Exeposé Issue 640, 1 June 2015

WWW.EXEPOSE.COM

XEPOSÉ E THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

1 JUNE 2015 | ISSUE 640 | TWITTER: @EXEPOSE | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EXEPOSE | FREE

We support the #Selfieless campaign against homelessness Full story: Page 5

Photos: Edwin Yeung

News Sabbs write complaint letter about NUS national conference Page 3

Features Sir Steve Smith on University expansion and staff expenses Pages 10-11

Lifestyle What to wear for this year’s festival season Pages 12-13

Exeposé Exeposé’s App is available to download here

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 & Sophie Harrison Online: Jessica Stanier & Theodore Stone features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Joshua Rotchelle & 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 & Alex Howard games@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Rob Cross & Emott 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

Press Preview

Watch our fortnightly summary of Exeposé’s main stories by scanning below:

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 9-11 12-13 6-7

NEWS

In brief

Oxford votes to keep exam dress

Students at Oxford University have voted against ending an ancient tradition which dictates the wearing of special attire for sitting exams. The outfit, called Subfusc, consiststs of a dark suit with a bow tie and ribbons worn under a black gown. It must be worn by all students and presiding examiners.

A referendum calling for its axing was held by the Students Union, but 75 per cent voted to keep Subfusc. with a turnout of 40 per cent.

Critics argued the dress is alienating, but Harrison Edmonds leading the ‘No’ campaign said Subfusc is not “elitist but is egalitarian”.

11 year old gets three degrees An 11 year old has achieved three degrees in Science, Maths and Foreign Languages.

Tanishq Abraham from Sacramento, California, studied at his local college for two years, having started taking some classes when he was just seven.

It is thought Abraham is the youngest ever student to graduate from American River College, but he described it as not “much of a big thing for me”. On his graduate cap, Abraham wore a Toy Story quote: “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Abraham was a contestant on the television series Child Genius and has also delivered a TEDx talk, in addition to having over 35,000 followers on Twitter.

Beyond college, he now hopes to major in Medical Sciences at Stanford University and then become President of the United States.

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

|

SPORT 30-32

Exeposé News

NEWS EDITORS Susannah Keogh Fiona Potigny

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeNews

news@exepose.com

University news from beyond Exeter

Students critical after legal high

Club refuses black French college gives half marks students’ entry

Five male undergraduates from the University of Lancaster have been hospitalised after taking a legal high called ‘Spice.’ The drug is a synthetic substitute for cannabis.

The university released an urgent warning on Twitter to all students following ambulances being called to student halls, telling students to check on their friends and call 999 if needed.

Police officers were authorised by the university to conduct searches of the students’ rooms.

Superintendent Peter Lawson said the men “do not appear to have suffered any long-lasting effects, but they were very ill, and the outcome could have been very different”.

The local government association recently called for the Home Office to introduce a ban on all legal highs such as Spice. In the Queen’s Speech, it was announced a new bill will ban “the new generation of psychoactive drugs”.

A video has emerged of a bouncer at a Leicester nightclub refusing entry to students because they were black.

19-year-old University of Leicester student Kosi Orah was visiting Ghost nightclub with friends as a birthday celebration when the incident occurred.

When asked directly whether the rejection was linked with their skin colour, the doorman implied that it was club policy, stating: “That’s the rules of the club… sadly they’re allowed to make up what they want”.

When asked for comment, Ghost Nightclub responded: “We reiterate that we only have a shoes-only, 18-plus door policy.”

Orah described it as “sickening”.

3000 students from a French university have been awarded a 50 per cent mark in an English exam that they were unable to take.

Université JeanJaurès students were notified the night before that their exam would be cancelled due to a room booking error. 48 hours later, they received a message stating that it would not be possible to reschedule and that a 10/20 grade would be assigned “by default” with all other grades received during term time being erased.

One student who was averaging 18 before the grade change called the decision “shameful”, whilst another called the situation “a big joke”.

Following complaints, an optional “catch-up” exam has now been offered, but students remain dissatisfied with the solution.

Ex-students face Student helps battle Paralysed student UN climate change walks at graduation $2 million in fines A Glasgow Caledonian University student has jet set for Geneva to work on the frontline of the United Nations’ battle against climate change.

Andrew Wilson, 22, began his six-month internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) last week.

While working in central Geneva, the fourth year Environmental Management student will work up to 40 hours a week, helping to deliver the environmental authority’s climate neutral strategy.

Wilson beat competition from around 3000 international applicants securing one of just 250 internships offered by the UN. He commented: “With the Paris Climate Change conference this year, which is the most likely we’ve been to consensus on climate change since Kyoto.”

Iowa student Chris Norton was left paralysed from the neck down following a football injury during his freshman year at Luther College in 2010, but walked across the stage to collect his college diploma.

Doctors gave Norton only a three per cent change of ever regaining movement below the neck.

Having undergone an intense programme of spinal rehab and physical therapy, he has now regained some use of his limbs.

The day before his graduation, he proposed to his girlfriend Emily Summers, who helped him walk across the stage. They will be returning to Michigan to complete his rehab and work at the SCICAN foundation, which Norton created to help fund rehab equipment for those unable to afford it.

He received a diploma in Business Management.

Two former students from the elite Wesleyan University in Connecticut, United States are facing up to 40 years in prison and $2 million in fines after dealing synthetic hallucinogenic drugs on campus.

22-year-old Eric Lonergan and Zachary Kramer, 21, were indicted by a federal grand jury following the hospitalisation of ten students and another individual who fell victim to a “bad batch of molly [MDMA]”, federal officials stated. Two of the patients were in critical condition, whilst another nearly died, according to the charges.

Lonergan began dealing MDMA both near Wesleyan and from his dormitory in 2013 before Kramer later took over as the campus’ primary supplier.

The pair, who also distributed synthetic marijuana, were subsequently expelled and are currently facing trial in New Haven. They will appear in court in June and July and are now out on a $250,000 bail.

Stories contributed by: Fiona Potigny and Susannah Keogh, News Editors

Sabbs criticise NUS conference

EXEPOSÉ

Josh Mines Deputy Editor

T

HREE out of the four Sabbatical Officers at the University have collectively penned an open letter concerning the organisation of an NUS National Conference held in April. The letter, signed by all the Sabbs excluding Matt Bate, VP Activities (who did not attend the event), has revealed feelings of discontent and disappointment towards the NUS.

The organisation has failed, following the showing at Conference, to meet and emulate its own ‘standards’ Open letter to the NUS The complaint, signed by representatives of over 30 students’ unions, complains about the “atmosphere of intimidation, fear and inaccessibility that perpetuated during the entirety of Conference”. It highlights a lack of vari-

NEWS

www.exepose.com

ety with the speakers on stage, a problem which created a conference that catered for “the few rather than the many”.

The Guild representatives also cite concerns with a number of problems involving the running of the event. Major issues are raised regarding the voting system, which reportedly took over 20 minutes to complete, whilst votes were manually counted by the chair of the conference based on their “visual assessment”of the delegates present. This process is described in the letter as “woeful”, as well as “inaccurate, archaic and frequently open to challenge”.

The result of the election for NUS president is also questioned by the Sabbs, who are critical of the fact that only two candidates ran for the position. The letter states that the election felt “more like a coronation than a democracy”.

There is also reference to the “grueling” length of the day for delegates.

The accessibility of the event was underlined as a key issue, particularly for disabled delegates where the letter comments that: “The number of complaints made particularly by disabled students about the lack of access requirements being met by the NUS -

including the stressful, noisy, intimidating atmosphere - was appalling.”

lunch paid by the department.

Pawson was then contacted, through Dr. Martins, by the Employability Department, which asked if she could also give a careers talk whilst at Exeter.

She claims she asked for payment but “the department said there wasn’t a budget”.

Pawson agreed to give an unscripted lecture on journalism anyway which “around 60 students” attended.

She said: “If employability is such a big part of Exeter’s selling point, they ought to budget for it and pay people to give proper talks.”

On 21 May Pawson quoted in a tweet the response she received from the

department, having asked Dr.Martins if payment would be possible given the popularity of her careers talk. The department replied: “We have a policy that the College do not pay visiting speakers for employability.”

A raw and emotional open letter was written to the NUS following the event to address concerns for the student movement

This letter comes after 78 per cent of participating Exeter students voted against leaving the NUS in a referendum last December.

Speaking about the letter, John Chilvers, leader of the ‘Stay’ campaign, said: “Although this letter highlights a number of problems within the NUS, we must

3

remember the benefits that membership brings students at the University. I firmly believe the best way to achieve change is by staying in the NUS and working with it.”

The letter will be published in The Times Higher Education in the near future.

Students’ Guild Spokesperson In addition, the letter compares the conference to the NUS’ ‘Quality Student Union’s Tool’, a document outlining what standards are expected from students’ unions affiliated with the NUS. The letter alleges, “that the organisation has failed, following the showing at conference, to meet and emulate its own ‘standards”.

A Guild spokesperson commented: “Three of the four Sabbatical Officers attended the NUS Conference on 21-23 April and felt disappointed by the lack of effective democracy, representation and organisation throughout the conference.

Together with other officers across the country, a raw and emotional open letter was written to the NUS.”

Photo: Edwin Yeung

Speaker attacks University RAG announce employability department chosen charities Flora Carr Features Editor

A

FORMER BBC foreign correspondent has expressed on Twitter her dissatisfaction with the University of Exeter’s employability department. Lara Pawson, now a freelance writer, visited Exeter on Thursday 14 May to give two talks at the University.

Speaking to Exeposé, Pawson states that she originally contacted Dr. Ana Martins, of the Modern Languages Department, about giving a lecture on her new book In the Name of the People.

Pawson had her travel expenses and

Photo: Lara Pawson

What message does that give the students? That you’re supposed to work for free?

Lara Pawson, visiting speaker Her tweet was accompanied with the hashtag ‘teaching students to work for free’.

Pawson added: “I was speaking to students about how to earn a living , yet ironically the Employability Department doesn’t think it’s worth paying me. What message does that give the students? That you’re supposed to work for free?”

Rachel Wheeler, Assistant College Manager for the College of Humanities said: “The College would not normally pay a fee for events such as this and there was no agreement to pay a fee ahead of the event. However, it appears there was a misunderstanding and we apologise if that may be the case.”

Hannah Butler News Team

E

XETER RAG has announced its local nominated charities for the next year: St Loye’s Foundation and Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF).

ELF supports families affected by blood cancers and blood disorders and are launching an appeal this year to fund a family suite which will cost £420,000.

Community Fundraiser Jordan Anderton told Exeposé that being a RAG charity will “not only help create essential funds but will also create a lot of awareness of ELF”.

St. Loye’s also commented, thanking Exeter students for voting for them “as all the money raised will make a massive difference in helping to transform the lives of disabled and disadvantaged individuals in the local Exeter community”.

Voting began on Monday 18 May with a ‘Meet the Charities’ fair in the Forum. Autistica Charity, Balloons Charity, Refugee Support Devon Ltd and War Child UK were the other prospective charities at the showcase, which allowed students to ask questions and find out more about each cause.

The entire student body was invited to cast votes throughout the week via the Guild website, and on 27 May, RAG

announced that St Loye’s and ELF would be supported for the 2015/16 year.

The group thanked students for voting, adding that it was “very excited to work with both charities and raise money for such great causes”.

The election is the second since RAG launched its new charity nomination system. In previous years RAG has supported student volunteer group Community Action alongside three nominated charities – one local, one national and one international.

VP for Activities Matt Bate said: “Next year will be another exciting phase for student fundraising and for Exeter students to deliver real community impact.”

Next year will be another exciting phase for student fundraising Matt Bate, VP Activities This year RAG has raised money for Exeter Foodbank, Mind in Exeter and East Devon and Exeter Student Volunteers through a variety of organised student-led events.

EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

www.exepose.com

Help Exeter’s YMCA beat homelessness

Akash Beri & Susannah Keogh Screen Editor & News Editor

E

XEPOSÉ is proud to support the University of Exeter’s YMCA society’s new initiative labelled #Selfieless to promote awareness of homelessness in the city.

The campaign involves anyone uploading a selfie (with their face concealed) to social media, in an effort to boost funds for the YMCA, which actively supports homeless youth in Exeter. The society has already had around 50 people take part at the time of going to print.

It’s very easy to walk through town and just see ‘another homeless person’ Huw Hides, YMCA Soc President Government figures indicate the number of rough sleepers in Exeter is among the highest in the South West, with 34 people sleeping on the streets last

autumn.

Huw Hides, YMCA Soc president and third year International Relations with French and Arabic student, said: “It’s very easy, when walking through town, to look down and just see ‘another homeless person’ without seeing a person with a personality and an identity. “#Selfieless is a small way to raise awareness of this by hiding your face in some way in a selfie, while also raising money for a charity which does a lot of amazing work and is making positive changes in tangible ways in the lives of young people here in Exeter.”

The University YMCA society was created earlier this year and Hides told Exeposé it exists to “raise awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness, launching campaigns and standing in solidarity with those who find themselves homeless”.

As of late 2014, Exeter YMCA has supported 55 young people with accommodation needs. The #Selfieless campaign hopes to raise £5,000 for the YMCA, funding nine months of accommodation for one young person. So far, the total donated currently stands at £600.

5

Currently, one in 18 young people in and around Exeter will face homelessness during their youth.

The #Sel�ieless campaign is a great innovative idea Matthew Bate, VP Activities VP Activities Matt Bate commented: “YMCA is a new Students’ Guild society and its members are already taking big strides towards their chosen aims.

“The #Selfieless campaign is a great innovative idea that will channel the obsession with selfies into helping young homeless people in our community.

2,774 people were recorded as having slept rough in England in 2014, with the charity Young Devon saying youth homelessness in the region is at “crisis point.”

YMCA Exeter provides support for the young homeless in a variety of different ways and University students are able to undertake volunteer placements with them.

They also provide support to exoffenders and hold weekly youth clubs.

Photo: Holyrood

É

- Upload a #Selfieless selfie to social media - Text YMEX15 to 70070 with the amount you would like to donate to YMCA - Tag your friends and family to nominate them

Increase in student Successful year harassment complaints for Green Unit Sarah Gough Editor

A

N Exeposé investigation has revealed an increase in the amount of harassment cases reported to the University and Students’ Guild.

From 2012 to 2014, the number of student cases of harassment and bullying reported tripled, according to records held by the Dignity & Respect Advisor Network, the University led service in place to provide support for students involved.

Jo Thomas, Senior Adviser at the Guild-run Students’ Advice Unit, has told Exeposé that their service has also seen an increase in students seeking support for harassment cases.

The surge in those speaking out is thought to be due, in part, to the increased advertisement of student support services, most notably through the #NeverOK campaign launched in September 2014.

Since its launch, the campaign page on the Guild website has received 12,774 views and 704 people have signed the pledge stating that sexual harassment is ‘Never OK’.

However, concerns over the practical impact of both the Guild and University’s

harassment support procedures remain.

Talking to Exeposé, an anonymous student criticised the support she was given from Guild services in her case of sexual harassment.

She stated: “Although the Students’ Guild are keen to show their condemnation of sexual harassment, when it comes to dealing with specific incidents, they lack the practical experience to handle complaints tactfully and sensitively.

“I was left feeling vulnerable and under-represented at a very traumatic time. Campaigns like #NeverOk would have much more credibility if they acted to provide support for victims of harassment, either through victim support sessions, or on campus counselling, rather than just distributing posters condemning something the majority of students agree to be abhorrent.”

I was left feeling vulnerable and under-represented at a very traumatic time Anonymous student who experienced sexual harassment In response, a Guild spokesperson commented: “Appropriate support services are signposted through our

Advice Unit such as counselling, mediation and any other external services specific to an individual case.”

While the Dignity and Respect Network hold seven years of case records, a specific category for sexual harassment is currently under review. This news comes amid a recent article in The Guardian citing that fewer than half of Russell Group universities are monitoring the number of students affected by sexual assault.

When Exeposé investigated the harassment section of the University’s website, two broken hyperlinks directing students towards support services were found. Despite attempts to access them between 25 May and 29 May, web pages for both The Residence Life Team and the Students’ Advice Unit were unavailable.

A University spokesperson said: “The welfare of every student is our highest priority and the University has strict procedures in place to deal with any complaint of alleged harassment or abuse. The University responds promptly and sensitively to complaints, and would undertake a disciplinary investigation if appropriate which could result in serious disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion.”

Fiona Potigny News Editor

O

VER 4,500 people engaged, 65 new student project leaders, 40 student-led initiatives, a social media reach of over 290,000 and over 1,000 alternatives to plastics distributed – these were just some of the achievements celebrated at the Student Green Unit Showcase on 29 May.

With rising numbers turning to Exeter Food Bank, this project supports our local community Callum Lynam, Project Co-ordinator The event, marking the two-year sustainability venture’s successful conclusion, saw students exhibit their varied and quirkily named change projects, ranging from sustainable fish procurement with “Anyfin is Possible” to bee population-oriented “Plan Bee”.

Attendees were also invited to attend keynote speeches from Vice-President for Welfare & Diversity Kate Hawkins, Students’ Guild Chief Executive Tracy Costello and VIP guest speaker Grace

Simpson, Higher Education Policy Advisor for the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Students could get involved via Twitter by tweeting the unit with their Showcase experience.

Projects are still ongoing, however, with the Unit currently focusing on their “Yes We Can” initiative, a scheme inviting students to donate their unwanted nonperishable food items to Exeter Food Bank.

Sustainability Change Co-ordinator Callum Lynam commented: “With rising numbers turning to Exeter Food Bank, this project both supports our local community and encourages students to think sustainably about food waste as they leave Exeter.”

Students can either donate food via the Community Warden stall in the Forum on 2 June or the Community Clear Up Days on streets across Exeter on 13 June and 18 July. Leaflets with more information can be found around campus.

É

- The Green Unit is two years old, having started work in October 2013 - They can be found in the A&V Hub - Follow them on Twitter @ExeterSGU

6

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

COMMENT EXEPOSÉ EDITORIAL

EDITORS@EXEPOSE.COM

Selfless selfies

A

S everyone starts to flock back to their respective homes this summer, this issue we spare a thought for those without one to go to. #Selfieless pushes a powerful message: it’s time we were all a little less selfie and a little more selfless. The newly formed YMCA Society’s campaign to raise funds and awareness of the issue is an admirable one and we want to try and help make it as successful as possible. The prevalence of social disparity in Exeter is shocking and we too often ignore it. So please, take a minute, take a selfie and take action against homelessness. Read the full story on page 5.

Elsewhere in News, the Sabbs have gotten sassy with the NUS following a shambolic Conference this April (page 3). The in/out referendum earlier this year saw an overwhelming no vote to leaving the union of students; the same union that the Sabbs now deem “woeful” and “archaic”. In a strongly worded letter, they condemn the NUS Conference’s bureaucracy, lack of diversity and failure to accommodate for attendees with disabilities. Whilst we’re of the opinion that we are better with the NUS than without it, the letter raises some serious questions which may make membership more difficult to justify in the future.

News also investigates the procedures the University and Guild have in place to support student harassment complaints (page 5). Whilst the increase in reported cases to services such as the Advice Unit prove that the stigma of speaking out is slowly shifting, there is still a real concern that victims of harassment are not receiving the support they need. The #NeverOk campaign’s prominence on campus has been remarkable, but does transparency need to be upped even further? With no records kept for sexual harassment complaints specifically and broken hyperlinks on the University website, more can definitely be done. *** We’ve gone for it on the interview front this issue. Exeter MP and potential

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Ben Bradshaw talks about his big tent politics on page 9. He won Exeter’s popularity contest and now he wants to show his party how it’s done. We’re both heading to Glastonbury Festival later this month, come along Benny, that big tent of yours might come in handy.

Also in Features, University ViceChancellor Sir Steve Smith speaks exclusively to Exeposé on a variety of topics including what the General Election will mean for Higher Education, the ongoing expansion of the University and that expenses story we ran earlier this year.

Steve makes some interesting points (not all of which we agree with) but it certainly makes for intriguing reading. Check out the full interview over on pages 10-11.

We’re also incredibly proud to have finally nailed down an interview with Exeter’s most famous alumni J.K. Rowling.

Well… sort of. Head to Arts & Lit (page 20) to hear all about which Exeter venues really inspired the Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks.

In our review sections, Lifestyle have been getting us hyped ahead of the plethora of festivals on offer across the UK. See pages 12-13 for their guide to where you should go, what you should wear and all the dos and don’ts of festival etiquette.

Indie rockers The Vaccines will play at a number of these festivals, and Music have reviewed the latest release from Justin Young and co. on page 15.

It was also the biggest University sporting event of the summer last week down at Exeter County Cricket Club. EUMCC defeated Bristol in emphatic fashion to retain their Varsity crown. See pages 30-31 for a comprehensive round-up of the match from our Sports team.

Anyway, enough chit chat, it’s time for us to sign off for the summer. If you’re graduating this year then we wish you the best of luck for the future. If not we look forward to welcoming you back in September. We hope you enjoy your holidays and have a relaxing break; you’ve earned it.

Thanks to those who helped proof this issue: William Sandbach, Kate Jones, Esther Docherty Giorgi Mamuzelos, Victoria Bos, Emily Leahy, Rory Morgan, Nik Rahmel, Hannah Butler and members of the Exeposé editorial team.

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

comment@exepose.com

EDITORS James Beeson Sarah Gough

1 JUNE 2015 |

SPORT 30-32

Exeposé Comment

EXEPOSÉ

@CommentExepose

DEPUTY EDITORS Eamonn Crowe Josh Mines

COMMENT EDITORS John Chilvers Zak Mahinfar

Guild hits the right notes Sam Johnson Soc Exec Music Rep

T

HERE have been rumours about possible University cuts to student music pretty much since the start of the year, and there’ve been many gloomy predictions about what they might be.

Just over a year on from the loss of Knightley and Clayden – the Strategy and Security Institute (whatever that is) only moved in in Summer 2013 – rumours were flying that we were about to lose our spaces in Kay House too, and maybe also the Music Office staff, who are vital to music societies in Exeter.

What was going to happen to the University’s store of instruments and technical equipment that is available for hire, or the rare and incredibly valuable free music tuition on offer with local teachers? Coupled with fears about next year’s new timetable impacting on rehearsal times, the future was not looking particularly bright for student music.

Of course, the University’s decision to close the Music Office is extremely disappointing – over the years they’ve

provided us with vital support and expertise that have played a huge part in the booming success of Exeter’s music societies, which are just shy of 1500 members.

In fact, as the details of the changes are worked out, it becomes more and more clear just how much the Music Office do. It’s widely known that they hire out instruments, but not, to give just one example, that we rely on them to secure accommodation for freshers for Music Week (on our own, we wouldn’t be able to pay the deposit until much too late).

But, while it’s true that we would have preferred the status quo, given the circumstances I, along with many others, am feeling cautiously optimistic about the changes next year. It’s certainly a lot better than many of us were expecting, and although there will undoubtedly be teething problems, it seems to me that the Guild taking over the support of student music makes a lot of sense. All other student societies are supported by the Guild, and music has always been a bit of a confusing anomaly when it comes to staff support. It’s really great to see that almost everything currently in place to support student music is continuing

next year, whether that’s the availability of University instruments or the pot of funding available for music societies.

I along with many others am feeling cautiously optimistic about the changes next year As I mentioned earlier, there was a great deal of concern that some or all of this would be lost, which would have hit music societies hard. I’m also extremely pleased to see that the free music tuition will be continuing, albeit with reduced funding – this is a rare, possibly unique provision that is both hugely popular and valuable in terms of attracting students to the University.

So, in short, although I’m disappointed and saddened by the closure of the Music Office, I’m cautiously pleased with its replacement. It’s certainly a lot better than many were expecting, and it’s a testament to the hard work of Matt and other staff from the Guild that we have changes to be optimistic about.

School’s out for summer

Cartoon: Emily McIndoe

EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

www.exepose.com

7

NUS democratic deficit? Bate bows out Charlie Evans Guild Votes Of�icer

O

UR Sabbatical officers have come to the sudden realisation that the NUS isn’t the bastion of democracy, tolerance and respect that it was deemed to be during the NUS Referendum of December of last year.

The Sabbs and other delegates cited an atmosphere of “intimidation, fear and inaccessibility” at Conference, deterring delegates from speaking on stage and clamping down on those who did dare to speak out against the established order.

NUS leaders are riddled with perennial hypocrisy. The power structures that they desperately despise at Westminster are being replicated in the NUS’ democratic processes. The ‘One Member One Vote’ system, which would enable all of us to elect our national leaders, wasn’t even debated. This is nothing short of despicable; an institution that prides itself on democracy is woefully undemocratic. An institu-

tion that prides itself on standing up for the marginalised didn’t even provide the access requirements for disabled students to participate.

The NUS is no longer a bastion of democracy, tolerance and respect Furthermore, despite the NUS having recorded the event, they refused to put the video up for students to witness, affirming that they are an unaccountable organisation, as I asserted during last year’s campaign. Of course, an authoritarian organisation attempts to give off the pretence that it is united, but the letter (full story page 3) shows that it is deeply divided. Is the NUS really the best hope the student movement has to stop the government from potentially increasing tuition fees again? This is a terrifying prospect.

The saddest thing about the situation is that we had a referendum and the ar-

guments put forward by those in favour of leaving have been proven right. Not only is the NUS grossly undemocratic and completely unaccountable to students, it is also incompetent in standing up for their interests.

We said that it cannot be reformed, but this can only be confirmed in the long-term (and no doubt it will be) as an authoritarian regime that does not wish to change the status quo.

Although our NUS delegates have finally woken up to this reality it is just a shame their enlightenment has come far too late.

Where do we go from here? The vote to stay in the NUS was an overwhelming ‘yes’. But that was for a reformed NUS, with democracy, pragmatism and cooperation at its forefront.

Our Guild should boycott Conference next year and convince other Student Unions to do the same. Students from every corner of the UK can stand together on this and demonstrate how united we can be. Currently, we are divided, and it is the

Photo: Lancaster University

Matt Bate VP Activities

L

IKE many of you reading this today with final year blues, it’s sad to think that my time as a Sabbatical Officer will be coming to an end in July.

Have the early starts, late finishes and weekends in work been worth it though?

Hell yes! I feel lucky and privileged to have been your Vice-President Activities this year. To go straight from a degree to leading a £5.2m organisation and representing 18,900 students, where you can achieve widespread change, is a phenomenal opportunity.

Looking back on the year, I think I could improve how I communicate back to students the results of my projects and changes, usually a casualty of the time pressure on a Sabbatical Officer’s diary. On the flip side, I am hugely proud of our Student Leaders Conference last week and both the new Student Ideas process and changes to elections this year, which have seen our democratic systems become record-breaking in the sector. The number of Student Ideas and votes submitted in this year alone was as much as the entire decade prior to it.

The most important lesson that I’ve learnt is the importance of people in any project or organisation. The successes above and wider work of the Guild are powered by our fantastic staff team, from our CEO to student staff, and it allows the Sabbs to focus on manifestos, the big decisions in the Guild and representing the student body in University meetings. Additionally, the collaboration rather than confrontation that we see on the whole between students and the University compared to other institutions is of huge benefit to both groups, be it in an SSLC or

Senate meeting. Long may it continue!

Crystal ball gazing is always risky but there are likely to be some big challenges in the year ahead for both students and the institution. Funding cuts to higher education will likely happen, the cap on fees will then rise and the University will have to decide if it raises its own fees. As a side-note, free education is a cause that many of our students justly feel passionately about, but I do worry that we won’t be taken seriously by the government and lose our voice by only campaigning for a complete removal of fees in a climate of cuts.

The more that students can lead on changes the better The Professional Services Transformation PST (a large-scale reorganisation of parts of the University’s staffing structure) also has a huge potential to affect the student experience if key parts of the institution are cut back. I believe that the PST is a necessary change for the University to ensure that Exeter continues to be successful, as the current structures can be improved and made more efficient, but continued effective consultation at all levels is vital. Indeed, the more that students can lead on changes the better.

‘Student led, University/Guild facilitated’ is the philosophy that I stand by.

I’d like to finish by saying a huge thank you to you, as students, for making our job worthwhile and to my fellow Guild and AU sabbatical officers: Rachael, Kate, Ben and Andy. They have been exceptional this year and go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis to improve your time here at Exeter. Have a restful summer and good luck to all who are graduating this July.

Drama student: “Our lives are not easy” Bethia Atkinson

O

H, you study drama. It’s the same sound in the voice, the same look in their eyes as soon as you tell them what you’re studying. The look of “so what do you plan to do with that?”, of “so do you enjoy playing a tree half the time?” and “so you want to be a drama teacher or a famous actress when you’re finished?”

We’re sick to death of being the butt of the jokes Trust me, we’ve all heard them before. And we’re sick to death of being the butt of the joke. Any drama student this

term and, indeed, any term throughout the year, can agree that their lives are not easy. Any student at the University can claim that, but a drama student’s claim seems to always be ignored. Why? We spend our lives devising theatre from our imagination, exploring ways to exist within the world and then having it all over in 30 minutes.

A drama degree is not solely reliant on the efforts of the individual but of the group it exists within, the practical drama examiners giving one mark for a group sized from 20 in first year to four or five in third year. On top of that, we are assessed in every single practical session that we attend, the ‘continuous assessment’ mark forming a great deal, often

up to a third, of our mark for that module and the degree.

But a drama student will n e v e r complain about their degree. Yes we may spend time playing strange sounding games such as ‘Splat’ or ‘Zip Zap Boing’ to warm our bodies up, or going on runs and doing circuit training depending on the tutor you are assigned for your module. The theory side of the course, exploring how drama has affected

more than the arts across the centuries and helped shape political views and influences, just shows the breadth and depth of what drama can help the world do.

We enjoy our degree and know that we are enriching other people’s lives And the third term of the year, where drama students tend to get the most abuse because we don’t have any theory exams, is crammed with plays- over 60 are being performed in the six weeks alone, rehearsals and essay writing and trying to stuff thousands of words into our heads that then will only be spoken twice over

12 hours before never being spoken again.

The climax of the year and the highlight for many an Exeter drama student is perhaps the most stressful, and it may be difficult to comprehend, but we do understand the idea of pressure. An awful lot.

So anyone not taking a drama degree may look at us and sneer, or indeed be jealous that we are enjoying our degree and that Exeter drama is ranked first in the country. We enjoy our degree and know that we are enriching other people’s lives, and being a part of something that makes humanity unique is exciting.

We applaud your insistence on more exams; we’ll struggle along with our degree as you struggle along with yours. We understand. Work is hard. We may not have the same kind of work, but we work.

EXEPOSÉ

FEATURES

FEATURES

www.exepose.com

Exeposé Features

FEATURES EDITORS Flora Carr Sophie Harrison

9

@ExeposeFeatures

features@exepose.com

Photo: theexeterdaily.co.uk

Ben Bradshaw for Britain?

Sarah Gough, Editor, speaks to Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw about his bid for Deputy Leader

B

EN Bradshaw is a man who remains the beacon of hope for many in the South West. Standing strong within a sea of blue, here is one Labour MP utterly determined to change the tide. Off the back of his resounding success in Exeter – beating off Tory rival Dom Morris by an impressive 7,183 votes – he has now declared himself in the running for Deputy Leader.

“It’s time the Labour Party listened to someone who knows how to win”, he tells me assuredly. Confidence and charisma exude from the MP, but will Bradshaw’s strategy see Labour sailing further right? And who will he back to steer the ship? I am curious to find out.

Turning a safe Conservative seat red 18 years ago, Bradshaw asserts that the secret to his success in Exeter is in his broad appeal. He consistently justifies his “progressive, centre-left approach”.

I think we forgot that the Labour party suceeds when we have ambitions and aspiration “Voters that aren’t necessarily Labour voters - Greens, Lib Dems, even past-Tories - vote for me. It’s that big tent approach to politics. If Labour had had the same results elsewhere that we’ve had in Exeter, we’d have a Labour government. The party has lessons to learn from us,” he says.

It was the tent that Labour at large were missing, then? Yes, agrees Bradshaw, stating that they desperately needed to shed their reputation as “anti-business”.

Does this mean they should have been more apologetic over that dodgy deficit they ran up? Bradshaw didn’t want to pin it down to just that. With dismay, he attributed Labour’s losses in this election to a number of factors, chiefly Ed and the economy.

Not swept along by Milifandom himself, he saw Labour’s political strategy as “fundamentally flawed”.

“My assessment of this election is that it wasn’t a huge vote of enthusiasm for a majority Conservative government, but it was more a rejection of us,” he says: “When you’re behind on economic confidence and leadership it’s extremely difficult for any party to win an election.

The bet that Ed and his people banked on, that the public would veer left in the global financial crisis just didn’t happen, and hasn’t happened anywhere else. I think we forgot that the Labour Party succeeds, yes when we have a mission to pursue social justice, but also when we have ambition and aspiration. It’s the combination of those things that helped us win three elections in a row in the 1990s and 2000s.”

With this election seeing Lib Dem and safe Labour seats turning blue, not to mention the staggering rise in UKIP support, does Bradshaw think it’s time leftist Labour became more Conservative? He was quick to dismiss labels, referring to left and right distinctions as “old” and “sterile”. He asserts that it’s no longer about left and right, but “sensible centre-left progressionist politics” that win you elections. A subtle confirmation that, in Bradshaw’s view, this Labour campaign was far too socialist.

With this in mind, is he comfort-

able for me to label him a Blairite?

“No”, he immediately announces; “People are always keen to attach labels to one, the only labels that I’ve attached to myself have been Labour and loyal.”

Is he comfortable for me to label him a Blairite?

This I do not doubt: serving as Exeter’s representative in Parliament since 1997, his commitment was further confirmed as he threw his hat into the Deputy Leader race. Hopefully Paddy Ashdown won’t offer to eat this one.

As the only Labour MP in the South West however, Bradshaw is by no means the front-runner. Needing 35 nominations from Labour MPs to even get onto the ballot, he is severely lacking in regional support. “It’ll be a very difficult contest. I may not get anywhere.

I wanted to have a go because I think it’s extremely important that voices like mine are heard and the Labour Party learn the right lessons from this defeat. I want to help the Labour Party win in five years time and I believe I can do that.”

His own candidacy meant he was reluctant to declare who he would back for the big job. However, he has publicly stated his dismay over Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna’s withdrawal from the ballot: “If I’m successful I’ll have to serve under whoever is chosen, but I was sorry that Chuka pulled out because he’s such a huge talent.”

He also admitted Leicester West MP Liz Kendall is the “clos-

est” to his own politics, and praised her as a “breath of fresh air”.

His optimism was palpable, ushering positive sentiments about the sheer talent of all the candidates pushing for the top spot.

“What’s very striking and encouraging in my view is that the difference between the candidates is nothing like the ideological gulf that existed within the Labour Party back in the 1970s and 1980s, so we’re talking about relatively small degrees of differences here when it comes to policy. My main priority at the moment is ensuring that there are a broad range of candidates, both for deputy and for leader,” he says.

Concerns remain for Bradshaw with five more years of a Tory government looming large. As an openly gay MP, he was disappointed to hear of Caroline Dinenage’s appointment as Equalities Minister, despite her opposition to gay marriage, and stated his hor-

rent system “damaging” to national interest and “simply unsustainable”.

“I am now the only opposition Member of Parliament in the whole South West, even though most people didn’t vote Conservative – I’m their only representative. I hope very much that people continue campaigning for it, I certainly will. It’s going to be a big part of my Deputy Leader platform.”

A polished people pleaser, Bradshaw’s alienation seems to have only strengthened his fight. His big tent is pitched - albeit more to the right than Ed’s - all he needs now is for the national party to fuel his fire.

É

Bradshaw breaks it down Ben plays word association fr

The Conservatives now think they’ve got a mandate for a slash-andburn, Thatcherite approach to public services ror over the proposed cuts to the NHS. “The Conservatives now think they’ve got a mandate for a slash and burn, Thatcherite approach to public services. I think they’re in for a rude awakening in terms of the reaction they’ll get from, not just within Parliament, but the rest of the UK.” He remains a fervent supporter of electoral reform, labelling the cur-

Yvette Cooper : Clever Liz Kendall : Feisty Andy Burnham : Solid Mary Creogh : Cycling Chuka Umunna : Charisma Ed Miliband : Decent David Cameron : Smooth Nick Clegg : Sad Nicola Sturgeon : Make-over Natalie Bennett : Brain Fade Leanne Wood : Can’t think of anything to say about her Nigel Farage : A bar-room bore Image credit: Alastaircampbell.org

10

NEWS 1-5

FEATURES

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 |

EXEPOSÉ

“I would be lying if I said it is e

James Beeson, Editor, meets with Vice-Chancellor Sir Steve Election for higher education, the real story behind those staff expe Steve’s Stats The numbers that feature in the life of the Vice-Chancellor.

1 3 13 22 27 39 56 80 100 290 305

In September Steve will be the longest serving Vice-Chancellor in the country.

Number of degrees he holds at the University of Southhampton.

Number of years as Vice-Chancellor at University of Exeter.

Ballpark number of countries he’s given academic lectures in.

Number of ranking places Exeter has risen since he took over.

Number of years in academia; Exeter accounts for half of this.

Per cent of University staff receiving incremental pay rises.

Hour weeks are common for the 63 yearold Vice-Chancellor.

Number of academic papers he has written.

Thousand pounds: Steve’s basic annual salary.

Million pounds: annual University turnover (2014).

I

It is with some trepidation that I approach Northcote House, preparing to interview a man who earns more a year than I could ever hope to in my (proposed) future career as a journalist. Upon arrival, I am greeted by Sir Steve’s PA, who leads me to The Executive Suite - the home of the powers that be at the University of Exeter, where the Vice-Chancellor rules the roost.

After a short wait, Steve welcomes me into his office. Charming and charismatic, on first impression it is hard to dislike the Vice-Chancellor. Born in 1952 into a working class background, Steve was educated at the University of Southampton, where he studied for his bachelor’s, master’s and PHD, before teaching at Huddersfield and UEA on topics he professes to have known “nothing about”. After 13 years at UEA, Steve left to become Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Aberystwyth in 1992, before succeeding Geoffrey Holland as Vice-Chancellor of Exeter in October 2002.

I ask Steve what his job involves on a day-to-day basis. “Basically, when you become Vice-Chancellor, you end up giving up the research side” he laments, “I publish a bit, but nothing like I used to”. His primary role is to be “responsible to the Governing body for the academic standards and the financial performance of the University”. At an institution where the average turnover is £330million, this typically means an 80-hour week for the Vice-Chancellor.

Charming and charismatic, on first impression it is hard to dislike the Vice-Chancellor On a national scale, Steve is not only responsible for Exeter’s standing among other universities, but also to Government and the media. In light of this, I ask his opinion on the General Election result, and the potential consequences of a Conservative government for higher education. “To be honest… whoever won would pose threats”, he says, citing Labour’s pledge to reduce tuition fees as an issue, due to his “concern” that it would lead to cuts elsewhere in the university budget, which the party had not made clear. “We simply couldn’t see where they were going to make up the money”, he says. “It’s a bit like saying to someone ‘do you love me?’ and them replying ‘I’ll get back to you on

that’… You kind of know the answer.”

What puts poorer kids off going to university isn’t so much the fees, it’s the maintenance In March, Exeter’s VC was one of several University chiefs who wrote to The Times expressing concerns over the reduction in fees. I ask , given that large amounts of student debt goes unpaid, why Steve was so against the cut. “What puts poorer kids off going to university isn’t so much the fees, it’s maintenance”, he replies, “and if the government were to put £2.7 billion into the hands of students, we’d rather it go into maintenance to support kids from poorer backgrounds.”

I counter by citing Labour’s plans to increase student maintenance loans, but Steve dismisses this as “a very small amount” and suggests that the overall impact of a Labour Government would have been to help students who were already more likely to pay back their fees.

Nonetheless, he acknowledges that the Conservative victory also carries threats. “We are worried about three things”, he says. Firstly, the EU: “The University has taken the view that we will strongly advocate membership; it’s the right thing for the country”, he affirms. Secondly, he states his concerns about immigration: “The rhetoric from the Home Office and from Teresa May is damaging.” Finally, Steve admits his “massive” worry about the 8 July budget: “The only money left they can take is research funding... that would damage us significantly,” he sighs.

I ask if lack of attention given to education, in the Conservative manifesto, concerns him. His response is rather surprising. “In an odd way, no it doesn’t,” he says, “I think they carefully avoided talking about it because they don’t want to end up like the Lib Dems” Rather optimistically, Steve believes this is a signal the party does not intend to make any major changes in the sector, something many pessimists will find hard to believe.

Increasing tutition fees has also not been ruled out by the Conservatives. On the subject of whether he is in favour of further rises, the Vice-Chancellor is coy: “I would like to see fees rise, but only in line with inflation.” With 50 per cent of University staff receiving incremental pay rises, Steve believes universities have to sustain funding somehow. “You cannot have all your costs rising, and all your income stationary.” It’s a fair point, but only if you believe, as the Vice-Chancellor clearly seems to, that Higher Education should be a private, profit making venture, and not fully state funded due to the benefits it brings to society as a whole.

The Tories avoid talking about [Education]... they don’t want to end up like the Lib Dems The increasing marketisation of the sector has contributed to the University’s insubstantial growth in recent years. Among the consequences of this is the extension of the University teaching day. Steve is keen to emphasize that the changes will not have an adverse effect on student and staff wellbeing. “Staff will be working the same hours, just within a different time frame. Half of the Russell Group already operate much wider hours than we do.”

This, combined with special arrangements for anyone with car-

ing responsibilities, means that the view amongst most University executives is that the extension can be defined more as a “transition” than a radical change to students’ university experience.

EXEPOSÉ

easy to justify the salary” www.exepose.com

e Smith to discuss the consequences of the General enses and looming early mornings for Exeter students It has been well publicised that Sir Steve has ambitions for Exeter to become a ‘Global 100’ University. I ask the ViceChancellor whether he thinks that the growth in student numbers, a consequence of this

ambition, is placing unacceptable strain on University resources. “You’re absolutely right,” Steve says, “If we continue to grow the University it will place unacceptable growth pressure on facilities.”

If we continue to grow the university it will place unacceptable pressure on facilities Setting a maximum of 22,000 students across all campuses is one of a number of measures the University has in place. “We would like to reduce undergraduate numbers on Streatham a little,” Steve affirms, a statement that sounds totally at odds with the growth the University has seen in recent years.

The Vice-Chancellor attributes this growth primarily to the rising popularity of Exeter as an institution 17,200 students with predicted grades of three A’s or better applied to the University in 2014, and this is only expected to increase further in 2015. Despite this growth, the University has been criticized for the ongoing ‘Professional Services Transformation’ that will lead to over 200 members of staff losing their jobs.

Steve describes the voluntary severance schemes on offer at the University as “very generous” and argues that the losses will be bal-

anced out with investment in capital and new jobs in other areas such as more staff.

I ask Steve whether he thinks it is right that he is paid such a high salary when lower paid staff continue to suffer.

On the subject of his own personal salary, the Vice-Chancellor is defensive: “I’ve had one salary increase in six years… I’ve had a couple of offers recently to work abroad, both of which offered me two and a half times my salary. I’m very happy here; it’s not about the money.” Despite this, he does admit he is very well paid: “I’d be lying if I said it’s easy to justify the salary… but it’s pretty much where the market is in the UK.”

Steve is keen to emphasise that the changes will not have an adverse effect on student wellbeing We touch on the topic of the expenses of University staff, a controversial issue that resulted in the University threatening legal action against Exeposé back in February. Does Steve think that his expenses were justified? “Basically yes”, he replies, “The expenses of the senior staff are all scrutinized externally… I don’t get paid one penny in expenses without a signature from the Chair of Governors.

The core issue here is: are the expenses appropriate for the task in hand?” To evidence this, he cites personal experience. “For my job I have to be in London a lot… I only stay overnight if I have an evening engagement. Staying overnight is absolutely not something I try and do.”

In terms of the purpose of the expenses incurred by staff, Steve is insistent that any claims have to be for the benefit of the University, “one dinner brought in more money than I and the senior team would claim in the next decade” he states emphatically.

On the subject of whether the amount claimed is excessive, Steve admits that the figures do sound large, but cites University guidelines: “It’s very straightforward; no receipt, no expenses. There is a maximum that anyone can charge, and the expenses apply to you whatever your job at the University.” he says: “If I fly more than seven hours, I can fly business class, but so could a 23-year-old events person… We don’t have ‘the bosses’ bit and ‘the plebs’ bit; everyone has the same expenses.” The fact remains, nonetheless, that the key issue is the amount being claimed, not necessarily who claims it.

I ask Steve for his thoughts on the investigation carried out by Exeposé into University expenses, which caused so much controversy earlier in the year. “My main issue was the notion that there was a scandal and that in some way my expenses were not dealt with in the normal way,” he says, “I live by the same rules as everybody else”. Somewhat controversially, Steve also claims that he believes the University would be better if more than the reported £2 million had been spent on expenses if they further university interests, a statement many will find hard to swallow given the cuts being made elsewhere.

We don’t have ‘the bosses’ bit and ‘the plebs’ bit here; everyone has equal access to expenses To conclude the interview, I ask the Steve where he sees the University in ten years time. “I think we’ll see a university still in the top ten, and comfortably in the Top 100 in the world”, he says, “I hope that in ten years time you can say you went to Exeter, and people will say ‘that’s a great place’. I want people graduating to be proud of their institution, to be proud of being an Exeter graduate.” It’s an admirable sentiment, but one that relies on the students themselves enjoying their time at the University, and hence it is their wellbeing that must come first; something the Vice-Chancellor should be mindful not to forget.

FEATURES

11

Caption Column Our writers’ satirical response to a headline-worthy snap.

Ft. Doctor Kanye West...

“But where’s the degree from Northwestern University?”

PAVEL KONDOV “‘Kanye believe it?”

THEODORE STONE “Kanye West proclaims himself a proud non-studier of degrees.”

EVAN JONES “Yo Kanye, I’m really happy for you and I’m gonna let you finish, but JK Rowling was the best graduate of all time.”

FIONA POTIGNY “Kayne West doing his Kayne best.”

JACK B ENGLAND “Kanye realises that the ‘super sick’ cloak he’d got in a thrift shop meant people expected him to say clever things.”

FRAN LOWE “Following in the footsteps of his namesake, Yeezus is now a healer too.”

SOPHIE HARRISON “That awkward smile when you see Taylor in the audience.”

KATIE COSTELLO “I’d like to thank me, myself and most importantly I.” EAMONN CROWE

“To quote Ms Elle Woods, what like it’s hard?”

FLORA CARR

12

NEWS 1-5

LIFESTYLE

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

LIFESTYLE

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 | Exeposé Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE EDITORS Joshua Rotchelle Jack Wardlaw

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeLStyle

lifestyle@exepose.com

Tweets of the week These people have clearly been having an enriching and productive third term...

Tweet us @ExeposeLStyle Ollie Wearing @ollypenderghast Last night I had a dream that my uni gave me an award for being their laziest student ever :) ffs brain you’re meant to be on my side BV @naizlev I smell of regret and cocoa butter this morning Jack Wardlaw @jackwardlaw94 When your instrument burns, it’s best to see a doctor first #Eurovision2015 Eamonn Crowe @EamonnLC Making our return to Arena tonight... back to the motherland Sarah Gough @sarahgoughy Currently dancing on my own in a seminar room. Feel like Robyn.

Exeter Strikes Yak •

Waking up to a blowjob is the best way to start your day... apparently... I wouldn’t know.

•

Girlfriends woken up furious she had a vk last night as she’s on a ‘diet’... Can’t wait to tell her about her two visits to mega kebab as well

•

Went back to a guys last night, instead of having sex we stayed up all night and played crash bandicoot

•

I go to the gym pretty much every day and yet I’m still like the ‘before’ in everyone else’s before and after photos...

•

Can’t wait for Summer - gonna go bowling in the arcade, bit of strolling, drink lemondade, gonna make out under the dock... Shit no that’s Grease.

A big summer blowout

Here at Exeposé Lifestyle we’re looking at all things festival related.

First, here’s our handy guide to which music festival will be right for you

S

O it’s that time of year again. The sun is out, the birds are singing and from Lafrowda to Holland Hall, all that can be heard are the conversations of “Where are you going this summer, Glasto or V?” Yes, as we know, during the summer people do one of two things: go to music festivals or talk about going to music festivals. But which one is right for me, I hear you cry. Fear not, intrepid Lifestyle reader, for we have anticipated all of your live music/drug taking/dancing with strangers fantasies with this simple and clear guide as to which festival is best suited to your own ‘unique’ sense of musical style.

During the summer people do one of two things: go to music festivals or talk about music festivals Bestival: Are you the kind of guy or girl who likes wearing denim shorts, fringing and prayer beads? Maybe you’ve tried meditation once or twice and have been on a gap year to Bali. Perhaps you have a penchant for Abercrombie & Fitch but want to deny your middle-class heritage and so accessorise with an ethnic bandanna and a hit of ecstasy. If any of these are even remotely accurate, then you belong at the Isle of Wight’s equivalent of Glastonbury. A weekend in the sun, surrounded by Katy Perry and Cara Delevingne wannabes covered in Aztec prints and bindis, while listening to obscure bands that nobody actually knows awaits you if you come here. If you’re searching for a way to feel more individual without actually be-

ing at all different or unique, then Bestival is the one for you. Why not go all out and wear a Native American headdress as a fashion statement, because ya’ know like… their culture is just so cool like… nah it’s not insensitive at all babe. Bonus points for ‘tribal’ face paint, ‘bush-cooking’ your tins of soup, and being ‘real in touch with nature, man’.

V Festival: Oh my God, you’re so edgy I might cut myself on you. You go to a music festival that NME covers. Woah, you must really want to stick it to the man and reject all mainstream music because it’s so corporate and fake. If you love body paint, awful haircuts and Noel Gallagher, then V Festival is perfect for you. You’ll feel way more individual than going to Glastonbury, despite the fact that you’ve already forked out hundreds of pounds for the privilege of sleeping in a tent for three days and not showering once. In reality, this festival is slightly more mainstream than people think it is, with acts like Olly Murs and Paloma Faith already announced for this year, but none of your Glasto-loving friends need to know that. They’ll just drool over your edginess when you casually mention how much you’re looking forward to seeing The Charlatans and Mistajam live.

Glastonbury: Speaking of Glasto, this is another popular one, but that popularity is rooted firmly within a certain age group. I mean seriously, does anyone below 30 even go to Glastonbury

anymore? It used to be the height of cool way back in the early 2000s, but now it’s been overrun by middle-aged parents desperate to relive their youth and minor celebrities like Kimberly Walsh and Pixie Lott.

Searching for a way to feel individual without actually being different or unique?

Bestival is for you As one might expect from the British version of Coachella, it is smaller, wetter and generally shitter than its American equivalent, and despite Kate Moss’s regular attendence, Glasto is definitely not the cool, envy-inducing prospect that it once was. Sorry guys, pack your Hunter wellies away for this year and try to sell on your tickets - maybe hover around Waitrose and look for the dad with the U2 t-shirt.

Reading and Leeds: I’m taking a wild stab in the dark here but I’m guessing that if you’re the kind of person who wants to go to Leeds or Reading, you’re not the kind of person who’s going to be seen sporting red chinos at Monday Mozzers (or if you are, you’re desperately trying to prove how non-private school you are from your catered room-with-a-view in Holland Hall).

You know w h e n Metallica are headlining that there will be one of those things that the young ones call a ‘mosh pit’, and if this floats your boat, then go for it! But fear not, fans of

thumping, repetitive bass, because it also has a dance stage where you can do all the drugs you like, while hopping up and down, rubbing against strangers. I’m trying to think of an equivalent Exeter club where those of you who aren’t sure if it’s your thing can dip your gladiatorsandalled toe into the water, but none could be closer than Cavern. Monday Mozzer-ites, you won’t be welcome, but for everyone else, the more charity shop your wardrobe is, the more you’ll be welcomed into the alternative fold.

Latitude: Dig out your River Island flower crown if you’re heading to Latitude. This one is for people who love everything hippie, natural and peaceful - yeah, all that New Age granola bollocks.

This is the perfect festival for all of you who love the idea of going vegan but can’t resist a Timepiece burger with bacon on a Wednesday night, because everyone will be like you - everyone will go vegan for the weekend, chat about how much closer to nature they feel, but then get home and make a beeline for a McDonalds, and upload a hundred and one photos to Instagram documenting their profound spiritual experience. If you’re one of these people, who do you think you’re kidding?

You aren’t a proper hippie you weren’t there in the ‘60s - and your halfarsed attempt now isn’t fooling anyone. You’re a product of the 21st century and no amount of silent film and interpretive dance is going to change that.

EXEPOSÉ

Festival fashion faux-pas Josh Mines, Deputy Editor, gives us his run-down of what says ‘dope’ and what screams ‘douchebag’ at festivals

F

ESTIVALS can be a great place to show off your edgy choice of clothing, but the line between looking summer chic and fashion failure is remarkably thin. Here are five tips to help you make the right call this summer, whether you’re boogying at Bestival, rockin’ at Reading or glamping at Glasto.

Flip-flops These fashion monstrosities aren’t just impractical, they look ridiculous as well. Not only will you be constantly tripping over your tacky sandals, but if it rains you’re likely to develop a serious case of festival trench foot, which is a look even Kate Moss would struggle to pull off. When wellies turn out to be a better choice of festival footwear, it really speaks wonders about how crappy your pair of Primark flip-flops are.

1

Bucket hats You’re not a member of Cypress Hill and you’re not Hunter S Thompson. It’s the headgear of a public school twat trying oh so desperately hard to be ghetto. All wearing a bucket hat does is make you look like that guy who, ‘just loves techno-trancehouse’, and no one wants to be that guy (trust me).

2

3

Face paint OK, you were drunk and your mate simply had to cover your face in garish glittery paint. But it’s a look pretty much only worn by fourteen-year-old girls excited to see Sam Smith at V Festival. About as edgy as a circle. And as for washing that shit off your face in a crowded festival shower room; good luck mate, it’s not going to happen.

Festival wristband fever Having a wrist full of festival bands isn’t cool; it’s unsanitary. I mean, imagine the amount of sweat and food that will have been picked up by that thing over the course of a summer? In the future, maybe stick to talking to people about your festivals rather than wearing these as a grimy badge of honour on your arm. It’s the tell -tale sign of a try-hard festival-goer.

4

5

Vest tops Great on girls, shocking on guys. If you’re going for the ‘cheeky Nandos with the lads Napa 2015’ look, then please go right ahead. If you’re anyone who cares at all about looking distinctly reputable then I’d suggest dumping any hideous tank tops where they belong: at the bottom of those grim long drop toilets.

The rules of the rampage

Joshua Rotchelle, Lifestyle Editor, busts out the fo’shos and the no-nos for today’s feverish festival fools

W

Don’t: screw in a shared tent. There is absolutely nothing worse than struggling through fitful, bass-disturbed, possibly-perscription-painkiller-induced sleep in your tent, only to find yourself disrupted by a couple who decide to take ‘rock and roll’ a little too literally. If you want to get randy at a festival, do everyone a favour and invest in your own tent; exhibitionism is not a fashionable fetish.

HETHER you’re a festival fiend or a nasty port-a-loo newbie, there are some pieces of festival etiquette everyone should know. Here’s a few:

Do: know your limits. Whether it’s drink or drugs, passing out or dropping to the floor in a vibrating fit and having your stomach pumped is not ‘cool’ or a sign of a ‘great night’. It’s a sign that you’re a tool, no matter how trendy you may think coke is.

Don’t: smoke in the ‘pit. Waving around a burning-hot smoke in a throng of scantily-clad bodies, a cough-creator when everyone’s already huffing and puffing, and a smoke-spewer when everyone wants to see all at the same time is not a good look, end of. Kill yourself somewhere else.

Being a smoke-spewer when everyone’s trying to see is not a good look Do: get matey with strangers. Contrary to the usual British conundrums like the awkwardness of standing next to someone at a bus stop for ten minutes and not being allowed to talk to them, at festivals, fewer social limits apply. Dance with strangers, pass the bottle, and have fun.

LIFESTYLE

www.exepose.com

When moshing, for goodness’ sake, make way if a wall of death shows up

13

Written in the stars With our resident astrologist on a break this week, stand-in Trevor Trelawney has rubbed his crystal ball(s) to predict what’s in store for readers this week...

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20) In the immortal words of Jayden Smith: “If newborn babies could speak they would be the most intelligent beings on Planet Earth.” Too bad you’re not a newborn baby after the way your exams went. Cry yourself to sleep clutching a bottle of wine.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22) Avoid aubergines at all costs.

They will prove to be your downfall in the next two weeks, so take extra care when you’re in the fruit and veg section in Waitrose.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22) Roaring during sex is never advisable, but you’re likely to meet someone who will make you do just that next time you hit Cheesy Tuesdays.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22) Although you like to think you’re sweet and innocent, we all know you have a darker side. The gold rush is the perfect time to get out of your shell and into bed with strangers.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Your exams may be over but now the real stress begins: how to convince your friends back at home that the new hairstyle you’ve been rocking is alright.

Lucky item of clothing: girdle.

Don’t: clog the bog. Yes, it’s a nasty topic, but better discussed in this paper than you having to fumble for a different kind of paper in a sea of brown. Be sanitary – bonus points for remembering hand sanitizer afterwards.

Do: respect the tenets of the mosh.

If you’re game for some rough-andtumble, play by the rules. Pick up people who fall so they don’t get trampled, don’t throw anything sharp or heavy, match the pace of fellow moshers, remember that not everyone is there for the pit, and for goodness’ sake, make way if a wall of death shows up.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) Don’t bother restraining your natural urges Scorpio. If there is ever a time to flirt with anything that moves, third term is it. Be cautious of other halves, however, or try to charm them as well.

You may end up getting twice as lucky.

Do: keep drugs in the drug scene.

If you do ‘dabble’, then ask before you take, and don’t take more than you need; it doesn’t make you hard, it makes you irritating. Also remember that disassociatives can really kill a party, and that it’s good karma to keep an eye on people whom you know are tripping.

Don’t: get too touchy. ‘Copping a feel’ is not okay, no matter how many people are in the crowd and how closely you’re rubbing together. Male or female, old or young, this rule has no exceptions, and breaking it will likely earn you a well-deserved smack. Don’t get too worried however; bumping into the masses is normal.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Make sure you don’t fade into the background during upcoming nights out. Paint yourself yellow, wear a bin liner or just get so drunk you lose all volume

control. Whatever you do, make sure people notice.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Spin the dice, roll the wheel and throw caution to the wind, you’re feeling lucky in the next few months. That rabbit’s foot you found lying by the side of the road last week will turn out to be a great omen (or it might give you a disease, my crystal ball is cloudy on this one).

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) The only dawning you’re going to be doing this week is waking up hungover with vomit in your hair. Take a long hard look at yourself Aquarius.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) Your lucky vegetable will be turnip, so make sure to consume as many of them as you can. Mash them, bake them, mix them with vodka, whatever you have to do to get them into your body Pisces, you’ll thank me next week.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) You should seriously consider adopting a drag pseudonym.

Safonda Cox and Ginger Minj are already taken, so experiment with some other thinly veiled obscenities.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) There’s no shame in admitting that you were rooting for Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest, but try to steer clear of replicating that purple Harry Potter look at Timepiece.

Nul points, Taurus.

14

MUSIC

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

MUSIC Gig Listings

Tuesday 2nd June Earl Sweatshirt The Trinity Centre, Bristol Wednesday 3rd June Years & Years The Lemon Grove, Exeter Thursday 4th June The Scandals Cavern, Exeter The Damned Phoenix, Exeter Saturday 6th June Count To Fire Cavern, Exeter Sunday 7th June Seconds Alive Cavern, Exeter Monday 8th June Weak Nerves Cavern, Exeter Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes The Fleece, Bristol Tuesday 9th June El Morgan Cavern, Exeter Thursday 11th June Youth Man Cavern, Exeter

Exeposé Recommends...

Years and Years @ The Lemon Grove Wednesday 3rd June In a year where the University has hosted giants like Muse, this smaller campus venue rounds off the term with the winner of the BBC’s Sound of 2015. The electropop trio have already sold out the gig which promises to be just a bit more lively than the usual Saturday school disco affair we know all too well.

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 | Exeposé Music

MUSIC EDITORS James Atherton Katie Costello

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeMusic

music@exepose.com

Tay Tay: Yay or Nay?

With the release of Swifty’s divisive new video for ‘Bad Blood’, Exeposé Music brings you the full debate on whether Taylor has retained her crown as the Queen of Pop Sarah Gough, Editor Yay for Tay

W

ELL well Tay Tay, you’ve come a long way since the banjo and the boyfriend. There is something hilarious about a former country-pop sweetheart ditching the curls for a crowbar, but let’s face it, everyone knew she was trouble when she walked in.

After much anticipation (everyone but Katy Perry’s in it), Swift’s latest ‘Bad Blood’ video has smashed… everything.

Cars, records, stereotypes. A star-studded line-up helped Swift break the Vevo record, with 20 million views in its first 24 hours knocking Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’ off the top spot and down a dress size or two.

‘Bad Blood’ says goodbye to the boyfriend and hello to the girl gang ‘Bad Blood’ says goodbye to the boyfriend and hello to the girl gang – and it’s bloody brilliant. Theatricality and spectacle combine with strutting supermodels to fight off the archetypal weak woman (I’m looking at you Selena Gomez) in style. Swift is the celebrated chameleon: she is Kill Bill, Sin City, and Hunger Games all rolled up into one tiny package. If Ellie Goulding firing a bazooka doesn’t make you want to live life as a strong, independent woman, I don’t know what will. It’s all so extravagantly empowering.

Admittedly, the song was a little whiny and lacklustre before Kendrick Lamar’s verses injected some much-needed gangsta.

Well, as much gangsta as is possible when your coartist is obsessed with cats. You might think a

LamarSwift collab is an odd one, I did too, but then it all becomes clear when

you remember his own album’s called To Pimp a Butterfly.

Indeed, Swift continues to soar on those beautiful success wings of hers.

With eight wins at the Billboard Music Awards, she’s proving pretty unstoppable. If the ‘Bad Blood’ referenced is a jibe at Perry, then it’s the best comeback I’ve ever seen. Critics have belittled the video as over-dramatic and underwhelming. Yet from my telepathic instinct with Swift herself, I can presume that this was its very premise. It is over-dramatic to prove her power, it is too short to leave you wanting more.

Perhaps it’s all just a metaphor for those failed relationships, or more specifically, John Mayer’s disappointing performance in the bedroom: enormous hype but over too soon.

Give us more Tay, give us feature length film. The immortal phrase remains: Haters gonna hate.

Akash Beri, Screen Editor Nay for Tay

L

ET’S be honest up front. I’ve never been a fan of Taylor Swift (otherwise known as T-Swiz), but I’ve respected her music and success, which she deserves. She’s a good person (mostly) and her support for gender equality is truly admirable.

However, her latest video for her single ‘Bad Blood’ is both dull and stupid, and the rampant praise it is getting is unjustified.

In it, Taylor (or the appropriately named ‘Catastrophe’) and the painfully obvious Katy Perry lookalike beat the living bejesus out of a bunch of blindfolded, nameless men in grey suits - because female empowerment evidently involves vicious violence against men. It later cuts to shots of women clad in ridiculously scanty combat outfits, the type of thing you’d find in special shops to spice up loveless marriages.

The hilarity ensues when Ellie Goulding appears wielding a rocket launcher with a prominent ‘X’ featured on the shell, snarling at us. I can honestly imagine executives sat round a table saying: ‘what’s the most

overt, unimaginativeway to connote female empowerment? Why, give them guns of course, because that empowers you, right?’

Can I also point out how immeasurably witless the nicknames they give to the women really are? A woman wielding knives called ‘Cut-Throat’? A woman in a snowy area called ‘Frostbyte’? Mate, come on.

This ‘lethal feminity’ isn’t being used to fight some fair cause Plus, this ‘lethal feminity’ isn’t being used to fight some fair cause, like corrupt and misogynistic corporations or some evil force. It’s used to fight other women over a petty squabble. I could have enjoyed the video for what it was (women kicking serious ass with guns), if it wasn’t so glaringly obvious that it’s just a jab at Katy Perry. The recent Mad Max: Fury Road was a fantastic example of female empowerment with a kickass female hero. ‘Bad Blood’ is not.

It’s a shame because a lot of people won’t see this video for what it is. It’s not a beacon of feminist hope, it’s not a protest against gender inequality across the world. It’s a guise of women with guns and explosions to hide a petty, desperate attempt to get back at Katy Perry. Shake that off.

É

- ‘Bad Blood’ has had over 90 milion views on YouTube since its May release.

- The video is star-studded with 17 of Swifty’s famous friends taking part.

EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

Eurovision Building Bridges

Photo: www.esc-time.it

Kate Jones, Copy Editor, discusses the weird and wonderful hold that Eurovision still has on us

N

OW celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Eurovision Song Contest, held each May, is still on fine form. What started out as a way of bringing together the war-torn countries of the European Broadcasting Union is now a multi-national treasure, watched by an estimated 190 million people every year.

The simple concept: giving (primarily) members of the EBU the chance to perform a song to viewers in and around Europe, with one nation crowned the winner, has launched the careers of ABBA and Céline Dion, whilst also leaving room to showcase the most crazy, outrageous and downright bizarre acts that Europe and its neighbouring countries have to offer.

The songs can be inventive to say the least. San Marino failed to make it past the first semi-final in 2012 with ‘The Social Network Song’, whilst Turkey’s entry in 1980 was about petrol.

Costumes also attract attention.

Verka Serduchka, whose infamous ‘Dancing Lasha Tumbai’ finished

runner-up in 2007, was dressed in what looked like tin foil and adorned with a silver star. In 2006, Lithuania’s LT United turned up to perform the blunt ‘We Are the Winners’ wearing suits. One member sang the lyrics down a megaphone with a mic held up to it and another performed what appeared to be a cross between a breakdance and a solitary fight.

But beneath the outlandish costumes and gimmicks, Eurovision has not been a stranger to controversy.

Questions have been raised about the results of the contest. The fact that each country’s jury of five music professionals constitutes half the final result, and the regular occurrence of regional bloc voting, has raised questions as to how much of the vote is politically-motivated.

There have

been suggestions of vote-rigging, with Azerbaijan accused of trying to buy votes from jurors and members of the public in 2013.

It is clear that Eurovision will not be disappearing anytime soon The performances themselves have previously been opportunities for political statements, despite a ban on lyrics, statements and gestures of a political or similar nature. Germany’s entrant in 1982, Nicole, called for ‘Ein bisschen Frieden’ (A Little Bit of Peace) during a period of increased Cold War tension.

Yet performances such as Nicole’s are examples of the messages that have consistently been at the heart of Eurovision – calls for diversity, tolerance, peace and solidarity. 2015’s slogan – ‘Building Bridges’ – has arguably existed throughout the contest’s history, as countries join together to watch one annual party.

‘Party’ may not sum up the vibe from

UK supporters watching in recent years, though.

Low scores, last place and, in 2003, an infamous score of nil points have come to dominate the UK’s Eurovision reputation in the 21st century – despite the country’s songs nearly always scoring top ten positions until the late 1990s.

Tried-and-tested winning formulas for other countries – well-known acts, ballads, songs about solidarity – have not recently yielded the UK the same success.

Yet the UK has always had a soft spot for Eurovision. The frequency of ‘Eurovision parties’ held up and down the country on the night highlights its popularity in Britain and Northern Ireland. Whilst some revel in wondering who thought the UK entry was a good idea each year, others watch for the anticipation factor – the possibility that, regardless of recent years, this year might be the UK’s year.

This sense of opportunity is arguably one of the defining features of Eurovision – a stage where messages of diversity, culture and change can all be showcased.

As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, it is clear that Eurovision will not be disappearing any time soon.

The Vaccines Come of Age on new album

In their third album, The Vaccines experiment and evolve their signature indie-rock sound to create a rougher and more visceral racket. James Beeson, Editor, reviews one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2015 English Graffiti The Vaccines 26 May 2015

I

T has become somewhat fashionable, in recent years, to belittle a band for ‘selling out’ once they become remotely successful or famous. This is undoubtedly the case with The Vaccines, whose catchy brand of guitar pop has propelled them from raucous NME heartthrobs to Radio 1 mainstays. English Graffiti, the third album from the London-based quartet, is broadly more of the same good old-fash-

ioned indie pop… but you know what? I fucking love it.

The album opens with ‘Handsome’ – a two minute long helter skelter of skuzzy guitar riffs that has more than a whiff of The Ramones about it. Lead singer Justin Young is still as witty and sharp as ever on vocals that you just can’t help but sing along to. His guitar playing throughout the album is also as solid as ever.

The beauty of English Graffiti is in its ability to take the very best from debut What Did You Expect… and follow up Come of Age, whilst also experimenting with new genres and sounds; the guitars are dirtier and more visceral, the bass

more powerful.

Everything about the record is more ambitious and complex than its predecessors Influences from the likes of Arctic Monkeys (the opening riff from ‘Dream Lover’ could have been lifted straight off ‘Do I Wanna Know’) and The Strokes are clear, whilst everything about the record is more ambitious and complex in scope than its predecessors. A particular high-

light is ‘(All Afternoon) In Love,’ an eerily majestic ballad full of nostalgia and regret, which couldn’t be further from the angsty rock that made the band famous.

My only criticism of the album would be that it tails off slightly towards the end. The likes of ‘Minimal Affection’ and ‘20/20’ stick in the head long after the album fades away; the same cannot be said of, for example, ‘Maybe I Could Hold…’

– an ethereal but less accessible number.

This is a minor quibble. Ignore the haters; English Graffiti sees The Vaccines come of age as a band, whilst sticking to their roots, making the third LP as good as their other two.

MUSIC

15

Hot / Not / Long Shot / Forgot Emma Hill gives her opinion on what’s hot, what’s not, something that is a bit of a long shot and what has scandalously been forgotten.

Hot: ‘Take Me To Church’ Hozier Hozier’s catchy blues riffs and subtle folk influences have allowed his debut song to rocket to the top of the charts, with the dark and soulful melody making it poignant and addictive. Hozier is playing at most major festivals this summer and is definitely one to watch.

Not: ‘Bills’ Lunchmoney Lewis Lunchmoney Lewis fuses hiphop with reggae and blues which, at first glance, sounds fairly promising.

However, the piano chords are thumped against a weak background of limited instrumentation, which sounds sparse and unoriginal.

Long shot: ‘Stonehenge’ Ylvis Overshadowed by Ylvis’ better known ‘What Does the Fox Say?’, ‘Stonehenge’ combines quirky lyrics with a surprisingly uplifting tune. Whether your reaction is amusement, ridicule or scorn, underneath you will be longing to discover: “What is the meaning of Stongehenge?”

Forgot: ‘This Love’ - Maroon 5 Maroon 5 have evolved hugely since their debut album Songs About Jane, with their sound transforming completely.

Newer songs such as ‘Sugar’ and ‘Maps’ have wiped out older classics such as ‘This Love’, which are devastatingly underplayed.

16

NEWS 1-5

SCREEN

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

SCREEN Newsreel

David Brent film Life On The Road confirmed A spin-off of the BBC series The Office has been confirmed.

Ricky Gervais will ressurect his famous role as awkward office manager, David Brent, in Life On The Road. In 2016 we’ll see Brent still working on his dream to become a rock star, embarking on a self-financed UK tour.

007 cinematographer Roger Deakins joins the Blade Runner sequel Roger Deakins, the Oscar nominated cinematographer behind the aesthetically gorgeous Skyfall, has signed on to the hotly debated Blade Runner sequel.

Harrison Ford is on board to reprise his role as cop Rick Deckard, and Ryan Gosling is rumoured to be taking a role. The sequel’s release date is yet to be confirmed.

First offical images from Warcraft revealed A first look at last year’s ComicCon gave us a peek at sets and logos, but now images of characters from the fantasy film based on the bestselling World of Warcraft game series have been revealed. The delay for images comes from the abundance of special effects work being done on the film. Shown is the Orc Warchief Orgrim D o o m h a m m e r, played by Robert Kazinsky.

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 | Exeposé Screen

SCREEN EDITORS Akash Beri Ben Londesbrough

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeScreen

screen@exepose.com

Looking Back to the Future

On its 30th anniversary, James Beeson, Editor, looks back on the revered classic

I

T is somewhat fitting that the 30th anniversary of the original Back to the Future film should fall in 2015, the very year in which its sequel predicted we would see hover boards, remote control rubbish bins and self drying clothing become commonplace. And whilst director Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale may have been a little optimistic about how far our society would be transformed, it is fair to say they deserve some slack, given the original film was and still is one of the most original and entertaining science fiction movies of all time. The word ‘classic’ is bandied around an awful lot in the film industry these days, but Back to the Future really is just that.

In case you haven’t seen this delightfully charming sci-fi comedy, (in which case I strongly suggest you go home and re-evaluate your life) allow me to briefly explain. The film sees Marty McF0ly (Michael J Fox), a happy-go-lucky teenager, sent back in time (in a DeLorean DMC12) by mad-cap scientist and close friend Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) to the year 1955. What ensues is a hilariously comical sequence of events which sees McFly come face to face with his father, attempt to escape the affections of his mother and avoid being beaten to a pulp by the school bully, all whilst trying to figure out a way of getting back to present day 1985.

Part of what makes Back to the Future so memorable and enjoyable is its youthfulness and innocent charm. Fox’s exuberance and comedic spirit suit the part of McFly spectacularly, whilst Lloyd is a brilliant caricature of a genius yet slightly bonkers scientist. The plot is expertly written, straddling genres with ease, and is littered with clever tongue in cheek allusions, from McFly’s Hendrixstyle guitar solo at the high-school dance to his impersonation of Darth Vader whilst attempting to convince his father to ask his mother to said dance. These kind of subtle cultural references, along with the witty dialogue and suberb acting ensure the film does not appear outdated, and are what make Back to the Future such a joy to revisit.

It is testimony to how well the film has aged that it remains so popular Of course, the special effects, whilst cutting edge at the time, are a sign of the film’s age. However, Spielberg’s work as producer cannot be understated. The Jaws director is credited with protecting the film from a name change to ‘Spaceman From Pluto’,0 as well as being instrumental in helping to bring Zemeckis and Gale’s film to life. Every minute de-

tail of the film is cleverly crafted to bring the Hill Valley setting to life, and the soundtrack, from Huey Lewis and the News’ ‘The Power of Love’ to Berry’s ‘Johnny B. Goode’ complements the vibe of the screenplay perfectly.

It is testimony to how well the film has aged that it remains so popular to this day. Just last year, a Secret Cinema outdoor screening of the film in London (complete with a real Delorean) sold 60,000 tickets at the rather costly sum of £53 each.

The event saw fans descend on a recreation of Hill Valley dressed in 50s attire to watch the film alongside live

audience interaction and theatrics.

So what does the future hold for Back to the Future? A musical of the film will hit stages across the UK in 2016, further evidence of the films longevity. Beyond this, one hopes that rumours of a remake or another sequel are wide of the mark, because quite frankly, topping the original would be a practically impossible task, and, as Indiana Jones learnt the hard way, sometimes the classics are best left well alone.

It is somewhat ironic to label a film about time-travel as timeless, but there really is no other way to describe this classic, as well as its two sequels. To quote a review of the film by Empire, “to put it bluntly: if you don’t like Back To The Future, it’s difficult to believe that you like films at all”.

Give me aural pleasure

Ellie Crisp reviews sequel Pitch Perfect 2, and deliberates whether it’s music to her ears Pitch Perfect 2 Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow Director: Elizabeth Banks 2015, 115 minutes

D

ON’T you, forget about me. That’s what I sang as I strolled into the theatre. The iconic song from The Breakfast Club soundtrack was ringing in my ears as I found my seat two rows from the front. It was the price I had to pay for not pre-booking. Good job I was prepared for the extensive neck craning, as the longawaited sequel of 2012’s Pitch Perfect was about to begin.

Five minutes in, and I’m presented with the imminent threat of Rebel Wilson’s (a.k.a. Fat Amy) bum in my face.

Now it’s not just my neck that hurts.

Soon, the catchy music mash-ups, the alarmingly exaggerated dance moves, and the strange question: “Is that actually Barack Obama?” (I never thought I’d be asking that) render me completely accacaptivated.

However, it’s not all ‘perfect’. For those of you who loved the character of Jesse in the first film; prepare to be disappointed.

Skylar Austin is relatively absent throughout, apart from spontaneously paying thousands of dollars to fly to Copenhagen to watch the Bellas try to claim the coveted World Accapella title. Despite this, unattainable relationship goals is all he

ends up contributing.

The Barden Bella’s competition in this sequel is ‘Das Sound Machine’, a group of Germans in a series of black mesh outfits.

Prepare to be equally aroused and terrified, and to feel the full force of the Germanic clichés.

Speaking of stereotypes, the amount of casual racism and sexism at times did generate a few “should I really be laughing?” responses in the cinema. The film however does showcase and celebrate many ethnicities and managed to pass

the Bechdel Test (a cinematic test that measures the active presence of female characters within a film), thankfully putting most of these doubts to rest.

Consistently upbeat and great if you want to lift your spirits post-exams Out of all the songs, one that will probably get people talking is, surprisingly, ‘Winter Wonderland’ sung by Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg and a Christmas song in the same scene! Throughout, the film awards you with many surprises.

All in all, Pitch Perfect 2 is consistently upbeat and great if you want to lift your spirits post-exams. Although, I am left considering what a flashlight really is.

Miller’s mega mad masterpiece EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.com

SCREEN

17

After years in development hell, Carmen Paddock reviews Max’s explosive return to the silver screen Mad Max: Fury Road Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult Director: George Miller 2015, 120 minutes

T

HIS reboot of the Australian cult post-apocalyptic franchise has become an internet cause célèbre in recent weeks due to the fact that it has enraged so-called ‘Men’s Rights Activists’. Evidently they see the presence of female characters portrayed as equals to their male counterparts as incompatible with action films.

This even-handedness, however, is exactly what makes Mad Max: Fury Road stand head and shoulders above the competition; with a combination of compelling storytelling, spectacular effects,

impeccable production design, excellent acting and the aforementioned gender equality, it may be the best film of the summer.

The titular hero is to Fury Road what Julius Caesar is to Shakespeare’s eponymous tragedy: not the focus of the plot.

Through Max Rockatansky’s attempts to elude Immortan Joe’s clutches, he ends up joining forces with Imperator Furiosa, whose own personal quest drives the film.

Consequently, the film is centred around Furiosa and the people (mild spoilers: women) she is trying to help.

Theron has ferocity and nerves of steel concealing the passion for her cause Charlize Theron has ferocity and nerves of steel concealing the passion for her cause and those she cares about. She

is a magnetic, fierce screen presence who would be more than capable of carrying the film without Max’s involvement.

Go see Mad Max: Fury Road right now. Seriously, you won’t regret it However, the latter’s presence allows both to develop as ‘human’ characters instead of just showcasing their badassery (there is more than enough badassery in this film to go around). As Max, Tom Hardy swings between manic and stoic, but somehow the combination works for the obtuse, laconic fighter. The world design, effects, and score combined created an engrossing experience. The effort and meticulous care which went into designing each vehicle, weapon, and costume was extremely thorough and striking. The

pounding score compliments the visceral explosions, and neither are afraid of jarring the audience with screeching chords or gruesome injuries.

While action films are rarely celebrated when awards season comes around, Fury Road would not be out of place among the design a n d

production nods. George Miller has yet again proved his directorial talents, proving that people are still raving mad about Max. Go see Mad Max: Fury Road right now. Seriously, you won’t regret it. What are you waiting for?

From Huggies to Hollywood

Bethia Atkinson debates whether it’s time Hollywood should grow out of the ‘coming of age’ film frenzy

W

E all know them and we all ei-

ther love them or hate them. But the truth be told, we cannot escape the inevitable onslaught of ‘coming of age’ films that pounds our screens each year.

From the stereotypical young adult dystopian films that seem to force ‘teenagers’ into becoming adults because of their circumstances, to an exploration and discovery of humankind and how we exist within it. There are many underrated films and plenty that are perhaps overrated.

Yes, most women in their 20s and hopefully late teens will be able to name at

least one Mean Girls quote and the hype that surrounded Boyhood was incredible. But what about the gems that are 1997’s A

Walk To Remember or, if you want to time hop even further back, 1978’s Grease with a young John Travolta.

Many a musical film seems to centre on the coming of age of the young population. See Grease once more and I raise you the High School Musical trilogy, Hairspray and Dirty Dancing.

Dancing On the other end of the scale you see more haunting tales such as Ender’s Game, The Perks of Being A Wallflower and Good Will Hunting appearing on our screens over the years. Even now, classic coming of age films are still making their mark, as stage adaptations of The BreakClub enfast Club, titled ‘Stereo-

#Quintessential-Quote-Qorner

‘‘

“I am the roller, I am the out-of-controller!”

‘‘

2

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”

‘‘

make a difference are things that many of us recognise and identify with.

Whatever it is that has made any generation fall in love with the genre, it is undeniably one that will continue with its successes, and perhaps failures.

They are perhaps the most quotable of any film genre, and the pearls of wisdom that may just make an appearance at one point or another remain the thing that lives long beyond the film itself. A captive audience, motivational and perhaps inspiring plotlines and always a handful of decent actors, coming of age films retain their popularity. It looks like Hollywood won’t be growing out of this craze anytime soon. w

Test your film knowledge by guessing these qwazy quotes!

1

types’, and Dead Poets Society, entitled ‘Carpe Diem’, are making their way into the T3 Drama Festival this week (28 and 30 May respectively in Thornlea Studios), further exemplifying the mark these classic films have had even nearly 30 years after their release.

Perhaps what makes them such a hit with audiences is their relatable nature. Perhaps not all of us have skived off school, stood on our desks in defiance of the headmaster, burst into song in the middle of the cafeteria or existed in a dystopian future where everything seems to suck, but perhaps it is something we have thought about. Recurring themes of defiance, exploration of oneself and surroundings and a desire to

3

“And in this moment I swear, we are infinite.”

Upcoming Showings In Exeter Tuesday 2 June: It Follows

Sunday 7 June: Serenity

A young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after getting involved in a sexual encounter.

The crew of the ship Serenity tries to evade an assassin sent to recapture one of their number who is telepathic.

1. NIGHTCRAWLER (VINCENT GIL) - MAD MAX 2. DR. EMMETT BROWN (CHRISTOPHER LLOYD) - BACK TO THE FUTURE 3. CHARLIE (LOGAN LERMAN) - THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

20

ARTS & LIT

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

ARTS &LIT

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 | Exeposé Arts & Lit

ARTS & LIT EDITORS Jeremy Brown Emily Kerr

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeArts

artsandlit@exepose.com

Finally, a Rowling interview... lol J.K.

Josh Mines, Deputy Editor, gossips with J.K. Rowling about her inspiration (sort of)

E

XETER isn’t without its share of famous alumni. From the musical genius of Thom Yorke to the trolling talent of Katie Hopkins, few other universities can boast such an extensive repertoire of celebrity ex-students. However, often one name is mentioned before anyone else’s on this list: J.K. Rowling. Not only is she probably the most famous face to have graced Exeter’s campus, but the Harry Potter series, and the locations that Harry and his chums frequent are often rumoured to be based on places we all know and love here in Devon.

which places are witch in Exeter.

We began discussing her experiences as a fresher. “Most of my best nights in first year were spent down at Moz for sure.

In fact, most of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was written in a booth by the second

The Three Broomsticks would probably smell more of Firewhisky than Jägerbombs Though many have speculated about the likeness of the Leaky Cauldron to The Old Fire House, or Diagon Alley to Gandy Street, I wanted to get to the bottom of this mystery once and for all. So I got in touch with J.K. herself to get the low down on

floor bar. That was the year I earned the nickname ‘VK Rowling’, if I can recall correctly. Intrigued to know more, I pried further. Could Mosaic really be the basis for some of Rowling’s most loved

literary locations? “Well I guess The Three Broomsticks was inspired

by Moz. They’re both loud and sweaty, although I reckon The Three Broomsticks would probably smell more of Firewhisky than Jägerbombs.

I can imagine Ron and Harry enjoying a cheeky butterbeer bolt from time to time though.”

Sites on campus, Rowling told me, were also influential in inspiring some

yard has a striking lack of centaurs and fauns gambolling about its forest).

So it seems even some of the most inconspicuous campus buildings hold some kind of importance in J.K.’s head. As our conversation came to a close, I couldn’t help wondering about the truth behind what she was saying. Why does an imaginary place in a fictional world have to bear any resemblance to somewhere that actually does exist? of the most well-known places in her fictional universe. “I remember first going into old Lafrowda and thinking it was pretty much exactly like a prison cell. The silverfish, the bare bricks and the labyrinthine walls gave me the perfect image for what Azkaban would be like. As for the Dementors, well I think we’ve all felt like sucking someone’s soul out of their mouth after a particularly heavy night on the lash from time to time.”

There was even mention of Duryard being represented by the Forbidden Forest: a mysterious place far away from campus that students never visit unless they absolutely have to (although Dur-

That was the year I earned the nickname ‘VK Rowling’ Perhaps it’s best to just enjoy the illusion of literature and not be so concerned about where places in the story could be rooted in the real world. Saying that, I don’t think I’ll ever look at Mosaic in the same way again.

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a real interview. But if the real J.K. is reading this, we’d love to get in touch ...)

Ballet Black: redefining the art of dance Rachel Alcock-Hodgson reviews the vibrant performance as it returns to the Northcott Ballet Black Northcott Theatre 19 May 2015

I

AM by no means a ballet, or even dance, aficionado, so had little idea of what to expect from Ballet Black. By chance, I had seen Ballet Revolución - a Cuban dance group who combine ballet and contemporary dance - at Latitude festival over the summer. I was completely drawn in, mesmerised by the explosive energy of those dancers, and the beautiful and impressive choreography. So, I was excited to see another dance group who inject a contemporary feel into ballet.

The first thing to say about Ballet Black is that, as their name suggests, they are a company of black and Asian dancers. In itself this is progressive. As they state on their website, “We aim to bring

Arts in the news

ballet to a more culturally diverse audience… Our ultimate goal is to see a fundamental change in the number of black and Asian dancers in mainstream ballet companies.”

I was completely drawn in, mesmerised by the explosive energy of those dancers The triple bill opens with a story of young love. A plaid-skirted girl twirls on pointe to the tune of what sounds like a music box. She is joined by her lover.

There is sex and all is well, but it gets more complex. The episodes of their relationship are separated by darker interludes accompanied by electronic music, in comparison to the light warmth of the surrounding story. Apparently asking why Jack and Jill went up the hill in the

first place, To Fetch a Pail of Water?, choreographed by Kit Holder, is a pleasingly approachable way to start.

The next piece, Depouillement, created by Will Tuckett, is significantly more abstract. It is set to Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello, one of those pieces that everyone recognises, but has new light shed on it in the context of this dance, the dancers’ bodies weaving into the music. The simple costumes also do a fantastic job. The male dancers wear white tops and the women black dresses. This is reversed for the soloists.

Controversial art exhibition Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby home on sale for £2.4 million focusing on Iraq unveiled at Venice Biennale

The distinction creates reams of possible significances and aesthetic patterns.

Though the lack of story in some ways is harder for a newbie, the beauty of execution and the flow of movement more than makes up for that.

The final, longer dance is most decidedly narrative. It is also whackier than anything that comes before.

In the words of one reviewer, Mark Bruce’s Second Coming “derails you in a nicely crazy way”. The piece draws on a variety of sources: the title refers to a William Butler Yeats poem; elements of Grimm’s

500 new fairy tales discovered in German archives

fairy tales cropping up, and also some Jesus-like resurrection imagery sneaking in. But the dancers carry it off. The ruler/ master of ceremonies and his sidekick angel are magnetic. Despite her hoop breaking mid-hula in the performance (perhaps a sign of cuts to arts funding), Kanika Carr’s sassy boldness is palpable.

The love story between the ruler’s son and a serpent woman is also gripping, revealing the tensions between the father and son and the pull of earthly love.

The story-telling is fantastic and the dancers are entrancing This ballet is completely ‘relatable’.

The story-telling is fantastic and the dancers are entrancing. If Ballet Black is anything to go by, this is an art form I definitely want to see more of.

50-hour improvised soap opera returns to London stage

Kickst-art your summer

EXEPOSÉ

www.exepose.com

ARTS & LIT

21

Exeposure Instagram

Phoebe Dent tells us to get up, go outside and do something creative

@pho ebeede nt

Go outside and get creative

Write a line a day

W

HILST not being the most artsy activity, committing to writing a brief line is an easy and quick way to document the highlight of your day, without having to dedicate yourself to daily diary entries, as we’ve all tried and failed at that! If you wanted to make a decoration out of it, use a sheet of paper and cover it with colourful writing and maybe even some illustrations to keep as a memory of the summer. A line a day keeps the doctor away! You never know, you could be the next Simon Armitage...

I

T is time to make the most of going to the beach by collecting either shells or pebbles to take home and paint later on. I have fond memories of doing this on summer holidays on the Dorset coast.

This is a great activity to do with younger siblings, cousins or your friends, whilst also creating souvenirs of the holiday or trip to the beach. Painted pebbles also make useful and pretty paperweights, either for yourself or as a thrifty and innovative gift. Who doesn’t need a paperweight?

For those feeling a little more adventurous and confident in their artistic abilities, why not take your pens, pencils or paints outside and make the most of the good weather at home or abroad?

A hard-backed paper pad is a must, along with some time, a drink, and maybe some snacks to keep you going.

Perfection.

Get out your camera and scrapbook

D

ISPOSABLE cameras are a perfect and cheap way to photograph whatever you get up to this summer, without Instagram filters or hundreds of practically identical pictures to choose from. It is extremely easy to pick these cameras up in your local chemist, and they are a great way to get creative with a naturally retro vibe, without any fancy editing. Trees, beaches, and daisy chains are all perfect subjects for your summer snaps.

After the photos have been developed, sticking them into a scrapbook or pinning them up on a pin board is a simple way to display your memories, with little labels alongside them to remember the particular place or day you took it.

But remember, in the words of JLS: “You only get one shot, so make it count.”

WARNING: these photos will have to be developed, so make sure you don’t photograph anything that would be embarassing to collect from the Boots shop assistant.

Invest in an adult colouring book

sey a.ram i r o t @

T

HE astonishing popularity of colouring books for adults over the past few months got me really excited.

Purchasing one is a great idea for getting creative this summer, especially for those who aren’t naturally arty. Most books have simple line drawings and patterns for you to fill in, with pens, pencils or whatever else you choose. Although it takes quite a while to complete each page, it’s the perfect thing to do whilst sitting outside in the sun (or, as we’re in the UK, in front of the TV on a wet afternoon).

Proven to help aid stress relief and a way to get your creative juices flowing, this activity teams relaxation with expression, serenity with artistic ability. It’s time to dig out the crayons from GCSE Geography, and rediscover your inner artist.

@zoem elissax Tag your Instagram photos with @exepose_arts_lit for a chance to be featured

Artistic Licence This week we’re talking creative currency. We asked you which artist you’d feature on the new £20 note FLORA CARR

My lady crush, the goddess Emma Thompson

SARAH GOUGH

Jessie J, it’s not about the price tag

ART TO ART

Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand “If you saw Atlas, the giant who holds the world on his shoulders, if you saw that he stood, blood running down his chest, his knees buckling, his arms trembling but still trying to hold the world aloft with the last of his strength...

What would you tell him?”

KATIE COSTELLO

Helen Mirren dressed up as the Queen, just so the back pretty much matches the front

THEODORE STONE

Akash Beri Pencil sketch “I’ve always been fascinated with artistic depictions of the titan Atlas, particularly the bronze statue in midtown Manhattan by Lee Lawrie and Rene Paul Chambellan. I drew this piece to explore ideas of religious subjugation, and the weight of God’s influence on mankind.”

Mark Knopfler (from Dire Straits) - because he can get you money for nothing

22

NEWS 1-5

SCIENCE & TECH

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 9-11 12-13 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

SCIENCE& TECH Biweekly Breakthroughs

by Joshua Rotchelle Cancer codes

Genetics research has produced new hope for men with advanced prostate cancer; for the first time, the genetic mutations that cause the (currently incurable) disease have been identified. Even better: it’s also been discovered that around 90 per cent of these mutations are potentially treatable.

Researchers noted that the discovery was a serious insight into prostate cancer, calling it the “Rosetta Stone” of prostates.

E-light my fire

A major review of the recent ecig phenomenon, covering four studies and 1,011 patients, has concluded that electronic cigarettes are not quite what people thought when it comes to quitting the habit: they help for the first month, but no further. Despite some claims that the supposedly seminal smoke-spewers help quitters, reviewers noted that other measures like nicotine gum were superior.

The Products of Pain

Although considered the safest painkiller for pregnant women, new evidence has discovered that paracetamol can have adverse effects on male fetuses.

The drug was shown to reduce testosterone production after a week of regular exposure, meaning that women who take the drug regularly to manage pregnancy pains may stunt their male child’s growth. One-off dosages are still safe, however.

GAMES 26-27

1 JUNE 2015 |

SPORT 30-32

Exeposé Science & Tech

SCI & TECH EDITORS Catherine Heffner Lewis Norman

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeSciTech

Anyone up for a pint of politics? sciandtech@exepose.com

Pavel Kondov catches up with Exeter lecturer Dr. Darren Schreiber after his ‘Pint of Science’ presentation on how your brain is built for politics

D

R. SCHREIBER began our interview explaining how his political research relates to neuroscience.

“I use brain imaging to study how the human brain thinks about political information. The argument is contending that the very reason that we have the brain that we do is that Aristotle was right and we are, by nature, political animals”. This works in more ways than we would usually imagine. “What I mean by politics are these constant coalitions; we are members of coalitions that are part of coalitions, which in themselves are part of coalitions. Take tonight’s crowd for example – we gathered here today for a common purpose and coordinated in incredibly complex ways, and formed a coalition that will probably never see each other again. This isn’t unusual, but we don’t think about it – the nature of human coalitions is that they are constantly forming and dissolving. This dynamism requires us to have an incredible amount of flexibility”.

This is what sets us out from even our closest relatives. “Humans are really closely related to chimpanzees (sharing 95 per cent of our DNA), and we are massively more flexible in our cognitive abilities. Technical problem-solving in young chimpanzees and young humans is identical. What is really different is that young humans can coordinate with each other and form a coalition to solve a common problem – something which chimpanzees cannot keep up for long”.

Biological data suggests that after you leave home, your political attitudes change quite dramatically I ask how his argument fares with the fact that a lot of people simply do not care about politics or voting. “Political scientists have been so focused on things like the act of voting. It is an important politi-

cal act, but it is one of millions of political acts that take place in a human lifespan.

Having conversations within their families about what values they have, negotiating relationships with clients or sharing responsibilities in the office – those are all political decisions. The fetishizing of national and international politics, which are a fairly recent invention, disguises how incredibly political our everyday interactions are”.

A key point of his talk was that as our brains grow more complex, so do the political problems we deal with, which is bad news for all of us who watch the news and go “oh, dear.” “There’s an awful lot of computational power in the brain that tries to make the world simpler. In the context of politics, we are constantly trying to figure out if the person opposite us is an ‘us’ or a ‘them’. But because there are constantly shifting coalitions, ‘them’ becomes ‘us’ at a certain level. We have to be very careful about who we form alliances with, who we make commitments to. By trying to reduce this complexity without oversimplifying, the brain can understand it”.

But we are also creatures of instinct whose emotions can be played on. “If I want to induce fear in you, there are buttons I can press like playing scary music, or speaking in a deep voice. The mistake comes when people start believing that they can control others in this way, because it turns out we are much more complex than this. My favourite example is Joe McCarthy, who was going around in the 50s, promulgating this sense of fear from communism in America. Fear was incredibly productive for him - for a while. Now when you mention his name you almost instantly think about someone who goes on a witch hunt, so he pushed the fear button too many times. You can observe that even in pop music. Britney Spears’ back catalogue does not sell anywhere near what she sold when she first gained prominence, but if you look at artists like The Beatles, Elvis or even Beethoven, people still buy them a lot.

Image: thisisnthappiness.com We can hit the saccharine button or the fear button with some success, but in the long run it turns out we are much more sophisticated.”

Finally, I ask about where he is taking his research next. “One of the questions that is left is what is going on in children. Evidence from genetics suggests that from eight to 18 there’s no role of genetics, but as soon as they leave the environment the genes kick in. The old model in political science is socialisation – that we socialise children into politics.

But the biological data suggests that after you leave home, your political attitudes change quite dramatically and are about

É

40 per cent related to your biological heritability. Does the brain change rapidly when you leave home, or is there a latent, say, conservatism in the brain that can manifest itself freely after leaving a liberal home. One of the interesting policy implications is the proposal to extend the right to vote to 16-year-olds. If they vote for a party at 16 when political opinions aren’t fully formed, do they get into the habit of voting for it because of a sense of commitment, or do their political views change at a later stage? Societies are now speaking about introducing this change, which will be a very large social experiment whose consequences we simply do not know.”

WHAT IS ‘PINT OF SCIENCE?’ - Founded in 2012 by academics at King’s College London -An International Science Festival, this year spanning 50 cities in nine countries - Public talks are held by university science academics in pubs and bars - A total of nine talks took place in Exeter this year, over the course of three days - Hosting pubs in Exeter included the Oddfellows, the Rusty Bike and the Ship Inn

Smashed on science EXEPOSÉ

SCIENCE & TECH

www.exepose.com

23

The debut ‘Pint of Science Festival’ took over Exeter pubs last week and Exeposé Science & Tech are here to give you the best bits and �ill you in on what you’ve missed

The Epigenome, Epilepsy and the Brain Dr Marc Goodfellow & Dr Therese Murphy Oddfellows Monday 18 May

A

WHOLE evening of ‘the Epigenome, Epilepsy and the Brain’ – my nerdy little heart beat that bit faster at the prospect. Dr Goodfellow began the evening by describing his work into mathematical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Despite its prevalence, epilepsy is widely misdiagnosed in general practice. Moreover, standard treatments have proven ineffective for a third of sufferers. Using mathematical models of neural networks, their team is investigating ways of personalising treatment and increasing the accuracy of diagnosis.

The following talks described the glories of epigenetics and its influence in twin development. The epigenome is a true game changer of the nature vs. nurture debate. It alters the ways in which genes are expressed through chemical modifications to the DNA, often with dramatic consequences. In her talk, Dr

Diabetes: Islands of Hope Prof. Noel Morgan The Rusty Bike Monday 18 May

O

VER 3 million people in the UK are affected by diabetes, a disease prevalent throughout history. Aretaeus of Cappadocia (150AD) described diabetes as “a melting down of flesh and limbs into urine”, which although gruesome, is actually a fairly accurate description, given that an untreated patient can produce up to 30 pints of sweet urine a day. This sweet sugary urine results from the failure of insulin to enable glucose metabolism, leading to starvation in the midst of plenty.

For the patients with type 2 diabetes, this results from an insulin resistance and often associated with what we eat.

Whereas for the ten per cent of those with type 1 diabetes, immune cells invade the pancreas and chew up the insulin producing cells – the islets of Langerhans. These islets of Langerhans, floating about in the sea of pancreas cells like islands, are mini organs in their own right, acting indepen-

Therese Murphy compared epigenetics to the expressive notations musicians write over a score of music. Stylistic changes in volume and pace can drastically affect the feel of a piece, even though its notes and form stay the same. Epigenetics relates to genetics in much the same way. It is thought that these changes are not inherited in the same way that your genome is but are influenced by environmental factors.

This can be seen in the differences between identical twins.

Although monozygotic twins (which develop from the same egg) share the same genetic information, research has shown that their epigenomes develop differently over the course of their lives, due to exposure to different environmental influences. As such, twins develop increasingly divergent traits, despite the fact that they are essentially biological clones. Epigenetics is currently attracting a great deal of attention in research into many disorders and diseases, ranging from the

dently of their neighbours, with their own nerve and blood supply.

According to Professor Morgan here at the University of Exeter, it is these cells that give us hope. Hope that can be seen in a type 1 diabetes patient of 50 years, with insulin in their pancreas, defying what we understand to be true.

To Professor Morgan this observation suggests the regrowth of the islets of Langerhans and he, along with his research team, is trying to gain a deeper understanding.

Islets of Langerhans, floating about in the sea of pancreas cells like islands, are mini organs in their own right Perhaps one day, a treatment for those with type 1 diabetes could persuade the regeneration of the islets of Langerhans – the islands of hope.

EVIE BROWN

physiological to the psychological. For instance, Dr Murphy’s research is focussed on the role of epigenetics in psychological disorders such as depression and suicide. With further research, it is hoped that epigenetics will begin to fill some of the well-established gaps in our understanding of inheritance.

CATHERINE HEFFNER, SCIENCE AND TECH EDITOR

Tempted, Sugar Coated and Emotional!?!

Prof. Ian MacLaren, Dr Craig Beall & Jaison Kolenchery Oddfellows Tuesday 19 May

I

T was 7pm when scientists from around the area, university students and regular people interested in science started showing up at OddFellows for the second night of ‘Pint of Science 2015’. On the plate for tonight were talks by three speakers unravelling the mysterious

Bacterial Pathogens and their Natterings Dr Matt Robinson The Rusty Bike Monday 18 May

E

VOLUTION is happening all the time, and according to Professor Robert Beardmore, this is not just a theory.

If you have nothing better to do during these long, post-exam days, you can even directly observe this in your kitchen by evolving drug resistant bacteria (might want to check this with your housemates first). All you need is a glass, some Lucozade, Marmite, water, an antibiotic and your microwave. The varying internal chemical states in different bacterial cells causes mutations in their genetic information, and voila, after a while your bacteria may evolve antibiotic-resistance.

This type of modelling experiment actually highlights the incredibly important issue of drug-resistance in human patho-

workings of neurocognitive mechanisms and their relevance to everyday emotions and behaviour.

The first speaker was Professor McLaren, talking about Pavlovian Conditioning and Inhibition Training in the light of everyday decision making and self-control. Everyday life is full of temptations. Every now and then our self-control fails so that we can no longer suppress our urges.

We take risks we shouldn’t take. We make impulsive decisions we will later regret. McLaren spoke about his recent work on the workings of a human mind in controlling behaviours such as overeating, excessive drinking and drug abuse. He also shared some groundbreaking ideas of therapeutic training tasks for strengthening people’s ability to resist temptations.

Dr. Beall then spoke about the workings of the brain in sensing and utilising sugar, as well as bodily mechanisms responsible for a continuous supply of glucose to the brain cells. Understanding the neurological bases of sugar utilisation by the brain is crucial for the understanding and treatment of diabetes, whereby sugar levels often fluctuate. Can the brain

gens during infection treatment, where approximately three new mutations can occur per week.

The human gut, containing about two liters of bacteria regularly exposed to various antibiotics is thus considered an important evolutionary ‘hotspot’, and contains many different, interacting species. The richness of this microbiota is thought to affect our health, for example playing a role in obesity – lower bacterial diversity correlates with weight as well as other factors such as insulin resistance.

Therefore, changes in the microbiota, for example due to antibiotic treatment, can have negative impacts on health.

If you have nothing better to do during these long, post-exam days, you can even directly observe this in your kitchen So how can you replace any losses in diversity? Let’s all welcome the new era of faecal transplants.

SOLENE LONG

adapt with ease to the frequent low sugar levels? And should we intervene, or leave the body to self-regulation processes? Dr. Beale’s talk appeared to be close to the hearts of a number of members of the audience and generated an engaged discussion in the Q&A at the end.

Finally, Jaison Kolenchery provided an insight into the neuroscience of emotion as the primary motivation for many human behaviours. Emotions were discussed in the light of their evolutionary importance and their underpinning neurocognitive mechanisms. The most recent research into emotions and cognitions in animals was explored in terms of its direct relevance to our understanding and treatment of mental health disorders such as PTSD using the fear emotion as an example.

Overall, the evening of engaging speakers, passionate scientific discussions, pints and potato wedges left a happy smile on the faces of those who attended. Although it certainly would not be a bad idea to hire a bigger pub for Pint of Science 2016, which we are looking forward to with excitement.

JENYA SIRYK

ONLINE

HIGH STREET

CAMPUS

OVER 160 DISCOUNTS FOR

FROM DATE OF PURCHASE

GET YOUR CARD PRINTED IN MINUTES FROM THE STUDENTS’ GUILD INFO POINT OR YOU CAN ORDER ONLINE AT NUS.ORG.UK

26

GAMES

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 9-11 6-7

GAMES

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 | Exeposé Games

GAMES EDITORS Jack England Evan Jones

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeGames

games@exepose.com

Photo: Gamekings.tv

Conserving the UK games industry

Victoria Bos tells us the plans for the games industry under the Conservatives and the SNP

O

VER the last few years, the British video gaming industry has been experiencing unprecedented levels of growth. In the newest research conducted in late 2014 it was estimated that the industry accounted for more than £3.9 billion of consumer spending within the UK, mainly attributed to the growth of mobile gaming in recent years.

With this in mind, you may remember that on 7 May this year, the nation went to the polls in order to have their say on who should form the next government.

The Conservative party won an overall majority with 330 seats, whilst the Scottish National Party held the majority of seats in Scotland. Thus, it is these parties

and their policies that will have the greatest influence on the UK gaming industry over the next five years. So what does the future hold for the industry under these parties?

It would appear that the industry is going to recieve a great deal of support across the UK The Conservatives have promised to continue to pursue many of the policies they placed down under the previous coalition government. This includes tax

credits and relief for the video games industry. They also promise to continue to protect the intellectual property rights of gaming manufacturers by maintaining the requirement for internet providers to block torrent sites containing large quantities of illegal data.

This ensures that consumers have to purchase a game if they wish to play it and helps to support the creator, as well as ensuring their work is recognised as their own. This will be combined with the continued voluntary anti-piracy scheme to educate consumers about when they might be breaking copyright law and the possible consequences of those actions.

In Scotland, the SNP also have ideas

about how they are going to support their ever-growing industry. The party’s press officer has stated they are backing the idea of creating a Creative Content Fund for the gaming industry, in order to help support the creation of new studios. They have also stated that they back the industry’s calls for an increase in the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme to help attract foreign investors, and support proposed changes to the Shortage Occupation List to recognise the specific skills needed for the sector and ensure a wellqualified workforce.

So, having seen these promises, it would appear that the industry is going to receive a great deal of support across the

UK, with tax credits and piracy schemes already in place.

We cannot predict what may be proposed in Westminster over the next five years Of course, these are just promises and we’ll just have to see what will happen. It is always the way with politics - we cannot predict what may be proposed in Westminster over the next five years.

We can just hope they will continue the positive effect politics is having on the UK gaming industry.

Pull the Chrono Trigger on old games

Put down your rose-tinted glasses. Tom Crawley investigates whether the games of old are gold

E

VERY aged gamer is familiar with that warm fuzzy feeling you get when reminiscing about your childhood days spent in front of the TV, controller in hand, playing your favourite video games. Anyone familiar with this knows all too well the utter disappointment when you realise your childhood classics aren’t quite as you remember them. So put down those rose-tinted glasses fanboys and fangirls do retro games still hold up today?

Designed to mimic the graphics and controls from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Yacht Club Game’s recent title Shovel Knight achieved success and critical acclaim,

critics have simply labelled it as ‘nostalgia-bait’, where a game markets itself on the reputation of classic retro titles.

Thanks to online services such as Nintendo’s eShop and Sony’s PlayStation Store, I was able to play SNES classics

selling 180,000 copies within a month of its North American release. This suggests that there’s still some scope for retro games compared to their modernlooking counterparts, but Shovel Knight doesn’t face the same console limitations as the NES games of old. Some

like Chrono Trigger and Super Metroid for the first time, as well as replay some of my childhood favourites such as Crash Bandicoot, Tomb Raider and Sonic the Hedgehog. The first obvious difference between these games and modern titles is the graphics. The higher resolution of

newer games allows developers to create more immersive environments. However, that isn’t to say that retro games have poor graphics. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee still retains some of my favourite visuals in a video game to date.

There’s also a noticeable difference in the high difficulty curve of retro games compared to the hand-holding experienced by today’s younger gamers. I’m sure many of you remember hours spent trying to make that impossible jump or beat a particularly frustrating level – anyone else remember the water temple in The LegTime end of Zelda: Ocarina of Time?

There are exceptions to this though, like the Dark Souls series, which is notorious for its intense difficulty. However, I found a lot of the difficulty was down to imprecise controls compared to modern games - a particular problem for 3D platformers from the pre-analogue stick

era. Tomb Raider’s clunky controls left Lara Croft with the fluidity of a steel pole compared to her 2013 instalment. During the ‘golden age’ of platformers, imprecise controls intensified the difficulty of many games at the time, but now present fewer problems in modern platforming titles.

Tomb Raider’s clunky controls left Lara Croft with the fluidity of a steel pole Genres have also evolved differently.

While platformers arguably took a hit, the popularity of first-person shooters has skyrocketed. Shooters and fighting games have benefitted immensely from the rise of online multiplayer that all retro games lack. In the current age of social gaming, online features downloadable content and day one patches enable connectiv-

ity and balancing not seen in retro titles, increasing their replay value and staying power. This can be attributed to the success of long-standing franchises such as the Halo series and Activision’s cash cow, Call of Duty. Retro games can’t stand up to today’s games at all in this aspect, especially considering how extensively online play has driven modern-day gaming.

Ultimately, whether or not retro games can hold up against their modern counterparts without nostalgia boils down to the game itself. I personally found Kirby’s Adventure and Super Mario Bros. 3 to be enjoyable experiences, despite both being over 20 years old. But it’s all too common for many retro titles to age poorly against today’s technology. Whether your favourites stand up well or not, at least you can revel in the fondness of the nostalgiafuelled memories of your childhood days spent playing them. Unless it’s the water temple. Forget the water temple.

EXEPOSÉ

Can video games tackle the topic of mental health?

GAMES

www.exepose.com

27

Ollie Toms tells us how mental illnesses are being handled in modern video games

L

AST year, 11 Bit Studios released a game called This War of Mine.

Players are charged with keeping alive a household of strangers, bunking down in an abandoned house together through the war gripping their city. It’s a game where you, the player, have to watch the terrible consequences of war and your actions eating away at the health and sanity of your people. It forces you to confront the strong probability that you might not make it through the night. It’s a game which starts with that famously chilling quote from Ernest Hemmingway: “In modern war… you will die like a dog for no good reason.”

Games have long since been criticised regarding their handling of serious, significant topics such as this. But if This War of Mine can deliver a powerful, insightful wake-up call to a medium so familiar with the trivialisation and glorification of war, then why is it that so many people seem to think we can’t have games

that tackle issues of mental health in the same way?

Last year, Patrick Lindsey wrote an opinion piece on Polygon about mental health in gaming, attacking games for presenting mental illness sufferers “as mental disorders embodied and wrapped in ostensibly human packaging”. This strikes me as exactly the sort of dehumanisation which separates Call of Duty from This War Of Mine. Mental health in gaming is so rarely tackled in any way other than what Lindsey has described that it’s easy to ask ourselves whether we should even be trying. Every time a game appears with an antagonist motivated by their implacable “insanity”, or where the protagonist has a ‘sanity metre’ among the game’s roster of mechanics, the stereotype is solidified and corroborated.

Do we have any games yet which do for mental health what This War of Mine did for war? That really depends on the player. Or perhaps I should say it depends

on the human. Everyone is touched by these issues at some point in their lives, and the games which I feel best showcase the medium’s capacity to deal with these topics are those which treat you not as a gamer or a consumer but as a human being, whose experiences playing such a game are bound to resonate in some form or another with their real life experiences.

The games which best showcase these topics are those which treat you not as a gamer or consumer, but as a human being A good example of a game that does successfully portray the experience of mental illnesses is the recently released platforming game Sym, which sends players into a world which Josh, a teenage sufferer of a social anxiety disorder, has created for himself in order to keep away from other people. The player must take

on the role of Josh and alternate between the light and dark sections which form his imaginary world, avoiding carnivorous plants in the ground and navigating terrain which is in constant flux, subject to change at a moment’s notice. It’s an exploration of chaos and powerlessness, realised both in the jittery viciousness of the games graphics and in the gameplay itself, reflecting the real life issues that people face every day.

It is games such as Sym that give me hope for the direction in which gaming is heading. None are perfect, but each can be considered a proof-of-concept that the video game as a medium holds fantastic potential for tackling these kinds of ‘heavy’ topics.

Mental health and depression aren’t gimmicks or plot devices in games like Sym. They are respectful towards the issues they discuss and, more importantly, can actually raise awareness and help people suffering from these issues whilst also improving understanding among their family, friends and loved ones.

Whatcher, Whycher, Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Jack England, Games Editor, delves into his game of the year

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt CDProjektRED PC, PS4 and Xbox One Out now

I

CLOSE the door behind me.

Drowners are clawing at the wooden frame whilst I catch my breath. I’m inside a tower filled with rats and the smell of death. I pull out a small lamp, which begins to emit an eerie glow. Suddenly the room is crowded with spirits all calling out. These might sound like the ravings of a mad man, but for me it’s just another day being a witcher.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the newest instalment in CDProjektRED’s incredibly popular RPG series, which puts the player in control of Geralt, a witcher who must fend off terrifying beasts, search for a long-lost friend and try not to die whilst being trapped between two sides of an almighty war. The Witcher 3 ties in elements of gameplay that will remind some of The Elder Scrolls series as well as the difficulty of Bloodborne in places.

Your protagonist is journey-

ing on a 200+ hour quest in search of allies whilst also helping the civilians of the world you find along the way. Firstly, the maps are gigantic, almost to the extent that it is a little bit daunting to head off into the wild exploring as the only way back is to walk.

Not to mention the hordes of monsters trying to pummel or poison you to death.

Nevertheless, I find myself trekking across moors, swamps and plains, constantly on the search for new quests and adventures as the gentle footsteps

of Geralt weave in and out of the perfectly designed landscapes.

The world that CDProjektRED have created is one full of life and beauty. The visuals are incredible, especially with the introduction of NVidia’s new HairWorks engine, which really helps you immerse in the world around you.

Professional and realistic voice acting, which gives each NPC their own personality, complements the astounding visuals.

Free game of the week

There’s no need to worry about combat either, as it is fluid and tight. It took me a while to get to grips with the controls, but that’s simply because I’m more of a hack-and-slash guy and Geralt fights with more finesse than I’m used to.

Smashing the face of a griffin or spectre has never been so much fun Once you master parrying, dodging and evading,though, smashing the face of a griffin or spectre has never been so much fun.

The skill trees and abilities brought into the game are easily understood as well, and can be swapped in and out, depending on the situation you find yourself in, to make sure you’ll be able to survive a tight matchup with anything you come across.

The only major issue I can find with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is that it is so in-depth that I’m worried I’ll fail my final year by playing it instead of doing any work. It is impossible to tell you everything included in this extraordinary game, from small additions like Gwent, a strategic card game, to boat sailing. However, if you do think this takes your fancy, I would highly recommend it as we are looking at a very strong game of the year contender right here.

Cloudbase Prime Cloudbase Prime gives the player control over a small mining robot, but when everything goes wrong it’ll be up to you to fight off the enemies that spawn! Featuring incredible visuals, perfect gameplay and hilarious audio, make sure to give this game a go!

Scan the QR code or go to http://cloudbaseprime. com to download your free copy

EXEPOSÉ

STUDY BREAK

www.exepose.com

29

BREAK

STUDY CROSSWORD # 76

SUDOKU # 13

Across 1 Social networking website (8)

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

5 Gathering involving 21 (in the 11 for you?) (4) 9 Postponed (as a drink is poured at the 11 5?) (2,3) 10 Vivid picture - a la tube (anagram) (7) 11 Warmest season (when one has a 5?) (6) 12 Third Rock from the Sun (5) 15 City in northeast Pakistan - or hale (anagram) (6) 17 Stereotyped phrase (6)

Summer Placements:

19/24 Formal outfit (for a beau at the 11 5?) - cable kit (anagram) (5,3)

SCP 3167 International Assistant Closing Date: 1 June

20 Person who strictly follows rules - panted (anagram) (6) 23 Gatecrash (7) 25 Tortilla chip (part of the 1 Down at the 11 5?) (5) 26 Dull - colour (4)

ANSWERS:

27 Amphibian (that croaks on wood?) (4,4) 14 Visiting nightclubs - lug in BBC (anagram) (8)

Down

16 Collect together - a puker (anagram) (4,2)

1 Nosh (at the 11 5?) (4)

18 Seem (6)

2 Breed of very small Mexican dog - Mexican state (9)

21 Rhythmical movement (which is slow for couples at the 11 5?)

3 Freshwater fish - amber (anagram) (5)

(5)

4 Protest (6)

22 Short musical work with words (which is romantic for couples

6 Winning serve in tennis (3)

at the 11 5?) (4)

7 Merriment (heard during comedy at the 11 5?) (8)

24 See 19 Across

SCP 3169 Prospect Researcher (Trusts) Closing Date: 10 June SCP 3170 Prospect Researcher (Individuals) Closing Date: 10 June

8 Climb down a rock face using a rope - is able (anagram) (6) 13 Fast motor (driven by Hamilton or Button?) (6,3)

ANSWERS:

Down: 1 Food, 2 Chihuahua, 3 Bream, 4 Outcry, 6 Ace, 7 Laughter, 8 Abseil, 13 Racing car, 14 Clubbing, 16 Rake up, 18 Appear, 21 Dance, 22 Song.

Tree frog. ,

CARTOON BY NISH RAI

WEATHER

Across: 1 Facebook, 5 Ball, 9 On ice, 10 Tableau, 11 Summer, 12 Earth, 15 Lahore, 17 Cliché, 19/24 Black tie, 20 Pedant, 23 Intrude, 25 Nacho, 26 Grey, 27

Exeter’s outlook for the week ahead

Mon 4th

High Low

13°C

8°C

Tues 5th

14°C

9 °C

Wed 6th

16°C

10 °C

Thur 7th

17°C

10°C

SCP 3168 Supporter Engagement Assistant Closing Date: 1 June

Fri 8th

19°C

11 °C

Sat 9th

19°C

12 °C

Sun 10th

19°C

Data accurate at time of print

‘‘

PUZZLES BY ALFRED

WORDS OF WISDOM...

We are high priest Vatican assassin warlocks Charlie Sheen

SBP 3171 Archive Assistant Closing Date: 12 June Graduate Vacancies: GBP 3155 Learning & Development Administrator Closing Date: 8 June GBP 3162 Economic Development Project Assistant (Enterprise Support) Closing Date: 9 June GBP 3164 Tennis Coach Closing Date: 21 June Upcoming Employability Event: Talk to the University of Law about their new GDL course in September. Centre Director Kevin Griffiths is offering 15-minute 1 on 1 appointments between 10.30 and 1.00 on Thursday 11 June.

Email careers@exeter.ac.uk to book an appointment and reserve your voucher for a free meal and drink in the Ram.

EUMCC defeat lacklustre 30

NEWS 1-5

SPORT

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 9-11 12-13 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

SPORT 30-32

1 JUNE 2015 |

EXEPOSÉ

A home side batting masterclass allows Exeter to overcome a despondent Bristol outfit a MEN’S CRICKET VARSITY

with a strong delivery that left the stumps

Freddie Eastwell Sports Team EUMCC 1s UBCC

T

107-2 105

HE Exeter Mens 1s completed a victory by eight wickets in the Cricket Varsity, easily surpassing the 105 run target set by Bristol.

The team and club members arrived at the ground early to prepare for a day that promised to be a great spectacle.

The Cricket Varsity has always been the club’s most notorious event, year after year producing large crowds of students to frolic and bask in the sunshine around the boundary edge. This year’s match was to be no different as supporters arrived from midday onwards to watch the mens 1s take on Bristol. This year’s turnout was the largest Exeter had ever seen for a varsity game.

The team’s form of late suggested that a win was essential if they were to emulate last year’s success. An early blow came, however, in the form of illness as opening batsman Mikey Cousens was deemed unfit to play. This may well have affected the bizarre decision to bowl first on a wicket that looked in prime condition. That said, early exchanges between Exeter’s opening bowlers and Bristol’s opening batsman proved that there was plenty in the pitch. The first over saw Jonathan Burden finding the edge and a fantastic catch in the slips by Ollie Mills. The early sparring continued with openers Burden and Barton egged on by a crowd in good voice.

A flurry of boundaries off the opening overs suggested that it would be an early finish The second wicket fell a few overs later when a bewildered Bristol batsman attempted a pull shot off a short ball delivery by Burden. The ball came off the top edge of the bat and flew high into a space just behind square leg. The crowd watched as Rob Craze glided across the field to take a stunning diving catch, which caused somewhat of a ruckus on and off the pitch.

É

1 for 3 Bristol managed just one run for the loss of three wickets

>> EUMCC”s Rob Craze leans into a drive at the beginning of the Exeter innings, while Morgan looks on. Craze would go on to hit several boundaries and remained at the crease throughout Burden quickly struck again with an LBW to leave an intimidated Bristol side 12-3 after six overs. Their top order collapse echoed that of New Zealand, who were similarly crumbling under pressure from the home crowd at Lord’s.

With Bristol crawling to 46-3 off 15 overs, many of the club members were beginning to wonder if they would have to organise another game after the match so as to make sure people had got their money’s worth for the tickets. The Bristol top order certainly appeared as though they were yet to recover from their weekend of partying at their infamous ‘Love Saves The Day’ festival. It was going to take more than love to rescue Bristol from their current demise and this seemed highly unlikely as Exeter turned to spin.

Cue Alex Hughes, the master of spin,

who marked his run up to the sound of bawdy chants from the EUMCC faithful. Just before the drinks break, Hughes struck with an edge and a great take behind the stumps from Oli Rendell reduced Bristol to 70-4.

Coldman redeemed his earlier drop with an impressive delivery After the halfway break in the innings, Bristol began to seriously deteriorate as the Exeter bowling attack tore through some mediocre batting. Craze was called into action again, taking another fantastic catch off his own bowling, and Coldman redeemed his earlier drop

with a strong delivery that left the stumps in tatters. It got worse for Bristol as a breakdown in communication between batsmen caused a laughable run out chance for Ollie Mills, leaving the away team faltering on 94-7. Club captain James Rimmer also had his moment of glory, taking two wickets in quick succession. Coldman took the final wicket with another catch in the slip cordon that left Bristol all out for a miserly 105.

As the Exeter players prepared to pad up and complete a convincing victory over their southwest rivals, EUMCC provided entertainment for the crowd with their famous stump challenge. Dehydrated and intoxicated, club members ran in relays out to a cricket stump, circled it a dozen times before running back to their mark in a state that resembled an all too famil-

iar crawl up the high street after a Timepiece social night.

With the revelries over, Morgan and Craze were trusted with the duties of opening the batting for Exeter and they got off to a flying start. A flurry of boundaries off the opening overs suggested that it would be an early finish as the openers raced along at a rate of about four runs an over. Morgan and Craze made a 50 run partnership before the fifteenth over with an impressive array of fours. Morgan lost his wicket in the 20s and was soon followed by Ollie Mills who fell to an LBW appeal. Big hitter Tom Coldman came to the crease and took an over to get going before leaping into action. A cheeky reverse sweep and another couple of big shots saw Coldman hit 14 runs off just three balls. Craze also went into a frenzy

Bristolians

and retain the Varsity shield in style

www.exepose.com

EUMCC Player Ratings Jonathan Burden - 9 Ended the game as a contest with a bowling spell that knocked over the top order. He may be the successor to the seemingly irreplaceable Joe Barrs.

SPORT

31

AU reflects on successful year

Emmott Leigh, Sports Editor, reports as the AU celebrates at the end of season dinner

Rob Craze - 8.5 Played a role in demolishing Bristol’s top order with a great catch. Took a wicket with his off-spin before seeing out Exeter’s innings with the bat.

Tom Coldman - 8 Took a sharp slip catch to dismiss an opener, saw off the tail with his bouncy spin, and enthralled with his big hitting to finish the chase.

James Rimmer - 7.5 The club captain was popular as part of the spin attack. Took a cheap 2 for in his final Varsity.

Alex Hughes - 7 His tidy left-arm spin stifled Bristol.

Will be key next year.

Alex Morgan - 6.5 1s veteran got the Exeter innings off to a good start. His will be big boots to fill.

Oli Rendell - 6.5 Kept wicket faultlessly. Next year, he will look to nail a spot as first-choice wicket-keeper / batsman.

Sasha Barras - 6 As one of five spinners, Sasha missed out. We will see how he fits in next season.

Exeter’s innings, having already taken a diving catch and claimed a wicket. Photo: Edwin Yeung of boundaries that saw him come close to 50.

There was no time for the drinks break as the Exeter batsman chased down the insignificant run total in no time at all to mark a win by eight wickets. Appropriately, Coldman hit the winning runs with a glorious straight drive down the ground for four. The match came to an end much sooner than many had anticipated in a game that won’t exactly live long in the memory of Varsity victories. Nonetheless, it was an important win for the Exeter 1s, who have a big game against Loughborough coming up which could make or break their season.

All in all, the 2015 Cricket Varsity was a wonderful success for the Exeter Mens 1s. Jonathan Burden’s three

wicket haul was well backed up by Rob Craze’s unbeaten batting effort and the remarkable catches that were held onto.

É

14 off 3 Coldman smashed a six and two fours off just three balls

This match was a clear demonstration of the talent that EUMCC has at its disposal, and surely gives a brightly positive outlook for the future. However, there are several departures from the club coming up, and players like Club Captain James Rimmer will need to be replaced by fresh faces at the start of the new year. In the meantime they will prepare for Loughborough.

>> EUABC celebrate winning the Club Development award. Photo: Niklas Rahmel

O

N Wednesday 27 May, the annual AU Awards ceremony took place at Exeter Castle. It was a well-received night in all respects, with plenty of festivities before the main event. There were either five or six nominations for each category, of which there were 16. Not only were BUCS clubs like EUABC recognized, but an award also went to non-BUCS club Windriders and Will Baker as best treasurer. This gave the night a feeling of inclusivity that credits the AU. Among the recipients of the awards were the Riding club, who took home Experience Sport Club of the Year, Sam Skinner, who furthered his success of starring for Exeter Chiefs against Newcastle in a memorable first Aviva Premiership appearance by earning the ‘Fresher of the Year’ award, and Snowsports for their achievements in media.

Tom Barton - 6 Not at his best in this Varsity but has had a good season for the 1s to cap off his four-year career. His swing bowling will be missed.

Ed Fleet - 6 No success, but he deserves credit for performing well for the 1s this season.

Ollie Mills - 6 1s captain Mills missed out with the bat, but he captained well, and this year’s struggle should have given him the experience to flourish as batsman and captain next year.

This gave the night a feeling of inclusivity that credits the AU Dr Bruce Coleman was honored once again for his services to Cricket and the University as a whole in the Contribution to Sport Award. This year’s recipient was Rich Carter.

Hockey captain Kathryn Lane was the winner of the Sportswoman of the Year, whereas Sportsman of the Year was given to Ike Ogbo of Boxing. EUABC also earned the distinction of best club development and Team of the Year.

In the most hotly anticipated result of the night, the Men’s Rugby Union Club were given their dues as Club of the Year

for a brilliant season.

After the event, 2014/15 AU President Andy Higham said: “The AU Dinner was a fantastic event that encapsulated the sporting success of the students here at Exeter. With over one thousand students competing in BUCS and over three thousand, seven hundred people involved in our intramural programme we had a lot to celebrate and I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed their evening.”

É

Select results at the dinner: Club Development - EUABC Student Coach of the Year Rhian Bethell Fresher of the Year Sam Skinner Bruce Coleman Contribution to Sport - Rich Carter Club Captain of the Year Josh Clarkson and George Butcher Sportswoman of the Year Kathryn Lane Sportsman of the Year Ike Ogbo Team of the Year - EUABC Club of the Year - EURFC

32

SPORT

NEWS 1-5

SPORT

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 9-11 12-13 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 16-17

ARTS & LIT SCI & TECH 20-21 22-23

GAMES 26-27

1 JUNE 2015 |

SPORT 30-32

Exeposé Sport

SPORT EDITORS Rob Cross Emmott Leigh

EXEPOSÉ

@ExeposeSport

sport@exepose.com

Exeter bowl over Bristol CRICKET VARSITY 2015

EUMCC thrash Bristol by eight wickets to retain their Varsity crown Full report: Pages 30-31

>> EUMMC’s players celebrate taking a wicket in the sunshine during their Varsity win over Bristol at Exeter Country Cricket Club. Photo: Edwin Yeung

In this issue of Exeposé Sport...

Photos, player ratings and more from Varsity Page 30-31

AU Awards 2015: The full list of winners For the latest BUCS Page 31 news head online