Exeposé Issue 650, 15 February 2016

WWW.EXEPOSE.COM

XEP SÉ SE THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

60% of Exeter students admit to unsafe sex

15 FEB 2016 | ISSUE 650 | TWITTER: @EXEPOSE | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EXEPOSE | FREE Photo: Edwin Yeung

Exeposé survey reveals students’ habits and attitudes towards sex at university Concern over the lack of support and advice offered by University and Guild

EXCLUSIVE James Beeson Editor

O

VER 60 per cent of students at Exeter have had unprotected sex, according to an Exeposé survey into our sexual habits at university.

The survey, filled out by almost 400 Exeter students, revealed 229 people admitted having had sex without protection.

Worryingly, of these, nearly 30 per cent stated that alcohol was their primary reason for having unprotected intercourse.

Another 30 per cent stated that they did not use protection as “it feels better without”. Equally troubling was the fact that of the 54 per cent of students who admitted

The sex issue: Saucy content throughout, including a pornstar interviewed Throughout

to having had a one night stand at university, 40.9 per cent said that they did not use protection. Nearly 30 per cent of students admitted to having needed emergency contraception in the past.

Students were also asked for their opinion on attitudes towards sex at university. Over 80 per cent of respondents said that they agreed or strongly agreed that university culture encourages casual sex, whilst 71 per cent said they thought that there was a pressure to be sexually active while at university. Over a quarter of students said they do not worry about catching sexually transmitted infections.

Nearly half of respondents thought that university students do not care about the risks associated with casual and/or unprotected sex, whilst 43 per cent thought that students did not understand the risks

adequately. Over 20 per cent of students said they never or rarely use protection whilst having sex.

Exeposé also contacted students personally to ask them about their experiences of sex culture at university. Speaking anonymously, one second year Law student said that although “the University itself does not encourage any sort of culture around sex, other than the culture to practice it safely,” they agreed that “there does seem to be an existing pressure to be sexually active whilst at university which stems from the general student population itself”. The same student went on to say that whilst “in theory” students know about the risks of unprotected sex, “there are occasional times when this knowledge is not put into practice”.

Comment: Bullied for being a feminist: A student recounts her shocking story Page 9

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Toby GladWINS All-male Sabbatical team elected Full story: Page 5

Features: An interview with Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson Page 12

Download the free Exeposé app

EXEPOSÉ

Exeposé, Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ

Email: editors@exepose.com Call: (01392) 723513 Editors Print: James Beeson & Sarah Gough Online: Kayley Gilbert & Harry Shepherd Deputy Editors Eamonn Crowe & Josh Mines depeds@exepose.com News Editors Print: Susannah Keogh & Fiona Potigny Online: Elizabeth Menshikova & Elise Metcalf news@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: John Chilvers & Zak Mahinfar Online: Natalie Bartrum & Emily Prescott comment@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Flora Carr & Katie Jenkins Online: Jessica Stanier & Theodore Stone features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Sabrina Aziz & Jack Wardlaw Online: Laurel Bibby & Harriette Casey lifestyle@exepose.com Music Editors Print: James Atherton & Katie Costello Online: Tristan Gatward & Joe Stewart music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Akash Beri & Ben Londesbrough Online: Emily Harris & Jack Smith screen@exepose.com Arts & Lit Editors Print: Jeremy Brown & Emily Kerr Online: Lisa Rellstab & Valentina Vacchelli artsandlit@exepose.com Science & Tech Editors Print: Catherine Heffner & Lewis Norman Online: Sally-Ann Dunn & Bry Nickson sciandtech@exepose.com Games Print: Jack England & Evan Jones Online: Sam Brewer & Jabez Sherrington games@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Rob Cross & Emmott Leigh Online: Oli Davis & Tommy John sports@exepose.com Photography Edwin Yeung & Natasa Christofidou photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Esther Docherty, Kate Jones, Giorgi Mamuzelos & William Sandbach

@Exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exepose Advertising Ross Trant R.Trant@exeter.ac.uk (01392) 722607

Join

We always want more writers! Join Exeposé here to get your voice heard for just £5

The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher.

Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.

2 NEWS

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

NEWS

In brief

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé News

NEWS EDITORS Susannah Keogh Fiona Potigny

A new module at an American university is encouraging students to taco ‘bout Mexican food.

Entitled Taco Literacy: Public Advocacy and Mexican Food in the US South, the University of Kentucky module will see students study the cultural significance of Mexican food and write restaurant reviews, while eating plenty of tacos along the way.

According to Professor Steven Alvarez, the 16-week course is a little deeper than simply munching through Mexican culture, stating that it should teach the class about building social connections through food.

“This class allows our students to explore the issues of immigration, inequality, workers, intercultural communication, and literacy through the prism of food,” he said.

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeNews

news@exepose.com

University news from beyond Exeter Stories compiled by: Susannah Keogh and Fiona Potigny

Students treated A module you just Student journalists bring lawsuit to uni to luxury snoozes cannot burrito The University of Miami have spent some serious dollar - all so that their students can have a sweeter snooze.

The two new “Energy Pods” promise students a superior napping experience, featuring soothing music and a gentle vibrating function.

Students must ensure that they respect “nap etiquette”, which requires that they do not consume food or drink while using the device, sleep for more than 20 minutes and that they kindly wipe down the machine after use to avoid smells accumulating.

Ian Singh, Vice President of the University’s ‘Student Government’, was thrilled with the devices’ introduction, claiming that they would boost productivity by easing stress.

|

Student journalists from the University of Kansas’ student newspaper have filed a federal lawsuit against the university for violating their First Amendment rights.

The Daily Kansan accused the university’s top administrators of failing to intervene, after student senators expressed dislike for a 2014 editorial piece.

Editor Vicky Diaz-Camacho described the suit as a “last resort”. “Our constitutional freedoms are at the crux of what we do and help provide transparency to our readers,” she said.

The subsequent cut to the not-forprofit paper’s funding has meant abolishing 13 positions and being unable to hire an advisor.

Racist frat emails leaked to Buzzfeed University of Chicago students have expressed outrage after a series of racist emails written by a campus fraternity were leaked onto Buzzfeed.

Members of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity were found to have sent a series of emails containing racist language over a four-year period, including slurs about Martin Luther King Day and referring to Muslim activists as “terrorists”.

The emails were reportedly leaked by a fellow fraternity member who had grown frustrated with the Jewish chapters behaviour.

Following the leak, the fraternity is now under investigation and University of Chicago student groups are demanding the fraternity be suspended.

A petition signed by 25 student groups is now demanding that Alpha Epilson Pi give a formal apology and organise an event about Islamophobia.

Generation Y still all Sexist uni Facebook Uni feels the heat in Uni Pres suggests sweater scandal group is exposed fresher ‘bunny’abuse about that book A university president has come under fire after he compared freshman students to bunnies who should be drowned.

Simon Newman, President of Mount St Mary University, a private Catholic institution in Maryland, America, planned to cull 20-25 freshman students he deemed unlikely to succeed in the first weeks of term in order to improve university retention rates, student newspaper The Mount Echo reported.

His controversial comments came when discussing the matter with staff who had raised objections. Newman is alleged to have told them to stop thinking of freshmen as “cuddly bunnies”.

“You just have to drown the bunnies”, he added. “Put a Glock to their heads.”

Following the controversy, two faculty members have been fired, although Board of Trustees Chairman John Coynes claims the student newspaper deliberately mischaracterised the policy.

We might be heading towards an increasingly paperless future thanks to mobiles, Kindles and ELE, but Generation Y would still rather pick up a book.

According to new research, 92 per cent of students would rather read a bound book than an e-reader, laptop, phone or tablet.

As research for her new book, Words Onscreen: The Fate of Reading in a Digital World, Naomi Baron surveyed over 300 students from Japan, Germany, Slovakia and the US. “There really is a physical, tactile and kinaesthetic component to reading. In the Slovakian data, when I asked what do you like most about reading in hard copy, one in ten talked about the smell of books,” she said.

These findings do not hold true when it comes to lighter reading, however, with students preferring to access short-form pieces via screen.

A University has launched an investigation, after its newspaper exposed a sexist ‘ring’ being run on Facebook.

According to The College Tribune, University College Dublin’s (UCD) official student newspaper, up to 200 agricultural science students had participated in an online group in which they shared stories “about girls they had sex with, shared nudes, and then posted the girls’ Facebook pages where they’d all rate them out of ten”.

A UCD spokesperson said that the institution is doing “everything it can” to establish facts and encouraging those with information to come forward “as a matter of urgency”.

This isn’t the first scandal of its kind to hit the university, with a similar group unveiled in March 2015.

Simon Fraser University was forced to remove a video uploaded for National Sweater Day after being accused of sexism.

With the tagline “saving energy is sexy”, the video showed a female academic wearing a pale pink sweater turning down the heating in her office with a male student later complimenting “Miss Pinkham” on her outfit choice.

A professor of history at SFU, Elise Chenier, slammed the video on her blog, writing: “When the very place you work promotes the kind of sexism your intellectual work seeks to contest, and ultimately destroy, you feel like you are being eaten from the inside out.”

In a statement posted on the Canadian university’s website, Joanne Curry, Vice President of the University, clarified that the video was not produced internally, but by an external company.

University gets set for Pret A Manger EXEPOSÉ

EXCLUSIVE Susannah Keogh News Editor

T

HE University of Exeter will be home to the first ever on-campus Pret A Manger in the wake of the narrowing of the Marketplace, Exeposé can exclusively reveal.

Opening at the end of April, the globally recognised British food and coffee brand will stock the same selection of handmade food found in stores across the country, with seating available. The handmade natural food will include sandwiches, salads, wraps, baguettes and hot options, as well as organic teas and coffees, juices and cold drinks. Pret A Manger’s national food offerings which Exeter students could expect to enjoy include a crayfish and rocket sandwich, sushi, pulled pork quinoa rice pots, kale crisps and pomegranate and hibiscus juice.

Is Pret A Manger too expensive for students?

Comment Page 8 The new partnership is expected to create new employment opportunities for students, as well as respond to student feedback which asked for increased food

NEWS

www.exepose.com

and drink options on campus to cope with increasing demand.

Phil Attwell, Director of Campus Services at the University of Exeter, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pret’s inaugural campus shop in our flagship Forum building, which is at the heart of our Streatham Campus. We are constantly listening to our students and take on board their ideas for improving their experience.”

We are constantly listening to our students and take on board their ideas for improving their experience Phil Attwell, Director of Campus Services Pret A Manger’s first Exeter store was opened in September on the High Street, with over 130 spaces. Unsold food is donated to local hostels and shelters at the end of each day, as part of the Pret Foundation Trusts goal to alleviate poverty in the United Kingdom. In 2015, over three million food items from their stores were donated.

Laura Jane Tiley, Guild President spoke of her delight at the new outlet: “We have worked alongside the University to ensure that the new operator was

>> An artist’s impression of the new Pret A Manger on campus. Photo: Edwin Yeung. chosen in line with student preferences.

The University is also responding to our members’ views on pricing and I’m pleased that the new services will be complimented with a range of options for differing budgets.”

Caroline Cromar, Pret’s Group

Director of Food, believes that the fresh, natural menu will be a benefit to the University’s students. She said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first ever university shop. This is an exciting new area for Pret and one that we hope will have a real impact on the students living

and studying on campus.”

The news follows widespread rumours over which national outlet would rerplace the empty retail unit left vacant by the Marketplace, with Pret A Manger correctly seen as a front runner alongside American sandwich chain Subway.

According to Secretary of STAR (Student Action for Refugees), Bhagya Silva, “the real problem isn’t the fees, it is asylum seekers’ access to student finance. Or, rather, their lack of access to it. Loans offered directly by the University to asylum seekers would make a much more significant, positive impact.”

Under current Home Office regulations, students in receipt of the fee waiver are still classed as ‘International’ and unable to apply for tuition fee or maintenance loans. While their case is decided, students seeking humanitarian protection are also not allowed to work, heightening their financial struggles.

In response to this, Article 26, Citizens UK and Campaign for the Public University, amongst other humanitarian organisations, have been lobbying UK university Vice Chancellors to offer at least 10 bursaries or scholarships to cover the full costs of study. As a result, over 20 UK universities are now offering scholarships and bursary schemes to refugees, totalling around £1.5 million in nationwide support, according to Citizens UK. Edinburgh University pledged five undergraduate and four post-graduate

full scholarships, as well as a further £100,000 for “other forms of assistance” last week, while the University of Sussex offered to support 50 Syrian refugees last year with scholarships of £10,000, an intensive English language course and £100 per week towards living costs.

than ‘international’ fees. My guess is that the University has not publicised the fee waiver as much as it could have, or gone out of its way to make sure asylum seekers are aware of the opportunities that studying at Exeter could bring them.”

Ian Blenkharn, Director of Education and Student Experience at the University, commented: “The University is pleased to be able to offer this positive commitment to support those who face severe challenges in their homeland. The parttuition waiver scheme was agreed in partnership with the Students’ Guild. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and so the figures shown reflect the number of applications by eligible asylum seekers, children of asylum seekers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children the University received.”

Naomi Armstrong, VP Welfare and Diversity, stated that the Guild are “keen to support the University to welcome refugees to Exeter”.

“The Sabbs have been working to develop the ‘University of Sanctuary’ project proposed by students to introduce schemes such as free society memberships for refugees”, she said.

Refugee fee waiver under fire Fiona Potigny News Editor

M

EMBERS of STAR and Amnesty Society and the founder of the ‘From Syria With Love’ exhibition have criticised the University’s response to the refugee crisis, after it was revealed that fewer than five students are currently in receipt of the Asylum Seekers’ Tuition Fee Waiver.

Figures obtained through an Exeposé Freedom of Information request showed that fewer than five applications for the waiver were granted for the current academic year, while fewer than five are pending review for 2016/17. Exact figures were not provided in correspondence with Data Protection Principles, as their disclosure may identify individuals.

In place since September 2014, the fee waiver allows “asylum seekers, children of asylum seekers or unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who meet the academic programme requirements” to pay the ‘Home’ rather than ‘International’ tuition fee rate of £9,000 while their application for asylum in the UK is under consideration by the Home Office.

3

Syria-born Baraa Ehssan Kouja, a Masters student at the University and founder of the ‘From Syria With Love’ exhibition of refugee children’s artwork, described the initiative as “a good way of showing solidarity”, but expressed concern that most asylum-seeking students would still struggle to cover costs.

“If we actually want to help, we need to know that most asylum seekers cannot afford £9,000 a year. All asylum seekers come from developing countries with around 80 per cent coming from war zones so they won’t be able to afford it.”

Most asylum seekers cannot afford £9,000 a year Baraa Ehssan Kouja, Masters student and Founder of From Syria With Love Student Action for Refugees (STAR) member Arabella Comyn echoed these remarks, adding: “Given how few refugee families will be actually entering and staying in Exeter, I think it would be possible and better for them to have access to free education.”

The University is pleased to be able to offer this positive commitment Ian Blenkhard, Director of Education and Student Experience “I think we should also be offering scholarships and bursaries specifically for asylum seekers, as it’s something a number of other universities are already doing”, President of Amnesty Society, Ellen Boivin, told Exeposé.

Referencing the small amount of students receiving the waiver, she added: “The University should definitely be doing more to firstly make asylum seekers and their children feel welcome at our University and secondly to make them aware of Photo: The Pool their eligibility in receiving ‘home’ rather

EXEPOSÉ

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

Questions over sexual health services

4

NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

... Another third-year English student said: “Although there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with casual sex, I think students are often quite ignorant about the risks of having unprotected sex with strangers.”

The survey also asked students about the number of sexual partners they had been with. The most common response was between one and three partners, followed by four to six. Over 15 per cent of respondents admitted to having sex with 11 or more different partners. Nearly a quarter of students said they had four or more one night stands in the past.

There is currently no society on campus that explicitly offers support or information surrounding sexual health to students. The Exeter Sexual Health Awareness Group (S.H.A.G.) was a student run society that aimed to raise awareness of the importance of good sexual health, as well as spreading the message of safe sex. However, the society is currently not active, having been made dormant in September 2015.

Does university culture encourage casual sex?

Comment Page 10 The Student Health Centre on campus offers free services and information to students about sexual health, including emergency contraception and chlamydia tests. Its opening hours are 08:45-17:00 Monday-

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

GAMES 34-35

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

Friday during term time. Students can also attend the NHS walk-in clinic on Sidwell Street for a more comprehensive and confidential sexual health test. There are also various links to wellbeing and support services such as charity FPA and The Brook Advisory service available on the Students’ Guild website.

Despite this, over 30 per cent of students surveyed stated that they felt the University and/or Students’ Guild did not do enough to provide information/ services surrounding safe sex, whilst another 35 per cent said they didn’t know if enough information or services were provided. Beth, a second year Sociology and Anthropology student, told Exeposé she thought “the University have a duty to be providing sex education to protect students and their welfare”.

“At the end of the day, the effects of casual sex can really affect students’ studies,” she continued, “so I don’t see why it isn’t more clearly advertised by the University. I’ve not been offered a free condom since I arrived, which is outrageous.”

“I wish the University held a sexual health week with events in the Forum so it was unavoidable and people could really get involved.”

Addressing the concerns raised by students, a University spokesperson said: “The safety and welfare of every student is our highest priority. No student should feel pressured in engaging in any activity.

We would encourage any student who encounters incidents of this nature to report them immediately.

“The University has very clear and well-publicised systems for support and advice in place for students, including safety and welfare information within the community guide. The University’s monthly Alcohol Awareness workshops also covers aspects relating to sexual health issues, while the University and the Guild are also members of both the Best Bar None network and the Exeter Violence and Night Time Economy Forum (EVANTE), which promote a host of safety initiatives.”

with unsustainable energy, tobacco, arms, palm oil, as well as those connected with human rights abuses, are no longer able to profit from their financial support.

One of the organisers of the demonstration, Natasha Yorke-Edgell commented: “We are doing this to raise awareness of the fact that our University invests in fossil fuels amongst a number of damaging sectors and industries that are harming people and the planet.

“We have an ongoing petition for students and staff to sign to show their support for the movement.”

Ethical Exeter will also gauge student opinion to inform a revised ethical

investment framework that they will propose to the University Council in April.

Numerous universities and colleges across the UK support the fossil fuel industry directly through research investments that contribute £5.2bn to fossil fuel companies, including those in partnership with BP and Shell. Similar nationwide campaigns have secured over 32,000 signatures of support so far.

Fossil Free, the charity driving the largest fossil fuel divestment campaign globally, were able to commit more than 500 institutions, representing over $3.4 trillion in assets, to divest from fossil fuels at the recent Paris Convention on Climate Change.

SPORT 37-40

Sexy survey stats:

Total number of students surveyed: 380

Number of sexual partners

7-10

University is a liberating experience but it is concerning if a desire for casual encounters is compromising wellbeing

Students seeking free and confidential sexual health advice are advised to call the NHS sexual health line on 0300 123 7123

1-3

4-6

“University culture encourages casual sex”

Naomi Armstrong, VP Welfare & Diversity

Speaking about the survey results, Naomi Armstrong, VP Welfare & Diversity, said: “I would encourage every student to take care of their sexual health and guard against unwanted pregnancy.

Condoms are available on campus for free from the Student Health centre.

University is a liberating experience but it is concerning if a desire for casual encounters is compromising students’ wellbeing.”

0

11+

ee gr

a gly

100

n

ro St

e re Ag

209

on

ini

op No

35

ee gr

sa Di gly on r t S

ree ag s i d

29 7

Students demand University Bee virus spread divestment from fossil fuel caused by man Zak Mahinfar Comment Editor

S

TUDENT group Ethical Exeter brought the fight for climate change to campus on Friday 12 February ahead of the global Fossil Fuel ‘Divestment Day’.

As part of the event, demonstrators constructed an oil spill sculpture in the Forum, consisting of all black every day objects, as a symbol for unnecessary human waste and the harmful consequences fossil fuel consumption has on the environment.

Students were also asked to sign a petition, stating their opposition to the University’s investment in fossil fuels and other unethical industries, as well as distributing leaflets informing students of the cause.

The petition requests that the University modify their investment portfolio to ensure that industries dealing

Sam Woolf News Team

H

UMANS are to blame for the mass wipe-out of honeybees, University of Exeter-led research has discovered.

Collaborating with UC Berkeley, University of Exeter researchers found that deformed wing virus (DWV) which is responsible for decimating bee populations worldwide, was found to be spread by the trade of bee colonies.

The virus is most commonly associated with Varroa mites, which are harmless parasites that feed on the bodily fluids of the host insects. However, mites that carry the virus can infect honey bees and actually pose a serious threat.

If infected during the larval stage of development, bees will often have visibly deformed wings when fully matured.

Although previously thought that the

infectious agent had natural roots, this new research shows the cause to be “largely manmade”.

According to Dr Lena Wilfret from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation, “if the spread was naturally occurring, we would expect to see transmission between countries that are close to each other, but we found that, for example, the New Zealand virus population originated in Europe”.

The mass global trade of bees that is commonplace today could therefore prove disastrous not only for the delicate ecosystems of the world, but also for global quality of life.

Professor Roger Butlin, leading figure in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Sheffield, commented: “This study shows the risks of moving animals and plants around the world. The consequences can be devastating, both for domestic animals and for wildlife.”

EXEPOSÉ

The boys are back in town Sarah Gough Editor

T

OBY Gladwin stormed to victory at the Guild Election results night on Friday, beating off competition to become the newly elected Students’ Guild President for 2016/17.

An all-male Sabbatical team are set to represent students in the next academic year. Gladwin will be joined

by Tristan Gatward as VP Activities and Harry Reeve as VP Education. Alec James fought off six competitors to win the VP Welfare & Diversity position, whilst Josh Callander is the newly elected Athletic Union President.

This year’s candidates have been superb and I’m delighted they have engaged so many students Laura-Jane Tiley, Guild President 2015/16 The 2016 election failed to surpass last year’s record-breaking turnout figures. 7,072 votes were cast in total, 359 less than the year before. However, 40.8 per cent of the student population cast

NEWS

www.exepose.com

their vote – over double the Students’ Union sector average.

According to Guild statistics, first year students were the most engaged in the elections, with 2,621 Freshers casting their vote. Classics, the society Gladwin presides over, won the “Most Engaged Subject” award, while almost 2,000 students from the College of Humanities turned out - accounting for over a quarter of the total vote. 49 per cent of all 9,878 society members voted, with NOOMA seeing the highest percentage turnout with 93.2 per cent of their membership engaged.

As voting closed on Friday, Toby Gladwin’s campaign video had amassed 14,598 views. Shared extensively by The Huffington Post and The Tab, Gladwin parodied popular hits including Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’ and Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ to advertise his manifesto.

Gladwin’s main pledges include extending dedicated study space to town venues, opening the Lemon Grove in the daytime and introducing a Lifetime Guild Membership.

Speaking to Exeposé after his win, Gladwin said: “I’m completely overwhelmed with the support from friends. Thank you everyone who helped support my campaign and to all the students for voting!”

5

Other Guild positions announced on Friday included DVP International Shraddha Chaudhary, DVP Campaigns Sophie Hatton and DVP Sustainability Natasa Christofidou. The new student trustees elected are Charles Beaty, Peter Gillibrand, Aida Mugabo, Malaka Schwaikh and Victoria Poku-Amanfo.

Thank you to everyone who helped support my campaign and to all the students for voting Toby Gladwin, Guild President 2016/17 Speaking to Exeposé on results night, current Guild President LauraJane Tiley said: “This year’s candidates have been absolutely superb and I’m delighted that they have engaged so many students. We have seen incredible campaigning activity from each of the teams across the course of the week and I’m sorry to all of those who worked so hard and missed out on their chosen position. Next year’s sabbatical team, trustees and DVPs will make fantastic representatives and I can’t wait to hear about the brilliant work they’re going to do for students here next year.”

>> From top left clockwise: Toby Gladwin celebrates winning Guild President with a member of his team, the new VP Education Harry Reeve in the Forum, Alec James poses with current VP Welfare & Diversity Naomi Armstrong, VP Activities-elect Tristan Gatward with his campaign team outside the Forum. Photos: Edwin Yeung.

Payday outrage Over four hundred Exeter in Student Idea students are ‘sugar babies’ Jeremy Brown Arts & Lit Editor

S

TUDENT staff members employed at the University are not receiving their income effectively, a new Student Idea argues.

Students have expressed concerns that the wait between paydays is too long, as University staff — including those working at Marketplace stores — are currently only paid once a month.

Other staff affected include student ambassadors and student college staff.

The Student Idea is instead calling for fortnightly remunerations by the University, in line with the separate timescale for Guild staff. The payment system was only introduced in September 2015, and it requires students to fill out an application so they can be paid at the end of the month.

The author of the Student Idea notes that the cost of living in Exeter has forced some students “to rely on this income for basic living”, and missing the cut-off date for the application could lead to students struggling financially “for five to six

weeks”. At the time of writing, the poll has been met with general approval, with over eighty per cent of voters selecting either ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’, and only one voter opposing the statement.

A second year English student, who works part-time for the University, told Exeposé they agreed with the proposal, saying: ”I’d much rather be paid fortnightly than monthly. The end of the month is always that bit too much of a stretch.”

The end of the month is always that bit too much of a stretch Second year English student Other Student Ideas proposed include that the University should offer free rape alarms to students, in light of recent reports of sexual assaults in the city. There is also a proposal to refurbish the Great Hall, which is described as “an embarrassment”.

Susannah Keogh News Editor

E

XETER has been ranked tenth out of UK universities for having the most students registered as ‘sugar babies’.

Seeking Arrangement, a dating website where wealthy benefactors seeking “mutually beneficial relationships” can meet their desires, compiled the list in the wake of increasing student living costs across the country.

With over 400 students looking for sugar daddies on the site, Exeter beat the likes of Oxford and Durham to win a place in the top ten. The University also made it into the top 20 of the Fastest Growing Sugar Baby Schools in 2015, with a 20 per cent increase from last year.

A sugar baby can, on average, be expected to earn a £2,000 allowance per month from their sugar daddies

or mummies. According to Seeking Arrangement, over half this income goes on essentials - 36 per cent on tuition and 23 per cent on rent. An additional 20 per cent is alleged to be spent on books.

The University of Kent currently has the most students registered - 724 whilst Exeter’s neighbour Bristol came in seventh place with over 500 sugar babies.

Exeter second year International Relations student Chrissie Davies said she felt saddened that “so many students have to resort to desperate measures to fund their education here”.

Nationally, 225,000 students use the website to find ‘daddies’ to help fund their education and living costs.

Although the website charges for its premium service, they specifically target students. Those who sign up using a valid university email address are given the

premium membership free of charge.

A University spokesperson said: “This is an extremely small minority of students from a population of around 20,000.

“The welfare of our students is a priority for the University and we advise them to be cautious about entering into arrangements such as this.

“There are more conventional ways to find financial support, such as the large number of scholarships and bursaries which are available to students.”

É

Top 10 Sugar Baby Universities 1. Kent -724 2. Cambridge - 704 3. Nottingham - 671 4. Manchester - 562 5. St. Andrews - 533 6. Westminster - 522 7. Bristol - 518 8. Glasgow Caledonian - 516 9. Leeds - 423 10. Exeter - 422

8

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

COMMENT EXEPOSÉ EDITORIAL

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO EDITORS@EXEPOSE.COM

Johnny for VP

W

E’VE got down and dirty this week - aren’t we givers. After months of planning, Sexeposé is finally a reality. We ran a sexual health survey and it banged. Whilst a bit of cheeky action in the bedroom is all fun and games, our survey did throw up a few problematic stats - namely that lots of students appear unconcerned about the risks of unprotected sex. It was also worrying to see that over 70 per cent of students felt that there was a pressure to be sexually active while at university. 65 per cent of students either didn’t know or thought that the University and/or Guild could be doing more to provide information/services surrounding safe sex. With the Health Centre already at breaking point and students increasingly being directed towards services in town, could more be being done to ensure students’ welfare is prioritised?

Here at Exeposé we’re all in favour of a bit of fun between the sheets, but remember: don’t be silly, wrap that willy.

In other news, you may have noticed there were some elections on campus last week. Toby Gladwin was crowned Guild President last Friday after a viral campaign in which his catchy manifesto video was picked up nationally. While we spend most of the year critiquing the Sabbs, campaigning on the hill everyday in the pouring rain and freezing cold is no easy feat, so respect to each and every one (okay, maybe not EVERY one) for putting themselves forward and making a go of it.

For the full results see page 5.

We’re also pleased to announce that we can finally confirm the thing that everyone already knows is happening. Pret a Manger is coming to the Forum. Brilliant, fantastic, amazing - another middle-class retailer that nobody can afford. While it is in our nature to tar everything with a cynical brush, perhaps Pret’s arrival is a positive thing. It will certainly help to focus the Marketplace’s choice of stock; there will be no more steam-cookers on the shelf for instance (yes, they did actu-

ally sell steam-cookers in there). For the full scoop see page 3. *** It’s not just news that’s saucy this week. Lifestyle lead the way with our sex-themed content with a brilliant twopage porn spread (pages 16-17). Censored somewhat by the Guild, nudity is left out, but the interview with Lance Hart is a fascinating insight into what is too oft considered the dirtiest and dingiest of industries. A moment when Hart describes how filming a gang bang is akin to a Disney movie is a stand-out. We’ll be watching Frozen in a brand new light, that’s for sure. Lifestyle also features an alternative perspective on page 19, with Ella Burgess offering her two cents on why being a virgin in the 21st century is nothing to be ashamed of. Elsewhere, Lewis Norman gets his Netflix and chill on to reveal his foolproof method to seduce your love interest (Music 23), whilst Science & Tech tell us how they do it on the discovery channel (page 32).

Meanwhile, Features interview former Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson on the significantly less sexy topic of the EU referendum (soz Alan, we’re sure you’re bang tidy in the sack). To stay in or pull out, that is the question. See page 12 for fewer sexual innuendos and more serious political discussion. Also worth a read in this fortnight’s issue is Rachel Ashenden’s article in Comment (page 9) where she reveals how she was bullied for her feminist views. University often seems like the most liberal of places, but Rachel’s harrowing halls experience reveals how ignorant some people still are.

Forget Sabb elections, the real deal is nearly upon us. In just a few weeks time Exeposé will be electing a new editorial team. If you fancy your mugshot at the top of this column, or your name elsewhere in this paper, then pop along to our pre-election social this coming Wednesday (18 February) at the Imperial to find out what we’re all about.

CORRECTIONS ISSUE 649: The article ‘Uni research reveals lizard camo ability’ was incorrectly credited to David Smeeton. The article was written by Georgina Bolam.

Thanks to those who helped proof this issue: Victoria Bos, Owain Evans, Rowan Keith, Abigail Milne, Kathy Giddins, Sam Woolf, Jade Beard, Helen Payne, David agnew, Samuel Fawcett, Matthew Jones, Jack Morgan Jones, the Exeposé copy editors and members of the editorial team.

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

comment@exepose.com

EDITORS James Beeson Sarah Gough

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Comment

DEPUTY EDITORS Eamonn Crowe Josh Mines

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

@CommentExepose

COMMENT EDITORS John Chilvers Zak Mahinfar

Marketplace misery Heledd Wilshaw

S

O the Marketplace is half its size... if only it were half the price. Maybe we can dare to dream of a cheaper alternative, with good food at affordable prices.

So the Marketplace is half its size... if only it was half the price Sadly, the rumours are true, how disappointing. Our clamours for a food outlet that won’t break both our bank balances and our New Year’s resolutions, have been shattered. There will indeed be a Pret A Manger coming to campus, I am sure that the avocados, granary bread and prosciutto will more than cater to the needs of the Exeter student. The issue, nevertheless, is that this is essentially another expensive option on campus, meaning we have more of the same thing as opposed to being offered an alterna-

tive. Pret is renowned for being expensive, albeit good quality, and I just don’t know if it’s feasible to expect students to buy a sandwich for the best part of a five pound note. The campus is not meant to be a high street food court, why do we need these big name brands?

Speculation had also indicated the new outlet may have been be a Subway, but it wouldn’t have helped matters if we were forced to choose between our bank balance and our blood pressure. We already have some great pub grub at The Ram for those ditching the diet for the day, why would we want to add another unhealthy option to the list of temptations?

Some people disagree entirely, after all nobody’s forcing us to buy lunch on campus, and clearly students have been willing to cough up thus far. Needless to say however, we are students and sometimes we forget to make a sandwich or frankly can’t be bothered, and would like to be able to treat ourselves. Honestly, if I had known how expensive Exeter was before coming here it may have influenced my decision on whether or not to

apply. There is a culture of overspending that sends a message out to less fortunate students that says the University does not care for their wants and needs.

This culture sends a message out to less fortunate students that says the University does not care for their needs A Tesco Express would have been a far more appropriate choice for a student audience, with a large range of both healthy and less healthy options available to cater for all tastes and budgets.

Even a coffee shop that offers a decent cup of coffee at a reasonable price would be warmly welcomed. When I took my parents for a coffee on campus they were shocked to see such expensive brands for students, remarking “I hope you don’t come here too often”. While I know all too well that I’ll use them far more than I let on, that’s because essentially there’s not much choice, and I’m getting fed up of it.

A diss-mal Valentine’s

Cartoon: Emily McIndoe

Bullied for being a feminist EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

www.exepose.com

9

One student recounts her shocking treatment after her flatmates in halls discovered her views on feminism

Rachel Ashenden

O

N the first night out in Exeter, I spoke to a fresher, drunkenly eager to make friends, who told me she loved Angela Carter, but ‘loathed’ feminism (slight contradiction there). She signalled her hatred by putting her middle finger up in the air, as if she was undermining the political agenda behind feminism then and there. I wasn’t disheartened, I just thought she was a harmless anomaly in her disrespect towards a movement that without, she wouldn’t be here in the first place. But, leaving behind my exceptionally liberal set of home friends, perhaps I was the naïve one in believing that their views were indicative of the entire student population.

I was wrong, and I learnt the hard way. The first term of university was traumatic, and it had a prolonged effect on my studies, my family, and my mental health. The bullying in halls started when one of my flatmates saw that I was attending a Fem Soc event on Facebook.

From that moment on I was labelled ‘the feminist’, and that student refused to use

my actual name. Interestingly, I never vocalised any political opinions in the flat, and even behaved in a way I’d fit in. One drunken night during freshers, a girl I befriended on my course couldn’t get home and so she stayed the night in my room.

The next day they expressed astonishment that I might have been homosexually involved with this girl.

The first term of university was traumatic and had a prolonged effect on my studies and mental health The worst of the resulting victimisations was when one of them hid a wireless speaker in my room, and would set these unnerving noises off in the night to wake me up. I genuinely thought I was going mad and concluded the noises were caused by exhaustion, but they insisted I was delusional, though they were collectively laughing behind my back. When I found the wireless speaker, I realised this was far beyond ‘banter’, which I couldn’t really fathom. I had never been bullied before, and certainly didn’t predict this level of immaturity and hostility in a uni-

versity environment.

Bearing in mind that this was only two w e e k s into my

degree, I had to live on friends’ sofas (whom I had barely known at the time), and had to degradingly sneak back to my flat to feed myself and retrieve fresh clothes at odd hours when I best-guessed they would not be awake. Once the university had allocated me a new room, a support team helped me move out. I returned to find ‘wanted’ posters of me plastered

over the halls, and the reward read “if found, she’ll let you finger her.”

Broadcasting

my alleged sexual waywardness made me incredibly vulnerable, it implied that as a feminist I was either sexually frustrated or promiscuous, and this was open to be misconstrued by a nearby fresher. In terms of punishment, the university

asked me to give evidence in a court-like scenario with them present. My confidence shattered, I could not go through with this procedure. Without evidence, they were instead fined a measly £80 each. Apparently you can put a price on an 18 year old’s mental health, and it totals £400. I received no compensation, and it probably funded one of those eyesore modern art sculptures on campus.

‘Wanted’ posters were plastered across my halls, the reward read ‘if found, she’ll let you finger her’ From my experience, I gather there is a distorted perception and disturbing lack of awareness of feminism among our peers. In a seminar on gender last year, someone proudly confessed that their main motivation for going to Exeter was “to move in circles of rich men”. Each time I hear a highly intelligent woman say that they’re on the lookout for a future medic or lawyer to marry, or even in jest say ‘I’ll just marry rich’ in times of academic stress, a little piece of me dies inside.

“I have lived as a slave to my eating disorder” To coincide with Eating Disorders Awarness week, a student tells of her painful struggle with anorexia Charlotte Pinnock

I

REMEMBER once when food was not the enemy; I thoroughly enjoyed eating a large piece of chocolate cake, or going out with friends for meals. But now the thought of that terrifies me. As this is what it is like to live with anorexia.

Once I started to lose weight I became addicted For years now, I have lived my life as a slave to my eating disorder. It started off just wanting to lose weight so I began restricting my food and exercising more.

The only problem was that once I started to lose weight, I started to get addicted.

As it gave me a sense of satisfaction and control over my life, and made me feel like I could block out the rest of the world, because I was trapped in this anorexic bubble. I believed my eating disorder was helping me to cope with life. But instead it was destroying me, as it was not just my body that was wasting away but also was

my life, as you lose all your interests, emotions and happiness, meaning you also lose the person you once were.

And once I was in the anorexic bubble I was trapped, as gradually over time calories and my weight dictated more and more of my life. At my worst point I would think about calories non-stop. In consequence, I no longer had time for friends, socialising, hobbies and studying, as my brain was consumed with numbers; those numbers on the scales, dress sizes, calories, grams of fat, and hours of exercise.

Being able to switch an anorexic mind off is difficult. As your life is dictated by the eating disorder, from what time you get up in the morning, to whether you attend a party or not.

At my lowest weight, the anorexic voice had complete control over me. I could hardly walk; I was physically too weak to walk up the stairs. I was constantly cold, tired, weak, dizzy and light headed, I had tight aching chest pain and discomfort. During this time people were telling me to eat, but they struggled to understand that eating felt worse than starvation. A lot of people asked me “How do you say no to food so easily?” Saying no

from someone with anorexia is easy, it’s not strength.

I was dying, but I could not see this.

I still wanted to lose more weight and did not see myself as ill, as I was trapped in this anorexic mind-set. In consequence, I got sectioned under the Mental Health Act in a desperate attempt to safe my life.

I got sectioned under the Mental Health Act in a deperate attempt to save my life Over the next few years I lived my life mainly on eating disorders wards in mental health hospitals. Whereby, I was left locked away from society and was hardly living; all I had left was my eating disorder. I knew I could not carry on like this, and from getting the right help, I made the conscious decision to recover.

It was definitely not easy, far from it.

As eating disorders are not actually about food, or your weight but other problems that you are trying to hide behind the eating disorder. In consequence, recover-

ing from an eating disorder is incredibly mentally challenging. You have to put blind faith and trust in other people that all of those eating disorder voices that you have trusted for years are wrong. And to remain strong and to keep fighting the anorexic thoughts, and to understand that it is not about waiting for the storm to past, but learning to dance in the rain.

I’ve had years of having health professionals trying to save my life. I’ve been force fed, had NG tubes, lived off supplements drinks, been on one-on-one with a member of staff always within arms length of me all the time, and spent years locked away in mental health hospitals under sections across the country.

In consequence I’ve lost years of my life. I’ve lost friends; I’ve had university suspended numerous times, and I’ve missed out on big occasions for example, celebrating Birthdays and Christmases.

This shows that eating disorders will not make you happy, and should not to be admired.

Suffering from anorexia has meant that I have spent years trying to avoid food and controlling my weight. I’ve been fearful of eating out, or eating foods that

I do not know the exact calories of. And I’ve been terrified to eat in front of people, in fear they will think I’m greedy, or comment on what I eat, or how I eat. As a result, I’ve ended up isolated and avoiding social occasions. But success, happiness, and beauty is not measured in pounds, and the numbers on the scales will not define who you are.

Eating disorders are not a diet or a choice, they are a serious mental heath problem. In 2015 BEAT estimated that 725,000 people are suffering from eating disorders in the UK, and 20 per cent will die as a result. Eating disorders need to be taken seriously, allowing people to get the help that they need to recover.

Eating disorders are not a diet or a choice Recovery is hard, but a life with an eating disorder is far more destructive.

Instead of punishing yourself and feeding the demons in your head its important to focus on building the new not on fighting the old, as everyone has the chance to change the next chapter in their lives.

EXEPOSÉ

How sexy is Sexeter? TP titillation

10

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT

Bea Fones

F

ROM a casual glance at Yik Yak, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the student population of Exeter are going at it like rabbits. Or are we? Our reputation precedes us, but presumably the somewhat tongue-incheek references to “Sexeter” didn’t come from thin air. Personally, for every story I’ve heard about a one-night stand, I’ve heard another one about a rejection or somebody’s worry that they aren’t getting enough action compared to the Exeter average. So how casually do students at Exeter really view their sexual encounters?

You’d be forgiven for assuming that the student population of Exeter are going at it like rabbits In response to Exeposé’s recent survey, just under half the student population claimed never to have had a one-night stand, with a further 30 per cent having had less than three. Only a cheeky eight

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

per cent said they’d had 11 plus onetime encounters. So maybe our reputation is a bit exaggerated after all?

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a meaningless one-night stand. I’ve been there, and I’m neither proud nor ashamed of it; it’s just one of those things which students get up to, and has had pretty much no meaningful impact on my life. But maybe that’s because I’ve had the sense to leave my vaguely questionable drunk choices where they happened, and move on, escaping with few consequences past awkward eye contact in the gym.

I don’t think the people I’d hook up with on a night out are always going to be the same people I could successfully have a meaningful relationship with.

Some people have done it, and I know quite a few couples who have met on Tinder (don’t get me started), or happened to start dating after hooking up casually. But, I don’t think it’s for me.

One thing I have noticed at Exeter is a somewhat skewed idea of how to make a relationship flourish. Maybe this is common amongst students nationwide rather than just at Exeter, but there seems to be a trend of having a one-night stand, and then trying to build a relationship off the back of

Third Year, Politics

Not neccessarily, I would argue most people want to have meaningful relationships and meaningful sex but people take the time to enjoy themselves at an age when they are free of responsibility.

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

it. Is it just me, or does that strike you as going about things the wrong way around? What happened to meeting someone, and working to form a genuine human connection? Hmm.

It seems that we need to be a bit more careful during our steamy encounters after a night out It also seems that we need to be a bit more careful during our steamy encounters after a night out, because only 35 per cent of students who responded to the survey said that they’d always used protection. Wrap it before you tap it, y’all. I mean it.

A culture of casual sex at universities across the country isn’t inherently bad. There’s nothing wrong with having a lot of sex, as long as you use protection and aren’t acting like a douchebag about it. The problems associated with it, like slut-shaming, lad culture and the prevalence of STDs amongst young people, is what we should be getting annoyed about, not whether your housemate has brought back another random from Timepiece Wednesday for the third week in a row.

COMMENT ON CAMPUS The only people who have negative attitudes towards casual sex are the people that aren’t having it.

MUSIC 22-23

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

Rowan Keith

L

AST Wednesday, a couple was caught red-handed in the middle of the Timepiece D-floor. Outrage ensued on YikYak, Twitter and Facebook.

Considerable slut-shaming of the girl and plenty of kudos for the boy, somewhat overlooking that it takes two to tango.

At the root, two people participated in an inappropriate act in a public place.

However, this is most definitely not the first time two inebriated students have got randy in a public place and it certainly won’t be the last. Students have been known to do worse.

What many seem to have overlooked is how completely unacceptable it is to video what happened without the consent of the people involved. These days, people are frequently having their sexual activity publicly exposed and exploited without their consent. I’ve heard of more than a few of these instances in the past few months but for some reason none of them have ignited such outrage. This is an extremely worrying trend. Taking and sharing videos and photos without the consent of those

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

featured is not only a little bit perverted, it’s also illegal and entirely disrespectful to those involved, who were just having a bit of fun and probably not even fully aware of their own actions.

Taking and sharing images without the consent of those featured is perverted, and illegal Personally, I feel terrible for both the girl and the guy involved because it should have been an issue that was dealt with by the club staff only. They broke the rules of the establishment and they should be held accountable, but that is the only punishment they should receive.

The only person that really deserves to be shamed is the person that not only thought it was their place to film what was happening but then to make it completely public for anyone on any form of social media to see. Until we stop shaming people for their sexual activity and start shaming the people that judge and deprive them of their privacy, we are never going to progress past the slutshaming culture that is so pervasive at university.

“Does university culture encourage casual sex?”

It would be interesting to look at the correlation between the prevalence of casual sex and those going on nights out rather than whether it’s a specific university thing.

Second Year, Economics

I think it’s neither encouraged or discouraged. We’re just of the age when people experiment with their sexuality.

Second Year, French

I think university actually creates a taboo around sex in general.

Third Year, Law

Third Year, History and Spanish

People know if they want to have casual sex or not, university culture probably isn’t going to have that much of a direct influence on their behaviour.

First Year, English

Why do people give a shit?

First Year, Geography

Don’t have sex, because you will get pregnant and die! Don’t have sex in the missionary position, don’t have sex standing up, just don’t do it, OK, promise? OK, now everybody take some rubbers.

Coach Carter

Photo: Flickr.com

12

FEATURES

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

FEATURES

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Features

FEATURES EDITORS Flora Carr Katie Jenkins

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeFeatures

features@exepose.com

“Diplomacy is not an event, it’s a process”

Photo: thetimes.co.uk

Alan Johnson speaks to Theodore Stone, Online Features Editor, about the EU

L

ONDON greets me with the weather that has become near synonymous with the capital, grey trickles tumbling down in front of a yet-greyer sky. It’s a biting January cold, and the disparity between it and the train’s interior makes for a bracing, but welcome, encounter.

Having been sat in a metal tube for three hours, it’s a welcome release. Stepping out into the street, I make my way to the location of my meeting with Alan Johnson.

After passing through security, I’m greeted by a welcoming aide who escorts me to Alan Johnson’s office. A quick knock and a call from the inside beckons me to enter. “Welcome to London,” chimes the former Home Secretary, as I step inside his domain. His office is an expansive locale, filled with ephemeras: a signed poster of the The Who, model aircraft, a guitar alarm clock. The office itself overlooks Parliament Square.

A stately wooden desk impends in one corner, whilst in the other are two cream sofas and a magazine-littered coffee table, which is where our conversation will take place.

To those familiar with contemporary politics, Alan Johnson needs no introduction. A veteran of the Labour Party, his time in government saw him serve as the Secretary for the Ministries of Work, Trade, Education, and Health, before becoming Home Secretary in 2009. In the wake of Miliband’s ascension, he served as the Shadow Chancellor between 2010 and 2011, and now he is now to head the Labour Party’s campaign to remain

within the European Union, Labour In for Britain.

Johnson seems relaxed, and beckons me to begin. I thus decide to cut to the heart of the matter - why should we stay in the EU? “Well, to put it simply,” he opens, “It’s preposterous to think that in an increasingly interdependent world we should wrench ourselves away after 43 years of membership from the biggest commercial market in the world. It’s bigger than either China or the US, and it has provided huge opportunities for businesses and trade, as well as protection for both the environment, workers, consumers and the wider public.”

He goes further: “Just as there is no argument to leave the United Nations, no argument to NATO, there is no feasible, or indeed rational, argument, to leave the European Union.” It’s clear then that Johnson’s views on the matter are far from sympathetic towards the Eurosceptics.

There’s no feasible argument to leave the EU It should be noted that this is not the first time that the question of Britain’s place within the body politic of Europe has been called into question. Back in 1975, a referendum was staged on Britain’s membership of the EU’s predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC). At the same time, Johnson had been a postman in Slough, bringing up three children, and so I ask him to com-

pare the two plebiscites. “The referendum then was whether to go in,” he explains: “We had gone in two years before under the Conservative government, who didn’t give people a say.

“But 43 years have passed. We don’t see other countries having to organise a referendum on this issue - it’s no way to run a chip shop. Nevertheless, we lost the election and the Tories won it, so that’s where we find ourselves. But there is a massive difference between leaving then, and leaving now.

“There are 28 member states, a Channel Tunnel, and an increasingly inter-dependent world, and with issues like the environment, energy security, and international terrorism which simply cannot be solved by one nation alone. There’s a better argument for being in now than there was in 1975.”

The subject of deals is currently a rather contentious issue within the Government. Much of David Cameron’s negotiations are arguably situated more around the idea of making it an ‘event’, rather than a ‘process’, which Johnson profoundly disagrees with. “My constant mantra,” he declares, “is that diplomacy is not an event, it’s a process”.

“I served as a trade union leader before I became an MP, and the trick is to get people onto your side in a way that brings the issue along, not to issue threats.

Sometimes you do end up in a situation where you threaten to go on strike, but as soon as you do that, you narrow your resolutions because the stakes are up.

“For us as a big powerful country to

be whinging with a hand on the exit door is simply not the way to be conducting matters.”

Moving matters back towards a more local perspective, I bring up the recent survey conducted by Exeposé, which found that approximately 72 per cent of Exeter’s student population wished to remain within the Union, with around 20 per cent wishing to leave, and eight per cent undecided. Among the most prominent reasons to leave the EU was the idea that it was undemocratic, an idea which Johnson hastily rebuts.

We’re whinging with a hand on the exit door “I don’t think that’s the case,” he responds. “This claim could have been made in 1975 and would have received the same response. It’s all about busting these myths - the EU is not undemocratic, it operates by the co-decisions of the European Parliament, which is elected, and the heads of state, who are also elected.

Democracy is at work. Whilst we do cede some of our sovereignty, we do it voluntarily, and we have ensured that there are exceptions. It’s in the treaty, and it wouldn’t have been in the treaty had we not said so. If there is to be a market, there must also be consequences if you disobey those market rules.”

During the campaign, former government titans will be locking horns to ensure Britain’s future. Arguably the two most prominent advocates of the Leave Cam-

paign are Thatcher’s former Chancellor Nigel Lawson and Nigel Farage. However, Johnson is quick to note the pro-EEC membership sentiments expressed during Thatcher’s reign, whilst also pointing out that he [Lawson], “doesn’t even think that climate change exists”.

As for Farage, Johnson is again quick to comment, stating that his magnetism is more “repel than attract. He may appear to be popular at rallies, but the attendants will always vote against Europe. He’s not converting many to the cause, which is why the various Leave campaigns won’t go near him,” At the other end of the spectrum, the left-of-centre is certainly a different kettle of fish nowadays; the election of Jeremy Corbyn to the leadership of the Labour Party has shaken the establishment to its core, thanks in a large part to the reception Corbyn received on social media, which Johnson sees as being “absolutely crucial in this referendum”. “Young people,” he continues, “have never seen life outside of the EU. They cannot remember the days where you couldn’t just hop on a train without applying for a visa. If we lose and throw ourselves back into splendid isolation then we’ll lose so many of the advantages we now take for granted”.

With that, the interview draws to a close. We shake hands and make some closing remarks. The third volume of his acclaimed autobiography is scheduled for a September release: “if I can finish the bloody thing that is”. A skilled orator, the argument for Britain remaining in the EU has a strong advocate in Johnson.

“I’m challenging your racism”

EXEPOSÉ

FEATURES

www.exepose.com

13

Following Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance and #OscarsSoWhite, Georgina Bolam draws on her own racial identity in order to examine racism in the media and at Exeter University

W

ITH current debates surrounding racial equality at universities and whether the media’s portrayal of race affects this, I want to share my own experiences with being mixed-race at the University of Exeter.

I have a Caribbean mother and an English father. Coming from the largely diverse City of London to the predominantly white Exeter was not exactly a shock, however it brought about many interesting encounters.

In my first week of University, my flatmates seemed fascinated by my ethnic background, needless to say they had coincidentally come from all-white private schools. They ventured through all possible stereotypes, attempting a Jamaican accent, telling me to twerk and asking me if I eat a lot of chicken. Despite this not seeming extremely racist, it made me confused and if anything, I felt like a spectacle, like a magician performing tricks.

My flatmates told me to twerk and asked me if I eat a lot of chicken. I felt like a spectacle I was even referred to as ‘exotic’.

What they don’t realize is that when you ‘other’ a mixed race individual you are not just temporarily othering them in that moment amongst that group of people, you are contributing to a more permanent othering. You are perpetuating their alienation from all communities.

When they realised I was not what they considered a ‘typical black person’ or that I put myself across as one, for their own personal entertainment they moved onto my other flatmate, of Ghanaian origin.

After this odd first week, it was interesting to me that I was referred to as ‘black’ more so than ‘white’ and that it became my label. As I had never seen myself more white or black, but equal on either side, it was bizarre that my Caribbean identity has suddenly become more prevalent in others eyes.

One Nigerian student last year even said: “‘Otherness’ is my new norm. I’ve grown used to people touching my hair, being surprised at my eloquence and assuming I know how to dance.”

My second week of University was not much different, yet my colour actually brought me positive opportunities.

Auditioning for one of the drama societies’ shows, I was offered a call back for the black character ‘Gary Coleman’ in Avenue Q.

Although this character was not exactly suited to my acting abilities, they saw my colour and immediately thought I would be able to play it. As it so happened, the other girl who had a callback for the same role was much better suited- with a lower range fitting for the character and a better ‘black’ persona with the snappy disposition perfect for Gary Coleman. Not a surprise there.

Later on that week I was called out of a drama workshop by the director of education for Drama and asked to take part in a rehearsed reading of a new play at the Bike Shed Theatre.

At first I thought I had genuinely been hand picked out of everyone to play this role. On the contrary, there were only two people of colour in first year drama, one of whom was absent. This left me to play a West Indian girl with an attitude, who often quotes her Jamaican Grandmother. I was honoured to take part in this fantastic opportunity but couldn’t help feeling like I wouldn’t get as many of these favourable circumstances if I was white, and perhaps people would see me for my potential talent and not just an ethnicity.

Despite my experiences since I got to Exeter, I am aware that there are people who have experienced racism far worse than I. From Airbnb owners not allowing a person of colour into their houses, to shop owners hearing about a local crime and immediately asking ‘Was he black?’.

This has been brought back to the forefront following David Cameron’s revelation that there are more black people in prison than at a top university. From this debate, universities will now be forced by law to disclose what proportion of ethnic minority applicants get places, David Cameron has announced as part of a concerted government anti-discrimination drive.

Yet, is asking top universities like Oxford, for example, to increase their intake of ethnic minorities considered positive discrimination? And if so, is this really what we should be promoting? Or maybe it is what universities like Exeter really need to push forward.

What I think is just as important as establishing spaces of diversity within Universities is how we react to people who exhibit minute differences from ourselves. Diverse spaces are the goal because that is how we fight the ignorance

that fosters institutional oppression.

The media creates meanings about race and ethnicity, and plays an important role in shaping the way we understand race and ethnicity as part of our identity, our history, our social institutions, and our everyday lives. Often used interchangeably, race is a way of classifying individuals and groups. It delineates one’s place of origin or nationality, one’s cultural background or ancestry, one’s language and by extension, one’s belief system.

The media creates meanings about race and ethnicity, and shapes the way we understand them Personally I feel it’s a shame that the orchestrator of change, Mr.

Cameron is discussing why these ethnic minorities exist with education chiefs who have an external, biased view of such a matter. Many people wonder if bringing this issue to the forefront of media is helping ethnic minorities gain better opportunities or is it actually alienating them even more? The media’s intrinsic Islamaphobia, the portrayal of African-American men on TV or even subtle racism that is engrained into every day news bulletins are all signs that the media are part of the problem and are in fact reproducing racism in direct discourses of denial.

The issue is being addressed by those in the film industry. Following an overwhelmingly white nominee list for this year’s ceremony. prominent film stars like Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and Spike Lee are boycotting the Oscars Awards 2016 in protest.

More recently, Beyoncé’s new song, ‘Formation’, is a fierce celebration of her African-American roots (“You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texan bama”), and for her performance at the Super Bowl she payed homage to Michael Jackson and the Black Panthers, the militant politi-

cal movement that formed 50 years ago this October. Her performance was a tribute to the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Bottom line is, I am a challenger to everything you thought you knew about race, culture and ethnic identity. I am an adversary to your ideas of segregation. I am a challenger to years of historical divides and to present day racial tensions. I am an opponent to your definitions, your prescriptions and your perspectives. It is time to unlearn racial identity, and start portraying it in a way that makes us all unique individuals.

I am a challenger to everything you thought you knew about race The fight for black rights would be all the more effective if peoples’ ignorance would stop returning them to the phrase ‘But racism doesn’t really exist anymore’.

Only one in ten of the poorest black boys go into higher education at all. What does this say about modern Britain? Are these just symptoms of class divisions or lack of equal opportunity? Or is it something more engrained, institutional and insidious? It may be overt and unconscious, but this inequality needs to be stamped out.

So Exeter… It’s not enough to simply say you are open to all. Ask yourselves: are you going that extra mile to really show people that this University can be a place for everyone?

14

NEWS 1-5

FEATURES

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

Photo: www.slate.com

Position your Politicians There’s sex in the air, and it’s not just the commoners who are getting down and dirty.

Our writers take to pondering our politicians’ favourite sex positions...

Hope for Hillary?

“David Cameron - Piggy style” JOSH MINES “Natalie Bennett - Up against/with a tree” THEO STONE “Ed Miliband - Missionary” EAMONN CROWE “Theresa May - Starfish” NATASA CHRISTOFIDOU “Ed Balls - deep” THEO STONE “Jeremy Hunt - Roleplay (screwing young doctors)” SIMON CLARK “Getting wood for Leanne Wood” WILLIAM SANDBACH “Cheeky bench press with a back bencher” FIONA POTIGNY “Donald Trump - Nothing from the Karma Sutra. It sounds too foreign” KATIE JENKINS “Justin Trudeau - Stand up and deliver” SARAH GOUGH

As dark horse Bernie Sanders rises in the polls to contest Hillary Clinton, Jack Morgan Jones analyses the two competing candidates for Democrat Leader

B

ERNIE Sanders is the educated version of his lesser leftist twin that the UK has been laden with. He is a very impressive man. In the 1960s he was an active campaigner for civil rights and since then he has gone on to prove himself across different public positions, from the Mayor of Burlington to a Senator of Congress. While in Congress he has passed more amendments then any other politician. This legislative accomplishment is of great importance, for such a record would usually involve a sacrifice of principals.

But Sanders has remained steadfast in his views throughout his time in Washington. He currently runs his state as an independent (although he caucuses with the Democrats) and he refuses to affiliate with organised religion (despite the obvious benefits that doing so would bring).

He calls himself a democratic socialist, and he probably is one in the truest sense of the phrase.

Hillary Clinton is the rival candidate, and is the establishment pick. Amongst the names that contribute to her campaign are: Citigroup Inc, Goldman Sachs, DLA Piper, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase and Co. But let it not be said that she limits herself to domestic buyers.

Since 2013 The Clinton Foundation has been receiving donations from such noteworthy countries as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Is there anyone she’s not indebted too? Yes – the American people funnily enough.

However, if she does become President then she will owe them their votes, and votes are the cheapest of all the debts to backpay. When Clinton is not selling her country to the highest bidder she spends her free time renting herself out

by using her position as future president incumbent to earn herself millions of dollars and giving paid speeches to banks and cooperations. Such is the company of the political businesswoman.

Clinton is obsessed with the Oval Office and, unlike Sanders, will do whatever it takes to sit in it. This lack of principal has been noticeable on too many occasions. It was only in 2013 that she finally gave gay marriage her secretarial tick of approval.

Clinton is obsessed with the Oval Office, and will do whatever it takes Remember that as late as 2004 she had been dismissing gay marriage and talking about “sacred bonds” of matrimony. She probably didn’t mean it back then, but who’s to say that she means it now?

She probably doesn’t care either way.

Could this reversal not be interpreted as a good sign – a sign of someone who can change with the times?

It could be, but it isn’t. Not when Clinton changes her mind on everything.

She frequently changed her opinion on Iraq depending on her current political ambitions. She now publicly concedes the surge worked, yet previously she was opposed to it, and before that she voted for the Iraq war. As defence secretary Bob Gates, in his memoir of the Obama administration, recalled: “Hillary told the president that her opposition to the (2007) surge in Iraq had been political.”

She is protean by nature; she flickers indecisively until she finds her own political highground.

What would America under President Clinton II look like? She will suck up to the gun lobbies whilst talking about cracking down on them. She will go on sponsored tours of the world that yield little apart from the lining of her own pockets. She will cosy up to Iran while talking up Israel – or vise versa. Currently she is under investigation from the FBI over the murky Benghazi affair and also has to cope with her stupid email debacle.

Clinton will pop a vein in order to recover whatever is left of her public image, and thus the tenure of President Clinton II will be lumpen – at least four years of directionless stagnation.

Why is it then, that with a heavy heart, we must back her? Sanders has promised us everything. He has promised free education and he has promised free medicare, he has promised to tackle both climate change and reverse America’s democratic deficit; income inequality will be lowered through a living wage, there will be sick leave for all, the rural economy will be reformed and Wall Street will be put on a leash.

There is no end to the things that Sanders wishes to change but all of these things will come at a cost. On Sanders’ website there’s the helpful section called: “How Bernie pays for his proposals?” – a refreshing change from the politicians who would duck the question. Sanders is frank and open about how he will fund his changes. Taxation. Lots of it.

Here is the problem: Obama has struggled with the presidency. The exhilaration of his election has slowly extinguished with time, was exhausted by political reality. With Sanders promising even more change, in what essentially amounts to a progressive revolution,

government shutdowns could become permanent. This isn’t even the main issue though, for, on any other day, the optimist in me would still back Sanders over Clinton.

But this is not just any other day – for facing our democratic nominee on the other side of the podium will be the worst thing the Republicans have produced in years. In other words, the elephant in the room really is the elephant in the room, and this enormous elephant cannot be allowed to trample on the democratic donkey.

Why is it then that, with such a heavy heart, we must back Clinton?

Just as Sanders and Clinton were battling it out in the New Hampshire primary, Donald Trump was winning a sweeping victory. BBC News reported that Trump was likely to secure more than twice the number of votes of the next Republican candidate.

Sanders was similarly victorious in the latest primary; he told supporters: “It is just too late for the same old, same old establishment politics and establishment economics.” Sanders, like Trump, is currently riding on a wave of discontent with mainstream politics.

However, Sanders is too much of a risk. He is the man most likely to lose the presidential election. If the Democrats do decide to plump for him, they better make damn sure that he goes all the way. Sanders will save America from the one per cent, but Clinton will save America from Trump.

Interested in joining the Exeposé editorial team?

What?

What?

We are electing our new committee in the first week of March. Want to be part of the biggest student media on campus?

Are you interested in a career in journalism, photography or editing? Read on to find out more!

We are looking for people to fill the following positions for next year: • 2 x Editors • 2 x Online Editors • 2 x News Editors • 2 x Online News Editors • 2 x Comment Editors • 2 x Online Comment Editors • 2 x Features Editors • 2 x Online Features Editors • 2 x Lifestyle Editors • 2 x Online Lifestyle Editors • 2 x Music Editors • 2 x Online Music Editors • 2 x Screen Editors • 2 x Online Screen Editors • 2 x Arts & Lit Editors • 2 x Online Arts & Lit Editors • 2 x Science Editors • 2 x Online Science Editors • 2 x Games & Tech Editors • 2 x Online Games & Tech Editors • 2 x Sport Editors • 2 x Online Sport Editors • 1 x Marketing Manager (NEW) • 1 x Technical Manager • 2 x Chief Photographer

How? What?

Candidates must run in pairs, you can run with someone you already know or we can pair you up with someone else who also wants to run. Just email editors@exepose.com letting us know which position you want to run for.

Before elections we will ask you to submit a short manifesto detailing why you’re suited for your desired role. Manifestos must be sent to the editors by 5pm on 29 February.

Where + when?

Print elections will take place on Tuesday 1 March in the M& D room (9.30am-4pm). Online elections will take place on Wednesday 2 March in Newman LT Green (5pm-10pm). Results will be announced afterwards in The Ram on both days.

EXEPOSÉ PRE-ELECTION SOCIAL If you have any additional questions about editing, running for a position, or if you just fancy an informal chat then why not come along to our pre-election social at The Imperial on 17 February at 6pm? It’s a great chance to talk to our editors about their experience working on the paper as well as to meet other like minded people you could be paired up with if you don’t currently have a running partner.

16

LIFESTYLE

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

LIFESTYLE

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Lifestyle

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeLStyle

The porn identity LIFESTYLE EDITORS Sabrina Aziz Jack Wardlaw

lifestyle@exepose.com

Jack Wardlaw, Lifestyle Editor, interviews veteran porn performer Lance Hart and gets some insider insight into one of our most contentious industries

P

ORNOGRAPHY. The word conjures up all kinds of images, most of them sordid. Much is written and discussed about pornography - should it be legal? Is it damaging to women?

Should there be more regulations around it? I wanted to take a look at how many of those articles and discussions are actually accurate, because it appears that people seem more than content to weigh in on the topic when their exposure to porn is limited at best.

This consideration is what led me to be sitting at my computer at four in the morning talking to an industry professional about his experiences working with, and appearing in, pornographic videos. Lance Hart (his performer name) is a prominent face within the porn industry, and has amassed nearly ten years of experience working in it, both with other male performers and with female performers.

There is no denying that the market for pornography shows no signs of waning Lance is the mastermind behind Pervout.com - an umbrella site that gives individuals the chance to shoot their own pornographic fetish movies.

Describing it as like “independent film vs.

Hollywood”, Pervout.com caters to a wide range of niche fetishes, including but not limited to, foot fetish, ball-busting, female domination and karate. Lance provides the equipment, spaces and expertise to create “low budget, high quality porn”.

He teaches other performers how to produce their own videos which he then sells on his website, enabling creators to reach a wider range of audiences and making fetish porn (something that has traditionally been repressed and relegated to the darkest corners of the Internet) accessible, safe and high quality.

In fact, just as we are speaking, Lance tells me that he has a female performer staying with him who is webcamming in his living room and he is in the process of helping her start her own business and gain financial independence. It’s not quite

Dragon’s Den but there is no denying that the market for pornography shows no signs of waning, and clearly demand for niche fetish pornography is only increasing as people become more open and accepting of different aspects of their sexuality.

I didn’t know anything about what it was actually like... but it’s smut so I assumed that it was going to be dirty Growing up with the Internet, Lance, just like any other young man, started consuming porn as a teenager with the introduction of the Internet. Lance recalled how “it was really exciting you could search and see whatever you wanted” and this enabled him to “put names to things that I thought were sexy. Like I have fetishes and things that I think are hot but I never knew what to call them”. This ability to search and explore fetishes for the first time perhaps seems alien to us today in a world where we take the Internet and Google for granted, but it is important to appreciate the kind of impact in developing one’s sexuality that the Internet has had on people since its inception.

After first wanting to be a writer but getting a job as a software consultant because it paid more, Lance appeared in his first porn movie in 2009 where he was paid $1800 for a solo masturbation scene. Lance admits that “I didn’t really think about it that much at the time” because, after being made redundant from his software consultant job he needed the money. This scene led him to sign a two year contract with the company to do specifically gay porn scenes with other male performers. There is a slight tone of surprise in Lance’s voice as he tells me this, and he goes on to clarify that “at the time I would have said I

identified as completely straight, but over time… I’ve opened my mind more, but I’d say I’m mostly straight, but like guys sometimes”.

Upon joining the industry, Lance confesses that his expectations were low.

“I didn’t know anything about what it was actually like… but it’s smut so I assumed that it was going to be dirty. I was actually very scared.” Lance was very worried what it would be like on set, whether there were going to be drugs and alcohol etc. but it turned out that his reservations were misplaced. “I was surprised to find that it was, honestly, more professional than my software job… The porn set was more HR friendly. Everyone was respectful, everybody was sober. One guy that they flew in they sent home because it looked like he had drank too much the night before. I was impressed with that.”

Obviously, he also admits that everything is not rosy and wonderful in the industry. Lance says that “not every set is that way” and that there “is a lot of this and that in the industry…

it’s easy to get lost”. Exactly what he means by “this and that” he doesn’t elaborate on, but he does show an awareness of the more dangerous side of porn. I wanted to press him on this a little bit more because people often point to some horrible stories of women being objectified and treated abhorrently by directors and other male performers when discussing porn.

Having worked with many female performers, Lance understands that

he can’t speak for them, but in his experience he admits to being very lucky at having been surrounded by “professional people who care about each other’s vulnerability”. He understands the “vulnerability that comes with having a female body” like the questions of: “Do I look sexy? Feminine? Do I still maintain my power as a woman? But people really respect that because we’re all vulnerable together… People are just nice!” It’s a far cry from the stereotypical images of porn performers and producers that some people have.

There is a lot of this and that in the industry... it’s easy to get lost There are, however, cases where dangerous situations happen. Lance recalls one story of a female performer he knows who was in the bathroom after a shoot when one of the male performers came in and “basically naked hugged her from behind. He didn’t hit her or anything but it was scary because she didn’t like that. She said no and he didn’t back away, so she said no very adamantly and then he did back away. Now that’s bad and we don’t approve of that but in six years of porn I’ve only heard one story like that, and that story has become HUGE news. It’s been all over the porn news and when you think about it, if that’s big news, then the norm is we treat each other with respect. Those are freak things. I think it’s shocking to people who don’t work in porn because they think ‘well you’re all… a bunch of godless sluts touching each other and of course it’s going to be terrible,’ but it’s really not.” Obviously, Lance’s experiences can only go so far on this topic, and it is perfectly possible that many more serious incidents go unreported for fear of the repercussions. As he says himself, “I’m not a woman so can’t really speak for them” and therefore we might have gotten a different reaction if the question was posed to a female performer. It is clear from watching porn that women are often treated as sexual objects, and while they may be ok with it themselves, the

image given to people who watch those scenes may be different. Ultimately, however, this is an instance of someone who doesn’t work in the industry talking without experience. Yes, while Lance can’t speak for all women, he speaks for the women he has worked with, but perhaps the experiences of performers differ from what we expect them to be.

It is really interesting hearing issues like this from first hand experience, that incidents like the one mentioned above are in actual fact extremely rare. Indeed, it seems for every incident like this one, there is another actually truly heartwarming story where working in porn can do amazing things for a person.

L a n c e points to an example from a scene he did a few weeks ago with a girl who was very new to the industry where she was gangbanged by Lance and four other

EXEPOSÉ

LIFESTYLE

www.exepose.com

What do you think of porn?

The increasing number of female porn directors is presumably having a good effect on the industry.

I think the industry promotes misogyny and sexual violence which is very damaging for young male viewers.

First Year, Law

Fourth Year, Physics

It’s not something I’ve used frequently myself, but I don’t have a problem with anyone (or my partner)using it.

Third Year, English

guys. The sex was supposed to be rough, so it included “grabbing her, choking her, putting things in all her holes and stuff”.

Now this sounds like the stuff of objectification horror right? Wrong.

According to Lance, “it was important to all of us that we knew that she was actually into it, that she wasn’t doing it just for the money, so we talked to her first and the director, of course, talked to her first.

It was Kink [the fetish porn studio] and Kink are very good at hiring the people who want to do it, not the people who need to do it”. Rough sex was her particular fetish and doing it through pornography was the only safe way to have this kind of experience, because as Lance points out that “you can’t just go to a bar and be like ‘hey, here’s five guys, come home and chokefuck me.’” In addition to this, during the experience the female performer actually had a clitoral orgasm for the first time. “She’d been told by her ex that she was broken and she’d obviously had some bad experiences in the past… but [in the scene] she came in a new way and she cried. The director cut and checked in,” asking her if she was ok but, “she was crying, very clearly tears of joy and she said ‘I thought I was broken and now I know that I’m not. This is amazing.’ She cried, everybody cried, all five of us tough guys gang banging her gave her a big group hug. It was like a Disney

movie… but THAT’S the norm. The bad experience are bad… but porn is leaps and bounds ahead of [other industries]”.

I bet you never thought you’d hear a rough gang bang porn scene being described as “a Disney movie” but that’s because our preconceptions about what porn is and what happens to those who take part in it are undoubtedly very skewed and inaccurate. Yes there may be instances where things are not quite so wholesome, but that is true of every industry. People tend not to think twice when they buy their clothes from Primark, Topshop or River Island, all of whom have been linked to using child and slave labour in factories that are substandard and physically dangerous. People seem to refuse to believe that the horror stories are representative of the entire fashion industry, and yet they do when it comes to pornography.

She cried, everybody cried, all five of us tough guys gang-banging her gave her a big group hug. It was like a Disney movie Much like with anything, it is often the consumption of the thing that can cause a problem, rather than the thing itself. Too much McDonalds can cause obesity, but a treat once in a while is fine. The same, Lance agrees, is true for porn. Often people cite negative impacts of watching too much porn as a reason for it to be considered dangerous, claiming it can reduce sexual interest, affect performance in bed and alter what we consider to be ‘normal’ sex. I put this question to Lance, and asked whether or not too much porn can be a bad thing.

I got the answer I was expecting. Just like with anything, Lance said, excessive consumption can be a problem: “Of course there are people who have trouble with it, just like there are people with food addictions, but that’s not what it’s for. It’s meant to be entertainment and not to be abused like that.”

Lance actually insists that pornography does more good than

Porn is really great but it definitely creates unrealistic expectations of sex and of women in particular.

Third Year, Law

harm, and describes how he gets several emails a week from individuals and couples who want to say thank you for the videos he makes because they help their relationships.

Just like with anything, excessive consumption can be a problem He specifies that it is the pegging videos (where females penetrate their male partners with strap-on dildos) that are often the subject of these e-mails, because guys have shown their wives these videos and were too scared to ask for it, but apparently “because they could show her a video and it didn’t look scary or sleazy, like it looked sexy and clean, that she was willing to do it and now I’m doing things that she always wanted and vice versa”.

Moving on from these broad sociological questions, I wanted to get Lance’s opinion on some of the new government laws that have come into effect that are focused on the porn industry. In California, for example, porn producers and performers are having a problem with a new law that says that every performer must wear a condom in scenes.

“I wish t h e

Government asked more questions before they make the rules” he said. “I think they should at least consult industry professionals.”

He says, of that law, that “anybody not in the industry would say of course they

should… but as it turns out… if they looked into our testing standards, it’s NOT safer to wear condoms, it’s safer to get tested, because of the abrasions that condoms can cause and the infections you can get if you’re fucking for four hours at a time. They’re also unnecessary because of the high standard of S.T.I. testing we do.” Again, we have a case of people outside the industry offering their opinions on a matter about w h i c h they know relatively little. This seems to be the common thread with discussions about pornography. Lots of people have opinions and lots of people don’t mind putting them out there, but those opinions are ill-informed.

Hey, I’m straight but I like things in my butt and that’s ok As for the future of porn, Lance is optimistic that people will continue to experiment with their sexuality and try new things in their sex lives. “As the world evolves a little bit, people will be more open to what they want and there will be more honesty… like hey, I’m straight but I like things in my butt and that’s ok. Stuff like that doesn’t make you a bad person or a sinner.” Gone are the days when people rigidly define themselves by their sex lives. Straight guys are shagging other straight guys (with new apps catering specifically to guys looking for ‘bro-jobs’), girls are banging other girls and more and more people are rejecting the tradition of monogamy for other forms of relationship.

It was fascinating to talk to someone with such direct experience in the porn industry, and see that there are lots of common misconceptions about what life is like in front of the camera. For so long ‘porn’ has been a dirty word, but it’s something that the vast majority of us have consumed at one time or another. Slowly but surely we are shaking off this idea that sex is shameful and should be hidden, but it’s taking time.

Pornography and sex need to be brought out of the shadows if we are going to really talk about them properly.

17

Though there are some quesitons I’d ask about how exploitative some parts of the industry are, I think watching porn is a great, natural way to express and explore your sexuality by yourself or with a partner.

Second Year, International Relations

Porn statistics 12% of websites on the internet are pornographic

That adds up to approximately 24,644,172 porn sites

In 2015 the most popular porn search in the UK was “Lesbian”

Closely followed by “Teen” in second place and “Step Mum” in third

Kuwait has the longest average watching time at 04:19 minutes

The world average is 03:16 minutes

18

LIFESTYLE

Sexeter Confessions We all know that sex is a part of university life. However, it is not always plain sailing in the sack and we have definitely all had our fair share of bedroom mishaps. We asked Sexeter students to reveal their deepest, darkest and most cringe-worthy sex secrets. Enjoy...

“One of my housemates pulled after a night out and brought the boy back. After they had sex he ran into another housemate who had also been flirting with him that night. They went into her room and started getting down and dirty. They got interrupted by the original housemate calling for the guy, who’d obviously been gone for ages. So he sneaked back into her room and they went straight back at it again!”

“Me and my boyfriend were fooling around in an alleyway one time, when we got interrupted by a really loud and very terrifying barking sound. We realised that we were in front of somebody’s house and they had a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign! We had to scarper, with my boyfriend running with his jeans down his ankles!”

“My boyfriend and I had gone for a fancy meal near Exeter Cathedral and as he went to touch my leg, he noticed I was wearing suspenders. He paid for the bill ASAP and took me behind the cathedral, where we had sex. Against the cathedral walls. At 9pm.”

“After I had been masturbating in my bedroom one time, I went into the bathroom to clean up and ran into my housmate! She proceeded to comment about the toothpaste I had stuck in my beard. That wasn’t toothpaste love...”

“My friend was having sex with her girlfriend in her car once when her mum came and knocked on the car window. And that’s how she came out...”

“I was getting down and dirty with this guy I had fancied for absolutely ages when all of a sudden he growled at me, even making little pawing gestures. I stopped what I was doing, stared at him and then burst out laughing.”

“I pulled after a night out and was walking the guy back to my house when I thought that I should probably ask for his name.

He gave me a funny look before telling me that we’d met before.

A few weeks ago when we had sex! Awkward. (We still had sex though. Win.)”

Assume the position NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

Exeposé Lifestyle bend over backwards to explain the sauciest sex positions for you Missionary style: The name may have religious connotations, but this style won’t have anyone screaming “Oh sweet Jesus” any time soon. Bland, overdone and, I’m sorry boys, just a little bit boring.

With harsh bed springs from below and a dead weight from above, this position is the sex equivalent of a dystopian nightmare. (I exaggerate, it’s not all that bad).

Cowgirl: The view’s much better from up here, and there’s actually space to breathe. This one’s great for both sexes: boys get a great view and free hands, whilst girls get all the power. A control freak’s dream. You can lean forward or back to change things up a bit, but either way you do it you’re living the high life (geddit?).

wardly raised (if you’re a gymnast). Or you can be lifted up and pinned against a wall whilst you wrap your legs around him (requires some serious upper body strength so you better get benching boys). It’s a little bit fiddly and awkward and, unless you’re some hunky rugby player and petite ballet dancer, or Ryan Gosling in The Notebook, often involves more effort than it’s worth. If it does go right, however, and being banged against a door knob or brick wall isn’t too excruciating, it can be pretty darn exciting. Points for passion.

Reverse cowgirl: The same as above really, only the ride’s a little less smooth. You can’t gauge each other’s reactions, unless you can read feet and ass cheeks, so the intimacy and communication is desperately missing. The view for us girls is definitely worse (unless their face is so hideous that it makes their toes look good). This position can be a lot of fun, but it’s also tricky to do right.

Doggy style: Despite the name, this is probably one of the most popular positions and for good reason. It feels far more intense than other positions, and you can adapt it to any surroundings: bending on a bed, over a desk, the kitchen table, a wall. Slightly tricky to do in a closet but if you move some stuff around, can be done. Again, the intimacy is severely lacking, and you run the risk of sore knees, so proceed cautiously.

Spooning: Whilst some swear by this position, others are not so complimentary. Yes it sounds romantic and intimate. Yes it incorporates two of the best things ever (sex and spooning). But does it actually, really, feel any good? You’ve somehow managed to get yourself into that totally not-natural position, well done. But now someone’s got to thrust, you can’t just lie there. Nine times out of ten you say ‘sod it’.

The Speedbump: Fast and furious, will it be the ride of your life? Probably not, but worth a go, right? Lie face down (see diagram), a cushion under your pelvis to raise it up a bit (and to soften the blow), whilst he enters you from behind. It’s that little bit lazier than doggy, as you can literally just lie back and enjoy the scenery, but with a similar degree of pleasure.

Win win really. Of course it might make more sense to just get on your knees and amplify the pleasure, but then you would have to get up, and who can be bothered with the unnecessary exercise? This one may lack intimacy (it’s probably the least romantic of the lot) but is perfect for lazy girls and guys who like to take the lead in bed. It’s one of the lesser known positions, but its lack of popularity does not necessarily mean it’s worthless. Let go and give it a chance - just avoid the roadworks! (That was a pun by the way, on its name... yeah...).

Now you have all the information you need for a more adventurous sex life, do proceed with caution. We won’t accept liability for any injuries sustained if things go wrong! Any broken limbs are on you! Most importantly, don’t forget to just have fun! In a safe and responsible way of course...

Standing up: This one can be achieved in a variety of ways. There’s doggy-style which I’m coming to next. Or one leg awk-

Food to get you in the mood

Laura Grillenzoli shares the sexiest foods that will make you hungry for more than just dinner...

F

OOD and sex go hand in hand like condoms and common sense.

If you fancy spicing up your love life a bit, then why not go literal with actual spice? In fact, there’s a whole array of food to choose from...

Oysters: The ‘go to’ aphrodisiac food. Oysters contain amino acids which, according to a study conducted by some American and Italian researchers, trigger increased levels of ‘sex’ hormones. They also taste fabulous and bring a level of sophistication to the bedroom...

Chocolate: Whatever form you have it in, whether it is dark or milk, melted or in a cake, chocolate is sure to make you feel better. Chocolate contains substances that increase dopamine levels and is also thought to help boost oestrogen levels in women… but beware, eating too many squares of choc may result in lack of movement and a full belly.

Strawberries: Melt some of that tasty chocolate, chop your strawberries in half (that’ll make them look more… sensual) and

dip those babies in your fondue for a delicious and slightly sensual snack.

Strawberries are great for healthy blood flow…

Chilli peppers: Dice this spice to add it to your meal for some extra flavour. Chilli peppers rouse endorphins as well as increase your heart rate and make you sweat; all imitations of what your body goes

through when it is aroused.

Bananas: These foods and I’m sure many more can be quite suggestive due to the nature of their shape. On top of their suggestive shape, bananas also contain an enzyme which is thought to boost testosterone levels. Eat with care.

Food can be a great addition to the bedroom, combining many people’s two favourite pastimes. So get messy and enjoy!

Being a 21-year-old virgin in 2016 EXEPOSÉ

LIFESTYLE

www.exepose.com

19

Ella Burgess relates her experience as a ‘mature’ virgin in a society that’s obsessed with sex

W

HEN asked to write an article about my experience as a twenty-one year old virgin (cue gasps), the image that came to mind was of an obscure organism being examined under a microscope. How could I resist casting myself in the role of this organism?

Why is the fact that I, as a straight twenty-one-year old female, have never had a penis inside me now a meaningful subject?

majority of us who experience this don’t remember signing up for it. Can it really be a period of just a few years that transformed being a virgin from the epitome of normality that was even encouraged (especially as a girl) into a strange state of existence that needs to be explained?

It is not something that I have chosen out of principle – I’m not ragingly against sex or waiting for permission from an arbitrary milestone like marriage. It just hasn’t happened to me yet. But that’s not good

As much as we all love to bask in images of ourselves as exotic endangered species, you can’t help but wonder when, and how, exactly did I become this rare creature? Why is the fact that I, as a straight twenty-one year old female, have never had a penis inside me now a meaningful subject to discuss when it wasn’t a couple of years ago? I find myself in one of these rare situations in which inaction seems more worthy of note and commentary than its dynamic older brother, action.

Not having done something becoming a marked part of a person’s identity is a pretty surreal phenomenon because the

enough, is it? When broaching the topic with various acquaintances, the most common response to the revelation that I’ve never had sex (my favourite icebreaker) goes something like “I’m not judging but, you know, why not?” It’s now something I have to justify. I need a late note. By all means be a virgin in your twenties, but make sure you have a good (or at least interesting) reason for it.

So somehow, while I wasn’t looking, my inaction gave me a status, crassly stuck a label proclaiming my fidelity to some kind of abstinence club on my back, leaving me somewhat confused as to how this binary of ‘had sex’/‘not had sex’

is suddenly so significant. So many of my friends forsaking me for the other camp makes me consider the mechanics of sexual maturity in a very different way.

By all means be a virgin in your twenties, but make sure you have a good (or at least interesting) reason for it The older you get the better sense of objectivity you gain, and applying this mental evolution to something as personal as sex is fascinating - it becomes a concept, a subject to be studied. I’ve been told warningly, fingers practically wagging in my face, that the longer I wait for sex, the longer I’ll have built it up (and therefore set myself up for disappointment) but I’m inclined to feel the opposite. I feel the more mature I get, the less I see sex as something pure and beautiful - with all I’ve learnt about it from what I hear and read, I find myself unable to idealise it but instead see it as a pretty banal form of commerce. I get the impression that we late-bloomers are despaired of largely because we’ve missed the opportunity for some kind of youthful passion

of which juvenile innocence is a vital ingredient. But what if our distant and theoretical perception of sex, our ability to learn about it indirectly, is in fact a deeply powerful tool? There’s surely something to be said for the freedom to evaluate an activity that has such a dominant role in human affairs with a liberating measure of distance…

So, my fellow 21 year old virgins, my beautiful exotic creatures, let’s turn the image of sexual repression among virgins on its head and take advantage of our absence from the old in-out-in-out club.

Let’s embrace our discerning maturity and be empowered by our innocence.

É 40 per cent of Brits lose their virginities between the ages of 16 and 18 The next most common age group in which to lose your virginity is between 14 and 15 Men tend to lose their virginity a year earlier than women, at the age of 16 on average

Ask your Auntie Kathy

Kathy Giddins, our Lifestyle Agony Aunt, is here to solve all of your problems (in the bedroom!)

Stuck in a rut

Dear Aunty Kathy, My girlfriend and I have been going out for almost a year now and we’ve begun to reach a bit of what I can only call... a sexual rut. It’s always the same old thing – missionary or cowgirl style under the covers, over if we’re feeling dirty. If I beg long enough she might just do doggy, followed by hours of spooning with a face full of hair. The other night we turned the lights on and that was cool. We’ve talked about spicing things up, but it’s never gotten any further than just chat.

Please help!

Stagnant Sam

Dear Sam, Have faith my friend, Auntie Kathy is at hand to spice up your life à la Mel B. The �irst thing I suggest is taking a trip to Simply Pleasure followed by Ann Summers. Stock up on Dildos, vibrators, cock rings, butt plugs, bondage, handcuffs and any other crazy shit you kids want to try.

Then get home and just go wild. Experiment with different positions, lube it up, tie each other up, turn the lights on. If you �ind you’re into BDSM, why not go all Christian Grey on her and lock her in the shed and torture her with gardening tools. She’ll be your hoe forever...

Auntie Kathy xox

Me and my hand tonight

Dear Aunty Kathy, I’ve been single for so long, I swear my virginity’s growing back. My dong’s not seen any action in months and it’s beginning to look perpetuPhoto: hellogiggles.com ally sad. My hand’s just not cutting it anymore. I tried switching to the other one, but still nothing. I’m getting hand cramp. Please help me get back into the game. And by that I mean someone, anyone’s, bed.

Send in your dilemmas to Auntie Kathy at lifestyle@exepose.com

Many thanks, Frustrated Fred

Dear Fred, When you’re a sad wanker (no offence, I’m sure you’ve got a lovely personality) there’s only one way to turn. Tinder. Tinder is the ultimate hook-up tool.

Every now and then you’ll get an annoying person who will be like: “Oh I met the love of my life on Tinder.” Don’t listen to that bullshit. Most girls on it don’t even want the formality of a date. They just want you to fuck them as soon as they’ve swiped right. Write something enticing on your bio like: “Sex God, six inches, gym crazy” and back this up with pictures (photoshopped or otherwise) of your hot abs.

Don’t let rejection get you down either. With chat-up lines like “Nice legs, what time do they open?”, you’ll be �looded with offers.

Auntie Kathy xox

22

MUSIC

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Music

MUSIC EDITORS Jim Atherton Katie Costello

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeMusic

music@exepose.com

Photo: guitarcentre.com

Gig Listings

Wednesday 17 February The Xcerts & Shit Present Cavern, Exeter Thursday 18 February Gnarwolves Cavern, Exeter Friday 19 February Fun Lovin’ Criminals The Great Hall, Exeter Saturday 20 February The Subways & Skeleton Frames Cavern, Exeter Thursday 25 February Wonk Unit Cavern, Exeter

Frank re-Turner

Turin Brakes Phoenix, Exeter

In celebration of Cavern’s 25th Anniversary, Frank Turner returns to the iconic punk venue to play a special solo show. James Beeson, Editor, reviews the set

Friday 26 February Legend: A Tribute To Bob Marley Corn Exchange, Exeter

Frank Turner Exeter Cavern 10 February 2016

Saturday 27 February Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles Cavern, Exeter Stiff Little Fingers Phoenix, Exeter Sunday 28 February Will Varley Phoenix, Exeter Bridges Cavern, Exeter

Exeposé Recommends...

The Subways, Skeleton Frames & Lande Yo @ Exeter Cavern Saturday 20 February Possibly the most fun rock band in the world, The Subways bring their brand of energetic punk rock to the Cavern as part of Cavern’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. Support comes from local grungers Skeleton Frames and Lande Yo of Muncie Girls.

“I

FUCKING love this place,” laughs Frank Turner, as he returns to the fabled Exeter Cavern stage for the eighth time in his long and meandering career, “Can I have a bit more guitar please? You guys are really fucking loud.”

The Cavern crowd responds with a deafening roar, and it’s clear this is going to be a special evening.

This is the kind of show that he rarely finds himself able to play anymore with his elevated level of fame Having been invited to play an intimate show as part of the local venue’s 25th birthday celebrations, Turner is in fine form as he plays a mammoth 23song accoustic set filled with hits, covers, B-sides and rarities to an adulating audience. In a cramped, warm and sweaty venue, accompanied only by his guitar and a room full of fiercely loyal fans, this really is vintage Turner at his very best.

Opening proceedings with ‘I Am Disappeared’ – a song that references Exeter – before launching into new track ‘The Next Storm’ and old favourite ‘The Real Damage’, Turner is clearly in his element as he regales fans with the stories behind some of the lesser-known tracks from his back catalogue. “I thought this was the shit. It was going be my ‘Mr. Brightside’”, he says of ‘Good and Gone’, “But I forgot about all the swearing and that I cuss out Hollywood in it” he chuckles, “That’s why I don’t pick the singles!”

Never one to shy away from the chance to make a poignant gesture, Turner dedicates ‘I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous’ to the “incredible” owners of the Cavern ahead of its quarter-century anniversary at the weekend. “We won’t change our ways, we will proud remain, when the glory fades,” he sings, straining his vocal chords to pay tribute to the iconic punk venue. The crowd bellow every word straight back at the 34-year old troubadour (like they’re the only words they know). It’s an intensely powerful moment.

Without the backing of his travelling band, The Sleeping Souls, Turner indulges himself and delights fans with some rarely heard and more obscure tracks.

He devotes a slow version of ‘Demons’ to close friend Nick Alexander - tragically

Frank on the Cavern “I’ve got history here, I first played here in 2002. When I came down the stairs this evening I had a bit of a moment - just fuck! I miss this place.”

- Talking to Exeposé before his February gig

taken in the Paris attacks at the Bataclan last November, before lightening the mood and joking about getting Guy Garvey’s face tattooed on his elbow during ‘Tattoos’ - “maybe he’ll get my face on his too!” Next up is Million Dead track ‘Smiling at Strangers on Trains’ – a poetic number from a band Turner played the Cavern five times with in the past. There is a slight lull during Love Ire & Song album track ‘St. Christopher Is Coming Home’ and when Turner calls out a drunken idiot out for talking loudly over his Flanders & Swann cover of ‘The Armadillo.’ However, this cannot spoil the mood of what is an electrifying performance.

The remainder of the set flits between better known hits such as ‘The Way I Tend to Be’ – written about a koala and an ex girlfriend, apparently, new single ‘Mittens’ and earlier material such as Sleep Is For The Week tracks ‘Worse Things Happen at Sea’ and huge fan favourite ‘The Ballad of Me and My Friends.’ A song written about trying to find recognition playing small venues like Cavern, it sounds strange to hear it performed here now Turner has achieved such huge success. “We’re definitely going to hell, but we’ll have all the best stories to tell,” roars the former Eton schoolboy with passion.

This is the kind of personal show he rarely finds himself able to play anymore with

his elevated level of fame, and it’s a fanboy’s wet dream.

1,828 gigs into his solo career, he still seems totally at home at this type of environment The show ends with Turner playing one song from each of his six albums – a novel idea and one that allows him to rattle off some of his biggest hits (‘Photosynthesis’, ‘I Still Believe’, ‘Recovery’, ‘Get Better’) in quick succession. “The last time I played here I was at the stage of my career where I used to ask before the last song if anyone had a sofa I could crash on after the gig,” Turner notes with a smile, “Tonight, I’ve got a hotel!” It’s been some journey to the top for the folk singersongwriter, and yet 1,828 gigs into his solo career, he still seems totally at home in this type of environment, singing and telling stories in a tiny venue filled with friends and fans alike. It is this ability to bring a group of strangers together, and to unite them through the power of uplifting rock and roll that makes Tuner so special as a live performer. It was an emotional night and a fine way to celebrate 25 years of Exeter’s finest live music venue.

“Cavern’s a standard of the underground touring circuit but it’s also still owned and run by some of the best people on the scene. I was touched that they asked me to come back for their 25th birthday celebrations. I’ll be there with bells on!”

- On Cavern’s 25th Anniversary

How to Netflix and chill EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

Notable Netflix and chiller Lewis Norman, Science & Tech Editor, details how he created the perfect playlist to accompany him on this Valentine’s Day

H

OW did you spend Valentine’s Day last year? If your answer is sitting in bed, eating Ben and Jerry’s and listening to Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour over and over again then keep reading, for I am here to change that.

I present to you the perfect Netflix and chill playlist, temporally structured for your systematic pleasure.

I like to use ‘Party Boy’ from Jackass to get me started; I find its plodding bassline perfect to thrust to Pre-Netflix Firstly, you want to make a good impression from the moment your date steps through the door, including anything pre-Netflix. When exquisitely paired with flickering candles and glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon, the works of Debussy are sure to convince your date that you are musically-educated person, oozing with appreciation for high culture. To be honest, as long as you stay away from anything Adele has touched with her grubby fingers, you should be okay. I trust you.

Netflix You shuffle to the sofa, faces reddened with alcohol and bellies full of delicious food. It is very important that you don’t wash up yet, arbitrary tasks such as doing the dishes are huge buzzkills. Generally, if you want to hear the film, you probably don’t want to play any music here. Although, to avoid any uncomfortable silences, you might want to stick some light, plodding electronica on in the background. Massive Attack’s ‘Paradise Circus’ is a personal favourite,

but anything with a gentle drumbeat and soft synth pads is ideal.

will cause your date to become flustered with desire.

The Build-Up You are 30 minutes into Netflix, traditionally the prime time to slowly transition into chill. Transition should be impulsive, but not at all aggressive. This is where you put on George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ – the sultry sax

The Foreplay In terms of passion, these are the most important moments. Don’t mess it up. Next on the playlist should be Peter Andre’s ‘Mysterious Swing’, this will mark the moment that foreplay begins. Of course, everybody knows that Pet e r An-

intro will cause your date to become awash with hormones, bubbling with sexual desire. Naturally, you should begin to perform a striptease in time to the track’s syncopated rhythms. It’s very important not to break out of time; if anything is a turn-off, it’s going freestyle, and I would strongly recommend staying away from anything remotely improvised. Next, you’ll seamlessly meander into Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’. You don’t want to send out mixed messages here. The combination of the blues scale and gentle syncopation

dre is the perfect soundtrack to genital stimulation. In fact, it has been suggested that the bold crescendo of the brass part can help a person to orgasm. Personally, I think it’s more to do with Andre’s intoxicating vocals. An increase in pace should be accompanied by Men at Work’s ‘Down Under’, which is not only lyrically appropriate but laced with delicious saxophone hooks, an instrument proven to be a far more effective sex toy than a mere dildo.

The Nitty-Gritty This is where you need to tone down

the seduction. Your date will be panting with pleasure by this point, it’ll get to a stage where there is little more that even Marvin Gaye can do. You’ll require a shift from the jazzy syncopation of soul and swing to a more rhythmic sound, perhaps a more regular four-to-the-floor beat to get you going. Pace is largely up to you, but I like to use ‘Party Boy’ from the Jackass soundtrack to get me started; I find its plodding bassline is perfect for encouraging thrusting movements.

Despite this, ‘Party Boy’ can come across goofy and sexually unappealing; if you want to inject a sense of grittiness into your chill, then Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Closer’ is unparalleled in its ability to make things just that little bit dirtier. What sets ‘Closer’ apart from other tracks that could have taken this spot is its lyrics.

Trent Reznor’s howls of “I wanna fuck you like an animal” will translate your woozy, soulful advances into naked and blunt rawness.

If there’s one thing better than Disney, it’s post-sex Disney The Aftermath This is a largely neglected part of the essential Netflix and chill playlist, but in some respects it is one of the most important. Once the sordid deeds are done, you can slip back into light electronica, Ratatat’s ‘Cream on Chrome’ has always been a favourite of mine. Despite this, in my eyes, the hard work has been achieved, what harm is there in taking a little risk? If you’re feeling dangerous, put on ‘A Whole New World’ from the Aladdin soundtrack, turn to your date and smile softly. If there is one thing better than Disney, it’s post-sex Disney.

Songs to ruin the moment

With Valentine’s Day memories fresh on your bed sheets, Exeposé Music’s writers have the songs that you definitely shouldn’t include on that romantic playlist that you’ve undoubtedly been planning for months.

‘Glad You Came’ - The Wanted - Kate Giff ‘Daddy’s Home’ - Cliff Richard - Kathy Giddins ‘Teeth’ - Lady Gaga - Jack Wardlaw ‘Everyday I Love You Less And Less’ - Kaiser Chiefs - Sabrina Aziz ‘In Too Deep’ - Sum 41 - Kate Giff ‘Tired Of Sex’ - Weezer - Oli Tongus ‘I Wanna Have Your Babies’ - Natasha Bedingfield - Kathy Giddins ‘Jizzed In My Pants’ - The Lonely Island - Farda Ali Khan ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satifsfaction’ - The Rolling Stones - Ellen Mitchell

MUSIC

23

Hot / Not / Long Shot / Forgot Jim Atherton, Music Editor, lets us know which songs he thinks are hot, which are not, one which is a long-shot and one which has been forgot(ten).

Hot: ‘WHEN YOU LEAVE (I WANNA DIE)’ – TOOTHPASTE Sounding somewhere between The White Stripes and Weezer, with chunky guitar and bass parts, this song is my favourite from the band’s debut EP ALL THE OTHER GIRLS ARE SHIT. It’s also my current shower song because of the incredible chorus.

Not: ‘Black Mire’ – Lonely The Brave I don’t understand what people see in this band. They’re boring, unremarkable and their lyrics are lame. This song, their latest single, does not buck this trend.

Long Shot: ‘What’ – Drug Church This song is weird. Vocalist Patrick Kindlon softly tells the story of a man going to a low-end grocery store and reflecting on his surroundings over some eery guitar loops. It’s fascinating to listen to, especially as the song ends suddenly with the man opening the door to his home after desperately trying to find somewhere else to stay earlier in the song.

Forgot: ‘After The Rush Hour’ Million Dead The recent Frank Turner hysteria had me listening to Turner’s old hardcore band, Million Dead for the first time in ages. I’d forgotten what a great band they were, with Turner’s trademark poetic lyrics and strong voice shining on this song in particular.

24

SCREEN

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

SCREEN

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Screen

SCREEN EDITORS Akash Beri Ben Londesbrough

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeScreen

screen@exepose.com

Photo: alienationmentale.com

Unreel romance

Jessica Hughes asks if rom-coms present unrealistic expectations of romance

W

ITH the season of Valentine’s just behind us, our screens are graced by romance films becoming more and more prominent - single people watch with tubs of ice cream while couples stay in to watch cute films. We all know the drill - but is this affecting our real life relationships? It has long been argued that pornography presents unhealthy expectations for young boys (and girls) about what they should look like and how they should perform sexually. However, are romantic films or ‘rom-coms’ setting us up with high hopes for our Prince charming and how they should perform romantically?

Do we still hope our ‘prince’ will show up on our doorstep with flowers?

From embarrassing teenage cringefest films like Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and the Lizzie McGuire Movie, to all time classics like Titanic or Love Actually, themes run through. A pretty girl finds a dream boy who will do anything for her - they write songs about her, they whisk her off around Rome on a moped, they knock on every door on a road to find her or learn Portuguese and travel to

Portugal to propose, they let her go so she can survive. Most of us would say we are aware that real people don’t do things like this - the films are fiction and we understand that. But are we still subliminally influenced? Do we still hope they are going to show up on our doorstep with flowers, surprise us with perfect dates at funfairs where you win a massive teddy or take us on a fairy-light lit boat and dance with us all night long? I’m still waiting for someone to buy a star for me and help me complete my bucket list A-Walk-ToRemember-Style.

These concerns have recently become the subject of research across the UK and USA and such research provides us with mixed answers. One study found that problems usually reported in couples counselling tend to be synonymous with ideas portrayed in romantic films released between 1995 and 2005, such as expecting a partner to know what you need without you having to communicate it or that your soul mate is pre-destined.

Another study has demonstrated that relationships in films are shown to have highly idealistic characteristics but any problems or transgressions encountered have no real negative long-term impact on the relationship. It also demonstrated that relationships tend to have the excite-

ment and novelty of a new relationship whilst having the emotional connection of a long term relationship.

More recent films have started to challenge these ideals Furthermore, research has shown that people who watch romantic genre programmes such as soap operas and ‘rom-coms’ have higher and more idealistic expectations of marriage. But does this contribute to our expectations of how our relationships should be? I’d have to say yes. How can it not? From a very early age (particularly as young girls), we watch romantic films, starting with fairy tales which are essentially romantic narratives, and so are exposed to these ideals about relationships. If this doesn’t subliminally affect our expectations I would be surprised. However, a recent study conducted in an American University has found that actually there is no significant relationship between watching romantic films and believing in the ideals that ‘love conquers all’ or ‘love at first sight’.

More recent films have started to challenge these ideals and there are some that have more feminist characteristics.

For example, Frozen has strong themes that Anna doesn’t need to rely on a man though she does want to marry Hans (who is evil) and later falls for Kristoff.

Some films give us more realistic views such as 500 Days of Summer, which demonstrates an oh-so-common experience of unrequited love. Silver Linings Playbook is another film that gives us less predictable story lines and speaks to a wider range of difficulties people may experience such as mental health issues (rather than just an evil step mother stopping you going to the ball).

Love Actually Trivia EmmaThompson Thompson wore a fat suit Emma wore a “fat suit” to to make her appear heavier. make her appear heavier Was thethe most rented DVD DVD in thein UK It was most rented in 2004. the UK in 2004.

The vicar used for Peter and Juliet’s The vicar used for Peter and wedding is a real vicar.

Juliet’s wedding is a real vicar.

The word “actually” is spoken twentyThetimes wordby “actually” is spokenin two various characters twenty-two times by various the film.

characters in the film.

They may be influencing our expectations of relationships Thinking about all the romantic, chick-flick type films that saturate the media now, we can see how these may be influencing our expectations of relationships - whether we are aware of it or not (or rather in denial of it or not). Though research is not entirely conclusive on finding an empirical impact of these films, I think I’ll try to remember that these films are fiction and lower my expectations for Mr Right. However, I still claim to be a romantic through and through.

Although Karen refers to David as her big brother, Emma Thompson Although Karen refers to David isasactually seventeen months her big brother, Emma older than Hugh Grant.

Thompson is actually seventeen monthsLincoln older than Grant.

Andrew wroteHugh the romantic cards himself.

Andrew Lincoln wrote the ro-

mantic cards himself.

In Russian-language markets the film’s title is “Realnaya lyubov” (Real Love).

In Russian-language markets the film’s title is “Realnaya ly-

The “Lake” thatLove).

Lucia Moniz and Colin ubov” (Real Firth jump into was actually only 18 inches deep.

The Lake that Lucia Moniz and

Colin Firth handed jump into was Kris Mashall back his actually only 18day inches deep. paycheck for the he got to have

Top five from the past twenty EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.com

SCREEN

25

Sabrina Aziz, Lifestyle Editor, discusses which romantic films she loves from the past two decades

1

2

Titanic Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane Director: James Cameron 1997, 195 minutes

The Notebook Cast: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner Director: Nick Cassavetes 2004, 124 minutes

“Y

P

OU jump, I jump, remember?” The unwavering selflessness, bravery, charm and, let’s face it, good looks of Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, melted millions of hearts back in the day. His devotion to Rose, a girl he just met, cast him as the ultimate romantic hero. Facing class differences, a murderous ex, a conniving butler who really just needs to get his own life, a giant iceberg and tragic shipwreck, their love was all the more poignant in its doom. Factor in the tearjerking soundtrack and you have yourself one hell of a slush-fest. Jack’s needless death (they could have both fitted) will have you sobbing into your pillow, desperately trying to remind yourself that your heart will go on.

ERHAPS one of the greatest chick flicks of all time, The Notebook chronicles the lives and love of Noah (Ryan Gosling, need I say more?) and Allie, played by girl-crush worthy Rachel McAdams. Romance doesn’t get any steamier than watching a soaking wet Ryan Gosling (you could see right through that shirt) carrying Allie up the stairs and straight into the bedroom.

Their love isn’t just physical, however.

A portion of the movie shows the couple in their old age: one of the sweetest and most heart-breaking moments in cinematic history occurs as the couple embrace each other, able to share only a few precious moments together before Allie’s memory relapses and our hearts take another beating.

3

4

5

Becoming Jane Cast: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters Director: Julian Jarrold 2007, 120 minutes

Serendipity Cast: John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Molly Shannon Director: Peter Chelsom 2001, 91 minutes

Love Actually Cast: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman Director: Richard Curtis 2003, 136 minutes

T

A

J

ANE Austen is famed as one of the most romantic writers of all time, but what happens when the tables are turned on her own life? Okay, so the film isn’t completely historically accurate. But any excuse to fawn over James McAvoy, am I right? Anne Hathaway plays the outspoken, independent and witty heroine whilst McAvoy plays her love interest, the charming Tom Lefroy.

The chemistry between the two and the teasing manner in which their love affair is played out is incredibly tantalising. Lefroy’s eighteenth century sexual innuendos are surprisingly steamy but the film turns sweet when the two finally reveal their love for each other. The tragic ending only makes their shortlived romance all the more powerful.

HIS sweet rom-com follows two strangers who, after one magical night together (get your mind out of the gutter, not that kind of night), leave it up to destiny to see if they’re meant to meet again. It sounds infuriating, but it’s also incredibly charming and the serendipity that occurs, allowing them to end up together, will leave you believing that there might just be such a thing as fate. From romantic ice-skating scenes to a desperate elevator race, Serendipity uses every slushy, and gushy rom-com cliché known to man. Maybe it’s the Christmas spirit the film evokes, or my mad girl crush on Kate Beckinsale, but somehow all the clichés work and, rather than induce mock-vomiting, leave you feeling equally warm inside.

WHOLE film centred around the love lives of a group of Britons around Christmas time - how could it not be on the list? I’ll admit there are certain stories which don’t exactly scream romance: a cheating husband for instance. But then comes Colin Firth, striding through the streets of Portugal, half of the country’s population following him, to declare his love for his housekeeper in the language he has learned especially for her. And who could resist the face of ten year old Sam as he dashes through airport security in a bid to tell his childhood crush how he feels? With some of the sweetest scenes in British cinema, Love Actually deserves a place as one of the most romantic movies of the past twenty years.

Romantic-comedy vs real life

Victoria Bos considers the clichés of the romantic comedy, asking what would happen in reality

B

OY meets girl. Some turn of events means they can’t be together. They overcome these circumstances and get together. They live happily ever after. This is basically the plot of every romanticcomedy film ever made. Of course there are the occasional exceptions which mix it up or add something to the formula, but on the whole 95 per cent of them will follow this tried and tested recipe. And why shouldn’t they? It’s a very good way of putting a film together and is guaranteed to leave the audience feeling warm inside, but let’s be honest here, these films are miles away from what would really happen in the real world.

Let’s start by looking at those so called ‘romantic gestures’ which fill these films. Take a look at the classic boom box scene in 1989’s Say Anything. As poor Lloyd stands out on Diane’s front lawn in the middle of the night, silently holding a boom box which is playing their song, I am sure the whole cinema let out a unani-

mous ‘ahhh!’ at the sight and an internal ‘boo!’ as Diane ignores the gesture. However, let’s be honest here, if that had happened in the real world it would have gone very differently. Standing out there would have attracted the neighbours’ attention, who would have then either shouted at him or called the police. If it was the latter, he very well could have been charged with disturbance of the peace and carted away in the back of a police car; so romantic.

This is basically the plot of every romantic-comedy film ever made Another rather romanticised gesture is seen in the 2013 film Friends with Benefits when Dylan organises a huge flash mob in the middle of Grand Central Station to surprise his love interest Jamie and confess how he feels; how sweet!

Except if that had happened on a real day, it wouldn’t have gone that way. The likelihood is the dancers would have been pushed out of the way by angry commuters trying to get to their trains on time, which would probably have been accompanied by a lot of swearing.

Also, with how long that flash mob goes on for, security for the station would have been all over them and it probably wouldn’t have

looked quite as good with bright yellow fluorescent jackets scattered throughout the crowd.

You would probably think there was something fishy going on Another beloved cliché of the genre is the idea of a love triangle, more often than not with two guys going after the affections of one girl. One film which particularly showcases this is 2012’s This Means War, in which two CIA agents, both attempt to win the affections of Lauren. Both spies do incredibly thorough background checks on her, which passes from romantic to creepy. In the real world, if someone knew everything you loved straight off the bat you would probably think there was something fishy going on and more than just the normal Facebook stalking. Of course these films

also focus on the girl picking which guy she wants to be with and this will always leave an audience divided. In this case Lauren’s choice of FDR over Tuck left me fuming. Inevitably in these situations the female lead will always pick the person you don’t like and would probably avoid in the real world.

Then there’s the kiss, the big climactic moment when it all comes together.

This has been the ending of so many rom-coms, from Love Actually to classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But it has to be asked, why can’t they kiss normally?

More so in modern films, they don’t seem to kiss in a way any real couple would, it seems more like they are attempting to suck each other’s brains out through their mouths or suffocate their partner; how romantic! It can therefore be said that liberties are often taken in romanticcomedies, showing us actions that would more often than not get you put in prison or brutally dumped.

Trumbo comes up trumps 26

NEWS 1-5

SCREEN

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

Lewis Norman, Science & Tech Editor, reviews Bryan Cranston’s Oscar-touting outing

Trumbo Cast: Bryan Cranston, Janice Williams, Shivani Rawat Director: Jay Roach 2016, 124 minutes

I

T wouldn’t be unreasonable to approach director and producer Jay Roach’s latest feature film with caution.

With slapstick parody (The Austin Powers series) and commercially successful comedies (Meet the Parents; Meet the Fockers; Little Fockers) to his name, his ability to direct a historical biopic is questionable. What right does a man renowned for cheap-and-cheerful comedy have to craft a biopic of a man that has two Oscars to his name? Thankfully, Roach manages to do refreshingly well, but maybe that’s because of the perfect casting of Bryan Cranston and not necessarily due to his own merit.

Set in post-war USA, in the early, tumultuous stages of the cold war, Cranston plays communist screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, part of the ‘Hollywood Ten’, a group of actors blacklisted by the film industry and briefly imprisoned. Trumbo’s script adopts an informative tone, and it does a very good job of reporting the facts.

At best, it is a no-frills biopic that tells the story of a man that society has tried to keep a secret. At worst, it’s boring; it fails to mirror the genius of Dalton Trumbo in its own text, choosing to play it safe instead of really indulging in creative scriptwriting and captivating cinematography. In fact, were it not for its fantastic casting, Trumbo could be mistaken for an over-simplistic documentary.

Luckily for Roach, his choice of leading actor is nothing short of brilliant.

Cranston slips out of his yellow boiler suit into the body of a principled man, fighting a society set on silencing him. If Trumbo and Walter White have anything in common at all, it is their relentlessness to be oppressed; struggle seems to present itself naturally on Cranston’s face, you re-

ally get a feeling of his inner angst and his angst towards others.

You would probably think there was something fishy going on Similarly, Cranston makes very little effort to portray himself as a genius. You only get a taste of Trumbo’s creative prowess through the reactions of others, never through Trumbo himself. It’s a real testament to an actor not only comfortable with the role that he has been awarded, but the complexities of

the human condition itself.

The rest of the cast deliver a solid performance. Particular note goes to Louis C.K, who tackles the fictional role of Arlen Hird with bitter melodrama. Similarly, the abhorrent Frank King (John Goodman) provides repulsive comedic relief. It is irritating that Roach felt the need to invent a character based on a composite of other figures on the Hollywood blacklist, but Louis C.K, and Goodman alike, provide a necessary twinge of acidity into a cast which could have sintered into turgid dullness. Less impressive were Trumbo’s children, who seemed to age inconsistently with the time-frame and simply serve as a minor annoyance rather than contributing anything interesting to the film’s development.

Trumbo, unfortunately, fails at materialising into a piece of art. Cranston however, is an artist, rescuing the film from documentary dullness and, almost singlehandedly, transforming an average script into something of real cinematic beauty.

Shining a light on Spotlight Susannah Keogh, News Editor, reviews the hard-hitting film about abuse in the Catholic Church

S

POTLIGHT is not, in any sense, an uplifting film - and probably not one ideal for Saturday night viewing, as I discovered. Then again, its subject matter is sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, so what did I expect?

It is 2001, and the Boston Globe newspaper has a new editor, Marty Baron (Live Schreiber). Fresh from Florida, he doesn’t know the city, the culture or the paper. What he does notice is that the paper has failed to follow up on previously published column alleging abuse of 80 children. Spotlight, a four person investigative reporting unit, is assigned the case,

‘‘ 1

You have bewitched my body and soul

discovering close to ninety priests who abused children in Boston alone.

With 53 per cent of the paper’s readership being Catholic, covering the story in the first place is a bold move - even more so when to access vital documents, Baron decides to basically sue the Church. Can you even do that? According to Baron, yes, and they will.

Spotlight leaves no-one, no character, no organisation for us to root for It’s a remarkable story, yet I can’t help feeling the film does the investigation

something of an injustice. What really doesn’t work is how Spotlight leaves noone, no character, no organisation for us to root for. The closest thing to a hero is the Globe, but even then they were part of the problem. Documents detailing the abuse were sent to their offices twenty years earlier, yet were buried. Even in 2001, it took

the arrival of a new editor to force them, somewhat reluctantly, to dig deeper.

With such a horrifying and serious subject matter, one would hardly expect Spotlight to be a walk in the park, but just how slow moving the story unfolds limits the narrative. The performances are good, with moments of greatness, especially a scene in which Keaton confronts his ex-boss. ‘I was doing my job’ an attorney claims. ‘Yeah, you and everyone else’ counters Keaton. It’s a powerful scene, one that highlights not only the growing disillusionment with the church but how systemic a problem can become.

#Quintessential Quotes - Valentines Edition

‘‘ 2

To me, you are perfect

‘‘

‘‘ 4

3

You jump, I jump, right?!

I want all of you forever, you and me everyday

In their reporting of the story, Spotlight must acknowledge their somewhat lapsed role in the story.

Although Spotlight’s investigation is published, with over six hundred articles on the abuse published in a one year period, the film could have taken a leaf out of their book. When Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) doorsteps an accused priest, who admits the abuse, then adds ‘I was raped myself’, the moment is horrifying, even more so when Pfeiffer walks across the street only to see a group of children playing, unaware of their neighbour. Yet the priest’s story, of how the abuse became systemic, is never explored or revisited.

Spotlight is a good film, but as an Oscar frontrunner, I expected more from it.

Not necessarily answers, but more questions, more emotion, more feeling. In the end, it all seems matter of a fact, a film reporting on what has already been reported on.

‘‘ 5

You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how

1. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 2005, 2. LOVE ACTUALLY 2003, 3. TITANIC 1997, 4. THE NOTEBOOK 2004, 5. GONE WITH THE WIND 1939

Spotlight Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams Director: Tom McCarthy 2016, 129 minutes

NEWS 1-5

28 ARTS & LIT

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

ARTS &LIT

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 | Exeposé Arts & Lit

ARTS & LIT EDITORS Jeremy Brown Emily Kerr

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeArts

artsandlit@exepose.com

Arts Diary Comedy

29 Feb The Last Laugh Phoenix

Theatre 16 - 20 Feb Tiny Heroes Bike Shed Theatre 18 Feb - 5 Mar Betrayal Northcott Theatre 24 - 27 Feb Living With The Lights On Bike Shed Theatre 24 Feb - 2 April Billy Elliot: The Musical Theatre Royal Plymouth

Art 8 Feb - 12 Mar Adam Garrat: Gallery 333 Phoenix 10 Feb - 5 Mar University of Exeter Art Society: Your Scrape Phoenix Walkaway Gallery

Great graphic novel Harry Shepherd, Online Editor, interviews Dr Paul Williams, and is urged to look past Watchmen and V for Vendetta to discover the rich history of British comics

C

OMIC books, cartoons, whatever you want to call them, have often had a complex relationship with the mainstream. They’ve been labelled everything from juvenile and adolescent to hip and trendy. Okay, that was in the 60s. However, once we call sequential art a ‘graphic novel’ then, arguably, things change. Quite suitably, then, ‘The Great British Graphic Novel’, a 2016 exhibition organised by Exeter University’s own Senior Lecturer Dr Paul Williams, is taking place in London’s Cartoon Museum, a street down from the British Museum. “So we’re getting there” Paul says with a wry smile, “One street away. One step at a time.” Although sequential art featuring in a museum or being celebrated by the literary elite is nothing

new, this exhibition is designed to show that specifically British graphic novels are part of a much wider and older tradition, a tradition that you’re probably familiar with already.

‘The Great British Graphic Novel’ is an exhibition that aims to represent the history of the genre, paying particular attention to the artwork that has, and will, come out of the UK. There “is primarily going to be original art,” says Paul, “and by ‘original art’ I mean what the artist’s hand has touched as they were drawing”. The distinctive element is the emphasis on the processes artists use to create their work; the exhibition will show the stages of construction that graphic novels go through. “The art is going to show stuff before it’s published, and in various states of preparation. Lots will be in black and white.

There will be a mixture of art in original pencils and after pencilled pages have been inked.”

The exhibit is aimed both at graphic novel veterans and those looking to try them for the first time. For comics fans especially, Paul says “I’m hoping they’ll see stuff that they’re hoping to see, but, also, a lot of stuff they didn’t realise was out there too.” But, equally, he hopes that, “people who know nothing about the form will come too.”

For the latter, Paul looks to stress the broadness of the term and show that many will have already immersed themselves in graphic novels without realising. “These things called graphic novels are in all sorts of places.

In the 70s, Asterix and Tintin were called graphic novels. I want to take away the newness of the graphic novel and show that the form has been around longer than they might think.”

Many have immersed themselves in graphic novels without realising For many, comics properly started (or ‘grew up’) in the 1980s, symbolised by the release of Watchmen in 1986.

This seminal graphic novel deconstructs the archetypal superhero comic.

Set in an alternate history in which Nixon stays on for a third term after winning the Vietnam War, it is a text that Paul hopes attendees will be able to look past so that the true range of British graphic novels can be properly appreciated. “If your vision of the graphic novel is Watchmen, then I hope you’ll see in the 90s what independent publishers were doing. Graphic novels are more than just something that started in the 80s, it has an earlier life too.”

Despite Paul’s claims that the exhibition is aimed at everyone, I notice that the exhibition title contains the term ‘graphic novel’, a controversial term in the comics community that might impact how his audience treat it. Many associate this more recent term with comics becoming relevant to adults, a viable category in bookshops that allows sequential art creators to compete for literary prizes. However, many academics and artists take up a different position: some argue that it is simply a marketing term for an expensive comic book. Others might say that likening a comic to a literary novel belies the form’s possibilities; sequential art can deliver meaning

through images and manipulate time and space in the layout of its many panels in a way that the prose novel cannot.

So, why does Paul adopt the term for his exhibition? “Put simply, I think the term ‘graphic novel’ is so widely used that, if you want to have a conversation about comics, the term ‘graphic novel’ maximises the amount of people you can have that conversation with.” In fact, the term has as much to do with the form of the text. “Length is important,” argues Paul, “a graphic novel should be long. People might disagree about how long, but it needs to be more than a page or couple of pages.” The debate, from Paul’s perspective, is hardly resolved and it will even play an interactive role within the exhibition: “We are directly asking people to reflect on the term. We might even ask people to vote for what they think once they’ve gone round.”

There’s more to graphic novels than capes and crime fighting As you visit the British Museum another time, consider travelling a street down to the exhibit that proves there’s more to novel-length sequential art than capes and crime fighting. The building itself housing ‘The Great British Graphic Novel’ is, actually, a fairly decent metaphor for the graphic novel itself. It has, according to Paul, “a very small front, you could easily walk past it and not realise it’s there. But, once you go through the door, there’s actually a lot more behind it.”

To learn more about graphic novels, take a look at the Exeposé website for the extended version of this article.

A love/hate relationship

EXEPOSÉ

ARTS & LIT

www.exepose.com

29

Bea Fones explains her love of romantic fiction, but Kathy Giddins can’t get past the smutty erotica

R

OMANCE isn’t dead - well at least not in novels. I, for one, am happy to indulge in an amorous paperback fantasy. However, romantic reading isn’t all sickening works of chick-lit or badly written fanfiction.

For example, if you’re a lover of classics you can’t go wrong with Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Far from being a straightforward love story this is a complex, gothic tale of revenge, jealousy and resentment. The twisted character of Heathcliff effectively reminds us of how painful unreciprocated love can be, and the negative effect this can have on a person’s attitude to life. We gradually learn that this strange man, who looks like a gentleman but acts like a vagabond, is in fact a gypsy who was adopted but then spurned by both his adoptive brother and his adopted sister Catherine, whom he is in love with. All of the drama is played out in the bleak Yorkshire moors, which provide the perfect backdrop for a man who seethes with anger and wallows in misery and isolation. We’re not in Yorkshire but I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend than re-enacting parts of Wuthering Heights up on Dartmoor definitely one to add to the list of Valentine’s Day pursuits for singletons.

One Day is as much a novel about friendship as it is about romance Another novel which I think does the topic of love justice is One Day by David Nicholls, which gained widespread popularity due to the 2011 feature film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway. Of course, films are never as good as the books, so you should definitely pick up a copy too. Firstly the whole ‘will they, won’t they’ theme is treated in such a non-clichéd way that we come to really care about the characters, and respect them as individuals, instead of becoming exasperated by the continued missed opportunities. This is something which in particular I feel lets the film down, as we don’t get to see so much of Emma’s career as a teacher which, without giving away too many spoilers, definitely exposes her own flaws and weaknesses. The real beauty of One Day lies in the fact that it is as much

Arts in the news

L

a novel about friendship as it is about romance, and in particular what it means to be in love with your best friend without even fully realising it.

In memory of the late Jackie Collins, I recently decided to take a chance on her novel Chances, which is the first installment in the nine-book Santangelo series. I was completely hooked. Collins knew how to write compelling and complex characters, a plot which twists and turns and surprises, and yet is peppered with extremely steamy sex scenes.

The story charts the lives of several characters who all live in New York, and it moves back and forth between an entire-city blackout in 1977 and the six decades preceding this. The focus of the novel is the Santangelo family and gang leader, Gino. What makes the novel truly brilliant is the fact that it is punctuated with but not defined by - its erotic element. In fact, sex, and the power or vulnerability which this can afford, plays a central role in the story.

On the subject of good quality erotic fiction, Freya North deserves a mention.

Although not as bold as Collins, North writes great stories with good sex scenes, and whilst her plots might not be as intricate, she takes the chick-lit genre to another level. This is partly down to her sensitivity to the struggles women face when balancing career, life and love.

In particular I’d recommend Pillow Talk, which tells the story of what happens when jewellery maker and perpetual sleepwalker Petra is reunited with her high school crush. Cosmopolitan described it as “chick-lit with a generous side-helping of sex”. What more could you ask for?

Shaftesbury Theatre plans a comedy night - in Russian

OVE it or hate it, we have to admit that romantic fiction is p r obably here to stay.

However, does it have to be so utterly tragic?

The genre has moved on a bit since D.H. Lawrence caused uproar with the then racy Lady Chatterley’s Lover in 1928. Needless to say, today’s romantic fiction, however ridiculous it’s be-

come, is unlikely to be subject to an obscenity trial despite the fact that some of it probably should be more heavily tested before publication, to weed out any books which are especially awful.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that there’s perfectly good erotica out there, and I’ll make it clear that I’m not slamming that. However, there’s a difference between erotica and smutty trash, and to be honest, most of the books currently masquerading as ‘romantic fiction’ are toeing the line, that is if they haven’t already tipped over it and tumbled into the abyss of books I never want to read again.

People are quick to criticise the genre of light-hearted, romantic novels termed ‘chick-lit’, but will embrace the hysteria caused in the last couple of years by the publication and film adaptation of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, and subsequent flurry of erotic novel series, like Bared to You

by Sylvia Day, reaching the bestseller

Yann Martel , Life of Pi author, releases The High Mountains of Portugal

Pre-Raphaelite drawings brought together for an exhibit in London

lists. It’s frankly quite disappointing.

It’s hard to find erotica which is a) wellwritten, and b) doesn’t fall into one of two categories – ‘doing BDSM horrendously’ or ‘Mills & Boon wannabe’.

Romantic fiction as it exists today makes me cringe a little. A mix of dreadful writing, and extremely problematic content, makes books like Fifty Shades a no-go for me. Safely and sensiblypractised BDSM is perfectly okay. Glorifying abusive relationships through a thin veneer of ‘romance’ and supposedly raunchy sex scenes isn’t.

Having read the first Fifty Shades book to see what the hysteria was about, I thought, meh, some of the sex is quite hot, but the relationship is all wrong, and to be honest, there’s only so many references to ‘down there’ I can really cope with. Anastasia Steele, a 21-yearold college graduate, seems unable to utter the word ‘vagina’, even in her internal monologue. Okay.

There are only so many references to ‘down there’ I can really cope with I was encouraged to read the rest of the series by a friend waxing lyrical over the books, because apparently “they get better as they go on!” I gave in.

I regret this. (NB: She was lying. They get worse). Am I surprised? It started as Twilight fanfiction: why didn’t Stephenie Meyer sue the crap out of EL James? I’ve read far better fanfiction.

Sometimes I’d rather read erotica than watch porn, perhaps because porn tends to seem so mechanical and often downright ridiculous. But it depends what I’m in the mood for that day. I’m not that inclined to buy into the idea that women don’t enjoy porn as much as men, rather that we’re conditioned not to talk about it.

Everyone has their preferences, but I think that the human preference for experience makes written erotica a bit more accessible to many than video pornography. So why, oh why, isn’t there more literature out there which gets our rocks off without sacrificing quality? I’m still on the lookout for an erotic novel which doesn’t either make me laugh or shake my head despairingly. I sense it’s going to be a long road.

Newton Faulkner joins cast of American Idiot

30

ARTS & LIT

Follow us on Instagram

The fandom of the opera NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

Sabrina Aziz, Lifestyle Editor, raves about Footlights’ The Phantom of the Opera

@flor aburle s

a y_elm @am

@gab bicox Tag your photos with @exepose_arts_lit for a chance to be featured

Comedy watch STEWART FRANCIS Recently in court, I was found guilty of being egotistical. I am appealing.

GORDEN SOUTHERN If Windolene cleans windows, would a trampoline clean the homeless?

HELEN ARNEY My sister just had a baby – she’s called it Tiff, because it’s a girl. If it was a boy it would have been Jpeg.

MARK WATSON I’ve had a good marketing idea. My show next year is going to be called ‘John Bishop’.

JAMES ACASTER What happens in the Bermuda Triangle stays in the Bermuda Triangle.

Footlights Presents: The Phantom of the Opera Northcott Theatre 27-30 January

I

T’S Wednesday evening on 27 January, which marks the opening of Footlights’ latest venture, and perhaps their most ambitious project yet, The Phantom of the Opera, held in Exeter’s Northcott Theatre.

The story follows the mysterious and heavily bitter resident of the sewers that flow underneath the Paris Opera House, known only as the Phantom. Deformed from birth, he lives as a recluse and hides his identity with a mask. Things turn deadly when he falls in love with Christine: a young, beautiful and supremely talented opera singer who does not return his affections.

I’ll admit I was apprehensive about how a student production would go about pulling off such a feat as the classic The Phantom of the Opera.

From the moment the curtain rises however, I’m astounded. The set itself is impressive, the lighting and props effective, and the performers incredible.

The dancers are all on point, quite literally, for the majority of the production (those girls must have toes of steel).

Comedic relief is in excellent supply

by Harriet Francesca, prima donna supreme, Ben Philipp, whose portrayal of Piangi has the entire audience in stitch-

es, and by David Ballard and Joey Saunders, Phantom’s answer to the Chuckle Brothers. Another notable cast member is Fred Wheadon, who plays Raoul and manages to capture more than a few hearts with his

impressive falsetto.

The dazzling star of the show is, of course, Christine, played by the talented Beth Cowley. Her vocal range is incredible, her operatic skills exceptional and, most importantly, she can take a blow to the face by flyaway props like an absolute champion. She was the quintessential Christine: the scene in which she sings for the Phantom is par-

ticularly impressive, as she reaches dizzying vocal heights that I, and no doubt everyone around me, could only ever dream of. The Phantom himself, played

by Eoin McAndrew, sends a chill down my spine from the first moment he appears on stage. I jump as he appears through the mirror on Christine’s dressing table, a reaction that I’m sure half the audi-

performers, lights and effects work together to capture the eerie atmosphere encompassed by the number.

ence share. The chemistry between the two is electrifying and terrifying, both through the acting, singing and atmosphere as created by the incredible cast and crew.

Indeed, Footlights capture the chilling, creepy tone of the opera perfectly: the lead song, the famous ‘Phantom of the Opera’, is spine-tingling; the

nical faults, the level of professionalism is incredibly high: from the quality of the dancers to the classical singers, this performance is reminiscent of a West End production, and I’m completely blown away by the quality of Footlights’ foray into opera.

Pencil on paper & Acrylic on paper

This week, we’re featuring the artwork of Rachel Ashenden, a second year English student

Currently I am filling a sketchbook with pencil portraits of people that have inspired me. The pages alternate between drawings of loved ones to famous figures. Both sets of figures have had integral influence on my development. This side-project is extremely different from the themes I’ve worked with in the past.

I started painting when I was learning a mile a minute. My first art project was dedicated to gender-subverting artworks of Adam and Eve, to refute the biblical story as a justification for misogyny. My favourite is my painting of Jimmy Savile disguised as the pope, when it was revealed he was a paedophile; it was a critique of the corruption hidden behind Catholicism. Recently the themes of my work have mellowed out. I was commissioned to paint a trio of Venice landscapes, and to replicate a Lempicka. Regardless of the subject,I find that vibrant acrylic works best.

I’m blown away by the quality of Footlights’ foray into opera ‘Masquerade’ is another highlight, as the entire ensemble dazzles the audience with glittering costumes and impressive dance numbers. Watching the dancers being lifted into the air, held only by their feet, is particularly impressive.

Except for a few unfortunate tech-

32

NEWS 1-5

SCIENCE & TECH

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

SCIENCE& TECH

Animalia genitalia

Biweekly Breakthroughs Replicating wrinkles

Scientists have recreated the folding of the human brain in a gel model. A smooth-surfaced gel model was submerged in an organic solvent for 20 to 30 minutes. In this short time span, the model developed a furrowing pattern incredibly similar to that of a 22-week-old foetus. This was also modelled using a computer program. It is hoped that these models will help research into brain diseases wherein the folding pattern of the brain is distorted.

Bionic bones A new, lightweight robotic exoskeleton has been unveiled and is aimed to help the paralysed to walk. UC Berkeley Robots and Human Engineering lab have been developing the technology over the last ten years to assist mobility in those with limited movement from the waist down. However, with a hefty price tag of $40,000, this technology won’t be widely available any time soon.

Zika virus: an international emergency

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Science & Tech

SCI & TECH EDITORS Catherine Heffner Lewis Norman

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeSciTech

sciandtech@exepose.com

Photo: CBC

Matt Turner examines some of the strangest methods of copulation in the animal kingdom

I

T’S mid-February, and the air is thick with the scent of roses, pheromones, cheap cards and desperate right swipes. Well “Bah Humbug” I say – and some of you may agree. But, no matter how unlucky in love or hopelessly romantic you are there is always someone, or something, a lot worse. Here we explore the most tragic love stories of the animal kingdom to make us all feel better about our own love lives.

At oceanic depths of around 3000 feet live anglerfish - the lure-wielding toothed terrors that almost ate Nemo’s dad that one time. Well, that goes for the females. In certain species, the males look more like a soggy, popped balloon – fortunately for them almost no light penetrates this far down, so females are spared from actually having to see them. Male anglerfish hardly develop, so remain weak and vulnerable until they find a mate, but are born with advanced olfactory systems giving

them a great sense of smell for locating females. After tracking pheromones to their target, like breadcrumbs in Hansel and Gretel, male anglers bite and latch on the female’s thick coating to begin the process of parabiotic reproduction.

This involves the male undergoing intense atrophy – practically melting away to become a sperm-pumping appendage that flows in the currents of the abyss until the day the female bites the dust. That’s it. Its life purpose is to become a testicle.

But how does a porcupine make love? Very carefully, obviously. But before that, like popping on a Marvin Gaye song, female porcupines require a splash of courtship, and nothing tickles their fancy more than getting soaked in male urine. Lovely. After testing the waters and assessing the pheromones, the female makes the decision whether or not to copulate with the male – quite the level of authority for someone cov-

ered in pee, don’t you think? Another romance story involving bodily throwaways is that of the humble giraffe. In some kind of Bear Grylls-esque courting, known as the “Flehmen sequence”, the male giraffe curls back his lips, rubs the female giraffe’s behind and takes a few swigs of urine (stimulating the vomeronasal organ) in order to assess whether she is in oestrous or not, and thus how fertile she is.

Female porcupines require a splash of courtship, and nothing tickles their fancy more than getting soaked in male urine I think it’s safe to say that of people have gone and will go diculous lengths to “hit a home so to speak. However, nothing

a lot to rirun”, quite

compares to the plucky, rodent-like marsupial that goes down under down under while slowly killing itself. Correct, the Antechinus will literally die for sex. Male Antechinuses remain abstinent for just short of a year until they undergo an irreversible halt of sperm production. After which, they begin a two to three week spree of ferocious and desperate mating known as semelparity – a phenomenon that is extremely rare amongst mammals.

During this time, the males suppress their immune system and convert vital proteins into metabolic energy in an effort to keep the party going. Unsurprisingly, undergoing semelparity and doing little else but copulating for hours at a time takes its toll on the Antechinus. By the end of the mating marathon his body is a gangrenous, lifeless, mange-ridden sack of exhaustion slowly slipping away from consciousness.

Doesn’t matter, had sex.

Your love is like a drug

Can we be addicted to the brain chemicals involved in love? Holly Belcher investigates

A The zika virus was identified as an international health emergency last week by the WHO. Mainly spread via mosquito bites, sufferers present with rashes, conjunctivitis and fever.

However, its most devastating effects are in pregnant women, where the virus causes microencephaly (deficient head growth) in infants. An estimated 4 million cases are expected by the end of 2016, with 20 countries currently reporting incidents of the disease.

DDICTED to love? Well our brains certainly seem to think so. From sexual attraction to long lasting love, the chemical powerhouse that is our brain is intricately involved with our reactions and desires for love. Most of us know or have at least heard of dopamine and its role in the brain to promote happiness. But further research into those ‘in love’ has found that love in the brain is far more complex than first thought.

To understand more the role that our brain chemistry plays, it is worth noting Helen Fisher, whose work with MRI scans has revealed much about the origins of dopamine in the brain. Focusing on individuals who classed themselves as ‘in love’, Fisher’s team have revealed the effect of A10 cells, those responsible for

releasing dopamine, and discovered its role as part of the brain’s reward system – the same part of the brain associated with the rush of addictive drugs. Fisher argues this release of dopamine is what creates romantic love – a base desire, not unlike our sex drives that strives to focus our desire to mate on one specific partner.

Though it may not sound as romantic as a moonlit stroll or a bouquet of flowers on Valentine’s, Fisher has found that romantic love is not just a prerequisite of human behaviour, but is found across the animal kingdom with studies linking the release of chemicals in the reward system region of the brain.

What is startling is the links that other studies have found behind neurochemicals and love. Much like Fisher’s

research, it seems that not only are our brains capable of producing the rush of emotions associated with being in love, but that these feelings may well have an addictive quality.

Like drug addiction, love is formed from desires The fact is our brains in love are strikingly similar to our brains on drugs – certainly explaining the reckless behaviour we are all familiar with. Repeated studies have shown that love activates both the striatum and insula areas of our brains, areas associated with pleasure and assigning value. What is shocking is that these parts of the brain are the same areas

affected by the use of addictive drugs such as heroin. Much like drug addiction, love is a habit formed from desires and the reward of such desire – in this case sexual.

The neurochemical similarity between these two behaviours has helped to explain the strength of erratic behaviour associated with love, and the good and bad behaviour that love can prompt.

That isn’t to say that those bubbly feelings you have when looking at the one you love are a bad thing however – the studies state that those in healthy relationships are not considered ‘addicted’ like those on drugs. But these chemical reactions do help explain love-related depression, particularly in obsessive and forsaken love. Perhaps Robert Palmer had something with that song after all…

Science of the serenade

EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.com

SCIENCE & TECH

33

Photo: Lucasfilm

Becca B ‘s science for students

Jessica Stanier, Online Features Editor, uncovers the formula for the perfect love song

A

S the Immortal Bard himself put it, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Love songs have probably been around as long as we have, with many species of animal attracting their mates with a humble melody. Love, heartbreak, and desire are all deeply personal experiences, inspiring operas, pop ballads, sonatas and folk songs alike. With musical form having changed so drastically over the centuries, is there really a science to the serenade?

In Western music, the frequencies of notes correspond to the Fibonacci series Music has long been a subject of scientific enquiry. The ancient Greek mathematician, Pythagoras, is credited with the discovery that harmonious musical notes are related by whole number ratios.

He was so enamoured by the relationship between mathematics and the external world that he was convinced the entire

universe was a symphony of sorts. Indeed, in Western music, the frequencies of notes in the scale correspond to the Fibonacci series and the Golden Ratio an uncanny aesthetic standard that crops up across much of the natural world.

Spotify identified a syncopated rhythm in the melody of their top love songs When it came to uncovering the principles behind contemporary love songs, however, music platform Spotify took matters into their own hands to compile a study on the relationship between music and emotion. Working with Professor Jacob Jolij from the University of Groningen and Maureen Crowe of the film The Bodyguard, they claim that some of our earliest formative experiences have the greatest influence on our musical taste.

They identified a syncopated rhythm in the melody of Spotify’s top love songs, including ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by

Adele. Professor Jolij describes the phenomenon: “there are two accents close together, repeating every bar. This creates the feel of a relaxed heartbeat, a sound we are very familiar with, as that is what we heard during our period in the womb.” Some researchers have claimed this is the reason why syncopation has such a soothing effect on the listener and is frequently used in love songs.

While Spotify is yet to re-

lease the full analysis from its study, it’s an intriguing hypothesis.

That said, by no means does romance continue to hold the monopoly on musical inspiration. A study

by Professor Dawn Hobbs at State University of New York found that “approximately 92 per cent of the 174 songs that made it into the [Billboard] top 10 in 2009 contained reproductive messages”. This is no doubt indicative of a wider trend across pop music, confirming that age-old truism - ‘sex sells’.

Can’t buy me love?

Adam Smith ventures into the world of online dating and gives us his Valentine’s verdict

N

AVIGATING the minefield of online dating apps is dangerous.

I’ve signed up for every piece of loveware that’s gained popularity; Tinder, OKCupid, Match, eHarmony, Happn, Bumble, Skout, Badoo, Zoosk - all of them have had, at one time or another, a little space on my iPhone. I’m basically the real-life Tom Haverford, except my favourite movie isn’t books.

Yet despite the amount of time and memory these apps take up, very few users are actually aware of how these apps work. Firstly, there’s the myth: romance is dead and online dating killed it.

That’s not true.

While more relationships (a third in fact) are starting online, that’s not necessarily through online dating apps - in fact, most of them are through the usual social media of Facebook and Twitter.

But your common or garden online dating app - that’s a different story. They work by quantifying how much users have in common, along with their popularity and in-box messages, and by turning that into a concrete number can gauge match-

ability. Some of these are more intelligent than others; eHarmony apparently has a match scoring system that can tell users what will make them most attractive.

Zoosk, however, recommended that some of my interests might be The

Lad Bible, Eminem, and Cheryl Cole. Since the app had ripped my Facebook information (which consists primarily of Indiewood films, Simpsons fan pages and Oscar Wilde)

these suggestions were unhelpful.

The message you can take from this is that choosing a particular online dating app is just as important

as choosing a romantic interest.

Your dating app is the friend you go to the

bar with, and I’m sure we all have those friends we don’t like going out with (I know because usually I’m that friend).

What dating comes down to, like almost everything else in life, is a load of data points. Amy Webb ‘hacked’ online dating, as she recounts in her Ted Talk, by creating a list of qualifications for the man she was looking for, and then created fake profiles to find out what the competition was. She found that popular men and women are sticking to 97 words on average that are well written because they utilise non-specific language.

This is why Tinder works; there’s this thing called ‘Analysis Paralysis’ where the more you know about someone, the less likely you are to go out with them because you’re too busy thinking about all the things you might not agree on. You don’t want to go from a person to a specification.

So this Valentines Day, when you’re looking for love, remember to research your apps, find out as much as you can about the data behind them, and be as vague as is humanely possible.

Online dating loves a man (or woman) of mystery.

The Hyperloop Can you imagine speeding between cities through low-pressure tubes at 760 mph in a driverless capsule? Elon Musk did in 2013. A team from MIT last week won his design competition with an aluminium and carbon fibre pod levitated 15mm by magnets and thrust forwards by induction motors. The journey would be controlled by independent electronics and include a mechanically fail-safe braking system.

Testing of Hyperloop is due to start in April in California. Chief operating officer Bibop Gabriele Gresta has called it “the closest thing to teletransportation”.

Solar power hits the skies The Ministry of Defence will be buying Zephyrs, high-altitude solar-powered aircraft that fly above the jet streams for months.

The 25m-wingspanned models carry highly efficient solar cells and batteries to keep the propellers turning – theoretically eternally. A year-long operation could be possible between latitudes of 40 degrees North and South. The Zephyrs are likely to carry surveillance or communication equipment for the MoD. Future applications could be in delivering internet access to remote locations.

Modified maize A strain of barley undergoing gene editing to make its own fertiliser from soil nitrogen is under development at the John Innes Centre of crop research. The concept is backed by the Gates Foundation, and is perceived to be groundbreaking for farmers without the funds to buy fertiliser. Leader of the project Professor Wendy Harwood pointed out that gene editing “is closer to old-fashioned breeding techniques than it is to genetic modification technology” due to the process’s use of only the plants existing DNA, rather than that of other organisms.

34

GAMES

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-14 16-19 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

EXEPOSÉ

G MES Derailing the hype train Exeposé Games

GAMES EDITORS

@ExeposeGames

games@exepose.com

Jack England Evan Jones

News for N00bs

by Eamonn Crowe

Gamers gonna game Everyone’s go-to problematic fave, Taylor Swift, is set to launch her own mobile video game.

In between making catchy pop hits and filming whitewashed music videos in Africa, Swift has found the time to partner with Glu Mobile.

They are the company behind the hugely successful Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and Taylor’s game is set to debut later this year.

Details of what players can expect have yet to be revealed, but Niccolo de Masi, Glu Mobile’s chief executive, has promised “never before seen gameplay elements that utilise Taylor’s unique creativity”.

However, we will have to wait for the game’s release before we know if Swift can ‘Keep Up’ with her Kardashian counterpart.

Pika-Clue Nintendo have recently announced a new video game featuring the all-time greatest Pokemon, Pikachu. The 3DS game is titled Detective Pikachu and while becoming a super-sleuth might seem like a strange new occupation for the little yellow mouse, the game has received generally positive reviews. Players take on the character of Tim Goodman, who is trying to solve the mystery of why his father disappeared.

He teams up with Pikachu and together they attempt to solve it. Detective Pikachu is incredibly story-focused and allows players to experience more of the overall world of Pokemon, with only a few references to the battles and types we are used to hearing about been featured.

The game has initially being released for the Japanese market, but we hope to see an English version soon enough.

Stranger things have happened in gaming...

Theodore Stone examines why hype is gaming’s greatest enemy

P

ICTURE this: the developer of your favourite gaming series has just announced a new installment in the franchise, and you’re raring to get hold of a copy. Launch day comes about, you read a few positive reviews on IGN, and then you set about acquiring your copy of the game.

Once this feat has been accomplished, you start it up in anticipation, waiting to play the game. And then it crashes. Over and over again. Sounds familiar? Those who have purchased Arkham Knight, Just Cause 3 or practically every modern EA game have probably experienced this.

In other words, you’ve just paid £50 for a game that isn’t even finished. Now whilst it’s nice to know that you can have your games before they’re signed off by Health & Safety, it also makes for some of the most frustrating experiences known to mankind. Nowadays, we expect games, or rather we are expected to expect them, to be perfect masterpieces that are completely representative of their world. Unfortunately, this ‘Hype Train’ culture has started to come off the tracks thanks to unrealistic expectations.

We expect games nowadays, or are expected to expect them, to be perfect masterpieces Hype is possibly the most powerful marketing tool in gaming; it’s also the most irritating. Marketing has now burrowed itself so deep into the franchise wars that no good game can release nowadays without at least having a short movie, 50ft billboard and an elaborate Mayday Parade signalling its oncoming presence. Unfortunately this is also ruining the games themselves. Thanks to much-improved marketing over the years, we start to demand games to be released earlier and earlier, which pressures developers to work faster and faster to complete the damn thing, cutting any and all corners where possible in order to preserve the aesthetic and just hope that nobody will notice. Sadly we almost always do because the corners cut usually leave it in some bizarre glitch purgatory, which forbids us from enjoying ourselves.

In addition, such practices like ‘hypepandering’ can be severely damaging to the reputations of developers and publishers. Take a look at Arkham Knight, for example. Before it was released, the

marketing team ensured that it was being hailed as being as good as the criticallyacclaimed, multi award winning City.. The PR team went as far to supply just PS4 copies of the game, which showcased the game in its best working state, to all those who requested a physical review copy. Yet come launch day, the thing barely worked. Despite numerous attempts to mend the game it seems now that Rocksteady has broken the

The most emotional depth we received was from one head-butting the other aggressively buggy games which are a result of overhyped marketing. Sometimes it’s just that the game itself could not live up to the expectations of fans, which is a far more common occurrence.

Take the Halo franchise as an example.

5 Guardians as having a riveting story wherein two equals hunt the other for the truth, doing battle often and a great deal of emotional depth would be displayed. When the game was released, we found that this was, in fact, a lie, and the most emotional depth we received was from one head-butting the other aggressively.

343 had promised us to revive the excitement in the flagging Halo franchise, but all they really gave us was a tub of lard with various pieces of lard slowly being attached to it via DLC so that the lard now overflows the tub.

Ripping apart a seemingly perfect game at the last second seems to be an epidemic within

gaming at the moment, with EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront ending up bare bones

on one’s sensibilities. No longer can we trust companies with our wallets when it

buggy messes which crash as soon as you

ful thing, it’s also a hollow assault

No longer can we trust companies with our preorders, because they will end up a buggy mess

Avengers assembled EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.com

Tom Morris finds his super suit and fights crime in LEGO Avengers LEGO Marvel’s Avengers Travellers Tales PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PSVita, 3DS Out now

L

EGO Marvel’s Avengers is the latest installment in the well-established franchise from Traveller’s Tales. If you’ve ever played a Lego game before, then you’ll know exactly what to expect, but for the few who don’t, you take control of the Avengers (in LEGO form, obviously) and smash your way through levels (made of LEGO, obviously) taken straight from the Marvel movies themselves.

The game begins with the opening from Avengers: Age Of Ultron trademark Lego humour immediately kicks in when Thor throws a pig attached with explosives at a nearby group of enemies. The cutscenes, which

tic Robert Downey Jr as you fly around as Iron Man. They even managed to get Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) and Coble Smulders (Maria Hill) to record new lines of dialogue for the game, which is a nice addition.

Unsurprisingly, the gameplay is remarkably similar to other LEGO games.

You take control of one of two superheroes (or both in co-op mode) and traverse through level after level beating up bad guys and destroying scenery to collect studs, the in-game currency. However,

enemies in the nearby area. I had hours

smash all enemies in sight. Levels can be repeated in free play mode so that you can grab all of the collectables you missed the first time around. Speaking of collectables, there are over 100 characters to collect in this game, including some rather obscure superheroes that made my inner comic book nerd revel.

Having played the game on PS4, I must say that the graphics were a massive improvement over any of previous LEGO games I’ve played. They’ve clearly utilised the power of the current-gen consoles as the

given the charac-

him angry and so

are interspersed between levels, are thoroughly entertaining, mostly taking the form of flashbacks. It’s also great that they take the characters’ voices straight from the movies meaning you get to hear a sarcas-

ters all-new movements rather than recycling them from the previous game, which shows great attention to detail.

There are over 100 characters to collect, including some rather obscure superheroes The way in which the characters interact when they perform their combo move is also an enthralling sight. As mentioned, the lighting effects stand out, as the environments look different depending on the time of day and there are different effects for different areas. One such example of this is the way in which the flashback to the first Captain America movie is bathed in a sepia tone light.

LEGO Avengers is arguably the best Lego game to-date and the improvements Travellers Tales have included make this game essential for fans of the films and L games. So why not have some fun building up and breaking down hundreds upon hundreds of blocks?

Your princess is in this castle

GAMES

35

The Orange Box We asked writers to come up with video game titles that would surpass the hype HARRY SHEPHERD Guitar Hero: David Bowie THEODORE STONE Half-Life 4 ADAM SMITH Steven Moffat: The Videogame LEWIS NORMAN Trump Simulator 2016 SEB BOWYER World of Starcraft TOM MORRIS Uncharted 5: A Thief’s Retirement JABEZ SHERRINGTON Grand Theft Auto: Newcastle

Free Game of the Week

Sam Woolf lets the ship set sail between our favourite gaming couples

B

ing to take down the combine is an undeniable bonding experience for the two.

Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance Half Life - with its focus on dystopian futures, authoritarian dictators and invasive alien species- doesn’t seem like the sort of series to feature an iconic romance, and in many ways it isn’t. It’s never explicitly stated that silent protagonist, Gordon Freeman, and talkative companion, Alex Vance, are involved romantically, but it’s implied on a number of occasions through Half Life 2 and its continuations. In particular, Alyx’s father, Eli, repeatedly pesters the two with regards to when he can expect grandchildren. Also the perilous journey that the two undergo in attempt-

Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher From searching for the lost gold of El Dorado, to traversing perilous mountain tops in pursuit of Shangri La, this couple consisting of determined freelance journalist, Elena Fisher, and rouge archaeologist/ explorer extraordinaire, Nathan Drake, has been through it all.

In spite of competition from Drake’s associate, Chloe, these two have had perfect chemistry right from the very first sequence in

E it a special day of the year to spend with your significant other or a night to go out with mates and celebrate being single, Valentine’s Day is here once again.

To commemorate the occasion I’ve had a look at the extensive list of couples in video games and selected the most iconic. So, ranging from the downright dysfunctional to the lovingly loyal, here are our picks for the top three romantic pairs in gaming.

charted: Drake’s Fortune

ship from that point on. Unlike most video game companions, Elena also has no trouble keeping up with Drake and has saved his neck on a number of occasions.

Princess Zelda and Link Link has been rescuing Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule for 3 decades now, but unlike Nintendo’s other romantic pair featuring a hero and a princess (Mario and Peach) Zelda and Link’s relationship spans over countless reincarnations and involves much more than one simply saving Ocarina of Time saw them meet as children and playfully talk about the future, 2002’s The Wind Waker had them set sail across the vast and expansive high seas, and 2011’s Skyward featured the couple soaring amongst the clouds together above the city of Skyloft.

The Travels of the Dung Beetle You are a dung beetle, and you roll dung for a living. It’s a relaxing, but strange little Unity game we recommend you check out.

Scan the QR code to download your free copy

36

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

NEWS 1-5

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

BREAK

STUDY CROSSWORD # 81

SUDOKU # 17

Across 1

Nuclear (6)

5

Picture (does the best one get 19 20s?) (4)

7

Make up your mind (9)

8/16

VIP treatment (at the 19 20s?) - Creed part

To read more about a role and download an application form, search for the internship’s reference code on My Career Zone.

(anagram) (3,6) 10

Plain (like rapping Ice?) (7)

11

Board game (5)

12

Missile (6)

14

Exporter - importer (6)

17

Statue (of Oscar at the 19 20s?) (5)

19/20

An annual prize presented in 2016 on the

28th of February (7,5) 21

Nevertheless (3)

22

Valuer (of things) - spare pair (anagram)

(9) 23

Worry (4)

24

So far (2,4)

ANSWERS:

Down 2

Doomed ship (which won many 19 20s in 1998?) (7)

the 19 20s?) (7)

3

Virtuous - ethical (5)

15

4

Culmination (6)

16

See 8 Across

5

Free cel (anagram) - plunderer (7)

18

Thespian (who gets 19 20s?) (5)

6

Significant (5)

20

See 19 Across

7

Variety (needed at the 19 20s) (9)

9

Small, fast warship (9)

13

Fashionable (which all 18s must be at

Hollow (eyes, e.g.) - steeped (anagram) (4-3)

ANSWERS: 23 Fret, 24 To date. Down: 2 Titanic, 3 Moral, 4 Climax, 5 Fleecer, 6 Large, 7 Diversity, 9 Destroyer, 13 Elegant, 15 Deep-set, 18 Act.z

WEATHER

Across: 1 Atomic, 5 Film, 7 Determine, 8/16 Red carpet, 10 Vanilla, 11 Chess, 12 Rocket, 14 Trader, 17 Image, 19/20 Academy Award, 21 Yet, 22 Appraiser,

Exeter’s outlook for the week ahead

Mon 15th Tues 16th Wed 17th Thur 18th

High Low

6°C

0°C

7°C

1 °C

8°C

3°C

7°C

1°C

Fri 19th

8°C

4 °C

Sat 20th

9°C

5 °C

Sun 21st

10°C

6 °C

Data accurate at time of print

‘‘

PUZZLES BY ALFRED

WORDS OF WISDOM...

I know only one thing - Cliff Richard looks the nuts for his age Danny Dyer

Cartoon by Katie Learmont

SCP 3444 Ipplepen project Public Engagement Intern Closing Date: 2nd March 2016 Salary: £9.27 Location: Exeter An Intern is required in June 2016 for the Archaeology Department’s Ipplepen Field School. This paid internship is based at the Ipplepen Field School.

SCP 3446 Support Intern (Schools Programme Impact) Closing Date: 23rd February 2016 Salary: £9.48 Location: Exeter An intern is required to work with Professor John Plunkett on a research and public engagement project ‘Science at the Seaside’. This SCP role is available from March – June 2016.

SBP 3447 Content Writer Closing Date: 26th February 2016 Salary: £7.65 Location: Exeter A part-time Content Writer is required for a marketing company, based on the Streatham Campus, in Exeter. This paid internship is for up to 1 year and part of the SBP scheme.

SPORT

www.exepose.com

Rugby Varsity 2016

Name Tom Edwards Position Number 8 Age 21 Year 3rd Course Politics Height 6’2” Weight 108kg

24 February | Sandy Park | South West Derby 2016

Name Mike Perks Position Hooker Age 21 Year 4th Course PGCE Height 6’0” Weight 94kg Name Paul Davis Position Hooker Age 21 Year 3rd Course Sports Science Height 6’2” Weight 115kg Name Jack Owlett Position Prop Age 21 Year 2nd Course Business & Management Height 6’2” Weight 125kg Name Tom Rhodes Position Prop Age 22 Year 2nd Course Marketing & Management Height 6’0” Weight 126kg Name Fred Hosking Position Second row Age 21 Year 2nd Course Human Biosciences Height 6’8” Weight 118kg Name Sam Skinner (c) Position Second row Age 21 Year 2nd Course Business Economics Height 6’5” Weight 108kg Name Fred Wheadon Position Second row Age 22 Year 3rd Course Philosophy & Theology Height 6’4” Weight 110kg

Name Matt Eliet Position Flanker Age 21 Year 3rd Course Geography Height 6’2” Weight 103kg Name Tom Lawday Position Number 8 Age 22 Year 2nd Course Sports Science Height 6’2” Weight 115kg

Photo: Edwin Yeung

Exeter v Bath

Name George Beale Position Prop Age 21 Year 3rd Course Biochemistry Height 6’3” Weight 118kg

Name Harry Ledger Position Flanker Age 21 Year 3rd Course Geography Height 6’1” Weight 92kg

37

N

EXT Wednesday, the EURFC 1s take on Bath in their annual varsity fixture. Having run out as convincing 41-0 winners last year, the visitors will certainly have a hard job of overcoming the hosts who are sat unbeaten in the BUCS Premier South A table.

Their opponents have already lost four times this season but the reverse fixture back in October proved much closer; a 20-15 victory for Exeter.

Over 5,000 students are expected to fill out the seats at Sandy Park in what is always one of the most hotly anticipated varsity fixtures of the year. Despite being unbeaten in the league and with a game in hand, Exeter are second behind Hartpury and will be looking to secure a precious bonus point.

Exeter are already one of the most respected rugby universities in the country and have already created an impressive legacy. 39 former EURFC players have been capped internationally, whilst Richard Hill, John Scott, David Sole and Jeff Squire have all been selected to captain their respective countries. Next Wednesday’s fixture gives this current generation a change to prove their worth and create their own history.

Captains’ Quickfire Sam Skinner | Team Captain

What’s your pre-match ritual?

I tend to chill out and listen to music. No uni work gets done on matchday.

What do you eat before a big game ?

It’s always pasta with either chicken or meatballs and some veg. Pretty boring, but it works for me.

What are you most looking forward to about varsity?

It would have to be the atmosphere. The crowd are so loud, it is very unique. The noise coming from the west grand stand is like no other.

Who was your rugby idol growing up?

I always loved the way Lawrence Dallagio played rugby and led by example, so I guess I look to try and emulate him on the pitch.

What do you expect from Bath?

Playing Bath is always intense and you have to be willing to put your body on the line for the sake of the team. I’m expecting them to come out firing and make it very difficult to break them down.

Who tells the worst jokes in the team?

It’s worth mentioning that I have some terrible chat and most of the boys would probably back me up on that. But as far as worst jokes go, I would have to say Tom Rhodes.

Which player/players are going to be key in beating Bath and why?

We are very fortunate this year to have strength across all departments this year so anyone has the ability to pop up with a piece of magic. Having said that, it is vital we have a solid platform to play off, so the front row will be key to securing the scrum and set piece.

Name Sam Waltier Position Scrum half Age 21 Year 3rd Course Philosophy & History Height 5’11” Weight 84kg

Name Ollie Claxton Position Scrum half Age 22 Year 3rd Course English & French Height 5’8” Weight 86kg

Name James Doe Position Fly half Age 21 Year 3rd Course Engineering & Maths Height 6’0” Weight 86kg

George Beale | Club Captain What’s your pre-match ritual?

Nothing special, just put my kit on!

What do you eat before a big game ?

Always a full English breakfast and some porridge.

What are you most looking forward to about varsity?

Playing in front of thousands of people, but most importantly you’re playing in front of your family and friends. Its a great opportunity to showcase the best of what the club is about.

Who was your rugby idol growing up?

Jason Leonard and Arizona Taumalolo. Jason Leonard for his ability and being the most capped England player, and Taumalolo because my father is a massive fan of the Waikato Chiefs, and he was an iconic figure in that team.

What do you expect from Bath?

They are fairly similar to us and like to throw the ball around so it will be a high paced game and they will try and stretch us on the flanks.

Who tells the worst jokes in the team?

Tom Edwards. He has dubbed himself Wilheim Enting as he believes it to be ‘good chat’.

Which player/players are going to be key in beating Bath and why?

Sam Skinner, our captain and Chiefs player will be essential and has been a stand out player all year. In the backs, Alex Brown, who has joined us from Bath for a PGCE, will be vital.

Name Pete Laverick Position Inside centre Age 21 Year 2nd Course Business Economics Height 6’0” Weight 96kg Name Tom Holdsworth Position Outside Centre Age 19 Year 2nd Course Sports Science Height 6’1” Weight 98kg Name Jacob Knight Position Outside Centre Age 21 Year 3rd Course Law Height 6’2” Weight 92kg Name Ned Warne Position Wing Age 20 Year 2nd Course Geography Height 6’0” Weight 95kg Name Alex Brown Position Wing Age 23 Year 4th Course PGCE Height 6’0” Weight 94kg Name Adam Worth Position Full back Age 21 Year 3rd Course Sports Science Height 6’2” Weight 115kg Name Gavin Parker Position Full back Age 20 Year 3rd Course Economics & Finanace Height 6’0” Weight 82kg

Tackling concussion 38

SPORT

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

SPORT 37-40

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

EXEPOSÉ

With the film Concussion hitting UK cinemas this month, Eamonn Crowe, Deputy Editor, chats to Professor Huw Williams about the dangers of repeated head injuries

O

N 6 February, the world’s eyes turned to one of Europe’s most popular sporting events, as the Six Nations began. However, just one day later, the event was marred by a minor controversy. In the Ireland vs Wales match, Irish centre Keith Earls took Welsh full back Liam Williams over the horizontal and injured him. The referee decided to give a penalty against Earls, much to the disappointment of many Wales fans, who felt he should have been awarded a yellow card.

This incident brings to the fore discussions surrounding the dangerous nature of rugby tackles. The University of Exeter is leading pioneering research in this field, focusing on how concussions in rugby can cause psychological damage. I met Professor Huw Williams to discuss what might be done to tackle the issue.

It’s incredibly important to have systems in place to look after our Rugby players Huw Williams, Associate Professor of NeuroClinical Psychology Williams’ research aims “to see whether there are any changes in the brains of people who have had multiple concussions and whether that is associated with changes in their cognitive ability.”

In order to do this, Williams has tested up to 90 members of University squads and will employ neuro-imaging to further the studies next year.

Concerns about the long-lasting effects of concussions in sport first arose from the National Football League in America; they believe that football players who have developed dementia in later life could have been made more susceptible to this through repeated concussions.

As far as Williams is concerned, this issue is more complex than it seems: “We think that there isn’t a clear-cut answer to that at the moment. Regardless, it’s incredibly important to have systems in place to look after our rugby players properly so that if they do go back into the game, they don’t

do so before they’ve fully recovered.”

Of course, with a sport as lively as rugby, there are arguments that collisions are an inherent part of the game format.

Williams agrees with this as-

sessment, arguing that collisions are “very much part of rugby”.

D e spite this, it is alarming to note that the number of concussions in rugby has doubled in the last five years alone. While this rise in statistics can partially be put down to a greater medical awareness of how to spot concussion, Williams agrees that “players have become much bigger and faster and they hit each other at speed more readily”.

However, for Williams, the increasing size of players is not the biggest issue on the field. He believes that illegal play is a far bigger problem and references a report he published two years ago, which revealed that a quarter of rugby concussions arise from illegal moves. In terms of how to counteract this, Williams believes the answer is simple: “It is about enforcing the rules of the game effectively.” Of course, the RFU has made moves to ensure that players are not tackling the head and neck of their opponents. However, as Williams points out, the fact remains that “Rugby is a contact sport and is one that people enjoy playing.”

On the topic of Earls’s controversial tackle, Williams believes a no-tolerance policy should be followed: “That was definitely dangerous. In my opinion, with that kind of play, if it is an intentional manoeuvre, then that could have been very problematic. I think in general terms, the referee should be empowered to stamp on activities that could lead to head or neck injuries. Just take it out of the game, it’s unnecessary, it’s dangerous and it’s plainly inappropriate.”

veloped until you are 21 or 22” and younger players are thus more likely to have a lasting problem after injury. Of course, many people can recover from minor concussions within a matter of days, but there are still associated risks: “It’s not a huge impairment, but if you’re five percent down on cognitive ability, that’s the difference between someone who wants to be an engineer being fast and good at decision-making or not.” Although Williams understands the motivations behind bio-banding, he is not entirely convinced by the argument: “I’m not sure there’s any good evidence as

and how they can be avoided. Williams is confident that this issue is already being taken seriously in professional rugby: “The systems are pretty good. I consulted with the English rugby team when they made these systems. One example is the online ‘Headcase system’ which is a system where players can go through an awareness programme about head injury and how to manage that risk.”

The seriousness of concussions in contact sports such as rugby is being addressed and taken seriously It seems that while this conversation is ongoing, the seriousness of concussions in contact sports such as rugby is being addressed and taken seriously. This discussion will be furthered by the release of Concussion, starring Will Smith, which came out on 12 Februrary. The film follows the story of a Nigerian forensic pathologist who revolutionsies the way in which NFL player’s head injuries are treated and brings the issue of serious sporting injuries to a global audience.

Professor Williams concludes that “the vital aspect for people that do get concussed is to take

It is clear that while concussions cannot really be avoided, it is very much possible to play rugby safely One approach to combatting head injuries in Rugby is to enlist bio-banding, which matches players against those in a similar weight category. Williams says that this could prove particularly important for younger players, because “the frontal parts of the brain are not fully de-

y e t , r e garding whether it actually is protective, but it would be something that would make for an interesting study.” In terms of implementing such a system to University teams, Williams says “I’m unsure that there’s enough evidence. Within a University setting, probably not.”

As a final question, I ask Williams what can be done to raise awareness of concussions in rugby: what they mean

time off and come back into play in a way that is reasonable, so that they don’t get another concussion until they have fully recovered.” It is clear that while collisions cannot be avoided, it is very much possible to play rugby safely and effectively. As Williams departing words note, “Rugby is tough, but it doesn’t have to be rough.”

SPORT

www.exepose.com

39

EURFC remain unbeaten but stay second RUGBY UNION

Freddie Eastwell Sports Team Exeter 1s Cardiff

48 7

T

HE EURFC 1st XV annihilated the visiting Cardiff University team up at the Rubber Crumb in their first home game of the term. A large crowd turned out at the Sports Park to watch the hosts thrash the visitors 48-7.

The Exeter 1s knew they had to score at least four tries to win a bonus point and help them on their way to topping the league for the South Division.

The backs dictated the game in an emphatic display of skill while the forwards dominated at the breakdown, winning good territory and possession.

As the first half progressed, the forwards began to stamp their mark on the game in the contact area Exeter won a penalty straight from kick off on the half-way line, which full-back Gavin Parker decided was in his range. A huge strike saw the ball sail through the posts for the opening points of the game. With the score at 3-0, the 1s looked immediately to dominate their opponents up front as winger Ned Warne burst through the Cardiff

defence. He looked as though he would score before he offloaded the ball to flyhalf Oliver Claxton who was held up on the line. After a solid scrum, Exeter’s forwards won themselves a penalty try with an easy conversion for Parker to make the score 10-0.

As the first half progressed, the forwards began to stamp their mark on the game in the contact area. Eliet and Hosking continued to break over the gain line with a number of big carries. Scrum-half Sam Waltier eventually capitalised on the hard work of the pack as he found the gap from the back of a ruck and scored under the posts. Minutes later, the forwards were back on Cardiff’s try line again, as the imposing figure of Tom Lawday trundled over for another score. A successful conversion from Gavin Parker stretched Exeter’s lead to 24-0 and they did well to maintain the lead with fantastic defending on their own line just before half time.

The second half continued in much the same fashion as the first, with Cardiff becoming undone by some skilfully manoeuvred link-up play in the backs and some aggressive hits from the forwards. Fly-half Claxton eventually found some space for himself out on the wing and managed to pick up a well-deserved try. Not to be outdone by his teammate, Number 8 Lawday got his hands on the ball straight from Cardiff’s kick off and ran the length of the pitch with a couple of big handoffs to score in the corner. With the bonus points already sealed and the score now at 36-0, the 1s continued to run riot in

>>Tom Edwards sliding over for Exeter’s final try. Photo: Edwin Yeung. the final 15 minutes of the game.

Centre Pete Laverick was next on the scoresheet, latching onto a wide pass and handed off the last defender to run the ball in under the posts. An easy conversion for Gavin Parker took the home side 43 points clear, still yet to concede. Exeter’s final try came from

the back of a well-worked lineout in Cardiff’s 22, which saw Tom Edwards walk the ball in for an easy score. Parker, who had had an outstanding game, rattled the bar with his final conversion attempt, leaving the score at 48-0. In the dying minutes of the game, Cardiff were able to pick up a consolation try

in the corner as Exeter’s defence finally became over-stretched.

The final score of 48-7 is an accurate portrayal of a game dominated by one side, and the 1s will hope to continue this good run of form in the coming weeks and pick up as many bonus points as possible.

managed to capitalise on their opportunities and at the interval Exeter’s 16-point lead remained.

The second half started positively for the hosts. Three minutes in, Graham scored a superb try after fighting his way past several defenders and with the conversion added the lead was extended to 22 unanswered points.

However, it wasn’t to last forever. After building up more and more pressure on the Exeter defence, St. Mary’s finally broke

cushion. Ali Power scored on the far left side, and with Seddon successfully slotting another conversion between the posts, the score was 28-6.

St Mary’s were quick to respond. In the 64th minute, a quick break led to a try which narrowed the gap back down to 16 points.

utes, Aled Jones picked up a yellow card for dissent, and St. Mary’s were quick to capitalise. Their try reduced Exeter’s lead to 28-18.

Yet Exeter weren’t done shooting themselves in the foot. Power would be the next to be sent to the bin, after a late hit on a St Mary’s player. Again, the visitors would capitalise, but it was too late for any real comeback. As the ball was kicked wide of the posts on the conversion, the final whistle sounded, leaving a scoreline of 28-22 in Exeter’s favour.

After the match, Rupert Grellier told Exeposé: “That’s the best game we’ve had in a while – the past few we’ve struggled to find our form. We had some problems with our discipline as you saw in the second half when we let them back into it, but at the end of the day we got a good win and a favourable position in the league.”

EURL’s final league position sets them up for a home match against Sheffield Hallam to begin their BUCS Championship campaign. The match will take place on 17 February.

Rugby League finish BUCS season on a high RUGBY LEAGUE

Owain Evans Sports Team Exeter 1s St. Mary’s

E

28 22

XETER Men’s Rugby League 1s finished off their Premier South campaign with a 28-22 victory over St. Mary’s to take 3rd spot in the league, despite suffering a late scare.

St. Mary’s launched the first dangerous attack of the game, carrying the ball deep into Exeter territory before turning it over. Yet if the visitors gained any optimism from their early attack, it would have been misplaced. It would be Exeter to find the first try. Josh Graham’s pass found Zac Porter, who made it over the try line on the far right side, giving the hosts the edge in their new surroundings on the rubb just ten minutes into the game. Xander Seddon failed to make the ensuing conversion, leaving the hosts’ ad-

vantage at just four points.

It wasn’t long before Exeter added to their lead. Matt Laventure broke away to score underneath the posts.

This time, Seddon made the easy kick to make the score 10-0.

Exeter continued to outplay their opponents in the early exchanges.

Mat Roderick was the next to claim a try, and Seddon took full advantage of the conversion to make the scoreline 16-0 in the 17th minute.

St Mary’s then began to fight their way back into the game. The remainder of the half was characterised by end-toend rugby and big hits, with errors costing both sides points. Both sides played a brand of quick paced rugby that was easy on the eye, yet penalties, particularly for St Mary’s, would be a major issue. Neither side

through in the 56th minute. Making the conversion, they narrowed the lead to 22-6.

Just five minutes later, however, Exeter restored the 22-point

That’s the best game we’ve had in a while Rupert Grellier, EURL player At this stage, St. Mary’s began to take over. Wave after wave of attack was launched by the side in blue and white.

Yet, Exeter’s defence held on resolutely in spite of the tough challenge. Exeter began to gain hope that they could withstand anything that the visitors could throw at them.

It couldn’t last. Ultimately, Exeter’s late issues were caused by a collapse of discipline. In the last few min-

40

SPORT

NEWS 1-5

SPORT

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 16-19 12-14 8-10

MUSIC 22-23

SCREEN 24-26

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 28-30 32-33

GAMES 34-35

15 FEBRUARY 2016 |

SPORT 37-40

Exeposé Sport

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeSport

A clean sweep SPORT EDITORS Rob Cross Emmott Leigh

sport@exepose.com

>> Pat Daykin attempts a drop shot as Jack Large looks on in their 6-0 6-3 doubles victory. Photo: Sachi Minami.

MEN’S TENNIS Emmott Leigh Sport Editor Exeter 1s Bournemouth

12 0

T

HE Men’s Tennis Club handed out a 12-0 thrashing in their key clash against Bournemouth, attaining a clean sweep in their four singles matches and two doubles contests.

Starting proceedings, the top pairing of Jack Large and Pat Daykin took to the court whilst Jonathan Nathar and Jason Burge represented the club as second pairing. The former duo took a comfortable early lead when a big-serv-

In this issue of Exeposé Sport...

ing hold from Large was followed up by a break of the Bournemouth serve in a very tight game. In a service game made memorable by deft touch at the net from Daykin, they consolidated the break and went further by winning a game held at deuce for several minutes, before serving out the fifth game and then sealing a 6-0 routing in the first set.

Burge achieved the most impressive win and sent his opponent back to Bournemouth embarrassed Bournemouth were understandably frustrated, and after the first two games

Rugby Varsity 2016 vs Bath previewed Page 37

of the second set were taken by Exeter as well, one of their players slamming his racquet on the court. Large continued to impress with his serving to make it 3-0, but Bournemouth staged a minicomeback, dragging the score back to 3-2. Large and Daykin eventually took the set 6-3 and the match 6-0 6-3.

Nathar and Burge, meanwhile, enjoyed a similarly fruitful partnership.

After an early break for the Exeter pairing, they fought their way to a 4-2 lead.

Although there were a couple of tense rallies, Exeter took the set 6-2 and after a close second set which was decided by a single defiant break in the middle of it, they claimed an ultimate 6-2 6-3 victory. The two doubles wins set the tone for a dominant series of singles matches.

Although he was ranked fourth of

the four players, Burge achieved the most impressive win and sent his opponent back to Bournemouth embarrassed; the scoreline of 6-0 6-0 does not get any more emphatic. Burge has an impressive double-handed backhand which he leans heavily into, and combined with endless fight, he kept pushing himself ahead of the errant Bournemouth player.

The toughest contest came for Daykin, whose topspin and precision made him a daunting prospect for the opposition. He turned his opponent aside 6-2 in the first set, who fought back to claim the second 3-6. It required a tense tie-break to separate the players, but Daykin saw it through 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-3).

Jonathan Nathar faced a capable

Concussion injuries in sport explored Page 38

opponent who could generate winners out of nothing. The first set went to a tie-break, won 7-5 by Nathar, and a long final service game in the second went his way again to end it 7-6 6-2. Deserving special mention is one incredible point where the pair exchanged lobs only for the Bournemouth player to bring out a ‘hot-dog’ lob (through his legs) to land the ball plumb on the baseline.

To round it off, Large managed a comfortable 6-3 6-4 win and Exeter sealed proceedings with the easiest of wins. This victory keeps them clear of Bournemouth in their division, who are bottom. With such an impressive win having been earned here, EUTC will be relieved to have avoided relegation and will look to push themselves up the table next season.

For the latest BUCS news head online