xeposé E 31 MAY 2016 | ISSUE 655 | EXEPOSE.COM |
@EXEPOSE |
/EXEPOSE | FREE
Is this the end for Moberly? • Exeter’s cheapest catered halls to close next month • Uni plans new improved self-catered residence • Timeline for re-opening “yet to be finalised” Hannah Butler Editor
M
OBERLY House will close this summer for much-needed renovation work – but as Exeter’s cheapest catered accommodation shuts its doors for the foreseeable future, former residents worry this could spell the end of affordable halls on campus. Built in the 1960s, Moberly – situated between Duryard and Birks Grange to the west of Streatham campus - has only remained open in recent years “due to the high number of academic applications” from students. Billed as budget accommodation, the catered halls cost residents £4,570 for a 32-week contract in 2015/16, including breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch in Birks Grange canteen. In 2008, Moberly was the subject of a parody YouTube video by students named “The Moberly House Appeal.” Dramatising the halls’ slow internet connection, bare-brick walls and frequent power cuts and plumbing issues, the video has received almost 8,000 views. But the budget halls are set to undergo drastic renovation.
“Our Moberly halls of residence will be temporarily closed once this year’s students have vacated their bedrooms in June,” Phil Attwell, Director of Campus Services told Exeposé. Admitting: “The building is in need of some investment,” he explained: “we would like to enhance the facilities on offer by providing high quality self-catered accommodation at Moberly in the future.” Yet Moberly’s residents from recent years have expressed mixed views of the building and its upcoming renovation. “It’s a sh*t hole that builds character,” one third year student told Exeposé. Despite the fact that the building looked like an “asylum,” she “had one of the best years” of her life there. She expressed concerns at the planned changes though, adding: “if it was self-catered it would be even more isolated than it already is, because of its location.” Ex-resident, Jasper Kidwell, worried that converting Moberly to self-catered flats could “completely ruin Moberly’s best aspect: the fact that the whole place was a real community, thus probably the most sociable halls on campus.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
14-21 S E G A P
FESTIVAL FOCUS
Photo: Sachi Minami
T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F E X E T E R ’ S I N D E P E N D E N T N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 8 7
Exeposé, Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ
2
Email: editors@exepose.com Editors Print: Jeremy Brown, Hannah Butler, Susannah Keogh & Ben Londesbrough Online: Theodore Stone & Jessica Stanier
EXEPOSÉ
31 MAY 2016 | EXEPOSÉ
NEWS
Reports of some exceptionally execrable Exeter examinations
EDITORIAL
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO EDITORS@EXEPOSE.COM
News Editors Print: Rachel Ashenden & Natasa Christofidou Online: Georgia Roberts & David Smeeton news@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: Bea Fones & Matt Newman Online: Olivia Horncastle & Rowan Keith comment@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Georgina Bolam & Katie Jenkins Online: Samuel Fawcett & Kate Jones features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Jade Beard & Laurel Bibby Online: Alma Crespo & Lucy Ronan lifestyle@exepose.com Arts + Lit Editors Print: Emma Bessent & Natasha Ebbutt Online: Anna Blackburn & Izzy Hilliard artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Rory Marcham & Helen Payne Online: Sam Norris & Harry Williams music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Mark Allison & Zak Mahinfar Online: Cormac Dreelan & James Hands screen@exepose.com Games + Tech Editors Print: Jabez Sherrington & Sam Wolf Online: Ben Assirati & Jonathan Land games@exepose.com Science Editors Print: Victoria Bos & Beth Honey Online: Holly Belcher & Akash Beri sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Owain Evans & Lara Hopkins Online: James Angove & Ollie Lund sport@exepose.com Photography Satchi Minami & Wang Yong Yan photography@exepose.com With thanks to our proofing team... Copy Editors: Amy Batley, Jack Morgan Jones & Ashton Wenborn. Proofers: Alex Brammer, Theo Stone, Jessie Stanier, Owain Evans, Katie Costello, and others
@Exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exepose Advertising Ross Trant R.Trant@exeter.ac.uk (01392) 722607 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.
PAGE 3
COMMENT
Festivals and farewells
S
O, by the time you read this, term will be practically over, and campus will be even more dead than it is currently - to those of you left, the last of the living students of 2015/16, we salute you. But while summer may be upon us, there’s still some news left in Exeter. Turns out Moberly’s temporarily closing - although with no re-opening date yet on the cards, it’s all a bit of a mystery when these infamous halls will next house students (check out the “Moberly House Appeal” on YouTube for a hilarious take on Moberly’s less-than-ideal conditions). We’ll be honest - when we heard the news, we weren’t exactly heartbroken; rumoured to be JK Rowling’s inspo for Azkaban, Exeter’s cheapest catered halls reached peak grimness some time ago. But speaking to ex-residents, we were surprised to hear them lamenting Moberly’s loss. Looks like some students loved the halls’ perfect imperfections (i.e. mould, power cuts and silverfish in the sink...) In other news, we’ve finally reached the end of another term of exams... but
A year in the life: first year, second year and third year opinions
what’s this? Yet more errors? Spare a thought for the poor Geography students whose plight is detailed on page 3. Over in Features, we’re very excited to have interviewed Exeter alumnus Tindy Agaba. The adopted son of Emma Thompson, Tindy was a child solider in Rwanda, but overcame his past to graduate from Exeter with a BA in Politics, and now works as a human rights lawyer with his own charity. He’s a pretty great guy so turn to page 11 to read all things Tindy. In other fun stuff, it’s festival season! So head to Exhibit for your guide to pretty much everything going on this summer, including Exeter’s very own Poltimore Fest. Music not your thing? Check out the jazzy alternative festivals in Arts + Lit. But it’s not only the expensive tickets you’ve gotta think about; there’s all the festival fashion decisions to make too. Good job Lifestyle’s got us covered. ...And that’s it from us until September! We’ll still be posting online though we may be saying cheerio to Exe, but you can’t get away from us that easily.
News in brief
PAGE 9
FEATURES
What do EU think about the EU? Students argue for and against Brexit PAGE 11
SCIENCE
Apocalypse, now? Immortality, death, and the end of the world PAGE 28-29
University news from beyond Exeter
NEWS EDITORS
Rachel Ashenden Natasa Christofidou
Lecturers react to ignored complaints
Jamaican students buzz away diseases
Chile students riot presidential palace
Cultural awareness at Oromo conference
The University and College Union (UCU) organized a strike for university lecturers, as a means of complaining about their salaries. A planned 48-hour walk out, starting from Wednesday the 24th May, was planned after discussions with the Union and the Universities and Colleges Employers Associations (UCEA) failed to reach an agreement previously that week. Recent proposals to increase salaries by 1.1% have been rejected by the UCU, as its members have been facing a real-terms pay cut of 14% since 2009. In addition to the two day walkout, UCU warns that further further strikes in upcoming weeks could distrupt graduation ceremonies and open days.
Students from the Northern Caribbean University have been internationally recognized for creating a natural mosquito repellant. After entering the international business model competition, the aspiring entrepreneurs from Jamaica came in sixth place. As a prize for making it to the finals, they secured a cash prize of two million Jamaican Dollars. The name given to the repellent lotion is ‘Guardana,’ which has been made from 100% natural ingredients, such as plants and essential oils. Demand for mosquite repellants has increased due to the recent outbreak of the Zika virus, which is known to cause birth defects such as microcephaly. Hence making the relevance of Guardana more prominent.
Education policies proposed by the Chilean government faced a wave of opposition from students, who protested at the presidential palace. The students entered the palace disguised as tourists. Shortly after, security guards forcibly removed the students from the property. According to the student union Confech, the protest was a response to the slow pace of education reforms by the government of President Michelle Bachelet. Education policies by the Government have only partially reformed the education system in previous years. Confech represents students’ concerns over profit-making governmental incentives that are upheld under corruption, preventing the enhancement of free education.
An Ethiopian university holds the first international Oromo studies conference, with the theme: ‘Oromo Knowledge Systems and Practices.’ The conference is an initiative for researchers and higher learning institutions to integrate with one another, in order to appreciate the knowledge and culture of various nations. On Saturday, the 29th May, Jimma University will be endorsing the culture of Oromo, which is the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. Additionally, the University has recently launched an Institute of Oromo Studies (IOS), in an attempt to highlight the importance of cultural practices in various part of the State.
Exam errors hit Exeter A NEWS
Susannah Keogh Editor
A
NGRY students have described the cancelling of an exam halfway through as “a joke”, after a network failure rendered their answers useless. First year Geographers were left bewildered in their GEO1212 ‘Future of the Planet’ exam, worth 100 per cent of their module mark, when they were told to write all 50 of their answers by hand despite it being a computer-based exam.
It was the angriest and most frustrated I have ever been Stephanie Dolmore, First year Geography student In the first sign of problems, the ‘submit’ button on the exam failed to work, meaning students were instructed to take screenshots of their answers and copy them into a Word document. In a farcical turn of events, invigilators then informed the exam hall that the computers were not in fact connected to printers. Following the catalogue of errors, it was decided by the Head Invigilator to terminate the exam - despite students having already copied the majority of the original answers to paper. First year student Stephanie Dolmore
31 MAY 2016 |
EXEPOSÉ
No to a Cecil Rhodes statue
told Exeposé: “After revising for six weeks and actually sitting the exam, to be told it was then cancelled was a joke. As I am a BSc student, I knew that this would have been my best exam where I could have possibly achieved a 1st - it was even more frustrating. “It was the angriest and most frustrated I have ever been.” In an email to affected students directly following the exam, the department claimed the errors were due to a failure with the assessment software Question Mark Perception, which had an effect not just in Exeter, but world-wide. Those who sat the exam will still receive a grade, based on the evidence available, with the stress of the situation being taken into account during marking. Those unhappy with their grade will have the opportunity to resit, although it will not be compulsory to do so. Basic printing errors also hit third year Maths students in the ‘Non-Linear Systems and Control’ exam. The poor quality of the printed paper rendered some questions unreadable, meaning a twenty minute wait for invigilators to reprint a vital graph. An anonymous student who sat the exam said: “The quality of the printed paper was awful; there were black spots all over the page, the sort you get when you photocopy something rather than just printing it. This made it difficult to read
Student Idea to erect a statue of the imperialist Cecil Rhodes has been failed by the Student Council. The anonymous proposer argued that Exeter should fund a statue to illustrate the University’s commitment to “a multicultural state as envisioned by Mr. Rhodes”. Voting on the idea closed after just one day, as the proposition attracted complaints from other students. Naomi Armstrong explained the Guild’s decision to reject the proposal: “Ideas submitted do not necessarily reflect the views of the Students’ Guild... or the wider student body – only the individual who submitted them. This proposal is an example of this and one the Sabbatical team are wholeheartedly opposed to, for a multitude of reasons.” Katie Costello, News Team
Photo: Wang Yong Yan
3
the exam, as a dot above a letter can mean a derivative, and none of us could tell.”
Dr Sean Carter, Director of Education for Geography, said: “Our focus in Geography has been on putting in place a fair and transparent response to this incident. In doing so we have listened
carefully to the concerns of our students, and have discussed our response fully with the Guild. All affected students have received details of how we are dealing with the consequences of the exam disruption, and are being provided with opportunities to discuss this with us.” Bethan Jones, VP Education, said: “Senior management have been very strict with staff to ensure that there is a significant reduction in the number of errors, and so far there seems to have been far less. In what is an already stressful situation, students should have the maximum levels of support.”
include: Hope for Children, East African Playgrounds, and Children’s Society Action Against Hunger.
Rachel Ashenden News Editor
Our focus in Geography has been on putting in place a fair and transparent response Dr Sean Carter, Geography Director
Extreme Med Masters launch
S
EPTEMBER will see the launch of the world’s first Masters programme aimed at teaching healthcare professionals how to practise Medicine in extreme environments, such as humanitarian disaster zones or remote polar regions. Sir Ranulph Fiennes described the project as “a key element of a movement to bring together the sometimes disparate but overlapping worlds of exploration, humanitarian crises and medicine.” The 3-year part-time program will include rescue scenarios on mountains, brought to life by actors and explosions. Rebecca Broad, News Team
RAG reveals chosen charities ISIS research for uni
Natasa Christofidou News Editor
E
XETER Raise and Give (RAG) has announced its chosen local and national charities for the upcoming academic year. Balloons Devon was elected as RAG’s local charity, whilst Cancer Research UK is the national charity that was elected by students at the University of Exeter. The selection of charities goes through a process of giving students an open vote on the guild website, in order to chose from a pool of pre-selected charities. Charities are shortlisted by RAG according to a form, with questions including what charities would do with fundraising donations, and how much support they can offer to RAG.
The amount of opportunities we give students to fundraise money for different charities is incredible Peter Gillibrand, President of RAG As the largest fundraising group in Exeter, RAG are a charity on campus that
enables students to participate in events and challenges in order to raise money. All funds from events are dispersed amongst the two elected charities, along with contributions towards ESV (Exeter Student Volunteers).
People of all ages and backgrounds can get engaged with science Katie O’Connor, VP Activities
Voting began on Monday 16 May, with the launch of a charity fair in the Forum where students could meet charity representatives in person. Similarly, fundraising activities included within RAG’s organized challenges. Events such as Jailbreak, Lost, RockSolid, and even hiking trips abroad like the Kilimanjaro, have separate fundraising incentives. Internationally credited charities supported through charity challenges
The President of RAG, Peter Gillibrand, commented on the beneficial outcomes of charity work at university: “It’s important for students to be part of any charity platform, whilst raising money. RAG provides a wide variety of events, which are both local, national, and international. This allows students at the Univeristy to socialize through fundraising. Being in RAG has enabled me to travel the world and gain new experiences. The amount of opportunities we give students to fundraise money for different charities is incredible.” VP Activities, Katie O’Connor showed positivity towards RAG: “It is great to see students once again choosing a group of worthwhile charities to support in the forthcoming year.”
E
XPERTS at the University plan to collect propaganda published on the internet by Islamic State terrorists in real time in order to investigate its effect on encouraging people to commit political extremism. ISIS uses social media notoriously, with the aim of eliciting fear and promoting its ideology. Academics will analyse its usage to understand the issues and claims made by the group. The investigation’s aim is to strengthen the UK’s intelligence services to tackle propaganda strategies of terrorist organizations. Exeter researchers will be conducting a large-scale, computer-assisted analysis of video and text, with the aim of identifying the tactics ISIS use to politically radicalise individuals. This includes scrutinizing the language and structure of the propaganda to gain greater insight into the arguments made by ISIS to promote terrorism. The study will be led by Stephane Baele and Travis Coan from the Politics department at the University of Exeter, and Katharine Boyd, from the Sociology department, will also be taking part.
Dr Baele said: “We will make use of powerful, computational techniques to detect, gather, and analyse this propaganda. By combining rigorous methods and in-depth explanations, we ultimately hope to contribute to ongoing and future efforts to stop the appeal of violent organisations.”
We hope to contribute to stop the appeal of violent organisations Stephane Baele The project has been funded by the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST), as part of a scheme of studies set up by Lancaster University. Director of CREST, Professor Paul Taylor, has said that he is looking forward to working with the university. In a press preview regarding the issue at hand, he said: “The successful projects promise innovation, rigour, and results that will make a difference to how we understand and counter security threats.”
Exeposé
Moberly closes its doors to students CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Meanwhile 2013/14 resident Matilda O’Regan told Exeposé: “I think it’s a real shame that Moberly is being shut to create new - and probably much more expensive - accommodation.” Adding “Moberly was my first choice and I don’t regret it one bit,” she admitted: “yes it was worn down, but that’s what gave it character.” Jessie Cassidy, another ex-resident, also worried that the changes could raise Moberly’s rents. “Exeter should keep its cheaper halls where possible,” she said, “so students who want to can save money for other things in life,” while fellow 2013/14 resident Rachel Burdon added:
NEWS
“Moberly seems to be the only relatively reasonably priced catered halls,” asking: “Why take that away?”
Yes it was worn down, but that’s what gave it character Matilda O’Regan, ex-Moberly resident Asked about possible rent rises for Moberly, Phil Attwell told Exeposé: “rent levels will form part of our annual discussions with the Guild.” In terms of the budget for the refurbishment, he explained: “options to invest in Moberly
are being considered at present.” This isn’t the first time Moberly House has closed in recent years. In the 2012/13 academic year the halls were not available to rent – but in August 2013, Exeposé reported that Exeter’s increased student numbers meant Moberly would have to re-open. The news was met with concern from former residents – with then second year student Richard Berry warning “If the conditions are the same as they were last year then it is not fit for student living.”
A timeline for Moberly’s reopening is yet to be finalised Phil Attwell, Head of Campus Services The University carried out “some minor works within the residence” before re-opening in September 2013 However, it’s unknown how long these upcoming changes will take. When asked when Moberly would reopen for the student population, Attwell said that project timescales and a timeline for Moberly’s re-opening were “yet to be
Female scientists take to the streets of Exeter
Natasa Chrisofidou News Editor
F
EMALE academics from the University of Exeter are taking to the streets as part of national initiative ‘Soapbox Science’ in order to promote the role of women in science. On 11 June, Princesshay will facilitate a series of public demonstrations and free talks, with the aim of educating the community on different scientific topics, and challenging gender stereotypes in science careers. The co-founder of Soapbox Science, Dr Seirian, who lectures at the Univeristy of Bristol, spoke about the national initiative: “By challenging perceptions among people of all ages, we hope to influence the choices of the younger generation and their families and friends, making it acceptable and normal for girls from any background to follow a career in science.”
We hope to influence the choices of the younger generation and their families Dr Seirian, Co-founder of Soapbox
Soapbox Science provides a platform for outreach that organizes events which aim to transform public areas around the UK into hubs for hands-on learning for
all. Approximately 160 female scientists will take on the Soapbox project this summer, in 13 cities across the UK. Asides from raising the bar for gender equality in education and research, Soapbox also aims to challenge what society views as science.
People of all ages and backgrounds can get engaged with science Felicity Liggins, Met Office scientist
A series of questions will be addressed by six presenters from the University, joined by scientists from the MetOffice. Speakers at the event will range from PhD students to professors. Talks and demonstrations will include the usage of props, experiments and specimens in order to engage the crowd. Topics that will be discussed include the role of maths in discovering patterns in our personality traits, the effects of mud and fossil fuels towards ancient climate change, and how neurons make our brains function. The participating female scientists at the Soapbox event are Dr Kate Littler, Dr Olivia Champion, Dr Regan Early, Stacey Heath, Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova and Isabel Castanho. Psychology Professor, Dr Safi
4
Darden, who is helping coordinate the event, said: “We have some fantastic women scientists across a wide range of disciplines lined up for the event. We’re really looking forward to showcasing their expertise in an accessible and fun way, and we hope people in Exeter and beyond will come along and meet them.” Previously in 2015, Soapbox had their 5th annual London event, launching new events in a new range of cities around the country, including Exeter. The outreach organisation is expanding beyond the UK in 2016, with their first international event in Brisbane, Australia. Felicity Liggins, a senior applied climate scientist at the Met Office, and event coordinator, commented on the diversification of Soapbox, “I believe that people of all ages and backgrounds can get engaged with the fantastic science that’s being done.”
Diamond Walkway brings calm to Uni
Theodore Stone Online Editor
A
NEW project is underway across the University as part of Exeter’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Diamond Waterways project focuses on the various water bodies and features throughout Streatham Campus, and aims to enhance and promote biodiversity and establish a mechanism for students, staff and visitors to connect with the natural environment and enhance personal wellbeing. Particular emphasis is being placed upon the Higher Hoopern Valley Waterway, which is set to be renamed “The Diamond Waterway”, and will part of a collaborative initiative bringing together academic colleagues, students, the Students’ Guild, and members of the Culture, Grounds, Wellbeing, and Sustainability teams. In a public statement, Karen Gallagher, the University’s Environment and Sustainability Adviser spoke of how: “this fantastic project provides a range of practical opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference to our natural environment. We are looking to create interesting and inspiring places for our University community to explore, whilst improving biodiversity and creating a legacy for future users of the campus to enjoy.”
The Diamond Waterway will undergo a series of significant enhancements, including a canopy reduction, vegetation clearance from the ponds and streams, and an assessment of the waterway’s health both before and after the works. Students will be able to develop practical skills in water surveys, whilst following the natural rhythms of the seasonal calendar, which will be informed through academic research activities and evidence. It is hoped that the project will reopen a number of waterways and provide the local environment with enhanced oxygenation and flow.
A celebration of the Grounds Team Comment Page 8 A Jubilee Water Walk has also been created to help students, staff, alumni, and visitors rediscover the natural range of water features on Streatham Campus, which are largely overlooked. The initiative was organised following work carried out by the University’s student-led Green Consultants. A new programme that focuses on mindfulness activities and wellbeing performances will be developed in order to allow individuals to respond sensitively to the natural environment, and its importance to their mental health and wellbeing at University.
É
Percentage of women from around the UK in academic fields: 35% of PhD science graduates 11% of senior lecturers Less than 8% of professors
Photo: Karen Gallagher
Non-EU students lose funding
5
NEWS
Rachel Ashenden News Editor
I
N the past three years, almost 500 international students have lost their sponsorship to study at Exeter, with some being forced to end their studies and return home. The number looks set to increase. To gain a UK student visa at Exeter, international applicants must show they have enough funds for both academic costs and living expenses. At the moment, the annual tuition fees for non-EU students range from £15,950 to £28,500, depending on department. To cover this, some students receive provisional sponsorships from their native countries’ governments. But over the past three academic years, the University has reported increasing numbers of sponsorship withdrawals to the Home Office. The data, released after an Exeposé Freedom of Information request, reveals a significant rise in the number of international students losing sponsorship. From 2013/14 to 2014/15, the withdrawals increased from 169 to 194 – a rise of 25 students losing sponsorship which may have been vital to their studies at Exeter. To date this year, there has been a total of 135 reported withdrawals of sponsorship. This current figure is solely based on Term One, suggesting it could
rise significantly once the final year results have been announced. Some of these withdrawals demonstrate personal losses in funding and some students who are not able to find alternative funding have had to terminate their study here at Exeter. A University spokesman said: “In this case sponsorship does not relate to financial support given to students. It means the University of Exeter undertakes responsibility for a student to come to the UK and study with us. The University “holds a licence from the Home Office so it can sponsor students to come to the UK. This means the University takes responsibility for ensuring individuals are bona fide students. These legal guidelines have to be met in order to keep this license and welcome people from around the world.
Legal guidelines have to be met in order to welcome people from around the world University of Exeter spokesperson
“There are so many reasons why [for withdrawals] - including illness and a change of course or circumstances. The number of cases where sponsorship is withdrawn fluctuates because the reasons are personal to those involved.”
Photo: University of Exeter
Naomi Armstrong, VP Welfare and Diversity, responded: “Whenever a student has to withdraw from their studies, regardless of situation, the University should work to ensure that the process of withdrawing does not add to any stress or anxiety that they might already be feeling.” In 2010, the UK government introduced a series of policies designed to tackle immigration abuse of student visas. One change required educational sponsors to apply for ‘highly trusted’ status. These criteria included having a low rate of student visa refusals and a high rate of course completion. The BBC recently revealed that more than 30,000 non-EU students have had their visas curtailed by the Home Office in the past three years. In the same period, 410 educational establishments had their
licences to sponsor international students revoked. The NUS claimed that international students were being “scapegoated” to meet targets on net migration. The sponsorship withdrawal statistics may correlate to the Home Office’s accumulating demands on non-EU students.
“The website completely failed to cope with the demand and repeatedly crashed, causing panic for students trying to purchase extra tickets for their friends and family,” one third year PPE student told Exeposé. Stating that he was “very disappointed” with the online system, he added: “Only the University could manage to make what should have been a fairly painless and straightforward process almost as stressful as trying to get Glastonbury tickets!” Another final year student said she had been “surprised that tickets for all the ceremonies seemed to go live at once.”
Problems continued throughout the day, and at 3.20pm SID was being forced to take numerous student ID numbers to check whether purchases had been completed or not.
É Sponsorship withdrawals Exeter has reported to the Home Office:
2013/14 - 169 2014/15 - 194
Grad ceremony breaks internet Hannah Butler Editor
F
INAL year students were left panicking on 23 May after the University’s ticketing system for July’s graduation ceremonies crashed minutes after the tickets were released. The ticketing website went live at 9am – and just eight minutes later, Exeter Student Information Desk (SID) took to Twitter to announce that “due to the high volume of traffic...our online store is currently down.” Numerous tweets from worried
students followed. “I’m kind of scared I won’t get any...” one tweeted, while another claimed the website showed all tickets were already sold out.
The whole process was extremely stressful Final year student Confusion followed as some ceremonies’ tickets reappeared on the website but others didn’t – and some students received emails saying their tickets were on sale but weren’t showing up online.
The website completely failed to cope with the demand and repeatedly crashed, causing panic for students Final year student
Photo: SID
“The website crashed within minutes, and the whole process was extremely stressful...there was a real fear that the tickets would all sell out.” Another student asked if tickets could be bought from the Forum SID desk instead. “Unfortunately the tickets have to be sold on the online store to control stock,” SID replied.
2015/16 - 135 (so far)
This is the �irst time we have experienced this issue with the online payment provider University of Exeter spokesperson Ian Blenkharn, Director of Education and Student Experience, said tbat the University was “sorry for any inconvenience” caused to students. “Following a technical difficulty with our online payment provider, the sale of additional graduation tickets was interrupted,” he explained. “We acted quickly to identify and address the issue, and only 100 fewer tickets were processed compared to the same day last year. “We would like to thank students for their patience and remind them they can apply for tickets until 26 June. “This is the first time we have experienced this issue with the online payment provider,” he said, “and we will be reviewing with the supplier how we manage this process in future years.” Grad Week runs through 11-15 July.
31 MAY 2016 |
EXEPOSÉ
Brexit debate comes to campus
T
HE EU referendum debate focused in on Exeter on 24 May. In anticipation of the national referendum on 23 June, the event saw a panel discussion hosted in the Alumni Auditorium to inform students and members of the public on the arguments posed by the opposing “Leave” and “Remain” campaigns. Panellists backing the “Remain” campaign included University ViceChancellor Sir Steve Smith and local MP Ben Bradshaw, while on the “Leave” side were Tim Martin, Founder and Chairman of JD Wetherspoon, and Alicia Mosley, Economics and Politics student and Vice President of the Freedom Society. A pre-debate poll revealed that 70 per cent of those present were in favour of remaining in the EU, 11 per cent wanted to leave and 19 per cent were undecided, compared with 74, 17 and 9 per cent respectively upon the debate’s finish. “I found it surprisingly cordial, the audience was very engaged and there were a lot of people who came with an open mind,” Dane Harrison, DebSoc chair 2016-17 told Exeposé. “It’s absolutely essential that students hear debates about the EU,” she said. adding: “there’s a lot of misinformation regarding this referendum” “This is probably the most important vote that the British public will make and it will effect young people the most” Zak Mahinfar, Screen Editor
Exeter to hit Festival Fringe
F
OR the second year running, the Exeter Revue, the University’s comedy sketch show society, will play a ten night stint at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe The Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland’s capital. In March, the comedy troupe entertained audiences at Exeter’s Bike Shed theatre . Writer Benedict Lane called the opportunity to play at the Fringe “a massive privilege considering some real comedy greats such as Sean Lock launched their careers there.” Exeter Revue President Jack Smail told Exeposé: “This year at the Fringe we are offering up the cream of Exeter’s comedy crop, and this year the crop sure is creamy. Having been writing and rehearsing these sketches all year round, ‘Sketchup 2: The Reawakening’ is a mustsee at this year’s Fringe.” The society will be performing their latest set in Edinburgh every evening at 8pm from 4-13 August. Tickets for students are £3.50, and available on the Fringe website at: tickets.edfringe.com/ whats-on/sketchup-2-the-reawakening. Josh Jewell, News Team
8
COMMENT
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES 10-11 8-9
FESTIVAL FOCUS 14-21
COMMENT
SCREEN 22-23
GAMES+TECH SCIENCE 24-25 28-29
31 MAY 2016 |
SPORT 31-32
Exeposé Comment
COMMENT EDITORS Bea Fones Matt Newman
EXEPOSÉ
@CommentExepose
comment@exepose.com
VC: No to Brexit A bit of blooming gratitude Sir Steve Smith Vice Chancellor
N
EXT month, the people of Britain will have the opportunity to take part in what is conceivably the most important decision of a generation. In just 24 days’ time, we will cast our vote in a national referendum for whether we should remain a part of the European Union. I am delighted by how engaged our student community has been throughout the course of this crucial debate. I have witnessed first-hand through campus events just how passionate and well-informed our students are about this issue. It is, of course, up to individuals how they vote.
EU membership brings massive benefits to our universities My personal belief is that British universities are stronger inside the EU. I believe it is unmistakably clear from the evidence that EU membership brings massive benefits to our universities and their research, staff and students. We are living in an age where global collaboration and interdependency between countries is increasing in all sectors, and I believe a ‘Brexit’ would have untold consequences on the employment and life opportunities of young people, both in Britain and Europe.
Firstly, being part of the EU helps universities attract the brightest and the best minds, enhancing our research communities and student experience, whilst also making a significant contribution to the economy and employment. Our students and researchers benefit from freedom of movement across the EU to work and study, gaining insights and opportunities that will allow them to be the global leaders of tomorrow. Latest research shows that EU students generate around £2.27 billion for the UK economy, while 19,000 jobs in our communities across the country depend on them. Secondly, the EU supports researchers to achieve more together than they could do alone. The very best research is done by the best minds collaborating in teams working across national boundaries. This leads to innovations and discoveries that again boost our economy and improve people’s lives. The UK gets one billion Euros a year from the EU to support world-leading research, and a vote to leave would mean that we could not help set the rules. So for universities, leaving the EU could strengthen our competitors and weaken British research and British universities. Whichever side of the debate you’re on, I would encourage you to ensure you have registered to vote in this momentous event. The future of our young people, who will be among the most affected by this referendum, is at stake and it is vital each and every voice is heard.
Jessica Stanier Online Editor
N
OW that exams are over, chances are you’re spending less time shuffling up Forum Hill and more time sunning on the beach in Exmouth. Rightly so - school’s out for summer and there are at least three months before you’ll need to be back on campus again! In the meantime, though, campus is in full bloom. There’s wisteria blossoming outside Costa, rhododendrons next to Amory, and a family of ducks settled in the lily pond behind the Forum. This isn’t Mother Nature’s gift to the students of Exeter - our university is a Registered Botanic Garden, perhaps the best gardenedcampus in Britain, and those 153 hectares across Streatham and St Luke’s don’t look after themselves.
Our Grounds Team deserves a bit more recognition Students may not be aware that we’ve got a dedicated team of nine people whose job it is to make the trip between lectures
a botanical treat for the eyes. They’ve got a wealth of horticultural experience between them, some of whom have been at the uni for over 30 years, and it shows. Cast your eyes around next year and you’ll notice the Grounds Managers hard at work hoeing, weeding, planting and pruning, each with their own gardening territory to keep looking gorgeously green all year round. From cherry blossom to banana plants - two of the Grounds Managers’ favourite things to grow - we’re surrounded by flora from all over the world.
How many finalists have made the most of what campus has to offer? Without wanting to sound too preachy, I reckon our Grounds Team deserves a bit more recognition for their hard work. Trudging back to Lafrowda from a night at Unit 1, those herbaceous perennial borders by the path may have passed you by. Speaking to members of the team, it’s clear they love their job and seeing students, staff and visitors appreciating their surroundings. Sam Prim-
rose, Grounds Manager for the Innovation Centre, Queens, Hope Hall, Lopes and the Forum, is quite right in wishing that “students and staff explore more of the campus in their spare time.” Undergraduates spend three or four years hiking up and down (and cursing) this hill to get to campus. Once upon a time during an Open Day, chances are you were pretty blown away by the grounds and gardens. Andy Roke, Grounds Manager for Outer Areas, St Luke’s and Sports areas, says he gets great feedback from people “ranging from normal members of the public to visiting VIPs”. Many students cite the grounds as a reason for choosing Exeter as their university but I wonder how many finalists have made the most of what campus has to offer. We’ve inherited some pretty special outdoor spaces from the grounds of Reed Hall, known in its Victorian heyday as Streatham Hall and Estate. Whether you take in the views to Exmouth on the Terrace Restaurant balcony or picnic by the ornamental pond next to Washington Singer, it’s well worth having a wander around. Who needs a £100 ticket to the Chelsea Flower Show when we’ve got this campus on hand?
É
The secret life of an exam invigilator ‘Belinda Buzzard’
A
T a rather raucous tea party a few days ago, the dreaded question was asked. There was I, marble cake in one hand, hip flask of vodka in the other, when the conversation stilled. “So, what job do you do?” asked the sweet little man who’d already kindly offered to help me transfer my finances to a Caribbean account. My palms started to sweat; my hands started shaking; I flicked my greasy permed strands behind my ears. This – I thought – is the moment. The key to our spring wedding. “I…” I took a deep breath. “I’m an exam invigilator.” It was
better than any chat-up line. I can see, strutting through that exam hall, the complex charisma I ooze. Rumour has it that the funky new dance tune, ‘Cake by the Ocean’, is inspired by me. Swaggering in my Marks & Spencers clogs, my oversized blazer, the dress I knitted from seven balls of wool, a curtain and some post-it notes, I’ve never felt more alive. So did I always want to be an invigilator? Well, for a long time, the dream was to be a rock star. I’d always been the best at the recorder. However, one fateful day, disaster struck. It was the day of my GCSE Maths. The day when we discovered who had made the cut for samba band. I had
Photo: Yong Yan Wang
created a compelling audition of interpretive dance and the drums, inspired by my favourite musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I was by far the best there. However, that afternoon, a matter of minutes before my exam, disaster struck. I saw the devastating announcement… I had not made it into samba band. It was a moment that changed my life. Sitting in my exam, struggling to keep my spirit together, I met Kevin. A man as old as time itself, when I raised my hand to request more paper, he came racing to my aid, a beacon of hope in those hallowed halls. Our eyes met, the paper grazed my table… It was love at first sight. So dedicated was Kevin to the cause, he
actually chose to keel over in one of those exam halls, doing what he loved, invigilating. He was an icon to the cause. A true classic.
I’m the queen of what I do; a true revolutionary Nowadays, however, things have somewhat changed. As a woman intent on fulfilling Kevin’s almighty legacy, I’ve gone on to continue strutting his blessed steps. Indeed, so well, that I dare say I may have outdone him. He was too confined, constricted to the pubescent realms of school exams. I, meanwhile,
have trail-blazed a new way, revolutionising the world of university exams. When I’m checking out uni cards, performing the regulations, working tirelessly in the knowledge that I’m responsible for every student’s success, I know that I’m making more of a difference than David Cameron or Bank Ki what’s-his-face ever could. Do I have any regrets? None.. Every so often, when I’m singing away in Timepiece, I reminisce about what could have been. Yet, the feeling is short-lived. I’m living the life, of paper, pens and toilet breaks; I’m the queen of what I do, a true revolutionary. One day, the student publications may celebrate my legacy, but not quite yet. For now, I’m a true star.
EXEPOSÉ
A year in the life
COMMENT
www.exepose.com
9
First, second and third year students reflect on their university experience, one year on...
A
NOTHER year older, another year (supposedly) wiser. My first year of university is coming to an end and it has been everything I wanted it to be. It’s not been what I expected, but it has been fantastic. Coming from A levels, I didn’t know how I was going to cope with the step up. But now, this seems ridiculous. Going from full days of lessons to ten hours of contact time a week was actually a massive step down in intensity. In first term, I had so much time that I didn’t know what to do with myself. My course struck the perfect balance between being intellectually challenging and not being exhausting, leaving me with enough energy to go to Cheesys
every week. Of course, it helps knowing that this first year doesn’t mean anything - although this can be somewhat demoralising at times. But in my case, knowing that I am exclusively studying my chosen subject gives me a sense of pride which I never felt at A level. The most surprising thing about this experience has been how the completely bizarre becomes commonplace and unquestioned. Here, things completely unacceptable back in the real world are taken for granted, whether these are the unusual culinary choices, sleeping patterns or recreational habits we students have adopted. Now, if I were to see someone eating cold baked beans out of the can at four in the morning, the thing that would surprise me most would be their use of cutlery. Of course, this attitude is necessary to survive Fresher’s week and, I’m hoping, university as a
whole. Whilst it leads to some odd lifestyles, it also leads to a lot of acceptance, and this has to be one of my favourite aspects. No matter who you are or what you want to do, there is a place and a group with whom you can do it. The biggest downer about uni is the debt. As an English student, I cannot count the number of times I have heard the phrase “We pay nine grand for this?!” As young adults suddenly burdened with financial responsibility, the constant reminder of that £9000 price tag is somewhat terrifying. Yet it’s easy to put it aside and leave it for future you. Although going into second year is exciting, I can’t help feeling that the loss of my safety blanket of “it’s only first year” could be problematic. I can only hope that now I know how university actually works, the next year will be just as enjoyable and somewhat less confusing.
Matt Newman Comment Editor
Photo: Flickr via eflon
M There’s nothing worse than being aware of your own ploddingalong in life
E
XETER University is a place with strict stereotypes. Ones that I never fitted into. A disproportionately high number of the student population attended public school; I went to state school. Sporting flair abounds in many students at The Times’ Sport University of the Year; I manage to be both lean and slow, a poor combination for getting involved in BUCS sport. Other students appear to prize the skill of consuming pints at dizzying speeds; I, well, don’t. In first year I kept an open mind. I had a go at football and tennis, and went along to a couple of socials. I even decided in my first term that I would take
Y second year of university has been a do-over; a nine-month resit, if you will, of the first one. There was nothing wrong with my freshers experience, per se. I wasn’t bullied in halls and I was lucky enough to avoid any issues with my mental health. Nor did I particularly have any trouble with academic commitments. It was altogether pretty mediocre, in fact, and that is my main gripe. Stuck out in off-campus halls and too self-aware to get involved with any societies, life with my flatmates revolved around a constant cycle of sitting and tepidly debating whether we should try and get drunk or not. Call me insensitive, but there’s a part of me that wishes some fantastic drama had occurred in
a conversion course in Law the moment I triumphantly bound my undergraduate dissertation at the end of my final year. Now, I know what those of you who know me might be thinking. “That doesn’t sound even remotely like the paragon of human excellence I’m lucky enough to know today”. And you’d be right; I wanted to be the Exeter University definition of what a student should be. But that didn’t last long, as towards the end of my first term as a fresher, I joined Exeposé’s mailing list and received my first content call from the Games section. Having been a gamer since I can remember, the opportunity to review and comment on the latest games filled me with more excitement than anything else up to that point. Re-
No mattter who you are or what you want to do, there is a place and a group with whom you can do it
that initial year, even if it was one detrimental to my own wellbeing, because there’s nothing worse than being aware of your own plodding-along in life, contributing very little and doing nothing much to change it. Perhaps this is a more common experience than I’d thought. With much proclaimed in the build-up to university life, the hype leaves little room for anything other than disappointment. So much fervour is generated to push us into higher education that the chances of replicating the anticipated utopia is slim. Yes, there are people who manage it, and good on ‘em. But for those of us who struggle to adjust to such a big change, no quarter is given. While you’re still cradling that tear-drenched family photo in your shaking hands, the more evolved among us have unleashed their confident selves
neging on my Exeter student obligations to Wednesday night Timepiece in favour of playing a free press copy, this was the first of many ways in which I bucked the Exonian trend. If I was bucking the trend in first year, now I’m a fully-fledged rebel. I’ve been Online Games Editor and Online Editor of Exeposé at a time when it was despised by many students. I took to XpressionFM to air a gaming radio show. The more I stopped attempting to conform, the happier I became. Trying new things is important, but far more important is doing the things that you want to do. Being the person you want to be. The skill I prize more than anything else isn’t a fast bolt. Put simply, it’s not caring about what other people think.
onto the world, and there’s no stopping them then. Left in their wake, one is lurched into a sense of violent malaise, suspended somewhere between trying to escape and wanting to give up and crawl back home. This being the case, second year is a safety blanket. I don’t know quite how it happened, but, from September, I just began to feel happier with what I was doing. And a lot of it was the result of being more comfortable in my surroundings. It’s obvious that for a lot of people the jump from school to university, with all the alterations it brings, is a difficult one. And while first year refuses you the time to complete this transition, second year is a second chance, where, once you have adjusted to what university brings, the mistakes and regrets from your first time around can be rectified.
If I was bucking the trend in first year, now I’m a fully-fledged rebel
Photo: pixabay via bohed
Harry Shepherd Contributor
Photo: wikipedia
Rowan Keith Online Comment Editor
10
FEATURES
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES 10-11 8-9
FESTIVAL FOCUS 14-21
FEATURES
SCREEN 22-23
GAMES+TECH SCIENCE 24-25 28-29
31 MAY 2016 |
SPORT 31-32
Exeposé Features
FEATURES EDITORS Georgina Bolam Katie Jenkins
EXEPOSÉ
@ExeposeFeatures
features@exepose.com
Should we stay in or get out?
As the referendum draws closer and the Brexit campaign heats up, Theodore Stone, Online Editor, and Georgina Bolam, Features Editor, evaluate the pros and cons of European Union membership
L
ET me just start by condemning the idea that leaving would lead to applause. This idea that we would be making this “grand statement” on European affairs is nonsense. No country would pat us on the back and say “well done”, no nation would stand up and applaud. We would not be greeted as champion monarchs but as petulant children; whinging that our nationalism is being overshadowed by international cooperation, and as a nation of bitterness; devoted to the idea that they have a universal right to dictate and others follow. This will not be the case, and nor will it ever be, when it comes to negotiations. Simply because we may decide to leave does not mean that we will then be able to dictate what happens next. All of our negotiations will be bilateral, for the UK as a single nation does not have the power to force a unilateral agreement with one of the largest trading blocs on the planet. If the day comes when we do have to renegotiate, there will be no fanfare, only the cry of anguish over the fact that those we wish to trade with have refused to accept our terms, whilst we watch as our economy shrinks, jobs are lost, and progress slows right down. There will be no Canadian system; America will send us to the back of the queue. Economically, we have the best system going for us right now, and it would be an act of madness to consider otherwise.
The UK as a single nation does not have the power Furthermore, the issues we face as a nation are no longer national. Almost every danger we face nowadays is international, in spite of what one may desire. Climate change, the rise of excessive globalisation and multinational corporations more powerful than an entire country are
challenges that cannot be fought through isolationism. Only by working with our allies through pooling our sovereignty can we ensure that future generations have something to look forward to, something to live in, and something to work for. To retreat back into our isolationist hub is not the way forward. Granted, the EU is flawed, but so is every political institution. Nonetheless, our elected representatives vote for the EU’s laws, not the Commission. The Parliament makes the laws and the Commission, like our Civil Service, suggests and proposes amendments. There is no grand dictatorship. But here’s the thing. We can lead the Union, and the possibility of the UK playing a positive and highly influential role in the EU is fully realisable. The European Union needs reform, yes, but leaving it is not how one ensures that that happens. Instead of reckless hightailing, we need to actually engage with the Union and take an active role as citizens of Europe outside of these referenda. In 2014, 35.6 per cent of the population turned out to vote in the UK’s European Elections. Imagine the message we could send if it was above 50 per cent - if we, as a people, actually mobilised for once on a reformist, rather than an exit-based, pledge. Before we decide to bugger off back to our bunkers, we should first actually have a national conversation about reforming it, if that is our wish. Only by engaging with it can we actually hope to reform it. Nevertheless, when you go to the polls on 23 June, I strongly advise you to remember this; this referendum is more than just about the European Union. It is about who we want to be, and what we wish to become, and I’m not talking about whether or not we wish to be Unionists. It is about whether we want to be Great Britons, or Little Englanders. I for one know exactly which one I’d rather be.
Theodore Stone
Is the EU for YOU?
“Politicians have turned the referendum into a cannibalistic power game” - Katie Jenkins “We are given too many statistics but also not enough” - Susannah Keogh “This seems a far too important decision to be decided in a referendum” - Ollie Lund “Both sides appear to be lying” - Victoria Bos “The only reason there is a debate is because old people don’t like foreigners” - Sam Woolf “JK Rowling thinks we should stay in - and that’s a good enough reason for me, tbh” - Hannah Butler “For the bants, let’s Brexit” - Jeremy Brown
I
wouldn’t go as far as Boris Johnson to compare the EU to Nazi Germany. Nevertheless, it is nothing more than a gravy train for the corrupt and greedy. Its role is not to unite but to dominate, overrule and suppress. It is no coincidence that all the banks ‘jumped ship’ at once, or that people are being starved into the ground as borders are open for all. Nor is it a coincidence that the EU is trying to remove each country’s rights under its own constitution. We commence with the resounding clutch of Brussels. The developing countries colloquially known as the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China), provide British businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to grow into untapped emerging markets. This opportunity is indeed limited by the Brussels bust. The belief that staying with the EU is vital to the UK economy is a narrow minded approach when considering the more holistic trading opportunities that an EU free UK will have to provide. By removing ourselves from the EU we would have the opportunity to make the independent decisions necessary to improve the UK’s trade with the BRIC countries and other nations. To bolster these political ties and relations will make for a stronger, more grounded Britain. In Layman’s terms, we would have greater flexibility in deciding which countries we engage with. If this opportunity itself is nurtured and utilized appropriately by the Government, leaving the EU may mark the start of the Golden Age of the British economy. As Larry Elliot claimed in his article in The Guardian, a Brexit may also ‘be the best answer to a dying Eurozone.’ There was indeed an elephant in the room during Mark Carney’s recent three-monthly update on the state of the economy. This came in the form of the shocking state of the Eurozone after the failure of the single currency experiment. This was ignored
by the governor of the Bank of England. Why? Because, although Britain is likely to stay in the EU, Brexit will remain a live issue unless the Eurozone can sort itself out. Britain is not in the euro, for which we should all be thankful. But let’s be clear: staying in the EU means hitching the wagon to a currency zone unable to go forwards or backwards.
The EU is a gravy train for the corrupt and greedy The EU, in general, is a drain on the British economy. A huge amount of money given to the EU is allocated to wasteful spending such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In 2006, 45 per cent EU spending went towards the CAP. To put this in perspective, that’s almost half EU spending allocated towards an industry that generates only 1.6 per cent GDP. This is unnecessary and is unequally distributed. France benefits immensely while countries with very little agricultural sectors sees few benefits. Yet, we are expected to foot the bill for this wasteful policy. Although it is true that the initial aims of the EU were to aid regional security, now that the bonds of trade have been established, peace in Europe now has nothing to do with the EU. The ‘special relationship’ between Britain and the U.S means that we are not as dependent upon EU security as we could be and thus we are no longer tied to the union. A different Europe is needed. A no vote would upset EU complacency. It would press the reset button. It would force the EU to seek a new balance between international regulation and freetrade. However arrogant it might seem, Britain would have triggered reform. That is surely what everyone wants.
Georgina Bolam
Exeposé
“The philosophy of Tindy? Laughter!” FEATURES
www.exepose.com
11
Fiona Potigny meets Tindyebwa Agaba: refugee, lawyer and adopted son of Emma Thompson
I
N his own words, Tindyebwa (Tindy) Agaba has seen “the very depths of hell.” As soon as they emerge from his mouth, the words jar. It feels incongruous to hear such scenes of “misery” and “gloom” evoked by this cheery young man who sits wrapped in a cosy fleece, against the backdrop of his tranquil, warmly-lit familial home, his eyes glinting with ambition and whose cheeky chortles are the commas and full stops to his remarks. Oscillating between war-scarred lands and the material comforts of London life, it’s a juxtaposition with which the Exeter alumnus and human rights lawyer is well acquainted. “One moment, I’m surrounded by starvation, dodging flying bullets and diving for shelter and the next, I’m saying ‘hello’ to my family, tucking into some lovely fruits and vegetables. There’s nothing more bizarre,” he says of his recent return from South Sudan. But here, the “hell” Tindy recalls is not one witnessed as a humanitarian observer on the conflict-ravaged landscapes of Liberia, Burma and Palestine, amongst others, but the inferno he lived as a Rwandan child. Tindy’s childhood was brutally stolen from him; firstly, by the AIDS that took his father when he was nine, then by the rife-wielding militiamen who kidnapped him aged 12, forcefully marching him through forest and bush into a cold new life of combat, weapons training and, crushingly, in which he would never see his mother or sisters again. Later detained on suspicion of fighting against the country, he was bailed out with the help of an aid agency then brought to the UK to find refuge, but bureaucratic struggles awaited. Having unknowingly missed his asylum application deadline, Tindy was left homeless at 16; the concrete bed of Trafalgar Square was his ‘asylum’ and the steady stream of tourist footsteps his only company. While Tindy’s tale gives one of the most devastating atrocities a human can face, his demeanour betrays no trace
Photo: Tindyebwa Agaba
of hurt or horror. Tindy’s Rwandan lilt is light and jovial and his vocabulary is instead peppered with talk of “delight”, “immense privilege” and being “a lucky bastard”, he quips. Indeed, it was luck that united him with his adoptive mother, actress Emma Thompson, who he met at a Refugee Council Christmas Party in 2003. Despite Tindy’s little English at the time, the pair’s instant magnetism ensured that a close relationship quickly sprouted “organically”, according to Thompson. “Family is a protective environment that quite clearly at that time [Tindy] needed. We all need somewhere we feel safe, and a friend isn’t quite enough,” she opined in a World Refugee Day video. Having recuperated the comfort, security and love of a family unit after having it brutally snatched away, it is no wonder that his Cairo-based refugee charity, Muryango, takes its name from the Rwandan word for ‘family’.
Tindyebwa Agaba has seen “the very depths of hell” “Cairo has a lot of refugees and asylum seekers – Ethiopians, Somalis, people from diverse places seeking a better life – who arrive with no support whatsoever. They end up in poorer communities, as it’s all they can afford, left vulnerable to racism, misogyny and abuse. This daily culture of harassment and frustrations with the UN system prompted me to say enough was enough.” As a result, the charity-come-social club was born. With free legal advice, interview preparation assistance and the opportunity to partake in performance arts (comedy, dance, poetry), Muryango helps refugees build confidence, facilitating their insertion into community life. “It’s all about social cohesiveness and ensuring they feel ready for the pivotal final stage of the UN High Commission assessing their claim.”
But set-up was in 2011, while the embers of the January 25 Egyptian Revolution were still burning white hot, stoked by upset over the 800 dead and 6,000 injured in violent clashes between citizen and state. Tindy had journeyed to Egypt just three weeks prior to the uprising, experiencing first-hand the electric Tahrir Square atmosphere where protestors flouted the government-imposed curfew to decry unemployment, police brutality and corruption. “It was like a rock concert - like a camp at Reading”, he reminisces. “People were happy, playing music and chanting, just waiting to see what would happen. It was as if they were sitting waiting for a musician to play, except these people were in the middle of something of epic historical proportions.” Unfortunately, the toppling of President Mubarak in the subsequent weeks did not bring a “fresh, exciting new beginning”, but its own set of “trials and difficulties” – a largely euphemistic description of the harsh reality that faced his fledgling charity: harassment and callous beatings against both Tindy and his staff “almost daily”. Navigating this “sea of violence” in a country suffering “a complete breakdown of law” did not erode the team’s spirits, however. “After we’d been attacked for the third time and most of our work was destroyed, we said: ‘let’s build for the last time’. Thankfully, no one has touched us since then. Seeing the charity on its feet, able to pay its rent and fully sustainable - that is my proudest moment. “My hopes now are to grow it into satellite communities throughout the city. Cairo is the second largest city in Africa, and there are so many more people we can help.” Not one to dwell on his achievements, he’s already onto his next challenge: protective work in the harsh terrains of “what I fondly call ‘Camp Dreadful’” in the North of South Sudan. The fruit of an optimistic referendum, the new country remained violence-free for just two years until an
Photo: University of Exeter
alleged government coup dragged up ageold ethnic conflicts between the Dinka and Nuer tribes, plunging the whole country into violence in 2013. Amid reports of cannibalism, rape and torture, 2 million people have fled their homes, while the threat of famine looms for 4.6 million.
The scale naturally draws comparison with the Syrian refugee crisis, but why, then, have we heard so little about it in the UK? It is only now that Tindy’s contagious smile falters, recounting how he arrived home to find South Sudan erased from the news agenda. “I’ve spoken to journalists and cabinet MPs about this. It was in the news a little, but then the EU crisis and Paris attacks took presidency because we want to know about what’s close to us. But the war has not relented. Aid workers have died in disgusting pro-
he describes as “quite good for getting the basics in politics and philosophy” but “lacking in stimulation” – at the University of Exeter, which he chose as he was “in awe at the beauty of Devon”. To his dismay, he was “the only African in the entire politics department”, encountering racism within his first year, leading Emma Thompson to describe Exeter as a fitting home for BNP leader Nick Griffin. However, Tindy was thus able to open dialogue with Vice Chancellor Sir Steve Smith, who pledged “promising” new initiatives to counteract the University’s notorious whiteness. So when I evoke the results of Exeposé’s investigation into racial diversity, which found that recruitment of BME students had fallen yearly since 2012, he is “fantastically dispirited.” “This betrays the work we did in 2009 and the excitement and positivity of how the university received our thoughts about more engagement with students from minority backgrounds,” he laments, stressing that he “will demand answers.” His guiding inspirations? Labour stalwarts John Reid, a former minister
portions. Aid workers from an organisation I know very well there died a few days ago, and not a single highlight in our media in the West. Nothing.” It’s a bleak picture, but the context is one to which he can personally relate – and maybe even inject a little colour into. “It’s a gloomy, miserable situation - but when I was a young man, I remember having laughter even inside the most grim places... my life has defined me to overcome things in this way, and I want to inspire people with this positivity too.” Despite his apparent gift for human rights work, a political career was originally order of the day, having “fallen in love with UK political debate.” “In my country, we settled things by taking up arms so seeing people actually agreeing to disagree - even laugh about their differences - was absolutely amazing,” he enthuses. This led him to a BA in Politics and International Relations – a course
with working class roots, Tony Benn, (“I love the veracity of his character; he was born into privilege and actively rejected it”), and the blind former Home Secretary David Blunkett, of whom he speaks most fondly (“Although he was dishing out legislation that affected me as a young asylum seeker, I couldn’t believe how he had reached such high office with such disability, remaining so articulate and charismatic.”) I suggest, perhaps, he might himself inspire others with his own tale of triumph over adversity. “If I’ve inspired some people, that’s lovely, but this is not about me. It’s about shared experiences, coming together as human beings, being mesmerised by others, having moral fortitude and lots and lots of laughter.” There it is again, gleaming, in a nutshell. A way of life to trump all hardship, all pain: “The ‘Philosophy of Tindy’? Laughter, of course! Absolutely!”
If I’ve inspired some people, that’s lovely, but this is not about me
Photo: Tindyebwa Agaba
E X H I B IT FESTIVAL FOCUS ! TOP UK MUSIC FESTIVALS ! VISITING POLTIMORE ! CAMPING SURVIVAL ! ARTS + LIT FESTS
31 MAY 2016 |
Exeposé
ARTWORK BY
EMILY KERR
READING & LEEDS August 26th-28th Richfield Avenue, Reading & Bramham Park, Leeds £213 Line-up: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Foals, Disclosure, Biffy Clyro
GREEN MAN August 18th-21st Brecon Beacons, Wales £175 Line-up: Belle & Sebastian, James Blake, Wild Beasts, Warpaint, Laura Marling
Reading & Leeds is the only secondary school rite of passage that includes seeing the most popular new artists as well as those who have been iPod staples since the days when you bought music. Although fundamentally a ‘rock festival’, this year sees grime collective BBK on the main stage as well as the mysteriously titled “co-headliners” Biffy Clyro/Fall Out Boy, Disclosure/Foals and the return of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bring bucket hats, hand sanitizer and roach card.
August 4th-7th Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire £164 Line-up: The Flaming Lips, Robert Plant, Crystal Fighters
Embrace a bohemian lifestyle of music, food, philosophical debates and art in a landscape that is wholeheartedly hobbit-worthy. With music from Robert Plant, Crystal Fighters, Glass Animals and Matt Corby, Wilderness’s line-ups are improving with every passing year. When you can wake up with the sun and swim in a lake to start your day, followed by boating, yoga, physical theatre, long table banquets or yurt-building… it’s clear that Wilderness stands above the rest as more than just a music festival.
For those looking for a slice of wilderness this summer, where better than Green Man? Set within the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons, the festival offers a variety of music, comedy and beyond. Boasting headline acts such as James Blake and Laura Marling, alongside Ezra Furman, Gengahr and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (to name but a few), a range of magical, creative, relaxed areas like the Walled Garden and the incredible Chai Wallah’s, Green Man has it all.
LATITUDE
LOVEBOX
July 14th-17th Henham Park, Suffolk £205.50
July 15th-16th Victoria Park, £93.50
Line-up: New Order, The National, The Maccabees Family-friendly Latitude Festival boasts one of the best – if not THE best – festival line-up this year. A glorious collection of artists that released critically acclaimed albums in the past few years (Grimes, Father John Misty, Perfume Genius, Courtney Barnett) and staple indie favourites (Of Monsters and Men, The Lumineers, The Maccabees), the Latitude line-up is a thing of tear-jerking beauty – this year’s Mona Lisa of festival posters. And headliners The National and New Order are not just examples of good bookings, they’re genius ones too.
WILDERNESS
Line Up: LCD Soundsytem, Major Laser, Jungle
GLASTONBURY June 22nd-26th Worthy Farm, Somerset £228 Line-up: Adele, Muse, Coldplay, Foals, Beck Pilton’s biggest party returns for its 46th year this June, with 175,000 punters descending on the sleepy Somerset farm to see some of the biggest artists in the world perform. Muse, Coldplay and Adele top this year’s festival, with other notable acts such as Foals, New Order, LCD Soundsystem and Skepta also set to play. The festival also features dance, comedy, theatre, circus and other performing arts, with tickets selling out (as usual) within hours of going on sale back in October.
THANKS TO OUR WRITERS....
James Beeson, Alex Brammer, Jack Powys Maurice, Lewis Norman, Sarah Turnidge, James Wijesinghe
LCD Soundsystem. If those two words don’t fill you with glee then there’s probably no hope for you, but worry not - Lovebox has a hell of a lot more to offer. From juggernauts like Run The Jewels, Major Lazer, and George goddamn Clinton to up-andcomers like Denzel Curry and Hannah Wants, this festival has a lot to offer. Elsewhere, there’s the usual premium fast food that seem to be a legal requirement for London festivals, and specially curated experiences like slacklining or rollerdisco. This ticket is absolutely a summer essential.
to u mu festi
op uk usic ivals
BESTIVAL September 8th-11th Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight £190 Line-up: The Cure, Major Laser, Fatboy Slim, Hot Chip
T IN THE PARK July 8th-10th Strathallan Castle, Kinross £205 Line-up: The Stone Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calvin Harris, Bastille
A perfect end to the festival season, Bestival is an event that is always a hit with fans. Although relatively new, it already boasts some of the biggest names in music on it’s CV, and this year is no different. From The Cure to Fatboy Slim, there is always a great selection of genres, stages and activities to keep the colourful crowd on their feet. This years theme of ‘The Future’ is already proving popular, with costumes in previous years ranging from the bizarre to the spectacular. One thing’s for sure, Rob Da Bank knows how to throw a great party.
Ardent festivalgoer, first timer or just in search of a good weekend, T in the Park accepts all and is a stalwart of the summer’s festival season. Widely regarded as the ‘Scottish Glastonbury’, this year’s T in the Park boasts an eclectic bill ranging from festival heavyweights of the calibre of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Calvin Harris to Spanish guitar maestros Rodrigo y Gabriela and more. The perfect place for a weekend of hedonism, so long as the ospreys don’t interfere again.
ISLE OF WIGHT June 9th-12th Newport, Isle of Wight £195 Line-up: The Who, Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics, Faithless Isle of Wight is fast becoming the rock festival that Glastonbury once longed to be. Flaunting one of the richest and most exciting histories of the UK festival circuit. The “Dad-rock” sympathisers will no doubt be delighted once more, with the line-up boasting nostalgia headline slots from Queen and The Who, and while few remain convinced at Adam Lambert’s impersonations of Freddie Mercury, the UK’s greatest rock festival returns with a big statement of intent.
ONBLACKHEATH
BLISSFIELDS
September 10th-11th Blackheath, London £107
July 1st-2nd LVicarage Farm, Winchester £95
Line-up: Primal Scream, Belle & Sebastian, Hot Chip
Line-up: Dizzee Rascal, Everything Everything, Shy FX
Sponsored by John Lewis and based in one of the most middleclass areas of South London, OnBlackheath is surprisingly student friendly. The line-up appeals across the ages, with bands like SOAK performing next to Squeeze, making it a festival both you and your parents could enjoy. Having had an impressive opening year with Frank Turner as their headliner, it has only improved, and two years on, it’s firmly cementing itself as one of the major London music festivals with a surprisingly impressive list of artists making their way south of the river.
Compensating for the middle class drudgery that comes with a farm setting near Winchester, Blissfields pushes the boat out in theming and spectacle. A “House Party” theme may seem contrived but with pre-constructed slumber parties and retro living room discos with art design by the award-winning Matt Canning, Blissfields isn’t doing thing by half, and massive hot-tub parties are a nice touch too. Dizzee Rascal and Everything Everything are the perfect headliners; perfectly representing it’s colour and vibrancy, and veterans Beans on Toast and Dub Pistols will provide character in bucketfuls.
FIELD DAY June 11th-12th Victoria Park, East London £94 Line-up: James Blake, PJ Harvey, Skepta, John Grant
This hipster gathering in the heart of London’s Victoria Park has grown and grown since its inception in 2007, this year totes a bill including the nuanced electronic synths of James Blake, urethral tones of alternative icon PJ Harvey and grounded rhymes of grime reviver Skepta. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Field day is the home of the cutting edge and critically acclaimed. The festival for music lovers put together by those that know their stuff.
James Beeson THANKS TO OUR WRITERS...
Katie Costello, Tristan Gatward, Sam Keat, Rory Marcham, Harry Williams
POLTIMORE FESTIVAL
A self-conscious, postmodern band Harry Williams, Online Music Editor, chats to the Devonion indie rock risers, Black Thistles, set to grace Poltimore’s stage this year
H
OW does the South West shape a rock band? For the Exmouth-born Black Thistles, it gave them a solid alt-rock sound and a penchant for smart songwriting. They’re set to perform at Exeter’s hottest upcoming event, Poltimore Festival - a revivified independent music festival, more edgy than a vaping dodecahedron. Upon greeting me, they set their own scene – “we’re in Paul’s kitchen in Dalston” says bass-man Ryan, “it’s a sight for sore eyes”. Their social media presence is potently sardonic, labelling their own gigs as “Generic Indie Wank” and a quote – “The next big thing…” – from Model Airplane News in their Facebook cover picture, so a fitting residence for their trendy irony is a grimy scullery in a burgeoning dingy district of London. They’d had to reschedule the interview twice due to travel, so I asked whether everything had settled. I was met only with a distant dismissive burble from them as they reclined, probably on flaccid beanbags, away from the phone - and all my sincerity. I was immediately anxious that I’d be the victim of their aloofness.
covered in heart monitors and had a wristband with my name on it. No idea what happened.” Here’s hoping they bring a similar level of debauchery to Poltimore, but maybe less clinically sinister.
AN INDEPENDENT MUSIC _ _ FESTIVAL, MORE EDGY THAN _ A VAPING DODECAHEDRON _ I asked them about Poltimore. “Yeah, we’re excited,” says Paul, vocalist. “It’s good that it’s independent and not affiliated with the BBC like Big Weekend”, his voice dripping with as much vitriol as his probably reclined posture would allow. “I think it’s important.” Ryan then told me about a time he’d gone to Pukkel Pop, the Belgian answer to Glasto: “One night I got completely blackout drunk and lost my friends. Woke up thinking I’d just had a little nap, but everyone was packing up to leave. It turned out I’d lost about 12 hours, and when I lifted up my shirt I was
Surprisingly, they saw a prevalent similarity between Exeter and London music scenes. Ryan scoffs, “people just don’t really go to gigs.” For him, the current guitar music scene “fits into two camps”. Black Thistles’ sound is one rooted in Noughties rock: the Artic Monkeys’ inspiration is clear. They label themselves “like The Strokes, Blur and Jamie T all put in a big toilet and mixed up.” Elaborating on this big toilet which they see themselves in, Paul says “There’s this sort of spacy grunge revivalist thing
which people are doing with a lot of reverb-y vocals, which we don’t really get. Or there’s stuff like The Hunna which is basically like pop guitar music for teenage girls. We try to do something else.” The apathy and irony of their lyrics clearly extends to their ethos, the two agreed their favourite song to perform is “Man of War” from their Pop Quiz EP, but joked about how, while they love playing it, the audience reaction is usually “yeah, it’s okay.” “What do you think draws you to the pessimism in general?” I ask. Paul immediately replies, “just being generally nonplussed by everything” – the most fitting answer I could’ve asked for. But I knew that as well as the smart detachedness they also have a real vitality as performers and songwriters so I mentioned their use of Simpsons pictures for news updates and quotes from the show every other tweet. They approved. “It’s everything that’s right with your childhood,” says Ryan. “The Simpsons from ’91 to ’98 is the golden age of telly, and you watch it back now and it’s even better.” “Why just the first 10 seasons?” I say coaxingly. “It just isn’t as clever now. It’s too obvious and too wacky. The storylines are so wacky. They’re just wacky!” I suppose if you want to reveal the passion in a selfconscious postmodern band, you have to be indirect. Black Thistles are a smart Devonian band, and at Poltimore they’ll put on a show as strong and vital as the best (early) Simpson episodes.
With such an array of fresh new music, how do you choose what to watch? Here are the Editors’ top Poltimore picks...
ART MUSIC THEATRE COMEDY FILM
The History of Poltimore House
WILDWOOD KIN Having performed at the BBC Introducing Showcase in Phoenix last week, this Exeter-based indie/Americana band consisting of two sisters and their cousin are definitely a group to watch. Influenced by the likes of Fleet Foxes, First Aid Kit and Bob Dylan, the trio perform with acoustic guitars and delicate yet powerful harmonies. With almost three thousand plays on Soundcloud and booked to play at Glasto’s Green Futures stage this year, Poltimore is just the beginning of their hopeful musical career ahead.
DELMER DARION The duo consisting of Oliver Jack and Tom Lenton are easily one of the best that Exeter’s ever-growing music scene has to offer and neatly blend ambient synths with euphoric vocals to great effect. Having released their debut album All over Again, All Over Again last year (which received a 5 star review from Exeposé), as well as receiving airplay from BBC Introducing Devon, Delmer Darion’s mind-bending soundscapes and are set to fit perfectly with the ambience of Poltimore festival. Expect interesting animations, original sampling and innovative production in a glitchy mix of electronic experimentalism.
an aristocratic home, a girls’ school, a wartime hospital, destroyed by fire, partially restored, 4 years as ‘Arts on the Move’ festival
NATIONAL ACROBATS
Fresh off the back of their Battle of the Bands victory, student four-piece National Acrobats are ready to give their final fling before graduation. With upbeat vibes and storming vocals, their indie sound is insanely catchy, and also reminiscent of The Kooks at times. In some songs, they add synths into the mix: an enjoyable, and fairly unique offering for a student band. Tunes like ‘Jericho’ in particular have seen a muchdeserved success, both in local gigs and on BBC Introducing in Devon. Veterans of the Exeter music scene, National Acrobats’ send-off is sure to be special.
The decrepit building has been transformed into a beautiful music venue perfect for acoustic performances, a cuttingedge theatre space and a unique art gallery. In terms of music, Poltimore has so much to offer, ranging from jangling, indie rock to electronica to infectious folk duos, the day-long festival is an event not to be missed. For a taste, watch XTV’s and Exeposé Music’s collaboration in the Poltimore Sessions, featuring acts Daisy Vaughan’s enchanting, soulful voice such as Bloom, Daisy Vaughan and plinking acoustic guitar melodies make her and Steve Tilston... a joy to watch, and will bring another variety of act to Poltimore this year. With spellbinding lyrics (in English and Spanish, no less), Daisy’s talent in her own mix of traditional and contemporary folk never ceases to amaze.
DAISY VAUGHAN
EXHIBIT
|
LIFESTYLE
EDITORS: Jade Beard and Laurel Bibby
31 MAY 2016
|
18
Surviving your first festival
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Hannah Butler, Editor, reminisces about her younger days as a first-time festival-goer
Y
OU’VE paid the extortionate ticket price, bought a rubbish tent from Argos and discovered your perfect knee-high-socksand-wellies selfie angle. The bag’s packed, the sunnies are on and the pre-fest Insta’s looking on point. You’re ready for your first ever weekender – or are you?
NO AMOUNT OF BABY WIPES WOULD FIX THIS 17-year-old me thought so, when the bus rocked up at Leeds Fest 2k12. Three days later that bruised, flu-ridden shell of a woman vowed never to do “the festival thing” ever again. But age brings wisdom - and while at 21 she may not have learned how to Frenchplait her hair or open a supermarket-bought sandwich, this OAP’s got the fest thing sussed.
Want to know how to survive a muddy weekender in the North? Here’s some absolute top-priority advice from a gal who’s been there and done it. Horrifically badly... Always have a hill buddy So after a wet, miserable Thursday night in Orange Camp, my friends wanted to go to the pre-fest party to see some shit band I’d never heard of - “Rudimental” or something. Anyway, soon I’d had enough drum and bass for one night. Alone, I began the uphill trek to Orange Camp – which in one night had somehow become a mudslide. Near the summit, I paused to catch my breath. Straightened up. Began teetering backwards. Didn’t have anyone to grab. The next thing anyone knew, Han was rising from the mud at the hill’s base like some kind of tipsy swamp monster. No amount of baby wipes would fix this.
Don’t take that cute bracelet your boyfriend bought you in Spain It’s a no-brainer, right? Tell that to the wasted teenager dancing to ‘Mr Brightside’ in the silent disco while bawling her eyes out because she lost her ‘Te Amo’ bracelet. Apparently it was one of the most simultaneously hilarious yet heartbreaking things my friend had ever witnessed. Don’t take the boyfriend either ...no, not for that reason. It’s just, this weekend will probably be the most disgusting you’ve felt in your entire life. Your baby wipes have enough responsibility on their shoulders without adding dubious bodily fluids to the mix. Of course, everyone’s relationship is unique - and if you can handle seeing your partner in varying degrees of grossness, go ahead. Just maybe keep your hands off each other for the weekend.
Pack carbs. Lots of carbs And you thought Pret was overpriced. Late night munchies aren’t fun when we’re talking £7 for a box of noodles. Save yourself the hassle and just cram some nondescript carbs in your face once you’ve crawled into the sleeping bag. I went for crackers. Get on someone’s shoulders during your favourite song …because why would anyone put themselves through all of this? For those precious moments screaming ‘The Pretender’ from the shoulders of a randomer, of course. Top tip: if you want to prevent them putting you down again, just keep that grip up. It’s probably best to do thigh exercises in preparation. Sack it off and get cheap flights to Barcelona instead Did I say that one out loud?
Camping kit list Rowan Keith, Online Comment Editor, shares her packing must-haves
F
ESTIVALS are a trip like no other, with a very special packing list. Whether you’re heading to Reading Fest or Secret Garden, don’t forget these few essentials: Baby wipes and dry shampoo Hygiene is important and festival showers are grim, plus no one wants to stand in a queue for an hour. Regular use of these will enable you to add a day or even two between showers whilst staying insta-ready. Condoms Self-explanatory. Stay safe kids. Flower crown If you don’t wear a flower crown did you even go to a festival? No Snapchat filter
will ever replace the authenticity of the original crown experience. If the crown is too mainstream for you, cat ears seem to be the quirky alternative this year, but personally that’s a bit too Taylor Swift Red era for me.
phone from Year 7. Yes, it will take you three times as long to text but they are tough as nails and a smashed smartphone puts more of a dampener on the weekend than any amount of rain can do.
Hoodie I know it’s summer, but it’s also England. Tents are freezing at night, no matter how many people you bundle into them, and a hoodie can also conveniently double as a pillow.
Disposable camera Without your trusty iPhone you will need one of these to capture the weekend, and the effect of a camera that uses actual film looks better than any Instagram filter will ever achieve.
Wellies As above, plus they’re kind of cute. Nokia This is the time to bring out your old flip
These few items will make sure you have the festival experience your Instagram envy has dreamed of ever since Coachella, so get down to Boots, then start packing.
@lluuccy @ yrroonnaan n
ko iecos t a k @
EXHIBIT
|
EDITORS: Jade Beard and Laurel Bibby
LIFESTYLE
31 MAY 2016
|
19
Festival fashion Amy Hopkins offers her top tips on how to be the best dressed at the fest
F
ESTIVAL fashion is a term which is slowly being rejected by the fashion moguls of the world. Instead of creating a ‘uniform’, they encourage festival-goers to enhance their personal styles and make the event what they want it to be. Saying that, there are key trends which apply to certain festivals, so here is a rundown of what to wear for some of the biggest festivals in Europe.
The essentials
Unsure where you’re going but eager to start on your event wardrobe? Sturdy footwear is a must-have for fields which will inevitably turn to mud, so invest in some good wellies. Feel like a new look? Pick up a great pair of sunglasses… circular, triangular, heart-shaped or classic cat-eye, anything goes. Finally, pick up a stash of ribbons for your hair and wrists, and as many pairs of tights you can pack. Shop around for interesting patterns or fishnets, to add an extra dimension to your festival outfits.
Glastonbury
I’m pretty sure we can all agree that Glastonbury is the god of all festivals, and the line-up reflects its status. With
artists such as Muse, Adele, Coldplay and Two Door Cinema Club, it’s going to be a huge, celebrity-packed event. A great festival staple is a hat. Experiment with different styles – my personal favourite is a wide-brimmed sun hat, which gives protection for your face and shoulders. Other styles great for Glastonbury are Panama hats and cartwheel hats, but you could always bring back the Breton, with an upturned brim. Looking for a style for Glastonbury? Pair patterned shorts with a floaty blouse for a chic festival outfit.
LAYERING IS A KEY PART OF FESTIVAL FASHION Reading
Reading is the stereotypical softcore rock festival, reflected in their line-up which includes Red Hot Chili Peppers and Twenty-One Pilots. Channel this aesthetic in your outfit choices. Layering is a key part of festival fashion, so pair a moto jacket with a no nonsense scarf that screams “I’m punk.” Denim is always welcome at a festi-
val, so find yourself some ripped denim shorts or a mini skirt. To really show your dedication to festivals, pair that denim with a band vest, such as a vintage LedZep tee or the one you bought at Fall Out Boy’s latest tour and tore the sleeves off to make your own vest. To finish this outfit, find a great pair of biker boots. Comfortable and waterproof, they really are the only choice.
V Fest
Plagued with young people, this is the ‘hip’ festival you should really attend once, but can’t quite decide if you like it. With trendy artists like Justin Bieber and Tinie Tempah, you’ll be fighting to the front of every performance. Stand out with a classier look. I love matching crop tops and shorts; they just instantly make you look put together. Another option, given the uncertainty of Essex weather, is a good midi skirt and boho top with a crochet coverup. Alternatively, pair culottes with a white t-shirt.
Secret Solstice
The Secret Solstice is a Norse celebration under the 24-hour midnight sun, including international stars like Of Monsters and Men and Radiohead. Take the Norse theme to the next level with some Viking-inspired braids and dark glitter in war paint style. The weather can change in an instant, so pair high-waisted shorts and patterned tights with a traditional looking Scandinavian sweater. If you’re one of the 20 lucky people going to Into the Volcano, invest in a jaw-dropping auburn dress so you look like the goddess of the magma chamber. Image: ‘License to Boot’ (via Flickr)
Appropriation or appreciation?
T
Emma Bessent, Arts + Lit Editor, debates the rising occurrence of festival cultural appropriation Early last month, there was a huge social media outcry when Free People released their new festival collection, a perfect example of cultural appropriation from minority groups which not only degrades their cultural authority, but profits from it. The catalogue included images of white women in feathered headdresses which would set the fashionista festival-goer back hundreds of pounds; an unpleasant irony, considering the company’s name, when the elitist suppression this collection encourages is considered. Festivals are supposed to be a free-spirited, relaxing space for their visitors, not a place for capitalist marginalisation. Non-marginalised people should not, however, go too far the other way and refuse Photo: @vanessahudgens
HE co-option of indigenous people’s cultures by festival fashion producers is a hot topic around this time of year, with the appropriation of native dress for the sake of looking good rife at prominent and influential events like Coachella. To reduce objects of spiritual or cultural objects to money-making aesthetics degrades both the people from whom the garments have been appropriated from and the society that tolerates such behaviour. Cultural appropriation has garnered support from the celebrity sphere with Katy Perry’s geisha costume at the 2013 AMAs, Lady Gaga’s sexualised wearing of a niqab, and Miley Cyrus’s use of black women’s bodies to exoticise and eroticise her music video for ‘We Can’t Stop’, all reducing women of already marginalised cultures to a reliable source of sexiness. This casual treatment of peoples only seems to increase when festival vibes are added to the mixing pot, with Native American headdresses and bindis being added to the festival garb of big names such as Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner.
to have any artistic or fashion based interaction with other cultures. There is a difference between inspiration and co-option: education. If the event you’re attending has clear cultural or religious roots, then by all means embrace the traditional clothing as a gesture of understanding and respect for the signification which helps the group of people in question to create a shared identity. If a member of that group offers you the opportunity to experience some part of their native dress habits, you are not appropriating it without permission or thought, but participating with it. Remember that there’s a difference between a influenced tribute to a culture and the attempted mimickry of it: one shows respect for artistic property, another reduces the identity constituted by certain symbols
to an aesthetic conception. Above all, if you don’t truly understand what you’re wearing, where it originated from, and what it means to the people whose culture it came from, that’s a pretty good sign that you shouldn’t be wearing it.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INSPIRATION AND CO-OPTION This debate is vital; we should start questioning how what we wear dictates our attitudes and affects those around us. We may even take the debate further, asking where to draw the line with cultural appropriation. How integrated into a culture do we need to be before we can feel comfortable donning its symbolism? When does a tribute or interaction become appropriative behaviour? Who gets to decide where the line lies? The one question I will happily give you an answer to is this: what makes one person reducing another’s background or beliefs to a mere aesthetic alright? My answer: nothing.
EXHIBIT
|
ARTS + LIT
EDITORS: Emma Bessent + Tash Ebbutt
31 MAY 2016
|
20
The best of the fests
Exeposé Arts + Lit showcase festivals sure to bring some sunshine to your summer
’LL let you into a secret. The well-known ‘Edinburgh Fringe Festival’, which every August plays host to thousands upon thousands of comedians, actors, dancers, singers, magicians, ventriloquists and other artists, is actually named the ‘Edinburgh Festival Fringe.’ Boring trivia, sorry; thought I’d put a misconception straight before you got too excited - and the Edinburgh Festival is definitely something to get excited about. The largest arts festival in the world - with 50,459 performances of 3,314 shows in 313 venues last year - the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a month-long entertainment showcase, en-
rapturing audiences with spectacles, standup and surprises. With every available space turned into a performance spot, the vibrancy, energy and full-frontal nudity of the Fringe is infectious. Okay, there’s not that much fullfrontal nudity, but anything goes, especially after midnight in The Three Sisters pub. Getting up to Scotland and finding a place to stay can be pricey on a student budget, but one of the best things about the Festival is the ‘Free Fringe’: hundreds of shows requiring no pennies whatsoever. Of course, only the worst people walk out of them without donating something, but it’s up to you how much you chuck in the struggling artiste’s bucket. Unfortunately, the more drunk you get, the more generous you tend to be. I’ve only ever walked out of a free show without offering any of my hard-earned student loan once; it was a midday gig from an un-
known British comedian, and let’s just say he was unknown for a reason. He spent an hour rambling on about Australia with a shoddy PowerPoint as a visual aid. He was like the annoying uncle who never leaves any dry detail out of any worn-out story. The only person who laughed at his poorly timed jokes was a New Zealander in the front row. Painful. Despite the occasional dud, however, the Free Fringe has some absolute gems and half the fun is stumbling upon them by accident.
THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
HAY FESTIVAL HowTheLightGetsIn
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL
Harrogate - 21 - 24 July Jeremy Brown, Editor
Hay-on-Wye - 26 May - 5 June Theo Stone, Online Editor
Kingston - 8 - 17 July Emma Bessent, Arts + Lit Editor
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL Edinburgh 5 - 29 August Sarah Gough
I
THAT’S EXACTLY HOW I WOULD DESCRIBE THE FRINGE: A FUN STUMBLE Actually, that’s exactly how I would describe the Fringe. A fun stumble. Not in the sense that you’re wildly drunk all the time
– although of course that is pretty common – but that you’re seeing whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy, sometimes without even realising that that’s where you wanted to be until you take your seat. The spontaneous variety of it all is so liberating. When I visited a couple of years ago, my friend and I were enticed into a drag show at 7pm and gave it a standing ovation, epitomising the unexpectedly diverse delights of this glorious city. It’s cultural discovery at its finest. Many acts live in hope of rocketing to popularity through a stellar Guardian review; Sarah Millican, Steve Coogan and Al Murray are just a few of the famous faces to have done just that. It’s not all glass-slipper game changers, though; some performers just aim to break even, and most perform at a loss. But money don’t matter when memories are being made and minds are being blown, amirite? I’m right. You must go.
EXPLORING THE ARTS THEATRE
Barnstaple Theatre Festival Barnstaple, Devon 23 - 26 June 50 miles from Exeter
ARTS
L
OCATED in picturesque Harrogate, which must be the most ‘southern’ town in the north (and also, statistically, the happiest place in the country) is the Old Swan Hotel, home to one of the world’s biggest crime writing festivals. There are all the things you’d expect from a literary festival: captivating talks, book signings and fine food, all washed down with a pint of Theakston ale, but after the events there’s also the unique opportunity to rub noses with the kings and queens of crime writing themselves. Last year saw Jack Reacher creator Lee Child return to Yorkshire, and 2016 will include another stellar line-up, including Peter James, Martina Cole, Jeffery Deaver, and festival favourite Val McDermid. Featuring some of the world’s bestselling authors in a beautiful and friendly environment, this festival truly brings readers and writers together.
T
UCKED away along the Welsh border lies a small town whose love of literature transformed it into a hub for two of the finest literary festivals today. Hay-On-Wye’s picturesque streets and near-limitless range of bookshops have become a site of pilgrimage for all bookworms. However, when you consider the quality of its literary festivals - Hay Festival and HowTheLightGetsIn (a smaller site packed with up-and-coming folk and indie artists) - this shouldn’t be a surprise. Despite its location, or perhaps because of it, Hay Festival is the world’s largest literary festival; a Welsh Shangri-La boasting a massive range of esteemed authors, politicians and thinkers. It’s the only festival you’ll be able to find Salman Rushdie, Caitlin Moran, Gordon Brown, and David Gilmour all in one place, whilst Russell T. Davies signs book in a nearby enclave.
T
HE International Youth Arts Festival sees its seventh birthday in Kingston this year, and it’s not to be missed. Providing an opportunity for 5-26 year old artists to hone their skills, the festival is run by the charity Creative Youth. Its participants are primarily the Kingston-based young people that the festival’s parent charity work with, but its audience is made up of visitors from far and wide. In its few years of experience, the festival has grown exponentially and even claims itself to be an excellent precursor to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with the young artists throwing down the gauntlet for their more diversely aged counterparts. It boasts an array of theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual arts, circus performances and workshops. You’re sure to find something that interests you, and support a thriving young arts community whilst you’re at it.
Tenby Arts Festival Pembrokeshire, Wales 24 September - 1 October 320 miles from Exeter
LITERATURE
Ledbury Poetry Festival Ledbury, Herefordshire 1 - 10 July 141 miles from Exeter Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival Budleigh Salterton, Devon 15 - 18 September 12 miles from Exeter
COMEDY
Phoenix Fringe London 6-13 August 200 miles from Exeter
EXHIBIT
|
ARTS + LIT
EDITORS: Emma Bessent + Tash Ebbutt
31 MAY 2016
|
21
World Body Painting Festival Tash Ebbutt, Arts + Lit Editor discovers a realm where anything is possible THE WORLD BODY PAINTING FESTIVAL Lake Wöthersee, Austria 27 June - 3 July
W
HEN thinking of festivals, the traditional image involves hazy summer days complemented by the intensity of amazing live music. But created upon Lake Wöthersee, Austria, a festival celebrating its nineteenth year removes any trace of such a stereotype. A vibrant explosion of colour and confidence, a journey into the surreal, the implausible and the unexpected; The World Body Painting Festival in Austria showcases an exhibit of the most unusual artwork, all displayed upon the human form. The festival attracts 30,000 artists and spectators from 45 nations across the globe. A cultural exchange of sorts, it is a place where art and the body become one, and where creativity has no bounds. Proudly declaring itself as an open air art space, the festival hosts everything from photography and music to spectacular body artistry. The constructed ‘Body Art City’ truly is a space where art can flourish without the constraints and binaries of modern day society. Art actively rejects prejudice and dis-
crimination. Through this equality, a sense of freedom is achieved. Freedom that comes into existence through the abhorrence of societal propaganda and the power the media exerts with it. Art represents freedom, it is a complex metaphor for equality and through this festival, art can be utilised to express anything and everything, without consideration of boundaries. Personally, I think this to be a most beautiful system, a space where the coercion of society can be avoided, even if it is just for a few days in the summer months.
A VIBRANT EXPLOSION OF COLOUR AND CONFIDENCE Moving onto the festival itself, I suppose you could call it magical. Upon the lake, the ‘city’ is divided into three key zones: Uptown, Downtown and the Beachzone. Throughout these zones you can find anything from street artists and bubble art to aerial yoga and slacklining. The festival clearly promotes new experiences that boast uniqueness and liberation from the aforementioned societal constraints. The primary focus of the festival is what really catches my eye despite such a wide range of activities on offer. With com-
petitions galore, artists transform their models into pieces worthy of both the classic fairy tales and the modern dystopia. Arguably, such contest is a by-product of capitalism and an objection to the encouragement of a binary free space, yet the mere fact the artists can turn thoughts into reality undermines this and leaves exciting artwork reflective of a society without limits. Each contest possesses a different category, personally I enjoy the ‘Creative Make Up’ category. Some of the most wacky body art is born from this section and seeing people celebrate the wonderfully weird is in my mind a victory to the normalising standards of society; that and the finished creations are just breathtakingly beautiful. Obviously, the festival doesn’t just offer walking works of art. Each year ‘The Body Circus’ makes an appearance showcasing fire breathers, burlesque dancers as well as the glorious painted bodies. A source of wild entertainment that again defies both the traditional festival stereotype and the limits of society. However, the circus is only a part of the most bizarre ball. The ‘traditional’ event is held within the enchanting castle Leonstain and literally screams for all things anti boundary. From drag queens to the juggling of buckets of vodka, such an event is one wild ride and allows anyone to unleash themselves from societal pressures and into
a world of the surreal. Festivals after all are meant to be mechanisms of relaxation and what better way to free yourself than stripping off your clothes and unlocking yourself from the shackles of society. Overall, I cannot express how much there is to explore within this festival. There is something to suit every taste. The only downside is that it is in Austria, but it’s not hard to book a flight these days, is it?
Time for a summer fling? H
Emma Bessent Arts + Lit Editor takes a romantic, literary break from the buzz of festivals
AS third term left you longing for peaceable solitude rather than the buzz of festivals? Perhaps you just need a few days of quiet before you start checking off that plethora of events clogging up your calendar. Well, no reader’s summer is complete without falling utterly, hopelessly in love with someone who does not exist beyond the pages of a paperback. Exams are over, the sun is shining, and romance is in the air, so take some time to find out why, exactly, these literary heroes and heroines should be the subject of your devoted and fully unrequited adoration.
THE STAR-CROSSED LOVER: Henry DeTamble The Time Traveller’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger If you’ve never read The Time Traveller’s Wife, your experience of literary heartbreak is limited. Not for the sensitive and easily troubled reader, Henry and Clare’s passionate story is fraught with tension and tempered with gratuitous loss. Henry’s unusual genetic condition wreaks havoc on their lives, often leaving Clare isolated and unable to connect
with those around her, but if you close the book without feeling a little jealous of Mrs DeTamble, you’ve a harder heart than me. His charming and utterly unique character is perhaps better suited to a fictitious summer fling than a long term relationship. BURNING PASSION: Danaerys Targaryen A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin The Khaleesi is the very embodiment of the aphorism “Throw me to the wolves and I will return leading the pack.” Defying every obstacle set in her path by a notoriously cruel author, Danaerys inspires awe and adoration in her fellow characters and readers alike. Along with Cersei Lannister, the young
woman dominates the male sphere of leadership with class and fortitude. Empowered by her sexuality rather than constrained by it, Danaerys takes pleasure from her personal relationships, compartmentalising dutifulness firmly into her political life. You have to hand it to Martin; he might have a dark fascination with brutally killing them off, but the women he writes are wholly worthy of falling at least a little bit in love with. MISUNDERSTOOD: Arin The Winner’s Trilogy, Marie Rutkoski The Winner’s Trilogy makes for an easier read than the Song of Ice and Fire saga, but that doesn’t mean Rutkoski’s characters lack pathos. Arin, a man made a slave in his own country, finds his convicted
revolutionary beliefs and his heart’s desire for his mistress, Kestrel, seem to conflict in a way which makes his own personal happiness an impossible wish to fulfil. Rutkoski’s tale explores an elegant, and at times brutal, courtship with political and personal repercussions which is sure to leave you starry-eyed. THE DREAMER: Elizabeth Bennett Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen You’d be a fool not to love Lizzie. Austen’s most famous heroine is wholly deserving of the accolade she refers. Sharp-minded, strong-willed and free-hearted, Lizzie Bennett’s romantic ideals reject the conformities of Georgian courtship as she carves her own path through life. Her status as a powerful literary woman is not in the slightest threatened by her more tender attributes, such as her love and concern for her little sister Lydia which overwhelms her to the point of physical sickness. When she courts, it’s on her own terms, and her human errors - made in the pursuit of true and moral love - only endear her to us all the more.
SCREEN
X-Mediocre?
The tragic truth
Emma Bessent, Arts + Lit Editor, has mixed feelings on the latest X-Men installment
Harry Shepherd praises the BBC’s hard hitting documentary on the 1989 tragedy
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Director: Bryan Singer James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender. 2016, 144 minutes
aAAAB
T
HE last issue of Exhibit saw Editor Ben Londesbrough deliver a scathing twostar review for Captain America: Civil War, making some very justified comments about the generic formula and over-reliance on CGI, but the recent release of X-Men: Apocalypse has gone some way to restore the reputation of the comic book movies in my eyes.
A VALIANT AND ENERGISING STEP In the seventh X-Men film, Days of Future Past, we saw Wolverine time-travel to wipe clean the narrative slate of the franchise in a story which did not quite flow smoothly; another film guilty of the generic tropes and gratuitous use of CGI, albeit tempered by excellent character development and brilliant acting. Apocalypse, the beginning of a rewritten story which fits seamlessly with its cinematic parent, is purposed with forcing Charles Xavier’s hand in the militarisation of his students to protect mutant kind from his jealous and fearful human cousins. Flaws include one poorly-paced death, which seems lazily put in place to remove a cumbersome character narrative, and the antagonist’s overused ability to absorb and amplify the power of different mutants. Nevertheless, the merits of the film do compensate for these drawbacks.
Photo: comingsoon.net
31 MAY 2016 | EXEPOSÉ
The absolute highlight of Apocalypse has to be Evan Peters’ performance as Quicksilver. His sequence following En Sabar Nur’s destructive invasion of the mansion, despite its predecessor in Days of Future Past, is cinematically superb and elevated by its use of the iconic Eurythmics track ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ against Peters’ nonchalant and self-contented characterisation. His revelation to Raven (not wishing to spoil anything for those of you who haven’t had the chance to see it yet) is stylistically stunning, combining a serious issue with Quicksilver’s amusing self deprecation; such a contrast is now something of a Marvel trademark. With Simon Kinberg’s recent announcement that the next X-Men film will be set in the 1990s, I really hope to see Peters come forward to take a more prominent part in the future. However, the villain of the piece lacks complexity, acting as a reversal of the central antagonist forces in Days of Future Past, wishing to destroy humanity and weaker mutants to extol the supernaturally powerful rather, than destroy the supernaturally powerful to defend the weak. In some ways his characterisation is a logical response to the previous film, but, as aforementioned, his ability to replicate the power of other mutants is tired and frustratingly dull. However, his chronological suspension and re-awakening ties in nicely with the franchise’s new obsession of playing with time, and the way that Bryan Singer plays off the rest of his cast against En Sabar Nur - especially Eric Lehnsherr and Raven, who I, for one, am delighted to see brought back into the X-Men fold in Apocalypse - is dynamic, fresh and entertaining. Marvel franchises still have some territory to claw back if they hope to bring themselves back to the peak of their production, but XMen: Apocalypse is a valiant and energising step in the right direction.
HILLSBOROUGH Director: Daniel Gordon BBC One 2016, 121 minutes
aAAAAA
H
ILLSBOROUGH is a feature-length BBC film chronicaling the event of, and those surrounding, the April 1989 disaster that took place during the FA Cup semi-final clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Liverpool. Due to significant police errors, a crush followed in the two central pens of the Leppings Lane stand made available to Liverpool fans. These mistakes left 96 people dead and 766 injured. The two hour runtime allows the documentary to explore the tragic day, its causes, and the fallout, in considerable depth. Most pertinently, this involved changes to police staffing on the day - including putting the inexperienced Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield in charge of the match - and a remarkably similar crush that occurred in the same Leppings Lane stand eight years earlier in another semi-final game between Spurs and Wolves.
THE DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES THE TRAGIC DAY IN CONSIDERABLE DEPTH The film also dedicates extensive time to the police cover-up after the match, and the incessant efforts of senior officials to refuse to admit culpability and blame the fans for
drunk and disorderly behaviour. Since it was only last month that victims’ families heard the verdict that their loved ones had been unlawfully killed due to grossly negligent failures by police, I feel almost guilty for feeling so devastated after only two hours; just imagine if that happened to someone close to you, and for you to then have to deal with such injustice for 27 years.
YOU’LL STRUGGLE NOT TO FEEL INTOXICATED BY ANGER AND DESPAIR Over the course of the documentary you’ll struggle to not feel intoxicated by anger and despair as you listen to the accounts of those that were there on that day. A near minuteby-minute retelling of the day is supported by moving first-hand accounts from victims, their families and average police officers. One fan within the pen recounts the last moment he saw his father alive as he was swept away by the swelling throng, and an ex-military police officer recalls the day in which his fellow officers found him to have wet himself in the midst of a mental breakdown. Hillsborough doesn’t shy away from showing the disturbing images of the aftermath, as innumerable arms and legs are splayed and contorted in every direction, some of the bodies belonging to those as young as ten. Neither is it allowed to dominate the film; instead, the anger, protracted pain and eventual triumph of the victims and their families take centre stage in a complete, thoughtful and harrowing film of the darkest day in British sport. Essential viewing.
Photo: wikipedia
22
EXHIBIT
|
EDITORS: Mark Allison and Zak Mahinfar
SCREEN
31 MAY 2016
|
23
The name is...? Mark Allison, Screen Editor, looks at the likeliest contenders to put on the dinner jacket
I
T’S a tough season for Bond fans. The incumbent 007, Daniel Craig, has become Schrodinger’s Bond, simultaneously returning for the next film and apparently never coming back. The uncertainty has been continually exacerbated by reports on the tabloid rumour mill, including Craig allegedly turning down a £68 million deal for two more films. This, and the actor’s less than enthusiastic comments about any future Bond films, has fuelled speculation that Daniel Craig may be hanging up his holster for good. So if Dan’s heart really isn’t in it anymore, who should replace him? The name Idris Elba has been bandied about an awful lot, not least because of the apparent controversy of casting a black man as James Bond; it’s been a debate so overwrought that the actor himself has refused to talk about it anymore. But despite all this sound and fury, Elba is probably too old to take on the role now – turning 44 this year, he would be the oldest actor to assume the licence to kill since Roger Moore’ geriatric in-
terpretation of the spy. Eon Productions, the team behind the franchise, are likely hoping for a leading man who can carry the mantle over the next decade or more.
THE CHARACTER IS OPEN TO ANY NUMBER OF INTERPRETATIONS Tom Hiddleston, best known as the villainous Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is another contender, and currently the bookies’ favourite. Indeed, his chances currently seem so good that bets were recently suspended – and honestly it makes a lot of sense. He certainly possesses the upper class Englishness that the role demands, and his recent performance in the BBC’s The Night Manager highlighted his potential as a suave spy. However, herein lies the problem – Tom Hiddleston would be an undeniably obvious choice, and if Daniel Craig’s time in the role
has taught us anything, it’s that an unexpected candidate can deliver an unbeatable performance. So who has the potential to both surprise and delight us as Bond? It’s been rumoured that Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson have spoken to Aidan Turner, a 32-year-old Irish actor of Poldark and The Hobbit fame. He’s certainly less well known than some of his rivals, which would likely make him a cheaper option and cut down on the everinflating budget. In addition, his relatively tender age means that he’s got time on his side, which could secure the series for a decade or more, not to mention his existing fan base who passionately champion his claim to the Walther PPK. Of course, it’s entirely possible that the next Bond has evaded everyone’s radar; with a heritage as rich and varied as that of
the Bond franchise, the character has always been open to any number of interpretations and portrayals. Where the franchise turns next is anyone’s guess, but it remains one of life’s happiest certainties that James Bond will return.
Texas forever Susannah Keogh, Editor, looks back at the 2006 TV series, Friday Night Lights
I
Photo: pixabay via WikiImages
Newsreel
’ll admit, Friday Night Lights wasn’t exactly my first watching choice. Or my second. Or third. I eventually clicked play having exhausted almost every other gem Netflix has to offer, but in the pursuit of ultimate procrastination, I fell prey to its charms. It is not, as I first thought, a comedy about a bunch of American cheerleaders - Bring It On style. Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) is coach of the Dillon Panthers, a small town high school football team in Dillon, Texas. In any other show, the highs and lows of elite sport, coupled with the players and families’ complicated lives would make for perfect easy watching of the soap genre kind. Friday Night Lights could so easily be that. Except creator Peter Berg instead made a show that is much more than just a drama series; it is a sophisticated yet witty commentary on life in small-town America. In Dillon, common themes are explored- the divide between rich and poor, family tensions, drugs, sex, but all in the context of the Panthers.
Season One opens with the paralysis of star quarterback Jason Street in the first game of the season, and it’s fair to say that the series as a whole gains its momentum from this event. The highs of football are over for Street, but for the remaining players and the town as a whole, it still means everything. On the field, Street and other players (Matt Saracen and Smash Williams) are victors, but off it, their lives are chaotic, dysfunctional and so used to living for the highs, the real world seems lacklustre to them. Saracen cares single-handedly for his dementia-suffering grandma while the weight of his family’s prosperity rests single-handedly on Williams’ football career. Underneath the glamour and excitement of the Friday night game, this is a show about humans, about honest relationships, unafraid to show (without a sugarcoat) what life in America is truly like. It’s something the show’s cinematography illustrates perfectly. Friday Night Lights is shot in almost a documentary style; filmed
without rehearsal and with the cameras following the actors around, as opposed to them remaining limited by the set operations. Perhaps it’s this that makes the show feel so real - as a viewer, I got sucked into the world of Dillon, the unfamiliar world of playoffs and running backs.
Nolan returns
Holmes is back?
Palme d’Or for Loach
Filming has commenced on director Christopher Nolan’s new film, Dunkirk. Dramatising the Dunkirk evacuation during the Second World War, it’s set to star Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance alongside One Direction’s Harry Styles in his acting debut.
Producer Joel Silver has hinted that Guy Ritchie, Robert Downey Jr., and Jude Law will be teaming up once again this year for a third installment in their popular Sherlock Holmes film series. It’s been five years since the last film, A Game of Shadows.
British director Ken Loach, the man behind social-realist classic Kes (1967) has won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival for his latest work, I, Daniel Blake. The film is an attack upon the benefits and sanctions system in modern Britain.
IT’S A SOPHISTICATED COMMENTARY ON LIFE IN SMALL-TOWN AMERICA For all the talk of Texas forever, Dillon could be any town, in any state, in any country. Transport it halfway across the world to a school with no football team and no community that prides itself on the Friday night lights and the morals the show characterises would still stand. Truth is, this isn’t a show about football. It’s a show about heart, morality, relationships and perseverance.
GAMES + TECH Humans need not apply
Jessica Stanier, Online Editor, speculates on a terrifying future for graduate jobs
I
F the prospect of finding a graduate job wasn’t daunting enough already, the media has caught onto a new threat for the global workforce. An Oxford University study published in 2013 fueled public interest when it found that 47 per cent of jobs in America were vulnerable to automation. This is job automation on a larger scale than ever before. It’s a reality, and it’s going to hit us sooner or later. Technology has driven the most revolutionary changes in human lives - from the industrial revolution and the printing press, to the demise of horse-driven transport and our contemporary internet age. We’ve spent the last 1000 years reducing physical labour across all aspects of our lives. We’re extremely intelligent when it comes to making life easier. It’s a strange paradox that our greatest efforts are motivated by a desire to do less. Predominantly, the automation of labour has been driven by our economic system. When technology replaces manual labour, this maximises efficiency which in theory enables people to further specialise their line of work. Standards of living rise,
1
0
0
1
0
economies grow, the capitalist machine works its magic through the means of technology. (Recall how in a popular Roald Dahl story, Charlie Bucket’s dad, a hard-working toothpaste cap-screwer, gets made redundant before being employed to repair the machine that replaced him.)
47 PER CENT OF JOBS IN AMERICA WERE VULNERABLE TO AUTOMATION A common argument against the new concern over job automation is to point out that this is nothing new. If there has been technological progress in automation, surely there has always been a turnover of jobs? Whilst machines may become ever more manually dexterous, perhaps the tech startup boom of the last decade is evidence that new sectors are opening up for human workers. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Firstly, a new report “Technology At Work v2.0:
0
0
1
0
1
1
The Future is Not What It Used to Be”, by the Oxford Martin School and Citigroup - has suggested that developing countries will be disproportionately hit by job automation. 69 per cent of jobs in India were noted as at risk, 77 per cent in China and 85 per cent in Ethiopia. These jobs require minimal training. The latest manufacturing technology can pay for itself within two years, according to The Economist, luring invest o r s away from the cheap labour in China and India for the first time. The Baxter robot, while ten times slower than its human counterparts, costs a hundredth of a minimum wage salary. Closer to home, think about how supermarkets are replacing cashiers with self-checkouts. As infuriating as they might be, it’s a simple matter of being cost effective. You just have to do the maths. Additionally, in developing countries, there is less capital invested in old technologies. While richer countries may have built up dependency on an outdated transport industry, for example, selfdriving taxis might take off more quickly in relatively young city elsewhere. The same goes for agriculture, manufacturing, medicine, administration and many other industries. It’s a sobering thought. Also, whereas previous technology has replaced physical labour, the new frontier will replace jobs that use our minds. Machine learning, sophisticated decision-making programs and big data are all radically changing the way computer programs can approach problems. Tasks that previous required a human interpreter can now be automated, with
Photo: Thinkstockphotos
the benefit of eliminating human error and bias in the process. From robotic surgery to self-driving cars to finance, a lot of jobs are on the cusp of changing hands - from human to machine. If the consequences of profit-driven physical automation are anything to go by, we can forecast a radically different future for our human workforce.
WE CAN FORECAST A RADICALLY DIFERENT FUTURE Fears over job automation have led to a growing movement in favour of a Universal Basic Income (UBI). To cope with a workforce that is not employable in the traditional sense, it is proposed that every citizen receives some money from the state. In theory, it saves people the ‘indignity’ of food stamps, eliminates the bureaucracy of benefits, and sets a basic standard of living. It preserves the capitalist system with a small dose of socialism. Critics are sceptical that this money could be raised in taxes, predicting some unscrupulous behaviour by the central banks. The fact that we will be forced to revise our work philosophy of productivity, however, is a near certainty. Job automation is coming under a new, more threatening guise. Our challenge is to be prepared.
THE ORANGE BOX
Theodore Stone
Evan Jones
Ben Assirati
We asked writers to tell us which video game locations they’d like to visit for a summer holiday, and why...
Skyrim I used to be a student like you, but then I took an exam to the brain
Somewhere nice in Europe Because it’s from Euro Truck Simulator 2
Any Pokémon Region Because come on, it’s Pokémon
31 MAY 2016 | EXEPOSÉ
24
EXHIBIT
|
GAMES + TECH
EDITORS: Jabez Sherrington and Sam Woolf
31 MAY 2016
|
25
Uncharted territory
Harry Shepherd sets out on a grand adventure to review Uncharted 4
UNCHARTED 4: A THIEF’S END Naughty Dog PlayStation 4 2016
aAAAAA
S
IC parvis magna. Greatness from small beginnings. This wasn’t exactly a phrase that meant a big deal to me as I readied myself for my next adventure in Nathan Drake’s grave robbing gear. Initially, it appeared nothing more than some (albeit pretty) wording adorning the special edition Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End PS4 console. Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series has been consistently good since its inception in 2007 with Drake’s Fortune, but it has also matured and improved with time. Yet the whole has always been greater than the sum of its parts. The combat has always felt a touch limited and the platforming can be frustrating. Each story has been a little safe, never getting as much as a sniff at their post-apocalyptic chums from The Last of Us. Never bad by any stretch, but each piece of the action-adventure puzzle was functional, serviceable, always tied in a neat bow with the cinema-quality art direction. But that was then. Uncharted 4 is now.
With Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann at the helm, Uncharted 4 is a triumphant love letter to both the series and the genre. The characters are more real than ever, the platforming and puzzling have become even more inventive and rich, and the combat is the most varied and satisfying it has been. At first glance it may all sound rather familiar, and in many ways it is. The ‘main’ plot is typical Uncharted; where the treasure narrative is concerned, everything does feel a little safe, acting as essentially a plot device to kick start your globetrotting travels from Scotland to Malaysia and Madagascar. But the real story is a family drama. Druckmann and Straley have given Drake and co. the Joel and Ellie treatment; the Drakes, Sully and Elena all feel remarkably real, with subtle and nuanced characterisation. The casual banter, optional conversations and thoughtfully-paced story go the extra mile in terms of character development. The central twist
strains the relationships of the main characters to their limit, giving the overall story a far greater personal weight than any other game in the series. Steering clear of spoilers, let’s just say there’s plenty of fan service to round off the single player. That said, it is a shame that villains Nadine Ross and Rafe Adler are not so developed and relegated to the story’s background.
A TRIUMPHANT LOVE LETTER TO BOTH THE SERIES AND THE GENRE Where previous Uncharted games were strictly linear, Uncharted 4 deepens the scope and complexity of its environments. Levels are more open than ever, and your optional searches are rewarded with collectibles and background story info for your journal. Combat areas have been improved in a similar way; there are now countless ways to deal with your enemies that includes stealthy approaches through long grass and climbing, to aerial assaults using the new rope swing. With its extra story beats, meaningful exploration and
gameplay choice, Uncharted 4 feels like an actual adventure. This isn’t a perfect game though. Melee is imprecise, the climbing can be unintuitive and the vast majority of the collectibles serve no purpose other than to push you to explore each environment further. The multiplayer that featured for the first time in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves makes a return, but is little more than a passable distraction. The levels based on those from the single player feel watered down in their complexity and variety. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, despite some flaws, is a concise 16-hour set of reasons as to why I play video games. It has inventive gunplay, platforming that encourages true adventuring and immersion in another world and whole, layered characters that develop complex relationships between each other and the player. It’s a game that, when you finally lay down your controller as the credits roll, will fill you with nothing but heartache that you’ll never experience it for the first time ever again. Not bad for a game dismissed as simply as ‘Dude Raider’ by many in 2007. Sic parvis magna indeed.
UNCHARTED 4 is now available on PlayStation 4
CROSSWORD # 86
SUDOKU # 22 Down 1 Best (of the milk?) (5) 2 Non-attendance (7) 3 Type of extra run in cricket (3) 4 Meal - as pert (anagram) (6) 5 Tender (4) 6 Racket (5) 7 Disregard (6) 11 (Transport) charge (4) 13 In good health (4) 14 Usage - habit (6) 16 Interrupt (7) 17 Conclusion (6) 19 Soul - an aim (anagram) (5) 21 Kitchen strainer (5) 22 Steal (4) 24 In the past (3)
6 Noise, 7 Ignore, 11 Fare, 13 Well, 14 Custom, 16
STUDY BREAK
ANSWERS Disturb, 17 Ending, 19 Anima, 21 Sieve, 22 Take, 24 Ago.
Across 1 Bedroom - assembly (7) 5 Short ballad set to music (4) 8 Follow on (5) 9 Line of scalp in the hair - gin trap (anagram) (7) 10 Fit means (anagram) - show (8) 12 0 (4) 14 Your good health! (6) 15 Sewing implement (6) 18 Aquatic bird (4) 20 Dissection - review (8) 23 Japanese art of paper-folding (7) 24 Entertain (5) 25 Worry (about someone, e.g.) (4) 26 A word with synonyms including 3, 18 5 Across, 9, 11 13 and 22 25 (7)
Down: 1 Cream, 2 Absence, 3 Bye, 4 Repast, 5 Sore, Analysis, 23 Origami, 24 Amuse, 25 Care, 26 Goodbye. Manifest, 12 Zero, 14 Cheers, 15 Needle, 18 Swan, 20 Across: 1 Chamber, 5 Song, 8 Ensue, 9 Parting, 10
PUZZLES BY ALFRED
28
SCIENCE
NEWS 1-5
FESTIVAL FOCUS 14-21
COMMENT FEATURES 10-11 8-9
SCIENCE
SCREEN 22-23
GAMES+TECH SCIENCE 24-25 28-29
31 MAY 2016 |
SPORT 31-32
Exeposé Science
SCIENCE EDITORS Victoria Bos Beth Honey
EXEPOSÉ
@ExeposeScience
sciandtech@exepose.com
Disturbing or genius? Preserving consciouness through technology Alina Ivan explores the various attempts to preserve human life through nanotechnology and gene therapy, whilst examining possible ways of downloading our consciouness into computers
S
ILICON Valley, hedge fund manager Joon Yun is currently offering a prize of $1m to those who manage to crack “the code of life”. The reward is awaiting anyone who manages to extend the human lifespan beyond its known maximum of 122 years. Biotech companies such as Googlebased Calico, aka ‘California Life Company’, are spending long hours getting their heads round how to reverse-engineer the human genome. Cynthia Kenyon, molecular biologist, sent her fellow evolutionary biologists back to the drawing board when she developed a drug that pushed a worm’s lifespan six times past its average. In less than two years since they’ve been established, they have had considerable progress interfering with the aging process. There is reason for optimism.
Beyond body freezing and gene therapy, other conventional ideas of how to cheat death exist In the meantime, psychologist James Bedford celebrates almost 50 years since he’s been lying refrigerated at -120 degrees Celsius, awaiting resurrection. He was the first man to undergo ‘cryonic suspension’. Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Arizona aims to preserve one’s body at sub-zero temperatures until future medical technology can restore the person to full functioning. Or, more specifically, until nano-technology evolves to
the point that they can restore individual cells and molecules. The rationale is that adding substances such as cryoprotectants to cells allows them to stay cool at low temperatures without forming ice. One can join the more than one hundred people who have already undergone fullbody cryopreservation for $200,000.
Join the more than one hundred people who have already undergone fullbody cryopreservation for $200,000 Beyond body freezing and gene therapy, other unconventional ideas of how to cheat death exist. Some thrive at the prospect of uploading our mind into a digital computer. Before even considering the philosophical, legal, and ethical facets of this problem, let’s dig into whether such an approach is possible at all. A very large part of our brain is dedicated to processing sensory information. We have receptors for sight, pain, touch and other external stimuli, as well as for our internal organs. When the brain is not involved in gathering sensory information, it is involved in higher-order functions that depend upon the sensory information received. It is busy storing the experience into memories for future recall or organising our thoughts to meet short or long-term goals. Sensation and cognition are intimately intertwined. If we upload the mind into a com-
puter, what happens to our sensory receptors? Leaving us senseless in the dark is far from desirable. In a series of CIAfunded experiments, Donald Hebb and his team studied how sensory deprivation affects the brain. They kept perception to a minimum, fitting participants with cotton gloves, helmets and so on. After only two days, participants suffered hallucinations and were unable to express coherent thoughts. Surely this doesn’t match anyone’s immortality dream. If we want to download our brains into a computer without going insane, computational neuroscientist Nicolas Rougier suggests that we have to connect our sensors to the external world, as well as our internal body parts. Robotics may be able to provide artificial stimulation to sensors – we have seen multiple examples of this, including prosthetic limbs and artificial eyes. If we replace the self with artificial sensory receptors, will we be the same? Probably not. The external environment to which we are exposed makes up a big part of who we are.
We are in the early stages of mimicking a hand’s function, or reproducing a retina Rougier is one of the pessimists. We are in the early stages of mimicking a hand’s function, or reproducing a retina. Even if we were to overcome such problems, should we deem it realistic to expect
such technological progress? The human Considering the future, it is hard to brain is made of 86 billion neurons, each ignore the implications of such a transneuron communicating to approximately formation. Who would be the gatekeeper 10,000 other neurons. The hitch here is of such technology? Who should have that it is not known what exactly makes priority to benefit from it? No doubt, such us who we are - and it is unlikely that a advancements will contribute to inequalicomputer will reach the power to manipties in society. Still, if given the chance to ulate such a big number. Some have arbe part of these on-going experiments, gued that Moore’s Law, which states that would you rather be in the experimental the power of a computer doubles every group, or in the control group? 18 months, is likely to reach its limits soon. With this in mind, some scientists deem it unlikely that we will ever develop the necessary technology. Considerable financial efforts have been put into extending the human lifespan. Still, except for a species of jellyfish called Turritopsis dohrnii – which casuImage: thisisnthappiness.com ally runs the clock forwards and backwards between larvae and adulthood – immortality remains confined to the realm of science fiction. Despite the progress, eternal life is still a Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons long way off.
Biweekly Breakthroughs by Beth Honey Sixth sense
World’s strongest man
Sodium: friend or foe?
An error correction module in the brain, known as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), acts as a “sixth sense”, protecting absentminded drivers. For example, veering to the left would be counterbalanced, controlled by the ACC. It does not, however, protect you from the consequences of texting whilst driving. Texting disrupts this coordination loop between the brain and eye movements.
Game of Thrones actor Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, who plays “The Mountain”, consumes over 12,000 calories per day in his attempt to become the Worlds Strongest Man. This includes more than 14 eggs, a kilo of meat, and supplements. Dr Lee Hamilton examined how this can be translated into the diets of ordinary physiques, suggesting that a large glass of milk would be efficient.
New research has found that implementing a low salt diet may actually contribute to cardiovascular disease and death. More than 130,000 people were involved in the study conducted by the Population Health Research Institute, from 49 countries. Only those who already have high blood pressure or high sodium intake should consider changing their diet.
Is the end of the world nearly here?
EXEPOSÉ
SCIENCE
www.exepose.com
29
Lewis Norman examines the newest threats to Earth and the odds of our extinction
H
UGE catastrophes have occurred throughout history, some caused by the human race and others by the unforgiving hand of Mother Nature. But what could possibly wipe out the whole human race? And what is the chance of it happening over the next century? Unsurprisingly, the chance of humanity being wiped out by 2100 is very widely uncertain. Estimates range between a worrying 50 per cent, according to astronomer and former master of Trinity College Cambridge, Martin Rees, in his 2003 book Our Final Hour, to the more conservative, but still concerning 10 percent, detailed in the 2006 Stern report. ten per cent! It’s really quite alarming, even if it is incredibly subjective. Leicester City had a smaller chance of winning the Premier League this year, and we all know what happened there. Why is it such a high figure? And what is the biggest threat to the human race? The historical resilience of the human race to environmental catastrophes
and biological threats has meant that the estimated risk is incredibly low. It would take a great deal of bad luck for a meteor impact or intense volcanic event to occur at a big enough scale to alter the climate system enough to deem us unable to survive during the next 100 years. So far, life has always found a way to keep going; however, the increase in extreme climatic events such as droughts and storms, and the melting of the ice sheets are rarely taken into consideration in these estimates. As is the usual case, we’re most likely to be the biggest problem. Our own lack of knowledge around technological advances could, ironically, be the cause
of our downfall... how poetic. In 2008 it was suggested by the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford that both the development of molecular nanotechnology weapons and super-intelligent artificial intelligence (AI) were the biggest
threats to the existence of mankind, both with a five per cent likelihood of wiping us off the face of the planet. Our own bloody desire to kill each other is the next most likely extinction scenario, although the scale of nuclear war is not believed to be large enough to cause the extinction of human beings. If we’re all going to die before 2100, it is more likely to be at the hands of traditional weapons. Despite being the most uncertain, the threat of molecular nanotechnology and superintelligent AI are by far the most interesting estimates. Molecular nanotechnology hypothetically works through a process known as Mechanosyn-
thesis, the use of mechanical constrains in order to manipulate reactive molecules into bonding onto specific sites, effectively controlling reaction outcomes. This technology could provide us with the opportunity to build new, dangerous weaponry. The main hypothetical risk of molecular nanotechnology is the potential for a phenomenon known as the ‘Technological Singularity’ to develop. The same idea applies to AI. A ‘Technological Singularity’ is the ability of technology to self-replicate and improve itself, causing a runaway effect that surpasses any human ability to counteract it. It is believed that, in the same way that cancer does, nanotechnology weapons could garner overwhelming power, capable of becoming the dominant power on the planet. It all sounds very sci-fi, but our lack of hard knowledge about it is what makes it a risk. They say that curiosity killed that cat. Well, it looks like it might kill the entire human race too. Great.
Scientific theories from history
Theodore Stone, Online Editor, takes a look at some theories from the past that were popular at the time, but have since fallen out of favour due to evidence, research or just our common sense
Planet Vulcan
W
HAT is the closest planet to the Sun? If you said Mercury, then you’d be correct. However, if you had said Vulcan in the 19th century then you would have also been correct, albeit with a few disagreements. Though the name may conjour images from Star Trek, in actuality the mathematician Urban Jean Joseph Le Verrier posited that certain quirks in Mercury’s rotation could only be explained by the gravitational pull of another planet. He even claimed to have witnessed its transit, and support ricocheted around the globe. When Le Verrier died in 1877, many still regarded him as the discoverer of Vulcan. Unfortunately, the search was nullified in 1915 by Einstein’s discovery of General Relativity, which helped to explain Mercury’s orbit. It later transpired that Vulcan was actually in the star system of 40 Eridani A.
Phrenology
A
LTHOUGH it is regarded by most nowadays as sheer pseudoscience, phrenology used to be one of the most heavily-studied branches of neuroscience. Phrenology was defined by its proponents’ belief that individual character traits, such as aggression or intelligence, were localised in specific parts of the brain. The larger each of these parts were, the more likely one was to behave in a certain way, so if you had a massive empathy component, which dwarfed the intelligence component, you’d be Hodor. Via this theory, phrenologists would study the size and shape of the subjects’ head in order to determine one’s personality. Detailed maps were produced of the 27 theoretical areas of the brain and people were mapped accordingly. Unfortunately, it was then proven to be complete rot by actual scientists.
Mystical Aether Static Universe The Flat Earth
T
HE mystical aether, or ether, was a hypothesised substance that was long believed to be the means by which light traveled across the cosmos. From the heyday of Ancient Greece, right up until the 19th century, it was assumed that light required a delivery system: a van for the photon loaves. If it did exist, then it would have revolutionised physics, due to the fact that it could be measured and quantified, and thus studied in detail. Even though most experiments contradicted the existence of the substance, faith in it was so great that most people abandoned empiricism in favour of proclaiming its existence sans data. Thankfully, we have Einstein to once again thank for saving us from insanity, with the 20th century reconfiguration of physics finally putting the last nails in the aether’s coffin.
W
HAT if the universe was neither expanding, nor contracting? What if it was an unchanging constant – something which always was and shall be? The idea stated that the total volume of the universe was fixed, and that we lived inside a closed system. Indeed, Einstein believed wholeheartedly in this theorem. He even attempted to use relativity to promote such a hypothesis. Unfortunately, a finite universe would eventually become so dense that it would collapse into a black hole, whilst it would also make the red shift impossible. The red shift is the way the colour of cosmological bodies change as they move away from us – and distance showed us that they were indeed expanding. Red shift is taken by almost every scientist as fact, and with the big bang now the most accepted theory, the very notion seems ludicrous.
T
HIS theory dates as far back as early Egyptian and Mesopotamian times when humans theorised that the world was a flat disk floating in an ocean. Whilst NASA has plenty of photographs of a round Earth, even the ancient Greeks, pioneered by the philosipher Aristotle, began to believe the Earth was spherical given we can see the moon is spherical and ships disappear hull first over the horizon and the afct that those who went off to sea did not fall off the edge of the planet. Despite this, the Flat Earth Society based in the United States of America keep the debate thriving to this day, meaning we all can watch esteemed rapper B.o.B argue with Neil de Grasse Tyson about whether the round Earth is a conspiracy after all, but let’s be honest it is a fact we all can see and experience. The Earth is round. Fact.
BONUS PAGE
SPORT
UEFA Euro 2016 Host Nation: France 10 June - 10 July
31 MAY 2016 |
Exeposé
Le Rendez-Vous: previewed
Group A Albania France Romania Switzerland
Group B England Russia Slovakia Wales
Group C Germany Northern Ireland Poland Ukraine
Group D Croatia Czech Republic Spain Turkey
Group E Belgium Italy Republic of Ireland Sweden
Group F Austria Hungary Iceland Portugal
Previous Winners: Germany (1972, 1980, 1996) Spain (1964, 2008, 2012) France (1984, 2000) USSR (1960) Italy (1968) Czech Republic (1976) Greece (2004) Denmark (1992) Netherlands (1988)
>>Photo: UEFA
With UEFA Euro 2016 just around the corner, Exeposé Sport looks at some of the teams going to France France Group A
I
T is difficult to know exactly how good France are as we go into Euro 2016. As hosts they haven’t played any qualifiers, and friendly results have been inconclusive. Indeed, they’ve beaten Germany and Portugal and lost to England and Albania! Additionally, playing in front of their home fans the atmosphere is not necessarily a positive, as the Brazil team of 2014 will testify. What we can say with total certainty is
England Group B
A
NOTHER Euros, another chance for English fans to get their hopes
Wales Group B
G
O
about Wales is the incredible team spirit that has developed, as the players follow the FAW’s adopted motto: Together Stronger. The result is a team that are very, very tricky to break down and that would pose a challenge for almost any opponent. And if you can’t find their net, don’t be surprised when a moment of magic gives Wales the win. This was the only side to have two players in the Qualifiers XI - and they certainly want to show that class out in France.
has recently earned him links to Manchester United. With 14 World Cup winners in their squad, the side has hardly changed, but arguably the loss of captain Philipp Lahm could unsettle the team. A set of shaky results over the last few months culminated in a surprising defeat against England a few months ago, and so questions have been asked about the team’s ability to claim their first Euro trophy since 1996: but for a team as solid as Germany, they certainly won’t be ruled out any time soon.
Iceland Group F
ARETH Bale. Does anything more need to be said? The Real Madrid striker can, on his day, secure victory for his country all alone. Yet Wales aren’t reliant on just Bale, as some of the side’s critics would try their best to convince you. This Welsh side has further stars: just look to Aaron Ramsey for another big name from a major team. What is more impressive
that this is a very strong squad. They have a solid defence with captain Hugo Lloris playing behind a back four that could include Raphael Varane and Laurent Koscielny. Going forward they hold just as much threat with Antoine Griezmann and Anthony Martial playing in front of Paul Pogba, one of the most exciting young players in world football. We can expect a strong showing from the French, although the tournament may have come just too early for this fledgling French side.
up for what will, eventually, be a disappointing climax to the footballing season - or is it? For once, England fans may well have reason to be quietly optimistic about our nation’s chances in France. The squad is youthful and exciting, featuring the likes of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy up front, who scored 49 goals between them this season. Behind them, Dele Alli and Eric Dier have been part of an exciting squad at Spurs that should’ve finished higher than third, whilst Joe Hart is perhaps the only world-class player England have. The central defence can look a little suspect at times and Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere, both highly rated by manager Roy Hodgson, have fitness doubts. Yet if Hodgson can get the best out of his talented group of players, England could be outsiders for a place far in the tournament.
Spain Group D
Italy Group E
Republic of Ireland Group E
TALY were last champions of Europe in 1968 and return to this year’s tournament far from favourites. However, they shouldn’t be immediately discarded as contenders. Italy should progress from their group alongside Belgium however Ibrahimovic’s Sweden could crash the party. Top class players with plenty of international experience can still be called upon by manager Antonio Conte especially the Juventus trio who anchor Italy’s famous defence: Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini. Other key names to look out for are Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele de Rossi. For fans of the Premier League a few names will appear familiar, those of Angelo Ogbonna, Matteo Darmian and Graziano Pelle. Some key names have missed out on making it to this summer’s European tournament whether by injury - Marchisio ruled out due to a knee injury and Veratti who recently underwent groin surgery - or by omission from the squad: Pirlo, presumably due to his age and Balotelli following a disappointing few seasons.
RELAND go into this year’s Euros with a strong recent record, having not lost in their last four games. They are, however, deeply unfortunate to find themselves in a potential Group of Death alongside Belgium, Italy and Sweden, each of whom have a better pedigree at this level. For Ireland, the first match against Sweden will be crucial in realising their chances of progressing from the group, with Martin O’Neill needing to utilise experienced heads such as John O’Shea and Jonathan Walters to good effect. They will probably struggle though considering their general lack of talent, with only a small proportion of their team playing regularly in the Premier League. As for the ones to watch, both Darren Randolph and Shane Long have performed well in the domestic season, although only time will tell whether the ageing Shay Given and the Championship contingent of David McGoldrick, Cyrus Christie and Anthony Pilkington will make the cut when O’Neill announces his squad.
T
HE holders Spain go into the tournament as one of the favourites. A surprise defeat against Slovakia aside, they were superb in qualifying - picking up nine wins and eight clean sheets. The squad oozes quality with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique in defence and Andres Iniesta and David Silva in midfield. Despite this, the collapse at Brazil 2014 has been branded into the Spanish collective memory, particularly that 5-1 defeat against the Netherlands. Furthermore they still lack a world-class striker, and with top scorer in qualifying Paco Alcacer dropped for France, they will rely on 35-year-old Aritz Aduriz and Alvaro Morata as their only two natural centre forwards. It would be foolish to discount the Spanish but they will not exude the total dominance of four years ago and are a way off the extraordinary outfit that won three major tournaments in a row.
I
Germany Group C
I
N paper, at least, Germany are clearly one of the favourites. With 36 goals for Bayern Munich this year, Thomas Müller is tipped to be one of the contenders for Golden Boot; meanwhile, at the back, Manuel Neuer has only conceded 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season, proving once again that he’s a safe pair of hands. Young blood is offered by Leroy Sané, a devilishly-fast winger whose skill
I
F I had told you four years ago that Iceland would be competing in Euro 2016, you would have labeled me a lunatic and had me locked up. The team had been struggling for years to stay above the 150 region in the world rankings, and with a population of only 329,000, the prospect of competing on an international stage was seen as nigh-impossible. Nonetheless, Iceland have now become the smallest nation to reach a major tournament, and the first to do so with a population of under one million, and now sit at Number 35 in the world. Coaches Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson are hoping to take their recent successes to a global audience, whilst Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson is hoping to shine alongside rising star Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and captain Aron Gunnarsson of Cardiff City. Iceland will debut on June 15th against Portugal at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard in Saint-Etienne.
Team previews by: Ollie Lund, Jamie White, Owain Evans, Jeremy Brown, Charlie Palmer, Ben Marvell and Theodore Stone
Jumping to success
EXEPOSÉ
www.exepose.com
In this week’s Captain’s Corner, Lara Hopkins, Sport Editor, talks to EURC’s Antonia Riley and Nicole Davis to discuss their successes this past season
E
XAMS are over but Exeter University Riding Club have another hurdle to clear, quite literally. With both the 1s and 2s BUCS teams having qualified for the national finals in June, I sat down with Antonia Riley and Nicole Davis to get more of an insight into how the competitions and club are run.
The club is not just aimed at those who want to jump difficult tracks on horses they’ve barely sat on The competition format is complicated, with these experienced team members even admitting that they’re not always totally sure how it all works. Basically, all team members do both a dressage and show jumping test on different horses provided by the centre hosting the competition, and these scores are compared to people from other teams riding the same horse, and a penalty is calculated. The lowest score wins. However, the scores are not just judged on whether you perform the correct dressage movements, or how many fences you knock down. The main element is style, a foreign concept for show jumpers before they compete in BUCS. Therefore this is “a very subjective system due to the style element, it can be very difficult to predict,” according to Nicole At nationals, the difficulty of dressage
test increases throughout four rounds, and the jumping test reaches a height of 1.20m for the 1s and 1.10m for the 2s; a decent level to jump on any horse, let alone one you have only just sat on. The variety of horses team members have to quickly adapt to is impressive. Antonia explained how at her first BUCS competition she had to jump a small, skinny pony, and also a very large hunter, the smallest and largest animals she’s ever had to compete. But how to pick teams in the first place? Although the BUCS and friendly team co-ordinators have an input, the largest weighting is placed on the preference of the Chief Instructor. Surprisingly, no consideration is given to riders’ previous competition records. Although this means selectors are not blinded by past experience, the girls do believe that these results can give an idea of how people perform under pressure. Although maybe the trials themselves give a good enough indication as these take a competition format However, the club is not just aimed at those who want to jump difficult tracks with horses they’ve barely sat on. Those of all levels, including complete beginners, are very welcome. EURC provides activities for all levels, enjoying beach rides, adventures across Dartmoor, and gymkhanas,
meaning that whatever your previous experience you can try something you’ve never done before. Nicole, 2s captain, had barely jumped before she came to Exeter, having focussed on dressage whilst at school, but dived straight into competing for the 2s. This is testament to the quality of coaching. The BUCS teams train at 30 minutes away at Budleigh Salterton, whilst the more local Oaklands is geared more towards beginners and intermediates Of course there are individual stars in the club too, although they can be beaten. Cameron Beer is aiming for the GB Young
Riders European team this summer and scored what is thought to be the lowest ever final penalty score for the league season with a score of one. However, he was beaten by his own teammate for individual honours at the regional finals. Sophie Edwards topped the list at this competition, “much to Cameron’s disgust!” jokes his club mates. There was strong competition between Edwards and Beer throughout the year. Both had good enough seasons to be nominated for awards at the AU dinner, for the Sportswoman and Fresher of the Year categories. This amount of talent EURC can boast is clearly evident when considering the numbers they sent to the trials for GB Student Riders, who sends teams to compete in Student Riders Nations Cup events and also the World University Equestrian Championships. The club sent all eight of their BUCS competitors. ”We were lucky to have as many people trialling out as we did,” explains Antonia, “Most universities had only one or two.” Trialists are waiting to hear the results. The club also has a lot of fun away from horses, from boozy bowling to fancy dress socials. This is testament to the “great committee that has been very organised.” This looks likely to continue next year too, with the captains aiming to have socials with other clubs.
EURFC takes top honours Exeposé Sport looks on as the Athletics Union celebrates this season’s achievements
T
HE Athletic Union dinner, held at Exeter Castle, signalled the last hurrah of the season for many of Exeter’s top athletes. The annual reward ceremony honoured Exeter’s top athletes and sports societies. Unsurprisingly, Exeter University Rugby Football Club added to their already overflowing trophy case with the most coveted awards. The BUCS gold medallists fought off competition from Hockey 1s (both men
and women), riding 1s, the women’s indoor cricket team, water polo, lacrosse ladies 3s and even ultimate Frisbee to clinch a well-deserved Team of the Year title. The largest sports club in Exeter also secured the Club of the Year award for their achievements. 1s captain and Exeter Chiefs player Sam Skinner built on his 2015 Fresher of the Year title by winning the 2016 Sportsman of the Year award. Women’s rugby also took home some
silverware. England player Poppy Leitch, who has also been nominated for overall BUCS Sportswoman of the Year, won the Exeter Fresher of the Year award for her contributions to EUWRFC. Reflecting on the evening she states, “It was an honour to receive such a prestigious award and have the opportunity to represent my club, especially as the field was so strong. It was a pleasure to be amongst so many talented athletes!” Leitch was also up for Sportswoman of the Year but this was won by cycling’s Emma Crockcroft who also part of the rowing club. Club Captain of the Year was awarded to squash’s Louisa Madsen, whilst Team Captain of the Year was taken by Camilla Camerea (water polo). This night was not just for the more prolific BUCs clubs and sportspeople though. Dr Bruce Coleman was honoured once again for his services to
Cricket and Exeter University by the Bruce Coleman Contribution to Sport Award. This year’s recipient was next year’s AU President, Josh Callander.
This was a fantastic evening that rewarded a year of brilliant sporting results Climbing were duly rewarded for the different experience they give their members, whilst the cheerleading and gymnastics club were the recipients of the Non-BUCS Activity of the Year trophy for their successes. Overall this was a fantastic evening that rewarded a year of brilliant sporting results, individual achievements and also voluntary contributions. Congratulations to all involved!
SPORT
31
EUMCC 1s embarrass Cardiff Met
CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE As the visitors came out to bat, the cloud finally retreated and the sun shone quite intensely upon the cricket ground. Perhaps the sun itself was a sign of bad luck for the visitors, as it took just eight balls in the innings for Tom Pedel to get the initial breakthrough. The Cardiff Met opener lifted a ball straight over in Marston’s direction, and the fielder didn’t disappoint as he took the catch to claim the first wicket of the innings.
It proved to be a successful day for all EUMCC teams with the 2s and 4s also picking up wins The away side would struggle to get anything going with the bat, and their run rate looked dismal at best - it rarely seemed as if the visitors would pose much of a threat. The wickets continue to fall, and it became apparent very quickly that Cardiff Met would struggle to survive for their full 50 overs. Pedel and Tom Coldman took three wickets each, with Craze, Ed Fleet and Ross Powell each picking up one. When the last wicket finally fell a little under six hours after play began, Cardiff Met were sitting on 117 runs, far short of their target of 234 to win, as EUMCC claimed another easy home victory to put them on 12 points at the top of their league. It proved to be a successful day for all EUMCC teams. The 2s enjoyed a victory over Cardiff 1s at Topsham Sports Ground in their BUCS Western Division 1A match, being bowled out for 233 runs before bowling out their visitors for 180. The 4s enjoyed an even greater victory, as they beat St Mark and St Johns 1s by 248 runs, with a sensational knock from Ally Haines in which he scored runs, with Nick Mansfield and Hugo Blogg leading the side in to the interval on 92* and 41* respectively, as they reached a remarkable 398-5.
32
SPORT
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES 10-11 8-9
SPORT
FESTIVAL FOCUS 14-21
SCREEN 22-23
GAMES+TECH SCIENCE 24-25 28-29
31 MAY 2016 |
SPORT 31-32
Exeposé Sport
SPORT EDITORS Owain Evans Lara Hopkins
EXEPOSÉ
@ExeposeSport
sport@exepose.com
EUMCC Met with little resistance
MEN’S CRICKET Owain Evans Sport Editor Exeter 1s 233-7 (50) Cardiff Met 1s 117 (36.5)
E
Exeter wins by 116 runs
XETER Men’s Cricket 1s demolished a Cardiff Met side that put up very little resistance in the Exmouth sun, carving out a 116-run victory. EUMCC 1s went into the match unbeaten all season and looking to pull away at the top of the BUCS Premier B South division. Exmouth Cricket Club would play host to the fixture, and an anticipating crowd of a few individuals had arrived to take in the day’s play.
This fortnight in Sport...
>>Exeter celebrate taking another wicket. Photo: Sachi Minami Exeter began the match with the bat in hand. It wouldn’t take long for the boundaries to start coming. Will Harris and Rob Craze opened the batting, and successfully played themselves in at a reasonable pace, reaching a 50 opening partnership during the 12th over. In the same over, Cardiff Met thought they’d taken their first wicket, but their stumping appeal fell upon deaf ears and Craze stayed at the crease. There would only be time for one further boundary before Met would next appeal, although this time they were successful and Craze was given out lbw. Just a few balls later, Harris would also lose his wicket, with the visiting bowler leaving his stumps in a mess.
The incoming batsmen were Ollie Mills and Luke Matthews. They managed to steady the ship somewhat, continuing at a similar overall pace to that of the openers. They trudged on, not performing incredibly but also not playing slowly enough to be any major cause for concern.
Harris and Craze opened, and successfully played themselves in at a resonable pace The next significant action would occur during the 27th over. Mills, sit-
Captain’s Corner: EURC in the spotlight Page 31
ting on 30 runs, hit the ball directly to a fielder near the boundary, who took the catch to put Exeter on 118-3. Jack Marston came in as his replacement, and again the team went into ‘steady the ship’ mode. This time, they made into the last ten overs before another blip, and Matthews would bring up his 50 in the 43rd. The following over, Marston would lose his wicket after making a respectable 31 runs. This began a succession of late wickets being taken by Cardiff Met as EUMCC fought their way over the 200-mark. Matthews eventually fell victim to a stumping, ending a fantastic knock of 83 runs off of 98 deliveries. As he departed
the crease to applause, Exeter sat on 223-6.
Matthews would bring up his 50 in the 43rd over The remaining overs saw one more wicket fall, as well as ten further runs being tacked on to the scoreline. The two sides came in for tea with Exeter having reached a reasonable 233 runs for 7 wickets from their allotted overs, and setting up a manageable yet certainly not easy target for the opposition.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
Winners and losers: the AU awards recapped Page 31 Photo: Thomas Hanks