slap rearing their ugly heads. Highlights of the match included a ÀQH 0LFKDHO :DUG KDW WULFN DQG 5RE Greaves impressive kicking ratio of IURP With the exception of two John Kingswood pumpkin passes, Newcastle managed to maintain a discipline in their attacking play, something that may have been aided by

D VWUXJJOLQJ %DQJRU RXWĂ€W EXW QRQH the-less has been lacking so far in this campaign. ,W¡V OLNHO\ WKDW WKH UHWXUQ Ă€[WXUH will be a more laborious affair after a trans-national coach journey, but the mighty Owls will still be happy with the surplus points on the scoreboard in this encounter. Meanwhile at the Medics ground, the NURL seconds went down in a spirited encounter against crosstown rivals Northumbria. Despite an imperious performance from powerhouse Mike Knox and Ă€QH DWWDFNLQJ IURP 1DWKDQ %DUU\ the team were unable to defeat their local nemesis. Northumbria were the more disciplined side, with Newcastle struggling to complete sets, although Eddie Duncan bagged a brace and debut skipper Dan Acton crossed the whitewash for the ever-improving seconds.

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

41

SPORT

Firsts retain Premier status after Lough walkover Kathryn Jones Netball Correspondent After last week’s late show from champions Loughborough, NewcasWOH¡V QHWEDOO Ă€UVW WHDP ZHUH DZDUGHG the all-important points after a decision from BUCS. This result, coupled with the RoyDOV¡ PDJQLĂ€FHQW ZLQ DW (GLQEXUJK this week, means the Royals’ safety is now secured in the BUCS Premiership. BUCS rules state that any team that fails to start a match at the agreed time will be deemed to have forIHLWHG WKH Ă€[WXUH DV D ZDONRYHU DQG that both teams should arrive at the match in plenty of time to allow for warming up and a prompt start. But with Loughborough eventually arriving at 6.54pm, almost an hour had passed since the original start time of 6pm- with the home side putting the kick-off time back on two occasions, and conducting two separate warm ups. The late arrival meant there was no longer enough time left in the sports hall to play the 60 minute Premiership netball match - including the eleven minutes worth of intervals Keeping this and the BUCS rules in mind, Roanne Minshull informed WKH RSSRVLWLRQ WKDW WKH Ă€UVWV ZHUH

not prepared to play a shortened PDWFK IRU WKLV DOO LPSRUWDQW Ă€[WXUH Two hours of arguing and debating ensued; phone calls to Performance Sport Director, Fraser Kennedy, and alleged conversations between Loughborough team members and sports centre staff (none of whom remember this). /RXJKERURXJK EODPHG WUDIĂ€F DQG an incorrect post code for their late arrival. The post code that has been given to every team playing at the Sports Centre for four years had apparently not worked, despite nobody else experiencing any problems. This could leave Loughborough accounting for a new satellite navigation system in next year’s AU budget. However, thanks to Minshull and vice captain Katie Coates, the /RXJKERURXJK VLGH Ă€QDOO\ JDYH LQ DQG Ă€OOHG LQ DQ LQYROXQWDU\ ZDONRver form, very reluctantly. Club captain Rachel Saville acNQRZOHGJHG WKH ZRUN RI KHU Ă€UVW team captain and vice captain. “Ro [Minshull] and Coates did a JUHDW MRE VWDQGLQJ WKHLU JURXQG IRU two hours. Without them we would QHYHU KDYH JRWWHQ WKH ZDONRYHUÂľ When the phone call from BUCS came in the morning to say that the

5R\DOV RIĂ€FLDOO\ KDG WKUHH SRLQWV from the sporting giants, Newcastle were understandably delighted. $ PDJQLĂ€FHQW YLFWRU\ DW (GLQburgh means Newcastle have already ensured they will play BUCS Premiership netball next season. Netball Round-up

Edinburgh 1sts Newcastle 1sts

36 56

Newcastle travelled to Edinburgh knowing a win would be enough for them to compete in the top division next season, and they did it in style, running out 56-36 winners. The game got off to an excellent start but it was clear that this wasn’t gong to be a walk in the park, as good teamwork and communication was going to be essential to bring down the home side. Boy did they deliver. Right from the off, the team effort and communication was absolutely incredible; these girls looked like they deserved to sit proudly within this league. Up by two at each quarter time, the lead was by no means extensive, but nimble feet and quick movements from Kathryn Hurrell in the shoot-

ing circle and great shooting from both her and captain Roanne Minshull ensured that there was indeed a lead. Within the last two quarters espeFLDOO\ 1HZFDVWOH¡V VXSHULRU Ă€WQHVV shone through. Rachel Saville and Harriet Needham picked off all-important interceptions in the defence and Edinburgh were unable to stop these being converted to goals. Movement from attack to defence was brilliant, linked up by centre Corinne Kinvig and player of the match, Katie Coates. Strong drives onto the circle edge and brilliantly accurate feeds earned Coates this accolade for the second time this season. ,W ZDV WKH Ă€QDO TXDUWHU ZKHQ 1HZcastle really shone, working together and embarrassing Edinburgh by increasing the lead from two goals to twenty, which altogether signals a determined effort to prove their worth within the division. 7KH\ PXVW QRZ WDNH WKH Ă€JKW WR the Poly in an attempt to claim an unprecedented 3rd place. On the back of an unexpected defeat away to Hull last week, the seconds were determined to get back on track against Leeds thirds.

Newcastle 2nds Leeds 3rds

42 41

$ JRRG Ă€UVW TXDUWHU VDZ 1HZFDVWOH ‘s second string come away winning by three goals. The ball had travelled nicely from defence to attack and Sassa Hamilton and third team player Sarah Bruce were gelling in the defensive circle. It was looking promising and with FRQĂ€GHQFH ULVLQJ WKH VHFRQG TXDUWHU saw some excellent movement and shooting from player of the match Fiona Brunt and Anna Dickinson. Come the halfway point, the Royals were 11 goals in the lead and were a little complacent in the third. Leeds pulled back and the lead ZDV QRZ RQO\ Ă€YH 3DQLF VHHPHG WR have set in and Newcastle were giving away possession way too easily through dropped balls, wayward passes and ill-discipline. Leeds had fought hard and turned DQ HOHYHQ JRDO GHĂ€FLW WR D RQH JRDO GHĂ€FLW ,W FDPH GRZQ WR D QDLO ELWLQJ Ă€QDO WHQ VHFRQGV DV WKH ZKLVWOH ZHQW MXVW EHIRUH WKH /HHGV *6 VFRUHG WKH equaliser. It was a win nonetheless that means the seconds secured the vital points in their quest for promotion.

H. NEUENDORF

Royals top after win Women’s Hockey

Liverpool JM 1sts Newcastle 1sts

2 4

Alicea Berkin & Millie Karlsen

Continued from back page The half time whistle saw the Poly go in much the happier of the two teams and Newcastle with it all to do in the second half. It went from bad to worse for the away fans as they now had to endure the Northumbria cheerleading squad who took the term ‘dirty dancing’ to a whole new level. The teams re-emerged for the second half with the Royals needing to score next. A kick off which went straight into touch did not bode well but the Royals then came close to scoring as a spilled free kick was kicked into the dead ball zone. The Northumbria full-back was Ă€UVW WR LW DQG VDZ RII WKH GDQJHU EXW it was an encouraging sign for the Royals. Newcastle then had their best passage of play resulting in a penalty within the Poly 22. Armstrong put KLV Ă€UVW KDOI WURXEOHV EHKLQG KLP DQG UHGXFHG WKH GHĂ€FLW WR Ă€YH SRLQWV While all this was going on, the VFHQHV RII WKH Ă€HOG ZHUH MXVW DV HQWHU-

taining as a vocal Poly fan appeared LQ WKH 1HZFDVWOH IDQV¡ VWDQG MXVW DV two streakers invaded the pitch. To add to the now raucous atmosphere, D 1HZFDVWOH XOWUD WKHQ VHW RII D Ă DUH One onlooker remarked that it was ´MXVW OLNH ZDWFKLQJ *DOWDVDUD\ Âľ With events being lit up off the Ă€HOG WKH 5R\DOV KDG IRXQG WKHLU spark on it and another Armstrong penalty bought his side to within two points of Northumbria. Newcastle were now dominating proceedings and a powerful break from Shaun English off the back of WKH VFUXP VDZ KLP RIĂ RDG The try line was almost breached EXW 1RUWKXPEULD VWRRG Ă€UP DQG WKH Royals had to settle for a penalty, but this time Armstrong sent the ball inches wide and the chance to take the lead was missed. With the penalty missed, Newcastle also lost momentum. The most contentious issue of the game arULYHG LQ WKH Ă€QDO TXDUWHU DV 1RUWKumbria chose to take a scrum from a penalty ten metres from the try line. Undoubtedly the strongest facet of

their game, Northumbria drove the scrum towards the whitewash but the Royals’ scrum crumbled under the pressure. Without giving any warnings the referee ran towards the posts with his arm outstretched to signal the awarding of a penalty try to the Poly which was converted to make it 15-6. It was a cruel blow to Newcastle as they had large periods of good possession and territory only to see the chance of a win all but disappear at the hands of the referee. The last ten minutes were all Newcastle and another penalty was missed before the Royals scored a try with the best move of the game, to give themselves a glimmer of hope. The Northumbria scrum-half replacement was sin-binned for illegally killing the ball, giving NewFDVWOH D ÀYH PHWUH OLQH RXW The ball was then worked right across the pitch thanks to some excellent handling from the backs and found its way to Paddy Irwin who

Ă€QLVKHG EULOOLDQWO\ LQ WKH FRUQHU A missed conversion from the touch line left Newcastle four points adrift with minutes remaining. However, there was not enough time for another attack as the Poly saw the game out and took the win, OHDYLQJ WKH 5R\DOV WR UHĂ HFW RQ ZKDW could have been a very different result if they had taken their opportunities. After the game, captain Harrison 3LFNHUYDQFH VDLG ´7KH Ă€JKW EDFN LQ the second half was a great effort. We’re disappointed to lose but we were the better side on the whole. 7KH Ă€UVW WZHQW\ PLQXWHV ZHUH SRRU we weren’t up to tempo and not clinical enough but the character of the team came through in the second half. “We feel a bit robbed by the referee, it was a dubious decision by the ref to give the penalty try because we had no warning that it was coming. Then down at the other end we’ve been given four penalties on their try line when they’ve been killing WKH EDOO EXW WKHUH ZHUH QR FDUGV Âľ

:RPHQ¡V KRFNH\ Ă€UVW WHDP VHFXUHG an impressive victory away at Liverpool John Moores last Wednesday as they ran out 4-2 winners and went to the top of the BUCS table. :LWKLQ WKH Ă€UVW WHQ PLQXWHV DV D result of neat stick-to-stick passes, Newcastle asserted their dominance by an early textbook goal from Osifodunrin. Despite continual good play by Newcastle our second goal wasn’t secured until early on in the second half when Osifodunrin pocketed another. Newcastle remained strong against the physical force that was John Moores, with Smith ducking safely from incoming players while keeping hold of the ball and powerhouse Peters making a fantastic save leaving Moores’ bulldozer in a heap on WKH Ă RRU Short corner practice clearly paid off for the Royals with Askew’s strike from the top of the D bringing the score to 3-0. Soon after, set play between Smith and Berkin should have resulted in goal number four but unfortunately Osifodunrin was denied of her hat trick. John Moores used Newcastle’s frustration to their advantage and VFRUHG WKHLU Ă€UVW JRDO Newcastle quickly regained concentration; good passing from Avent and Moreland in defence got WKH EDOO WKURXJK WKH PLGĂ€HOG XS to the forwards and with some aggressive attacking play, the Royals ZRQ D Ă LFN ZKLFK $VNHZ VDIHO\ SXW away. However, the day’s controversy wasn’t over as John Moores were allowed a very suspect short corner goal. Overall, the win showed some great performances and strong wills against a larger amount of physical play. In a summarising quote, captain Sophie Avent said: “Today has been a great win and has shown that our simple game of passing hockey and playing as team can really reap JUHDW UHVXOWV Âľ

42

Monday 16 November 2009 THE COURIER

SPORT

Dyslexic stutter as Mellor bags brace Intra Mural Football Division One

Dyslexic Castle Leazes

1 3

Dan Robinson at Longbenton $ ÀUVW KDOI -DFN 0HOORU EUDFH SXW &DVWOH /HD]HV RQ WKHLU ZD\ WR YLFWR U\ DW /RQJEHQWRQ DV '\VOH[LF·V XQ EHDWHQ OHDJXH UXQ FDPH WR DQ HQG 'HIHQVLYH PLVWDNHV IURP 8QWLHG PDGH WKHP SD\ DV WKHLU WLWOH FKDO OHQJH WRRN D EORZ UXLQJ D IRUJHW WDEOH ÀUVW KDOI SHUIRUPDQFH IURP ZKLFK WKH\ IDLOHG WR UHFRYHU $ ODFN RI FRQFHQWUDWLRQ ZDV WR EODPH IRU WKH ÀUVW JRDO DV FRQIXVLRQ IURP D WKURZ LQ LQ WKHLU RZQ KDOI VDZ 0HOORU LQWHUFHSW D ORRVH EDOO EH IRUH OREELQJ WKH JRDONHHSHU WR SXW /HD]HV LQ IURQW MXVW WKUHH PLQXWHV LQWR WKH JDPH '\VOH[LF UHFRYHUHG WR KLW EDFN VRRQ DIWHU ZLWK $GULDQ %HOO·V OHIW ZLQJ GHOLYHU\ SDUULHG E\ WKH NHHSHU LQWR WKH SDWK RI WKH XQPDUNHG /DX UHQFH -DFNVRQ -DFNVRQ PDGH QR PLV WDNH DQG SXW '\VOH[LF EDFN RQ OHYHO WHUPV +RZHYHU WKH\ IDLOHG WR JDWKHU PRPHQWXP IURP WKH JRDO DQG WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI WKH JDPH ZLWK /HD]HV· OLWWOH DQG ODUJH FHQWUH IRUZDUG SDLU LQJ RI 0HOORU DQG &ROLQ 0DQOH\ DNLQ WR 7RWWHQKDP·V &URXFK 'HIRH SDUWQHUVKLS FDXVLQJ '\VOH[LF DOO PDQQHU RI SUREOHPV ,W ZDV 0HOORU DJDLQ ZKR UHVWRUHG /HD]HV· OHDG PLGZD\ WKURXJK WKH KDOI DV '\VOH[LF IDLOHG WR DGHTXDWH O\ FRYHU IURP D FRUQHU $ GHIHQVLYH FOHDUDQFH IRXQG LWV ZD\ LQWR WKH SDWK RI WKH VWULNHU ZKR NHSW KLV FRRO ZKHQ RQH RQ RQH WR ÀQG WKH QHW

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Sex Panthers pummelled Intra Mural Football Division Two

Crayola Sex Panthers

10 1

Ed Langford at Longbenton &UD\ROD PDGH LW WZR OHDJXH ZLQV RQ WKH ERXQFH ZLWK D GUXEELQJ RI 'LYLVLRQ VWUXJJOHUV 6H[ 3DQWKHUV $WKOHWLF 7KH KLVWRULDQV GRPLQDWHG WKH JDPH DV WKH\ UDQ ULRW LQ D VHFRQG KDOI WKDW VDZ JRDOV DIWHU JRLQJ LQWR WKH EUHDN ZLWK D OHDG &UD\ROD QRZ ORRN OLNH WKH\·UH WXUQ LQJ WKHLU VHDVRQ DURXQG DIWHU VXIIHU LQJ WKUHH HDUO\ VWUDLJKW GHIHDWV EXW WKLV UHVXOW ZLOO VHH WKH VLGH KHDG WR ZDUGV WKH EHWWHU KDOI RI WKH WDEOH DQG ORRNLQJ WRZDUGV WRS VSRW ,W·V EDFN WR WKH GUDZLQJ ERDUG IRU 6H[ 3DQWKHUV ZKR ORRN RXW RI WKHLU GHSWK LQ WKH VHFRQG WLHU RI ,QWUD 0X UDO )RRWEDOO 7KH\ OHDNHG WHQ JRDOV LQ D JDPH IRU WKH VHFRQG WLPH WKLV VHDVRQ 7KH FRQWHVW ZDV D VFUDSS\ DIIDLU RQ D VWRJ\ /RQJEHQWRQ SLWFK EXW LW GLGQ·W WDNH ORQJ IRU &UD\ROD WR DV VHUW WKHLU DXWKRULW\ RQ WKH JDPH ZLWK PLGÀHOGHU SOD\PDNHU 5RKDQ 5DGKDNULVKQDQ SRNLQJ KRPH IRU \DUGV ZLWK RQO\ PLQXWHV RQ WKH FORFN 5DGKDNULVKQDQ HQMR\HG D GRPL QDQW GLVSOD\ LQ WKH FHQWUH RI WKH &UD\ROD PLGÀHOG KDYLQJ D KDQG LQ WKH PDMRULW\ RI KLV VLGH·V JRDOV

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INTRA MURAL RESULTS Football: Division One Dyslexic Lokomotiv

1-3 2-1

Castle Leazes Barca-Law-Na

Division Two Ecosoccer Sex Panthers Borussia F.

1-0 Real Mechanical 1-10 Crayola 2-6 Henderson H. A

Division Three Pink Panthers 1-1 Politic Thistle 2-1 Inter City 1-5

Aftermath AFC Hydro Olympic Mayo

Division Four FC Molesok

0-0

Breast Rummage

Rugby: Cheeky Ladies 19-12 Medics Engines 20-13 Armstrong

J. WEEDEN

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

43

SPORT J. WEEDEN

On song McLovin heaps further misery on Barca Intra Mural Football Division One

Lokomotiv Barca-Law-Na

2 1

Charlie Scott at Longbenton Despite spending large periods of the game clearly on the back foot, /RNRPRWLY VRPHKRZ FODLPHG WKH VFDOS RI %DUFD /DZ 1D DW /RQJEHQton in true smash and grab style. %DUFD IDLOHG WR FRQYHUW WKHLU chances into goals and were left dumbfounded by their failure to secure any points from this ill-temSHUHG Ă€[WXUH 7KH Ă€UVW PLQXWHV ZHUH XQGRXEWHGO\ %DUFD¡V 7KH\ GRPLQDWed possession, created a number of clear-cut chances and when the Ă€UVW JRDO FDPH LW ZDV QR VXUSULVH that it belonged to the lawyers. 7KH JRDO LWVHOI W\SLĂ€HG %DUFD¡V WDFWLFV $ GHĂ HFWHG FURVV ORRSHG RYHU 7LFNOH LQ WKH /RNR JRDO DQG was bundled home by a crowd of players from both sides. %DUFD FRXOG HDVLO\ KDYH H[WHQGHG their lead as chances came and went yet the score remained 1-0. +DUELVRQ DQG 0RVV LQ SDUWLFXODU were guilty of wasting some golden opportunities. 7KHQ FDPH FRQWURYHUV\ %DUFD looked to have grabbed a second after the ball was clearly pushed over the line only for the referee to OHW SOD\ FRQWLQXH DV /RNR FOHDUHG the ball to safety. &RPSOHWHO\ DJDLQVW WKH UXQ RI SOD\ /RNR VFRUHG D GHOLJKWIXO equaliser. Simmo started the move with a crunching tackle in the centre of the park; Parkinson claimed possession and immediately threaded a perfectly weighted ball

WKURXJK WR 0F/RYLQ ZKR WXUQHG KLV GHIHQGHU LQVLGH RXW EHIRUH Ă€Qishing calmly past the keeper. Half-time arrived with the score 1-1. As both teams regrouped, the ref treated the cold and wet spectators to an impromptu showboat. %DFN RQ WKH SLWFK WHPSHUV ZHUH Ă DULQJ DQG WKH UHIHUHH ZDV VWUXJgling to keep control of the game. One notable foul was reminiscent of a young and immature David %HFNKDP WKH %DUFD NHHSHU XQQHFHVVDULO\ ODVKHG RXW DW 0F/RYLQ DIter the striker chased a loose ball. As the game wore on, the speed DQG VWDQGDUG GHFOLQHG /RNR VWROH a second goal late on. Thommo fashioned a chance for himself inside the box and although his initial shot was saved, he chipped the rebound back towards goal. The goalkeeper and defender then combined horribly to push the ball into their own net. %DUFD WKUHZ PHQ IRUZDUG LQ search of an equaliser, and if it ZHUHQ¡W IRU 7LFNOH LQ WKH /RNR JRDO then the spoils could easily have been shared. Their gung-ho style left holes DW WKH EDFN KROHV WKDW /RNR ZHUH only too eager to exploit. Adam %XOO Ă DVKHG D VKRW MXVW ZLGH ZLWK the goal gaping before him. The Ă€QDO ZKLVWOH EURXJKW WKH JDPH WR an end. /LNH DOO WKH EHVW WHDPV /RNR DUH learning that you don’t have to play well to win. Their decent recent form continued today, as they ground out a reVXOW DJDLQVW D %DUFD WKDW GHVHUYHG far more from the game than a single goal and zero points.

&DVWOH /HD]HV ZKR FDXJKW WKHP RQ WKH EUHDN LQ WKH ÂżQDO VWDJHV WR SXW WKH UHVXOW EH\RQG GRXEW

Four-goal Swainston sinks Hull Men’s Football

Hull 1sts Newcastle 1sts

3 5

Jamie Gavin Sports Editor Four goals from fresher James Swainston helped the Royals to their ÀUVW %8&6 /HDJXH ZLQ RI WKH VHDVRQ at the expense of Hull. The striker netted all of his quartet in the opening period, completing his hat-trick within the opening half hour in a game that was effectively over by half time. The result propels the Royals to third in the table, hot on the heels of second placed York, who they face on Wednesday week. ,Q D PHVPHULVLQJ ÀUVW KDOI 1HZcastle tore their hosts apart, with Swainston on hand to exploit the gaps with his clever movement and FOLQLFDO ÀQLVKLQJ He was a thorn in Hull’s side all afternoon, at the centre of the Royals ÀQH à RZLQJ IRRWEDOO ZLWK OLQN XS play to compliment his goalscoring. 1HZFDVWOH ZLOO IHHO WKH\ FRXOG have had more, and they still managed to miss a number of chances which could have turned the result into a rout - but they will be happy to come away with the vital points and the win keeps their promotion hopes alive.

However, they also had goalkeeper Andy Kilshaw to thank for the YLFWRU\ ZKRVH VWULQJ RI PDJQLÀFHQW saves at 2-1 denied Hull a second equaliser which could have turned the game. %XW ZLWK ÀYH LQ PLGÀHOG WKH 5R\als always looked far superior, and but for two late consolation goals they would have come away from Humberside with a clearer margin of victory. Swainston opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute, and deVSLWH WKH 5R\DOV à RZLQJ IRRWEDOO RQ D ÀQH VXUIDFH WKHLU ÀUVW JRDO FDPH direct from route one. &HQWUH KDOI $GDP *DPEOH SXPSHG the ball over the top of the home defence, and Swainston beat the offside trap, before rounding the onrushing goalkeeper to send a cool OHIW IRRW ÀQLVK LQWR WKH HPSW\ QHW He should have had a second soon DIWHU %HQ %XUW FXW LQ IURP WKH OHIW and his quick feet saw him beat two players, before laying a reverse pass into the path of Swainston, but the fresher took a touch when he might KDYH KLW LW ÀUVW WLPH DQG HYHQWXDOO\ ÀUHG ZLGH XQGHU SUHVVXUH The home side barely offered anything of note in the opening 20 PLQXWHV EXW 1HZFDVWOH WHPSRUDULO\ switched off and allowed Hull back into the game. A free kick from the left was curled into the area on 22 minutes, and slack marking allowed a Hull striker

to rise in space eight yards out, and head home across ‘keeper Kilshaw to level the scoring. This thrust the Royals back into gear and they regained the lead almost immediately. $QRWKHU PD]\ UXQ IURP %XUW OHG to a left foot shot across goal, which the home ‘keeper could only parry into the path of Swainston, who was on hand to poke home from close range. 7KHQ FDPH D VKDN\ Ă€YH PLQXWH spell for the Royals, as Hull twice found themselves in the clear. $ FURVV Ă€HOG EDOO FDXJKW WKH DZD\ GHIHQFH Ă DW IRRWHG DQG D +XOO VWULNer was through on goal, but as he ORRNHG WR Ă€QLVK .LOVKDZ PDGH D superb block low to his left. This was followed by another impressive stop, this time from a 25 yard strike that the Royals’ keeper was just able to tip over. And Kilshaw’s heroics were complete when a tremendous double save thwarted Hull once more. The home side attacked down the left and a Hull winger cut inside before despatching a low effort that the 1HZFDVWOH 1R GLG ZHOO WR SDUU\ However, the ball fell into the path of a striker and he looked certain to score before Kilshaw picked himself up to spectacularly block the rebound. The Royals, revitalised from the let off, looked to attack once more and they extended their lead soon after

from the penalty spot. &DSWDLQ *HRUJH &R\OH Ă RDWHG WKH ball into Swainston, and a neat stepover just inside the box deceived a Hull defender, who promptly brought the striker down with a clumsy tackle. Swainston picked himself up and made no mistake, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way from 12 yards to secure his hat-trick just inside the 30 minute mark. %XW WKH VWULNHU ZDVQ¡W VDWLVĂ€HG DQG DIWHU D &R\OH FRUQHU ZDV RQO\ SDUWLDOO\ FOHDUHG 1HZFDVWOH¡V QHZ IRXQG JRDO PDFKLQH Ă€UHG WKURXJK D crowd of bodies low to the ‘keepers right to make it 4-1. The Royals were in a buoyant mood as they headed into the break, but they struggled to maintain the same intensity in the second period. Despite this, winger Will Deledicq produced the highlight of the half RQ PLQXWHV ZLWK KLV Ă€UVW DQG 1HZFDVWOH¡V Ă€IWK He cut inside in trade mark style from the right and beat his man, before a neat one-two saw him pass the last defender with a neat change RI SDFH $ SRZHUIXO Ă€QLVK ZHQW XQderneath the keeper to make it 5-1. With the game tied up, the Royals could and should have added to their tally. After the introduction of substiWXWH &KULV 0RVXQGD ZLWK WZHQW\ minutes remaining, the lively striker displayed an array of skilful touches

and he was denied twice in the closing stages. A point blank header from a corQHU ZDV ZHOO VDYHG EHIRUH KH Ă€UHG D one-on-one straight at the ‘keeper. And the game ended on a slightly sour note for the visitors, when Hull were allowed to score twice in the Ă€QDO WHQ PLQXWHV A break away down the right saw a cut back from the by-line to produce the home side’s second, before a Hull striker out-paced the Royals GHIHQFH GRZQ WKH ULJKW DQG KH Ă€Qished well from just inside the box to make it 5-3. %XW WKLV GLG QRW GDPSHQ WKH 5R\als’ spirits, and thanks largely to the boot of Swainston they head into WKLV ZHHN¡V %8&6 &XS FODVK ZLWK +XGGHUVĂ€HOG RQ D KLJK “It’s always pleasing to score goalsâ€? said Swainston afterwards. ´%XW WKH PDLQ WKLQJ ZDV WR JHW WKUHH points on the board along with an impressive team performance to send a message out to the rest of the league. ´7KH VFRUHOLQH Ă DWWHUV +XOO LQ my opinion as we had chance after chance and on another day it could’ve been eight or nine. ´%XW LI ZH WDNH WKH VDPH DWWLWXGH DV WRGD\ LQWR HYHU\ %8&6 JDPH ZH FDQ GHĂ€QLWHO\ H[SHFW WR EH LQ WKH PL[ for promotion at the end of the season.â€?

THE COURIER Monday 16 November 2009

44

How David slayed Goliath > Sport, page 38 Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk E. PRINGLE

/RFNLQJ KRUQV 1HZFDVWOH FRXOG QRW UHFRYHU IURP D SRRU Âż UVW KDOI GLVSOD\ LQ WKHLU %8&6 3UHPLHU /HDJXH FODVK ZLWK 1RUWKXPEULD ODVW :HGQHVGD\ QLJKW DV WKH\ IHOO WR D IRXU SRLQW ORVV PHDQLQJ WKH 5R\DOVÂś .LQJVWRQ 3DUN MLQ[ FRQWLQXHV IRU \HW DQRWKHU \HDU

Royals pay penalty as rivals edge Kingston Park clash Men’s Rugby Union

Northumbria 1sts Newcastle 1sts

15 11

Tom James at Kingston Park $ VWURQJ VHFRQG KDOI À JKW EDFN ZDV not enough for the Royals at KingVWRQ 3DUN ODVW :HGQHVGD\ DV WZR 1RUWKXPEULD WULHV VDZ WKHP WDNH the honours in a tight contest. 1HZFDVWOH ZHUH OHIW WR UXH D VH ULHV RI PLVVHG SHQDOW\ NLFNV LQ WKH opening period as they trailed 8-0 at half time. Despite giving themselves a glimmer of hope courtesy RI D ODWH 3DGG\ ,UZLQ WU\ WKH 5R\DOV

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