Screen:
Phil Wickham Blind Date
Interview on page 23
Sports:
Lifestyle: New feature:
London 2012
Exeposé Is love in the air? Find out on page 18
Olympics special on pages 32-33
Monday 20 February 2012 • Issue 590 • www.exepose.com • Twitter: @Exepose • www.facebook.com/Exepose
Photo: Hannah Walker
Elections break records
Free
Lizzie Mackley Senior Reporter
£206/week for room with view Prices for a single en-suite room at Holland Hall have increased to £206.64 for the first time, with the view over the Exe valley alone being valued at £9.80 per week
Hannah Sweet News Editor
FOR the first time ever, from the year 2012/13, students will have to pay over £200 for a room with a view in Holland Hall. From next year it will cost £206.64 for a single en-suite room with views over the Exe valley in the oversubscribed hall, which receives approximately two applications for each room. With tuition fees rising to £9,000, a student’s yearly expenses could reach over £15,000 in total. A standard room in Lafrowda, the cheapest accommodation available on campus, now costs £97.86. Three years
ago the cheapest standard Lafrowda room cost £67 per week. The cost of Exeter Halls has also increased year on year. In 2009/10 the average rent was £110.34 per week; the mean price of a room this academic year is £136.58. A room with a view in Holland Hall cost £171.50 in 2009/10. Jilly Court, Director of Operations, Campus Services, said: “We have worked hard to keep rents at the lowest price possible for 2012/13 and we are committed to offering a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets.” Emma Payne, VP Welfare and Community, commented: “We are currently in active discussions to ensure that students’ needs are met, and to en-
sure they receive the highest level of service and support whilst in halls.”
“It’s outrageously overpriced. It baffles me why anyone would choose to live there now”
Alex Wynick, third year English student Accommodation in Holland Hall includes catering, a cleaning service, utilities, insurance, internet, TV and security. Since 2011 bed linen and laundry costs are no longer included. However, there are now fewer restric-
tions on food and drinks. Alex Wynick, a third year English student who lived in Holland Hall during her first year, said: “Now, with all of these hidden charges and with fewer services available, it’s outrageously overpriced. It baffles me why anyone would choose to live there now - go to Birks.” However, another third year student who spent her first year in Holland Hall commented: “I think, if you had one of the amazing balcony rooms with views over Exeter, then they could potentially justify £200. They are really nice and you’d probably be paying that much for a view anywhere else.”
EXETER STUDENTS broke records with over 37 per cent of the student body voting in the Guild Sabbatical Elections during the week 3-10 February. Exeter’s previous national record of a 36 per cent turn-out in 2011 was broken by over 6,500 voters casting 27,000 ballots. Incumbent Guild President Nick Davis told Exeposé that the result “proved why Exeter Guild is known, nationally, as the most democratically led Students’ Union.” The new team, announced on 10 February, includes Nick Davies as Guild President, Joe Batten as AU President, Imogen Sanders as Vice President (VP) Academic Affairs, Jon Bagnall as VP Participation and Campuses and Grace Hopper as VP Welfare and Community. Davies said: “I am still on cloud nine at the moment - It still hasn’t fully sunk in and I am not sure it will until I actually start! “I can’t wait to start putting my policies into effect” Hopper told Exeposé. “I’m really looking forward to working with such a fantastic team to make 20122013 a year to remember!” Only 22 candidates ran for the 6 positions this year, compared to 39 in 2011, making the record-breaking turnout even more exceptional. Emma Payne, current VP Welfare and Community commented that the fewer candidates and record turn-out “means that fewer people voted because they had a close connection with people running, and actually wanted to vote.” 39 per cent of voters were first years, compared with 37 per cent last year, although second year voters dropped from 30 per cent to 26 per cent. Continued on page 5
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Exeposé
The Exeter student newspaper
Exeposé, Cornwall House, St German’s Rd, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6TG (01392) 263513
Comment P 8-9 Comment finds out your views on this year’s Sabbatical elections. P 11
Features
Features ask, is the monarchy still relevant to Britain?
Books
P 26
Books celebrate Charles Dickens’s bicentury with a special feature on one of Britain’s most loved authors.
Arts
P 28
Arts explore how legal and illegal substances have influenced artistic production throughout history. Editors Ellie Busby & Henry White editors@exepose.com
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News Editors Joe Johnston & Hannah Sweet news@exepose.com
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Music Editors Andy Smith & Amy Weller music@exepose.com
Books Editors Tom Payne & Esmeralda Castrillo books@exepose.com
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Photography Hannah Walker photography@exepose.com
Advertising Stuart Smith S.C.G.Smith@exeter.ac.uk (01392) 722432 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.
News
20 february 2012
Exeposé
Aaron Porter fights for students
Joe Johnston & Hannah Sweet - news@exepose.com
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London-Istanbul cycle for Heroes Harry McCarthy
14 EXETER STUDENTS, led by RAG International Event Coordinators Ollie Cooke and Charlie Griffin, are to cycle from London to Istanbul this summer, in a bid to raise £20,000 for Help for Heroes. The event, which will help provide vital support to the wounded men and women of the British Armed Forces, is set to be one of the biggest that RAG has ever seen. Starting on 28 July and totalling a distance of over 4400km, the route will take the team all the way across Europe in the height of summer, before their arrival in Istanbul on 15 September. To achieve this goal, the team will be required to cycle an average of 120km each day, meaning that peak physical performance and maximum commitment will be essential.
“Ultimately we’re undertaking this extraordinary challenge to raise money in support of those who have given their all for us”
Charlie Griffin, RAG International Event Coordinator In Charlie’s eyes, however, this
Photo: Henry White
Lauran Richards
Charlie Griffin and Ollie Cooke will lead 14 other students in the 4400km cycle
sacrifice pales in comparison to the face of what British servicemen and women go through on a daily basis, and it is for this reason, he believes, that the cause is so important. “It’s all about the charity, for all of us,” he told Exeposé. “Help for Heroes is doing some really phenomenal work; ultimately we’re undertaking this extraordinary challenge to raise money in support of those who have given their all for us.” Support for the nation’s military heroes is extremely close to the heart sof the organisers, both of whom are planning military careers following their graduation. In order to see the
In memory of Zara Malone
Celebrating 200 years of Dickens
fundraising target reached, the team are planning a vast array of activities and events over the coming months, including club nights, city raids and even cycle-themed team events. The International Event is one of the biggest in RAG’s calendar, and highlights the University’s commitment to aiding the wider community on a global scale. James Fox, VP Participation and Campuses, commented: “The cycle really shows the commitment of Exeter students to RAG and the charities it represents.” To follow the team’s preparations and donate to the cause visit londonistanbul2012.com.
TRIBUTES have been paid to 22 year old English and Classics student Zara Malone who sadly passed away on Tuesday 7 February. Professor Nick Kaye, Exeter University Dean of the College of Humanities, said: “Zara was a popular and talented student who was well liked by staff and students. We are all devastated by this news and our thoughts are very much with her family and friends.” Zara’s father said: “Zara has left a huge gap in all our lives that will never be filled. Her personality and humour made it impossible not to love her.” Mrs. Malone added: “She found humour in all spheres of life and this was captured in her cartoons and caricatures.” The Malone family have asked for donations to Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary in lieu of flowers. Should you wish to donate, visit www.bmycharity. com/ZaraMalone. Zara’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 22 February at the Church of the Ascension, Crown Hill, Plymouth at 12:00.
A NEW exhibition commemorating Charles Dickens’s bicentenary has opened at the Bill Douglas Centre (BDC), curated by Exeter English students. Anna Langdon, a second year student who regularly volunteers at the centre, led the team which included third year students Amy Weller, Helena Shand and Tara Rogers who had undertaken a module on Dickens. Working with University staff they compiled a rare collection of Dickens artefacts from both the Bill Douglas Centre and the library’s special collections. The exhibition features digital copies of first editions of Dickens’ novels from the 19th century, magazines in which his stories appeared, magic lantern slides of A Christmas Carol, and ephemera from early cinematic adaptions of David Copperfield and Oliver Twist.
“It was fascinating choosing such a variety of objects to create the display”
Anna Langdon, a second year student and centre volunteer Langdon commented: “It was fascinating choosing such a variety of objects from both collections to create the display. The objects help us understand the impact that Dickens’s work has had on audiences over such a long period.” Phil Wickam, Director of the Bill Douglas Centre said: “It has been wonderful to work with such an enthusiastic group of students to put together an exhibition that we think everyone will enjoy. Dickens’s influence on English literature and on British society is immense and his characters and stories still resonate in our culture.” He added: “I believe that student led exhibitions are important, both because they offer a fresh perspective on the collections, and link our artefacts to study, but also because they are a great way to acquire skills for working in the cultural sector.” The exhibition is free and open to all until Friday 23 March. See page 26 for Books coverage.
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Exeposé WEEK eighteen
News
Meet your new sabbatical officers for 2012/13
Guild President AU President
VP Academic Affairs
VP Participation VP Welfare & & Campuses Community
Nick Davies, 22, Law
Joe Batten, 21, Human Biosciences
Imogen Sanders, 22, English
Jon Bagnall, 22, Human Biosciences
Grace Hopper, 20, Drama
Priorities: Pressure the University to provide students with what they deserve for their fees, including smaller tutorial classes, free printing credits and more contact hours; improve employability for students by offering opportunities to use their degree disciplines to volunteer in the wider community; introduce a housing satisfaction system for future students.
Priorities: Maintain and facilitate improvements in the performance of the AU clubs at competition level and increase the publicity of this; increase student input into the new sports park; increase participation in sport through intramural, healthy living campaigns and increased international involvement.
Priorities: Improve communication at all levels, ensuring students are fully aware and can make the most of what is available to them. How? Research blogs which direct students to contemporary work of our scholars, utilising SSLC involvement and feedback, streamlining and condensing the email systems, informed representation and building bridges between university sectors.
Priorities: Online Lemmy tickets to reduce time spent queuing outside; develop volunteering on campus through development and publicity of CA, Voice and the Welcome Team and utilising RAG’s expertise more; increase Guild presence on St. Luke’s by utilising the information point in X-keys.
Priorities: Address student safety both on and off campus; increase the publicity of Voice by ensuring Victor the bear is present at all Guild events and also introduce a weekly drop in session; introduce a mentoring system for all schools so first year students have second year buddies for advice.
Highlight of campaign week: “Having my campaign team doing a walking march around campus singing the tune from my video ‘Vote for Welshy’.”
Highlight of campaign week: “Probably doing the flashmob – it was a lot of fun” and “Welshy riding a sheep...”
Highlight of campaign week: “My team’s own imagination – they came up with some hilarious alternative slogans which kept me laughing whilst out in the cold.”
Highlight of campaign week: “On the final Friday morning when around 30 canvassers burst out into the Hokey Cokey and the Macarena in the middle of the pouring rain.”
Highlight of campaign week: “Having a space hopper race with Welshy down by Stocker Road” and “When Emma announced my name at the results Lemmy – best feeling ever!”
Fantasy Shopper XXL success Joe Johnston News Editor A LEADING start-up business located on Streatham campus has received international awards and a $3.3million investment from two venture capital firms. Fantasy Shopper, located at the Innovation Centre on Streatham Campus, has secured global acclaim as one of the top start-ups in the world. The web-based company was launched four months ago by Exeter University graduate Chris Prescott and business partner Daniel Noz. Only five
weeks after being established at Exeter, Prescott and Noz turned down an offer of $20million to buy the entire business.
“It shows what can be done with an amazing concept, a great team and a shed load of hard work”
Tom Carrington-Smith, Student Entrepreneur in Residence
Fantasy Shopper is an online social shopping game where users can build virtual wardrobes made up of over 400,000 items that are available in high-street shops. Users can share their latest purchases with friends using social networking sites such as Facebook and are encouraged to compete to be the “top trendsetter”. Any wish-list item on the gaming site can also be physically bought with real money, and all data on users’ shopping habits is collected by online retailers to tailor online advertisements and discounts. On top of the recent multi-million dollar investment from Accel Partners and New Enterprise Associates, Fan-
tasy Shopper has also achieved funding from the accelerator programme HackFWD, and has won both the South West Business of the Year Competition and the Amazon Web Services Start-Up Challenge. Chris Prescott, co-founder of Fantasy Shopper, said: “We always knew we had an amazing concept but the reaction we’ve had since launching in October has surprised even us. We’re really happy that both professionals in the industry and our consumers seem to be equally enthusiastic about the business.” Tom Carrington-Smith, Student Entrepreneur in Residence at the Students’ Guild, spoke of Fantasy Shopper’s success: “To have one of the hottest start-ups around being based in the Innovation Centre is really inspiring for all student entrepreneurs but also a huge boost to the South West area. It shows what can be done with an amazing concept, a great team and a shed load of hard work.” The company has announced it is recruiting up to 80 new members of staff in the coming months. For more information, go to www.fantasyshopper.com.
Promote your society here. Email editors@exepose.com
4
News
Helen Carrington Senior Reporter
Grad ball back on campus ON Saturday 21 July, this year’s Graduation Ball will be held in the newly refurbished Great Hall on Streatham Campus. Around 1,800 students will attend the ball as part of the Graduation celebrations. In previous years, the ball has been held at Westpoint Arena. Sarah Stone, a third year English student commented: “After three years it will be good to finally see what all this building work has been about. I’m really looking forward to the Grad Ball, and hope that, although Westpoint is a great venue, the night will be even better when it’s closer to home.”
Teaching Awards 2012 launched LAST week the Guild relaunched the Teaching Awards, which have now been running for three years. The Awards provide an opportunity for students to give something back to members of staff who have had an impact on their time at Exeter. Around 3,000 nominations have been made in the last two years, and last year, 321 members of staff were nominated. James Eales, VP Academic Affairs, commented: “The Teaching Awards are a fantastic system of recognition that epitomises the superb learning environment we have at Exeter.” Nominations are open until 1 March, and the results will be announced at a gala dinner on 3 May.
Occupy protestors move OCCUPY protestors were forced to relocate from the Cathedral Green to a nearby building following threats of court action, but were evicted from the building later that day. Occupy Exeter began as a protest against financial injustice and inequality, but church authorities asked them to leave following complaints of antisocial behaviour. The protestors entered and occupied 18 Cathedral Green, a building which has stood empty for five years, but were evicted the same day. Andy Marlow, a student involved in the protests commented: “Occupy Exeter is not finished. We stand for a better world, where democracy means the direct participation of everyone in political and economic decisions.”
20 february 2012
Volunteering at all-time high Sarah Holmes
Mood Disorder Centre opens
Photo: Hannah Brewer
Maddie Alexander-Finch
STUDENTS across Exeter will organise a series of events to celebrate National Student Volunteering Week from 20-26 February. It is the first year that Exeter University has joined the nationwide campaign, which was established by Volunteering England 11 years ago to promote and celebrate student volunteering. Daily volunteering fairs will take place throughout the week to promote the different ways in which students can get involved in local projects. A bright orange camper van will also be circulating around campus to distribute information. The Give a Little Gain a Lot guide, which is aimed at helping students get their voluntary work accredited and recognised by employers, will also be launched.
“Exeter is nationally recognised for the incredible voluntary work students do”
RAG week included events such as the ‘Touch it’ competition on Streatham piazza
Ruth Taylor of the National Student Volunteering Committee told Exeposé: “We hope it will be a fantastic week, where students will understand a little more about what volunteering has to offer them and why it’s such good fun.” On Saturday 25 February, Community Action, along with various other local groups, will redecorate St Sidwells Community Centre in a day long finale of volunteering. The NSVW campaign closely follows RAG week, which is thought to
have raised over £2,000 through events such as the ‘Touch it’ competition, which gave students the chance to win a free car and entry into ‘Bratislava or Bust’ - a rally across Europe. Exeter University students broke the Student Adventures UK record for longest time with Sarah Rainford holding out for 17 and a half hours, finishing at 05:30am on Friday morning. James Fox, VP Participation and Campuses, said: “Exeter is nationally recognised for the incredible voluntary work its students do. Events such as RAG week and NSVW only do more to
James Fox, VP Participation and Campuses
Exeposé
emphasise this, and remind people about the benefits of volunteering.” Jon Bagnall, Welcome Team Senior and newly elected VP Participation and Campuses added: “If you want to experience a different form of volunteering, love Exeter, enjoy talking to people and want to make new students feel welcome, apply to be on the Welcome Team 2012!” Applications for the Welcome Team 2012 open on Monday 20 February and you can apply by emailing guildactivities@exeter.ac.uk.
THE building of the new Mood Disorders Centre on Streatham campus, funded by a Wellcome Trust initiative, has recently been completed. The £3.6 million research centre has three main objectives: to improve the understanding of mood disorders, to translate this understanding into developing evidence-based therapies and to improve public access to these therapies in the health service. The opening ceremony for the centre will take place from 29-31 March. Across the three days there will be a variety of events including an information fair and talks hosted by Psychology academics from around the world. The importance of mental health on campus is also being promoted by the first National University Mental Health and Wellbeing Day on 22 February. This national campaign aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those in higher education. On this day, the University Wellbeing Services will be hosting events around campus, including a ‘mind apples’ tree in the Devonshire House foyer. These events are aimed at providing students with new ways to look after their mental wellbeing. On the topic of mental health on campus, Azalia Lawrence, Guild Mental Health Rep, said: “There are numerous support services available to students and you don’t need to have a problem to get in touch with them. “Talk to Rethink, have free tea with Mind Your Head society, chat to members of the Guild Advice Unit. Help give ‘mental health’ a more positive meaning at Exeter!”
‘Xin Nián Kuài Lè!’ Chinese NY on campus
Photo: Ryan Dong
EXETER UNIVERSITY’S Streatham Campus hosted Chinese New Year on Saturday 4 February. The Year of the Dragon was organ-
ised by the Chinese Student Scholars Association and welcomed local residents, University staff and students. Yuting Bai, President of the CSSA,
said: “Chinese New Year is an important occasion for being together with loved ones and having a wonderful time. We hope this event will provide a
taste of home for the Chinese students but, more importantly, will help us to share our culture and traditions with the wider community in Exeter.”
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Exeposé WEEK eighteen
Senior management get a taste of student life Photo: University Press Office
Iain Gordon spent the day with Deputry Registrar, Michele Shoebridge
Lucy Cryle Senior Reporter THE UNIVERSITY has begun a new scheme allowing students and staff to shadow each other for a day in an attempt to ensure students remain at the centre of every decision made by staff. The Student-Staff Shadowing Scheme allows participating students an insight into how the university is run, while staff can experience the dayto-day lives of the student body. The scheme, which is part of the Students as Change Agents initiative, aims to break down any barriers between students and staff. Two students have taken part in the scheme so far: Imogen Sanders, recently elected VP Academic Affairs, shadowed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Janice Kay, whilst Iain Gordon shadowed Michele Shoebridge, Deputy Registrar and Head of Academic Affairs. Third year English student Imogen attended discussions on education strategy and graduate employment. She said: “Shadowing Janice gave me confidence that the University’s highest tiers have not lost sight of the importance of student opinions.” Professor Janice Kay accompanied Imogen to a dissertation workshop and had an informal coffee meeting with her and other students. She said: “There is a lot we can achieve through working together and there is nothing to beat actually going and talking with students. We’re here fundamentally for students so this shadowing scheme is invaluable.”
Michele Shoebridge commented on her experience of the scheme, which included lectures followed by a trip to the RAM: “I enjoyed having the chance to talk to students in an informal way about their everyday ‘student life’, rather than about the issues/matters that come up for more formal discussion at meetings and on committees. I hope to expand on the experience with a followup shadowing session.” The scheme is open to students of all disciplines, and where possible students are matched with staff members according to their subject. James Eales, VP Academic Affairs, said: “We try to match student interest with staff in those areas. For instance this year a Drama student was matched with the Arts and Culture Manager.”
“We’re here fundamentally for students so this shadowing scheme is invaluable” Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice Chancellor
He continued: “While the scheme is open to anyone, we encourage those who are heavily involved in student volunteering to participate. It provides them with the opportunity to see issues from a different angle.” For more information on the scheme and how to apply, contact Roos Zandstra on R.Zandstra@ex.ac.uk.
£8m to shape up Streatham Sports Park Hannah Brewer Senior Reporter
THE University of Exeter is investing £8m in sporting facilties. The Sports Park will be expanded to include a purpose-built gym with more than 200 exercise stations, two new exercise studios, eight new changing rooms, a video platform for filming matches on the main hockey pitch, a cover for the existing outdoor tennis and netball courts and a café. One of the exercise studios will be dedicated to static bike classes and the studio itself will be powered by the energy created by the bikes making it carbon neutral. The building work will begin in April/May 2012 and is expected to be finished before September 2013. Phil Attwell, Director of Sport and Student Activities, said it was important to invest in sport at the university: “Sport is a highly significant factor in the student experience at Exeter and these exciting plans demonstrate how we are continuing to invest to ensure that this sporting experience is first rate.” Beth Hampson, AU President, was
also pleased to hear about the investments: “I think it’s fantastic and will enhance the student experience for all. It will benefit those who just want to use health and fitness facilities. It will dramatically help club activity and intramural. I think it will be amazing and am sad I will not be here to enjoy it.” Students have described the plans as “brilliant” and “very impressive.” Olivia Seeley, a third year Law and French Law Student said: “The gym does need more machines as there are
always queues at the moment and it would be amazing to have over 200 exercise stations.”
“I think it will be amazing and am sad I will not be here to enjoy it”
Beth Hampson, AU President Since 1999, over £11m pounds have already been spent to improve sports fa-
cilities at the university. The University of Exeter is currently one of the leading sporting institutions in the UK. The current facilities were ranked 8th out of 145 institutions in the 2010/11 British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) ranking. March will see the first International Sports Month taking place at the University, with the aim of involving more international students in sport at Exeter. See page 36 for more Sports coverage.
News
National Student News
Early repayment penalties scrapped PLANS to penalise graduates who pay off student loans early have been scrapped by the government. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, had plans to charge a 5 per cent levy on excess payments. The scheme would have only affected students in England and could have cost graduates thousands of pounds if they cleared their debt within 30 years. The plans were originally proposed by ministers as a progressive “graduate tax” for those who profit most from their education, and to stop wealthier students dodging interest charges. However, student union leaders have warned the decision may harm low and middle-income graduates.
Campaign to end unpaid internships Raj Kular THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) and National Union of Students (NUS) have recently launched a campaign calling for the “abolishment of unjust internships”. The two bodies are concerned that interns are at risk of being taken advantage of by employers for free labour, especially in the face of the highest unemployment rate seen by the country in 17 years. Both Unions believe that nonpayment of interns, whose internships involve more than purely observation and work shadowing, should be made illegal. Nick Davis, Student Guild President at Exeter, commented: “The real onus is on the Government to start regulating internships properly, until that time, the Guild and the University will ensure that our students have access to top quality internships, without jeopardising them financially.”
Photo: Stride Treglown
Continued from page 1
Artists’ impression of the front of the new gym, studio and reception area, expected to be finished by September 2013
The College of Humanities was the most active with 28 per cent of voters, and 10 per cent more women voted than men. Two candidates were banned from campaigning for half a day after breaking campaigning rules by displaying posters in Exeter Halls on 7 February. Presidential candidate Damian Jefferies lost 2 days of campaigning before incurring another penalty on 10 February after actively campaigning inside the Peter Chalk Centre, which would have disqualified him if he had won by less than 100 votes.
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Exeposé WEEK eighteen
Comment Exeposé
The Exeter Student Newspaper
A room with a view WITH the recent announcements that certain rooms in Holland Hall will exceed the £200 barrier for the first time, it seems we are in greater danger of reinforcing stereotypes about the students who live in these halls. One has to wonder what the high prices are really for? Students living in the halls have various luxuries, all students have an en-suite and a double bed whilst some are lucky enough to have balconies with spectacular views. However, given the lack of services included in the price, such as laundry and a hall bar, it doesn’t seem right that the University appears to be capitalising on its location and views. This is something you’d expect from a hotel, not from students’ halls. The University should be attempting to make accommodation on campus as cheap and affordable as possible, especially with the recent rise in fees. However, increasingly the University is out-pricing students from poorer backgrounds by limiting the amount of affordable accommodation avail-
able. The cheapest halls available to undergraduates (Lafrowda) are now just under £100 a week, up from £67 just two years ago, with most halls now averaging around £120 a week. The year on year rises will simply prevent students from lower income families coming to Exeter. Holland Hall may have a prestigious location, but it should not be treated any differently from other accommodation like the new Lafrowda, Birks Grange or Pennsylvania Court, which are all of comparable quality. With the loss of price-inclusive services, students are left paying extra costs on top of the accommodation price. There is one positive, the higher price for a room with a view compared to those without is a welcome idea, as students who are not necessarily bothered by the view now have the option to have a slightly cheaper room. This is a small step in the right direction, but it does not do enough to offer affordable accommodation to students.
TWO weeks ago, the Sabbatical elections saw many students getting involved on campus. The week of intense campaigning and dedication paid off for the new team of Sabbatical Officers: Nick ‘Welshy’ Davies, Jon Bagnall, Imogen Sanders, Grace Hopper and Joe Batten. All the candidates did themselves proud during the week, as did the student population who made our university the most democratic student institution in the UK for another year. The results made for another record breaking year with 37 per cent of the student population voting. It is impres-
sive that records were broken as there were 17 less candidates running this year than last year. Student participation in Exeter is something we should be proud of, not just in our elections but also through volunteering. RAG week was a great success last week, and the National Student Volunteering events being held this week promise to be just as successful. With almost 200 societies, we have a huge wealth of ways for you to get involved, and there are many committed students whose contribution to student life is invaluable.
Finally, Exeposé would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Zara Malone, who tragically passed away on Tuesday 7 Febru-
ary. Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time.
Student participation
Note from the Editors Thanks to all those who helped proof this issue:
James Crouch, Fiona Lally, Alex Tindall, Ciara Long, Tom Bond, William O’Rourke, Maddie Soper, Thomas Ling, James Dyson, Francesca de Munnich Langford, Callum McLean, Emily Tanner, Marieke Stewart, Clara Plackett, Oscar WT, Ella Williams, Eleanor Christie, Cressida Travis, Sofy Bevan, Lucy Cryle, Alex Green, Tom Nicoll, Emily Lunn, and members of the Exeposé Editorial team
7
Editors: Ellie Busby & Henry White Deputy Editors: Ellie Bothwell & Rosie Scudder editors@exepose.com
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Student group refused access
Carlus Hudson
LAST Sunday, I and a few other students arranged to have a meeting in the Long Lounge to discuss how we could get involved with organising an additional event, probably a march and a rally, to go alongside the walkout against cuts to education happening on 14 March being organised by the National Union of Students. Several of us – including a few people involved with the occupation of Newman A back in 2010 – were not allowed to enter Devonshire House. It was not clear which security organisation it was, and
the individuals denying us entry did not specify when asked. The meeting could not take place there, but because none of the people attending were contacted beforehand to let them know that Devonshire House would be off-limits, it gave us no opportunity to rearrange the meeting for another time and place. Instead, we had to spend a considerable amount of time and effort regrouping and finding a new place for the meeting: time which could have been better spent by us for discussing the walkout, and by security dealing with genuine security threats rather than an overreaction by the person who gave them the order not to allow us entry. The group are predominantly students at the University of Exeter and members of the Students’ Guild. Surely as members of the Guild we should have access to the Guild’s
facilities – including Devonshire House – and be entitled to use them for simply discussing a future peaceful protest. Our tuition fees pay for the use of these facilities as much as they pay for our lectures and seminars. Denying entry to particular individuals, who are essential for our meeting, infringes on us as customers, as students of Exeter University and as people who have the right to peacefully assemble. Despite the disruption, the meeting did eventually take place more than an hour late. We worked out what exactly the message of our part of the protest would be: we are focusing on value for money in terms of tuition fees and the services provided by the University, and on the broader issue of opposing education cuts which jeopardise the long term economic and social prospects of our country.
Letters to the Editors
Send your letters to editors@exepose.com Re: “Denial is unacceptable” (Features, p13, Issue 588) Exeposé This letter to you is regarding the article titled “Denial is unacceptable.” I find it hugely problematic to say the least. Although, I would like to believe that the author, Mr. Butt, meant well and tried to write out an article in an attempt to explain that the so-called genocide issue was in the French Parliament purely for political reasons but nothing else, the terminologies used in the article are unfortunately rather Turkophobic and Islamophobic. It is obvious the article was affected by information pollution on this matter. First of all, it is rather untrue to call the events of 1915 a “genocide.” It is still debated by many different historians and it is simply false to state “Some Turkish historians disagree with the term genocide…” In fact many historians whether they are Turks or not agree with the fact that calling the events “genocide” is a disproportionate exaggeration and/ or simply a lie or plain propaganda. Aside from prominent Turkish historians such as Yusuf Halacoglu and Metin Kunt many well known and respected non-Turkish historians in and outside of the world of academia like Bernard Lewis, Heath W. Lowry and Avigdor Levy disagree with the usage of this term.
As history is not a natural science, it is not two plus two equals four and that was not mentioned in the article that was published. Exeposé is supposed to be equal and unbiased but certainly that was not the case regarding this article. Also, the article took into account false Armenian accusations into consideration when giving the figures. “Up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed…” is a statement that means from one to 1.5 million but in reality most readers will see it as approximately 1.5 million killed which cannot be further from the truth. According to the Ottoman archives, the population of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was around 1.3 million (it must be mentioned that the census was taken just before WWI and the so-called genocide had happened). In the first census of the Republic there were about 100 thousand Armenians in Turkey. The English archives show that around 850 thousand Armenians were transported elsewhere during WWI. Anyone with a basic knowledge of mathematics can see that 350 thousand people are missing according to the figures and this number also included Armenians who have moved elsewhere willingly as well so finally we come up with a number of less than 300 thousand people who have vanished during the events. For the Armenians who have died or have been killed, we should go back in history to understand how
the events unfolded. During the WWI when the Ottomans were fighting the Russians, who were promised most of Eastern Anatolia by the imperialists France and GB in the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Armenians living under the rule of the Empire sided with the Russians and fought against Ottomans by forming gangs and killing the elderly, women and children who were left unprotected since most men were fighting at the battle zones. As a result of these atrocities, the Ottoman government issued a decree to transport Armenians from Eastern Anatolia to the other parts of the Empire. As a result some people have died due to the poor conditions of travel and some attacks by revenge seeking groups In conclusion, these false accusations against Turks have wounded many people from the Turkic and the Islamic community and it must be said that we would like this kind of material to be revised twice before being published again in a respected publication such as yours. All said and done, everyone must be reminded that while The Turkish State was willing the open the historical archives regarding this issue, the Armenians have refused to do, even this single act would be convincing enough for a lot of people on thinking about the realities of the events. Best Regards, Turkish Society
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20 february 2012 Exeposé
Comment
The Sabbatical elections 2012: The camp
Record turn-out is great but there’s more to be done Tom Payne Books Editor
With a fantastic 37.21 per cent turnout rate at this year’s Sabbatical elections, the University of Exeter remains the most democratic University in the country – and, whether you agreed with the results or not, this is a
fact which we should all undoubtedly be very proud of. While the figure breaks all previous records, it should be read in a wider context. This University enrolls nearly 16,000 students, a significant majority of which failed to cast a vote. I recently asked some friends what they thought about the election campaign this year: most assumed the results wouldn’t matter to them in the slightest, while others refused to vote for fear of giving someone an unfair advantage. While the Guild has, in many
ways, done a great deal to promote the importance of the elections, I still feel that more could have been done. Some of the main concerns appear to be down to blissful ignorance at the importance of the roles. Sabbatical officers share a genuine passion for the things they believe in, and many of the most important changes on campus stem from their work improving university life for students. I often wonder why the Guild hasn’t stressed this more during past elections. We are the most ‘democratic’ University in the country, and yet I
the campaigns in question. They contributed to the circus troupe feel of campus, and were an entertaining diversion. However, it was the lone campaigner stoically wandering around the foot of Stocker Road who best caught my imagination, with his mute appeal that people enquire about his policies. It begs the question: to what extent are these campaigns determined by popularity instead of suitability? And are our votes attracted more by a gimmick or catchy slogan than by policies?
little to no impact on the ability of the person in question to do their job properly.
“While the Guild has done a great deal to promote the importance of the elections, I still feel that more could have been done” feel we could take this a lot further if students were reminded of the meaning and importance of the Sabbatical roles throughout the year. I’d speculate that the sharp drop in candidates this year was partly down to a simple lack of knowledge about the positions, the responsibilities they entail, and the importance of holding an officer title. Next year I’d like to see a big-
ger campaign, with more candidates running in elections. I’d also like to feel the presence of our now-elected Sabbatical officers more readily, and I’d like the Students’ Guild to give farreaching details about the campaign. If they think I’m voting for my next Guild President on the basis of a free lollipop from a campaign team, they’ve got another thing coming.
Do we deserve our title as the most democratic University?
YES Alex Green
The Students’ Guild has a lot to be proud of. In my four years at the university alone, the Guild has evolved from an uninspiring, bureaucratic money sink to the recipient of the NUS Students’ Union of the Year award for its 36% voter turnout in 2010 – a record which has just been broken for the second year running. Does this make Exeter Guild the “most democratically led students’ union”? Some of this week’s campaigning styles were more attention-grabbing than others – there was the candidate outfitted in scrappy knightly regalia who enjoyed a seemingly unending one-sided dialogue with passers-by through a loudspeaker, the Guantanamo-esque jumpsuits, and various animals at best tenuously linked to
“To what extent are the campaigns determined by popularity instead of suitability? And are our votes attracted more by a gimmick or catchy slogan than by policies?” It is no secret that the same applies to democracy on a national scale – campaigns are invariably fought on personalities, with the gutter press forever courting issues which have
“Our democracy here at the University is subject to the same faults as any other” Moreover, in a University where we are all within several degrees of one another (and six of Kevin Bacon), it comes as a small surprise that our friends and friends of friends are more likely to garner our support, and that manifestos remain unconsidered. It would be foolish to assume that the people we know are necessarily the best candidates, disloyal though it may instinctively feel. So, is Exeter’s Guild the most democratically led Students’ Union? My answer is yes – but our democracy here at the University is subject to the same faults as every other. The Students’ Guild is a business run using our money – let’s make sure that we vote with our heads rather than our hearts, and keep striving to make sure that our Guild is the best it can be.
NO
Dorothea Pease I for one could not be happier that the elections are over. Last week for me, and I suspect for many others, became a challenge of my resourcefulness as I sought new techniques to get past the campaigners outside the Business School undisturbed. For future reference, tried and tested techniques included pretending to have a deep and meaningful break up discussion with a friend on the phone (tears optional), plugging in an iPod and singing along loudly, or turning around and running away. At least you could delete the constant emails sent from various sources (I counted 5 in the last 6 hours that voting was open). In the end, as you have probably been told, the voting turnout was so large that Exeter is now the most ‘democratic’ university in the country, and that is a real achievement. However, I feel we
also need to question the way in which we achieved this title. Is it really fair to pressure people to vote by yelling at them every time they walk past? Surely students should have the freedom to choose NOT to vote as well? I ended up picking candidates after skimming through their manifestos just so I had another excuse to ward off the campaigners, and I wonder how many others felt the same way. It seems to me that encouraging unconsidered and badly researched voting is not the way in which we want to achieve our democratic superiority. I admit that I did grudgingly admire the people that stood out in the cold handing out leaflets day after day, supporting a friend that they so obviously believed could change the University for the better. Particular kudos to the girl that walked me all the way to my lecture in the Old Library to tell me how good her candidate was. I just object to the idea that I felt forced to vote, that I could never get away from the election ‘hype’, and that I was encouraged to think that voting without properly thinking about it was a viable option. So congratulations to those that made it, and commiserations to those that didn’t, but the thing I am most excited about post-election is the prospect of another year of peace.
Exeposé WEEK eighteen
Comment
9
aigns, the votes and the national record
Why do people still choose not to vote?
my news feed - a preferable form of procrastination in which I could enjoy tunes such as ‘Fireman Sam’ and the frustratingly memorable ‘Vote for Welshy’ jingle.
Lorna Miller A record number of votes for the new Sabbatical team made Exeter “the most democratic University in the country.” However, when talking to friends it still seems many did not vote. Before condemning those who chose not to vote, I must confess that last year I could not have shown any less interest in the elections: I avoided Stocker Road at all costs, and it wasn’t until September that I could identify Nick ‘Badger’ Davis as our Guild President. However, this year could not have been more different for me.
“We are all members of a great University. If our students won’t vote for their Sabbaticals, is there any hope that our generation will vote in national elections?” So, what changed? The biggest difference was that I knew several people running for various positions – but was this the only reason I took interest? If this is the case, does it mean that the Sabbatical elections are nothing more than a popularity contest? My answer is no. Yes, I was initially drawn to the campaigns because of my friends, but this year campaign publicity took over; not only on campus but online too. Facebook profile pictures changed overnight to campaign posters and promotional videos clogged up
“The elections can be seen as a week of crazy campaigns, fancy dress and flash mobs, but I also saw the hard work, dedication and organisation behind it” But despite all the hype, why did some people still not vote? Some say they forgot (how!?), and others had no interest whatsoever. I personally think this is a great shame; we are all members of a great University – one of the top ten in the country. If our students won’t vote for their Sabbaticals, is there any hope that our generation will vote in parliamentry elections and take interest in future Prime Ministers? Yes, the Guild Elections can be seen as a week of crazy campaigns, fancy dress and flash mobs, but I also saw the hard work, dedication and organisation that is behind all of this. These people care about our University and want to continue providing students with the amazing experience we are all lucky enough to receive. The least we can do is show a little respect by taking two minutes to log online and vote. So my advice for next year is to embrace the week rather than moan about it. But most importantly, show your appreciation for Exeter by voting. I changed my ways this year and had an incredible week! Get involved, trust me it’s fun!
‘Lukies’ were not represented Sam Lazarus-Keene
There is a residing feeling amongst those who live or study at the St Luke’s campus that our interests are often dwarfed by the much larger population of Streatham campus, and the results of this year’s Sabbatical elections tell much the same story. Though many of the manifestos include vague utterances of improving the facilities and “promoting use of the newly refurbished X-Keys” at the small campus, there is no detail of how they plan to do so and all of the onus is very much focused on the interests of main campus. As well as this, having not lived or studied at St Luke’s, with the best will in the world, they will not know the subtleties of what needs attention as well as a candidate who has first hand experience. A point of particular sensitivity for
‘Lukies’ is the position of AU President. Joe Batten, who came out on top after the elections, has many promising initiatives, such as promoting the intramural side of University sport, and even voiced support for the notion of encouraging the inclusion of the off campus halls. It cannot, however, be denied that we feel begrudged by the loss of his opposing candidate, Brett Richmond; someone who truly epitomises St Luke’s and its needs. Some also feel that the voices of those at St Luke’s were not sufficiently heard. The vast majority of candidate campaigning was done on Streatham campus and so, for those who have no need to venture to there from Rowancroft and St Luke’s, there was little or no contact with those who were running for the positions. The sad truth is that our comparatively small numbers do not make it viable for candidates to spend
time campaigning here.
“Our interests are often dwarfed by the much larger population of Streatham campus, and the elections tell much the same story”
The students at St Luke’s are, no doubt, objectively viewed as nothing more than sore losers after the results of the Sabbatical elections have come in. However, until the much needed attention is given to the campus, the community of students that it supports feel justified in their complaints. We simply have to wait and see whether the improvements proposed in the manifestos of those who now hold the leading Guild positions are implemented.
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Features
20 february 2012 Exeposé
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Sam Lambert & Clare Mullins - features@exepose.com
Plastic surgery and the fake perception Flora Derounian questions the British obsession with appearance Photo: AP
SINCE politicians have a long standing relationship with breasts: Boris Johnson was quoted as promising bigger breasts to the wives of his male electorate upon submitting their ballot and Senator Bob Packwood wrote in his diary of a female bridge opponent so skilled that he could “hardly concentrate on her breasts.” With the scandal of the toxic silicone in PIP breast implants, however, politicians have been called upon to consider breast implants, and their surgical augmentation, in a new political and moral light. Concerns over the low-grade silicone used in the implants were first raised in France last December, where authorities recommended that all PIP implants be removed and replaced, and furthermore, that the State would finance this. In con-
trast, British authorities remain noncommittal on the issue, with Health Secretary Andrew Lansley maintaining that risk of rupture and toxicity in the implants is as yet, unproven. But the anxiety women may feel about the issue is in itself a health risk.
“Concerns over the low-grade silicone used in the implants were first raised in France last December”
The contrasting attitudes of the French and the British highlight a moral aspect of the argument, which reveals
considerable social judgements of the morality of those who choose to have plastic surgery. If you’ve ever undergone the near-lobotomizing experience of watching British programme ‘Snog, Marry, Avoid’, you will already be aware of the moral judgements which come hand in hand (or should that be ‘abreast’?) with plastic surgery. ‘Cheap’, ‘easy’, ‘vain’; these labels are unquestioningly applied to the ‘fake’ women who participate in the show. However, the fast-paced narrative of contestants transformed from ‘fake’ to ‘natural beauty’ in the swipe of a cleansing pad is not only repetitive and shallow, but, from a moral stance, unnerving and unfair. Male passersby are accosted with photos of the contestants and asked “Do you think this girl looks: up for a laugh, pretty slutty, or proper mad?” Yet it is not just the misogyny and crassness of these surveys, but the evident ease with which members of the public make moral judgements based on the appearance of these ‘pretty slutty’ strangers, which disturbs. More than often, the men eagerly extrapolate on the question posed, adding “she’s definitely easy, if she was tipsy I could easily reel her in.” All this attests to the fact that as a population, we have no problem with imposing negative moral and behavioural characteristics onto a person based on their choice to ‘fake it’. The explosion of the PIP implant scandal brought a wave of outrage on
the part of women who had had breast augmentations, with the medical director of the NHS calling on private clinics to fulfil their ‘moral duty’ to remove the faulty implants. And yet, there were and still are mutterings of dissent. Journalist Katie Hopkins tweeted “PIP implant issue is not an NHS one. Along with drinkers, smokers and the vain, they should pay for health issues they created.” Stories have also emerged telling of Australian surgeons who informed patients that their implants had ruptured due to “too much rough sex.” All this tells of an undercurrent of moral judgement which lies at the heart of whether the government should pay to remove all of the estimated 40,000 faulty implants given out in Britain. We all agree that ‘everybody needs a bosom for a pillow’ but are we willing to stump up the cash for a national mistake which could be said to have come into existence as a result of individual vanity? Obviously, in the 5 per cent of cases where the implants were used in reconstructive surgery after breast cancer operations, this moral dilemma is more emphatically clear. But are British people, so quick to call a girl with fake breasts ‘pretty slutty’, prepared to give their tax money to come to the aid of these supposedly ‘loose’ women? The mounting pressure on British politicians to take the blanket approach of the French government suggests that
Abu Qatada’s release on bail provokes outcry
NHS aid for private patients is a matter of time. However, with a projected figure of two hundred million pounds to remove and replace all the PIP implants in Britain, this will be a heavy burden for the NHS to bear. With 95 per cent of these implants having been deployed by private-sector surgeries, is not the moral issue with the medical professionals who used the implants, rather than with the women who trusted in them? Who is holding these lucrative private surgeries to account?
“As a population, we have no problem with imposing negative moral and behavioural characteristics onto a person based on their choice to ‘fake it’”
In a case where industrial grade silicone, used more commonly for stuffing mattresses, is chosen by private plastic surgery companies to cut costs, I must ask: who is cheap? The woman, or the companies? Making a clean breast of it, if I were asked, ‘snog, marry, avoid?’ of these private surgeries who refuse to now compensate for their gross neglect of patients’ long-term health, I think it is clear what the answer would be.
The case should prompt the UK to question its treatment of terror suspects, argues Imogen Watson
THE reaction to the release on bail of Abu Qatada, an extremist preacher whom the British government says is a terrorist threat to the UK, has been one of shock and horror. Surely someone described as “Osama Bin Laden’s ambassador to Europe” should not be free to preach his particular brand of hatred and intolerance? However, it really isn’t quite so simple. The real question is how can a country like the United Kingdom possibly lock up somebody without a fair trial – or indeed any trial at all – because the government claims he is a threat? There is a strong chance that he is a major security concern to this country, but England’s laws are there for a reason. Governments have been known to lie either for their own good, or for (what they consider) that of the general public, and to show that it is not the case, the government should be gathering the evidence against
Qatada and putting him on trial. Placing him under lock and key for years on end with no conviction is a practice of which we ought to be ashamed; it undermines both our authority and our reputation as a nation which prides itself on the rule of law. It might make people feel safer if he is off the streets but it is the beginning of a downward spiral – lock one person up without trial and who is to say the powers that be will not just continue to do so? The Labour government under Tony Blair was prevented in 2006, by Parliament, from locking up suspected terrorists for ninety days without charge, so why should Qatada have now been locked up, in total, for more than eight years? Moreover, the current government is outraged that the European Court of Human Rights has ruled Qatada cannot be deported back to Jordan because he might not receive a fair trial. In Jordan, Qatada
is accused of involvement in attacks on two hotels and funding other atrocities. However, concerns have been raised that evidence gained through torture may be used against him at trial. Although his deportation would probably be preferable to most of the general public, and it is fair to say that Britain would be better off without him, can Britain support the use of torture? Those who cry out in horror that he is now out on bail must be reminded that Abu Qatada is by no means a free man. He is under curfew for twenty-two hours of the day, and allowed out for two hourlong periods, whilst subject to electronic tagging, as well as being banned from making public statements. He has previously been allowed similar bail conditions for a period of six months before being put back into custody once again for a few more years.
Photo: BBC
Copies of Abu Qatada’s sermons were found in the flat of a 9/11 terrorist
Exeposé WEEK EIGHTEEN
11
Is the monarchy still relevant to Britain?
Features
Photos: BBC, The Royal Household
The Queen at her Coronation in 1952; the official emblem of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was designed by 10-year-old Katherine Dewar, winner of a national competition; a photograph of the Queen released last week
YES
WE all know her face. We all know where she lives. We even know that she wore yellow to Westminster Abbey for her grandson William’s wedding last April. Yet there is one question that would cause many of us to hesitate: what does the Queen actually do for our country? “Not an awful lot” is perhaps the most common response, and perhaps in some respects these sceptics are right.
“The UK would just not be the same without her”
After seeing Queen Elizabeth celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this week, it seems only right to reflect upon the remarkable impact that our monarch has had on the country – the UK would just not be the same without her. There is no doubt that we would notice a difference if we had no head of
NO
THIS year sees a landmark event for the British monarchy. The Queen, and with her, the country, celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of her reign as Head of State of the United Kingdom and 16 Commonwealth nations. It is a very impressive act. Indeed, if the Queen can reign for another three years and 202 days, she will overtake her great-greatgrandmother, Victoria, as the longest reigning British monarch. And yet, in this year of celebration, something is wrong. Because the truth is that, in a 21st century Britain, we should not have an unelected head of state. Indeed, it is undoubtedly time that the monarchy is abolished. Now, this suggestion may seriously offend those who wish to use 2012 to relish in the achievements of the British monarchy, and there have been many. Queen Elizabeth has seen the nation through many hardships and conflicts during her long reign on the throne. She has represented Britain well on the world stage when called upon to do so and retained her apolitical position with dignity. Indeed, for the relatively small
Robert Scott on why we should celebrate the Queen’s achievements state, or even a different monarch for that matter. Cast an eye over everyday life; before the working day has even started it is likely that you will have encountered the Queen at least twice without even realising it: On picking up the morning post, the small stamp in the corner is usually disregarded; on paying for the daily bread or milk, she rears her head once more on the back of our currency. Now, imagine how bizarre it would be if that head were male and without that trademark mane of curls. The Queen is so ingrained in our national identity that the thought of singing “God save our gracious king” now conjures up an image of the medieval era. So what are the main duties of the Queen? Officially, the role of the monarch is to act as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; to give a sense of stability and continuity; to officially recognise success and excellence. Over
her 60 year reign, that is exactly what our Queen has done. Every year, the award of MBEs, OBEs and Knighthoods see those whose who have given exceptional service to the community receive the recognition they deserve.
“The role of the monarch is to act as a focus for national identity, unity and pride”
Over the course of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has sent over 100,000 personal messages to those who reach the age of 100; she has also sent a remarkable 280,000 telegrams to honour couples who reach their Diamond wedding anniversary after 60 years together. A Royal visit is a cause for great celebration and her visits abroad help to strengthen friendships and economic
ties between the UK and other countries; David Cameron described the Queen’s historic visit to the Republic of Ireland early last year as a “gamechanger” heralding a new era in AngloIrish relations. The Prime Minister also commented that she “warmed the hearts of people” during her time in Ireland, despite her refusal to drink up her Guinness. Long gone are the days when the British monarch could be described as the ‘ruler’ of the country; the monarch’s involvement politically today is much more limited – after all, the Queen doesn’t get to vote because it would be unconstitutional! Yet the link between palace and parliament is much closer than you might imagine; every year since her coronation in 1952, excluding 1959 and 1962 when she was heavily pregnant, Her Majesty has been there to open parliament. She has held a regular Tuesday meeting with the Prime Min-
ister, of which ten have come and gone since she was crowned way back in the days of Winston Churchill. The Queen is also required to approve important Orders and Proclamations through the Privy Council and has judicial importance too. The country is preparing for the official celebrations of the Jubilee this summer and with a national bank holiday, in which London will play host to a celebratory concert and a Thames river pageant featuring over 1000 boats, the four day weekend beginning on 2 June promises to be a memorable one. Around the globe, thousands of beacons will be lit on 4 June to commemorate Her Majesty’s 60 year reign over the UK and, as head of the Commonwealth, paying a fitting tribute to a woman who has shown remarkable poise and elegance throughout her reign, which is itself the second longest in British history.
Megan Drewett argues that modern Britain has no need for a monarchy
amount that the Queen receives from the Civil List, £7.9 million, Her Majesty is very proficient at her job.
“The truth is that, in a 21st century Britain, we should not have an unelected head of state. It’s time the monarchy was abolished” This may seem like a surprising point. The economic arguments are always referenced in the debate over the monarchy’s abolition, and most frequently its opponents claim that the monarchy bring in a huge amount of revenue through tourism. Think of the impact on tourism if we were to get rid of the royals, these opponents cry. I would like to put this argument to bed right now. In 2008, Windsor Castle had 1.8 million visitors. In 2010, just two years later, the Palace of Versailles in France, a
country without a monarchy, had 10 million. Indeed, the same principle stands for the accumulated visitors of American Revolution historical sites. The abolition of the monarchy would in no way impact upon the tourist revenue amassed from royal residences in the UK; if anything, the scandal caused by Britain’s U-turn in royalist policy would undoubtedly bring more visitors to the country and far make up for the fall in sales of postcards of the Queen’s face. But this is not an economic argument. It’s a moral one. We live in a 21st century world where equality amongst mankind has become an entrenched principle. Indeed, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reaffirms in its first article that “all human beings are born free and equal.” Britain is a nation that has made a name for itself in attempts to supposedly hold up this key principle abroad and yet, as a state, it is continually undermined by the fact that our head of state reinforces the exact opposite ideal. However much we, as a nation, skirt around the facts, the truth is that the Queen is only the head of state because
she was born into a fortunate family who had been in power before her. She has not achieved her position by rising through the ranks in a meritocracy or by being elected by the people. This represents a fundamental inequality in Britain today: how are we supposed to go around the world and preach the equality mantra when back home, our very political system is built on unequal foundations?
“Our MPs are elected officials. Our head of state should be absolutely no different” The inequality that the Queen represents is not the only problem with our modern day monarchy. First and foremost, before any other principle we hold dear, the United Kingdom is a democracy. Our Members of Parliament, our European representatives and in some major cities, even our Mayors, are elected officials. Our head of state should be
absolutely no different. Indeed, to extend this principle, what right does a British Queen have to represent the people of Papua New Guinea or Tuvalu or any of the other 14 Commonwealth countries of which she still remains sovereign? The problem is not with the Queen herself or even her family. I have no real issue with her as a person or her service to the country. Many will argue that the Queen does little harm and ask why should we change a system that doesn’t appear to be broken? We should change it because (in a modern age, where democratic rule and equality are such crucial values to our society) our political system is broken and has been ever since we allowed an unelected monarch into power because of her status at birth. And finally, if those arguments have not convinced you, this might. Consider in a decade’s time when Prince Charles, the least charismatic man in history, becomes King. Does anyone really want to see that happen?
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20 FEBRUARY 2012 Exeposé
Features
Marginalizing religion: Are we ignoring our roots? Following comments by Baroness Warsi, Cathy Thom argues why religion has no place in British politics Photo: Rex Features
Baroness Warsi’s recent comments have sparked a debate about religion in politics
BARONESS Warsi, chairman of the Conservative party, has recently spoken out, accusing the UK of “militant secularisation,” as she claims that regulations against bearing religious symbols in government buildings could be viewed as “totalitarian.” Warsi raises an interesting pointdespite holding ourselves up as a model democracy, in which everyone is free to voice their opinions, we are quick to criticise those who commentate on political affairs from a religious perspective. Yet, in all likelihood, our faith holds considerable influence over our choices. However, by claiming that the UK, and indeed Europe, should embrace Christianity and its place in politics, Warsi ignores a vital point. A key element in Britain’s identity as a democ-
racy is its pluralism, with many different faiths and belief systems operating within society. By encouraging one faith over another, multiculturalism crumbles.
“The premise that Christianity forms a part of our cultural heritage is not one necessarily shared by the public”
On that point, given the assortment of religions which are practised in the UK, prioritising one above all others is surely not representative of the country’s demographic. While she is adamant that Christianity forms the foundation of our
British heritage, it seems possible that her ideas are outdated. Today, we would expect our public figures to be roughly representative of what our country looks like as a whole. With many people absolving themselves from any religious belief, urging for Christianity to play a greater role in public life seems illogical. Indeed, about 75 per cent of the 1,136 people who took part in an Ipsos Mori survey concluded that religion should not have influence over public policy. In other findings, 61 per cent of the Christians asked agreed that heterosexuals and homosexuals should have complete legal equality. Perhaps this provides some evidence for the fact that religious belief will not always compliment democratic freedoms. Equally, the premise that Christianity necessarily forms a part of our cultural heritage is not one necessarily shared by the public as a YouGov poll last year found that 65 per cent of people ticked the ‘no’ box when asked, ‘are you religious?’ 63 per cent of people admitted to not having attended a place of worship for religious reasons within the last year, a fact which suggests that even if we are out of touch with our religious history, as Warsi claims, this is out of choice. Yet, Warsi’s suggestions come at a time when religion has become more explicitly tied up in public affairs. The Church of England has avidly spoken out against the actions of bankers and their role in the recession, suggesting that greed has become too much of a
motivation within society. In fact, the cannon chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dr Giles Fraser, resigned over plans to evict protesters of the occupation movement who had put up tents outside the cathedral, citing his disapproval at the “financial injustice” taking place.
“Warsi’s suggestions come at a time when religion has become more explicitly tied up in public affairs”
But whether religious figures should really have a decisive input in political affairs, particularly if their thoughts are being directed largely by their faith, seems questionable. While Warsi has not called for a religious state where scripture dictates policy, by suggesting the need for an increased influence of Christianity on government she is necessarily commending the notion that ideas based in faith should have political relevance. What exactly this would mean for homosexuals and other sections of society, who have received notable criticism within the Bible is unclear as of yet. If we begin by introducing Christianity to our cabinet, where do we go next? Perhaps calls will come for our police force to bear religious sentiment in mind and perhaps our courts when determining and ensuring justice will be expected to recognise Christian values.
Looking at examples of countries where religion has had a considerable influence over public life, one can’t help but think of the U.S. issues, such as abortion, remain controversial and contested by political candidates there, who are largely divided on religious lines. The fact of the matter is, faith can and has been used as a tool to challenge certain laws and by incorporating it further into our state, we risk certain freedoms purely on the basis of what is upheld as moral within scripture. Indeed, such is the extent of religion’s importance in America, presidential candidates have not a hope of election unless they can prove their dedication to Christian values.
“If we begin by introducing Christianity to our cabinet, where do we go next?” Ultimately, however, it seems that Warsi’s ideas may be fundamentally out of touch with what the people want. With the majority of the people asked responding that they did not see it as fitting that Christianity should play a role in politics, perhaps her belief that the UK cultural identity is bound up in religion is one that can no longer be considered valid.
The true impact of an independent Scotland
Freddie Doust looks at the possible result of a split from England and the UK for the country BEING Scottish, I feel no qualms in making plain the deep-rooted inferiority complex Scotland has, forever it seems, felt as a result of its bigger, more successful brother, England. What is puzzling though, is that, despite an outright majority in the recent elections, the SNP do not seem to be able to persuade that majority that independence is what they need as a nation. Indeed, most opinion polls suggest independence is a minority preference. The most recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey indicates that support is as low as 32 per cent. The fact is, Scotland splitting from the UK bucks what seems to be a global trend towards unionism - just look at the EU, and the UN. There seems to be a global trend towards internationalism; the world is getting smaller and national identity is evolving. It seems to me that patriotism, a feeling of love for one’s nation’s history, traditions and values, is perfectly acceptable, and in fact a good thing. Aggressive nationalism however, as exemplified by the BNP, among others, is quite different. What I struggle to understand is what benefits the Scots will reap from Woodrow Wilson’s ideal of self-determination (his view of an idealistic, peaceful world, made up of independent
nation-states). England’s union with the Scots is a vital part of the very makeup of English identity. It is, nonetheless, almost entirely the Scottish people’s loss, if a split does occur (which seems unlikely) and they would find it nighon impossible to support themselves independently from the UK. They are, essentially, kept afloat by London (despite the much meaningless devolution process of Blair’s government).
“Scotland splitting from the UK bucks what seems to be a global trend towards unionism”
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research explained that Scotland would have no insurance from fiscal risk sharing with the UK if it voted for independence. “Even with a favourable settlement on future oil revenues, its fiscal balances are likely to be volatile with large deficits in some years as a result of its dependence on oil revenues. Under these assumptions fiscal debt is likely to be around 70 per cent of GDP,” NIESR said. If Scotland do stick with the pound
they are, surely, only quasi-independent. The Greek crisis has shown that you cannot be independent if you no longer have your own central bank. Hypothetically, if the new ‘independent’ Scotland were to become scuppered financially then English taxpayers would be liable for bailing them out. It seems to me that what the SNP really wants is to define their own independence; that is, as many freedoms as possible, but with none of the attributed risks involved. Were the union referendum held south of the border, Alex Salmond would likely get his way and Scotland would split from the UK but that has never been the way. The other UK countries have never had a say in this grandiloquently Scottish problem, and rupturing the union would have repercussions for all the member nations, not just Scotland. While expressing a polite interest in such issues, this remains the stance of Mr Salmond, who says: “The future of Scotland is for Scotland alone to determine.” Surely all the member states should have the possibility of casting a referendum vote, however. It seems to be the presumption of all, not least in politics, that this is Scotland’s issue and Scotland’s issue alone. The SNP leader would like to stage
Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National
the referendum in 2014, the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, one of those rare Scottish victories over England on the battlefield when Robert the Bruce and his stubborn warriors defeated a large and supercilious force of English knights. Arrogant English opponents towards the break-up of the
Photo: Reuters/ David Moir
Union could make Mr Salmond’s job an easy one. A sense of indifference among the English, or even relish at the idea of dismantling the UK may be trickier for him to handle. The English saying that they would love to see the back of Scotland might just make the Scots determined to stay.
Exeposé WEEK EIGHTEEN
13
Features
Fairtrade: Do-gooders’ trend or real economic impact? Mirjam Haas asks whether Fairtrade has had the intended effect in the developing world 77 PER CENT of the UK population recognise the Fairtrade label and 86 per cent bought a Fairtrade product in 2010, according to the current annual report of the Fairtrade Foundation. While in Germany, Fairtrade is still associated with the green activist subculture, in Britain it seems to have entered the main stage.
“Economic growth alone does not fight poverty among the poorest, as they often do not profit from it at all”
Half of all bananas sold in the UK are Fairtrade, and almost one third of roast coffee carries the Fairtrade label. It is no surprise that the UK is also the largest importer of Fairtrade tea. Has this increase in the purchase of Fairtrade products really made a difference in the fight against world poverty? Or is it just an indication of the successful promotion of ethical shopping? Free trade organisations like the Adam Smith Institute, a British libertarian think tank, argue that Fairtrade hinders the healthy development of a free market by setting fixed minimum prices. The ASI’s policy director, Tom Clougherty, said: “At best, fair trade is a marketing device that does the poor little good. At worst, it may inadvertently be harming some of the planet’s most vulnerable people. If we really want to aid international development, we should instead work to abolish barriers to trade in the rich world, and help the developing world to the same. Free trade is the most effective poverty reduction strategy the
world has ever seen.” Free trade and fair trade organisations agree that developed countries should remove existing subsidies and tariffs in order to allow developing countries to import their goods. However, while free traders oppose trade barriers in developing countries, fair trade companies such as Traidcraft are convinced that weaker economies need a time of protectionism to grow strong enough to enter the global market, as their CEO Paul Chandler has explained. Economic growth alone does not fight poverty among the poorest, as they often do not profit from it at all. Liz May, Traidcraft’s Head of Policy, wants to see a World Trade Organisation that “allows countries the time and space to follow their own development path”. It is, however, hard to judge what is really most beneficial, as conditions for development vary in different times and countries, depending on culture and political and economic structures. It seems as though some of the big companies have agreed that fair trade is the path to follow now that pioneers have proven there is a demand for fairly traded goods and that consumers do care. Does this mean the work of small, dedicated fair trade companies is done? Not at all. They remain important agents in lobbying governments and the EU to stop agricultural subsidies and tariffs, and to open up their markets for imports. As they combine economic experience with a commitment not just to pay a fair price, but to reach those most in need, they are taken seriously in negotiations. So, despite all of the positive aspects of big companies going fair trade, the small and dedicated ones are still needed and worth supporting, not least because they
have a closer relationship to their producers and can co-operate with small-scale farmers who cannot meet the demands of Cadbury and other large companies. It is important to mention that the Fairtrade mark is not the only label for ethically produced goods, especially as the Fairtrade Foundation does not have standards for everything (for example it does not label crafts). There are a whole range of brands, marks, and labels like the Rainforest Alliance that, unlike Fairtrade, works without fixed prices. So what does Fairtrade stand for? Basically, Fairtrade producers get a minimum price for most of their products, and usually a much higher proportion of the final price goes back into the developing world - for example 17.5 per cent of the price of Traidcraft coffee processed in Europe, compared to 5-7 per cent of the price of non-Fairtrade coffee. In addition to this, producers can get at least part of their payment in advance if required, and they can rely on a consistent demand.
“Half of all bananas sold in the UK are Fairtrade, and almost one third of roast coffee carries the Fairtrade label”
Furthermore, fair trade organisations try to encourage diversification, so that farmers are not dependent on a single
crop, thus feeding new ideas into the market.
However, the whole story is a complex one. To create a perfectly ethical, climate-friendly product, all steps from farming, production, packaging, and transport to the consumer’s health would have to be taken into consideration – and meeting high targets at every step would lead to a price few consumers could afford. Fair trade is not a simple issue: What about the farmers that are in the certification process, but do not yet have the Fairtrade label? Is child labour actually necessary for some families? An Indian fair label, Shop for Change, decided to accept child labour under certain conditions, yet the Fairtrade Foundation’s aim is to enable parents to send their children to school by paying them enough so their
children don’t need to work. Sometimes it takes a whole generation to make real change happen. Parents might just earn a little extra money by selling parts of their production to a fair trade company, while selling the rest on the local market. However, this enables them to send their children to school and college in town, enabling these young people to then return to their village to open a little school right there, so that all children in the village can have easy access to education. Their living standards don’t necessarily change much, but education is one of the most precious resources. Fairly traded products cannot change the world in a day; yet they help millions of people around the globe in a sustainable way. The aim of trade relationships is, as Traidcraft CEO Chandler states, to help producers reach a point where they do not need the fair trade company as a partner any longer, so that the fair trade company can find new partners who are in greater need. This shows that change is possible, and we can make a difference by our choices. Let Fairtrade Fortnight (27 February to 11 March) be a start to review our consumerism. I conclude with a statement from Ram Gidoomal, chair of the Traidcraft Board: “I believe you should never let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.”
Caught in a Bad Romance with Bashar
Usman Butt provides an overview of relations between Syria, the opposition and other nations
SYRIA
BLOOD ran through the streets of the central Syrian city of Homs as up to 55 people were killed. This latest massacre follows the ongoing Syrian uprising which began eleven months ago, in which 5,400 people have lost their lives. Most of the killings were of civilians and were carried out by the Syrian security forces and their semi-official militias. In the latest incident tanks and helicopters rained down bullets on protestors; this is despite claims by the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad that he ordered the security forces not to fire on civilians. Meanwhile, at the United Nations Security Council, a Western and Arab League sponsored resolution condemning the violent crackdown of protestors in Syria, was vetoed by Russia and China.
The draft resolution also called on a peaceful transfer of power to a democratic and pluralist system in Syria. The Russians objected to large parts of the resolution and claimed that the resolution targeted Bashar Al-Assad and his government and did not condemn armed oppositional groups such as the Free Syrian army. The Americans stated that these amendments to the resolution were “unacceptable.” Russia and China both vetoed the resolution, an act which the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, described as “shameful.” Britain’s foreign secretary William Hague said the Russian and Chinese approach “lets the Syrian people down, and will only encourage President Assad’s brutal regime to increase the killing.” An important question must be asked. Are Russia, China and the West caught in a bad romance with Bashar? After all, the West loved Bashar when the uprising began in Syria; it took the UK and the US a few months to condemn the crackdown. They believed that Bashar could regain control of Syria in the guise of reforms but when it became clear this was not happening and that no longer control-
led events in Syria, the West came out against him. The West has a complicated relationship with Syria, one which goes back forty years to when Bashar’s father Hafez was president. After the 1973 October Arab-Israeli war, Henry Kissinger, the then US secretary of state, negotiated with the Syrians a ceasefire. Kissinger went as far as to claim the Hafez was the most intelligent leader he had ever met. But what made this relationship complicated or a ‘bad romance’ was that Syria was a Pan-Arabist, anti-imperialist and anti-Western state. In the 1980s the Syrians allied themselves with a postrevolutionary Iran, led by Ayatollah Khomeini. It is because of this alliance, which came about during the Iran-Iraq war, that many Arab states are anti-Syrian in orientation. Syria also supports the Hezbollah in Lebanon and their fight against Israel. Further, in 2005, Syria was accused of the murder of the pro-Saudi and thus Pro-Western Prime minister of Lebanon, Rafik Hariri. Despite this, Syria also helped the West after 11 September 2001; the Syrian Intelligence apparatus shared information of Al-Qaeda sleeper cells. In fact, it was reported that Al-Qaeda sent out
messages to all its operatives to avoid Syria. It was considered by the West as a beacon of stability against radical Islam.
“The West has a complicated relationship with Syria, which goes back to when Bashar’s father Hafez was president” Syria was good for Israel’s security as many IDF generals would comment their quietist border was the Syrian border. Up until the uprising, many Israelis believed they could have peace with Syria under Bashar. Now, however, the West is forced to ally with the opposition, who are largely unreliable. There is no such thing as a unified, homogenous opposition movement either in Syria or outside. Outside the country itself, the Syrian opposition formed the Syrian National Transitional Council, based in Istanbul. But they are not united amongst themselves; they are made up of different
groups such as liberals, leftists, secularists, Islamists, nationalists and democrats who cannot agree on key topics. On top of this, they have little communication with the ground protests in Syria. With this fragmentation in mind the Syrian opposition needs all the allies it can get. The Iranians want to talk to the Syrian opposition, and have done so for months, but they can’t because of the rhetoric of the Chairman of the Syrian National Transitional Council, Burhan Ghalioun. Ghalioun declared that the Iranian alliance would be unnatural, as they are Arabs and want relations with the Gulf; he has essentially put all the Syrian opposition eggs into the West’s basket. To make matters worse, Saudi Arabia is igniting the flames of sectarian war in Syria. Through their propaganda channels, such as Al-Arabiyya, they have been asking questions about the Syrian Christians and their commitment to the revolution. Russia and China are concerned with a post-Assad Syria and fear an anti-Russian government. The West is worried about an Islamist takeover and minorities in Syria are worried about a civil war. This combined is the nature of the Bad Romance with Syria.
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Exeposé week EIGHTEEN
Lifestyle
Zoe Dickens & Cyan Turan - lifestyle@exepose.com
Technology
15
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Ellie Busby, Editor, advises not to underestimate the career benefits of social networking IN this modern day and age, we are entirely dependent on technology to get things done. With an increasing amount of people owning smart phones, many remain wired to the virtual world practically 24/7. It is the same with social networking, especially amongst the younger generation. We now rely on these sites for communication with our friends, for example, party invites are now often solely done through Facebook. What is important to realise, however, in our modern society of ‘likes’ and ‘tweets’, is not to underestimate their importance in helping gain job opportunities, maintaining contacts from work placements, and provided a source of up-to-date news.
“Facebook and Twitter help users to promote themselves and their businesses online, whilst ensuring that they remain in the know about current affairs”
Social networking sites are not popular with everyone, and some disagree with their ability to invade one’s privacy. This criticism is often targeted at Facebook, especially with the recent introduction of the Timeline format where stalking has just become that much easier. However, it is still the user’s choice how secure they make their profile as they can adjust the privacy settings as they please. And anyway, who said that exposure is such a bad thing? Sites like Facebook allow us to post anything online that we choose, giving the user an opportunity for marketing their work through unlimited exposure. It’s access to free advertising of yourself, and the events and organisations you may be involved in, which can be used to your own advantage. The main thing to remember is that someone’s profile can say a lot to a potential employer, therefore too much display of certain aspects of your life may be damaging. It would be sensible to be cautious with what you choose to share; you don’t want to regret uploading photos from a blurred night out in Timepiece where you’re sprawled out on the floor semiconscious. That certainly won’t give
off the best impression in an interview. Although Facebook has various benefits for networking, Twitter has different qualities which make it alluring on its own. You are able to follow the lives of practically anyone that may be of interest to you. It also encourages more involvement in national topics with the option to share your opinion on a national ‘trend’. It was these enticing aspects which meant that after a long battle with myself, three weeks ago I finally gave in and joined Twitter. At first I objected to joining as I did not a) want to feel like a stalker of multiple celebrities and b) read rants about people’s banal daily activities. However, as a budding journalist, I could no longer resist the advantages that the site would bring me. It gives you the opportunity to follow those already working in your field of interest, and it therefore offers an easier way to research and read up on the area that you aspire to work in. For example, for striving journalists like myself, it provides you with a chance to become more involved in current affairs through the regular discussion on national topics. Twit-
ter has also become an invaluable hub of worldwide news and information, where the user can remain up-todate by watching news stories break through following the various Twitter feeds of news outlets. For these reasons, it would have been stupid for me not to eventually join Twitter, and now I can see that I was missing out!
“Social networking sites are not popular with everyone and some disagree with their ability to invade one’s privacy” Facebook and Twitter help users to promote themselves and their businesses online, whilst ensuring that they remain in the know about current affairs. However, in the current climate it’s not what you know but who you know, and it is the business-orientated social networking site LinkedIn which can really help students get employed. Although the site is not as well-known, it has unique qualities which the other sites do not have. It is
great for upholding contacts through work and staying in touch with people you’ve met on work experience. You can also follow companies and search for work available in your field of interest, which all help in your efforts to secure a job. Your profile is not filled with personal details, such as your favourite film or who you are in a relationship with. Instead you can add all the places where you have done work experience and highlight which areas of employment interest you. This professionalised version of Facebook can help you become much more attractive to employers. Social networking sites are not just there to display all your most intimate details about your life, if the exposure is used in the right way these sites can be extremely beneficial in professional networking. Whatever objections people may have towards the sites, whether we like it or not, it has become impossible not to recognise the importance of social networking in a world which is becoming increasingly virtual every day. Don’t be reluctant to sign up, give yourself a chance.
Image: Jess Leung
Social Media At A Glance
Users: 800+ million Average monthly usage per member: 15 hours 33 minutes Integrated Websites: 2.5 million Languages: 70, translated by 300,000 users Interesting Facts: • Facebook users install 20 million Apps every day • 250 million people access Facebook through mobile devices • An average user has 130 friends and likes 80 pages
Users: 100+ million Accounts: 465 million Average daily usage per member: 23 minutes Average Tweets per day: 190 million Interesting Facts: • 40 per cent of users do not Tweet • News of Beyonce’s pregnancy sparked a record 8,868 Tweets per second • More than 60 per cent of users are aged 25-44
Users: 150+ million Sign Up Rate: Two new users per second Interesting Facts: • 72 per cent of users are ages 25-54 • 49 per cent of users have a household income of over $100,000 • LinkedIn membership includes executives from every company in the Fortune 500
20 FEBRUARY 2012 Exeposé
16
Lifestyle
feature
Roses are red, violets are blue... Two students tell Exeposé Lifestyle why Valentine’s Day has lost that loving feeling
Going for broke
Thomas Ling gets hot under the collar over media hype and commercial exploitation
I THINK I first realised Valentine’s Day was evil at the age of seven. It was another 14 February and I wasn’t expecting anything special; Valentine’s Day was something for the popular kids at school, not the quiet ones who spent most of the day making Pokémon models out of pipe cleaners. However, at lunchtime I opened up my Buzz Lightyear lunchbox to find a small red envelope with a few loving ‘x’s’ softly scrawled upon its front. Was this my first proper Valentine? Could it be that I was actually somebody’s prince charming? No. The card was addressed to somebody else and the stupid cow had put it in the wrong lunchbox. I’m not saying that she deserves no mutual love for the rest of her life but a few miserable decades wouldn’t go amiss.
“If you’re single for this one individual day of the year you’ll definitely end up dying alone, leaving the numerous cats in your unoccupied house to be put down”
Despite that story bringing me close to a nervous breakdown, it’s also amazing to reflect on the way children still engage in this anonymous note giving that, for adults, any other day of the year may result in a court case. Several studies indicate that children rarely rely on their par-
ents for definitions of romance, instead subscribing to such ‘love at first sight’ fabrications found in fairytales and more worryingly, the media. We’re no better than kids. Our perceptions of what counts as romantic often rely on representations from the television or internet, whether gauging what is a romantic way to propose (seen in countless soaps and shows such as Friends) or what passionate (Hollywood slang for unprotected) lovemaking is. Valentine’s Day parades around us with this extraterrestrial love propaganda, highlighting how it will never be reality for normal relationships. It makes some feel as if they’re missing out severely, especially single people and those couples whose relationships are so rocky they’re subject to geological study. For example, last week you couldn’t watch TV for five seconds without the Match.com train station advert, in which a ukulele playing tit charms a girl enough for her to magically teleport from the opposite platform to him, mooning itself across your screen. Of course, in real life the girl would be hit by a speeding train in the scramble to get to Mr. Ukulele, in which the image of her bloody severed head would goad him into throwing himself on the tracks. That’s
romantic realism. The internet, as well as TV, also wrongly resonates an idea of Valentine’s Day being a day of guilt if you’re single with www.stvalentinesday.org urging those outside a relationship to “visit an orphanage or old age home and spend time with the inmates there who are always in need of love and affection.” Yeah, that’s right! Get down to the old folk’s home now! If you’re single for this one individual day of the year you’ll definitely end up dying alone, thereby leaving all the numerous cats in your otherwise unoccupied house to be put down. Worse still, according to films such as Notting Hill or The Notebook, you’re also supposed to make some oversized gesture to somebody you’ve known as long as this miserable sentence. However, if this year you managed to somehow grab a date, you probably just had enough money for a meal at Pizza Hut, which due to all the hype around Valentine’s will come across to your date with as much romance as a brick in the face. Don’t worry though, I’m sure the romantic atmosphere was properly set with that expensive personalised Moonpig card you gave them. I guess the only downside is you’ve probably spent the past week with no food budget at all, which probably means you’re going to finish this article and then eat this paper out of desperation, probably choking yourself to a lonely death. And they all lived happily ever after.
Saint who?
Rosemary Lewis examines Valentine’s Day’s history (or lack of) MAYBE it’s because the sole Valentine’s card I’ve ever received was from my mum, but Valentine’s Day has never inspired much more than excessive cynicism in me. Despite being in a long term relationship, I still feel absolutely no need to succumb to the obligations of the day. This year was no different than any other, and why should it have been? I hardly met another person who didn’t seem to feel the same way this year. I’m sure most of you don’t need reminding why Valentine’s Day is a waste of time (and not to mention countless tons of paper), but I shall remind you anyway, just for emphasis, and because I need to
vent the pent up disgust I feel after every 14 February. It’s a day that makes single people feel lonely, when couples feel forced into socially approved displays of affection and when the general public feel a bit nauseous. If you happen to be in a relationship where the only time you can really show your feelings is Valentine’s Day, it is certainly time to reconsider your romantic options. Besides this, ‘St Valentine’ seems rather a shady character. No one really knows who he is, do they? You’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s not even a real holiday. It hardly seems a festival with a rich history, if it has one at all.
“The problem with Valentine’s Day is, no one really seems to know what exactly we’re meant to be celebrating” However, it does correspond to the Roman festival of fertility, Lupercus. This festival involved a beautiful tradition, where the men of the town
sacrificed goats to the gods, and then scampered about the streets holding its newly removed skin above their heads (how romantic). The women of the town would then flood out onto the streets in the desperate hope of touching the lovely bit of goatskin, as it was believed to improve their chances of conceiving children. In AD 496 the first Saint Valentine’s day was declared, although historical uncertainty leads people to believe that the day could be celebrating one (or maybe all) of three martyred priests who went by the name Valentinus. Sounds like quite a vague excuse to celebrate to me. The problem with Valentine’s Day is, no one really seems to know what exactly we’re meant to be celebrating. There’s no biblical reminder every year of the true spirit of Valentine’s Day, nor do we have any great traditions that we associate with the day.
“St Valentine seems rather a shady character. No one really knows who he is do they? You’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s not even a real holiday”
The only people I really notice pushing for acknowledgement of this festival are the anonymous owners of our much-cherished cultural hubs that are Card Factory and Clinton Cards. Each year, as soon as New Year is out of the way, their shelves are heaving under the weight of utterly useless, mass-produced, sickly pink tokens of our deepest affections. It’s enough to turn the stomach of even the most quixotic romantic. Because even they know that nothing says ‘I love you’ like a thin piece of card with god-awful rhymes pre-printed inside. It is the only day of the year where you can be justifiably suspicious that any expression of affection is less genuine, and more born of a sense of obligation. This is why I hate it.
Exeposé week eighteen
17
What grinds Georgia’s gears? False Feminism
In her final column, Georgia Goodyer, argues that we should show a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T to women who earn their keep
THIS month Karl Lagerfeld, the German fashion designer with a penchant for wearing sunglasses indoors, labelled singer Adele ‘a little too fat.’ That’s right, this is the same Adele who accepted no less than six Grammys this year for a job that she does flawlessly. Perhaps it surprised Mr. Lagerfeld that someone who is unconventionally beautiful (in the public eye at least) could be revered above all for their talent. But you wouldn’t hire a plumber that had a shiny toolbox if he couldn’t fix your boiler. I don’t want to sound like a 21st century Mary Whitehouse, making lists of unacceptable swear words and clothes I disagree with in the corner of Arena, complaining to the barman about the putrid smell on the way in or the moral obligations of a gentleman at the discotheque... I digress... but with endless unblemished images of young singers performatively gyrating, for want of a better phrase, it is possible to see Lagerfeld’s logic; why shouldn’t he comment on her image? Journalists and critics snipe at the extravagant costumes of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, even Lana Del Rey with her reasonably tame image hasn’t come out unscathed, attracting unwanted attention for the possibility that she may have had plastic surgery. Yet, the comments made about Adele are infinitely more sinister as they characterise this inherent expectation of explicit sexuality. Standing in a black dress and singing is simply not
enough. I went on a date with a chap once who had moved to the UK to go to university. He told me that he was shocked by the desperate attempts Western women made to attract male attention on a night out, ‘their breasts everywhere, their short skirts, they look like...’ well I shan’t write the expression he used, but let’s just say it wasn’t altogether complimentary. I looked around me at girls giggling and having a good time and attempted to explain to him that on the most part I think that girls dress to make themselves feel good first and foremost on a night out. But alas, he was having none of it, painstakingly explaining why he disliked Western women and their ‘shallow ideals’ as I slowly drowned in my glass of rosé. Needless to say, I never saw him again. But I will admit, I felt a touch torn by our conversation. As a member of the sisterhood my shoulders had squared with defensive indignation, and yet, perhaps I am adhering to the era of “false feminism,” hypocritical behaviour masked as empowerment. Charlie Brooker recently reported that the Daily Mail Online has overtaken the New York Times to become the most popular news website in the world. Its right wing ideals and riveting notions on immigration aside, the website appears to be a never ending showbiz bitch-fest that publishes sponsored photos of scantily clad reality television stars complain-
ing about the difficulties of Z-list life. Again, I put on my metaphorical Granny hat and tutted. But aren’t these simply smart young people capitalising on their success, drawing on the popularity of displaying every aspect of themselves to ensure financial stability for the foreseeable? For example, the group of ‘normal’ friends on ‘The Only Way is Essex,’ fake tan and false eyelashes aside, each now have agents, own their own homes and attend film premieres. Dannii Minogue even collected an honorary doctorate last year for her “major contributions to the entertainment industry”... surely irritating for anyone working towards a PhD.
“He painstakingly explained why he disliked Western women and their ‘shallow ideals’ as I slowly drowned in my glass of rosé”
I was shocked recently when a fellow Exeter student told me that her “solid” relationship with her boyfriend would quickly flounder if he left his high paying job. It would force her out of the life she has become accustomed to... and they say romance is dead. Could we argue then that Amy Childs has a deeper sense of pride and self-sufficiency than my incredibly intelligent and capable acquaintance?
Lifestyle
Aunty Jess and Uncle Ben are here to help “Dear Lifestyle,
My uni friends are planning a summer holiday for after our exams, but I’m worried that I won’t fit in. They want to go to a “party island” like Malia and that’s never really been my sort of thing. I really want to go away with them, it’s just I don’t want to have to drink loads every night. I know I’ll be uncomfortable when my friends go and get with guys and I’ll feel pressured to do the same. I’m worried that they’ll think I’m a loser and want to go without me. How should I broach the subject with them? Yours, Holiday Hang-ups”
Jess Rayner FIRST things first. You should never feel pressured into doing something you don’t feel comfortable with. While I know you don’t want to feel like a party pooper, whats the point of paying for a week that you will not enjoy? Do some research, talk to your friends and suggest some different holiday destinations that you would feel more comfortable with. Perhaps you could go Greek Island hopping and incorporate a few days partying in Zante as part of the trip. That way you get a balance between sightseeing and shots, keeping you and your friends happy. If they’re still intent on their “party island” holiday, why not fly solo? You could go on your own original adventure, such as inter-railing around Europe or Camp America. Spending your money on postcards not poppers and having life long memories instead of nights you can’t even remember in the morning makes you far from a loser.
Ben Wright HOLIDAYS are difficult because they deal with a larger amount of money than your average night out. If your friends already have their hearts set on a “party holiday” it would be a tad selfish of you to ask them to change their plans entirely. Luckily, there are a wealth of options available to you. Firstly, talk to them about your concerns. There’s a very high chance that after an exhausting year of uni, your friends might want to spend a bit of time relaxing on a beach instead of drinking to excess. If that is their plan, you could ask along another friend who you know has the same outlook as you that way if your friends do get lucky, you won’t be on your own. It’s important to remember that if you have negative expectations, it’s almost always going to be better than you imagined. There will be other holidays in the future and this gives you the chance to organise something you’d really enjoy for the Summer.
Campus Style Spotter: Spring Florals OUR roving photographer and style aficionado, George Connor, brings you the best style on campus!
It may not feel like it, but spring is upon us. And as the Winter cold melts away so too can your coats. This week we were looking for spring florals to cheer us up. Charlotte and Becca are both braving the cold in floral print dresses. Charlotte’s bright and bold dress looks brilliant with boots and a Barbour and is a perfect layer to build on while still giving you that hint of something summery to come. Fei Fei’s classic Cath Kidston bag is perfect to add that Spring feeling without compromising on your warmth and looks great with almost any outfit. So StyleSpotters, time to renew your wardrobe, put aside the knitwear and dig out the roses and before you know it, it’ll be Summer. Left-right: Charlotte, Fei-Fei and Becca
20 febrUARY 2012 Exeposé
18
Lifestyle
BLIND DATE
When Callum met Georgina
In Lifestyle’s new feature, we send two unassuming students on a blind date and then grill them about their evening. This fortnight, Callum McLean met Georgina Banfield. Did sparks fly? Read on to find out. If you’d like Lifestyle to send you on a blind date, email lifestyle@exepose.com
Callum on Georgina
BEFORE the date what were you hoping for? Hope didn’t really come into it; I was prepared for and content with anything from a slightly awkward couple of hours with someone with no shared interests to a revelatory hot romance (though I was hardly expecting the latter). First impressions? Georgie was friendly and confident, though the strangeness of the situation and the informality of the format (casual drinks at the local) seemed to make both of us a touch uncomfortable for the first few minutes. What did you talk about? Everything ranging from alcohol tastes to surprisingly deep conversations on past relationships and future desires. Chat became fluid and unashamed quite quickly. Any awkward moments? I don’t think so! There were definitely no long pauses or embarrassing slips. Best thing about her? I don’t really go in for this kind of qualitative labelling! Georgie was very attentive (much more than me) and charmingly curious, but also filled with stories from a colourful, international life. She was attractive and struck a good balance between interesting and humble.
Worst thing about her? Perhaps the date itself suffered from a lack of spark, I wasn’t treating it with any kind of romantic implications. Did you go anywhere after? No, but we ended up talking for almost four hours. Would you like her to meet your friends? I can’t see an occasion other than an incidental bumping-into that would warrant it. It would be nice to see her again at least. Did you kiss? No. I went for a pretty unmemorable farewell, there might have been a sort of stiff hug and an awkward wave. Marks out of ten (and reasons) 7 – I had an enjoyable evening: the company was great and we got on well. The only reason I’d cut three points would be that I don’t think we were liable to be a good match romantically.
Georgina on Callum BEFORE the date what were you hoping for? I’ve never been on a blind date before so I guess I was just hoping for good conversation without it being awkward! First impressions? Relaxed, easy going, I wasn’t too sure about the piercing, although I admit it
grew on me! What did you talk about? A lot - why we were there, the Exeter music scene, travel, our mutual appreciation of strange food combinations, film, relationships. The conversation actually got pretty deep at one point and I seem to remember discussing the meaning of love! Any awkward moments? Not many, although saying goodbye was slightly awkward. Best thing about him? He was really passionate about his interests, eloquent, and refreshingly perceptive. Worst thing about him? To be honest, I don’t really have anything bad to say! Did you go anywhere after? No. Would you like him to meet your friends? I’m sure they would get on. Did you kiss? No, it would have been a little weird. Marks out of ten (and reasons) 8. I had a really nice evening with him– we covered such a vast range of topics and chatted for a really long time! He seemed genuinely interested in the conversation, which makes a change, and even though our interests were different, we had things in common.
SEX-On-the-exe
Forty days, forty nights
An anonymous student finds that giving up masturbation for Lent is hard, hard work GUYS aren’t perfect and I, more than most, am certainly not. On the odd occasion I thought I could at least say I had resolve and determination, but never has it been tested like it was last Lent. Chocolate had been done before, and giving up Starbucks the previous year was a cop-out. What’s more, the prospect of abstaining from alcohol on my birthday was not appealing in the slightest. I decided that this year would be different. My chosen give-up: masturbation. All I can say in retrospect is: why did I have to pick such a hard one? Of course, one doesn’t go in the desert without being followed by the devil. And this time temptation got the better of me. The first time I’d broken Lent ever was within the first week. To help me along the way were my housemates. It was brilliant to have their
support - if that’s what you call it - and I could just talk to them about what I was giving up. I love them to pieces. But when they became the devil that was a different matter and no, not like that. They decided, in all their wisdom to put up a photo on my wall of anyone in a state of undress that they came across. This started with the now banned Jack Wills catalogue. Now I’m not sure what is to be judged more, the fact that I get the Jack Wills catalogue or that my friends thought I would find this ‘wank bank’ material. Either way, an evening of using a combination of sellotape and blue tack to keep it up (on my wall) was fruitless and the catalogue went in the drawer. I mean bin. Week Two wasn’t any better. With the help of a couple of magazines, they got hold of a poster of Haley Williams.
What’s odd is that she wasn’t exactly undressed, so I’m not really sure how much of a temptation it really was. I suppose it could have been worse, since on the other side of the poster was the Foo Fighters
topless. Not my cup of tea, at least not in that department. It was almost half way through Lent when I realised I’d lapsed. Quite a few times in fact. At least, I consoled myself,
I wasn’t doing it as often as I used to, and (through conversation, as you do) found someone who’d actually indulged in an act of self-recreation more often than I had that month. After the half way mark, things got a bit easier. Maybe it was combined with going home that made it so. Why that reduces carnal desires I don’t know, but I was feeling a bit of a failure so it probably came at the right time (unlike me, who shouldn’t have at all that month). Regardless, it was a rewarding experience in the sense that I’d tried to give up something that made some actual difference to my lifestyle, rather than just saving me money. And would I do it again? Probably not. I said rewarding, not enjoyable. And to put it very frankly, that Jack Wills catalogue has been kept waiting far too long.
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20 february 2012 Exeposé
Music
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Andy Smith & Amy Weller - music@exepose.com
Upcoming LIVE REVIEW 20/02 - Crowns, Cavern
Justice conquer Bristol’s O2 Academy
20/02 - NME Award Tour: Two Door Cinema Club, Metronomy, Azaelia Banks, Bristol O2 Academy 22/02 - The Idles, Cavern 23/02 - Roll Deep, Exeter Phoenix 24/02 - Caberet Voltaire, Cavern 02/03 - Magic Hatstand, Cavern 04/03 - Band of Skulls, Exeter Phoenix 14/03 - Wild Beasts, Exeter Phoenix
Justice Featured Event: O2 Academy, Bristol Ellen and the Escapades 9 February Exeter Phoenix 27/02 Delicate, bitter-sweet and soul searching are some of the words usually associated with the music of this Leeds-based alt folk/ rock quintet. After winning the Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent competition last summer, and securing themselves a main stage slot, the band played a vast number of UK festivals, including Exeter’s own Acoustica, and are now focusing on their first album.
FRENCH electronic music duo Justice have been building acclaim in the electro dance music scene for years now. Following a long wait they are back on tour following the release of their second album Audio Video Disco. This return to the live circuit seems set to rival their A Cross the Universe world tour which saw them pretty much conquer the electro scene in a way which hasn’t been paralleled since the triumph of Daft Punk. Justice are part of the wider movement of French electro, heralding acts such as the late DJ Mehdi, Daft Punk and Cassius to name but a few. The formula seems to go French + Synths = Cool. Kings of Cool, Xavier and Gaspard commanded enormous authority behind the decks. Their trademark, swift
bouncing movements made in timeless unison, seem more like a display of wizardry rather than a mere case of mixing and pressing play. Justice are masters of the dance scene and their live sets prove exactly why. From the start, the immediate drama of their tracks swept the crowd into an electric frenzy, intensifying the already charged atmosphere begging for audio pleasure. The very opening of ‘Genesis’, with its biblical intensity along with cleverly crafted lighting, set the madness off immediately. Vividly flashing to the point where it was almost blinding, coloured light flooded the entire venue and would drastically switch to pitch darkness, leaving the white illuminated cross, their trademark symbol, glowing triumphantly.
“The formula seems to go French + Synths = Cool”
This was not simply a set which reeled off track after track taken from albums Genesis and Audio Video Disco, but a skilful mix transferring be-
tween old and new material, layering in hip hop tracks and old school dance tunes. Masterfully able to rise epically in tempo to reach a climatic high then abruptly halting, Justice teased the crowd in order to build a spectacular, exhilarating atmosphere. It was during moments like this that Xavier would come to the front, majestically standing and assuredly basking in the glory so adoringly offered by the flock of followers in front of them.
“Adult men were transformed into feral creatures cast in a trance by flashing lights and a pulsing bass” Iconic tracks ‘We Are Your Friends’ and ‘D.A.N.C.E’ were truly anthemic. The sheer noise of the swarming mob that made up the O2 Academy crowd combined with the overpowering bass created an atmosphere not for the fainthearted. Their turbo charged live sets
are renowned for fainting, carnage and insane, sweaty dancing. The energized euphoria pulsing through the whirling mosh pits was unceasing, adult men were transformed into feral creatures cast in a trance by flashing lights and a pulsing bass. What is so thrilling about a Justice performance is their diverse range in sound. Although traditionally electro, they have described their latest album as a “progressive rock record” which can be clearly heard on tracks such as ‘On n On’, ‘Horsepower’ and ‘Audio Video Disco’, with heavy guitar riffs reminiscent of Brian May’s God-like guitar work. This transition into rock is far from the previous electronic disco funk of tracks like ‘DVNO’ and ‘D.A.N.C.E’ from Genesis but they work so well side by side, united by the throbbing backbeat and distorted synth that characterizes their sound. Overall, it was incredible, mad, surreal and had the power to leave any Justice fan breathless. AMY WELLER MUSIC EDITOR
21
Exeposé week eighteen Thomas Truax Cavern Exeter 8 February BEFORE 8 February, I’d never heard of Thomas Truax. A friend recommended his gig at the Cavern to me that morning, saying it was an “unmissable experience.” For only £3, this seemed too good to miss. Now, writing this and looking back on the experience, I have to say my friend was right. But he missed out the adjectives bizarre, confusing, and surreal, as well as perhaps many more too vulgar for print. Truax, a New Yorker, isn’t your regular singer-songwriter. He’s the musical equivalent of Willy Wonka, creating strange and wonderful things with a weirdness that is engaging and threatening in equal measure. He strolled on stage, accompanied by the Hornicator, one of his range of home-
Music
phere in the dingy Cavern. His bizarre tale of his childhood in the fictional Wowtown descended into the song ‘Full Moon Over Wowtown’ (lyrical sample: “The spoon-bender is winking at the knife-licker”), which also saw the collection of pots, pans and pulleys at the back of the stage mysteriously animate itself, providing a beat for Truax and his ghostly guitar sounds to play over. This creation is fantastically titled ‘The Cadillac Beatspinner Wheel’, and wouldn’t look out of place in a Victorian cotton mill. Truax also refuses to stand still, making up for his solitary presence on stage by wandering around, jogging on the spot, and spinning in circles, ensuring a performance that you just can’t take your eyes off. Despite the feeling that you’ve stumbled into a Tim Burton film, Truax is still a highly accomplished musician. It’s easy to write his music off as a weird stunt, but songs like ‘It’s All Happening Now’ demon-
strate a fantastic groove, melody and showmanship that is accessible and enjoyable. However, my lasting impression of him will still be of a man with neon discs covering his eyes, like some evil mechanical bluebottle, howling about
his ‘Beehive Heart’ into what looks like a gramophone. Truax is something that’s becoming all too rare in modern music; a truly unique experience.
El Camino marks the Keys’ completed transformation into a sleek and sexy rock ‘n’ roll machine that everyone and their Dad can dance to – not least because this time around, Danger Mouse’s contribution is far more prominent. Vintage synths and female backing vocals inject a retro-glam aesthetic into the mix, and the result is that El Camino is the duo’s biggest sounding album yet, and one that lays bare its intentions right from the opening track. Patrick Carney’s drums hit you like a blow to the stomach and, with Dan Auerbach’s signature fuzz-guitar dripping a soulful, confident swagger all over an irresistibly catchy chorus, ‘Lonely Boy’ moves like the car from which the album takes its name. ‘Gold on the Ceiling’ is another glitzy, glitter-coated hip-shaker and the rest of the album follows in much the same vein: remarkably danceable rock grooves with more than a sprinkling of 70s flair. But there are some happy surprises along the way. ‘Little Black Sub-
marines’ begins as a delicate acoustic ballad but halfway through erupts into a colossal, Zeppelin-esque rock monster, while ‘Hell of a Season’ makes an unexpected venture into reggae territory. Coming in at just under 40 minutes, El Camino is a brief but nonetheless exhilarating ride, and although it may be lacking in slow-burners, a 40 minute joy-ride at breakneck speed is arguably more fitting than a meandering cruise for an album named after a vintage muscle car. Gone is the raw, sleazy blues of The Big Come Up and Rubberfactory but evolution is a necessary and inevitable fact for any band not wanting to grow stale. El Camino is more polished than previous releases, more catchy and more accessible, but most of all, it’s the sound of a band simply trying to write the best songs of their career – and quite possibly, that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Area 52 Rodrigo y Gabriela
including Latin American, jazz, rock and heavy metal. Unfortunately, however, this storm of different sounds is sometimes so overpowering it drenches the listener through before they even have a chance to grab an umbrella. While the band happily manages to compact this energy onto a disc, they also manage to overcompensate for the lack of visual and vocal elements of the CD. It becomes almost painfully obvious that there is such a thing as “too much,” with the beautiful guitar hooks of ‘Ixtapa’ and ‘Juan Loco’ smothered in unnecessary brass and woodwind. Likewise, the frequent change of tempo can prove tiresome and disorientating. However, for those willing to spend time with the album, and for those who enjoy good music played well, it is an album which can keep producing new reactions at each listen.
songs on the album. MacIntyre emphasises ideas of leaving cities, arriving in them, burning them, and seeing what it’s like through a child’s eyes. On paper it is easy to think that these ideas are a little cheesy, but when written well and set to well tailored music, the album captures you. Before I put the album on I was sat in my room with a hangover feeling sorry for myself, but as soon as the music started I completely forgot about it and couldn’t stop thinking how much I loved the opening track ‘Must You Make Eyes At Me Now’. Normally nothing but a bacon sandwich makes me feel that happy with a sore head from the night before. Perhaps I am biased because MHS has done wonders for my mood, but MacIntyre has come a long way from being the artist who first performed with microphones attached to broomsticks. And he sings with real emotion too allowing his music to encroach on his everyday life and vice versa. The album’s closing track has particular importance as ‘Thameslink (London’s Burning)’, was first per-
formed acoustically at the funeral of MacIntyre’s father. Without lyrics, other than “move ahead boy, move ahead” you can see the importance MHS places on musical detail, and in that song particularly you notice how the melody relates to the changing pace of metropolitan life. It is difficult to label MHS’s musical style, as it is quite fluid. It hints of alternative-indie-folk-pop with metropolitan dazzle and meditative sounds (but enough commercialism to sell). Even MacIntyre has struggled to label his work saying “some of the songs are breezy pop, some are widescreen things, and some are more minimalist, punchy nuggets.” If you are as confused by all of that as I am, just listen yourself. It’s a good album with some great tracks and because of MHS’s story telling style, it is very easy to listen to - even after a Timepiece Friday.
made instruments. The Hornicator is essentially a big horn with a microphone in it, which is also hooked up to a loop pedal that allows Truax to use it as a drum and a voice modulator at the same time. His eerie voice relies heavily on these modulated, repeated sections, such as in ‘Why Dogs Howl’, which comes frighteningly close to crossing the line from unique genius to stark raving madness.
“He’s the musical equivalent of Willy Wonka, with a weirdness that is engaging and threatening in equal measure”
Despite only being a one-manband in front of a very small crowd, Truax’s stage presence and hilarious dialogue created a real sense of atmos-
BEN WINSOR
album reviews El Camino The Black Keys
WHEN they first arrived on the scene in 2002, The Black Keys struggled to escape comparisons to The White Stripes. However, since bringing producer Danger Mouse into the fold on 2008’s Attack and Release, the band have shed their lo-fi blues roots but gained unstoppable momentum and an ever-increasing fanbase in the process.
City Awakenings Mull Historical Society
AFTER some eight years, Colin MacIntyre returns to perform under his former alias to produce his fourth album for Mull Historical Society. In City Awakenings, which was out on sale in January, MacIntyre proclaims: “this city’s got inside of me.” This message is carried through the whole album which was designed to pay homage to Glasgow, London and New York, his inspiration for the ten
HARRISON WARD
BRYONY WAITE
LEAVING Mexico as estranged heavy metal influenced flamenco rock misfits, Rodrigo y Gabriela travelled over 5,000 miles to ply their trade in Dublin, playing in pubs and streets for a minimal financial reward. Now having finished their fifth album and the backing to the global hit Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the meteoric rise of the duo seems a story befitting an X Factor winner. Yet, this fairytale couple don’t produce generic pop garbage hastily bought as a last minute present for a distant relative’s birthday, nor do they make soppy ballads ideal for Valentines Day. Rodrigo y Gabriela’s music proceeds from sheer raw instrumental talent, an intense passion for music and not to mention fingers more restless than a Mexican jumping bean. Area 52 is no exception. The travelled backgrounds and subsequent expansive musical influences of Rodrigo y Gabriela permeate the entire album which boasts a wide range of styles, carefully arranged to maintain the foot-stomping and headbobbing rhythm and melody synonymous with their previous albums. Furthermore, the superhuman energy of the band that colours their live performances, but which is also often so shamefully lost on their past albums, is reclaimed thanks to the vibrancy and depth provided by the thirteen piece Cuban band. Indeed, Area 52 is host to a whirlwind of world musical genres
“The superhuman energy of the band that colours their live performances is reclaimed” In the very first line of the album’s supplementary booklet, Rodrigo says that “the original idea of doing this record was to allow [themselves] to work on and get inspired to write and record the next duo album.” As you listen, it is almost possible to hear the Mexican duo’s brains ticking along with the percussion as they explore new sounds, and even if you are not a fan, it is fascinating to witness these refreshing musical experiments, especially in an age dominated by repetitive, synthetic pop. If nothing else, Area 52 certainly whets the appetite for the forthcoming new material, which promises to bring more acoustic guitar thrills to the masses. Who can blame them for indulging themselves? LAURENCE JAMES
22
Screen
20 February 2012 Exeposé
Tori Brazier & Luke Graham - screen@exepose.com
NEWSREEL
It’s been a bit of a quiet fortnight in the film industry: they’ve all most likely tired themselves out with congratulations, due to the plethora of awards ceremonies recently, and with anticipation for the Oscars on Sunday. Don’t forget to check out the Razzie nomination announcement on Saturday night though. This is one ceremony no one (except us non-professionals) will be looking forward to, as it’s been (in their words) “saluting the worst that Hollywood has to offer each year” since 1980. Notable past, um, ‘winners’ include Madonna (twice), Ashton Kutcher and Halle Berry, who famously turned up to collect it and made a speech. Usually the awards are the night before the Oscars, but this year they’re going for an April Fools’ Day ceremony. Hotly-tipped to top this year’s list is Adam Sandler, who has his name on no less than three potential ‘Worst Picture’ contenders, and is also a fore-runner in the ‘Worst Actress’ category (Jack & Jill). Please do check out our interview with Phil Wickham, the curator of the Bill Douglas Centre (p 23) and there’s also a great page on Facebook for you to ‘like’, and a website to browse. Or, as a crazy alternative, you could actually go in and visit! Finally, just a quick apology from last week: our review of Shame was written by Antonia Hawken, a surname casualty in final-minute formatting.
COMPETITION
To be in with a chance of winning ONE PAIR of FREE CINEMA TICKETS, simply send an email to us here at Screen with the subject ‘Picturehouse, Please’. We will then select a winner at random. Last time we had an enthusiastic winner. That was nice.
Citizen Kan’t
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With the Oscars on Sunday, Timothy Bradbeer looks at when the Academy has ‘got it wrong’ have left behind in years gone past, those criminally deprived of their well deserved Oscar.
“Surely the Oscars should recognise pioneers that push boundaries”
ON 26 February, I guarantee that I will be disappointed at some point. It is the same every year, February comes along and brings with it at first excitement, and then ends with bitter frustration. Of course, I am talking about the Oscars. When the world is gripped by Oscar fever, I would ask you to pause, and remember Drive, remember Tilda Swinton and remember others that we
Let me take you back to 1941: seated at the Kodak Theatre LA, we wait for Best Picture to be announced. Suddenly, shock, horror, Citizen Kane has not won it. In fact, all it won that year was Best Screenplay, something which many believe to be the film’s only weak link. Now as a modern viewer, Citizen Kane may not be your cup of tea. However, I ask you to remember that in Kane, Orson Wells practically invented the close-up, tracking and extreme long shot. This film pretty much (singularly) invented the language of modern cinema for goodness sake! But what was Wells’ reward? Nothing, except for a permanent place on every Film Studies syllabus. Surely the Oscars should recognize pioneers; artists and pictures that push those boundaries that make cinema cinema. However, time after time the Academy has disappointed me.
IF recent events have taught us anything, it’s that the political world is a murky one, and in David Yates’ six-part thriller produced for the BBC, a stellar cast gives us a pulse-quickening insight into what could be going on in the hallowed corridors of power. Stephen Collins (David Morrissey) is an up and coming political prodigy, head of the Energy Committee and seemingly bound for Number 10. However, his seemingly unstoppable rise to power is threatened when his researcher, Sonia Baker, dies in mysterious circumstances in a train station. Meanwhile, the unex-
plained contract killing of a young, suspected drug dealer has aroused the suspicion of journalists Cal McAffrey (John Simm), Della Smith (Kelly MacDonald) and Cameron Foster (Bill Nighy). In investigating both blood-stained cases, they stumble upon a web of deceit, and must discover who’s in the middle of it all. Simply put, this fiesty drama from 2003 is fantastic: a sharp, exciting script from Paul Abbott is brought to life by punchy performances from the whole cast. John Simm stars as the irrepressible, fiercely inquisitive Cal, a man driven as much by his friendship with Stephen as he
Now we move forward to 1994. A stellar year for movies, seeing the release of such films as Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, The Lion King (best movie ever?), Four Weddings and a Funeral and Forrest Gump. Now, obviously I can’t complain about the quality of any of these movies. However I’m afraid 1994 was another year for Oscar injustice. Forrest Gump, a movie enjoyed for its whimsical, feelgood nature but with little substance or cinematic flair, won everything. Everything!
“Forrest Gump, a movie with little substance or flair, won everything”
Pulp Fiction was a film that defined the 90s; some would say the most influential film of that decade. Shawshank has been top of IMDB’s top 250 films for what feels like forever. It is utter madness that a film that uses chocolates as some great metaphor for life could beat these two powerhouses of cinematic greatness. And let’s not forget, this was the year of probably the greatest, most distressing death in cinema:
I’m looking at you, Mufasa. These are just two examples of when the Academy gets it stupendously wrong. Others include no win for Psycho (Hitchcock never won Best Director - madness), no big wins for 2001: A Space Odyssey (just one example of the Academy’s disregard for Sci-Fi), and, in more modern times, Brokeback Mountain won almost everything except Best Picture, which went to the, quite frankly, dreadful Crash. I ask you, what is more powerful, more moving and more pioneering than the beautifully shot love story at the centre to Brokeback? Let us hope that this year the Academy redeems itself by awarding Ms Streep her well overdue 3rd Oscar (although we should point out that she has been nominated 17 times - Luke and Tori), and awards that all important Best Picture to the ultimate antidote to Hollywood unoriginality and scepticism, The Artist. Unfortunately, I for one will not be expecting a disappointThe Academy Awards will be held at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood Blvd., on Sunday 26 February at 7pm EST.
What I’ve Been Watching: State of Play
is by the need to chase the story. Stephen himself is played expertly by David Morrissey, whose stress-ridden, disintegrating performance as an embattled MP is as enthralling as it is realistic. Backed up by the witty, verbose Nighy and sparky, fiery Kelly MacDonald, and supported by a talented cast, including typically suave James McAvoy as journalist Dan Foster, and the less than genial Philip Glenister as DCI Bell, the drama swings from crisis to discovery and back to crisis again in the blink of an eye. In a word, superb. State of Play is available on DVD
OWEN KEATING
Films to see before you graduate: Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Director: Arthur Penn Cast: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman (15) 112 mins
MODERN audiences expect violence from an action film; it has become an essential ingredient that the genre cannot do without. The film that led the way for graphic violence was Bonnie and Clyde , a gripping crime drama that follows the rise and fall of the infamous bank robbing couple. The film portrayed violence in a way that had never been attempted in American cinema, sparking controversy and outrage. Yet it was a hugely successful
film, grossing $7 billion at the box office. The film whetted the audience’s appetite for violence, and we have been hungry for more ever since. One of the aspects of the film that provoked outrage was the portrayal of the criminals versus the police. Throughout the film the police are depicted as two-dimensional characters who often incite violence against the Barrel Gang, leaving them no choice but to defend themselves. Their deaths are of little consequence, often obscured by props or the use of smoke and dust. Further than this, the audience finds themselves empathising with the Barrel Gang and viewing the police as the ‘bad guys’. We do not want
them to get caught, yet, as we know the true story of Bonnie and Clyde, we know the inevitable fate that the couple must meet.
“Next time, I’ll aim a little lower!”
The climactic death scene of Bonnie and Clyde is the most violent scene in the film, and arguably set the bar for violence in subsequent films. Director Arthur Penn, influenced by the filming techniques of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, used a montage of slow motion and real-time footage of the death to create a sequence which resembles a grotesque ballet. The only sound is that of
the guns and this is in fact the last sound we hear, demonstrating the prevalence of violence in the film. When the guns cease there is an unearthly quiet which resonates with the audience, illustrating that there are no words which could possibly account for this level of brutality. Bonnie and Clyde is at the epicentre of violence in film, the first film of its kind to take a risk and break free from the restrictions of the ‘acceptable’. To truly appreciate violence in cinema we must look back to the beginning to a film which “put the sting back in death” (Pauline Kael).
SOFY BEVAN
Exeposé week eighTEEN
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They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!
Screen
Tori Brazier and Luke Graham, Screen Editors, interview Phil Wickham, curator of the BDC BURIED in the depths of the Old Library is a gem of a film museum - the acclaimed Bill Douglas Centre (BDC). What exactly is it though? We posed this question to Phil Wickham, curator of the collection: “[The BDC] is about moving image history, cinema and pre-cinema primarily. We have items from the 1600s, like the first ever illustration of a projected image in the West, right through to posters from the Vue cinema.” Can this be accessible to anyone other than film buffs? “When examining those things, you are finding out about society and culture: audience experience is a big theme in the collection, and these images and entertainment reflected a part of everyday life. The material in the collection is useful for all sorts of things other than just direct film history; there’s a lot here for students from different disciplines.”
“I don’t think there is any other collection quite like this one in the UK”
The BDC boasts an excellent local, national and international reputation, attracting scholars from around the world. “I don’t think there is any other collection quite like this one in the UK these days, particularly with our focus on the audience and on ephemera. The only rival, if you like, that we might have is the National Media Museum in Bradford but that tends to be more hardware basedit’s more about cameras and technology.” Community and school groups are also a frequent fixture on the calendar: “I’ve never seen any kind of conflict between us being a centre for top quality research and being open to kids and pensioners. Anybody can access this kind of material and enjoy it and understand it.” As Phil readily agrees, the BDC
The Muppets
Director: James Bobin Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper (U) 103mins
IN the Muppets’ latest movie (and newest output in some time), writer and star Jason Segel demonstrates his steadfast love for the whole furry bunch in a simple but timeless tale. Gary (Segel) and Walter (a brand-new Muppet!) are brothers with a close bond that feeds off Walter’s obsession with The Muppet Show. When Gary and his girlfriend (Adams) go off on a trip to LA, Walter is invited along so he can visit the Muppet Studios. He is devastated to learn, however, that the Muppets have since gone their separate ways, the studio has fallen into disrepair, and evil Tex Richman (there’s no room for subtlety) is circling the property with an ear to the ground for oil. Walter must then lead a mission to reunite the Muppets for a telethon in a bid to raise the much-needed cash so they can save their studios. In his writing, Segel has admirably captured the tone of the celebrated Muppets’ work, even down to the detail of it
is not blessed with a huge amount of breathing room for its 75,000 items: “I have to be mindful of my lack of space, which is becoming ever more of a problem!” As the collection is still growing, how does the centre cope with new material? “There are occasionally things I’ll turn down if they are duplicates or too big for us to store, but I always want to be in a position where I am still taking material because the BDC needs to be a live museum, tracking society: it needs to be constantly renewing itself - history is yesterday.” How does the centre routinely acquire items for its collection? “We might very occasionally purchase something, such as new books, but mostly we rely on donations, otherwise you start trying to compete with large universities like Texas, and you’re never going to win!” The museum’s principal donor is Peter Jewell, who set up the centre with Bill Douglas - the great film-maker who’s name it bears - and put the core of the collection together. “Peter still brings things to us. Other donors are film-makers, members of the public who’ve found something in their attic, even students. In the collection, there are some really valuable and sublime things, but there are also everyday items, which, when you put them in the context of a collection, become meaningful.”
Silver plate engraved by Orson Welles
being just not quite as funny as you remembered. Still, there’s knowing humour for the adults to enjoy, with the fourth wall being broken down repeatedly, and fart shoes, courtesy of perennial favourite Fozzie Bear, for the kids. A plethora of celebrity cameos also feature for fans to sink their teeth into, from Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris to musical legend Mickey Rooney and Dave Grohl, guitarist in ‘tribute’ band ‘The Moopets’. Big Bang Theory enthusiasts will also find themselves bowled over by an incredibly pleasing appearance from star Jim Parsons.
Screen wonders if the museum has ever had a donor come in with something that they didn’t realise was truely valuable? “These days that is harder. Peter collected lots of things like that when he was going around auction houses, but with the internet, everyone knows the value of everything, so it becomes harder to pick up bargains. Some people know they have something great but want to donate it to us anyway. For instance upstairs in the gallery is a silver salver which is engraved by Orson Welles: it was a present for a cameraman and his daughter donated it to us, so we do get nice little things like that.” With so many unique items though, choosing what is displayed can’t be an easy task. “Some of our items are purely for research. Our displays highlight the most visual, more beautiful parts of the collection, and ones that can give a sense of the totality of the collection. I evolve the displays, and usually get students to help me with that. I’ve been very lucky with some exceptional volunteers; a lot of them have had a real gift! There are obviously some signature pieces we would always want on display like the cinematograph, which was the first camera made. You do need to keep things moving for people who come back on repeat visits though, so they can see something new every time.” We can’t resist asking Phil if he has a personal favourite amongst the centre’s artefacts? “There are some that I find endlessly interesting. We have an invitation to Rudolph Valentino’s funeral with mourning cloth, which was Mabel Norman’s, Chaplin’s leading lady. I also like some of the slightly mad-sounding stuff, like Joan Crawford shortbread tins!” We ask Phil about the pile of striking Picturegoer magazines, ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s: “It’s fascinating that bits are really modern, like they are from yester-
day, and some seem from another planet! You can really track popular social attitudes, and popular culture through things like fan magazines.” Finally, we ask Phil what is, essentially, the big question - what was it that attracted him to working at the BDC from a professional point of view, with 20 years of working at the BFI in the research department and archive under his belt? “Being in charge of a collection like this is an opportunity that comes along
Despite not quite reaching the dizzying heights of A Muppet Christmas Carol, there are still some pleasantly catchy tunes, including Oscar nom’d ‘Life’s a Happy Song’, the rousing ‘Man or Muppet’, and a brilliant power-ballad duet with Miss Piggy and Amy Adams, all about female empowerment. The Muppets also features excellent re-dos of popular songs like Cee-Lo Green’s ‘Forget You’, performed by Camilla & the Chickens - and all the better for it… And fear not, the singing food-stuffs return with vengeance.
Director: Roman Polanski Cast: Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christoph Waltz (15) 80mins
TORI BRAZIER, SCREEN EDITOR
Carnage
CARNAGE considers the outcome of a brief scuffle between two boys, through the petty squabbling not of the children, but of their equally adolescent parents. After witnessing the youths fight, we are placed within the Longstreet’s home, simmering with tension, where the two sets of parents try to reconcile the conflict between their (absent) sons. Instead, they pick fights of their own, and the apartment heats up like a pressure cooker. Each of the four characters is at various points the aggressor, the defender, the mediator. They bring up minutiae of their opponents’ behaviour because they are so intolerant of the others character, and wholly unable to acknowledge their own self-righteousness. The subject of the film is the adults, these high-fliers and good citizens that are no more forgiving and accepting than their stick wielding children. In fact, the film pos-
very rarely. It’s great to be able to work with all this fantastic material and with the academics and the students, and I enjoy the community side as well - there are not many jobs like it in this country. I’m fairly evangelical about moving image culture - I want to enthuse other people with it and this is a good opportunity.”
Check out the Bill Douglas Centre on www. exeter.ac.uk/bdc & ‘like’ the Bill Douglas Centre on Facebook. Photo: Hannah Walker
its, less so. The final scene shows the boys reconciling, without their parents. The actors are most certainly up for the task. Waltz presents Alan with a Euro-sheen sarcasm that clashes beautifully with the explosive Foster, who boils over in her portrayal of Penelope’s frenzied eye-popping-ness. Reilly’s ‘nice-guy’ persona is wonderfully undermined with Michael, but he seems to use a little of his comic shorthand in situations that asked for more subtlety. Winslet nails the suited professional with the slowly melting facade. These four ingredients come together and explode, and the battle is most certainly humorous. Polanski often holds all four characters in the same frame, so we can watch them cooking away as the faked comforts slowly dissipate and all that’s left is a lot of steam. The elements of farce (“I’m going to throw up”) slightly offset the satire, so that the force of the social commentary is lost in lieu of an easy gag. Although slightly undercooked, Carnage is delicious.
TOM NICOLL
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Screen
20 February 2012
Screen Asks: The Woman in Black Pitch us your perfect film!
Tom Bond: “James Dean, Michael Cera and Zooey Deschanel travel to New York to play a gig. On the way, they pick up drug-fuelled hitch-hikers Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen who are on the run from FBI agents Johnny Depp and Nicolas Cage. Someone accidentally kills Orson Welles. Hilarity ensues.” Tori Brazier: “Tom Hiddleston. Michael Fassbender. Cillian Murphy. Tori Brazier. And just a dash of Sean Bean.” Luke Graham: “In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the remaining survivors work together to restore society. No one goes mad or tries to take control, and outsiders join in and help instead of fighting them. Everything ends well.” Jessica Leung: “Chris Hemsworth. Topless.” (N.B. This has already been made. See Thor). Tim Bradbeer: “Darren Aronofsky directs Natalie Portman and Mickey Rourke as a crime-fighting duo: The Swan and The Tank.” Maddie Soper: “JJ Abrams directs James McAvoy and Carey Mulligan in a film containing a barrage of clichés and a complete lack of plot. Christopher Lee turns up at some point.” Sarah Hayes: “Tangled 2, with extra Pascal!” Calum Baker: “A dramatisation of Sabb Elections Week, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as Welshy.”
Director: James Watkins Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarán Hinds, Janet McTeer (12A) 95mins
THE first thing you need to know about this film is that it’s bloody scary. Don’t let the 12A certificate fool you; it may not contain gallons of blood, but it’s certainly a good ghost story. So consider yourself officially warned: this is not one for the faint-hearted. Now, let’s get down to the question everyone wants to know the answer to: can Daniel Radcliffe play an adult yet? On balance, I would say yes. His costume and grizzly look help, and he’s just about believable as the grieving widower trying to keep his job for his little boy. However, either the protagonist has un-
“Borgen strikes a balance between intelligent and entertaining”
Whilst The West Wing proved that a show about the White House could be just as gripping as any other drama, Borgen’s triumph is to make the world of Danish politics seem dynamic and exciting. Like The West Wing, Borgen follows an idealistic leader who is trying to change politics for the better, whilst also dealing with the day-to-day struggles of petty political rivals, the media and the effect her job has on her family. It is refreshing to see a female protagonist whose gender is not constantly commented on or used as a trigger for
“Can Daniel Radcliffe play an adult yet? I would say yes”
Reckless main character or not, the film is very effectively crafted. Its world is that of the classic Victorian ghost story, with the haunted mansion and marshy grounds, use of low gaslights and shadows, and, of course, the terrifying presence of the ghost of which there are a few beautifully creative instances. And, judging by the screams, I’d say I wasn’t the only one who found them effective. However, it could have been a little bit better. The suspense would have
been more effective if it had been slower and more subtle, and our expectations of scary events, once brought to a peak, were never really confounded. That said, this is a visually and aurally
exquisite film that succeeds in tapping into our primal fears. Make no mistake, the woman in black will haunt your nightmares. Still, if it’s an adrenaline-pumping, cushionhugging kind of experience you’re after, she’s your woman. Just don’t go alone.
MIA NASHE
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Director: Stephen Daldry Cast: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Max von Sydow (12A) 129mins
BASED on the brilliant novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close follows 9-year-old Oskar Shell (Horn) during the aftermath of his father’s death at the World Trade Center on 9/11. An inquisitive and precocious child, Oskar (who it is implied may have Aspergers Syndrome), through a series of flashbacks, is seen to have had a perfect relationship with his father, Thomas (Hanks), who fostered Oskar’s active imagination with a series of ‘reconnaissance missions’ or scavenger hunts, often across Manhattan itself. Without warning, however, Oskar’s world suddenly comes to a standstill in
TV Overview: Borgen SINCE the unexpected popularity of 2011’s crime drama The Killing, Denmark has arguably replaced the USA as the producer of the best ‘foreign’ entertainment on British television. Both seasons of The Killing had carefully crafted characters as well as intricate plots, and Borgen, which concluded on BBC4 on 4 February, showed no decline in the quality of Denmark’s output.
realistically steely nerves, or Radcliffe’s acting of sheer terror leaves something to be desired - I swear the audience was at least twice as scared as he was.
Exeposé
plot machinations – Borgen is one of those rare TV programmes, which passes the Bechdel test with flying colours. It also provides a fascinating perspective on a part of Europe that is not usually given much attention; an episode about the US air force making a semi-illegal landing in Greenland (a former Danish colony) gives insight into the complicated relationship between Denmark, Greenland and the USA. Despite its serious subject matter, Borgen is far from dull. It treats many situations with humour and a sense of fun, and the understated sensibility which was one of The Killing’s trademarks is very effective in depicting such an intense environment. Borgen is not entirely perfect – some events in the first few episodes feel unnecessarily melodramatic, but slow-burning plotlines about other characters’ personal lives are heartbreakingly effective. At its best, the show strikes a perfect balance between intelligent and entertaining.
ANNA BÉAR
the early hours of September 11th 2001, or “the worst day” as he refers to it, when the unthinkable happens. Sometime afterwards, Oskar discovers a key in his late father’s closet, and thinking this is his last reconnaissance mission, and effectively his last connection to his dad, he embarks on an expedition across New York to discover what the key is for, encountering the people of a fractured and struggling metropolis, as he searches alongside his estranged grandfather (a scene stealing Sydow).
“This film is exploitation, thinly veiled behind the guise of emotional carthasis”
well done and surprisingly do justice to the source material, but come the third act, it suddenly reveals itself as nothing more than tasteless Oscar bait. Whilst the performances are generally praiseworthy, it is undoubtedly the treatment of the content that defines the piece as such. Reviews have dubbed it “pretentious,” I would go further and say its more akin to exploitation, thinly veiled behind the guise of an actual emotional catharsis. By changing the original novel’s ending, and applying a thick layer of Hollywood gloss to a national tragedy (one particular shot of Hanks at the WTC is simply appalling), Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, to put it bluntly, should simply not be acknowledged as real, artistic film-making.
The first two acts of the film are very
CHRIS GROSVENOR
Director: Sean Durkin Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, Hugh Dancy (15) 102mins
into a supposedly utopian family. It is quickly established, however, that this “family,” led by enigmatic but sinister leader Patrick (Hawkes), is permeated with systematic abuse, brainwashing and manipulation.
Martha Marcy May Marlene
TENSE from the start, Martha Marcy May Marlene is an unsettling portrayal of a young woman’s effort to break away from a terrifyingly brainwashed cult living on a self-sufficient farm. The gripping opening scene, which depicts Martha’s escape by means of a breathless chase through the eerie woodland, at once sets the mood for the next 102 minutes of unceasing suspense. The trailer gave little away in terms of plot and it is fair to say that the same applies to the film. Constantly ambiguous in terms of a plot line, much of the film’s tension is built around powerful silences forcing us to assimilate the few bits of information scattered through flash backs in order to piece together the information surrounding Martha. Olsen delivers an arresting performance as the psychologically damaged female protagonist. We gather that she has been missing for two years, during which she has been living with a subversive cult who brainwash vulnerable young women by embracing them
“The unpredictable narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat”
Despite her escape, Martha’s abuse prevents her from ever adjusting into the wealthy materialistic lifestyle of her sister in her lakeside holiday home which Martha takes refuge in. She remains closed
off and unable to function according to their social norms and this is presented in some shocking scenes. At one point, Martha questions whether her trauma was a real memory or just a dream and this is a sensation which is played upon throughout. Little is fully explained and the eerie nature of her past is tinted with a nightmarish quality which is constantly building. At times this lack of clarity can be frustrating as we are never provided explanations, but this creates an entirely unpredictable narrative which has you on the edge of your seat.
AMY WELLER, MUSIC EDITOR
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Our Mutual Friend: Dickens at 200 In the wake of worldwide celebrations of Charles Dickens’s bicentenary, our writers pay tribute to the man and his work
LIVES & LIT
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Man about town: Ellie Busby, Editor, looks at the legacy of the nation’s most revered and committed writer
IT’S 200 years since Charles Dickens’s birth, and still many of his works are as popular and well loved as ever. Dickens’s characters and stories transcend both time and culture; the interest in his work remains strong and ever present with the variety of modern film, television and theatrical adaptations of his novels. Charles Dickens was born in Landport on 7 February 1812, and his father, John Dickens, worked as a clerk at the Navy Pay Office. He would grow to develop a fierce criticism of the social stratification of Victorian society and reflected this in the majority of his fiction and essays. Dickens’s works have been said to be inspired by various experiences and characters from his own life, with David Copperfield most popularly known as the most autobiographical text. This is true of the common rags to riches theme in his novels, such as Great Expectations, as Dickens himself was an example of how it was possible to climb the social ladder in Victorian society. In 1828, aged sixteen, Dickens began his work as a court reporter, and later began to publish articles in various papers, using the pen name of ‘Boz’. He moved on to publishing novels in monthly instalments within journals, and used this method throughout his life to print his stories. It is clear that serialisation has profoundly affected his style. His novels are extremely
200 years on, Zoe Bulaitis, Arts Editor, explores how Dickens is still fulfilling those great expectations CHARLES Dickens has achieved something that not many authors can claim to have done. He has become a pop culture celebrity outside of the world of literature. The upcoming bicentenary means that Dickens is a word on the tip of everyone’s tongue. With this in mind, I set out to investigate how Dickens has been adapted and re-worked in our time. I set myself a question: What is the picture in my head when I think “Oliver Twist”? My first port of call was the famous 1948 film adaptation of Oliver Twist directed by David Lean. Shown during a GCSE history class on
gripping, often with shocking revelations at the end of each chapter, to encourage the reader to read on next month, and still today it makes the stories popular reads. As well as being a committed writer - he published over 20 novels and many other short stories - Dickens also regularly campaigned in favour of improvements in the education of the poor. Although he is well known for his compelling plot lines and realistic characters, for me, what is most interesting about Dickens is that he remained a sympathiser with the oppressed in his works of social commentary. His sustained interest in the poor in society is living proof that your roots cannot be forgotten. He remained loyal to his background even when he gained worldwide fame, and this is truly admirable.
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tackle education cuts, and the social divide, which remain contentious issues.
Dickens’s contemporary relevance: Emily Lunn looks at old curiosities with a modern twist WHEN I think of Charles Dickens, I think of a misty, grimy street in Victorian London. Then I think of a tape of the songs from Oliver! which, unfortunately for my parents, I played on loop for a substantial part of my childhood.
“Two hundred years on, is Dickens still relevant?”
I think a lot of people have a fond childhood nostalgia for Dickens, especially for A Christmas Carol. Whether you’ve read it, seen it at the theatre, on TV, or even just seen The Muppet’s version, it is a prime example of how Dickens’s works transgress
‘pauperism’, my memory of this film is centered mainly on gruel and scruffy knees. The popularity of the story has long been due to audiences watching the story on the screen or stage rather than reading the novel. The original book is hard to remember amongst the mass of reconstructions that exist today. The story has been changed over time and applied to a range of mediums. The 1968 film of the musical Oliver! directed by Carol Reed won 6 Oscars and the stage adaptation still tours in Britain to this day. This enterprise has changed the original plot a great deal, and lost much of the critical social edge that Dickens intended, yet it is the charm of the central protagonist that endures. The extent to which cultural adaptations have effaced the novel can be seen in the experiment of typing ‘Oliver Twist’ into Google. The first page is dominated with clips from film adaptations, YouTube videos and also bizarrely quite a few Jamie Oliver recipes…proof that the actual novel is lost in its visual aftermath. But perhaps this is not a thing to resent, nor complain about. The clear description and evocative imagery of Dickens’s novels is what makes it such a perfect text to be translated into visual forms. The fact that the stories survive over time albeit in a new form is testament to the power and enduring value of Dickens as an author.
is Dickens still relevant?
their literary context. Dickens’s works are regularly adapted from their literary form, which suggests their durability. As Dickens’s novels were published in monthly instalments, his completed novels contain several cliffhangers, making them well suited to televised adaptations. So whether it’s Oliver! the musical, a film, or the (excellent) recent TV series of Great Expectations, Dickens continues to resurface in modern culture. Which leads to the question: two hundred years on,
“I think a lot of people have a fond childhood nostalgia for Dickens” Readers and writers have criticised him for being overtly sentimental, and for indulging in melodrama. The implausibility of his plots have also frustrated readers. In his defence, his fans have argued that these features highlight the social injustices at the heart of his novels. Through exaggeration, he can create a more powerful social commentary.
Dickens was a fierce critic of the poverty, and social hierarchy of Victorian society. As there is still a rich-poor divide, as governments still struggle with housing and education issues, surely his works remain relevant? Dickens is also loved for his characters, who illustrate his call for social reform: Nancy (from Oliver Twist) humanises a position in society that was previously regarded as immoral. In my opinion, Dickens remains relevant, as his work was crucial in developing the role of literature in social reform and social awareness during the nineteenth-century. In the current climate of austerity, a Dickensian style of social commentary is still relevant, to
“Dickens’s plot trajectory of rags to riches is still a popular dream, and the durability of his work is clear as it continues to transgress literary form” Dickens’s plot trajectory of rags to riches is still a popular dream, and his work continues to transgress literary form. Although cynics could argue that the bicentenary celebrations are economically motivated, I think the proliferation of articles, adaptations, and events that mark the bicentenary this year, show just how relevant to our culture Dickens remains.
Exeposé week eighteen
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“A woman, yes, but still funny” Annabel Parrish on Caitlin Moran, author of How to be a Woman
IN Caitlin Moran’s witty and insightful book How to be a Woman, she devotes a chapter to her discovery of the f-word: feminism. However, this book cannot be labelled as a feminist rant of the manhating kind. She doesn’t hate men and she is happily married. It is actually more of an autobiography that offers a funny, fresh commentary on how cultural constructions of gender let both women and men down.
“Reading this book is just one way you can take a new perspective on how we can strive for gender equality”
At the core of the book is the message that everyone can work to show each other more respect; regardless of age, appearance, sexuality, or gender. There are important events coming up this year that aim to celebrate diversity in Exeter; including Diversity Week and Exeter Respect Festival. Last year’s Reclaim the Night march was a clear indication that people feel very strongly about the right for women to feel safe. Reading this book is just one way you can take a new perspective on how we can strive for gender equality, and extend our respect to all those around us. One important argument presented in the book is that
men and women are suffering from the representations of gender found in the porn industry, in music videos, and other media. Moran argues that women are portrayed as scantily-clad objects for men to dominate and use for their pleasure. This becomes a problem when it translates to the behaviour of some men on a night out. Some might believe that all decent standards of behaviour can be forgotten in a club. Well, actually they can’t, and I doubt whether such men have had much luck in the romance department to be honest. Moran stresses that strip clubs are another example of how men and women suffer from these representa-
tions of gender that are sadly glamourised at times: “people are expressing needs (to earn money, to see a woman’s skin) in pretty much the most depressing way possible.” She wants to broaden our outlook and consider that even in this day and age. Importantly then, this is not about hating men, but about hating the distorted cultural representations of women that could fuel disrespectful behaviour and reduce self-esteem for all. The book does not have an overtly political agenda, but Moran wants to rally support from women who feel oppressed by gender representations in popular culture. I found myself reading this book last summer and thinking, “yes, these things do make me angry and I am not going to put up with them.” If you want to call that feminism then I guess it is, but the word has been overused and misused at times. There is no point in getting into theoretical debates which distract from practical issues. For example, it is sad to think that young girls might be growing up in a celebrity-obsessed culture thinking that their vocation is to become a WAG. I didn’t make that up, I actually knew someone who saw that as their aim in life. So, if you want an entertaining read with a discussion of some highly relevant debates, you will enjoy this book. Moran discusses important stages in her life which will resonate with most readers. At the core of the book is the clear and important message that behaving with respect for yourself and others around you can improve the way we all live.
Dark Matter
Michelle Paver Orion ISBN: 1409123782
IT has been a long time since a book claiming to be a ‘ghost story’ has actually managed to send a shiver down my spine, but Paver’s first adult book since her highly successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series is a terrifying tale of suspense.
“It has been a long time since a ‘ghost story’ has actually managed to send a shiver down my spine”
Set in 1937, the novel follows protagonist Jack Miller as he accepts a position on a team of Cambridge graduates on an expedition to Gruhuken, a remote area of the Arctic Circle, for a year of scientific observation. Disaster strikes when one team member falls and breaks his leg, necessitating his return, whilst shortly after the team’s arrival illness forces Jack’s two remaining companions to head to the mainland. Stubbornly, Jack decides to remain alone to carry out scientific readings with only the pack of huskies and his own thoughts for company. Chillingly, he comes to suspect that the island might be haunted by the ghost of an old trapper – or is the manifestation
nothing more than the psychological effects of entire days without sunlight and his crippling isolation? Through the diary format the reader is able to follow the steady progression of Jack’s fears, the tension created in a subtle way. With comparisons deservedly made to M.R. James’ legendary ghost stories, Paver shows a sharp awareness of 20th and 21st Century horror conventions and her knowledge of what to highlight – the encroaching darkness, the isolation and unfamiliar surroundings – whilst avoiding any obvious clichés. This is not a ghost story full of gore and violence, and nor does it just drift along; the reader is intimately drawn in with Jack’s heightening realisations of another presence, whilst the novel’s strength lies in the way Paver builds up to the climax, only revealing enough information to keep you gripped and reading through to the silent hours of early morning. The reader can never be sure of what, if anything, is actually haunting Jack, leaving them with just the acute purity of fear. I particularly liked the love story underlying the novel’s events, a genuinely touching sub-plot that makes the ending (without giving too much away) particularly poignant. However, I would argue that Paver perhaps takes too long to actually state what was alluded to long before. Unsettling and understated, Dark Matter is an intelligently constructed ghost story that definitely delivers the thrills, with a story that will leave you afraid to look out the window long after you have finished reading. MEGAN Furborough
Promote your society here. Email editors@exepose.com
feature
Don’t be an auth-whore!
Tom Bond examines the problems with hero-worshipping certain authors
IMAGINE for a moment a god of literature perched somewhere among the clouds, kicking back in his golden library where ink never smudges and pages never crease. If he were to make his ten commandments I know exactly where he should start: thou shalt not worship false idols. Thou shalt not venerate any author to a celestial level simply because they wrote some words that you like (see: Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, Brontë, and Rowling). Aside from the fact that they are just imperfect human beings, the real danger is to your own sanity. You can see this problem in action with the passing of Dickens’s bicentenary last week. No one is questioning Dickens’s status as one of the finest and most popular writers our nation has produced, but the level of adulation this anniversary has prompted is good for no one but his ancestors and their wallets. The dangers of over-exposure are there for everyone to see. Just in the last few months we’ve had screen adaptations of Great Expectations and The Mystery of Edwin Drood, with more on the way, including Oliver Twist, and Great Expectations (again). No one needs that many hard-up Victorian urchins in their life.
REVIEW
Books
The other worry is that this production line of earnest tributes can create a kind of tunnel vision in which other great authors are ignored in favour of their more marketable contemporaries. Add to that the force-feeding of national treasures like Dickens and Shakespeare down the throats of our school-children and you have a recipe for resentment.
“The production line of earnest tributes can create a kind of tunnel vision in which other great authors are ignored”
At the risk of sounding massively hypocritical I’m guiltier than most of hero worship, at various times in the last few years wishing I could be one of Hemingway, Eliot or Kerouac. The main thing that I’ve learnt from this is that inevitably, your heroes are going to let you down. On The Road is one of my favourite ever books so I approached Kerouac’s The Subterraneans ready to have my mind blown and my world realigned once more. As you can prob-
ably guess, it failed. It’s not that The Subterraneans was terrible; it just wasn’t anywhere near as good as its precursor. I haven’t read any Kerouac since. Frankly, I’m too afraid of having another chunk smashed out of the pedestal I’ve placed him on. Doubts can creep into your mind about even your most treasured authors. I’ve loved each of the three Dostoyevsky novels I’ve read but that didn’t stop my faith wavering for a moment when I discovered that he was rumoured to be an anti-Semite. Some of the extracts from A Writer’s Diary certainly make for uncomfortable reading even with the knowledge that he supported equal rights for Russian Jews. Regardless of his brilliant writing I can’t help but bear these rumours in mind whenever I look back at his novels. This is a particular issue with authors because of the direct nature of their work. My advice? If you ever worry that you like an author too much then simply delve into their biography. You’ll almost certainly find a lurid catalogue of affairs, divorce, substance abuse and suicide that will make you re-evaluate your love for any writer.
28
20 February 2012 Exeposé
Arts
Join the Exeposé Arts Facebook group Follow us on Twitter @ExeposeArts
Zoe Bulaitis & Laura Stevens - arts@exepose.com
SPECIAL FEATURE
High Art: Junkie or genius?
Exeposé Arts explores how legal and illegal substances have influenced the Arts throughout history
Freya Joseph previews Shotgun Theatre’s upcoming cannabis-driven musical Reefer Madness
Laura Stevens, Arts Editor discovers the consequences of being a 7 Day Drunkard with performance artist Bryony Kimmings IMAGINE being drunk 10am-7pm everyday for a week. It is part of your job, and no, you’re not a student; instead you’re performance artist Bryony Kimmings investigating whether excessive drinking actually enhances creativity, or if it’s merely an excuse for artists to abuse those around them in the name of ‘genius’. The result of this inebriated week (albeit under the watchful eye of psychologists and scientists) is her new show, 7 Day Drunk. Talking to Bryony, she mentions the obvious flaw in this plan: the show is based on decisions made and actions done when she is, in her own words, “hammered!” Whilst Bryony is not, and never has been an alcoholic, the idea was generated when her housemate was descending into alcoholism and Bryony believed her own drinking led to a “depressive state that was good for my creative output.” Bryony is refreshingly honest when discussing her past, and it took this experience to have the self realisation: “Crap, my housemate is killing herself and I’m on the way to doing so.” Whilst most people would not react to this by attempting to investigate, un-
der controlled conditions, what would happen when drinking and creating for a week, Bryony managed just that. Having secured ACE funding so she didn’t “have to drink a bottle of vodka in a shed” Bryony filmed the experiment and saw it as the “best week of her life.” Overcoming the hair of the dog, and having three days of pure joy and then four days of “crying for no reason” led her to realise the falsity of alcohol: “It is a drug, just like any other drug, only through historical chance it is legal, and all that occurred was so false, nothing that bad happened.”
“Alcohol was killing my housemate whilst I thought it was essential for my creative output”
Figures like Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty have such a grip over the public imagination due to their excesses. Posthumously, Winehouse’s 2006 album Back to Black has become the best selling album of this century. And yet, how different would their work be without alcohol or heroin? Whilst Bryony is keen to distance herself from these figures
who she terms “lame idiots who certainly don’t inspire me,” this relationship is clearly fascinating to her and one that drives the whole show. The show focuses on alcohol, Bryony’s “drug of choice.” She is very much aware of the vast history linking creativity with mind enhancing substances, but wants to focus on why, in our society, some drinkers are revered but if “you’re out begging for money on the streets and drinking, that is unacceptable.” This message is all conveyed with flamboyant costumes and the destruction of the audience/performer boundary. Bryony wants the audience to “realise something,” whether that be through getting one lucky audience member to drink six vodka shots, or being involved in a rave. It definitely makes the performance one that should not be undergone by those who wish to remain in an anonymous silence whilst someone monologues at them. Don’t miss Bryony’s show ‘7 Day Drunk’ at the Exeter Phoenix on 21 February - wildly intoxicating, yet you’ll come away without a hangover!
SHOTGUN THEATRE presents their first musical of the year: Reefer Madness. A cutting satire of the 1930s film of the same name, the musical parodies the misconception of marijuana as a hallucinogenic menace, unravelling the American youth and transforming them into “hooligans and whores.” Quite the controversial show choice, then. While the show in no way glorifies the drug, viewers can expect a carnival of song, dance and partial nudity. Making light of the world’s worst mother, and even the appearance of Jesus Christ himself, it’s bound to rattle a few cages; but the show is essentially about having a good time. I think that’s why the cast picked it –it’s completely insane. I doubt many of them
have been in anything like this before. Staged within the walls of a high school, the show is really a play within a play – George Bradley simultaneously plays the creepy compere and the arrogant director. The kids of the school adopt the guises of the besmirched teens, overlooked by the manipulative Jack, who brings them all down with the irresistible reefer. It’s definitely not for sensitive audiences – sexuality and violence are the undercurrents of the show. Somewhat unbelievably, given that description, it manages to remain an incredibly funny and light-hearted show, albeit with an orgy sequence not to be missed! And remember – Tell Your Children. Just don’t bring them.
ART ATTACK
Will Roberts: Van-tastic
STUDENTS commented on Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, whose vibrant yellow coloured suns were apparently produced under the influence of drugs. Is this reflected in the work, or is this not truly his painting if produced under the influence of another substance? Fiona Lally: I find it so powerful. The colours and his style bring the otherwise quiet scene to life. Even if he was on drugs when he painted it, it’s clearly the product of an observant and creative mind. Henry White: It leaves you questioning your views on the world and our surroundings. Ultimately, it reveals there is just as much in the world at night as there is in the sunlight, and we should spend a moment to experience it.
The sky section of Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Tori Brazier: This is a beautiful and evocative piece of artwork, and Woody Allen demonstrated exceptional taste when he featured it in his publicity for the sublime ‘Midnight in Paris’. Andy J Smith: I would Gogh out and buy this. Ella Williams: I hope he was high when he produced it, it makes the image all the more endearing. Nick Vines: His brush strokes are short and sharp, much like the razor he lopped his ear off with. Jon Minter: Although this painting is clearly of the night sky, it reminds me of the sea. The hills are shaped like waves, the sky is filled with swirling currents and the stars look like sunlight reflected in rock pools.
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Exeposé week eighteen
comedy review Reginald D Hunter @ Exeter Phoenix 6 February THE Exeter Phoenix was filled to the brim with excited comedy fans, all anticipating the arrival of Reginald D Hunter. Hunter is one of the biggest billed names; associated with Exeter’s LOL Festival, and the sell-out status of the show proves his popularity as a performer. Yet as the lights dipped, the audience were presented with John Gordillo, Perrier nominated comedian who announced that Exeter was the warm up gig for the rest of the tour.
“The audience was left feeling slightly second rate, after being told they were a warm up act for the big tour”
ished?’ The warm up act continued, trying a few jokes and gaining some tentative laughs from the audience. At the end of his set he announced ‘some of those things will be in the show next week.’ The exposure of the mechanics behind the comedy in the unpolished performance left the audience feeling a little uneasy, and not in the way that dark provocative humour does. Instead there was an uncertainty whether the next joke would be funny or not, which was a bit of a strange emotion to feel during a comedy show. After the warm up acts Reginald
Don’t Miss D Hunter stepped forward and thankfully raised the comedy bar of the night with a set littered with jokes concerning race, politics, sexuality and observations on being an American in London. His inviting Georgian drawl led a few of the audience members to be drawn on unexpectedly personal topics such as ‘Have you ever seen your own a**e hole?’. Much of his
“The audience is asked to explore their intimate areas to see how well they know themselves”
ZOE BULAITIS AND LAURA STEVENS ARTS EDITORS
THEATRE review
THE audience watched transfixed as the shadow of a pounding fist rose and fell against the door and intense red light danced along a pair of polished business shoes. The violent sound swelled, filling the small theatre, and as darkness fell over the panicking figure my own pulse quickened. Daniel returns repeatedly to a dilapidated castle fort, the place where his daughter’s body was discovered. One day, a few battered toys mark the intrusion of a young woman. As a child, Caitlin frequently used the fort as a race course for her snails when her mother abandoned her for the man of the mo-
comedy stemmed from his opinions on men and women’s relations, including a rather hilarious piece of advice to the females in the audience who are desperately trying to snare a man: “Get a cold can of lager and sit it by your vagina and wait.”
Observations on the oddities of British culture gave rise to some of the biggest laughs of the night with an anecdote of his first encounter of a tabloid where he searched the entire paper for a story to account for the Page 3 girl being particularly astute. However, the sense that this was an incomplete set through its unstructured nature did lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction amongst the audience, which even Hunter’s philosophical wit could not entirely appease.
Somewhat teasingly Gordillo asked the audience “how should we be when we go to the big rooms?” This left the audience feeling slightly second rate, and an apt reply to the question came from a great heckle: ‘Oh I don’t know… pol-
Playing with Snails @ Bikeshed Theatre 8 - 25 February
ment. The charged and fearful interaction between Caitlin and Daniel changed the atmosphere instantly. Annoyingly suggestive lines stand interrupted and the relationship between the two eludes the audience. Then, in a sickeningly simple sentence, the horror of the situation is revealed and Kesterton stretches the daring plot to its breaking point. Peter Kesterton won the 2011 International Playwriting Competition and his contemporary and challenging talent is evident. The startling inappropriateness of this play shocked, if not won over, the audience as Kesterton did not seek approval but rather demanded an uncomfortably strong emotional reaction. The playwriting skills were flawless, but the script asked a huge amount from the amateur actors in this performance. They adeptly mastered specific
Arts
The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui @ Northcott Theatre 29 February - 3 March 7 Day Drunk @ Exeter Phoenix 21 February The Crowstarver @ Northcott Theatre 14 - 25 February Napoleon: Defence and Extravaganza @ Westpoint Arena 27 February - 3 March Into The Light @ RAMM 15 December - 11 March
PHOTOGRAPHY REVIEW elements of their characters, handling moments of reflection with impressive sensitivity and talent, yet this did not stretch over all aspects of their roles. The lead male often seemed static or uncomfortable in aggressive scenes whilst Caitlin’s psychological fragility was exaggerated to a painfully twitchy degree. The fate of the play does not lie solely with the actors however, indeed the director could have created more physical levels within the performance rather than a tediously vertical and confrontational act which resulted in a slow moving first half. Despite this, the actors must be praised for their attempt at such a complex script and touches added by set designers and lighting and sound directors created an intimate and engaging moment. This tragic play also contains elements of comedy which appealed to all ages within the audience and if you fancy a radically contemporary and thought provoking evening this is a must see for you. However, this show comes with a warning. Do not expect to walk away satisfied, the very sensitive nature of the play challenges your personal opinions of right and wrong, providing no answers itself. It dares you to push past the defined boundaries of what is appropriate and forces you to become an active part of the performance.
JESSICA HASKELL
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 @ Natural History Museum 21 October - 11 March LAST weekend, I went to see the “Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 Exhibition” at the Natural History Museum in London. I went on a bit of a whim, but it was well worth it, as it is a much more fascinating exhibition than its title suggests.
“The thought
provoking photography gave a unique view of nature whether you are an animal lover or not” Over 100 prize-winning photos are atmospherically displayed, giving each photo a presence. The photos were beautiful, thought provoking, and succeeded in giving me a unique perspective on nature. Whether it was a bird poised in lift-off, staring into the enlarged face of a tiny insect, or simply admiring a cute monkey clinging onto a tree, each photo captured the character of the subject. One of my favourites was Joe Bunni’s “Polar Power,” a photo
taken partly submerged in the sea, so that you can see the polar bear powering its way through the water, head held high. The photographer had captured the power of this creature from an unusual angle. This is exactly what the exhibition is about: offering the viewer a new perspective on nature, as well as our relationship with nature developing. One of the most harrowing photographs features eight pelicans, huddled nervously in the corner of an enclosure, their bodies slick with oil. The poignancy of their beauty is undercut by their obvious fear, and uncertain future. Whether you are an animal-lover or not, photos like this will give everyone food for thought, and for only £4.50 (student price), it’s well worth your time. The exhibition runs until the 11 March and is open 10am17.50 daily. (You can also view the photos online, though this is nowhere near as impressive as the actual exhibition.) EMILY LUNN
30
Video Games Alex Hawksworth-Brookes & Jessica Leung - games@exepose.com
20 February 2012
Exeposé
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The cost of creativity
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How to lose money and break the publishing model: Marcus Beard tells the story of industry underdogs Double Fine DOUBLE FINE, the development company behind Psychonauts and Brütal Legend raised over $1m in under 24 hours directly from the community to fund their new project; a point-and-click adventure. No publishers, no executives giving orders to ‘widen our demographic’ or ‘appeal to the Gears of War crowd’. (Just Tim Schafer - the king of adventure games - heading up a brand new IP.) Yet, Schafer and Double Fine have not always secured funding so easily. Let’s have a quick history lesson. Before the release of the Star Wars prequels, George Lucas’ LucasArts developed and published games that weren’t exclusively Star Wars tie-ins as it does today. LucasArts pioneered the point-and-click adventure game – a genre that relied on developers creating clever puzzles and witty, creative storytelling. A far cry from the ‘point gun at man’ gameplay we see today. In 1990, a team of young developers including Tim Schafer designed and co-wrote LucasArts’ The Secret of Monkey Island. It is widely regarded as one of the best and well-written games of all time, pioneering the adventure genre. A number of sequels spawned from this, and Schafer was given the responsibility of lead developer for a number of projects. 1998’s Grim Fandango, a black comedy film-noir-esque adventure game, set in the Aztec-style Land of The Dead, received universal praise. However, as is often the case, the critical acclaim did not lead to commercial success. It is estimated that only 100,000 copies of the game have been sold to date (Modern Warfare 3 sold 6.5 million in 24
hours), and made a loss for LucasArts. While Schafer had already began working on new adventure games for the company, development of all adventure games was halted, with LucasArts citing “current market place realities
Exeposé Video Games asks ‘What Have YOU Been Playing This Week?’
Top 5...
Let us know on Facebook and Twitter David Rees: “Bomberman Live because it requires no effort at all and I can dress my character up as a wizard” Dave Stone: “Mass Effect 1 & 2, because having only four alternate characters to carry over just isn’t enough.” Will Hayman: “Crysis 2 because I’ve got a new graphics card and ZOMG MY EYES!” James Hallinan: “S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky because nuclear holocaust is a Russo-Ukranian reality: they know how to make a proper game out of it.” William Madsen: “Mass Effect 1 & 2 because this genetic mutation will not die because the reapers demanded it.”
Dystopian Video Game Settings
1
Singularity
Singularity combines classic Cold War ‘what if’ science fiction with some pretty slick time manipulation gameplay concepts in an alternate future you helped create. Enter disgusting mutants, experimental weapons, time travel, blasting commies (ahh), and best of all, aging enemies to dust or twisting them into pre-humans.
2
Fallout 3
Fun while it lasted (I got a bit exhausted eventually of the greyon-brown landscape), wandering the wastelands of Washington DC was an experience not to be missed. Scaveng-
and
underlying economic considerations.” Now LucasArts was to exclusively utilise their oh-so-valuable Star Wars licence with the release of the prequels imminent.
ing weapons, baked beans, and (bizarrely) bottle caps, whilst avoiding feral creatures and raiders was all in a day’s work in the Fallout universe.
3
Half Life 2
Well it was going to crop up somewhere, wasn’t it? From the Orwellian City 17, to zombie infested Ravenholm, Valve’s magnum opus remains a masterpiece in its own right. Never has the dystopian world been so fascinating (the gravity gun probably helped there, though).
4
Bioshock
One of the most startlingly imaginative games of the last decade, especially compared to the modern military dross these days (Battlefield, ahem), Bioshock was a truly unique
While Schafer was actually credited with “never actively trying to sabotage this project” in Star Wars Episode 1 Racer, he had no place at a company that didn’t allow him to create new worlds and stories. In 2000, Schafer founded Double Fine in an industry where adventure games were on the decline. Their first project, Psychonauts (which takes places inside the mind of various residents at a summer camp), was initially picked up by Microsoft. Yet, just before release, Microsoft pulled out of the deal and a much smaller firm, Majesco, stepped in. Some hail Psychonauts as the greatest console game of all time, and it certainly saw massive critical acclaim on release. Yet, the original retail release only shifted 400,000 copies and crippled Majesco financially. Hence why Majesco is known today for safe, low-budget handheld titles such Cooking Mama. Double Fine now had a track record for critically acclaimed, but poorly selling games. Their next openworld adventure game set in the land of heavy metal album covers, Brütal Legend, was initially to be published by Activision, but the game was dropped to focus on releasing more Call of Duty and Guitar Hero sequels. When the game
dystopia – with beautiful art deco, giant monstrosities in diving suits, and a pretty damn decent story. Oh, and you got to shoot bees out of your hand. Bees.
5
Metro 2033
Nobody does an apocalypse quite like the Russians – playing as a survivor named Artyom, the player explores the dangerous, depressing and terrifying postnuclear world of the Moscow Metro system, armed only with a gasmask and guns cobbled together out of ducttape and scrap metal. Never has the apocalypse felt so immersive as here. James dyson
was finally released in 2009 by EA, (after a lawsuit in which Activision attempted to prevent the game’s release) sales, yet again, were disappointing, despite winning multiple awards.
“As is often the case, critical acclaim did not lead to commercial success” The following years Double Fine released a number of smaller-budget, downloadable games under publishers that were willing to take the risk with Schafer. Yet, all of them were designed with the modern market in mind; fans of 90s-era Schafer games called for a return to the point-and-click adventure. No publisher would ever publish such a game in today’s Call of Duty market. Schafer then did something that developers and publishers today have consistently failed to do – gave fans exactly what they asked for. With the goal of raising $400,000 to fund the game and accompanying documentary, Schafer asked fans to pre-purchase the game for $15. At the time of writing, the total is at $1,645,135 – almost four times the initial goal. While this isn’t going change the publishing model forever – not everyone is a mature, informed, attractive gamer such as yourself – it proves the notion that there are viable alternative models in video game production and distribution, and that attention to fans is what is most important when dealing with the devoted and impassioned crowd that is long-time gamers.
n
31
Exeposé week eighteen
review
Resident Evil: Revelations: Capcom; 3DS 27 Jan 2012 RESIDENT EVIL: REVELATIONS is the latest game in the franchise but is chronologically set before the fifth game in the early years of the BSAA. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine return to the forefront as they and their partners investigate a zombie infected cruise-ship. This game plays more like Resident Evil 4 or 5 rather than the more pure survival horror games that the series debuted with. The story is told through a mixture of cut-scenes, playable flashbacks and sections with other characters in other locations; providing you with a good overview of everyone involved. It all adds up to Revelations having the best presented story of any game in the franchise; it’s just a shame the story itself isn’t interesting. Shady organisations with questionable motivations return, and many of the twists in the story can be seen long before they happen, it’s the same tired old stuff of the previous games.
review
Oil Rush: Unigine Corp; PC 25 Jan 2012
OIL RUSH markets itself as a naval strategy game, combining RTS elements with the fun of tower defence. Set in a dystopic water world where oil wells are running dry, conflict breaks out to control the remainder of the precious black stuff. On the cover everything appears good, the graphics engine developed is top notch. The mis-en-scene of water, firearms and explosions provide the perfect excuse boast great visuals and a fully free camera throughout the action. Somewhat ironically however, most of your actions are done through a mini-map in the corner. Additionally the gameplay is not what I was expecting, so let’s talk mechanics.
“Multiplayer is exciting, if you can find someone to play”
In Oil Rush, gameplay is focused on towers which either produce a particular unit, or oil at a certain rate. Oil is used to build defences on these towers or purchase upgrades. Different towers produce different units which can be ordered around the map to contest or defend towers. Human control is literally limited to the building of defences or commanding
Revelations has a cooperative mode that allows you to play through tweaked sections of the campaign with a friend. In this mode there are no cut-scenes and no explanations of what you are doing, though as you have to play through the campaign to unlock these levels you should know the backstory. It’s not really obvious why the developers didn’t include a full cooperative experience like Resident Evil 5 had, but it’s still a welcome addition. Awkward controls have long been a hallmark of the series, and the 3DS does not relieve this, but once you get used to them they feel comfortable and don’t limit you; I found the Circle Pad Pro helped but was not at all necessary. The 3D is done particularly well, the best I’ve seen, though if you weren’t a believer in it before you probably still won’t be after playing this. Overall Resident Evil: Revelations is a great game that looks and runs beautifully, has a lot of character and brilliant game-play. It is only held back by a few things; the boss fights are unimaginative, there is little variation in enemy types and some of the characters are very one dimensional.
8.5/10 Athanasios Skarlatos units to go from A to B. The AI meanders your sea and air vessels to their destination and engages into battle. The complete lack of micromanagement or actual control runs perpendicular to my perception of an RTS, the uncontrollable randomness of your units’ decisions in combat frustrates me. The gameplay is more accurately described as resource allocation, likened to Phage Wars or C&C 4 to some extent, which has its own positive attributes but differs from the traditional RTS. Audio in Oil Rush is standard ambient military combat themed music and sound bytes, but it lacks the oomph of something like ‘Hell March’ from Red Alert. The campaign was a yawn for me; the story could be dramatic and entertaining but failed to grasp my attention. I blame the lack of emphatic delivery in the cut scenes and voiceovers. The most excitement Oil Rush has to offer is in multiplayer, that is, if you can find someone to play against, since the online community is still fledging. Outwitting and managing a human opponent is very satisfying, only mechanical flaws deflate the jubilation. I think this game would be better suited to a touch screen, as much strategy and decision making that is required, human interaction in the gameplay is minimal.
2/10
Matt Bevan
review
The Darkness 2: Digital Extremes; 2k Games; 360/PS3/PC 12 Feb 2012 BASED on the comic of the same name, The Darkness 2 puts you back in the role of Jackie Estacado; Mafia Kingpin and unwilling host to the eponymous force of mutilating tentacular evil. The game is very much aware of its origins. The graphics partially resemble a comic book in visual style, with larger than life characters and subversive storyline in tow. Gameplay will be familiar to anyone who’s played an FPS in the last
ten years. The gun combat in the game is pretty basic but luckily you’ve got the Darkness powers to supplement your arsenal. It goes without saying that the game is gory and violent. It rewards you for acts of vicious brutality. Just killing someone with your guns will only net you a small amount of points. Shooting someone in the foot, picking him up with one of your tentacles, throwing him into a wall and then bisecting him down the spine will get you lots, which you can invest in getting new powers which further enhance your mobster slaughtering efforts. In truth,
Video Games
“Gameplay will be familiar to anyone who’s played an FPS in the last 10 years”
the Darkness functions as a multiple purpose weapon rather than a gameplay-changing tool, but at least it’s fun to use. A pleasant surprise is the inclusion of four-player co-operative, which take place in a tangential story to the main game. Each of the four characters plays differently to each other, which changes the dynamic of gameplay enough to keep things fresh, even if they aren’t quite as fun to play as Jackie. It’s fun with four players but can be played (albeit with a huge hike in difficulty) with less. The Darkness 2 refines what fans enjoyed about the first game and smooths out some of the dents. There isn’t much in the way of new gameplay or particularly fresh ideas but it’s functional and visually pretty.
7/10
Dominic Holbrook
review
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning: 38 Studios; Big Huge Games; EA; 360/PS3/PC 9 Feb 2012 LET’S just put this out there: Reckoning is not Skyrim. The huge, open world of the Faelands features fantastic creatures and a plethora of items, but this is where the similarities thin out. Make no mistake, though, those who want their games’ colour palette vibrant and combat varied should give this one a shout. Right from the first cinematic, we are thrust into the realm of high fantasy. There’s a war going on, the evil elf-like Tuatha are marching across the rest of the Faelands, and you’re dead. Well, initially. You wake up daisy-fresh, surrounded by rotting corpses and unconstrained by the laws of nature. Your path has two goals: to stop the Tuatha, and find out why you died in the first place. Put bluntly, it’s not as exciting as the initial shock factor suggests.
The generic only-you-can-save-uswith-your-awesome-plot relies on the player actually giving a damn. The mute protagonist staring blankly at unremarkable characters during dialogue really breaks the immersion, as do the hit and miss voice acting and absence of moral choices. Thankfully, the expected abundance of side and faction quests let you get lost in the beautiful Todd McFarlane-styled game world for a good while whilst picking up decent loot for combat. And what a combat system it is. The game lets you choose to be a mage, rogue or fighter, or mix it up and take abilities from each of the three trees. A God of War-esque Fate system rewards you for varying your attacks by allowing you to unleash ‘reckoning’, boosting
your damage and experience and letting you finish your foes with breathtaking quick-time finishing moves. Stringing combinations together requires some getting used to, especially when trying to parry incoming attacks. However, the player feels rewarded and just plain badass when slaying a Prismere Troll with accompanying cohort of Tuatha. Fluid, fast-paced and diverse, this is the most fun I’ve had with a hack-and-slash since Monster Hunter Tri.
“The generic onlyyou-can-save-us-withyour-awesome plot relies on the player actually giving a damn” Reckoning sets a good standard for the RPG scene in 2012. Story qualms aside, the addictive combat and remarkable art of the world mean
that I’m prob- a b l y not going to be working on my dissertation for a while.
7.5/10
chris luck
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Sport
WITH only 158 days until London 2012, Exeposé Sport talks to Exeter alumni and a PHD student on their involvement, both in competitive sport and organisation, for this summer’s Games. London 2012 is the third Olympics staged in London, but also the first Games that GB has elected to hold. To whet your appetites, Exeposé explores behind the scenes at the Olympic Park in Stratford, the major venue for this year’s Games. The building work finishes at the £486 million Olympic Stadium on Wednesday 30 March, with work on the rest of the venues set to be completed this summer. The Olympic stadium, which will hold 80,000 spectators, is better known as the ‘bowl’, with the majority of the stadium below ground level. The amount of soil dug out from the site of the Stadium could fill nine Albert Halls. The Stadium will also be the venue for BUCS 2012. Next year’s BUCS competition will be one of the main test events for the new stadium and a great opportunity for University athletes to get a taste of the size and glory of competition in a world class venue. Alongside the ‘bowl’, there is the Aquatics Centre, which will be the gateway to the Olympics Park. Over 680,000 tiles were used to complete the centre, which will hold 17,500 spectators in the Games. Here, you can see the likes of local athletes Tom Daley and Liam Tancock, who will be competing in the pool alongside the return of five times gold medallist Ian Thorpe, who is set to compete in 2012 after four years away from competitive swimming. Further around the site, there is the huge central energy centre, which is set to save around 40 per cent of the energy from the Games. Next door is the giant media centre, set to house 20,000 people over the competition, which looks like it belongs in Torchwood. It is a huge, state-of-the-art facility, that on the outside is black and covered with glass windows. Alongside the media hub is the hockey arena, which is set to glow blue and pink in 2012. After the Games, Locog plan to relay the two hockey pitches in Eton Manor. In the centre of the park is a nature reserve, where spectators with day passes can relax and watch the events outside next year. The velodrome, one of the most impressive buildings and the first site to be completed and handed over from the builders, is shaped in the style of a Pringle. 360,000 nails have gone into the track, which will hopefully be one of the most successful sites for the British Olympic team, after the team won 14 medals in the cycling overall in Beijing, with Sir Chris Hoy’s three Golds in sprint events.
20 February 2012
Exeposé
Exposing the Games: Stu
James Crouch talks with Robin Williams, GB Paralympic Footballer and PhD Student THIS summer, for the first time ever, the Paralympic Games are coming to London. As with the Olympics, it gives all of us a brilliant opportunity to see these athletes in the flesh, but also provides a great platform for our own home-bred Paralympians. And nothing gets closer to home than our own Exeter-based protagonists. Robin Williams, a Statistics PhD at Exeter, is on the Paralympic Football squad for 2012. As part of the 5-a-side team, he’s one of the bright young stars in British blind football and is aiming high. But some might even beg the question how blind football works, and gladly with a touch of humour and understanding, Robin is more than happy to answer. The most obvious question might be how do you know where everything is? “The ball has little ball bearings in it, which makes a rattly sound so you can locate it.” Helping the game run smoothly are guides for each team, with a big role for a fully sighted goalkeeper, who helps organise the game. “After that it’s pretty much standard 5-a-side football,” he says matter-offactly, which probably astounds many who couldn’t imagine trying to mentally visualise the layout of the pitch and where the ball is. On top of all this, having to picture where the several other players on the pitch are is extraordinary to boot. “There’s quite a lot of talking to your other teammates, communicating, and shouting just so you know where your team is on the pitch.” It sounds like a lot to think about while trying to keep your mind on the football itself, but it comes from a totally different way
of thinking about the game when you have never had sight. “I have to treat it a little bit like chess,” he says, “and try and figure out in my mind where I need to go and where everyone else is.” Of course, unlike Robin, many other players have lost their sight later in life. For them, it’s more about transferring their knowledge of the game as seen, to a new world where you can only hear it being played. Collisions and mishaps one might assume to be commonplace, but according to Robin, “probably far fewer than what people might think.” As for tackling, an ingenious use of the word ‘voy’ (Spanish for ‘I go’) is shouted beforehand, and keeps accidents to a minimum. All in all its an incredible adaptation of the beautiful game. Surprisingly, Robin got into blind football almost by chance. For most of his life he’d played various sports, but he’d never played football, and dropped many of them when he came to university. But it wasn’t too long until he was itching to get back into them, and happened upon blind football when someone out of the blue got in contact with him. “He must of got my email address from somewhere. They were looking to get more players into the domestic league, so he asked me if I’d be interested. It just kicked off from there really.” A year or so later, he was at England training. A few years further down the line and it’s a huge part of his life. “Football has become almost an obsession,” he eagerly states. “I don’t want anything else really.” They’re not just opaque words either. Recently, to put
in 100 per cent for football, he chose to study for his PhD part-time. As the Paralympics gets nearer, he recalls with a laugh, his focus has “become very much on football, and less on the PhD.” Aside from his personal drive, there is a real understanding of the hope that rests on all athletes’ shoulders in the Games. “There’s a lot more expected of us now,” Robin says, continuing on with a determined tone, “it’s trying to get in real quality training, to pick up on your weaknesses and work on them.” Unlike Team GB, many other national teams are full-time, and peculiarly we’re not, so it feels like an up-hill struggle when thinking of our prospects in a few months. “On paper we wouldn’t be one of the favourites,” he admits. “We’ll be punching above our weight.” But he’s not the quitting type; studying part-time is an excuse he won’t countenance, and he’s positive about their
chances: “We always give the best teams a run for their money.” It’s good to hear, and as probably one of the fittest teams in the competition he’s hopeful they can produce results. This is just as well, since he is very aware of when the team has fallen short. He recalls the 2011 European championships – adamant “we really should have won that” – and when they lost to Spain in the 2010 World Cup with a goal in the last few seconds. He comes across as pretty clear about what’s to be done: “We’ve got to be a little more ruthless, start closing them out.” For him, it’s all about going that extra mile, to do the best that you possibly can. As all of Team GB will be doing, the aim is Gold in a few months time, and he’ll be working as hard as he possibly can to get it. And on a personal level for many paralympians, but especially for the British, London 2012 is as big as it gets.
Will Kelleher speaks to Tanya Harris, Exeter Alumnus and Head of Summer Sport Engagement
The Olympics is not just an event for athletes; a multitude of planning has to be completed behind the scenes to ensure that the Games run smoothly and are remembered for all the right reasons in years to come. Tanya Harris, a former Exeter student, is the current Head of Summer Sport Engagement at the British Olympic Association (BOA) and come Games time she will be the Deputy Chef de Mission for sport for Team GB. Essentially, during a normal year Tanya oversees a team of nine sport engagement managers who act as account managers for the BOA. She makes sure that the BOA has everything in place to support the 26 sports and 39 disciplines they work with. During the Olympics her role changes; Tanya will be one of three Chef de Missions for Team GB. This job carries much responsibility as she will be the interface between a va-
riety of sports teams and The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), from BMX to swimming, handball to hockey and athletics to equestrian. Having completed a BSc in Exercise & Sports Science here at Exeter between 1996-9, Tanya joined a Sport Event Management company. “I wanted to combine my love of sport with organising events. I worked on the World Snooker tour and Ladies European Golf tour before moving into the world of Paralympic Sport and multi-sport events.” From there Tanya moved to the British Paralympic Association in 2007 as the Chief Operating Officer. London will be her third games as Deputy Chef de Mission, having held the position for the 2008 Beijing games and the 2010 Vancouver winter event. Following success in these roles Tanya took the newly created position of Head of Summer
Sport Engagement in 2010. Tanya puts her success down to sheer hard work and commented that you have to be versatile and open to new experiences in this sort of field: “I did everything from designing posters to ordering kit, to managing the security and working with broadcasters. It was hard work but getting a broad range of experience was invaluable.” If you want to pursue a career in sports event management she highly recommends trying to land yourself a placement with a company to see if you enjoy it: “In my experience, if you do a good job companies will want to call you back when you have left university.” Tanya has always wanted to do something that she loves and so working at the Olympics is a dream come true. She is passionate about British sport and urges everyone to get in-
volved in any way they can. “There is every opportunity to be part of the Games whether you have tickets to events or not. Get behind the Games and get behind Team GB. We should be very proud that we won [the bid in 2005] and are hosting what will be the best Games ever.” For Tanya personally, success at the Olympics means minimising the distractions to the athletes and teams so they can concentrate on winning medals for their country. Finally she spoke about the legacy of London 2012, remarking that if the Games are able to inspire young sportsmen and women to try something new, then it will a fantastic achievement for the country. With 205 countries competing from all around the world, she hopes that Team GB can better their medal tally from 2008 and inspire the nation to build on this success.
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Exeposé week eighteen
dents and alumni on 2012 Ellie Busby, Editor, speaks to GB Hockey player and Exeter Alumnus, Nick Brothers
NICK BROTHERS, the Great Britain Hockey Goalkeeper and investment banker, believes the GB side have “a real chance of winning a medal” in the 2012 Olympics this summer. Brothers is currently training in South Africa in preparation for the games and awaits the announcement of the finalised squad in May. Brothers graduated from the University of Exeter in 2004 with a degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences. Since leaving Exeter, Brothers has held goalkeeping positions for Reading, England and Great Britain. During Nick’s hockey career he has competed in two World Cups and two Champions Trophies. He was a member of the gold medal winning team at the European Championships in Germany in 2009 and has also picked up a silver medal in the Champions Trophy.
“I’m immensely proud to have studied at Exeter, it’s a unique place”
From a young age Brothers was encouraged by his father to play hockey at school. His first achievement was winning the National U13 Championship, and soon after he was accepted into the England U16 side. Brothers remarked that after these initial steps he “just progressed from there.” The goalkeeper decided to study at the University after successful persuasion from teammates in his local hockey club
team who were currently studying at Exeter. Brothers was also attracted to the University’s strong side for hockey. He told Exeposé, “Exeter appealed to me because of the diverse opportunities it offered. It wasn’t a university that was solely focused on sport.” Brothers reflected on his time at Exeter as “the most enjoyable days of my life.” He added, “Every Wednesday night was an experience, probably something to do with too much port. I miss it all and my best memory was all the people I met there. I’m immensely proud to have studied at Exeter, it’s a unique place.” As an Exercise and Sport Sciences graduate, Brothers highlighted the importance of studying Sport Sciences for both budding athletes and sport scientists. “The progression of science has changed elite sport and it’s the best athletes who are achieving the top results. Therefore the opportunities for sports scientists to work within this field are growing exponentially and if you aren’t good enough to be on the field of play these roles are the next best position.” Ten years ago when he was studying at Exeter, Brothers felt that the success of elite sides was less dependent on “the work achieved by the strength and conditioning, nutrition and biomechanical coaches.” The Exeter alumnus admitted, “I don’t think I even knew where the gym was at University!” However, he recognised its increasing importance for athletes in modern society. “My transition from sportsman to athlete wasn’t an enjoyable one but a necessity if I wanted to reach my goals.”
Alongside his hockey, Brothers works as a part-time equities derivatives analyst for Normura. Brothers acknowledged that Sport Sciences “wasn’t the most relevant degree” he could have studied for this field of work. The balance of both elite training and a career is a challenge for all sportsmen who play an amateur sport, such as hockey. In the past, Brothers has faced difficult decisions in his attempt to balance both his hockey and part-time job. In 2008, he had to sacrifice a chance to try out for the Beijing Olympics to concentrate on his banking career.
“Intense doesn’t really seem to do the training justice. We hardly have time to breath at the moment” Brothers experiences two contrasting lifestyles in his normal week, moving between working in an investment bank to training and competing in the Great Britain Hockey team. “As my hockey commitments grew I felt a need to have a professional career away from the sport and work in a different environment.” However, there appear to be some similarities between his job and his sporting experience. He said: “I work on trading floor and I do see similar characteristics. For example, teamwork, communication and motivational skills are all transferable. When we’re making money everyone is supportive, however,
when times are tough there is a sense of people trying to blame each other which is actually very similar to some of the dressing rooms I have been in over the years.” With the Olympic games only five months away, the GB goalkeeper is currently in South Africa on a three week fitness boot camp in preparation for the event. “Intense doesn’t really seem to do the training justice. We hardly have time to breath at the moment and we are getting worked daily to our limits.” On future plans, he said: “When we return it will be all about game play as we try and apply the finishing touches to our tactics.” The finalised Great Britain Hockey squad will be announced on 7 May. Currently there are 25 athletes going for 16 places which has made Brothers “fairly nervous.” As the current goalkeeper of GB and England, he stands a good chance. The two main threats for the GB Men’s Hockey team are Australia and Germany. Brothers remarked, “This promises for some good British rivalry on the terraces. We are currently ranked 4th in the world so we have a real chance of winning a medal.” Brothers remained hopeful and confident about upcoming sporting events, such as the Olympics. When asked his greatest sporting achievement, he ended by saying: “Hopefully this is still to be realised with London approaching this summer, but I’ll always remember winning my first England cap.”
Sport
Tom Payne, Books Editor, profiles Piers Jones, Exeter Alumnus and Sport Competition Group Manager for LOCOG
AMONG the handful of Exeter alumni taking part in London 2012 is Piers Jones, a Sport Competition Group Manager for LOCOG, the Organising Committee for this year’s games. Last month, Exeposé’s Sports Editor, Rachel Bayne, attended a panel discussion which featured Piers, as well as a number of athletes and members of organisation and team management divisions. It was there that Piers discussed the importance of Science to elite sport. He, perhaps unusually, graduated with a degree in Engineering from the University of Exeter in 1998. Piers discussed the large extent to which science influenced his career, and expressed his surprise at the usefulness of his Engineering degree for his project management role. In his position as Sport Competition Group Manager, Piers’ responsibilities are substantial and extensive. Since he acquired the role in 2006, he has been working with a group of 12 Olympic & Paralympic Sports and is in charge of managing and maintaining overall responsibility for the Paralympic Games within his department. Before the announcement of London as the 2012 host-city, Piers worked for the British Olympic Association, where he managed a nation-wide programme providing career advice and promoting employment opportunities to members of the UK’s elite athlete community. This followed his work as an Atheletes Services coordinator following graduation. While Piers’s degree in Engineering deeply affected his career outlook, and broadened his skills set, it was through his constant involvement with the University’s Athletic Union and cross-country societies which fostered and strengthened his interest in sport as a valid and rich career path.
20 February 2011
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Sport
Updates from the green... Golf 2nds
Chris Fleming EUGC A stiff breeze greeted the players when they stepped onto the hollowed turf at The Warren. Opponents Aberystwyth were making their second trip down south in as many weeks and were looking to pick up some points on their travels to aid their ambitions of promotion. However, the Exeter players were keen to ensure this did not happen. Leading the team out was fresher Chris Fleming. After a steady start from the Aberystwyth player and Fleming finding a few gorse bushes along the way he found himself 1 down through 4. Fortunately, the standard of golf improved and he eventually prevailed on the 14th to win 6&4. Next up was Nick Hector. Through the early stages his opponent played some wild shots and steady golf from Hector meant he was 3 up through 7. Yet the next 11 holes did not go as straightforward as he would have wanted. The swing and putter both went cold and he found himself 2 down with 2 to play. Although he battled hard and some time later he earned himself a half in a match that included ‘tops’ from both players.
Golf 3rds
Joe Scibilia EUGC
Off the back of a disappointing home defeat to Aberystwyth 2 weeks ago, the EUGC 3rds were keen to bounce back with a victory in their next match. After a cancelled trip to Bournemouth the week prior, a day trip to The Vale of Glamorgan was on the cards. With tough remaining fixtures which include trips to Bournemouth and a second, greatly anticipated match up with the 2s, the team could not afford another slip up. Leading the team off was SesemannSeed. After putting in some strong performances for the EUGC in previous matches, confidence and expectations were high. The young fresher started nicely, however was unable to gather any real momentum. His opponent offered some very strong competition and the beastly 16th hole claimed its first victim with the match ending 3&2 in Cardiff’s favour. Out second was Andreas. With a fine tee shot from the word go, Andreas continued going from strength to strength. Up against a strong opponent, Andreas nevertheless made light work of it and the match was wrapped up comfortably on the 15th hole leaving the teams tied 1-1 and giving Andreas bragging rights (which he wasted no time in taking up). Out third was Alison. After a strong first term in green colours, Alison was making her debut for the 3rds. Undoubtedly an excellent addition to the team, she had her opponent on the back foot throughout the match. Very little went wrong and the
Exeposé
Urielle’s slick offense
Third out was the speedy Tom Watkins; the consistent second year who has made a solid start to the new year with today being no exception. As per usual he made quick work of his opponent defeating him on the 16th green by the score 4&2. Skipper Jamie Richards was in the fourth position and despite his opponent being ‘stingy’ when it came to short putts it was possibly the correct decision as Jimbo was the first to admit he missed several from 5ft. Nevertheless, this was not enough to upset the result and a solid 3&2 win followed. In the penultimate position for Exeter was B.C. Leigh. Although the fresher managed to find the wrong fairway off the tee on a couple of occasions, his recovery shots were exceptional and he easily rolled over his opponent on the 14th green 5&4. Out last was the ever-consistent club captain James Wallace, who came up against Aberystwyth’s strongest player. The visiting player was solid for the majority of the match. However, it was Wallace who saved his best golf till last as he won the last 3 holes to take the match 1 up. A solid 5.5 - 0.5 victory for the EUGC 2’s will mean confidence is high going into next week’s big cup game against Bournemouth 2’s.
match was over 6&5, 2-1 to EUGC. Skipper DS was out fourth and eager to step up for his team. No messing around, DS managed to find the perfect mix of crisp iron play and sharp putting, which resulted in a strong 7&6 victory and a 3-1 lead to Exeter. After clocking off from his shift early, all DS could do was sit back and observe as his team attempted to secure the points from a strong position. Petr, also making his 3rd team debut, was out fifth. The Czech fresh was hungry for victory, however things were not going to be easy for him. Up against an opponent wearing a hoody, the first impression was deceiving. A few loose shots early on saw Petr immediately on the back foot as his opponent capitalised. Unable to find any real consistency, the match ended in Cardiff’s favour on the 14th green, 3-2 to Exeter. Out on the anchor leg was Sybil. Up against the same opponent he had previously let a dormie 2 lead slip to in November, he was determined not to let history repeat itself. It looked as if neither player wanted to take the match as the advantage changed on several occasions. The match reached the touch par 4 16th and after his opponent had sent their approach shot splashing into the water, Sybil was able to two putt and go dormie 2 up, guaranteeing the vital half needed to give EUGC victory. After going on to lose the 17th, a solid 18th hole managed to prevent a second gas job at The Vale. A strong bounce back for the 3rds with a 4-2 win in Wales, well played guys and girls.
Ultimate Frisbee
Amie Cripps Publicity Officer
Exeter University’s Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, Urielle, came 3rd at Indoor regionals guaranteeing themselves a spot at Indoor Nationals. Having witnessed the boys win BUCS Indoor Nationals in December and the club finishing 3rd at Mixed, the girls were raring to go in order to maintain the Uriel winning streak.
Being seeded 1st meant that Exeter were not in for an easy ride at all, and with their first game against Devon rivals Plymouth, the crowd were guaranteed to witness a fiery game. Due to some slick offense Exeter managed to take their first game 6-0 and with one win under their belts the girls confidence was growing. High off their Plymouth win, the girls took to the pitch with such tenacity that they sailed through the rest of their pool games conceding only 8 points in 3 games. Having beaten Plymouth, Bath and
Bristol, Exeter’s most challenging game of the tournament was to be against Cardiff’s 1st team.
“Due to some slick offense Exeter managed to take their first game 6-0”
Winning this game would guarantee Exeter a top four finish, and having to finish top 3 in order to qualify for Nationals the girls only had one thing on their minds.
EUNC 2nds show great determination Netball
Rebecca Calver EUNC Almost equal on points in the BUCS Western 2A league, Exeter 2nds and Southampton Solent 1st both started their match on Wednesday 8 February, with a point to prove. The hosts went into this game determined to win as the team’s last encounter saw Exeter lose by a
frustrating single goal. Exeter’s determination was evident in the first quarter as they displayed some fabulous netball skills to drive the ball forward and see them storm into an early lead finishing 10-5 at the end of the quarter. Captain Christabel Burton set the team a task to double their lead by the end of the second quarter. Southampton Solent defence tightened to stop Exeter’s flow of play throughout the court. However, with Southampton’s
tighter defence, shooters Hannah Cox and Lucy Scudder were subjected to a number of knocks resulting in penalties. Hannah and Lucy both capitalised on the opportunity and Exeter increased their lead over Southampton to 21 - 10 at half time. After a few changes in centre court and exceptional shooting, Exeter dominated the third quarter. The team showed great speed and reactions to Southampton’s play and interceptions were made throughout the court.
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Exeposé week eighteen
sends them to Nationals Photos: Hannah Walker
Crossword
No. 30 by Raucous
Across 1. A tyrant may use a Fe one (3) 3. Without feeling (9) 8. The relation of your sister to your father’s or mother’s brother or sister (5) 10. Forename initials of poet who showed us fear in a handful of dust (2) 11. Artemis’s brother who went to the moon (6) 12. A colouring-in course (9) 14. A shark’s arena (3) 15. Female 13 Down – Don’t Drop The... (3) 17. George VI was one (9) 20. Batman is a dark one of these (6) 22. Lindsay Anderson film (2) 23. Surprise gift; you would want one (5) 24. See 9. Down 25. Did Saddam ever have these? You may be MAD to use them (3)
Sport
Down 2. Snow (anag) (4) 4. Samson and Gloucester lost theirs (4) 5. Gives jobs (5) 6. Evelyn Waugh novel; of ice-cream (5) 7. Anglo-Saxon sheriff (5) 9. & 24. Across. Puccini’s sequel to Mademoiselle Caterpillar (6,9) 10. Foot digits (4) 12. Antiquated form of illumination (8) 13. Every one of these is sacred, according to Monty Python (6) 16. Played on a course of pubs (4) 18. Designers who gave their name to an iconic chair; Inception character (5) 19. Shaggy’s dog’s nickname (5) 21. The language of the internet (4) 22. Article (4)
Promote your society here. Email editors@exepose.com
“Exeter took to the pitch calmly and collectively ready to beat Plymouth for a second time” Some outstanding throws from captain Emma Kingston ensured that Exeter was never trailing behind and eventually they took the game 7-4. Exeter was now to face Plymouth again in the semi-final and having already beaten them earlier in
the day, Exeter was oozing confidence. Certain that they were going to win, Exeter took to the pitch calmly and collectively, ready to beat Plymouth for a second time. Claiming the first few points Exeter’s confidence was soaring and all that mattered now was getting as many points on the scoreboard as possible. Unfortunately, Plymouth had the same thought and hit back hard bringing the game to 3-3 at half time. Panic soon set in and Exeter found themselves trailing 5-3, eventually losing to Plymouth
9-8. Having tasted their first loss of the tournament, Exeter was devastated. After an immense team talk, Exeter soon got their feet firmly back on the ground and was ready to take on Cardiff for a second time in order to claim their place at nationals. Exeter won the game 9-5 due to some excellent defence and credit must be given to Ellie Purvis and Olivia Cottrell, who until three months ago had never picked up a disc before.
Exeter superiority shone through and saw them win 44 to 23.
ended in a draw everyone was pretty down, but back on home ground, today everyone gave 100 per cent. The score reflected just how much every player has improved and progressed not only as individuals but also as a team. It was an extremely worthy result which I am positive will be repeated over our next few games”. Exeter 2nds are currently sitting in 4th place after their match against Southampton 1sts on Wednesday 15 February, which they lost 44 – 31.
to beat Southampton Solent 44-23 Thanks to this outstanding play and superb defence throughout the team, especially by Kat Moon and Christabel Burton, Exeter finished the quarter leading comfortably 34 to 14. Although it could never be doubted that Exeter were the better side this time round, Christabel Burton encouraged her team to keep up the intensity so they could keep the 20 goal lead. Unforced errors by both teams saw the speed of the game slow down, but with the enthusiastic home support behind them
“Exeter showed great speeds and reaction to Southampton’s play”
Goal shooter Lucy Scudder received player of the match for the second week on the trot and, speaking after the game Captain Christabel said: “It was the best match that the team has played. After our last game against Plymouth, which
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MOnday 20 February 2011 Exeposé
Sport
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Champions of BUCS
Photo: Josh Irwandi
Exeter Men’s Lacrosse 1sts have claimed the BUCS Premier League title for the second season in a row after eight games undefeated so far in 2011/12
Lacrosse
Ben Jackson EULC JUST under a year ago, Exeter University Men’s 1st team had to defeat Warwick by four goals or more on the final day of the season to steal the BUCS Premiership title. This season, however, Warwick came down to Duckes Meadow knowing that only a huge upset would prevent Exeter from taking the title with two games left to be played. Unfortunately for Exeter, who would have enjoyed a real test before their upcoming BUCS semi-final, Warwick did not even put up a fight. Within 20 minutes the score was 5-0 and it seemed like nothing would stop them
from extending their winning streak to ten games.
“Men’s 1sts have taken the BUCS Premier League by storm this season. They are currently undefeated after eight matches played, with a stunning goal difference of 69 and 24 points” The mercurial talent, David Wiese, returned to form after a controversial few weeks. At one point he rounded two players before being dropped to his
knees, popping back up and then firing into the back of the net. The goal of the game, however, came from the consistently unorthodox Charlie HigsonSmith. He often insists on only holding the stick in one hand and this week did so whilst diving into the crease and flicking it past the stunned Warwick goalkeeper. Exeter eventually ran out comfortable 12-1 winners, but this came at a cost. Ben Jackson was forced to retire during the final quarter with a shoulder injury and Higson-Smith appeared to have aggravated his recurring ankle injury during the game as well. With star players Alex Brown and Nima Barzin also carrying knocks and Rex Carter and Alex Warehime already on the sidelines, it may be a depleted squad that travels to face Manchester.
One player, whose fitness cannot be questioned is veteran midfielder and Captain James Please. Men’s 1sts have taken the BUCS Premier League by storm this season. They are currently undefeated after eight matches played, with a stunning goal difference of 69 and 24 points. AU President, Beth Hampson, commented: “It is a fantastic achievement winning the Southern Premiership and not only that, it is the second year in a row! We’re so proud of the boys.” All that is left for the EULC now is to book a place in the BUCS finals. On Wednesday 22 February, both the men and the ladies travel to Warwick to face Manchester and Birmingham respectively in the semi-finals of the BUCS cups.
International Sports Month Athletic Union
Simon Dewhurst Senior Reporter
The inaugural International Sports Month takes place at the University of Exeter in March. The aim of the event is to give international students the chance to take part and watch competitive sport whilst integrating with domestic students. There are a variety of events taking place during the month, many of which are free of charge. Notable highlights include the Grecian Shield 6-a-side football tournament on Sunday 4 March, and a daREDevil run in aid of Cancer Research and Sport Relief on Monday 12 March. Students will also have the opportunity to have a gym taster session and take part in activities such as Chiball and Lacrosse. Exeter has one of the highest levels of participation in University sport in the country, with a third of students being part of an Athletics Union club. However, it has long been recognised that participation rates are much lower amongst the international student population, but no research has ever been carried out to identify the reasons for this. The organisers hope that this new initiative will help to engage more non-EU students and improve their long term involvement in sport at Exeter. With the 2012 Olympics taking part in London, it is also the perfect time to celebrate cultural diversity through the global language of sport. Beth Hampson, AU President, said: “This event aims to break boundaries so that everyone has the opportunity to play sport, which contributes a huge amount to our society. “My hopes for the future are that this event will remain a key part of the University calendar with everyone getting involved in creating a sporting festival on campus.”
“This event aims to break boundaries so that everyone has the opportunity to play sport” Nitika Jain, President of Asian Society commented: “We think it is a great way to get international students taking part, especially within the AU, but also with home students who are significantly much more involved. We believe interaction and involvement should be in all sectors of University life and it is a shame we have not had anything like this available previously.” Events are open to all students and further details will be released in the near future.