Exeposé Issue 613 Week 4 by Exeposé

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Tuesday 15 October 2013 • Issue 613 • www.exepose.ex.ac.uk • Twitter: @Exepose • www.facebook.com/Exepose

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Format of ‘Blurred Lines’ vote changed Emily Tanner Deputy Editor

Respect Concert postponed after alleged sexist slurs from headliner EXCLUSIVE Jon Jenner Editor EXEPOSÉ has learnt that the Exeter Respect Concert has been postponed indefinitely, following accusations that planned headliner Tim Westwood made sexist comments whilst performing at a student union. The concert was originally due to take place on 25 October, but will not have a new date scheduled until the promoter has investigated the accusations and given Mr Westwood the chance to clarify his position on equality. Mr Westwood left BBC Radio 1 earlier this year after a 20 year career at the station, during which time he has

also hosted the UK version of cult-show Pimp My Ride and won three MOBO awards for Best UK Radio DJ. Mr Westwood, 56, was performing at Leicester University on Saturday 5 October for 2,000 students, as the headliner of the University’s ‘We <3 R&B’ event – part of their Freshers’ Week programme. According to a number of students at the event, Mr Westwood made a number of offensive comments to the crowd over his microphone, including: “Girl in the front row in the black dress, I’ll be f***ing you tonight”, and “Girls, keep your p***ies tight and clean”. Mr Westwood also allegedly said to a member of the crowd, “Security have told me you need to wear a sports bra”, and dedicated a song to “All the girls

Features: Talk to Chancellor Floella Benjamin OBE - PAGE 11

with clean wet p***ies”. The Tab Cambridge, who initially reported the comments, have been threatened with legal action from Mr Westwood’s representatives, for misappropriating lyrics from reggae songs as sexist comments. This is despite numerous testimonies from students attending the event saying that they felt his comments were offensive to the crowd. Dr Suaad Genem-George, on behalf of the Exeter Respect Chair, said: “Exeter Respect have a zero tolerance policy on all forms of prejudice – both implicit and explicit – and we explicitly condemn any form of sexism. “If the comments that have allegedly been made are true, then we condemn them clearly and firmly as inappropriate.

Screen: Take a look at the Breaking Bad finale - PAGE 24-25

“We fully support all students as they are the new generation to promote Equality, Diversity and Human Rights”. The concert has been organised by Urban Treats Entertainment as a celebration of diversity during Black History Month. Exeter Respect have leant their name to the event in order to promote their values of diversity and equality. Chris Rootkin, VP Welfare and Community, said: “I am pleased to see that the allegations of inappropriate behaviour and remarks made by Tim Westwood are being investigated by the promoter of the Exeter Respect Concert. I and the Students’ Guild take matters of respect, diversity and dignity very seriously and I fully support any action that seeks to promote these CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Games: Provide special coverage of Eurogamer - PAGE 35

ON 21 October a vote will commence to determine whether Robin Thicke’s popular, though highly controversial hit, ‘Blurred Lines’ will be banned around campus. Recent changes passed by the Democracy Committee will change the way in which this vote will now operate and may ultimately alter the outcome. In previous votes, such as last year’s vote on The Sun, students had the option to vote either YES or NO. In the upcoming vote on ‘Blurred Lines’ and those that follow in the future students will have the option to vote in three different ways. Firstly there will be the option to Ban ‘Blurred Lines’ from being played in all Guild outlets and across the official student media, an action will which also incorporate an official condemnation of the song. The next option will be to Condemn the song – the current NO campaign - which will result in the release of a press statement from the Guild condemning the objectionable lyrics but not an implementation of a ban. Finally students can vote for No Change leaving ‘Blurred Lines’ available to be played around campus and with no condemnation of the song’s content. There is currently no campaign group for this option. President of Labour Students Daniel Richards commented that: “I am annoyed that such changes were rushed through without any consultation with students outside the Guild. These changes will have an impact on how campaigning societies run our campaigns on campus and we were only informed after they had gone through.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 FIND US ONLINE AT

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Louis Doré & Owen Keating news@exepose.com JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Exeposé News

Freshers’ Ball receives mixed reception Student dies during first week Jon Jenner Editor

Editors Meg Drewett & Jon Jenner Online Editors Olivia Luder & Liam Trim Deputy Editors Clara Plackett & Emily Tanner depeds@exepose.com News Editors Print: Louis Doré & Owen Keating Online: Harrison Jones & Tom Elliott news@exepose.com Comment Editors Online: Dave Reynolds & James Bennett comment@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Alexander Carden & James Roberts Online: Meg Lawrence & Imogen Watson features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Kitty Howie & Emily-Rose Rolfe Online: Emma Brisdion & Ben Gilbert lifestyle@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Magda Cassidy & Josh Gray Online: Callum Burroughs & Ben Clarke music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Megan Furborough & Rob Harris Online: Jess O’Kane screen@exepose.com Books Editors Print: Elli Christie & Emma Holifield Online: Sophie Beckett & Rory Morgan books@exepose.com Arts Editors Print: Sophy Coombes-Roberts & Ricky Freelove Online: Bryony James & Giverny Masso arts@exepose.com Games Editors Print: Gemma Joyce & Becky Mullen Online: Hernan Romero & Jon Jones games@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Will Kelleher & Mike Stanton Online: Matt Bugler & Jamie Klein sports@exepose.com Photography Niklas Rahmel photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Charlotte Earland, Lauren Swift & Vanessa Tracey

@Exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exepose Advertising Ross Trant R.Trant@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.

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John Chilvers News Team AFTER much anticipation, the sold out Freshers’ Ball received mixed reception from students, with many taking to Facebook pages to complain about value for money. The sold out event, headlined by Zane Lowe, caused a number of students to turn to the internet to buy unwanted tickets for up to £60. As the Great Hall emptied, students commented that Zane Lowe’s set was the highlight of the evening, however many students did not feel they got their money’s worth. Alex Marine said: “It did not deliver anything it said it would”. Rob Cross agreed and added: “The price was

the main issue (£32), we thought that there might be a few free drinks/canapés/ photo booth, but we basically paid just to dress up in suits.” Robert Pearce, a first year international relations student, said: “Although it was not worth the money, I enjoyed the ball, especially the big band at the start”. Alice Kan agreed and said: “It was a great night to party with new friends”. Food was an issue that a number of students were angry about, Lizzie, first year Psychology student said: “the Guild website advertised that there would be food but failed to mention that this would be at an additional cost”. St. John’s Ambulance officially treated eight event attendees on the night, while Estate Patrol and Welcome

Team also assisted some students. The event passed without any main incidents. Allan Edgcumbe, Head of Security said: “I worked until after 2am last night and I must say how impressed I was at the splendid organisation of the event by the Guild. The Estate Patrol conveyed a handful of student to their halls and a few students to hospital”. He went on to thank the welcome team for their work in walking students home. Jak Curtis-Rendall, VP Participation and Campuses commented “I am delighted that the Freshers’ Ball was great success. There were no serious incidents reported to the Guild during the night and the sell-out crowd enjoyed incredible performance from the featured artists”.

A FIRST year at the University has died in hospital just four days into his course. William Maskell, 25, was taken ill on the evening of 26 September. An ambulance took him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Heavitree where he was later pronounced dead. He had been living in Birks Grange, and studying in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences. A University spokesperson said: “The University has been in touch with his family to offer our deepest condolences and support. “This is deeply tragic and sad news and our thoughts are with William’s family and friends. “It is important that the people who knew him, and were involved in helping him, are supported during this difficult time”. Hannah Barton, Guild President,said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of William’s death and offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. “The Students’ Guild support services are working closely with those of the University to ensure that students receive the support they need at this very difficult time”. Chris Rootkin, VP Welfare and Community, said: “The Students’ Guild Advice Unit exists to provide a range of services to students and to signpost them to specialist support. I would always urge students to make use of the Advice Unit and the University’s own support services”.

Previous Sabbs claimed SSB and Arena tickets on Guild bank account Meg Drewett Editor AN EXEPOSÉ investigation into the Sabbs expense claims over the course of the 2012-13 academic year has revealed that last year’s Sabbs claimed back SSB and Arena tickets on their Guild bank account. Whilst the majority of the claims upon the Sabbatical Officers’ Guild account were legitimate expenses, covering the cost of running Guild campaigns and travel to national conferences or award ceremonies, a number of questionable claims also appear. The nominal ledger for the Sab-

batical Officers’ account discloses that three former Sabbs claimed back their Safer Sex Ball tickets in December 2012, whilst the fourth claimed back a ticket to the Diversity Ball in March 2013, totalling claims of £146.83. When asked by Exeposé, the former Sabbs confirmed that they did claim back tickets but declined to comment any further. In addition to this, a claim for Arena tickets was made in November 2012, costing £41.67. Although the Students’ Guild believe these tickets were likely to have been purchased to reward Children in Need organising committee volunteers, this had not been confirmed at the time of going to

print. Other claims made to the account include £85.12’s worth of Christmas cards, £41.19’s worth of push pins and £23.51’s worth of fairtrade bananas. £125.76 was also claimed back for spending in the Ram, allegedly for a meal for the designers of the A&V hub. A 50” plasma screen television for the SSB was also claimed on the account, costing £410.04, though it is believed that this expense was misfiled. However, the 2013-14 Sabbatical Officers have changed their position regarding the claiming of tickets for Guild events for this academic year. Guild President Hannah Barton told Exeposé: “The Sabbatical Officers

carefully consider all potential expenditure and we are taking a fresh approach to managing the Sabb budget for 2013/14. While attendance at Students’ Guild and University events is an important element of the role of the Sabbs, these costs will not be taken from the budget this year”. James Roberts, a third year History and Politics student, said “It’s unbelievable that the Sabbs claimed for their SSB tickets when all of the money actually goes to charity. If they were there in a personal capacity, they should have paid for their own tickets like everybody else. It’s absolutely right that they will not be claiming back such expenses this year”.

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Format of ‘Blurred Lines’ vote changed Prior to the recent alterations, a single member of the student body was able to put forward a motion, but each proposal will now have to be followed by 25 signatures in support of the suggested motion. A third year English student commented: “I find the removal of anonymity problematic. This may result in students choosing not to act upon an issue important to them for fear of sharing their views openly”. Conversely, Harry Chamberlain, President of Conservative Future has defended the changes: “I am happy that

The removal of anonymity will be problematic A third Year English student The Guild are offering a third voting option for students, primarily because, in past motions, the call to ban things polarised much of the support for the issues surrounding the vote. The Guild has enabled students to have a proper discussion about the more salient issue of sexism and the portrayal of women in both the media and music industry, rather than letting people get bogged down in an argument about censorship.” Chamberlain has also described the need for 25 signatures as a “vast improvement” on the previous system. Next Wednesday the exact terms of the motion will be released before the commencement of the campaigns and vote in Week 5 of term. The vote will operate on a first past the post system, which means that the option with the most votes will be the motion that is ultimately passed.

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Respect Concert postponed after sexist slurs from Tim Westwood issues.” Ricky Freelove, a second year History student, said: “For what the Exeter Respect concert is supposed to represent - equality and diversity across all sectors - Tim Westwood is the complete opposite of what I would expect to see at the concert after hearing about his alleged recent comments at the Leicester University gig. The comments are vile, and would be a true embarrassment to him. The vulgar, misogynistic language supposedly used at Leicester is just appalling, and I expect to see a full apology from him. I should hope that he is not playing any other student events.”

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University implement “approved” accommodation to house students Louis Doré News Editor THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER has expanded accommodation to facilitate for an extra 600 places this academic year, after housing approximately 92 per cent of year one undergraduate students. Following a 34 per cent rise in applications for 2013-14, the University expanded its undergraduate intake this year by an extra 600 places. A significant change from recent years is the implementation of the external Printworks and UNITE accommodation services by the University accommodation team. In December 2012 the University announced the closure and conversion of Hope Hall and Lazenby to office space, following the temporary closure of James Owen Court and Moberly. At the time the University confirmed to Exeposé: “The closure of Hope Hall and Lazenby as residences will not result in a shortage of accommodation places on campus”. The University have stated that “The accommodation available is made up of residences which are owned, managed or approved by the University. For approved residences, which equates to just over 200 rooms, the University nominates a student to a private accommodation provider based on their application.” The total number of bedrooms the University offers, including residences the University nominates to, currently equates to 5,476, with 1,273 off campus residences. The University experienced a boom in applications for the academic year 2013-14, up 33 per cent to 34,077, having been awarded the Sunday Times University of the Year award and having become part of the Russell Group. Over the past few years £170 million has been invested in new student accommodation at the University of Exeter to ensure that high quality accommodation was available for students. In September 2012, a three year building programme was completed in partnership with UPP which increased the number of rooms available to over 5,000. The University also announced in January 2013 it would be freezing and decreasing the

room rents for over 80 per cent of the bedrooms available for 2013/14. The annual turnover for the residential accounts is approximately £28 million, of which around £15 million is passed on to 3rd part partners such as UPP. This figure is made up of student rents and vacation business (such as residential conferences), which helps to support the running cost of University residences. Between 11 August and 22 September, 5,062 inbound calls were taken by the accommodation team, of which 70 per cent were answered within 20 seconds. The accommodation blog was also utilised for the first time as a communication tool, receiving approximately 24,000 views since mid-June. Catered accommodation at Exeter ranges from £119.98 weekly rent (a twin budget in Moberly) to £212.03 (single ensuite with a view in Holland), whilst the undergraduate self-catered options on campus range from £97.86 to £249.48. To compare with other Russell Group universities, the average cost per room for a standard catered room at the University of Liverpool currently stands at £114.10 whilst the average cost of a room of the halls at the University of Leeds is £104.62. At Queen Mary University London, the average cost of a room is comparatively cheap, standing at £84.86, whereas a catered room at the University of Nottingham costs, on average, £170.70. Jak Curtis-Rendall, VP Participation and Campuses, stated: “I am pleased to see that efforts are being made to expand the available accommodation in line with growing student numbers. It is vital that the Students’ Guild continues to push to see the University provide a flexible range of accommodation to meet the range of student needs and budgets across our campuses.” A third year Geography student commented: “It’s pretty ridiculous that the University converted some halls into office space a matter of months ago and are now scrabbling around to find bed spaces for freshers. I think a bit of foresight was required before either closing halls or making offers.”

>>Construction work continues on Hope Hall

Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Printworks:

Owen Keating, News Editor, investigates one of the non-university student accomodations SOME of the new intake of undergraduate students this year were allocated rooms in non-University owned properties, including the Printworks, a luxury student accomodation block near the city centre. A university spokesman said: “We can confirm that a small number of students have been offered accommodation at the Printworks as part of a nomination agreement which has been created between the University and the third party provider.” The University attributed the decision to use Printworks to an increased undergraduate intake, stating: “Following a 34 per cent rise in applications, the University of Exeter has expanded its undergraduate intake this year by an extra 600 places and this means we are having to increase the number of bed spaces for new students. We have done this by making special arrangements with private providers in the City who own and manage high quality purpose built student accommodation.” The Printworks charges rents of between £132 and £180 a week for a self-catered room or studio. The cheapest self-catered undergraduate accommodation on campus costs £97.86 per

week. When asked by Exeposé whether students were given a choice about taking a room in the Printworks or not, the University responded: “All students who receive an offer of accommodation from the University have a choice as to whether or not they accept the offer or seek their own accommodation. Should a new student wish to seek their own accommodation we can also support with this process.” The University also confirmed that: “The Printworks was offered to students whose applications were received by the Accommodation Office after 31 July 2013 and who requested either ensuite or studio accommodation.” Jak Curtis-Rendall, VP Participation and Campuses stated: “The dramatic increase in the University’s intake of students this year has made it essential to seek additional off-campus accommodation. My priority is to work with the Students’ Guild alongside the University to ensure that students are offered quality and affordable accommodation that meets their needs, and that still allows them to feel connected to campus life.”

University of Exeter to pay the Living Wage Tom Elliott Online News Editor THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER have announced plans to pay their employees the Living Wage. This will see the University ensure that employees are paid a minimum of £7.45 an hour, a figure that has been calculated according to the basic cost of living, including necessities like accommodation, food and clothing. Last week, Exeposé revealed that as of June 2013 over 300 University employees were being paid below the £7.45 threshold. The minimum wage, which does not take into account the

basic cost of living, currently stands at £6.19 an hour. In an email to all University staff, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Steve Smith said: “We have decided to press ahead with our plans to pay the Living Wage. This has been discussed over recent weeks, including informal discussions with the unions in September. We will now be commencing more detailed discussions with trade unions.” “The University is committed to providing pay and conditions of employment and a working environment which maintains our position as an attractive employer, locally, nationally and internationally. We are very aware of how wider economic conditions have

affected people’s standard of living and hope this will go some way towards helping our lowest paid members of staff.” The principle has cross party agreement in Parliament and boasts David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Boris Johnson as vocal supporters. Various other Universities, including Loughborough, Queen Mary and UCL, have also voluntarily agreed to pay all of their staff the living wage, alongside numerous higher education colleges and student unions. Alex Lewers, a second year History and International Relations student welcomed the announcement. He said: “I think it is great that the University are planning to introduce the Living Wage.

It is good to see that they are considering all members of staff and also making sure that they are an attractive employer.” The Students’ Guild have also confirmed that they will pay all staff the Living Wage. Hannah Barton, Guild President, said “This decision was taken after detailed discussion and is one I hope will positively impact on the lives of our staff. The Students’ Guild is proud to be an employer of choice and I am pleased that we are able to show our employees that we value their efforts and recognise the external factors that have been affecting everyone in recent years.”

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New Sports Park proves popular

• 18.1% increase in members from last year • 71% increase in gym visits from last year • 48% increase in Platinum members • 95% increase in Gold Owen Keating News Editor STUDENT membership at the new Russell Seal Sports Park is up on 18 per cent on last year’s figures, according to statistics obtained by Exeposé. The statistics also indicate a large increase in gym visits, class attendees, and Gold level memberships. The statistics, provided by the Sports Park, showed that there are now 3,623 student members of the new facility, up from 3,068 members in 2012/13. This 18 per cent increase is primarily made up of a vast increase in the numbers of Gold memberships; there are 95 per cent more Gold level members this year than last, with 2,048 students signing up to that option so far this year. The Gold membership entitles users to “unlimited use of [University] gyms”, as well as discounted prices on other sports activities. There has also been a 41 per cent

decrease in standard memberships, with 924 students signing up to this option as opposed to 1,578 last year. Standard membership has been changed this

We actively promote the purchase of standard membership until students know whether they are likely to be regular users or not Phil Attwell, Director of Sport year, with members of AU clubs that use university facilities paying a mandatory contribution of £20 rather than £40, with the option of paying an extra £22 to buy standard gym membership separate from their club activity.

Exeter to receive greater social sciences funding Richard Dabrowski News Team FIFTEEN universities, including Exeter, will benefit from the £19.5 million award that will combat a “critical shortage” of social scientists.

The funding gives us a terrific opportunity to innovate in teaching Prof. Susan Banducci Dubbed ‘Q-step’, the program aims to increase the number of graduates with the quantitative skills required to evaluate evidence and analyse data. Funding for it has been supplied by the Nuffield Foundation, The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Exeter will focus on employability including guaranteed work placements on new BSc and Masters courses, with

a bursary of up to £1,500 in addition to creating new BSc degrees with emphasis on applied data analysis in: Sociology, Criminology, and Politics and International Relations. There will also be a new Masters in Political Research with Applied Data Analysis, a proficiency in Applied Data Analysis add-on to other degrees, bursaries for vacation summer training and a Masters which prepares students for a PhD programme in Advanced Quantitative Methods. Professor Susan Banducci, a politics lecturer at the University of Exeter and the Director of the Exeter Q-Step Centre said: “Think about Moneyball, Freakonomics, Nate Silver and his election forecasting – data analytics is everywhere. The funding gives us a terrific opportunity to take advantage of the emergence of new sources of data, innovate in teaching of social science methods and deliver a fun and challenging curriculum to our students.” Fourth year French and Geography student, Eléanore Henderson, said: “It is good to see more funding for social sciences as they are important for helping us learn about the ever-changing world we live in today”.

University of Exeter Sport and the AU implemented this new system in early 2013, with the aim of creating a “much fairer” system. Phil Attwell, Director of Sport, said: “We actively promote the purchase of standard membership until students know whether they are likely to be regular users or not. We then allow them to upgrade to Gold/Platinum if they wish, getting a rebate on their initial standard membership investment”. Platinum memberships, costing £300 and entitling the user to unlimited use of a wide variety of facilities and activities, have also been taken up by 48 per cent more students than last year thus far. 651 students bought the package this year, as opposed to 441 in 2012/13. There has also been a 71 per cent increase in gym visits from last year, in statistics that cover the start of the financial year (August 1), up to the end of week two of this term, the 7 October. There were 15,634 visits to the Russell

Seal Sports Park in that time this academic year, as opposed to 9,144 equivalent visits to the Sports Park last year. Classes have also seen an increased attendance this year. There was a 57 per

It’s no surprise that sports park visits have rocketed, since the quality of equipment has improved immensely Helen Schnabel, third year English student cent increase in class attendees in the first week of term, although this could be explained by a bigger programme of classes. There are 165 classes this year, as opposed to 86 last academic year. This continues a long trend of an

increasing student interest in visiting the Sports Park; in 2010/11, there were 6,131 student visits to the Sports Park in the first few weeks of term. Attwell added: “Our online membership, and online gym induction have both worked well this year and have helped reduce queues, as has the significant increase in the number of customer service advisors at the desk. Now that the self-service kiosk is operating, we hope that access to all facilities is quick and easy.” Helen Schnabel, a third year English student, told Exeposé: “It’s no surprise that Sports Park visits have rocketed, since the quality of equipment has improved immensely. The number of machines now actually accomodates the student population, whereas the number of machines in the old Sports Park was marginal in comparison to the number of students who actually used the Sports Park”.

SenseExeter wristband project launched by Guild Helen Carrington News Team A NEW project to raise awareness of student safety on nights out has been launched by the Guild. The project, SenseExeter, aims to highlight issues of alcohol consumption and safety returning home at the end of the night. Chris Rootkin, VP Welfare and Community, handed out wristbands at two of the biggest student nights, Timepiece on Wednesday and the Lemon Grove on Saturday. In a recent article in the National Student, Lee Sheriffe, a young person’s alcohol worker, discussed the common dangers associated with binge drinking and heavy use of alcohol. One of the high risks identified was that alcohol can cause “blackouts and severe memory loss”, leading to “poor decision making”. SenseExeter aims to combat this by encouraging students to be aware of their alcohol consumption, walk in groups or take a taxi, and be consid-

erate of local residents. Students were encouraged to enter a competition on the website, and there was a good response to the campaign.

Following the wristband distribution the website has received over 1,100 page hits VP Welfare and Community Currently, nearly a thousand wristbands have been handed out, and the continuing project will be linked with a larger alcohol awareness campaign in the future. Jon Craggs, fourth year Maths student, said: “Students can be vulnerable when they’re walking home after a night out, and I think it’s important that the Guild does what it can to protect them.”

Emily Hickley, an Economics student, said: “Although student safety is an issue that the Guild needs to address, I’m unsure that this is an effective way of doing so”. Chris Rootkin, VP Welfare and Community, said: “The ‘How did I get home?’ wristband campaign was developed to encourage students to think about their personal safety as they make their way home. “By directly and personally engaging with students I hope they have been encouraged to think about these issues and to take in the information at www.senseexeter.com. Following the wristband distribution the website has received over 1,100 page hits and 119 survey responses which will inform future welfare campaign planning. “One of my priorities is to work closely with the Students’ Guild, the University and the Exeter Night-time Economy Group to ensure that our students stay safe when out at night”.

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University of Exeter Medical University of Exeter breaks into T.H.E. top 150 School to receive funding for globally for the first time childhood disability research Oliva Bateman News Team THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER has been ranked 148th in the Times Higher Education (T.H.E.) World University Rankings 2013-14. This adds to its success at being placed 8th in the UK Times and Sunday Times University League Table 2014. The T.H.E. rankings are the only global university performance tables to judge world class universities across a range of important criteria - teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. The top universities rankings employ 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons available, which are trusted and used by students, academics, university leaders, industry and governments.

Steve Smith, Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive commented: “This is a fantastic result, Exeter will continue to improve its position as its reputation for world class teaching and research grows around the globe”. The T.H.E. World University Rankings are now in their tenth year and have played a key part in the increase of students choosing to study abroad. As students become more globally mobile it has never been more important that the University of Exeter has received this world-wide recognition. Samantha Hopcraft, a fourth year Spanish and International Relations student, commented: “As an imminent graduate, this is really valuable for me at the moment as I’m looking for jobs particularly in the global market. This international recognition will make my degree from Exeter even more valuable.”

Alexandra Lapshina News Team CHILDHOOD disability research will be funded for six more years at Peninsula Cerebra Research Unit (PenCRU) based at the University of Exeter Medical School. The research unit will receive £796,303 from Cerebra, a national charity for children with neurological problems. PenCRU works with families across Devon offering health services for children and young people affected by disability or those who have special or additional health needs. The grant will be used to continue research into topics such as evaluating peer support for parents of disabled children; reviewing complementary therapies for ADHD; and promoting positive attitudes towards disability in schools. Dr Chris Morris, Senior Research Fellow said: “We are looking forward

to using the funding to continue to build the partnership we have developed with families and to increase the number of families with whom we work.” Cerebra are a UK charity that aims to improve the lives of children and young people with brain-related and other neurological conditions. PenCRU is one of several academic centres to receive funding from the charity. Emily Harding, fourth year Medic student at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, said: “It is wonderful that the funding will be used to extend the network of families involved in this research. This will improve the quality of the research and also empower more parents to get involved in the research process; meet others that have had similar experiences and contribute to enhance the wellbeing of disabled children and their families.”

High fundraising targets for RAG without SSB

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim

National Student News Hannah Butler News Team

Language courses declining in U.K. universities

THE number of universities offering specialist modern language degrees has decreased rapidly in recent years, according to analysis conducted by Guardian Education. Despite the Confederation of British Industry branding lack of linguistic ability a “tax on UK trade”, 24 universities have removed specialist modern language degrees (single honours, or joint honours with another language) from their programmes over the past six years. Anglia Ruskin and Wolverhampton are amongst 11 universities to have stopped offering language courses completely, whilst 13 others, including Goldsmiths and Sheffield Hallam, now only offer modern languages when combined with another subject. Declining student numbers are regarded as a main reason for the extensive closures of language departments, which due to relatively high staffing levels are often more expensive to run when compared with other subjects. The Higher Education Funding Council for England recently pledged an extra £3.1m in funding to aid struggling language departments.

Oxford chief calls for higher tuition fees

Christopher Bateman News Team EXETER RAISING AND GIVING have set a fundraising target of £100,000 for this academic year, despite having not yet announced a replacement for the SSB, their main fundraising event. RAG managed to raise £69,941.21 last academic year, while the SSB managed to raise £25,000 alone in 2012.

A major change in RAG this year is the scale of our challenges Milly Hindle, RAG Event Manager Henry Bowles, RAG President said: “The SSB has been a major asset to RAG…but I am confident that the success we had in Freshers’ Week will continue”. RAG managed to raise £5000 towards their target in Freshers’ Week. Furthermore, the RAG president confirmed to Exeposé that there will be another headline event happening in the SSB’s place. Milly Hindle, RAG Event Manager, drew attention to the wide variety of ways in which RAG could raise money, telling Exeposé: “There is no limit to the ways we can raise money, so we are thinking big” and adding: “a major change in RAG this year is the

>> RAG have set higher targets than ever this year, including plans to send forty people to climb Kilimanjaro

scale of our challenges”. Last year four members were sent to Everest base camp. This year however, 40 people are climbing Kilimanjaro and there is a Gorilla Trek through Uganda taking place. Both trips have nearly been filled already. Other upcoming events include the hugely popular hitchhike which is happening again this year. Between 14-17 November, Exeter students will be undertaking the challenge to reach

£69,941 Raised by RAG last academic year Amsterdam without spending money, with the proceeds going to RAG. RAG week also starts on 4 November. The week aims to raise RAG’s profile on campus and to get students

involved in the society. With all of these events in mind, both Bowles and Hindle agree that the £100,000 target “is very realistic, due to the diversity of our committee and our enthusiastic members”. A third year English student commented: “I think it’s very ambitious for RAG to set such a high target, and it will be interesting to see if their new plans will succeed.”

OXFORD UNIVERSITY’S vice-chancellor has called for a new system allowing top universities to charge higher tuition fees than those providing an inferior education. Professor Andrew Hamilton claimed in an annual speech that each university should be able to charge fees “aligned with what it offers”, in order to reflect the variation in standards of education among British universities. Hamilton stated: “Given the great diversity of the institutions in our higher education system, the notion of different universities charging significantly different amounts doesn’t feel inherently unnatural. It is the current situation that seems out of kilter”. He also claimed that such increases in fees should not prevent students accessing top universities, providing the correct financial support is available. Hamilton called for a new system that would help ease the £70m annual shortfall which, he said, could potentially threaten Oxford’s world-class education. Defending the proposal, and the financial burden increased student loans would place on the public, Hamilton argued it would be a sound investment, stating: “so far as Oxford is concerned, all the evidence indicates that the quality of the education a student receives here is overwhelmingly his or her best investment for their future.”

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We would like to thank our members for the phenomenal response to our content calls this week Talking of confronting sexism, in other news, the Guild has revealed that the format of the student vote on ‘Blurred Lines’ by Robin Thicke is to change. With the introduction of the new ‘Condemn but don’t ban’ option in the voting, one can only hope that this will add clarity to the campaigns over the coming weeks, rather than simply giving people an easy way out. It must be noted though that this

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Decisions, decisions... The Exeter Respect Concert was supposed to take place on October 25. However, as Exeposé has exclusively revealed this issue, it has been postponed after its headliner, DJ Tim Westwood, was accused of making a number of disgusting sexist comments on stage at the Leicester Student’s Union last week. Mr Westwood’s representatives, at the time of going to print, have strongly denied that he made the reported comments, but the Exeter Respect Concert organisers must be commended for taking such swift action to challenge alleged sexism. Delaying the concert cannot have been an easy decision after all the time and effort put into it, but it’s important that we do not let troubling comments like these pass.

EDITORS

change in the voting - as well as the additional change of 25 supporting signatories to any ‘Have Your Say’ proposal - took place in a day, without any extended consultation with the student body. The decision made at Democracy Committee by a number of Sabbs and Guild Councillors may be a perfectly legitimate one but concerns have been voiced by students at the speed of the change. Similarly, the changes to the ‘Have Your Say’ system may be useful for tackling joke proposals, but also run the risk of alienating students who wish to influence the Guild and will make it harder for one person to make a change on a subject they believe is important. It’s a delicate issue and as members of our student community, we must keep a watchful eye on our democracy to ensure that the Guild is always acting in our interests. Finally, on a personal note, the Exeposé editorial team would like to extend its thanks to our members and writers. We have had a phenomenal response to our content calls this past week. Our section editors have been flooded with articles and some tough decisions had to be made. If your article didn’t make it into print, please don’t be discouraged; it may have been selected to feature on our website, Exeposé Online, and if you would like feedback on your writing, you are more than welcome to contact our section editors. Writing workshops are going to be scheduled to take place later this term, so if you’d like to hone your skills at any style of writing for a particular section, make sure you look out for those as well.

Thanks to those who helped proof this issue: Vanessa Tracey, Lauren Swift, Charlotte Earland, Lucy Pairman, Thomas Davies, Clare Bennett, Rosy Blake, Fé Toussaint, Isobel Burston, Sabrina Aziz, Alexandra Lapshina, Emily Lewis, Jess Thomson, Tristan Gatward, Jonathan Hall, Chloe Glassonbury, David Lancett, Rhys Rowlands, James Smurthwaite, Maddy Everington, Emma Gilmartin, Laura Christopher, Harry Scrase, Amrita Pal, Michael Goodier, Olivia Pimenta, Thomas Ling, Giorgi Manuzelos, Oliva Bateman and members of the Exeposé editorial team CORRECTIONS The article ‘How’s it hanging?’ that appeared in Issue 612 was written by Connor McGovern; Exeposé incorrectly credited this article to Callum McGovern. We would like to apologise to Connor for this misprint.

Meg Drewett & Jon Jenner Clara Plackett & Emily Tanner

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The “Quarter Life Crisis” “The mid uni crisis is necessarily a broad term, and subjectively felt. Mine I hope - was emancipatory” Freddie Doust THIS summer has been something of a roller-coaster career wise for me. But - having not yet embarked on one yet - how can this be the case (I hear you ask)? I am, after all, only just starting third year. The truth is this. I’ve experienced what many of you out there will have - or if not yet, will soon - experience. Over the news this summer, there was talk, in the press, of a new type of life crisis: the “Quarter Life Crisis”, as I think it was coined in the Evening Standard. This crisis - the Standard contended - occurs between the ages of 20 and 25. It’s when you’re just embarking upon your career, with seemingly infinite options before you... But which route to take? This, apparently, is the crux of the crisis. I, however, think this crisis must be relocated. In my experience, this “crisis” happened over the summer. As is the norm, I completed a number of internships this summer. Like many, I flirt, to and fro, umm and ah relentlessly about career options. This truth is directly reflected in my choice of internships this summer: an IP law firm, a private equity firm and an advertising agency. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. So let’s call my experience (and I’m in no doubt I’m not alone here) the mid-uni crisis.

There is one providential consequence of mine. I now have a far firmer understanding of what I don’t want to do. And that, surely, is the first step. What don’t I want to do? Enter that macho, big-balls-in-abundance, greed-driven masochistic, mythological place: “the city”. I’m an English student: how could I have even considered this - finance, accountancy (etc.) - being a place, an industry, that would chime with my skill set? I’m (I hope!) good with words. Not numbers. Sadly, though, due to the type of person Exeter attracts (let’s not mince words here - stuck up, red-trouser-donning, institutionalised snobs), if you don’t, in some capacity, go into “the city”, somehow, you’ve failed.

Over the news this summer there was talk in the press of a new type of life crisis: The Quarter Life Crisis, as I think it was coined in the Evening Standard Let’s explore this idea. The reason I did the private equity internship is because this - I’m told - is the type of industry “people like us” should be looking at going into. I was implicitly pressured, influenced, by my peers, my contemporaries. “Old boy, it’s

good form to go into the city and make the big bucks!”. This, it seems, is the narrative drive of Exeter University. Success = money = happiness. An exceedingly rigid (not to say, reductionist) line of causation. For over a year, I lived this delusion. Thank God I became aware of it now - as opposed to five years down the line - when, doubtlessly, I’d be stuck, miserable, as an auditor at PwC. The mid-uni crisis is necessarily a broad term, and subjectively felt. Mine was - I hope - emancipatory. Although slightly too hippy for my liking, the interpreter and populariser of Eastern philosophy for a Western audience, Alan Watts, puts forward a compelling argument - which I’ll finish on. In vocational guidance of students, he asks them the pertinent question: “What if money were no object - how would you really enjoy spending your life?” In answer to this question, he claims, people say they’d like to be writers, artists, poets, because everyone knows you can’t make any money that way. His argument hinges on the idea that if you do something purely for carnal desire of monetary gain, you’ll completely waste your life; this is because you’ll be working in something you don’t enjoy to fund yourself to continue working in something you don’t enjoy. Ad infinitum. “It’s all wretch, no vomit”, he posits. This is the deep irony of it all. Do something you enjoy - he claims - and you’ll become its master. In consequence, perhaps, being able to charge a good fee for it. Photo: Niklas Rahmel

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I know you hate it... Elliot Hollingsworth ROBIN THICKE’s ‘Blurred Lines’ has been around the news a lot recently, with various universities, including Exeter, considering or outright banning the song from campuses, so please do forgive me if this reads as a rehash of many other articles. But I think that this should be talked about and the point repeated as much as possible: This song is damaging. I’ve heard many blithely state that this song is harmless; that banning it would be absurd. It’s just a catchy pop song, right? Well, no. Not really. When people sing and dance to this song, they’re singing and dancing along to a song that worsens attitudes towards women and contributes to rape culture: the practice of our society accepting and being apologists for rape by blaming the victim as the one at fault or making apologies for the attacker. When was the last time you heard a “she was asking for it” remark or “she was dressed like a slut” comment? That is rape culture. The victim is never to blame for rape. But songs like this distort this fact, with the hazy definitions of consent: “I know you want it”. The inspiring Project Unbreakable (http://project-unbreakable.org/), founded by a rape victim, Grace Brown, displays victims of rape holding a board with the words of their attacker on. Should we be encouraging these

casual and damaging opinions towards non-consent, the dehumanization and degradation of women as pure sex objects? Thicke states himself “what a pleasure it is to degrade women”. It might come as a shock to some, but women are humans too. Such misogynistic songs like this cannot be helping the attitudes towards rape. According to studies by the charity Rape Crisis, 400,000 women are sexually assaulted and 85,000 raped every year in England. One in five women reading this

Louis Doré News Editor

When people sing and dance to this song they’re singing and dancing along to a song that worsens attitudes towards women and rape culture article will have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lives. I don’t claim to speak for them, but imagine being the victim of abuse, enjoying a night out with friends and then hearing the lyrics “I know you want it. You’re a good girl”. Quite the trigger, especially considering that that phrase is commonly said to be used by the abusers on Project Unbreakable. There are no blurred intentions behind the meaning of this song. It is misogynistic trash. Which is why I would call you all to lobby for a line to be drawn over this casual attitude towards sexual abuse and have this song banned from the campus.

Photo: projectunbreakable.tumblr.com

THE ARGUMENT surrounding a Blurred Lines referendum will not be on the backwards chauvinism of the song itself, which is the most tragic thing about the news of a coming Guild vote on it. I think anyone with half a brain can see that the video is degrading – the women are valued purely for their bodies whilst the men are in suits. This, combined with rapey (and frankly unimaginative) lyrics, leaves us with a tone so indefensible it has been parodied and openly mocked in the media with great success. What separates ‘Blurred Lines’ from the run of the mill sexism we see in other genres (yes, I’m looking at you 90’s rap) is the staying power of the song. The infectious beat has kept the song in our heads and in the charts for months, fuelled by a media storm over the sexism. Ironically, the storm probably only alerted pubescent teens to the existence of near-pornography on YouTube, ensuring a longer chart run. I think everyone can agree that the beat and bassline are great, but the song and video are too disgusting to tolerate in this day and age. Therefore the song is sexist and banning it from campus is a logical statement about chauvinists - more important than the Lemmy playlist. That’s that, then.

15 OCTOBER 2013 |

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Sadly it isn’t, because as with any debate involving a media of any kind being banned, the debate will turn into one of censorship vs no censorship, blurring the lines the debate started on (I’m sorry, it was there, I had to). People will be divided by the issue of free speech, rather than encouraged to vote in line with the argument the referendum hopes to explore. I implore any of you reading this article to vote according to your views on the sexism of the song (or otherwise), and remember that we are a student union. Student unions have been a fantastic vehicle for change for decades, as votes like this remain one of the best ways to have our demographic heard. Do we really want to be known as the University that heard the song and thought “Yeah, that seems like a healthy attitude” ? Because that’s how we’ll seem, politicians and the music industry won’t look at the debate, only the outcome. Besides, even if ‘Blurred Lines’ is banned on campus, I’m relatively certain it won’t be banned nationwide. The fun police won’t come and stomp on your iPod for jogging to it in the gym. The fact of the matter is, no one outside campus is going to give a shit whether we ban it from Guild venues or not, so bringing a freedom of speech argument into this debate is ridiculous. So please, ban the song, stand against shallow gender portrayals and don’t start to think you’re in Westminster – it’s just the Lemmy.

Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Photo: projectunbreakable.tumblr.com

Rebekah Heaney MISOGYNY is not exactly a stranger to the music business, or to any creative industry that flourishes in our society for that matter, but there are times when people seem to notice this fact more than others. With the huge popularity of Robin Thicke’s hit of the summer, ‘Blurred Lines’, suddenly people are sitting up and beginning to question (make that lambaste) the overtly sexist content of the song, its implied message, and that video. One of the difficult questions posed by this debate is why has this particular song been picked out of the line up of other sexist fare on the market?

As much as I agree that the overall effect is indicative of many of the dangerous myths surrounding women in our culture, it certainly isn’t the first or last song that shall be so. Perhaps it’s because that kind of objectification is more expected of ‘certain’ kinds of genres of music, rap more often than not is pointed the finger at here, but there are plenty of indie, rock, pop and other R&B outfits with little better content if we really listen (Daft Punk and ‘Get Lucky’, I’m looking at you). Perhaps it’s the rampant popularity of the song because, I admit it, I’m annoyed that such vacuous opinions have been put to such damn catchy music - we deal with enough toxic messages without it getting stuck in our heads all day! Or maybe then it’s the publicity-stunt impact of the video’s topless women. But the recent storm that has

arisen over Sinead O’Connor’s open letter to Miley Cyrus, particularly regarding her suggestion that Cyrus was “prostituting” herself by appearing-

As much as I agree that the overall effect is indicative of the dangerous myths surrounding women in our culture, it certainly isn’t the first or last song that shall be so naked in her ‘Wrecking Ball’ video, proves that the elusive happy medium is yet to be found on that matter. Because whilst Cyrus displayed some pretty damnable behaviour in mock-

ing O’Connor’s problems with mental illness, O’Connor was entirely wrong to slut-shame Cyrus in an attempt to promote a less poisonous attitude to women and their bodies in an already warped medium. And now Exeter Guild is proposing a ban on ‘Blurred Lines’, following the suit of other universities up and down the country. I think the ban would be, as it were, an ‘O’Connor-esque’ move. Besides the fact that on a practical basis it’s pointless to ban a song playing on every radio anyway, or the argument that censorship is the ultimate death of free speech, it seems that a ban would problematically highlight the fact that there are many, equally misogynist songs that have been enjoyed on campus without the guild’s censure. However, I do think that the proposal to ban is a worthwhile one,

and there is reason to this. Because considering it as an option, opening up a conversation on bigoted media and our enjoyment of it (as I am doing now) is the best possible thing for the discussion on the pervasive inequality in our society. Ultimately there are always some unfortunate persons who simply cry ‘overreaction’ and ‘too sensitive’ to controversies such as Thicke’s song: ‘Haven’t you heard? Sex sells, it always has and always will, simple as that.’ Yes, I would say, but we are the consumers and they will sell what we’re willing to consume. It’s not hard to make the decision that, if sex sells, then maybe Thicke’s is one particular brand that we don’t want to be buying.

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LETTERS

RE: Issue 612 ‘Agressive’ Bouncers Banned From Lemmy Owen Keating Hi there, Having been caught in the chaos of Saturday 21 at the Lemmy, I was quite surprised - and, furthermore, disappointed - to read this week’s headline

RE: Issue 612 e-BART: A Step Backwards Emily Tanner I was interested to see your comment piece in Exeposé about the new e-Bart system but wanted to clarify a few misapprehensions, and hopefully to reassure you and other students! I’m glad that you appreciate the detailed feedback you’ve received to date on your assignments and can guarantee that this will continue! The new system makes no difference at all to the way we mark, or to the feedback students will receive. The way the new system works is as follows: essays will be printed out by the print unit (hence the 10am deadline), thereby saving students time and money. The paper copies will then be delivered promptly to tutors for annotation, feedback and

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story. Though I obviously cannot comment on the actions of the two individual bouncers who were fired (I have no idea who they were or what they did), I have to say that, on the whole, it seemed to me the security staff as a team actually made the best of a bad situation. For they faced the almost impossible task of trying to control thousands* of alcohol-influenced students (myself included), who wanted to get into the club asap. Maybe I’m being a little old-fashioned,

but in my opinion they had no other option but to resort to ‘old school’ methods of crowd control. Personally I would prefer bouncers to be harsh on those trying to jump the queue, because otherwise it becomes a complete joke. I was being shoved against the railings by a mob, who were simply trying to amplify the chaos, and was very pleased to see them get the ‘tough treatment’ from the security staff. I am very sorry - and I might add, highly amused - to read that your

marking in the usual way. In other words, you will still receive back a paper copy of your essay with the detailed annotations that we - like you - think are so important. The deadline, as you note, is 10am. In the past (i.e. when the deadline was 4pm), we have always advised students to submit as early as possible before that cut-off in order to avoid last-minute problems with printers (running out of ink, paper jams, finding a queue ahead of you, etc). We have taken those risks away from students by implementing this new system - an initiative which has been strongly endorsed by the Guild. Nevertheless, we continue to recommend to students that they give themselves a couple of hours, if possible, before the 10am deadline in order to avoid any unforeseen last-minute issues. The first batch of Humanities essays have now been through the system without any problems. The introduction of e-BART

doesn’t necessarily mean that students have less time to write and submit their essays. In some cases, we have moved what would once have been, say, a Wednesday deadline through to a Thursday, thus giving more time. More broadly, we do - whenever possible - publish essay questions at least 4 weeks in advance; we also give students a clear timetable of hand-in dates for the whole term. This allows students to plan their work and thus avoid last-minute scrambles to submit. I really hope that this sets things straight on the e-BART issue Very Best Wishes Jo Gill Director of Education English Department

Send your letters to the editors to editors@exepose.com correspondent was not ‘tapped’ in a ‘friendly’ enough manner, but please, how else were the security staff meant to number off the next group to be let in!?!? The Lemmy staff should be employing more bouncers, not firing them - how on earth are five or six security staff meant to control thousands??? - and I hope in any case that they have already replaced the two that were fired... The one issue I do agree with in

RE: Issue 612 Strong Woman, Principled Mother or Britain’s Biggest Baddie? James Roberts Dear Exeposé Editors, I am writing to express my concern over the recent coverage of Katie Hopkins. She features prominently in two recent articles on the Exeposé website; her performance in the recent Debating Society’s Was Thatcher a force for global good debate covered by Xpression FM; she featured on the front page of the last edition of Exeposé; and she also had a double page spread (accompanied by six pictures of her making silly faces) devoted to her in the same edition. Whereas our local MP Ben Bradshaw got one page in Exeposé and one online article this week.

Katie Hopkins is not well-versed in any issue of interest. She should not be given a double page spread

Cartoon by Emily Pickthall

RE: Issue 612 ‘Agressive’ Bouncers Banned From Lemmy Owen Keating Dear Editors, Just under two years ago my current housemate was dragged through and kicked out of the Lemmy for kissing his boyfriend. When he made a complaint to the Guild, they spoke to the team in charge of the Lemmy and all they did, instead of disciplining the clearly homophobic bouncers, was offer my housemate and his boyfriend “a

free night out of their choice in the Lemmy”.

My current housemate was dragged through and kicked out of the Lemmy for kissing his boyfriend This kind of behaviour definitely has no place at a university that should endeavour to accept and not discriminate. Lina Katwala

RE: Issue 612 #everydayrapeculture Emily Tanner Dear Editors, In her otherwise thought-provoking article in the 1 Oct issue, Emily Tanner keeps using the word “offense”. The word is “offence”. This isn’t the fifty-first state yet! We should have pride; we at Exeter after all, not Harvard! Robin Chapman Mathematics

She is too frequently covered by student media and invited to talk at debates. Controversial figures should always be given a platform to express their views. That is why two years ago I wrote in support of Gilad Atzmon speaking at the university and why I supported Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time. Atzmon provoked widespread criticism when he attended a Friends of Palestine talk on the Israel/Palestine issue; however, he has written extensively on the topic and, whilst not being considered an authority on the issue, had something interesting to say and something most attendees had not been faced with before. Griffin is different. His bigotry, racism and xenophobia are well known. However, like it or not he does represent a strata of British society, the BNP get votes. People who represent others always deserve to speak no matter how distasteful you find their views. That is the nature of free speech. Katie Hopkins is not well-versed

the article is the complaint about the ridiculous situation regarding opening the doors. Does the Lemmy really have to abide by their opening times to the minute? Could the staff have not begun stamping us a little earlier to relieve the pressure? Ben Pullan *The Lemmy’s capacity was 1500 in Freshers’ week - this was adhered to.

in any issue of interest. She is an unemployed, failed businesswoman and politician come reality TV star. She does not represent the views of anyone else, she is neither elected nor voted for. Hopkins undeniably deserves some space in the University press as an alumni and as a public figure. However, Hopkins should not be given a double page spread in the University paper nor should the Debate Society give her contrarian opinions unlimited publicity. By doing so student media allows her to invade space where she has no right to be. Hopkins is deliberately provocative and out-spoken not because she has anything to say, but solely to garner interest in herself. That is why she appeared on The Apprentice and I’m a Celebrity, and why she does the rounds on the morning magazine shows. She gets views and sells papers, but DebSoc or Exeposé does not charge people, therefore, the commercial element is removed and the focus can be put firmly on the quality of debate and journalism. Hopkins does not only fail to display logical argument or substance, she actively undermines the integrity of the aforementioned institutions. Her recent coverage also highlights that these institutions are lazy, unimaginative, and self-serving as they value number of attendees and copies distributed rather than promoting quality debate and journalism. Both the Debate Society and the student media fall victim of Hopkins quest to remain ‘the most hated woman in the country’ giving her more column inches and airspace to promote her egoistic, attention-seeking opinions. Student organisations like Exeposé, Xmedia, and DebSoc (without the commercial restrictions) should prioritise quality over quantity. Going to Hopkins for comment on current affairs is like asking Kermit the Frog to talk about the US fiscal cliff. The irony is that by writing this letter I am continuing to give Hopkins more time than she deserves, but I believe the point is still worth making in order to ensure that quality remains at the forefront of student journalism and debate rather than filling time and paper with people who have nothing to say. If we want pantomime, we can go to the theatre. Calum Humphreys

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Going with the Flo-ella

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Jasmine Gardosi and Dannee McGuire meet our esteemed Chancellor, Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE, and find out more about the woman behind the famous hug. THIS July, Graduation Week was full of buzzing, cloaked, hat-balancing twenty-somethings rushing out of their ceremonies to ask each other: “And what did Floella say to you?” Graduates traded quotes like belongings. Despite how varied all of Floella’s personal messages were, there was one resounding phrase that popped up again and again: “Change the world”. Baroness Floella Benjamin, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, practices what she preaches. By the time she was in her early twenties, she was already blazing a trail with her trademark blue beads hairstyle in the West End and on television. In 1981, during her time on Playschool, she featured on CBS News in America as the first woman to appear fully pregnant on British television. Since then, she has campaigned for seatbelts on buses and lobbied for twenty years for the creation of a Minister for Children. The television production company she runs with her husband Keith Taylor won an award in 2004 from the Royal Television Society, whilst Floella herself received a BAFTA Special Lifetime Award and an OBE for her services to broadcasting and television. If her CV doesn’t already look crowded enough, throw in her Vice-Presidency for Barnardo’s, and her completion of the London Marathon for charity - ten times successively. It is evident that Floella has changed the world a few times over.

I get to touch everyone - touch them in their hearts as well as embracing them Some might consider the job of Chancellor of Exeter University a marathon in itself. This summer alone Floella greeted, embraced and congratulated 4,300 graduands within

a single week. It is common legend amongst students that her last greeting is as enthusiastic as the first. How does she do it, we all wonder? Surely it gets tedious after the first few hundred or so? But Floella doesn’t see it as a test of her stamina. “I enjoy every moment,” she says, “I get my energy off the graduates as they come towards me - who will this person turn out to be – the next Prime Minister? Leader of the NHS? It’s like opening a present – what’s coming next?” Floella sighs with happiness as she recalls her feelings about each ceremony: “I have this lovely feeling of falling back and thinking… what a delight. Because I feel there’s something magical about Exeter, there’s something special.” The feeling of excitement is mutual. As honorary graduate Ian Botham put it, the graduates “spend a few seconds” with Floella, “and they leave completely different. They leave as if they’re floating.” Floella recounts Ian asking her what exactly she says to each graduate to change them. “It depends on the individual,” Floella insists. “You don’t know what’s coming at you. Some are very confident, some are shy, others nervous. Every time someone comes towards me, I have to psychologically work out what their needs are. That’s my role as a Chancellor, to give every single person that comes towards me that individual attention.” Where other Chancellors may shake hands or give a pat on the shoulder, Floella opens her arms. Every single time. “I feel like the luckiest person in the room, because I get to touch everyone – touch them in their hearts as well as embracing them. It’s the feeling that us human beings don’t practice enough.” It was one particular case that perpetuated this habit in her future ceremonies. “Near the beginning of my term as Chancellor, a girl wrote to me afterwards and the letter made me cry. She said: “Chancellor, when I was a little girl, my mother never loved me, never showed me any affection. When I told her I was going to univer-

sity, she said ‘why bother?’ When I got my first, she said ‘big deal’. My mother didn’t even come to see me graduate. I wasn’t going to go either, but, as my friends were going, I thought ‘I might as well go’. As they called my name and I came onto the stage, you opened your arms and I came into your arms. They were the arms of the mother I had longed for. Chancellor, I felt empowered that day because I knew somebody loved me.” And that’s when I knew I had to hug. You don’t know which person has grown up for twenty-odd years and never been told they’re loved.” If Floella has a flair for acting the mother figure, it’s because she is a par-

And that’s when I knew I had to hug. You don’t know which person has... never been told they’re loved ent herself. Her son graduated from Exeter years before she took up her post as Chancellor. “I know what it’s like as a parent to sit in that Great Hall and watch what’s happening across the stage.” She savours the memory, “the pride I felt watching my son, knowing what he’s achieved”. Conveniently, experiencing the ceremony from the audience has honed her technique as Chancellor. “I fix their hair. If their hair is over their eyes, on the right hand side, that means that parents can’t get a photograph, so I gently put their hair back. Many parents say ‘thank you for doing that, because I could then get a proper picture’”. Floella sees her role as Chancellor as “to nurture, as a mother, to make that graduate feel special”.

At the end of each ceremony, she tells graduates that when they are feeling low and feel that no one else loves them, they can remember that ‘somebody loves them - and that’s me’. “I really mean it,” she says. “I love reminding young people that they must love themselves, that they are worthy and they are loved”. Floella makes the role of Chancellor her own through her dedication. She has never missed a summer graduation ceremony. “Some Chancellors I know say ‘you do all of them? You’re crazy,’” she smiles. But in true marathon spirit, Floella insists on hosting them all. “I know the importance of the Chancellor. The Chancellor could make or break your day. And I don’t intend to disappoint anyone who’s out there”. There is no question of it ever becoming a chore for her. “What keeps me going is the love from the students,” Floella says. “Special people come here to Exeter. I feel at home here. Everything, the coming together of the whole of the ceremony and the feeling from the students and what they have learnt here and what they want to do to the world, it’s like a pulse, a heartbeat that’s pumping, and we’re all as one”. Her determination to greet every student at every ceremony reflects this. “I never think, ‘When does this finish? I need to go onto the next one.’ No. I always feel if you have to do something, do it with love and with passion, and with meaning. That’s what I tell the graduates, too.” There’s even a touch of martial stamina involved in her congratulating technique. In her second year as Chancellor, she was taken by surprise when one Engineering graduate hugged her, only to whirl her around the stage shouting, “Chancellor, I love you, I love you, I love you!” After re-attach-

ing her microphone, hat and cloak, and regaining her composure, Floella declared: “Let that be the last time a Chancellor is swept off her feet”. After some training in karate, she has employed a special stance for hugging graduates ever since.

I know the importance of the Chancellor. The Chancellor could make or break your day But after all the pomp and ceremony of the week, Floella is keen to end it with a twist. “After the whole week of gravitas, greeting, embracing, inspiring - the quiet moment between each graduate and myself - off comes the hat, off comes the cloak, and I put on my rock chick gear.” She excitedly discusses her new repertoire for the graduation ball, already “in the diary for 2014”. A Chancellor’s work is clearly never done. But for Floella, it’s never work. “I perform at the graduation ball to show young people that they must always reach for that freedom of life, to experience everything that’s possible – don’t feel closed and inhibited. A lot of people are so intense and closed. The point of me being Chancellor is to show there is so much to life, so much to enjoy. Don’t limit yourself or pigeon hole yourself by saying ‘I can’t do it’”. “That’s why I do the marathon. It shows you can mentally achieve anything. When you’re running, it’s all up in your head. And that’s what life is all about. Life is like a marathon, and you can succeed if your mind is active and allows you to have that freedom.”

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Black Histo President of Exeter African Carribean Society, Disun Vera-Cruz, gives us his view on the priorities of Black History Month and the implications of having one WHETHER it is the idea behind Black History Month, or the importance of its historical references, or even the accuracy of the arguments it makes, there is an unresolved problem in regards to the history of the most populous race on earth. This divisive issue is whether it is acceptable for one race to have a particular month devoted to the study of itself. The selfishness of that act, and the discriminatory impression given by a race that tries to unshackle the chains of discrimination and its effect on its people today leads to more and more concern surrounding the celebration of Black History Month. Of all of these problems, there are some that start and end with Black History Month and some that transcend the topic itself. But, of all of them, it is the idea that historical facts, figures, individuals and references are used as learning tools and precautionary examples among many policy makers and analysts today. Through constant repetition, we have heard how David Cameron has called on many European leaders to avoid the mistakes their predecessors made during their recovery

from a gruesome economic climate. Every year, we hear about the triumph of a particular race overcoming slavery, colonialism, discrimination and deprivation of their rights, and now we are growing into the routine of using these historical obstacles as the root cause of their current economic and social problems. What began in America as affirmative action has now transcended into British politics in the form

The divisive issue is whether it is acceptable for one race to have a particular month devoted to the study of itself of positive discrimination in employment law. It causes one race to blame itself for the misfortune of another. It also causes the ‘unfortunate’ race to become not only reliant on the benevolent nature of its successful counterpart

but also emphasises the ghetto mentality that ‘there is no way out of here’. Although we live in a self-proclaimed meritocratic world, we tend to ascribe the reasons for success of one person or one group of people to an unfair society. Not only is there unfairness of population distribution in regards to race but there is also unfairness in the opportunity given to one group of people over another. The number of minority races in the top universities and public schools provides the most convincing evidence of the disparity in racial opportunity. While it is undeniable that this disparity exists, the causes and the solutions find their origin in the context of the celebration of Black History Month, or at least, that is what we are led to believe. Slavery built two of the world’s greatest civilisations in Britain and America. From this lowest form of humankind, we have witnessed the transformation of the social class of a race to the extent that one of its own now leads the most powerful country in the world; a country that was built on the sweat of its forefathers. Steady progression has led to the cur-

rent position of black people in modern society – very few at the top and many, many more at the bottom. Colonialism deprived black people of their resources, both human and natural. Segregation and discrimination led to deprivation

It should focus on the positive outcomes of the struggle of a race...not another cause for division of the essential needs of a race and a group of people. It is for these reasons that many will assume that a race can find itself in the position many black people have found themselves in today. Also undeniable to all of this is the success of many black people. There are influential women of this race, like Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In their diverse respective fields, none of them have mentioned positive discrimination as the cause of their success. Perhaps the

common factor in their individual success stories is circumstance; the fortune of coming from black families that are in the minority of black families; that they were well off or exposed to situations to which many other black people living in the same country would not have been exposed. If this is the case then the essence of using the history of black people as a reference to formulate policies for social progression is futile. During a very heated debate on Black History Month, someone asked me whether I like being associated with a race that connects itself and its history with negative stories of oppression. The reason I was caught out and rendered speechless was because for a race that prides itself on overcoming so many forms of oppression, self-pity seems to be the message of Black History Month. If this commemorative month were to be used at all as a tool to draw historical reference, maybe, just maybe, it should focus on the positive outcomes of the struggle of a race as an encouragement and not as another cause for division in an already divided world.

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| WEEK four

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With a personal account of Black History Month, Meg Drewett, Editor, explains her own experience of the importance of black history in schools IT’S October 1999. I’m seven years old and sitting in class at my primary school, which is located a few streets away from where I live in the London borough of Brent. The 2001 census will show that Brent is the most ethnically diverse borough in London, with an 85 per cent chance that any two residents drawn at random will belong to different ethnic groups. In 2013, it will still be referred to as London’s “multicultural heartland”. But back in 1999, all I know is that my best friend Tamara and I are eagerly awaiting to hear about the class assemblies that are going to take place to celebrate Black History Month. They happen every year; each class is assigned a significant person from the vast realms of black history and make their very best seven-year-old attempt to provide an informative and entertaining assembly about them. As it happens, my teacher this year is Miss Archer. She also runs the drama club at my school, and thus it may not come as that much of a surprise to hear that class 3A will be presenting their assembly in the form of a play: The Life and Times of Mary Seacole. I know nothing about Mary Seacole; she won’t be added to the National Curriculum until 2007 and thus I am oblivious to her. So is the rest of my class and the lesson is dedicated to teaching us Mary’s history. For those who aren’t aware, Mary Seacole was a

nurse of Jamaican and Scottish descent, born in the early 1800s. Having travelled to Britain from her hometown Kingston in her late teens, Seacole had desired to serve as a nurse during the Crimean War. She was refused sponsorship to do

At the time, it feels like the greatest example of racism I have ever encountered this a number of times, but, quite determined, finally made her own way to the Crimea and rose to her important place in history by caring for soldiers there. Once the history bit is covered, we move on to what is frankly the most important part of this assembly-play: the casting. My seven-year-old self believes I’m the best actress in the class and I want to play the lead. My teacher, Miss Archer, has made her plans and the tension builds until she reveals who will be who. Tamara is to play Mary. I am outraged. Tamara is to be Mary? I can’t? What does she mean I can’t play Mary? I delve further. I can’t play Mary because I’m white?! At the time, it feels like the greatest example of racism I have ever encountered. Over a decade later, having since

learnt a little more about the inherent power structures at play in any real case of racism, I realise just how ironic this is. Never before have I experienced being told I can’t do something I want because of my race. The infuriated, ashamed feelings that it provoked in me as a confused seven-year-old have always risen up when I’ve spent time since considering what it must be like to really belong to a discriminated-against, ethnic minority. This is the story that I return to whenever Black History Month comes around, because I think it demonstrates the need for the month on a number of different levels. As the years have passed, Black History Month has become an increasingly more controversial subject. It is increasingly divisive, particularly amongst the black community itself, as many have argued that its continued celebration segregates and compresses black history and further distances different races from each other in an endless cycle of resentment. But that has never been my experience of Black History Month. For me and my schoolmates, Black History Month has always been a time to reflect on and celebrate an important history that has a tendency to be overlooked in the British history curriculum. It is all too common for children to be taught a history of black people where they only appear as slaves and this deeply problemat-

ic portrayal can have a damaging impact and potentially deepen racial intolerance. And, in fact, many would argue that the ‘supplementary’ nature of Black History Month is now more important than ever. With the continued changes to the National Curriculum and the education system under the current government, there’s a danger that black history may be whitewashed from our children’s education even further (excuse the pun). Just last year, a series of reforms by Education Minister Michael Gove suggested removing Mary Seacole, as well as key abolitionist Olaudah Equiano from the National curriculum. Only a petition with over 36,000 signatures prevented this. We have to acknowledge the imbalance that remains between people of different races today. Although massive leaps have taken place in equality between the races, there are less than 30 black MPs in the House of Commons and on Empire’s recent list of the Top 10 sexiest actors and actresses in the world, only one black actress appears - Zoe Saldana. We live in a time when a significant number of obstacles stand in the way of our young people, and it’s important to remember that the power structures of our world don’t aid minorities. In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need for Black History Month, but racial equality doesn’t yet fully exist and, for now, Black History Month fills the

void that is unfortunately left behind. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse range of cultures that make up black history and enhances an education system that doesn’t give a fair space to the history of black people. It may not entirely be my place to comment on the aptness of Black History Month as it’s impossible for me as a young white woman to truly understand what it’s like to grow up in a world where your history and culture is not reflected in the wider world around you. But Black History Month must its have merits; before her debut as Mary Seacole back in 1999, I’m not sure that

In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need for Black History Month, but racial equality doesn’t yet fully exist my seven-year-old self’s best friend Tamara, the daughter of first-generation immigrants from Ghana, would ever have believed that she could be the lead in a school play. And so, maybe in some ways, Black History Month for now does more good than harm.

ory Month Will Cafferky takes a look at the origins of Black History Month AS we enter into October, citizens of the United Kingdom are once again called upon to observe Black History Month. It is a particularly divisive subject, especially amongst the community it aims to recognise. Some view the festivities as an opportunity to recognise forgotten and marginalised heroes of history. Others, such as actor Morgan Freeman, have complained that it merely serves to further segregate history by race through confining the entirety of black history to a single month. To understand the debate surrounding Black History Month it is necessary to look back on its origins. The idea was first conceived in 1926 by prominent African-American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who proposed a Negro History Week, as an attempt to expand public education in matters of black history stating that, “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” The proposition was a resounding success, and Dr. Woodson continued to

work with schools and the black community until his death in 1950. Despite the almost immediate success of his idea, Dr. Woodson never saw much longevity in Negro History Week and in the longterm, had a vision for a ‘Negro History Year’, whereby the education system embraced the entirety of black history as an integral part of all history education.

Black History Month has accelerated beyond what its founder, Dr. Woodson could ever have envisaged Following work from The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, transition of Negro History Week to Black History Month was completed in 1976. Then President Gerald R Ford encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments

of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.” The first British recognition of Black History Month came in 1987, when a number of special events were organised across London Today, the celebration is marked nationwide, through art exhibitions, lectures about prominent times and people from history, stage performances throughout October. All of this has been possible due to the co-operation between Ghanaian Akyaaba Addai Sebbo and the then-leader of the Greater London Council, Ken Livingstone, who stated his belief in the importance of the cause, as “Africa’s contribution has been omitted or distorted in most history books,” despite its “significant role” in world civilisation “since the beginning of time”. Whilst the movement has thrived since its inception nearly 90 years ago, it has not done so without controversy. In a notable interview with the American television network CBS, Morgan Freeman labelled Black History Month as “ridiculous” and questioned, just as Dr. Woodson had before him, the decision to restrain observation of black history

to a particular time frame: “You’re going to relegate my history to a month? I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history… Which month is white history month?” When probed further as to how to combat racism without awareness, he blamed the continued existence of racial categories, stating: “I am going to stop calling you a white man and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.” Whilst Morgan Freemans views on racism may be somewhat unorthodox, his critique of Black History Month is much more mainstream. In an article for the Guardian, Afua Hirsch outlined her worries about the propensity for “hero worship” during the festivities, and furthermore criticised the segregated nature of historical education in the UK. Hirsch argues that: “The original motive behind Black History Month was to redress the dishonest way history was taught in British schools… There is equally dishonesty in elevating people such as Muhammad Ali and Mary Seacole into simplistic figures of black pride.” Black History Month has accelerated beyond what its founder, Dr. Woodson could ever have envisaged. The celebration now spans across four countries

– the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. The debate surrounding the appropriate way to educate children in the multicultural history of Britain is a complex one which needs further attention. Meanwhile, Morgan Freeman’s desire to move away from racial differentiation altogether perhaps provokes more questions than answers. The debate surrounding Black History Month arguably transcends its original purpose, and forces us, as it should, to question the way in which we present culture and history in our modern society.

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Voyager: Houston, we have a probe-lem www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

With the Voyager 1 probe being the first man-made object ever to leave our solar system, James Coghlan explains what this means for mankind’s great journey into the final frontier FOR all its shortcomings, humankind has managed to achieve a remarkable amount in its rather short existence; in the last five hundred years alone, man has circumnavigated the globe, investigated both poles, and conquered the highest mountains the Earth has to offer. We have climbed every mountain and forded every stream. There is nothing we cannot do – we are unstoppable. As the first human to look at the place we call home in all its splendour from the surface of another celestial body, one could forgive Neil Armstrong for thinking something along those lines as he stamped his name onto the story o f the human race. The culmination of nine years of development, the Apollo 11 mission touched the dreams of millions of people around t h e globe a n d forever

changed their perceptions of what it means to be human. Not since the launch of the first man-made object into outer

Were the people behind the project satisfied? In a word: no. Like all humans, they wanted more space has the potential for extra-terrestrial discovery been so greatly enhanced. But the journey did not stop there. In spite of the enormity of each of our achievements, mankind has managed to out-do itself time and time again, endlessly increasing its capacity for knowledge and enhancing its appetite for adventure. Everyone thought that the field of science and technology had reached its peak, but eight years after our greatest achievement as a species, the story was no different. Little did the men and women working on NASA’s Voyager programme know that the probe designated Voyager 1 would go on to penetrate the outer reaches of our solar system’s heliosphere and become the only man-made object in history to enter interstellar space. If that isn’t amazing enough, here are some eye-watering facts: it has been in service for 36 years – hurtling towards the stars at a peak speed of 62,136 kilometres per hour – and has travelled almost 19 billion

kilometres, a distance so large that it takes 17 hours for radio messages to reach Earth. That means the probe is 126 astronomical units away from home. Translated into plain English, that’s 126 times the distance between the Earth and our Sun. Quite an impressive achievement then, especially once you consider that a modern-day sound system can possess more than five times the power that Voyager 1 currently has. However, in spite of its relative technological crudeness, the little probe has a lot riding on its shoulders. Voyager 1 was originally intended to study the planets of the outer solar system, but has recently been burdened with the responsibility of being NASA’s only source of information within interstellar space. No pressure, then. To be honest, there could not have been a better-qualified piece of equipment for the job. It overtook its sister probe Voyager 2 – launched some two weeks before it – and became the first probe to discover Jupiter’s planetary rings, along with volcanic activity on its moon Io. It was also the first to capture high-resolution images of Saturn’s moons, identifying surface structures never seen by the Pioneer probes. So, even before it assumed the mantle of being mankind’s most important far-flung creation Voyager 1’s journey had been immensely productive, the information gathered by the probe enough to rewrite astronomy textbooks. Were the people behind the project satisfied? In one word: no. Like all humans, they wanted more.

Having completed its flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 1’s planetary mission came to an end. However, instead of decommissioning the craft NASA chose to direct it past Saturn’s giant moon Titan. This flyby deflected the craft in such a way so as to remove it from the plane of the ecliptic, sending it off into deep space. NASA could have directed the probe to Pluto to complete its part of the Grand Tour, but they didn’t. Voyager 1 was destined to explore more than our home turf, and NASA knew this; the capabilities of the probe extended far beyond the tasks originally assigned to it. NASA’s intentions must have stretched just as far, seeing as both of the probes left this world carrying golden records containing sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth. There is no question that NASA intended for these probes to extend the domain of the human race, in both discovery and spirit. Armed with increased funding and carrying a symbol of human achievement, Voyager 1 hurtled into the unknown and, as we discovered in September, entered interstellar space on the widely agreed date of August 25 2012. It was on this date that changes in the density of charged particles were first detected, thus suggesting that the craft had finally left the clutches of the heliopause at the edge of our solar system and entered the unknown. This date carries with it yet more significance, howe v -

er, as this was the exact date on which the world lost its greatest pioneer: Neil Armstrong. Perhaps it is fitting that as one great trailblazer passed from us, another took up its mantle; the sense of adventure and discovery was not lost, but passed on. Human endeavour is characterised by one achievement superseding another, and this is exactly what Voyager 1 represents. The probe is set to continue transmitting data to Earth until 2025, at which point its on-board power systems will not be able to support any of its instruments. Until then, it will inform our understanding of the medium beyond our solar system, providing solid data where before there was only indirect evidence and models. Naturally after such a momentous

Human endeavour is characterised by one achievement superseding another, and this is exactly what Voyager 1 represents achievement there is only one question on my mind: where do we go from here? There are proposals to send autonomous spacecraft to nearby stars, but such vehicles would take centuries to reach their destinations, not decades. Having said that, the human race would not be where it is right now if it did not out-do itself. With Voyager 1, it is safe to say that we have out-done ourselves yet again.

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Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE EDITORS

Kitty Howie & Emily-Rose Rolfe lifestyle@exepose.com

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Emily-Rose Rolfe, Lifestyle Editor and Hannah Peck get exclusive access to the hottest new brand, Lost & Wild. We meet Creative Director, Jesse Heasman, and chat about illustrations, wild animals, and what it feels like to be dark and mysterious on campus WE met up with the Creative Director of new It brand, Lost & Wild, set up by three visionary second year students. We give you an exclusive insight into this rare breed that breaks free from the pack. It holds quality over mass production, it’s urban but not niche, and it’s creative but accessible. Jesse introduces himself, looking tame but alert, giving us the challenge of unleashing his wild side. What is Lost & Wild? “Lost & Wild is essentially affordable and uniquely illustrated street wear aimed at students. We’re all about the attention to detail, using hand drawn designs instead of just another generic graphic font,” says Jesse, the designer, illustrator, model and creative force behind Lost & Wild. There are a lot of tee’s and sweatshirts with one single, bold design on the front (No Guts, No Glory is a prime example of this). Lost & Wild have captured this craze, whilst still maintaining their own unique vision in a way that we think will refresh this scene.

Lost & Wild is essentially affordable and uniquely illustrated street wear aimed at students Naturally we were inquisitive about how this fresh brand will fit into the Exeter social scene. Jesse immediately jumped at the chance to tell us about Lost & Wild’s collaboration with the It society on campus, Snowsports. Their welcome pack included a flyer and beanie bearing Lost & Wild’s distinctive brand title, a sure sign of their present success and intentions for the future. This is a brand that can be worn on the slopes as well as on the street, and fit seamlessly into both scenes. “This is versatile clothing for people who naturally fit into different social scenes, and want their clothes to fit around their versatile lifestyle”, says Jesse, being very clear that Lost & Wild is not a uniform for one social group. It’s not stash for Snowsports: it’s a brand that can be worn by any student on and off campus. In response to our request for styling advice Jesse floundered, struggling

to commit to one option and instead reeled off an endless list of staple items one could pair with a branded piece. He suggested a Lost & Wild sweatshirt being paired with black jeans and high tops, but also loved our suggestion of smartening it up with a blazer and burgundy trousers. Guys and girls, we challenge you to find a trend this brand couldn’t fit into. Jesse finally rounds up with the punchy statement “We’ve kept it simple enough to allow the individual to put their own stamp on our brand”. Well, we couldn’t agree more!

We’ve kept it simple enough to allow the individual to put their own stamp Moving away from serious questions, we took quick break and asked “Why a wolf?” The offbeat and recognisable logo is a silhouette of a wolf’s head, so why use such a mysterious and iconic creature? Quite a bold move. “Wolves and wild animals have been coming in, to some extent…” (check out H&M’s and Beyond Retro’s rail dedicated to feisty woodland creatures), “… So we thought we’d build on and update that.” We move away from Lost & Wild and into Jesse’s creative persona. Delving into the mind of a Creative Director, we attempt to decode the origin of his artistic flare with the question: ‘If you were an animal, what would you be and why?’ Slightly taken aback, Jesse tries to make the best of an unforeseen question and easily blends the brand back into conversation. He responds with an equally enigmatic creature, “A black jaguar, I think, they’re quite cool, dark and mysterious.” He clarifies with a grin - “It’s a big cat, and they’re quite chunky”. We sneak a glance at whether he’s worth being the face of this desirable brand, and conclude that he’s more than just a simple alley cat. We head back to familiar hunting ground and pounce on the origins of the brand. ‘”What inspired the founders to make such a brave move?” Keen to prove he’s not a lone wolf, Jesse tells us about his team, Lucy Wilson

and Paddy Bartrum. Lucy, the founder, was hard at work over summer making prototypes on her own machinery, having set herself the challenge of building a brand ready to launch on her return to Exeter. Paddy is the man behind all things graphic and media-orientated, having single-handedly designed and created the clean-cut website, logo, and photography. Recently released, the look book takes Lost & Wild’s dedication to detail, quality and stylistic flare to a whole new level. “We shot it in the summer - got up at 5am, hit Norfolk and took pictures across a city”, reminisces Jesse. It shows the team in a variety of beautifully filtered locations, including rooftops, the beach, and the iconic mountain boarding-off-theback-of-a-golf-buggy shot. It captures the essence of Lost & Wild - see, it really isn’t your run of the mill clothing company! If this wasn’t enough, the cool kids at Lost & Wild released a video of them swimming across a pond with thousands of pounds worth of camera and an inflatable frog. We told you they were an adventurous bunch. To wrap up the chat, we asked another animalistic question (have we taken this too far?) “If lost and

He’s more than just a simple alleycat wild were an animal, what would it be and why?” Clearly put out by our lack of originality, Jesse replies with, “I would say a wolf, sort of rugged, hardy through the fashion changes. Wolves have an appetite for freedom, and we went with our instincts.” On a more creative note, he points out that “a wolf’s face is very striking, and when you see our sweatshirts from afar they’re immediately recognisable as Lost & Wild”. We’re expecting great things from this exciting new brand, so stay ahead of the pack and get your orders in quick - we certainly will be! Head to lostandwild.com, join the Facebook pack at ‘Lost & Wild’ and hunt them on Twitter @lostandwild.

Exeposé

| WEEK four

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Monthly Makeover

Every month Lifestyle is giving tired wardrobes a makeover. For its debut, Emily-Rose Rolfe, Lifestyle Editor, restyles Jon Jenner, Editor Before

WE set off with £80 thanks to Princesshay, a Lifestyle Editor with strong opinions on mens’ fashion, and a vast array of high street stores to explore. What does our guinea pig say about his restyle experience? Why did you want to be Restyled? I’m used to having my clothes picked out for me – occasionally by a girlfriend, usually by my mum – so I thought I’d continue the habit of a lifetime by letting my Lifestyle Editor do it. Free clothes was also a big part of the decision! How would you describe your usual style? Fairly casual. My outfit will generally be a t-shirt, zip up hoody and a pair of jeans – with the odd rogue pair of chinos. Definitely more comfortable than edgy. What’s the most embarrassing thing in your wardrobe? A bright yellow vest with an awful picture of a guy surfing on the front of it. I bought it as something to wear on holiday for a laugh, but took to wearing it around the house for comfort alongside a pair of floral swimming trunks… much to my family’s amusement/disgust. How did shopping for the outfit go? Apart from the fact I felt tragically ill, surprisingly well! Knowing how slowly I shop I was convinced we’d need a long time but the Restylist was confident we could manage it in two hours. After a brief consultation where she explained her plan for me, we managed to whizz round Princesshay at a decent pace. Ruling out all shops that wouldn’t offer something in a slim leg made it noticeably quicker.

Were there any major disagreements with the stylist? Only once on a whim she decided I’d look good in a denim shirt with some mustard-y chinos. After five minutes of insisting that I don’t suit denim, with the panic in my voice becoming quite audible, I thankfully managed to dissuade her.

After

It’s a little uncomfortable watching fetishists dressed as clowns indulging themselves As a culture, we have preconceptions about what fetish is and what we associate with it. Sadism and masochism, for example, are usually considered sordid and extreme, requiring latex, whips, and the somewhat frightening nipple clamps. But the definition

Tweet us @ExeposeLStyle LAURA CABLE @laura_cable24 Last night escalted v quickly #lovearena

CALLUM BURROUGHS @CallumBurroughs Going to Arena #timeforaVK

Do you think you’ll dress differently now you’ve been restyled? I don’t think I’m quite the type to wear a shirt every day just yet, but I really like the clothes. They’d definitely come out for a nice meal, and maybe for the odd day on campus to shake up the relentless string of t-shirts. Now I’ve had the Restyle, the next time I’m shopping for myself (God forbid) I’ll be sure to consider a slightly smarter option than I would have before. Thanks Emily-Rose!

RUSSELL ROE @Russ_95 Might have to write a letter to ASDA complaining about their lack of stores in Exeter. #needcheapfood JACK CALWAY @JackCalway Ruthlessly overtaken by a girl on the library stairs who claimed the last first floor PC #libraryfoulplay

Shirt, Topman, £16. Chinos, GAP, £31.99 (both prices include a 20% student discount). Belt, Crew Clothing, £25. Shoes, Jon’s own.

ALICE CLEMENTS @Alice_arc This is such a weird day and I haven’t even left the house yet, except to chase a rabbit around strangers’ gardens.

Have a rubbish relationship with your wardrobe? Just email lifestyle@exepose. com with the subject ‘Makeover’ and you could be the next student to be restyled, receiving £80 worth of clothes to keep!

BETH WRIGHT @BethWright26 My washing and drying cycle is so out of sync that I’m currently wearing a pair of novelty christmas knickers. Please be the weekend soon!

Thanks to Princesshay for sponsoring our Monthly Makeover! Photos: Niklas Rahmel

of sadism reads: “the tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others”. It is easy to see how this has come to be recognised as a sordid side to sex in our culture but if you enjoy dominating in the bedroom, then surely that is a, albeit very vanilla, participation in sadism. Fifty Shades of Grey took the world by storm purely because it was bringing BDSM (bondage/discipline, domination/submission and sadomasochism), this seemingly seedy aspect of sex, out into the world at large and recognising it as a part of our modern sexual culture. However, part of its popularity can be attributed to the existence of e-readers, allowing you to read erotic literature without fear of judgement, which demonstrates that the idea of fetish activity is still an uncomfortable one.

Tweets of the week

ALICE CALDER @AliceCalder I think I’ve found a new purpose in life. Mechanical Bull Rider. #yeehaw

What do you think of the new outfit? After being reliably informed by both the stylist and a friendly shop assistant that it’s definitely not “too blue”, I really like it! It’s a bit smarter than what I’d usually wear but I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Zoe Jones argues that fetishes aren’t frightening but fabulous in a community of like-minded individuals, just as any other association exists to perform exactly the same service. And, from a quick Google, it appears that Exeter is not forgotten here.

HELEN SCHNABEL @HJSchnabs Man struggling with gigantic surfboard on tiny two carriage train from tiny Devonian village #onlyinexeter

Ironing out the kinky

DO you find toes to be sexually arousing? Is it a bit of a turn-on to be bound up during sex? Do you have a spanking paddle, the use of which really revs your engine? If so, dear reader, then you have a fetish. I’ve watched my fair share of Sexcetera and I can admit that it’s a little uncomfortable watching fetishists dressed as clowns indulging themselves on your TV screen. But fetish doesn’t have to be synonymous with disgust. Fetishes cover a wider range of material than you would think, and though admittedly some fetishes are more socially acceptable than others, as humans we feel liberated in the knowledge that no two of us is exactly the same. So it is with sexual tastes; every one of us is different, and it’s a world where we need to live-and-letlive. Fetish clubs exist to bring those with similar sexual fantasies together

lifestyle

Fetish can be a fulfilling part of the sexual aspect of a relationship. However, I was interested to discover that they can be classified as a psychological disorder in cases where a fetish or sexual fixation with a particular object impairs someone’s ability to lead a normal life, and can result in cognitive behaviour therapy or treatment with medication to heal the sufferer to the point where their fetish no longer masters them. This colours the entire issue in a whole different light. In a very short space of time I have found that fetish is an issue that runs so much deeper than merely chaining a willing partner up or having a golden shower. I tread a fine line in the authorship of this article, and I hope that I come across as more than a crazy fetishist.

KATIE O’CONNOR @katiemayoconnor home after TP and chose salami and pesto pitta for my drunk snack. exeter has really got to me, does this make me a rah? #nokebabforrahs SELINA FRIDAY @SelinaFriday 3rd year at Exeter and still using a map to find my seminar room #exeterproblems HANNAH LOUISE @hannahswonders I’m virtually convinced that my decision to wear uggs is always directly correlative with the worlds decision to rain. ROSEANNE @RosGood3 When you go to a lecture to count down the minutes until it is over, you know you’ve picked a shocker module. #badlifedecisionfrommme HARRISON JONES @HarrisonJones7 Having a shitty student house at uni makes chores way funnier for some reason. #Shouse

lifestyle

15 october 2013 |

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

Going the Distance

Exeposé

In this issue, Lucy Porter and Tom Church fight for and against the worth of long distance relationships during your time at University I ONCE met a guy who tried to cajole me into giving up my long-distance relationship for him. He puffed out his chest and proudly displayed his rather average peacock tail-feathers, relentlessly dismissing every rebuttal I gave him with the “advantages” of dating within Exeter. As much as I love a guy who doesn’t respect my feelings, I couldn’t help but laugh at his killer chat-up line in which he insisted that a relationship like mine (one thousand miles apart, hello Vanessa Carlton) couldn’t survive long-term and that what I “need is something closer to home, something more convenient”. As tempted as I was by the seductive prospect of convenience, I declined, sticking with my lovely, bearded Italian and holding out through the long periods apart that came with him. Whilst lonely nights might not appeal to the average student, I can assure you that the life of a long-distance girlfriend hasn’t been all that bad. Of course there are plenty of things that suck about LDRs, that goes without saying – you have to travel regularly and explore other parts of the world, you don’t have someone to distract you from your studies and then you’re forced to fill your free time with going to the pub with your mates. When you see couples who have obviously been living in each other’s pockets for so long that they’re not actually talking anymore, let alone having sex, you actually yearn

every time feels like the first time and your every encounter is set against a constantly revolving backdrop of cities, it’s kind of worth sticking it out. So whilst I don’t necessarily think that long distance is better than the usual arrangement, I do think that it gives you opportunities that might not come your way otherwise. The opportunity to travel for example. After a bout of serial monogamy, I’ve had the opportunity to spend

FOR

The life of a long distance girlfriend hasn’t been all that bad for the luxury of boredom. Tragic. Joking aside, the real problems that afflict international affairs are just the same as those that arise in all pairings – if you don’t trust someone or you don’t actually fancy them anymore it doesn’t matter if they live in Exeter or Estonia, the relationship just isn’t going to work. But beyond the difficulties, when

MANY people who have experienced a LDR would argue that they simply do not work. Consequently, a similar number have been, at some point, strongly advised against getting into a situation of that nature. From a perspective of pragmatism, I think it’s difficult to argue the case for long distance relationships. Unless you are absolutely convinced that your partner is the sole person you want to be with, is it really worth enduring the frequent jealousy, sadness and anxiety that almost

time on my own and get enough space to realise that perhaps the secret to finding the right person is in fact a lack of convenience after all. Past relationships lasted only because we were used to seeing each other so that’s what we continued to do; now we’re together because we want to be and we’ve had to make an effort to continue doing so. But all that is in the past now. Yes, my LDR is over because a few months ago we moved in together. And he cooks for me every evening. Now that’s convenience. LP

inevitably occurs? Many would counter by asking what really are the positives? Regardless of how much the person means to you, you don’t receive any of the traditional “positive” elements of a relationship. Discounting the occasional visit, the positives you experience are being able to speak to the person via some means of electronic communication - the main purpose of which is to remind you of their absence from your

less, but it just seems to me that considering the thousands of potential suitors we each meet in our lives, it is illogical to reject the opportunity of a significantly superior relationship experience with someone with whom you have an equal or perhaps even greater connection.

AGAINST

d a y to-day life. Another anticipated response would be that it is worth it if they truly are the one you are meant to be with, but personally I simply cannot believe that in a world of 7 billion people there is only one person for everyone. Even if this were the case, there is no way you could be categorical that you had found them – despite how much it may feel like it. On one level it may sound heart-

The likelihood is that somebody equally suitable is in much greater proximity A stumbling block is that the mind-set in which people make relationship decisions is irreconcilably distant from one of pragmatism. These judgements are slaves to the fundamental human desires of love and lust. One of the greatest difficulties in discussing this topic with someone who is smitten is that they simply don’t think rationally. Clearly this is appropriate – the point of a relationship is not to come to a collection of logical conclusions; but when debating issues about the relationship in general, a shift in mentality is appropriate. A second difficulty, and one that is arguably more difficult to evade, is that a break-up stemming purely from geographical reasons is an undesirable one. Each person ideally wants it to continue, making it all the more challenging to resist reuniting. This isn’t a point of view which will appeal to the emotional romantics. But I absolutely believe that while it may be excruciating to imagine, the likelihood is that somebody equally suitable is in much greater proximity. The two components needed are luck and timing to create the greatest “positive” of all. TC

Same time. Same place. Same relationship?

Alice Belton enrolled at Exeter alongside her boyfriend from home - she discusses the new dynamic NO, it wasn’t planned. No, we didn’t intend to end up in the same accommodation. No, we didn’t expect to be in the same friendship group. This is my life on a daily basis at the moment, the regular interrogation about life at university with a boyfriend, and how this awful atrocity came about. Just kidding - going to university with a boyfriend isn’t bad at all, in fact, it actually does have its perks. As soon as a drunken, creepy guy starts attempting to grind on you at the Lemmy, a quick drop of the classic ‘I have a boyfriend’ bomb tends to assist the situation, and if you’re seriously in trouble and they’re one of those greasy, gormy, lurk-

er types then a quick snap of the ‘oh yeah he is standing right behind you actually’ and BAM they’ve practically ran a mile. This works for friends too, my boyfriend on several occasions has saved my flatmates from persistent desperado types by dancing like an absolute idiot around the girls in circles, shouting ‘free Gucci Mane’ until the creepers eventually back off. Although having a boyfriend at Uni makes life a lot easier: less homesickness, a lack of pricey train fares to visit each other and being together on this exciting journey into our adulthood (yuck), it has also proven to be slightly problematic in the past three weeks. To highlight

this, on the domestic chart in my flat we currently have a grand tally of nine.

My boyfriend has saved my flatmates from persistent desperados To let you in on some of these fabulous ‘lovers tiffs’, these include a range of quarrels, from a domestic over a boil and bite mouth guard, to when I accidentally defrosted a pork chop over a steak (THE HORROR) and when on his birthday he

went missing and was found lying in his own sick crying because I wasn’t paying him enough attention... right… However, the funniest experience has to be the journey home from our first sport social. Both dressed as freshers babies and far too drunk by a grand 9.45pm, we decided it was time to return to Birks. So began the journey, which was faced with many shouts from other students, only just going out might I add, such as “too easy mate”, “Slut”, “Rugby lad”, general disapproving looks and just oh dears, as they thought we’d pulled before 10pm. An interesting experience to say the least.

So in answer to the question do short distance relationships work? I believe they do. It is intense and very different to simply going to school together- it’s living together, it’s 24/7 but that is what makes it good. I’m very lucky to be in the situation I am in, knowing a lot of my friends’ relationships may well end in the next few months because of long distances. However, if you’re with a boyfriend at Uni, be prepared for an overflowing domestic chart, becoming an old married couple and your main topic of conversation being ‘what’s for dinner tonight’?

Sorority Sister Exeposé

| WEEK four

lifestyle

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

Exeter Execlusive Sorority sister Dictionary Tighten your translation skills deciphering Exeter chat with Eamonn Crowe’s list of lingo

Rah – (noun) Refers to a stereotypical affluent young person. Derivations; rah girls/guys. If you spend hours making yourself look ‘homeless chic’ and describe minute misdemeanours as ‘totes the most the most horrific experience evah yah’, you are a rah girl. For rah guys, the transformation is complete when you find yourself walking to the Forum in a Jack Wills jumper, shorts and flip flops… even though it is pouring with rain. Stash – (noun) Refers to the branded uniforms/ kit for the various sports societies and teams the university has to offer. Officially, you wear the stash to represent your sport and share a sense of camaraderie among your teammates. Unofficially, you wear the stash either because it looks cool and masculine, or because it is the only time you can get away with a t-shirt slogan that reads ‘netball girls know their way around the D.’ Prinking – (verb) Abbreviation of pre-drinking. The act of getting wasted before you go to the club, because even £1 shots of vodka in Mosaic are too expensive for university students. Beware of over prinking. This can result in you not even making it to The Lemmy (see definition below) due to your inability to stand and having to be escorted home in an aban-

Photo: MOMA

ANYONE remember the glorious Indian summer of 2011? The start of school or uni welcoming you back with a warm pat on the shoulder, a friendly kiss on the cheek? Well those days feel a century ago, as this autumn’s new term has coincided with a hostile two-pronged attack of wind and rain in the South-West.

I’ve never been fan of precipitation but at University it becomes my real anathema I’ve never been a big fan of precipitation but at university it becomes

doned shopping trolley (Yes, that actually happened to one of my friends).

DJ – (noun) Abbreviation of dinner jacket. Not to be confused with disc-jockey. An essential private school piece of kit, which will probably come in handy at the Freshers’ Ball or any other formal you’re eager to attend. The abbreviation to DJ is necessary, as nobody has time for full-length words anymore. Jack Wills – (noun) Refers to the mid-range British clothing outlet, branded (without a hint of irony) as the ‘university outfitters’. Until you have an extortionately overpriced Jack Wills hoody (for the guys…and maybe some girls), or pair of leggings (for the girls…and maybe some guys) you cannot truly claim to be a University of Exeter student. It is just the way things are. “Ex” or “Exe” on the front of everything Refers to the ever present threat that the university can and will place ‘Ex’ on the front of any event or programme that is associated with Exeter. You can almost hear the directors’ board now

‘It’s funky, it’s cool, the kids will love it! I mean Ex-Factor? That’s pure gold!’ At least we can take comfort in the fact that this student newspaper never made such a clumsy decision when naming itself. Cardiac Hill – (noun) Refers to the morbidly comical nickname for a hill that is so great in length and steep in gradient, it is said to induce cardiac arrest. Cardiac Hill is to be avoided at all costs. Except for if it’s covered in snow. Imagine tobogganing down that thing! The Lemmy – (noun) Abbreviation for the student nightclub, the Lemon Grove. The Lemmy is a converted aircraft hangar, where all the university’s students gather en masse every Saturday night. The Lemmy is a place of many wonders, but is notable for its never ending queues, strict bouncers, dangerously cheap alcohol and more white music than you can shake your robot-dancing hand at.

TP Burger - (noun) Abbreviation of TimePiece Burger. Refers to the legendary burgers that are served at the TimePiece bar/nightclub. If you’re raving at TimePiece (why wouldn’t you be?) these culinary delights are as much of a ‘night out’ staple as a 3am Dominoes (don’t pretend you haven’t done it, I won’t judge). The best feature of the infamous TP burger though, as I was informed by an excitable flatmate, is that it comes with FREE onions. I thought the word free would catch your attention.

Our columnist, Holly Alsop, is studying for a year at the College of William and Mary, Virginia. She compares studying in USA to the UK.

THE FIRST thing that struck me as I left my dorm for my first day of classes was the sheer amount of rucksacks on display. I counted 200 before I gave up. Every single person had a rucksack on and while sensible, I would not be caught dead lugging a backpack round in England, no matter how practical. I much prefer my trendy little handbag. Who knows when I’ll crack, I hope for all our sakes I don’t bring this trend back to Exeter.

I would not be caught dead lugging a backpack around England I’m a few weeks into my classes now and am getting into the swing of things but I don’t like how being English means I should know all about English culture and history. One boy asked me if the socialist movement in the 1900s is the fundamental reason why Britain employs the NHS system today. How the hell am I supposed to know? I mumbled a ‘yes....’

But classes in America are so different from classes in England But classes in America are so different from classes in England. For instance, you can take a course in ‘Vampires’ and earn credits for scuba diving.

And we’ve hit the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ week in Women’s Studies. Yes, I have to write an essay about E.L.

It’s actually ‘cool’ to go to the library here James’s famous BDSM text. We’ve avoided the sex talk so far but our Professor is determined that we study the ins and outs of their twisted relationship no matter how uncomfortable it makes her and us, so we have to pick our favourite sex scene by next class...awks. Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum right on my doorstep. It is an 18th century museum where everyone dresses up in period clothes and pretends they have time travelled from the 1700s. In my history class we visit CW at least once a week and for those of you that know me well, walking around a bunch of people pretending to be from the past is my kind of heaven. I honestly believe I was born in the wrong era. All in all, I like my classes but I have a sneaking suspicion I may actually have to do some work. I can’t rock up to a class and somehow fake my way to a 2:1. Also, they have response papers in every other week which is far too often in my opinion and exams at Christmas and Fall break! Not that Exeter is not academic but these students study 24/7. It’s actually ‘cool’ to go to the library here. Like the backpacks, this will take some getting used to.

Rain Rain Go Away

Matt Bugler, Online Sport Editor gets steamy in his rant and rave about the problems of perpetual rain in Exeter my real anathema. Whenever I see the heavens open I dread going to campus, as my heart sinks at the sorry state of affairs to come. The most immediate problem: the long walk to and from campus every day. I live 20 minutes away by foot, so there is ample opportunity to get a good drenching and even hitching a lift from my housemate with a rainproof car results in a desperate odyssey searching for a car park space when we arrive. Considering the far flung locations of car parks A and B, we might as well have walked in the first place. So normally I’ll grin and bear it, armed with hood and umbrella and

trying my best to avoid cars splashing puddles at me. But now we arrive at the Umbrella Dilemma - big or small? I tend to always carry around a pocket umbrella, fully aware of Exeter’s tendency to spring a surprise attack of rain. Fully prepared, you might say? Alas, the umbrella’s lack of stature means the left side of my body is completely exposed, and only my head is fine, excepting of course the pain of getting hairs stuck in the umbrella prongs. So the other option is to go for a large, man-sized umbrella, walking with real purpose and pointing out landmarks, as Jim from The Apprentice a few years ago might say. The size is impractical once arrived at my classroom, but that’s the least of my worries. My feet are wet. Yes, a re-

cent visit to all the shoe shops in Exeter has confirmed that all the shoe makers

A seat in the library is always a prized commodity, but on a rainy day you’re more likely to find a Golden Ticket in your Market Place Willy Wonka bar collectively agreed to now only make shoes in materials that resist water worse than a piece of Sainsbury’s basics kitch-

en roll. My socks are soaking and my spirits are low, while I’m fully aware of the need to scrub away with a J cloth at the dirt that stealthily sneaks on to my shoes in the rain. It’s two hours until my next class but I don’t want to face the monsoon againlet’s head to the library to do some reading. Oh wait, everyone else in Exeter University has had the same idea. A seat in the library is always a prized commodity, but on a rainy day you’re more likely to find a Golden Ticket in your Market Place Willy Wonka bar. Trips to the likes of Kitchen Café and Peter Chalk bring equal failure, and, like the air in Queen’s LT2, you’re a hot, steamy mess of disappointment.

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Exeposé

| week four

Music

Listings Wed 16 October Sub Focus O2 Academy Bristol Thu 17 October Dancing Years Start The Bus Bristol Sat 19 October Travis O2 Academy Bristol Sat 19 & Sun 20 October Oxjam Takeover Various Venues Sun 20 October Semi-Toned & The Kingsmiths Firehouse Sun 20 October London Grammar Anson Rooms Bristol Sun 20 October Babyshambles Great Hall Tue 22 October Temples Phoenix Tue 22 October The Blackout Lemmy Wed 23 October Wolf Alice Cavern Sun 27 October Local Natives O2 Academy Bristol Sun 10 November Editors Great Hall Mon 11 November Mount Kimbie The Fleece

One to Watch

MUSIC

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

MUSIC EDITORS

Magda Cassidy & Josh Gray music@exepose.com JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Exeposé Music

Best of Exe

Liam Garrett enters the weird and wonderful world of new band White Elephant Emporium

Magda Cassidy, Music Editor, jazzes it up with Exeter’s Big Band

HAVING recently released their haunting debut EP Blood Sweets, three piece indie rock band White Elephant Emporium are rehearsing meticulously. I spoke to Emily Pickthall (vocals), Harrison Ward (guitar, bass, keyboards) and Wentworth Gurney (drums) to find out all about their new material. A thought provoking listen combining haunting melodies with distorted guitars, White Elephant Emporium are definitely an Exeter based band to get excited about.

FORMED nearly two years ago, Big Band is steadily becoming one of campus’ most notable musical contributors. We spoke to MD James Lloyd to find out what they’re up to. Endorsed by their beloved Timepiece, Big Band have a number of gigs lined up at the venue this year. They’ll be kicking off the term on 28 October and have also secured a slot there on Halloween offering an alternative to Exeter’s hectic Halloween club queues and expensive booze. “We’ll proba-

It all started out in 2011 as Harry’s solo project It all started out in 2011 as Harry’s solo project. Finding Emily through Campus Bands the pair started jamming, brought in Wentworth, and have since gone from strength to strength. Boasting a ‘poetic and brooding, lost in the woods sound’ underpinned by an indie rock aesthetic, their music is a cacophony of noise and ambient soundscapes. “We’re inspired by shoe-gaze, post-punk and little bits of the every day” explains Harry. Firm believers of ‘beauty in the unexpected’, the bands song writing process is somewhat unusual. With such a variation of expertise on board - Emily’s classical music background and Harry as a self-taught guitarist, the process is quite organic. “I come up with a riff or a chord progression and then Emily writes a melody and some lyrics. Often what you’ll hear on the record

will be completely different to what we originally wrote. Every time we play it we just change it slightly.” “Writing lyrics is my favourite part of the whole thing,” elaborates Emily. “I normally start off writing poetry in response to the music. It sounds arty but I guess what I write becomes quite personal.” Visuals are of equal importance to the band; “because it’s such a big sound it has space for images. I do the cover art and there’s something really nice that I hand craft it; you’re not detached through technology” explains Emily. So what’s next for White Elephant Emporium? Currently on the hunt for a bass player, the band are knuckling down to some hard core rehearsing but hope to start gigging again in the next month or so. “Our goal for now is to layer our sound more to sound like we do on the record,” says Harry. “The three of us recorded the EP ourselves, but when you come to play something like that live you’re missing a lot of musicians. We’re somewhat more stripped back live, but we still feel like there’s room to develop a richer live sound.”

There’s nothing quite like playing a song you love bly be in some form of fancy dress; I think I’ll dress up as a Were Rabbit… It really is an event not to be missed!” Playing fresh arrangements of old classics, Big Band have a loyal following of jazz/ swing enthusiasts. “There’s nothing quite like playing a song you love and watching the crowd go wild. We’re committed to our audiences and are known for getting people off their seats and on the dance floor”. After a busy summer, Big Band are more than ready to launch into the year ahead. “After a tour to Brighton, where we braved challenging weather conditions and unsuspecting pedestrians playing at the bandstand and gig at Barnstaple beer festival, we could not be more excited to be back in Exeter for another year of great music.” “Big Band is true to its name in that it really is quite big” says Lloyd; “We’ve been extremely fortunate with our intake of Freshers this year and have signed up many talented players who can play all kinds of in-

Sledgehammer Montana Lewis Norman dissects the swinging sensation Miley Cyrus

DancingYears @ StartThe Bus Bristol Don’t be fooled by the cardigans and cagoules sported by this Leeds based quintet. Their cuddly exteri is merely to shield the burning passions of their souls.

SINCE the fruition of her impressive career, Miley Cyrus has never escaped public criticism and has, for a number of years, been a figure for young girls to look up to and for parents to frown upon. Yet with the release of fourth studio album Bangerz Cyrus looks to push boundaries further with perhaps her most daring and sexually charged offering yet. But it would not be fair to say that generic, sexually-orientated drivel is all that Cyrus has to offer. Second single ‘Wrecking Ball’ acts as a tiny glimmer of hope for everybody’s favourite teen popstar. Although riddled

with sickly pop clichés, the song acts as a pleasant alternative to the tepid ‘We Can’t Stop’ – a droning pop creation that chugs along whilst spewing out bland lyrics. ‘Wrecking Ball’ is no musical masterpiece, but at least Miley is making an effort to handle more emotive lyrical content. It is perhaps then not the actual music we should be concerned with, but the new image that Cyrus has invented for herself. Her whimsical, bubble-gum days are relics of a past Cyrus, replaced by a more ‘adult’ and ‘life-changing’ look – to use her words. Cyrus has created an image which is

not adult by any degree but somewhat formidable and obtrusive. Cyrus’s new image and personality was impeccably displayed at the VMA Awards this year where she garishly howled the words to ‘We Can’t Stop’ and gyrated against Robin Thicke’s crotch. Is Bangerz a critically acclaimed masterpiece? I answer that with an emphatic ‘No’. Is it going to go gold, and then platinum? The answer to that is ‘probably’. Sales are irrelevant in this case. More importantly, Bangerz demon-

struments. I myself play a number of instruments; bassoon, bari-sax, alto-sax and even dabbled in trombone, but had to give up before my housemates killed me. We’re excited to be introducing clarinettists and flautists for our more traditional swing songs too.”

Don’t let Big Band’s prestige put you off though Don’t let Big Band’s prestige put you off though; they’re always looking for new players and are totally unauditioned, so if you’d like to get involved, Big Band want to hear from you! Getting involved with Big Band has been one of my best experiences at Uni, we have a lot of fun doing what we all love best, playing great music.” strates a miserable showbiz truth – immense public attention from an early age can have devastating long term effects. I would not recommend running to the nearest record store and buying Bangerz but I would recommend having a quiet listen when nobody is around. I firmly believe that we can all learn something from the bizarre yet captivating life of Miley Cyrus.

MUSIC

THE FIRING RANGE

15 october 2013 |

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

The Killers - Shot At The Night

SET PHASERS TO

FUN

If their latest single is anything to judge by, The Killers are looking increasingly keen on becoming your dad’s favourite band. From the unmistakable and unavoidable synths, through the pre-chorus drum loop (which is oddly reminiscent of Phil Collins’ ‘In The Air Tonight’), right down to the ill-judged ‘comingof-age romantic comedy starring Molly Ringwald’ video, ‘Shot at the Night’ possesses all the elements of cringe worthy

of an 80s pop-band and none of the grit and freshness that made them indie legends almost a decade ago. ‘Once in a lifetime’ – the song’s opening refrain – is exactly how many times it’s worth listening to the latest offering by The Killers.

PAVEL CONDOV

Exeposé Music’s Bogus Debate!

Dom Ford and Alice Belton react to Mumford & Sons’ announcement of their ‘indefinite hiatus’ MARCUS MUMFORD and his merry band have ceased to fight the winds of irrelevance and let nature take its course. We may ‘Sigh No More’ in the knowledge that, for the ‘foreseeable future’, we will no longer be subjected to their useless drivel, because a sigh is more or less the pinnacle of the emotional reaction they are able to illicit. It’s not that Mumford & Sons are particularly bad, their music is just nothing: a fart in the wind, only mildly distasteful but quickly forgotten. In his review of Mumford & Sons’ sophomore release Babel, critic Anthony Fantano said that they “continue to be one of the least adventurous bands in folk music”, and I wholeheartedly agree. The closest they came to ‘pushing a boundaries’ in their short time together was probably using a naughty word in the chorus of ‘Little Lion Man’. You can’t really dislike Mumford & Sons because there is nothing to dislike. The beat is steady, the guitar is strumming a mildly catchy riff, the banjo is jangling away and Marcus’ vocals are softly caressing the whole tune. We are sometimes teased with vague flickers of hope when Marcus seems to get a bit peeved and his voice goes all gravelly, but these hopes are swiftly dashed when he remembers his manners and lulls us back into boredom. Even their marketing was more aggres-

Drake Nothing Was The Same OVO Sound .......................

WHEN I think of Drake, I think of the guy who did ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’, which was more R&B than rap, so I may have gotten on the wrong foot before I listened to Nothing Was the Same. I was a bit thrown by this album and I had a very mixed first impression. It’s a real mixture of tastes. There’s your traditional bravado rap like ‘Tuscan Leather’, which provides a strong intro to the album, but personally I preferred songs like ‘Connect’ which are

sive than Mumford’s ‘angry’ side. Listening to an album by Mumford & Sons is like eating a whole pack of Ryvita with only half a strawberry to go with it. It’s unsurprising that the band have called it quits so soon. Bad bands tend to release at least two or three more worthless albums after their “promising” debut before finally letting go, but I don’t think Mumford even had the creativity to manage that. Banjoist Ben Lovett cited wanting to take time off to “rest up” as the reason for their hiatus. It sounds to me like they just got as bored as I did listening to Babel, and are keen to hop off their own hype train that has slowly but surely been grinding to a halt for a while now. Sigh No More did show a glimpse of promise, somewhere deep in there, but for me that was stomped into the ground with their second release. To their credit, they did accomplish one good thing with their aggressively-marketed tripe. much more soulful and R&B- like; the album switched between both very slickly. I quite liked that the emphasis always appeared to be on Drake rather than on the beat. But because there’s no stand-out backing, I found a lot of the songs blended together after listening to them. It’s not (quite) a bad thing because it shows off Drake’s vocal talent even more, listening to it for the second time made me appreciate that a lot more. Ultimately though, not one song stood out for me as being amazing and, possibly because the album is so mixed, I felt it was relatively mellow for rap. It didn’t accelerate one way or the other; it was a very lyrical album and musically it didn’t excite me much. It lacked a punch that other artists have in spades, which is a shame because Drake as a rapper/ singer is quite simply brilliant. I was expecting an R&B album and got a blended mix. But that’s not a bad thing, Drake has produced something for R&B/Rap fans and more chart friendly material and I’m sure you’ll find something to like about it. Personally there was nothing to grab me but it’s by no means a bad album, a couple more listens and I think I’d easily warm to him.

THOMAS DAVIES

They got the mainstream interested in folk, even if it was in a bit of a misled way. All we can do now is hope that their spot gets filled by a folk artist who gives a damn. -DF AFTER

six years of banjo banging,

HAIM Days Are Gone Polydor .......................

YOU’VE heard of HAIM right? Really, you haven’t? The three sisters from California have been touted as the next big thing for some time. In fact, they’ve been a ubiquitous presence in the music media for what seems like forever – or at least since their Forever EP was released in early July 2012. However, the winners of the BBC Sound of 2013 have been in the music business for quite a while. In fact it seems like they were nurtured for musical careers – playing music with their

Foxes - Youth Probably known best for her featuring vocals on Rudimental’s most recent effort, ‘Right Here’ as well as Zedd’s hit, ‘Clarity’, in her latest single, ‘Youth’, it seems Foxes is finally coming out as her own artist. With her distinct, haunting vocals over a curious blend of electro-pop and synth, the track amasses to a roaring climax, as she sings wistfully of departing youth. Despite not appealing to the EDM or D&B fans who waist coat wearing, stealing lyrics from Shakespeare and rousing hate from the NME, Mumford & Sons have announced indefinite hiatus for the ‘foreseeable future’. Although music critics everywhere will be rejoicing at the prospect, fans around the world will be disappointed to see the band disappear so that they can ‘go back to hanging out’ after releasing two albums, touring the world and headlining Glastonbury. Mumford & Sons have had huge successes all over the world, Babel sold 600,000 copies in its first week in the US, Sigh No More went double platinum and the boys even picked up a Grammy. However, they have also received a fair amount of criticism (particularly from the NME) describing them as pretentious, fake, boring, repetitive and just generally shit. Liam Gallagher even went as far as saying they “look like they’ve got fucking nits (and) shop at Oxfam”... pretty harsh coming from a man whose hair makes him look like a wannabe John Lennon and cut by a blind barber. Having seen the band perform live at Reading Festival in 2010, I can easily say it was one of the best sets I’ve seen there. A 45 minute set overflowing with people, the atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve seen at Reading (currently anticipating the hate I’ll get for making that statement) Even Marcus shed a tear during the performance while overwhelmed by the incrediparents from an early age and performing in concerts under the name Rockinhaim. Since then Danielle and Este have been in an all-girl group called The Valli Girls, who had ‘hits’ such as ‘It’s A Hair Thing (Trollz)’. More recently Danielle has been earning her Chelsea boots playing guitar for Julian Casablancas on his solo tour. HAIM have been frequently compared to Fleetwood Mac and ‘Honey and I’ is a fleetingly joyous pop song with zippy guitar chords and a staccato rhythm that illustrates why, bringing to mind Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’, as well as the early pop of The Jackson Five. ‘Forever’ has also been compared to Michael Jackson’s ‘Wannabe Startin’ Somethin’, and with its funky bassline, and catchy chorus is one of the highlights of the record – a song that gets your feet tapping, and elicits your best Jackson impression. The album switches between jaunty pop songs to slower more anthemic songs, as well as being suffused with percussive elements of R&B music in songs like ‘Falling’, ‘Days Are Gone and ‘Let Me Go’. Choruses abound in songs like ‘Don’t Save Me’ and ‘The Wire’, whilst a heavier blend of guitar and synth animates the ballsier ‘My Song 5’. Admittedly the album is not perfect. The songs are over-produced at times,

Exeposé

may have heard her previously, the single is a strong effort from Foxes, which will sit nicely alongside Ellie Goulding and Marina & the Diamonds in your iTunes library.

SOPHIE PRESCOTT ble response from the crowd. Mumford & Sons play good music, enjoyed by people of all ages. Although it may not be particularly new, innovative or different, it is enjoyed by fans all around the world, be it at a festival or simply on the radio. Although Babel has been described as simply a ‘carbon copy’ of Sigh No More, its successes speak for itself. Shouldn’t hate instead be directed at the awful rapping in the charts nowadays, hardly comprehensible and unhealthily obsessed with womens’ rears? In my humble opinion, this is far more painful to listen to than acoustic light-hearted English folk rock.

Shouldn’t hate be directed at the awful rapping in the charts? So will Mumford & Sons Sigh No More or is this simply a ‘White Blank Page’ for the band? The only way they will continue to be successful is if they come back with something new and different, that’s if they come back at all. However, I don’t think this is the end for Mumford & Sons, it’s simply time for a well deserved break, particularly since bassist Ted Dwane is still in recovery from a blood clot discovered in his brain in June. I’m sure the band will be back in earnest with a new album, who knows, they may still have something different up their sleeve, Marcus Mumford even joked saying he is up for experimenting with rap music…we will wait. -AB detracting from the barking power of Danielle’s vocals. Songs can occasionally seem indistinct and blend into each

HAIM’s punchy and peppy poprock is a refreshing change from the gamut of pseudo-dance music that permeates the charts

other. Lyrically the album often seems to oscillate between spurned love and defiance and the wish to be alone. But this is not introverted Morrisey territory, rather some refrains to sing over cool music. The truth is that HAIM’s punchy and peppy style of pop – rock is a refreshing change from the gamut of pseudo-dance music that permeates the charts. And by the time you read this it may very well be a number one album. HAIM are neither victims of hype nor consummate overachievers, but nevertheless this a good debut effort. So forget about your work, get on your bandana and Chelsea boots, and bop to some HAIM; they’re not bad. .

CIARAN WILLIS

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Newsreel Matt Smith to play Patrick Bateman With the Doctor Who franchise soon to be put behind him, the actor has agreed to take on the lead role in an upcoming musical version of American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre in London’s West End. Already linked to a part in Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut How To Catch A Monster, it seems Smith is ready to move on from his time as the Doctor in favour of more serious projects.

The Hobbit Trilogy hits $561 million in costs Now one of the most expensive trilogies of all time, the budget of the series is almost double that of The Lord of the Rings movies, with production still well under way. However, with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey earning over $1 billion at the box-office and two more films yet to be released, it is still guaranteed to be a smash-hit.

Blue Jasmine pulled in India Director Woody Allen has refused to comply with the Indian Government and has removed his latest film from cinemas. Faced with the mandatory requirement that anti-tobacco messages have to be played before the film as well as whenever smoking is portrayed on screen, Allen felt that it interfered too dramatically with the integrity of the original piece.

15 october 2013 |

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SCREEN EDITORS

Megan Furborough & Rob Harris screen@exepose.com JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Exeposé Screen

“I’m in the empire business” Rob Harris, Screen Editor, gives his verdict on the final season of Breaking Bad Breaking Bad Cast: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul 2008-2013 Netflix Season 5 SO, this is it. After five years, 62 episodes, seven Emmys and what must have been millions spent on psychiatrist’s fees, Breaking Bad is finally over. With expectations for the final season driven skyward by a legion of critics and dedicated fans alike, anything less than a work of genius from creator Vince Gilligan would have left scores across the globe grabbing their pitchforks and torches before storming AMC headquarters. Fortunately for all, the passion, dedication and expertise demonstrated throughout the completion of the tenacious Heisenberg’s final chapter means that the show has not only succeeded in living up to the nearly unreasonable hype, but will almost certainly be looked back on as one of the most captivating spectacles in TV history. Through the manipulation of the prior four series’ undulating storyline of triumph and catastrophe, the final season instead tackles anti-hero Walter White (Bryan Cranston) at his very lowest, with little prospect of ever fighting his way back to the top of Albuquerque’s criminal underworld. Seeing Walt in a state of such physical and psychological decay is easily one of the most disturbing underlying complications in each episode. Being transformed from a man who had it all to a man who has noth-

ing to lose shows him when he is at his most vulnerable and endearing, but also perhaps his most dangerous. Without touching too much on plot details (seriously, I don’t have a death wish), the highest accomplishment above all else is the way the story engages so wholeheartedly with the characters. It has not just been Walt who has shifted from season to season. Jesse (Aaron Paul) sees such an intense change that each episode will leave you in agony over the memory of how he used to be nothing more than a small-time, naïve kid. Similarly, as the story pushes vehemently onward,

Each individual block of production meets to form a perfect labyrinth to get lost in Hank Schrader (Dean Norris), who many believed to be at best a channel for light comic relief and at worst an irritating joker, comes forward in more than one instance to provide some of the most outstanding scenes in a season that will be remembered for its, at times, relentless intensity. Other elements of the show should of course not be undervalued. The way that each individual block of production meets to form a perfect labyrinth to get lost in is of course what

makes it the monstrous hit it is today. Be it recurrent shots of characters and landscapes or a muttered line of foreshadowing in the very first episode, nearly everything drips with such significance that you cannot help but grit your teeth, put on season one and start the whole experience again. ‘The faster they undergo change, the more violent the explosion’ indeed. In its last moments, once all the chaos, complications and revelations put before you sinks in, Breaking Bad achieves something that not many would have expected - it makes you smile. Not from laughter or from joy, but from an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. After such a long and dynamic trip through the paths and plains of New Mexico and investing yourself so deeply in its world, there is simply no other better sensation. To

those of you who are bogged down mid-season or are even yet to start, there is only one thing I can say to you: it’s more than worth it.

Mandatory Viewing: A Screen Guide

Megan Furborough, Screen Editor, advises you on the two shows that you should be watching now BREAKING BAD is over. I know, it’s hard – how will you spend your days now? But don’t despair as this handy guide will show you just two of the quality series available to tear your attention away from frivolous course reading and essays. Buffy The Vampire Slayer With seven seasons, there’s certainly enough of Josh Whedon’s cult show to sink your teeth into. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the story of an American teenage girl, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who is the

‘chosen one’ – the slayer. It is her job to protect the world from vampires, demons and other evil creatures. Despite this description, Buffy is not a sci-fi show. The creatures are ways to tell a story that has deeper meanings and metaphors, and it’s the problems the young characters face that are the real monsters. The main cast – including Alyson Hannigan and David Boreanaz – are fantastic and form ‘the Scooby gang’, aiding Buffy in her fight against evil. The show’s tone ranges from painfully fun-

ny to heartbreaking (seriously, the finale of season four left me moping around the house for weeks) all with a massive dollop of pop culture and feminism. What’s not to love about a series described by its creator as “My So-Called Life meets The X Files”? Homeland With the third season of the drama having just started over at Channel 4, this is the perfect time to get into the American thriller-drama. The premise of the show revolves around a CIA officer’s, played superbly by Claire Danes, belief that Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a recently released prisoner of the Afghanistan war, has been ‘turned’ by Al-Qaeda. The problems arise when Brody becomes a celebrated war hero and no-one

believes Carrie’s hunch, all whilst she attempts to hide her bipolar disorder from the CIA. Plus they begin an affair with each other. Complicated is an understatement. With a story like this, the suspense could fade fairly quickly, but the high standard of acting and the quality of the writing mean that the twists don’t seem unrealistic and you become invested in the characters. The show invites the audience to view events with both sides of the moral compass and you can’t be sure if any character

is truly a good or bad guy – in the almost uncomfortably authentic world of Homeland, nothing is truly what it seems. So there you have it, two ways to numb the pain caused by the gaping hole Breaking Bad has left in our lives. And even if you never watched the show and are sat wondering who exactly is breaking what and why everyone’s so fussed, give these shows a try. The procrastination potential is well worth it.

Screen

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Does Breaking Bad deserve the hype? Louis Doré, News Editor, questions whether the new king of television really deserves its crown BREAKING BAD has finished its run as one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows of all time. No doubt you would have heard of the IMDb-topping Ozymandias episode, read the hesitant claims among critics that this is the greatest show in recent history. It is all just hype. It was the greatest show on the box during the end of its final season run, but, simply due to its subject matter, it cannot compare to the greater shows that came before it. The formulation of one of the greatest villains ever before our eyes was a fantastic feat, but Walter White cannot compare in complexity to characters such as Omar from The Wire, or C.J. Cregg from The West Wing. The problem arises from the farcical nature of the show - from the beginning it has revelled in going from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again, throwing the gleeful viewers’

The Wrong Mans Cast: Matthew Baynton, James Corden 2013 BBC Two Season 1, six episodes AFTER a brief hiatus from the BBC, James Corden makes his much anticipated return to writing and acting in The Wrong Mans, a Bourne Identity meets The Office conspiracy-comedy that follows two Berkshire council workers, Sam (Matthew Baynton) and Phil (James Corden) who find themselves unwittingly embroiled in a plot to kidnap a woman. Without a doubt the premise of the show is ambitious, but the major area it consistently falls down in is the humour. It simply isn’t that funny. The clichés within the plot, despite making the genre

trust out the window and cauterizing nerves in the process. The Vince Gilligan smash cut has been used so often, it is now not relatable. I have struggled to keep emotional connections with the characters in the

Read the claims among critics that this is the greatest show in recent history - it is all just hype show, not because of poor acting or scripting, but because they can verge on the caricature. This is not to say the characters are hollow. Mike Erhmantraut remains one of the most badass yet kindly old Uncles I’ve ever seen and Todd shines as a compellingly kind psychopath, but the problem remains instantly recognisable also contribute to the story feeling stale and boring. The characters and situations aren’t particularly well thought out either, and are often too predictable. The opening episode in particular was an exercise in setting up the plot rather than creating laughs, and at times it’s difficult to tell whether you should be laughing or diligently concentrating on the story unravelling. Generally the jokes come few and far between, and though the tension in some scenes makes for an intriguing watch, at times it feels as though some of the comedy is being neglected. Corden in particular gives a disappointing performance; the characterisation of Phil is unoriginal and uninspired. In a nutshell it’s Smithy all over again, except without the

in these character types. I don’t think I would pass these people in the street. I don’t believe this farcically fantastic story could be true. Jesse could be argued to be the breakout character simply due to believability. Television of the present revolves around immersing you in the intricate and preposterous. Fantasy epics such as Game of Thrones sprawl across our screens while Sherlock revels in the impossibly mercurial deduction of Mr. Holmes. Breaking Bad was of the same cloth – it pushed you away from the real goings on of family life and the people on the street. It is worth your time, it is one of the best things you can possibly watch at the moment, it deserves every Emmy it has won. Aaron Paul is sublime, and everyone should watch the show. But then watch The Wire, The West Wing and The Sopranos. outrageous and quick witted lines that made the character so memorable in Gavin and Stacey. In fact, it’s the series co-writer and actor Matthew Baynton who catches the eye with his awkward delivery, undercutting of tension and innocent facial expressions, although he doesn’t often venture further than that, and more often than not Corden’s farcical, slapstick gags fall flat. His tricks won him laughs in the past, but in the context of The Wrong Mans they just grind and this is rarely close to being the comedy we’ve grown to expect from him. Though the show has merits in some of its suspense and storytelling, we’re yet to see it reach a higher gear in pretty much every respect, and it’s a disappointing return to the primetime slot for an esteemed actor. It’s worth keeping up with at least to follow the plot developments, but don’t expect too many laugh out loud moments. Seems like they had the wrong mans for the job after all.

JOSH MINES

Headshot: Vince Gilligan BEFORE the final few episodes of Breaking Bad had even aired, series creator Vince Gilligan had two future projects lined up. Within a year, devotees of the writer will see a detective show on CBS, as well as the Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul, which will follow the exploits of Walter White’s charmingly sleazy lawyer. Gilligan is one of the most prominent voices in American television at the moment, and the latest in a long line of highly talented show runners. His work on Breaking Bad alone is surely enough to earn him a place alongside David Chase of The Sopranos and Joss Whedon. However, Gilligan’s work as a screenwriter began long before Breaking Bad, on the seminal ‘90s show The X-Files, which he joined in its second season after successfully pitching an episode to the show’s creator. Previously, Gilligan had studied film production at New York University and two of his screenplays were turned into films, but

it was on The X-Files where his work truly began to shine. Gilligan’s early episodes of television have some of the elements that would later made Breaking Bad into a huge critical success. Gilligan wrote some of The X-Files’ funniest episodes – it is easy to forget, given the bleakness of its last few seasons, that Breaking Bad was originally a very funny show. On the other hand, Gilligan also created some of The X-Files’ most memorable villains, a fact which makes perfect sense considering he went on to create arguably the most fascinating villain in television history. In interviews, Gilligan’s gentle southern accent and affable manner seem at odds with the dark and brutal show he created. He’s clearly a man with a lot of brilliant and varied ideas, and luckily the end of Breaking Bad is nowhere near the end of his career. ANNA BEAR

As Hot As... the hot or nots of this summer’s film news WORLD OF WARCRAFT - A movie adaption of the game franchise has been slated for a 2015 release, but given the series’ sharp decline in popularity and the mediocre nature of most game-tofilm adaptations, it’s rather hard to care.

Breaking Wind

EMPIRE - A user poll ranked the top 100 sexiest movie stars, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Emma Watson number one. Seeing as Screen held our own survey last issue with Gosling beating Cumberbatch, we hereby declare Empire’s poll null and void.

LIMITLESS – Neil Burger’s 2011 mystery thriller is set to be adapted for the small-screen in an upcoming TV series. With Bradley Cooper also making the transition, all we can do is sit and wait and see if the franchise can successfully reinvent itself.

THE SIMPSONS – In a fresh spin on of the show’s classic couch gag, Guillermo Del Toro created a 2.5 minute love-letter to some of cinema’s most legendary horror films. The series may have long gone stale, but it’s nice to see that there is still a spark of ..inspiration.

GRAVITY – Top of the US Box Office with $55.6 million in profits, the sciencefiction thriller has won over critics and viewers alike. With star Sandra Bullock describing it as her ‘best life decision’, 8 November could not come sooner.

Breaking Bad

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Exeposé

| WEEK FOUR

Books

Book Shelf With the release of another Bridget Jones sequel, Exeposé Books takes a look at some somewhat unexpected sequels and parodies of well loved classics and other popular books. The Hunger Pains: Tracking the lives of telemarketers Kantkiss Neverclearn and Pita Malarky, The Hunger Pains takes the plot of the Suzanne Collins’ debut novel along a less death defying path. Make sure you check out the hilarious The Hunger Pains spoof trailer on YouTube. Barry Trotter series: A parody of Harry Potter? Sacrilege you may say! Following the adventures of Barry and his friends Lon Measly and Ermine Cringer the books have had some commercial success and have been praised for their post-modern flair. Other Harry Potter parodies include the brilliantly named comic Hairy Potty and the Underwear of Justice, featured in a book by children’s author Dav Pilkey. Alice in Blunderland: An Iridescent Dream: On a more serious note, this political parody of Lewis Carroll’s classic stories was published as a critque of economic corruption and greed. Written in 1907, the biting satirical novel casts young Alice into the chaotic corporate world of Blunderland where the Mad Hatter is in control and nothing is as it seems. The Wind Done Gone: Alice Randall’s 2001 retelling of Gone with the Wind tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara from the point of view of a slave on pampered Scarlett’s plantation. The slave, a woman named Cyanara, is in fact Scarlett’s half sister and the journal style novel reveals issues of vicious jealousy and contemporary weight of racial problems. A legal case was wrought against the book, with Margaret Mitchell’s estate suing Randall for infringement of copyright. The Va Dinci Cod: A Fishy Parody: Mentioning Dan Brown’s name to anyone who likes reading can illicit very different responses. For those who dislike his best-selling series, turning to Don Brine’s The Va Dinci Cod can offer several hours of entertainment. The characters (including Robert Donglan) go on a search for a mystical cod, because it sounds a bit like ‘god’. EMMA HOLIFIELD, BOOKS EDITOR

BOOKS

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A Series of Never Ending Sequels

Alice Clements questions whether new additions to a series are always successful, necessary or even if they’re any good

Sequels can be a very controversial enterprise. Beloved books that are deemed to be perfect by a legion of fans surely have nothing to lose from a continuation of their world? And while some are thrilled at the chance to learn more about their favourite characters, others are angered by the risk, the fear that their favourite character could be made to do something the reader disapproves of or, the ultimate author/fan betrayal, killed off! But what if J.K. Rowling had never written a sequel to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone? If Tolkien had stopped with The Hobbit? There’s much to be said for trusting the writers to know what’s best

for their own creations. Conversely, there is often an outcry when a series is ended. The readers want more, they struggle to accept that it truly is the end, protesting the outcome and demanding the author have a change of heart. In some cases, they are rewarded with a fresh instalment, but often regret it. Successful series such as The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy have been

What if J.K. Rowling had never written a sequel? soured by a less than perfect addition. After Douglas Adams’ death in 2001, the fans were desperate for the series to be saved, and the challenge was accepted by Eoin Colfer. Unfortunately, Adams’ style proved beyond imitation and the 6th in the series was a disappointment to many. And yet, the official sequel to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan was undeniably popular, despite being written 100 years

later. It’s interesting that trilogies seem consistently popular, particularly as few maintain the quality of the first across all three books. The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, His Dark Materials, and The Wind On Fire are some of the few that don’t seem to have a lull in the second book, making it a monotonous obligation to get to the, usually more exciting, final book. This also occurs a lot in series. Most Harry Potter fans have a favourite, or a least favour-

ite in the series. A recent example would be George R. R. Martin’s A Song Of Ice And Fire, overall a brilliant collection, but with a few (A Feast For Crows, mainly for its lack of Tyrion and Targaryen), that are more of a chore to read. Of course, this conflict extends beyond literature, to film and television, even reality

shows. The best sequels are usually those released years after the original, written for the purpose of the story, and not purely to ride off the recent success of the first.

Katherine Watson and Chloe Glassonbury review two unofficial sequels to great classics Death Comes to Pemberley P.D. James When I first saw this book on the stand at my local Waterstone’s, my heart sank. Pride and Prejudice is for me – as for many other readers – one of the best novels of all time, and I

At its heart is a writer who truly loves Austen had visions of blood, gore and police tape defiling the beautiful world of Pemberley – where I had spent many a happy afternoon – and of these charming characters being made two dimensional and crude in an attempt to “modernise” them, and fit them into our 21st century idea of 19th century England. The only thing which made me pick it up was the name ‘P D James’ on the cover. I’m pleased to say, my initial judgement of Death Comes to Pemberley as a slapdash and unfaithful attempt to feed off the popularity of the original, couldn’t have been more wrong. The novel begins after the end of Pride and Prejudice; Darcy and

Lizzie have been married for six years, and are preparing for the annual ball when Lizzie’s sister, Lydia, comes in screaming about a murder in the woods. James has not fallen into the trap of killing off one of the main characters to create a shock factor within the opening pages; without giving too much away, all the key characters we know and love from Austen’s work are still present. The murder investigation itself is gripping yet fitting for the period, and kept me guessing right until the end, and the writing is a triumph; authentic enough that it doesn’t make a mockery of itself through inevitable comparisons to Austen, yet not so similar that it tries to recreate the original – something I am convinced no author will ever be able to do. It’s fast paced and full of action, yet slows occasionally to allow James to explore and present these well-loved characters in her own way. But the thing I love most about this novel, is that at its heart there is a writer who truly loves Jane Austen and simply wants to return to her world; and it is a delight to be able to return with her. Reading James’ interpretation of the marriage of Lizzie and Darcy is like getting a postcard from a friend after years of separation; exciting, eyeopening and nostalgic, and it only makes you love them more. Katherine Watson

Wide Sargasso Sea Jean Rhys Bertha Mason, or ‘the madwoman in the attic,’ is one of the most enigmatic characters in classic literature. Described in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre as ‘some strange wild animal’ she is also, for me at least, one of the most disappointing. Locked away by her estranged husband for the majority of the novel, making only a brief but dramatic appearance at the end culminating in her suicide, she is a woman portrayed as a beast and a woman long-deserving a backstory. Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea provides this backstory and it does so fantastically. Set in the post-colonial Caribbean, Wide Sargasso Sea is a far cry from the depressingly English society we experienced in Jane Eyre. Antoinette Cosway, Rhys’ Bertha Mason, is introduced to us as a white Creole child living within a hostile environment of recently emancipated slaves. Labelled as a ‘white cockroach’ by the black society she has grown up with, whilst also shunned by white colonialists, Antoinette’s childhood is dominated by isolation. Also abandoned by her deteriorating mother, Antoinette is impossible not to pity.

The plot follows Antoinette from childhood through to her marriage to Rochester, and is engaging throughout. The cruel set of events and circumstances which face Antoinette successfully answer the questions which Jane Eyre left unanswered. We discover what drove Rochester to marry a woman he clearly detests, what their married life was like before he locked her away and, most importantly, how and why Bertha Mason became so crazed. Throughout the novel, the plot drives our pity and fondness for the protagonist higher, and the Bertha Mason who was so isolated from generations of Brontë’s readers is finally understandable and human. Wide Sargasso Sea casts a harsh new light on Brontë’s most elusive character. Although this prequel is unofficial, for me it truly enlightens the original novel. Regardless of whether you loved Jane Eyre or hated it, but especially if you hated it, Wide Sargasso Sea is a must-read. If you haven’t read either book, Wide Sargasso Sea is still a fantastic novel, and it is truly capable and successful at standing alone in its own right. Chloe Glassonbury

books

Condensed Condensed Classics Classics Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me Richard Fariña (1966)

“the conscience of my elusive race gives not a fig for me, baby. But I endure, if you know what I mean.” BEEN DOWN follows the picaresque Gnossos Pappadopoulis on a journey of disillusion and revolution; punctuated with opiates, sex parties and a demonic monkey. Gravitating from upstate New York to Cuba in search of worldy meaning, Gnossos finds society barring his every turn. Alongside the works of Hunter S. Thompson, Been Down helps form the beat-postmodernist nexus, coupling the zeitgeist of the 50s and 60s with hallucinogenic, unreliable narrative. Fariña’s friendship with Thomas Pynchon is clear throughout. The author’s tragic death two days after the books publication has in part consigned his only novel to literary anonymity. This is an injustice in need of serious rectification. Little more needs to be said other than that, in the words of Pynchon, the novel “comes on like the Hallelujah Chorus by 200 kazoo players with perfect pitch”. RHYS ROWLANDS

Student Brain Food Lauren Lucien LAUREN LUCIEN is an English Graduate with five years’ experience in catering, so we should expect a student cook book that knows what it is talking about, but does she disappoint? The contents page is laid out in such a way that even the most hungover could navigate around its pages, dividing the book into various themes such as breakfasts, sides or treats to name a few. With

In her attempt to be simple she has made things vague introductory pages on what utensils to have to basic weekly shopping lists, Lucien is also aiming this student based cookbook at parents, helping parents send their first child to university with the necessary essentials. Similarly, she dedicates two full pages to “Food Lingo” thereby helping the poor sod who doesn’t know dicing is simply cutting things into small cubes. Although, to be honest, most of this information is a tad on the patronising side for anyone who has ever cooked anything for themselves. Once we get to the actual recipes it is clear that she has actively tried to make this as simple to understand as possible with three full steps to boiling an egg! She has also added personal touches in the form of speech bubbles giving an insight into her experiences regarding the recipe, i.e. memories of her Grannies’ boiled eggs, as well as helpful thoughts

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Exeposé

Has Fielding Gone Mad?

Rebecca Clifford considers the loss of Bridget’s perfect man THE LEADING lady with large lingerie returns – sans her hard-won man. Yes, fans of Bridget Jones across the board have been coping this week with the news of chick-lit darling Mark Darcy’s demise. In a Sunday Times exclusive, author Helen Fielding disclosed that Bridget is now a middle-aged, motherof-two, widow. Quite the revelation for a Sunday morning, no? Twitter exploded with a plethora of 140 character bursts of heartbreak and I’ll admit that my immediate reaction was neatly summarised by Connie Priestley’s tweet: “Killing Darcy off? No – I refuse to believe it. My whole Bridget Jones experience shall be ruined.” Speechless horror, hostile denial quickly followed by hair-tearing despair has been the general response of unwitting friends who I’ve surprised with Fielding’s headline-grabbing blow. Evidently it’s a hotly contested move, with some fans even writing off the sequel altogether stating that it is “clearly going to fail” (User comment, BBC article). But will the “whole Bridget Jones experience … be ruined?” Is it all doom and gloom, death and decay for Ms Jones here on out? I say, no! This is not the end of Bridget but rather an intriguing refresh. On hearing about the plans for a sequel I was a little sceptical, but now (having got over my Darcy-shock) I think killing off Mr tall, dark and handsome is a from a Dr Opara. On each page Lucien has put details as to how many the recipe will serve, how long it will take and, by way of a coin symbol, how much it will cost; one coin meaning cheap, three meaning more expensive. My issue with this cookbook is that in her attempt to be simple she has made things vague. With the coin symbol it doesn’t mention what cheap means, is it under a fiver, under ten? Many of her recipes take over 30 minutes to prepare, with a remarkable amount needing all night to marinate. She must have had a very different foodie experience at university than I have, as the majority of people I know walk into the kitchen ravenous and cobble together something to eat immedia t e l y. Very few have the forethought to plan ahead more than ten minutes in advance of wanting to eat. Lauren Lucien’s heart is in the right place, attempting to provide a very simple cookb o o k f o r students with a low budget. However, it is purely a starter book as most with any form of culinary ability would find it condescending. Similarly, the by-

clever move. Darcy’s death enables a vital progression that will prevent the regurgitation of Bridget’s previous adventures or a demoralising, unrealistic romantic matrimonial upchuck. It’s a fine line to walk: we want the picture perfectness, but we also want to be able to relate to what Shazzer aptly describes as “emotional fuckwittage”. We are told to expect our favourite bumbling Bridget but with intermittent flashes of tragedy as the story of Darcy’s demise is gradually unfolded. Dealing with such a weighty, personal and yet simultaneously universal topic as grief

and widowhood not only adds a gravity to the otherwise lighter genre of popular romantic fiction, but also attends t o a subject that many, if not all, of Fielding’s readership will have experienced in some form. Bridget Jones is a

her when she dealt with be-

Bridget Jones without Darcy is like Arena without 2am chips. TRAGIC.

cat h a rsis of social expectation and reality; we w e r e w i t h

ing single and thirty in a society that still demands young women be married with kids, and we shall be with her when she navigates coping with the loss of a loved one, and the plunge back into the shark pool that is the modern dating scene as a 50 plus widow and all the social agro that merits. It is a cleanser for many readers; we can laugh, cry and ultimately be better for it. So it seems that Bridget Jones of 2013 will be exchanging the self-help books for parenting guides and calorie-counting for packed lunch prep, though it appears that some bonking is still in order with the introduction of 30-year-old toyboy, Roxter. Do we still need that happily-ever-after? Who’s to say we won’t get ot get it - it’ll just be in a less predictable package. I, for one, can’t wait. Mad About the Boy is out now for your enjoyment and scrutiny!

C onlin heck ef reac or other Darc tions to y’s d eath !

line

of the book is “eat well, study better” but at no point is there evidence of nutritional information for the recipes other than vague mentions in the front and the odd quote from the mysterious Doctor. On a positive and final note, having tested several of her recipes, Lucien’s time management is accurate, but students get a terrible rep for not looking after themselves well when in fact most are capable of cooking but are far too lazy/hungover. As a result, a book l i k e t h i s seems a little unnecessary and at £7.99 it’s not a cheap waste of shelf space.

Georgia Dawson

Any Last Words? To help get over the loss of our favourite hearthrob Mark Darcy, we asked you to reveal your dream literary date... Prince Andrey Bolkonsky from Tolstoy’s War and Peace. He’s got a mind for deep, philosophical discussions; an unshakeable sense of morality and duty; and a love of ballroom dancing. CARMEN PADDOCK Mr Bingley. He may be a little bit thick but what a nice guy! Plus who would turn down the chance to have Bingley as a last name...? EMMA HOLIFIELD Miss Honey from Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Kind, gentle 23 bombshell who ends up with a big-ass mansion at the end of the book. Not that I’m a gold digger or anything... http://w w w.eubb.co.uk/up -

loads/2/9/9/3/2993916/588689_orig. jpg?377 ROB HARRIS Gilbert Markham from Anne Bronte’s Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Mainly because he’s Toby Stephens on TV and I love Toby. Oh and he’s very brooding. ELLI CHRISTIE Donald Farfrae from Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge: aka the Ryan Gosling of the 19th Century corn industry. I most definitely wouldn’t have run away from a rendezvous in a hay barn with him. BETHANY STUART I’d go and feed the ducks in Central Park with Holden Caulfield, and

Any Last Words is a quick and easy way to get in the paper, with a question every fortnight which can be answered through the Exeposé Books Facebook group, twitter @exeposebooks, and email: books@exepose.com.

ARTS

Arts

Arts Diary Our regular Arts Diary column shows you all the important events going on in Exeter Freshers’ Week...

Art

Exeter Contemporary Open Exeter Pheonix Until 2 November A Song, A Dance and a New Stannary Parliament Spacex Until February 2014

Comedy

Sarah Millican: Home Bird UK Tour Exeter Corn Exchange 24 October What the Frock Exeter Pheonix 26 October

Theatre Ariel Exeter Library 19-26 October

Exeposé

ARTS EDITORS

Sophy Coombes-Roberts & Ricky Freelove arts@exepose.com JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Exeposé Arts

Amos-t Excellent Comic

Arts Editor, Sophy Coombes-Roberts, chats to funny man Stephen K Amos ahead of his new tour ‘The Spokesman’ I COULD all but laugh when the worldwide comedy veteran told me he was excited to gig in Exeter next month. A big star in America, Australia, New Zealand and of course right here in the UK, Stephen K. Amos admitted to only having visited the city of Exeter once before. Naturally, I have promised him a night to remember, when in fact, it is he who will be delivering an unforgettable evening to those in attendance at his show in November. His new tour is called ‘The Spokesman’ an anagram of his name. “Not a lot of people spot that” Amos pointed out, “it is very clever of me I think”. He spent the summer testing out his material for the new show at the Edinburgh Fringe “to try and see what sticks, not everything is going to be funny and that’s why you need to go out on a limb and try it, and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work and if it does then you get that gem of an idea and it’s worth it.” Regardless, he informs me that much of his material did make it into the tour and having seen ‘Work in Progress’ (his Fringe show) in August I predict the full fledged gig will certainly not leave the audience short of laughter. So how does he write his shows? Strangely enough it differs each time he tells me: “sometimes I will sit and be very meticulous about it and do 5 hours writing and see what happens and then other times if something comes to me I just write it. Alternatively, I just grab my friend and say can we just have a chat and see what happens, invariably they often come out with the most outrageous things.” Of course Amos is a dab hand at this now having been on the circuit for over ten years, yet he admitted it is still “so tempting just to keep rehashing out the same stuff but the point is you need

to try and stretch yourself every year in a new show”. Obviously, his die-hard fans love his old sets and Amos seems very aware of that, exclaiming, “What is the point in going out with the same old stuff, I know it works, so it is always a good challenge to try something new”. Being a global comedian Amos does not just write material to please us Brits, but is a regular performer ‘down under’ and in America. “Lots of audiences are very different,” he explains whilst discussing collating material for his global tours. “What might work really well one night could fall flat on its face the next night, you just have to keep trying and

Somebody once told me I looked like a black Alan Sugar have faith in it, really.” However, the reception his material receives around the globe is essentially the same, we speak the same language, have similar history and all find Stephen’s comedy a hoot. Nevertheless, things are a little different in the States, he laughs: “When I am over in America the main difference I find is that people tend to scream a lot more.” At this point Amos proceeds to imitate a fanatic shouting after which we both pause for laughter, “and I could do without that, but a reaction is a reaction right?” He jokes: “the Americans are not used to seeing a British person, let alone a black British person so they always ask: ‘Oh

Arts and Culture

Online Arts Editor, Givery Masso, catches up with Dom Jinks, head of the university’s Arts and Culture team to chat about funds, volunteering and their online platforms IT was apparent from the outset that Dom, along with the Arts and Culture team at the university is here to support the arts on campus. The team offers arts society funding, volunteering opportunities and works on a range of projects including Grand Challenges, which is all brought together in their recently launched website. Dom explains: “When we started the Arts and Culture team it became apparent there wasn’t a central place where you could find out what was on here at the university with regards to student acts, professional acts, and guest

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speakers. I think there’s a lot of really good stuff happening here that a wider public would be interested in, but a lot of it was going unseen.” However, the main thing he wants is to raise awareness of Student Society Fund, where any student can apply for a grant of up to £750 for Arts and Culture related projects within their societies. They are working with an overall budget of £5000 and delegate out the funds after an evaluation of the proposed project. “Students can bid in for projects that will increase engagement in whatever they

are doing, but will also increase public engagement. Projects could include things like shows, workshops within local schools and exhibitions.” Arts and Culture are also keen to encourage volunteers to work at various arts related events, including concerts such as the upcoming Babyshambles gig. Volunteering can contribute towards the Exeter Award, it is a good way to gain some arts-related work experience and is obviously a delight for true arts enthusiasts. Dom also explained that you can

my gawd, do you know the Queen?’ But I just play along with it and usually reply something like: ‘Of course I know the Queen, I just had breakfast with her last week.” Over the course of our interview thus far, Stephen has failed to disappoint. He comes across just as he does on the TV: likeable, charming and a really good laugh. I couldn’t help but probe if he was like this all the time, a constant funny man? “I’ve always been a gregarious type of person” he replies, “but I don’t go around being funny twenty-four-seven, how annoying and irritating would that be? The weirdest thing about that is that people think I am funny all the time and expect me to say jokes constantly, so in a social situation where I don’t know that many people I tend not to say anything, because I know if I do they will say:

upload your own Arts and Culture related events free of charge to the ‘What’s On’ section of the website, which details events happening within the University and student related events in the city centre. This is the perfect way to advertise auditions, socials and performances to the student body at the university.

This is the perfect way to advertise auditions, socials and performances What events are coming up this term? “Folk musician Jim Causely will be playing music to the work of poet Charles Causley. We have some of the transcripts for the poems in the library archives, so this is pretty special for the university.” There is also a talk by Book-

‘He’s not funny at all.’” However, after interviewing the man I find it hard to believe he could disappoint in a conver-

Don’t go around being funny twenty-four-seven, how annoying would that be? sation, but he hardly seems plagued by the pressures of being amusing: “That must be what it is like to be a Doctor, I would hate that. Could you imagine if you were on a flight and someone shouts for a doctor on board? Then you have to stand up and help, but that would never happen to a

er Prize winner Hilary Mantel and a talk by Bob Harris, the BBC Radio 2 DJ who started the BBC television show The Old Grey Whistle Test. The team also work specifically with the new Creative Futures society: “The society is all about increasing opportunities and routes for people wanting to work or gain experience in creative industries. Later this year there will be a creative fair with industry professionals down giving specific talks and workshops. There is a wish to harness all this really good stuff that’s happening within societies and let students know that if they are thinking about a professional creative career then this can be a viable option and to help them make links through apprenticeships, internships, mentoring, creative fairs and workshops.” To find out more visit http://www. artsandcultureexeter.co.uk/.

Exeposé

| WEEK FOUR

comedian. I can’t imagine a situation where someone calls ‘do we have a comedian here I am in need of laughter?

At my first ever gig my friends were there, they laughed at my stuff and I thought it was comedy gold. So I did it again, different audience, without my friends and I didn’t get a single laugh – only maybe someone with extreme depression” he retorts. Although he might not be stopped on the street to save a life, he does admit to being recognised due to his success. “People usually think I am someone else, which is quite amusing. They stop me, but don’t quite recognise me out of context off the TV or stage so they often ask ‘did we go to school together’ or ‘are you sure you’re not Regional D Hunter?’ Somebody once told me I looked like a black Alan Sugar”. Thankfully I reassured him I couldn’t see the connection, “Exactly!” he responds “We are a different colour and he is Jewish – WOW!” So on top of touring around the world, working on his sitcom, hosting a radio show and being recognised in the street, what does he do to relax in his snippets of free time? “I try and see my friends who just aren’t in comedy in my spare time to try and get a break from it all”. However, he never really pushes comedy completely out of his mind: “I am quite weird as because I always carry around a pen and paper to jot down anything amusing that my friends say so then I can pass it off as my own humorous witt.” Amos also uses his success to do good. Last year he was asked to do the Great British

Exehibition Every issue, Exeposé Arts features a piece of student art. This week, it’s student artist, Lauren Swift AS someone who really appreciates things that look nice, I try to create pieces of art that have a real visual appeal. My preferred style is pencil; for such a simple medium I love how it can produce a variety of effects on any scale. That said, I use a variety of mediums but one thing they all have in common is the amount of control I can have over them – I find that I have a neat and fine approach to creating work. If I’m not focusing on experimentation with one form, I’ll combine and

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Bake Off for Comic Relief “My mum is a massive fan of the show and she told me I had to do it, but I had never baked in my life before... and it showed. Having never made a cake before and being asked to bake a chocolate cake, I was like: ‘You what?’ and when Mary Berry tasted my cake her face said it all, it was the most bitter cake they had ever had on the show.” He also does a number of gigs for charity including the Comedy Store’s 30th Anniversary Comedy Gala. As if that was not enough, Amos tells me he also did an episode of ITV’s game show The Chase for charity a few days ago. Yet without giving anything away he hinted he was not hugely successful on the quiz show saying: “If you need a general

knowledge pub quiz team... I am definitely not your man!” It was never his intention to go into comedy, and after learning how he prepares his material for big gigs I was interested to hear about his first ever time on the stage. “I don’t think I was very good” he admits, “But at my first ever gig my friends were there, they laughed at my stuff and I thought it was comedy gold. So I did it again, different audience, without my friends and I didn’t get a single laugh.” This is far from uncommon in the world of stand up, but picking yourself up and carrying on is part of the battle. “It was a learning curve; you have to work at these things. I just kept going and thought I am having a laugh, it’s not rocket science or brain surgery, I am just having... and then I got it right, I think.” It surprises me how modest Amos is, considering the fact he has his own sit-com, radio show and sells out tours, but I reassure him that he certainly has got it right. After he told me his beginnings in comedy, I couldn’t let Stephen go before asking for some expert advice to aspiring student comedians. “I would say find your own voice. Go and

What might work really well one night could fall flat on its face the next watch some comedy, get an idea of what you like, what your friends laugh at and then start writing stuff, book a five minute slot (like I did) and try it out give it a go and what is the worst thing that can happen? They don’t laugh at you? So what?” Stephen K. Amos is bringing his new tour ‘The Spokesman’ to the Exeter Corn Exchange on Wednesday 20 November at 8pm. Tickets cost £17 from the box office: 01392 665938 His book I Used to Say My Mother Was Shirley Bassey is out now and his episode of the Chase will air on ITV in November. contrast two styles, mediums, and often two separate subjects, in layers. The result is a single piece of art – as seen here with the lion – creating a dialogue between two distinctly different yet complementary layers. The lion is quite possibly the most painstaking work I have produced: an A1 scale mash-up of pencil and embroidery. As geometry and nature are often central influences in my work, I looked at their opposing qualities as well as the ways in which they can be seen at work together. Nature has always interested me. The lion piece looks at order and patterns in the environment: for example I was really intrigued at how nature could produce the flawless geometry of diamonds, and I also studied the structural regularity of honeycomb and fruits. I then played these elements off against natural, irregular forms and living animals. The result was a pencil drawing of the wild elements of nature

layered with a piece of embroidery depicting ordered and regular structures. To get the embroidery just - so involved a lot of measuring, precision and patience, and I was worried about the piece becoming overwhelming. However I hope that compositionally it is successful: the thread seems to be subtle enough to be appreciated but not to detract from the pencil drawing. I quite like the areas where pencil and drawing combine, such as the circular wing embroidery which highlights the centrality of the lion. I think that as two separate pieces of art, the drawing and embroidery would be lacking in excitement. Luckily, the interaction resulting from layering the two mediums leads to each composition framing the other and emphasising its merits. With a multitude of possible results, it’s definitely hard to get bored of art when there are so many choices of medium, subject and style.

ARTS

The Bikeshed Braced for Brilliance Local theatre The Exeter Bikeshed has been listed in the 2013 UK Theatre Awards nominations THE MUCH beloved Exeter Bikeshed Theatre has been shortlisted for the TMA Most Welcoming Theatre Award. The prize will be presented at the UK Theatre Awards on 20 October 2013. The prize was launched as part of the ‘My Theatre Matters!’ scheme which is a joint initiative launched by The Stage, Theat-rical Management Association and Equity to celebrate theatre across the UK. It also seeks to support theatres across the country under pressure from arts cuts in government funding. The campaign’s main aim is to promote the important role that local theatres play in communities across the country, and encourage local councillors to take notice of this. Over 225 venues entered the competition, yet only seven were nominated, and the 60-seat theatre located underneath a bike repair shop, is by far the smallest theatre to be included. The other venues that have been shortlisted are: the Stamford Arts Centre, the Watermill in Newbury, the Mill at Sonning, Wilton’s Music Hall in London, the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and the St James Theatre in London. Although, the Devonshire theatre is by far the smallest venue it will come as little surprise to theatre enthusiasts that it has achieved recognition as it is known for supporting exciting, eccentric work and which is often less conventional than

We think it is important that anyone can feel at home under our roof one might see in other venues around Exeter. Productions coming through are often the highest-quality offerings from Edinburgh or other Fringe Festivals, making this the ideal spot to see excellent modern theatre. Magda Cassidy, President of Shotgun Theatre said, “It’s great that our

local theatre has been recognised on a national level”. She continued, “seeing as the Bikeshed Theatre is so small, it’s not the type you’d really associate with getting nominated for a national award but it’s great for the theatre and the city”. In conjunction with the performances that run, they also boast a spacious and comfortable bar area, which serves a range of snacks along with fantastic cocktails. It really is a hidden gem of the Exeter arts scene. Jack Dean, General Manager of the Bike Shed Theatre, welcomed the news. He said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. We like to think we make people feel as welcome as possible at our theatre. Whether it’s the sofas, barista coffees or our lovely tall, handsome bar staff, whether they’re seeing a show or just hanging out playing some scrabble over a Mai Tai, we think it’s important that anyone can feel at home under our roof”. Kitty Howie, Lifestyle Editor, says “Now that they’ve been nominated for the award, I feel like the theatre can advertise more about who they are, as I feel no students really know they exist. If they win the award it will give them great publicity and hopefully get some more students going to the theatre”. She concluded, “It’s another great accolade for the city of Exeter to be proud of”. The general public decides the award so in order to make sure the voting is fair the public vote has been weighted against capacity to ensure size doesn’t skew the results. Get online now and vote for our local nominee at: http://www.mytheatrematters.com/vote-now For more information on the awards and the My Theatre Matters! Campaign visit: http://www.mytheatrematters.com/ SOPHY COOMBES-ROBERTS ARTS EDITOR

han

ARTS

Exeter Contempary Open The Phoenix

Ends 2 November THIS year’s Contemporary Open Exhibition is a must-see. And it is free so there really is no excuse… Tucked away on Gandy Street is the Phoenix, Exeter’s treasure trove of all things arty. Walk up the steps and explore the Contemporary Open exhibition, which is full of thought-provoking and varied artwork. If you haven’t visited already, it’s the perfect way to become acquainted with the delights of the Phoenix. At the exhibition opening, Phoenix gallery curator Matt Burrows described the “incredible diversity and quality” of the works submitted, and said that it was “truly a tough job to whittle them down” to the nine artists that were shortlisted, and displayed in the exhibition. There is a diverse array of work including installations, paintings using

North, North, North The Bikeshed Theatre

Sunday 7 October AS we entered the space, the cast, a trio of multi-national actors (British, Danish and Norwegian), welcomed us – literally – with open arms. Dipping and diving through the bemused audience distributing coffee, tea and biscuits, they enticed us into their arctic world of snow, sledges, and polar bears. This new work follows the true story of Swedish engineer and explorer Saloman Andreé, (Martin Bonger) and his companions, Nils Strindberg (Margit Szlavik) and Knut Frænkel (Elisabet Topp) who in 1897 became the only people to attempt to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon. This fated mission, in which all three members of the expedition met with untimely deaths in the frozen wastelands of the Arctic, is a tale of daring adventure, hapless exploration, and dreams which became nightmares. The action took place against a

Dracula The Northcott Theatre

1-2 October DECIDING to spawn a dance production from such a strong and culturally recognisable piece of source material, the Mark Bruce Company had a challenging task on their hands. And my how they rose to and excelled at the challenge! The performers never falter in their ability to thrill and entice the audience, and fans of the famous novel will leave pleasantly surprised at their ability to stay so true to the story with the use of dance and aesthetics rather than words. The narrative of the piece is strongly and creatively shown, leaving little room for confusion for even those completely oblivious to the story. There is no shying away from the gore and bloodiness, and the gothic nature of the tale is celebrated and heralded throughout the piece. Jonathon Goddard takes the titular role as the infamous Count Dracula and thankfully avoids many of the clichés that taint many other inter-

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different media, sculpture and video. Despite being an un-themed exhibition, the work chosen fits together re-

ally well. Burrows described how they “speak to each other” and the exhibition booklet states that “texture, surface and

backdrop of fierce arctic soundscapes interspersed with the visual projection of their journey on a white sheet which covered the back wall of the Bikeshed space. Opening humorously, the three actors awkwardly took centre stage and introduced themselves. When the unfortunate explorers abandoned their airborne voyage, this sheet was unravelled and stretched to fill the entire floor, creating the impression of being surrounded by snow. The threesome

much was spoken in Swedish and translated into English for the audience by another character. This made for some highly entertaining moments in which misunderstandings were made between the characters, and thus hilarity ensued. NIE are a multi-national eclectic mix of live music, European language, physical theatre, and award winning storytelling at its best. By throwing themselves so wholeheartedly into the production process, pillaging tales from a thousand miles around the globe, crafting and navigating these forgotten tales into performances unlike any other, this company create work which speaks to its audience with heart and soul. Funny and heart-warming, North, North, North had its audience in stitches – and yet left us with the sobering portrayal of the ephemerality of life.

This company create work which speaks to its audience with heart and soul played with space to hilarious effect; all clambering onto a precarious spindly stepladder (the balloon rigging) complete with fake moustaches, and bobble hats and swaying in the breeze while enjoying Sweden’s finest coffee. Language was an integral part of the play; pretations that have come before. His movements are fast but precise and he manages to perfectly encapsulate the menacing and dangerous charisma that comes with the character. The recurring Vampire Brides (performed by

There is no shying away from the gore and bloodiness, and the gothic nature of the tale is celebrated throughout the piece. Cree Barnet Williams, Nicole Guarno and Hannah Kidd) give this dark play the necessary injection of humour and help the production maintain a firmly gothic feel. A special mention must also go to the aesthetics and stage design. Small details such as the use of real food and tea further envelops the audience in this world of creepy castles and 19th century England. The set is successfully ominous and haunting but adaptable enough to assert the various tonal

CLAIRE CRAWFORD

changes between each scene. Music and lighting are also well judged and pivotal throughout and are truly a testament to the production team’s meticulous attention to detail. In particular, the use of an almost folk like sound and warm lighting in the last scene truly helps to project the necessary feel for the end of the production. The most triumphant aspect of the piece is however the pace of it. The first half brilliantly builds up tension and the second act is a spectacular climax to this gory tale. The performers seem to gradually speed up their movements as the play goes on, helping to heighten a sense of danger and urgency. Perhaps not a production for the faint hearted, but nevertheless a pure delight for those old and new to Bram Stoker’s gothic tale, provided you don’t mind a bit of blood.

RORY MORGAN BOOKS EDITOR

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the physicality of objects, images and subject matter underpin much of the work.” This is apparent whilst walking through the exhibition space. I found myself forgetting that it was the display of nine different artists’ works, as many pieces went so well together. Julie Price’s loud and abstract pieces are a personal favourite. Speaking to her on the opening night, she described how the titles of her paintings and sculpture came about; from overheard snippets of conversation. I get like this when I miss my bus is a painting depicting a bright swirling monster-like figure, while her sculpture I just want to get out of here is made up of layered pieces of upholstery foam. This imagining of stories behind snippets of dialogue is extremely playful, highlighting the domestic in an absurd way. Another artist who is particularly interesting is Rebecca Ounstead. Her photographs Hand made and hand painted object arrangement series capture different displays of objects that have been arranged, painted and manipulated to

look like something else. They aim to ‘stimulate an aesthetic pleasure’ and are influenced by shop window displays. They are definitely interesting to look at and it’s quite fun to guess which objects she has used in her compositions. Rachel Busby won the award with her expressive acrylic paintings and the additional award was split between Oliver Tirre and Julie Price. Busby’s work is simple yet inviting. She painted them in the rural Wales, her childhood home, but they turned out to be interiors rather than landscapes. “I thought I was painting landscapes but they turned out to be interiors because you spend an awful lot of time indoors… you’re looking out but you’re looking in,” she explained. There is also the Audience’s Choice Award, which is voted for by visitors to the show using a voting box. This will be announced on the 21 October so go along and cast your vote.

Beyond Borders

through one of her (debatably) more experimental pieces. However, continuing to stress myself out and trying to decipher meaning in everything that was performed, the thought occurred to me that perhaps I was learning something new about poetry here. Manipulating word and sound as Silva was doing created an audibly beautiful piece of work, the rhythm and character of which made the piece entertaining and inspiring in its own right. Audience members were invited to participate in the debate, and as promised, contrasting views sparked heated reactions from poets and audience members alike.The intense atmosphere of debate, as well as the passion evident in Lumsden, Silva and Finch as they articulated and defended their points, made this a stimulating experience for any poetry enthusiast. Overall the evening proved an eye-opening experience in terms of how much poetry has to offer us all for deliberation.

Queens Building

Friday 5 October EXETER recently witnessed some pretty intense debate at ‘Beyond Borders’, a Poetry Week event aiming to explore the increasingly controversial labels attached to modern-day poetry. Nationally reputed poets Roddy Lumsden, Hannah Silva and Peter Finch delivered tasters of their respective works before taking part in a discussion based on the issues surrounding the labels ‘mainstream’, ‘performance’ and ‘experimental’, used to differentiate contemporary poetry. The performances from Lumsden, Silva and Finch sparked applause, laughter, and general appreciation from the audience, as well as some consideration as to what exactly it is we find entertaining and thought-provoking in poetry. For me personally, some of the work presented seemed quite challenging; thoughts of “I’m an English student; I should get this!” crept guiltily into the back of my mind as Silva raced

BRYONY JAMES ONLINE ARTS EDITOR

HANNAH BUTLER >> Photo credit: timeout

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FIFA 14: Kicking Balls

It’s that time of year again - new kits, new teams, and a new FIFA. Can your degree take the beating? FIFA 14 EA Sports

Xbox 360/PS3/Wii Out Now A NEW FIFA comes every year to mark the start of a new term and a drop in essay marks. Those outside the FIFA bubble argue that EA Sports aim to generate as much money as possible while holding back for future editions. After all isn’t it just the same as last year’s, but with updated teams and kits? Not quite. When you’ve been buying FIFA games for a decade you eagerly await the next instalment - how could they make it better? 12 brought a radically new defending system and impact engine to steer the series towards true football stimulation. The biggest difficulty for 14 is that there is no real standout feature, and only in playing can you notice the subtle differences that make a cohesive improvement.

The key word in FIFA 14 is ‘variety’. Games in 13 became fairly predictable as using the same dribbling and shooting to create patterns of play. In 14 the dribbling feels much more life-like; players shift their weight according to how careful or clumsy you are with the analogue stick. It used to be that if you came across two defenders you were almost guaranteed to lose possession; now a quick shimmy or feint will drive you through a pocket of space that average players won’t know exists. The first touch is now more important you can’t charge into the ball or you’ll knock it too far forward, so the use of manual dribbling becomes even

more important. At times the passing can feel fairly sluggish as players take too long to receive standard balls. In 13, through balls had become almost irrelevant, but now the variety means the weight of the pass, or how you go about pressing the button, has never felt more important. It can be equally thrilling and frustrating as you play a series of quick passes in the final third. Sometimes you’ll work a team goal unlike anything you’ve scored before, while other times you’ll be just one pass or miscommuni-

cation with teammates away. The teammates’ AI has improved dramatically, as they make clever off-the-ball runs to give you plenty of options. With a fundamentally new shooting system where balls swerve and dip in all directions, you’ll never run out of ways to score. Matches are more carefully measured, meaning you have to be more tactical and patient. Spells of pressure are longer and more intense, especially against the computer, where you have to concentrate throughout. Although more rewarding when you finally break through, it can be very frustrating when you concede yet another headed goal. Other minor quirks include the frequency of off-sides, and sometimes the refereeing decisions feeling more dodgy than usual. But this may be an intentional move towards more human, imperfect gameplay. Ultimate Team introduces new Chemistry styles, where players may be labelled the likes of ‘artist’ and ‘sentinel’, adding a nice touch to the most

obsessive form of the game. The new Global Scout Network in Career mode is less appealing, making transfers feel drawn-out and laborious, which coupled

It can be equally thrilling and frustrating with the very slow calendar and barrage of emails can detract from the actual fun of playing a match. Overall, FIFA 14 is a progression rather than a landmark. Sometimes the visuals do feel a bit outdated and the crowds still resemble cardboard cutouts. However, the PS4 and Xbox One editions promise a new Ignite Engine, and at least until that revolutionary feature, the current FIFA 14 remains an essential purchase. MATT BUGLER ONLINE SPORT EDITOR

When it rains it pours Nostalgia Hit Dig out your wellies and step out into the cold with Andy Owens

Thomas Davies defends his blast from the past Battle For Middle-Earth EA Games

PC Released 2004

Rain SCE Japan Studio

PS3 Out Now I IMAGINE that like many of the independently produced titles available on the Playstation Network, Rain began life as a clear and interesting concept. Something like, “Hey, what if you played as a boy who is only visible when he stands in the rain? And what if he was trying to save a girl from...some monsters, or something? And they were only visible in the rain too?” Such is the idea behind this downloadable game from SCE Japan Studio, and as beautiful and atmospheric the idea looks on-screen, it unfortunately doesn’t lend itself well to challenging or lasting gameplay. The world the characters inhabit is a character unto itself - the

empty streets and industrial estates slick with rain that drips down the gutters and buildings, collecting in shimmering puddles. The boy and the girl appear silhouetted in the rain, raising their arms to protect themselves, shivering in the cold. When invisible, the boy’s footsteps splash on the cobbles, tables, chairs and old paint pots clattering away in his wake. The invisible creatures hot on their heels are sinister, skeletal creations, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, never giving up the chase. And this chase is where the main content of the game comes into play. The boy can use his newfound invisibility to his advantage, sneaking from cover to cover, in and out of the rain to avoid detection. This basic stealth element is what the game is built around, and it introduces enough new variations on the mechanic to keep the gameplay fresh for its short running time. The player

has to jump in deep puddles to create a distraction, avoid muddy puddles that make the boy visible, and carry keys and other objects past the monsters. However, despite the lack of repetition, these new ideas are banished almost as soon as they appear, making the game feel almost like a six hour long tutorial. After completing it, I longed for a moment where I could use what I had learned at my own pace, and overcome the stealth puzzles without the game leading me by the hand. Despite this lack of depth Rain weaves an ambiguous and absorbing narrative, with artistic visuals, operatic soundtrack and undemanding gameplay with a unique premise. It’s a short, but a well worthwhile adventure, especially for those gamers who are looking for something a little bit different.

PICTURE the scene - it’s 2004, Lord of the Rings has reached the peak of its popularity, and I was getting to the stage where gaming was becoming a key part of down-time. With all of my games really being on PlayStation 2 it never occurred to me to consider anything outside of that platform. Then Battle For Middle Earth came out and everything changed. I love Lord of the Rings. I love the films, I loved the games, and I love the bits of the books that I’ve actually read, but BFME was something different. It took the awesome feeling of killing orcs and goblins and put you not as a warrior, like say in The Two Towers, but as the general, in charge of armies of men and elves. It was awesome. The whole concept of real-time strategy was a new one to me and I was hooked. The strategy involved in choosing what buildings to build, claiming and protecting your outlying farms and training up an army to throw at your foes. For me, at my young age, it was a gaming revolution. It felt as if you were there, as the game did a brilliant job of replicating the feel of the franchise. The score was from the actual films, the cut-scenes

were also bits from the films, and the shouts of ‘Rohirrim!’ and ‘Warg Riders!’ made you believe that this could be a part of the story. Watching Gondor knights charge into Uruk-hai battle lines and seeing Mordor catapults burn down Rohan’s villages invoked every exciting moment from Helms Deep and Pelennor Fields. And if you wanted to be there yourself, the campaign took you through all three books/films, allowing you to relive sieges and battles and feel like you decide the fate of Middle Earth. Another great aspect of the game was being able to play as the forces of evil. Now, I like Gandalf as much as the next guy, but compared to the Nazgul and their dragon-like fell beasts, there’s no contest who I’d back.

For me, at my young age, it was a gaming revolution Whilst BFME had some flaws, like not being as good as its sequel, it’s a game I regret getting rid of. For me it’s a true classic, not just because of its personal importance to me, but also because at the end of the day, seeing orcs and men duke it out for control of Middle Earth is one of the coolest things of all time.

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Exeposé Does Eurogamer TOP PICK AC4: BLACK FLAG AS any man-child with a blunt refusal to grow up, I have always wanted to be a pirate, and on my own adventure to exotic Earl’s Court, London I was able to get damn close. Trying out Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag on the PlayStation 4, I was immediately put on my ship, The Jackdaw. Being the rebellious scallywag I am, I completely ignored the advice of Ubisoft staff and set sail towards the nearest Spanish Galleon (I have had my fill of killing my countrymen). What ensued was me ramming the ship full speed in its port side. The splinter of wood and roar of cannon fire brought the ship to a halt. Heroically I leapt from my ship swinging on the rigging before air assassinating the enemy captain. Then, being the gentleman I am, I released the crew and used their ship to repair mine. After that I engaged in an intense fort battle, but the highlight was definitely the freedom I experienced of being able to roam the high seas, plundering and singing. Even if it was only 15 minutes of living a childhood fantasy. Yarrr. ALEX PHELPS

Exeposé Games descends on Earl’s Court for a weekend of debauchery and joysticks IT’S easy to feel overwhelmed when you first step onto the con floor at Eurogamer. Game booths sprawl all over the place with no understandable order, flyers are shoved at your face, and you can barely move for black novelty t-shirts. It’s sort of like the Freshers’ squash, but somehow less of a fire hazard. The queue to get in is always long, but moves surprisingly quickly. This does not last. While it’s tempting to head straight for the brightly neon-lit mega displays of Sony and Microsoft,

It’s sort of like the Freshers’ squash, but somehow less of a fire hazard you’ve got to think tactically. It might take hours to queue for the main booths and new consoles, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get a game you want to play anyway. The newer games are always looking to show off on the nextgen though, so it pays off to be inventive. Look out for the smaller stands that still have the new kit and beat two birds with one stone, like this year’s Surgeon Simulator. You’ll still be standing around for a while though, so

make sure you bring something to do. When you finally get your hands on the controller, time passes all too quickly. In order for the booths to deal with the queues, you often only get to play a single match, fifteen minutes, or sometimes even less. It’s not really long enough to totally grasp a new game, or get a real sense of story or character, but you need to get the most out of it that you can. If it’s open-world then make sure you do something ridiculous, because you’re not going to get very far with anything else. It’s a shame, but the booths are more likely to be crewed by a bunch of unenthusiastic part-timers than any of the real developers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the game, but don’t be offended if you get blank faces in return. At the same time, don’t get too keen when you find a real developer. They might be looking a bit bored, but they’ve been stood there for several days now and are one spilled coffee away from a meltdown. Eurogamer may be smaller than some of the international cons, but that’s not such a bad thing. You can rock up to a developer’s session barely five minutes before it starts, for example, and still get in. But the flip-side to this is that it’s obvious some developers don’t

Photo: Niklas Rahmel

TOP PICK TITANFALL

make an effort. The Sims 4 had a shockingly useless stand that only let you play a stripped down version of Create-ASim, and no actual gameplay at all. It’s a shame when big franchises waste an opportunity like this, especially when there aren’t even any decent freebies. Even though the free stuff can be a bit disappointing, you can still pick up the odd key-ring, poster, or t-shirt. It’s pretty unlikely you’ll ever use them, or even look at them again after shoving them into your wardrobe the day after, but nothing can stop the overpowering urge to hoard as much as possible. The power of free shit is strong, but it’s still shit. So avoid elbowing kids in the face, even if they do sound like the sort that insults your mother on Halo. Even though Eurogamer forces you into queues with hundreds of teenagers, the atmosphere still buzzes. After all, you’re surrounded by hundreds of people who share your interests, who are just as excited to be there as you are. Some of them are even wearing costumes, and some of them you might even recognise. So be happy, bring snacks, and above all else, try to avoid anyone dressed as a zombie clown.

FOR ten minutes of gameplay to be worth a whopping two hour queue, a game needs to be of a certain class. Titanfall, when it releases early 2014, may well find itself top of that class, after that ten minute demo turned out to be one of the best online matches I’ve ever had. Titanfall is played in two distinct and exciting ways – as a hyper-nimble Pilot, or a massive mech known as a Titan. Pilots take the FPS rulebook and throw it out the window. Yes, you’re a soldier running around with a gun, but you can double jump (a la Crash Bandicoot) and wall run. Respawn Entertainment – the devs formerly at the head of Infinity Ward – are particularly proud of the fact that you can get from one side of most maps to the other without touching the ground. Given the extremes of these two styles it’s remarkable the gameplay remains so balanced. The controls are as refined as you could wish for from the veterans of FPS-making, with the promise of oodles of customisation for both your Pilot and your Titan. If Xbox owners weren’t already excited about 2014, they should be now.

BECKY MULLEN GAMES EDITOR

JON JENNER EDITOR Photo: Niklas Rahmel

TOP PICK YAIBA: NINJA GARDEN Z I LIKE games that surprise me. The huge blockbuster gaming franchises like AC4 and Arkham Origins were out in force at Eurogamer, and I don’t doubt they will be incredible, but I know what they do already. One game that I don’t know anything about is Yaiba. I happened across its blood splattered screens by accident, but was instantly drawn in. Not since God of War III have I enjoyed a hack and slash so much. The combat is simple but glorious, exactly the right combination when ploughing through hordes of zombies with a katana. Its art style is reminiscient of

Okami, with a change-up of colour palate to really bring out the gore. Yaiba also retains a sense of fun, allowing you to pick up the severed arms of your foes to beat up more undead. I don’t know anything about the story, I don’t know if the gameplay will be consistently good, but I do know that of all the games I played at Eurogamer this game left an impression. Oh, scratch that part about franchises; apparently the full name is Yaiba: Ninja Garden Z. But still, it’s fun. JON JONES ONLINE GAMES EDITOR

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Photo: Tim Pestridge

Feature

Sporting profile: Nick Beasant In the first of a series of high-profile interviews, and with BUCS underway for many clubs, Will Kelleher, Sports Editor, meets up with Assistant Director of Sport, Nick Beasant Your title is ‘Assistant Director of Sport’. What does that entail? At the University there are three Assistant Directors of Sport, who report directly to the Director, Phil Attwell. My role as Assistant Director of Sport (Performance and Competitions) is to manage the University of Exeter’s High Performance Programme, which looks after top performing athletes. I work closely with our ten focus sports, helping to manage the coaching staff, recruit talented students, and oversee the sports scholarship programme. We ensure that students are able to get the right balance of sport and work whilst at university. Whilst we would love everybody to be playing sport full time, we understand that course commitments should take priority. Essentially we help students to ensure that they are getting the best out of their sport and their course. The aim is to ensure that all athletes who come through the High Performance Programme leave us as better athletes, be that in skill, mentality or physical ability. It’s a great team to be a part of and very satisfying to see the development of our athletes over the years they are with us. Last year we finished fifth in BUCS, an unprecedented achievement. What do you think was the secret to our success? Last year was a brilliant year for sport at the University, and in many respects exceeded our expectations. We have been steadily climbing the sporting league tables for the last five years now, and cemented ourselves as a top ten sporting university. This change has been no accident. There has been a lot of hard work to expand our programmes and develop a number of sports in recent years. What is important is that we have been mak-

ing incremental, sustainable changes in sport. There is no point building without a strong foundation, so we always start at the bottom and work up. There is no point spending thousands, for example, putting a GPS on athletes during training if there is no facility or staff to analyse the data. We try to keep things simple, and spend our money where we know we can get results – employing new coaches, upgrading equipment, providing better facilities, but always ensuring that the structure is in place to manage these changes. None of our successes would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our student athletes. The talent that has been emerging in recent years is exceptional, and we do everything we can to nurture this. The relationship we share with the Athletic Union is incredibly important and the participation levels and sheer determination of teams at all levels in BUCS is really fantastic. The sheer depth we have is brilliant. Whilst it’s great to see the first teams performing on a weekly basis, it is just as rewarding when you see the fifth and sixth teams also working as hard as possible to win their matches and bring home vital points. What do you feel the sporting philosophy at our University should be? Participation in sport is fantastic at the University. The AU and their respective clubs do an excellent job at making sport accessible for all. What is important is that when you come here you can get what you want out of sport. If you want to be a performance athlete - compete for the university with the view of competing at an international level - you can aspire to do this. Equally, if you simply want to try something new, or play sport recreationally that is very easy to do.

Tell us more about the ‘Athlete Development Centre’ (ADC). For a while now we have realised that the High Performance training space had reached the end of its useful life. The space just wasn’t there to provide our athletes with the environment they deserve for all of their efforts. With the completion of the Russell Seal Fitness Centre, we have been able to take the old BodyWorX gym and transform it into a fit for purpose High Performance Training Space. We have moved our strength

When you compare us to a large met, with double the number of students and larger sport budgets, we perform very well and conditioning offices and equipment into the ADC and are now working to develop this into a first class training venue over the next 12 months. We have created a world class gym space in the Russell Seal Fitness Centre and want to create a leading performance space to match this. We want to ensure that our high performance squads and teams have the best preparation and facilities to perform to their full potential. What’s your biggest priority in your job? Ensuring we remain focused on the macro – that is developing a culture and environment in which our student athletes can develop and flourish, but without losing sight of the need to train hard, work as a team and enjoy what they are doing. We have had a brilliant last four or five years here at the University, and the

developments have been remarkable. For me the most important thing is to ensure that we continue to offer the best platform we can. We can’t stand still, and it is important that we stay focused and keep re-evaluating what we do to keep performance at its best. It would represent a real achievement to be able to stay in the same area as last year. The 4th -7th battle was very close, so if we can stay in that fight that would be brilliant. With BUCS underway are you looking for any club or individual in particular to shine this season? There will be some real challenges this year. The performance of a number of clubs last year; golf, women’s rugby, cricket, tennis, were exceptional, reaching the finals and winning championships. It’s always more difficult to maintain these kind of results – so it will be interesting to see how they perform. Our rowers also had a brilliant year last year; the women’s light-weight fours performed with distinction in their European Championships, so I look forward to seeing their results and those of their fellow crews. Generally, we also do well across a huge range of sports so it will be fun to watch the results come through. What’s your view on technology helping athletes achieve? Technology can be a wonderful thing, and can really benefit training and inspire improvement. Data analysis is an important part of sport – but, as I mentioned earlier, only if it is sustainable and relevant. It is very important to me that every piece of technology we use will have a direct benefit to our athletes and is manageable with the support teams that we have in place. Video anaylsis is something that we use quite regularly for team sports, but it is important that it is used properly.

Technology can be very motivational, but equally can damage performance if it isn’t managed properly, damaging team morale, or making players too heavily dependent on the numbers. Ensuring athletes can think for themselves and react to whatever is placed in front of them is vital. How are you looking to improve yearon-year performances in BUCS? It is right to say that as a university we certainly perform at a stronger level than our size and budget would lead you to expect. When you compare us to a large metropolitan university with double the number of students to pool from, and larger sporting budgets, we perform very well indeed. The fact that we only have ten Focus Sports, I think plays an important role in our success, as it means that we can really give the attention that they need to achieve and manage them on a daily basis. We monitor very clearly where we invest, and where we want to see results off the back of such investments. Obviously what we can’t control is what our rivals are doing, so we focus on what we can improve and how we can grow, albeit in a sustainable fashion. Looking at who is around there’s a lot of big institutions. If we can continue to perform to this high level I’ll be very happy. Do you want to expand the list of High Performance Sports? Any ones you are targeting? Once we have all our focus sports performing at an optimal level and achieving sustained success based around their individual targets, we can then start to assess how and why we might wish to expand the programme. That’s not to say that we don’t already offer support and specialist services to a wider group of athletes, as we do.

Selected BUCS Fixtures 16/10/13 Badminton: Men’s 1st v Bath 3rd (H) Men’s 2nd v Cardiff 2nd (A) Basketball Men’s 1st v UWE 1st (H) Women’s 1st v Oxford 1st (A) Fencing Women’s 1st v UWE 1st (H)

Football Men’s 1st v Swansea 1st (H) Men’s 2nd v Bath 4th (H) Women’s 1st v St Mark & John 1st (A) Women’s 2nd v B’mouth 1st (A)

Lacrosse Men’s 1st v Oxford (H) Men’s 2nd v Bristol 2nd (A) Women’s 1st v Oxford 1st (H) Women’s 2nd v Bristol 2nd (H)

Hockey Men’s 1st v Bristol 1st (H) Men’s 2nd v Swansea 1st (H) Women’s 1st v Cardiff (H) Women’s 2nd v Exeter 3rd

Netball 1st v Brunel 1st (H) 2nd v Plymouth 1st (A) 3rd v Bath 4th (A)

Rugby League 1st v Bath 1st (A) 2nd v UWE 2nd (H)

Table Tennis Men’s 1st v Bath 1st (A) Women’s 1st v Bath 1st (A)

Rugby Union 1st v Cardiff Metropolitan 1st (H) 2nd v Cardiff Metropolitan 2nd (H) 3rd v Cardiff Metropolitan 3rd (H)

Tennis Men’s 1st v Bath 1st (A) Women’s 2nd v Cardiff 1st (H)

Squash Men’s 1st v Bath 1st (A)

Volleyball Men’s 1st v Cardiff 1st (A) Women’s v Bristol 1st (A)

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Badminton ladies beaten Inaugural Lemmy boxing showcase by experienced Bath Photo: Jack Caulfield

Boxing Richie Goulding Boxing Club Captain

Ladies’ Badminton Freddie Turner Sports Team

THE EXETER Ladies’ Badminton first team got their BUCS Premier South campaign off to a 8-0 losing start on Wednesday at the hands of their South West rivals, Bath. Despite the opening day loss, there are reasons to be cheerful, with an exciting season lying ahead for the Badminton squad, who are part of the High Performance programme. Having been dealt the daunting task of an opening match against last year’s unbeaten champions Bath, who boast England representatives amongst their ranks, it was always going to be an uphill task for the new look Exeter side.

Playing Bath, who boast England representatives amongst their ranks, was always going to be an uphill task for Exeter The singles games took place first, with Club Captain Natalie Kent and fresher Imogen Crarer in action for the

Green Army. Both battled valiantly, with Crarer’s performance particularly noteworthy, landing her the Exeter ‘Man of the Match’ award.

The game was a great advert for badminton with high speed rallies, a mixture of power and finesse Unfortunately, both were eventually beaten by their impressive Bath opponents, whose increased experience at a high level shone through. Next it was to the doubles; First Team Captain Lucy Manley partnered Charlotte Wardle, whilst Lily Stanton teamed up with Lucy Battersby . Again rivals Bath appeared to have the upper hand, however with some vociferous support from the other members of EUBC and some serious resilience from both pairs, it led to a couple of very competitive games. With many sets going right to the wire and some lengthy rallies it looked as if Exeter could take some points away from this encounter. Unfortunately and disappointly, however, neither pair could convert their chances into wins.

Eventually the match ended with a Bath whitewash. The 8-0 scoreline may look bad on paper but it definitely flattered the travelling side. The result did not do the competitive Exeter team justice. First Team Captain Manley commented afterwards, “The 8-0 loss unfortunately doesn’t reflect the effort put in across all the matches. However, Bath are by far the best team in the division. “With two strong players leaving last year, hopefully the new freshers can step up and help Exeter improve on their third place finish last year. “I’m confident as they seem worthy replacements for the recent graduates at the moment. “Although it is not great to start with a loss, the only way is up!” The game in general was a great advert for badminton with high speed rallies and a mixture of power and finesse. With these skills in their lockers the Ladies’ Badminton side will surely triumph against less formidable opposition The focus now for the girls moves to the next game away in London to UCL on 23 October. Then it’s back home to play Brighton 30 October before the reciprocal Bath fixture, this time away on 6 November.

ON Wednesday 13 November, Exeter University Amateur Boxing Club will assemble their first ever team of boxers to compete against other universities from across the South and South West. The event is set to be held at The Lemon Grove, and will be the first of its kind in Exeter. It will be hosted in conjunction with the local amateur boxing club, Exeter ABC, and will be the first time that they have fielded a squad made up entirely of students. Exeter boasts a squad of nine boxers, each set to compete against opponents from a host of other Universities. Each bout will consist of three or four two-minute rounds, featuring a boxer from Exeter and a competitor from another university. Opponents that have been confirmed thus far include the University of Bath and Cardiff University, with others still to be confirmed. The event marks an exciting time in the relatively short history of EUABC. Having formed only four years ago, the club has gone from strength to strength since formation, gaining AU affiliation in 2012. Last season the club fielded four boxers in national University competitions including BUCS, in addition to others who competed in regular local competitions. This year the club gained over 160 new members since the start of term ranging in experience from complete beginners to experienced boxers. The club hopes to make an impact on the rapidly growing university boxing scene during the 2013-14 season, and the event is set to be the perfect stage for Exeter to make their mark. Club captain Richie Goulding will be competing in his fourteenth bout, returning to the ring for the first time in three years. Also in action will be

vice-captain Archie Brixton, taking part in his second competition since winning his first convincingly. Boasting an impressive record is Sam Ash, making his first appearance for Exeter in his fifth competitive bout. The show will also feature debut bouts from Tom Tully, Christopher Waterworth, Peter Dyson, Natasha Savovic, Roman Davymuka and heavyweight prospect Ike Ogbo.

Exeter boasts a squad of nine, each competing against opponents from a host of other unis Previous boxing events at the Lemon Grove have always featured an electric atmosphere and it is expected that this will be amplified for Exeter’s first student boxing show – the Lemmy will be a familiar setting for boxers and supporters alike. Leading up to the event members of the club will be selling tickets on campus, so avoid disappointment and buy your ticket early! The show is shaping up to be an exciting event, and will be made all the better if there is a strong attendance from the University of Exeter’s students. Even if you’ve never been interested in boxing the shows are intense, passionate and highly enjoyable affairs – the bar at The Lemmy will be open and the show will inevitably be followed by Wednesday Timepiece! Bouts will finish around 10.30pm leaving you just enough time to get onto top top. Doors 7:00pm. Bouts 8:00PM. Tickets £7.50 in advance. £10.00 on the door. For more information contact club captain Richie Goulding - boxing.captain@exeter.ac.uk Photo: Steve Green

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In the news... Tough start in BUCS for

Men’s Hockey Tom Appleby EUMHC Vice Club Captain

IT was without doubt a mixed bag for EUMHC on the weekend of 5 & 6 October, with much to build upon in the coming weeks. On Sunday the 1st XI secured an impressive 3-0 win at home to Bath Buccaneers a much needed result after consecutive defeats. The 2nds, meanwhile, played out a somewhat drab 0-0 at home to Firebrands, paying the price for failing to convert a number of good chances. The 6ths also drew, travelling to Penzance, and playing out a tense 3-3. The 3rds and 5ths both had tricky away fixtures, with the 3rds losing 3-1 to Bath Buccs 2nd XI - despite being a goal up at half time - and the 5ths also going down 5-3 to hosts East Devon in a thrilling, end-to-end contest.

Korfball Emma Renshaw Korfball Member

Exeter University Korfball club travel across the border to Cardiff for the National Fresher’s Tournament on the 19 October. Last year’s tournament provided competition and valuable korfball experience for all involved, as well as fun and laughter.

Finally, the 4ths secured an impressive 2-1 win at home to ECV Hornets thanks to two goals from Matt Marshall. The game was also noticeable for Ross Martin taking a ball flush on the cheek from a characteristically agricultural strike. Three fractures and a metal plate later, and the dimple marks from the ball were still visible on Monday evening! Having secured a decent start to the season, anticipation is building nicely for the start of BUCS fixtures this Wednesday. Three of the five men’s teams start their BUCS campaigns at home. The 1sts play Bristol 1sts, the 2nds Swansea 1sts and the 3rds UWE 1sts. The 4th XI travel to Bath to play their 2nds and finally the 5th XI are making the journey to Southampton for a match versus their 2nds. The tournament is great for creating team spirit and many memories. After a great Freshers’ Week providing us with fantastic new talent and a high number of new sign-ups - we hope for many success stories this year. The Korfball club started their local league campaign away to Exeter City at Wonford Sports Centre. Their next match after the Cardiff tournament is versus Horfield at 2.30pm at the Wonford Sports Centre.

Last Wednesday’s Results Women’s Badminton: 1st Bath 1sts

Men’s Rugby Union: 0 8

Women’s Lacrosse: Bath 2nd 2 2nd 20

1st XV Swansea 1st XV

43 13

South Wales 1st XV 28 2nd XV 13 3rd XV 20 Gloucestershire 1st XV 0

Women’s Tennis:

4th XV 39 Bristol 3rd XV 5

1sts Bath 1st

Bath 3rd XV 5th XV

0 12

Men’s Tennis: 1st Bath

2 10

38 5

Plymouth 2nd XV 6th XV (6ths awarded a walk-over)

Turn to page 36 for tomorrow’s fixtures

Men’s Tennis Emmott Leigh Sports Team

EXETER’S Men’s tennis teams were subjected to a hefty challenge at the hands of Bath’s contingent, with all singles players unable to gain opening-fixture victories and the doubles providing a mixed bag of results. In a series of matches that Exeter’s Head Coach Stephen Wood noted were always going to be ‘tight’ against ‘our biggest rivals’, Bath seized the majority of the spoils. One of the opening matches of the day saw the team of Andy Higham and Ashtey Pauls face a strong Bath pairing but ultimately prevail in straight sets. The first set was eventually claimed by Exeter over a feisty tiebreaker, with the precise serving of Higham and aggressive volleying of Pauls edging them over the line in a 7-6 (7-4) thriller. Surprisingly, the Bath barrage then proceeded to lose its destructive power; the second set was quickly snatched away by Exeter’s finest with an early break capitalised upon with vigourthe final score 7-6 (7-4) 6-1. Meanwhile, Jonathan Nathar and James Atkinson were teaming up to challenge Bath’s second outfit. Both sets were fiercely contested by both

sides, but Bath snapped up the chances when they came, with the contest decided by only four games. The visiting university struck gold in a 5-7 4-6 slugfest. The use of the word ‘slugfest’ certainly applies to Nathar’s singles match, in which he attempted to avenge his doubles loss; the supersonic serve and hammering forehands of the Malaysian sounded more like gunfire than tennis strokes. This was initially successful against the more crafty tactics of his opponent, as he gained a break and momentum. However, the serve in particular gradually sank into uselessness with more and more meeting the swing of the opposing racket, and the final score indicates the superiority of his opponent’s tactics - much to the frustration of Nathar - a 4-6 0-6 defeat. Perhaps Club Captain Andy Higham would come up trumps again in his singles contest. Once again, the delightfully accurate first serve of the Exeter veteran proved a hit, but a late break in the first set closed that matter 4-6 to Bath. A second set of impressive high-quality tennis followed- Higham’s serve and volley technique drove his opponent to distraction, while the other seemed to pluck one-handed backhand winners from the empty air. In a

nail-biting tiebreaker (another of these gruelling affairs for Higham), Bath came through 8-10 and took the match. The only rubber that was decided in three sets saw Exeter’s James Atkinson face Harry Burley. In the first, it was Atkinson who dominated, with his flat, bullish forehands terrorising the latter and sealing the set.

The supersonic serve and hammering forehands of Nathar sounded more like gunfire than tennis However, the effectiveness of that approach seemed to dwindle perhaps contributing in a 6-4 3-6 2-6 loss. Pauls took to the stage once more to challenge Bath’s John Thompson, but a frustrating match, in which both players regularly exchanged verbal jousts, for Exeter’s representative resulted in a sound defeat. This Wednesday of tennis may not have been successful, but Bath are renowned for their competitiveness in the sport. The Green Army will charge to the battlefield again, next time, hopefully, to reap the rewards of a fruitful contest.

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| WEEK FOUR

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r 2013 Club of the Year

Crossword No.50byRaucous

Photo: Lucrezia Scarapicchia

Across 1. South American country (8) 5. Home (slang) (4) 7. Task (6) 8. Old British coin (6) 9. Newspaper puzzle (6) 10. Music genre (5) 12. Leave (6) 15. Appoint (6) 17. Film award (5) 18. Collision (6) 21. Connect (6) 22. Italian brandy (6) 23. Journalist (colloq) (4) 24. Cue a dine (anag) (8)

Women’s Tennis Matt Bugler Online Sports Editor

EXETER’S Women’s Tennis players succumbed to an imperious Bath team in the first round of BUCS fixtures last Wednesday, losing all six matches. Bath came to Exeter to kickstart their defence of the Premier League title, and Exeter, who finished runners-up last year, were unable to deal with the quality of a largely unchanged Bath team. Commencing with the doubles, Kate Lucy and Adelina Lipan battled hard but ultimately succumbed to a close straight sets defeat. The Bath pair showed some great touch volleys, forming an Iron Curtain at the net which Exeter struggled to break down. The other doubles match formed a similar pattern, with Carina Stephens and Emily Wicks maintaining a close scoreline but were unable to get in a leading position. Emily hit a purple patch in the second set and produced a string of winners, but a very solid Bath pair stayed patient in the rallies before converting an easy volley put-away. The singles started with two very different matches. Adelina’s match was a baseline battle of power verss power, wherein her Bath opponent

consistently had an answer for all she could produce. Adelina cut a frustrated figure, throwing her racket after being on the end of yet another massive forehand winner, but it seemed her opponent was just too strong. This match was over while Carina’s singles was still in the first set. If there were any nerves in the debutant’s doubles, they had vanished as she raced to a 5-2 lead. Her opponent, who was the spitting image of Agnieszka Radwanska in looks and style of play, forced her way back into a tiebreak and had three setpoints, but Carina rallied to take the tiebreak 8-6. Both players had a similar style, employing touch and angle to work the increasingly long rallies, but the Bath girl had enough consistency to force a decider.

Exeter, who finished runners-up last year, were unable to deal with the quality of Champions Bath Already a marathon, they agreed to play a championship tiebreak, and Carina’s opponent held on to an early lead to scrape the win 10-8.

Carina said afterwards, “I felt pretty close to winning, I enjoy playing players with a similar style to me. The first two sets were over two hours and I think she was a little faster than me; that’s probably why she won.” Kate’s singles went similarly to Adelina’s, but the match was closer than the scoreline of 6-1, 6-2 suggests. There were several long rallies of brutal pace and depth which her opponent often edged with a touch more skill. With the tie’s outcome decided, Emily lost a quick first set before finding her best form in the second. She started to dictate play and go up a break, but after a big forehand down the line her opponent recovered to win 6-1, 7-5. Women’s Captain Kate Lucy reflected “Bath was always going to be our toughest match of the year; they had the same team that won BUCS last year, while we’ve lost a few players.” With the hardest match done, the team can now focus on beating the teams who finished below them last year. The Tennis girls will have to pick themselves up from this defeat quickly as they play Bath 2nds tomorrow before travelling away to Bristol 1sts the following week.

Down 1.Troilus and ¬________; Shakespeare play (8) 2.Vivid (5) 3. Nickname (7) 4. Arithmetic mathematics (7) 5. Groups (7) 6.Wild pig (4) 11. Start (8) 13. Synthetic material (7)

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Will Kelleher & Mike Stanton sport@exepose.com JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Exeposé Sport

Swans no match for 1st XV Photo: Niklas Rahmel

The FinalWhistle Here is your guide to a few upcoming sporting courses, classes and events 16 October

Rugby 1st XV vs Cardiff Met Topsham Sports Ground Spectators welcome! 14:00-16:00 Free Contact: au@exeter.ac.uk

16 October

Healthy Halls Clip and Climb The Quay Climbing Centre 14:00-15:30 Free Contact: Paul Mouland 01392 722039 p.d.mouland@exeter.ac.uk

26-27 October

Basketball Level 1 Coaching Course St Luke’s Sports Centre Students: £110.00 Contact: Paul Mouland 01392 722039 p.d.mouland@exeter.ac.uk

22-24 October

Rugby Union Ben Pullan

Sports Team

A SUPERB first half performance by Exeter ensured that a potentially tricky season-opener became a relatively simple 43-13 victory for EURFC 1st XV. Exeter were dominant in all departments; their backs out-gunned the opposition in creativity, pace and skill, whilst the forwards gave their Swansea counterparts a pasting in the set piece. Despite the distinct Autumn chill, the home side quickly realised that the perfect Topsham surface was conducive to fast, flowing rugby, and they dominated the early exchanges. It was nevertheless Swansea who had the first chance of points in the game, as their goal kicker hit the post in a 43-odd metre effort into the wind. However, it did not take long for Exeter’s control over the game to be rewarded, as in the ninth minute, second row and Club Captain Jamie Gray took an inside ball from winger Tom Dowding to score a brilliant first try of the season. With full-back Ali Chisholm completing a simple conversion, Exeter were 7-0 up. From here on, Exeter’s slick backs consistently found gaps in the Swans’ defences; centre Alex Ross,

in particular, gave his opposite number a nightmare with pace and power. The forwards were also having their say – spoiling both Swansea’s scrum and lineout ball – and it was they who secured the next set of points for Exeter with a textbook rolling maul off a lineout deep in Swansea’s half. This gave first year Tom Edwards, starting the game at open-side, a try on debut.

Centre Alex Ross in particular, gave his opposite number nightmares with pace and power Five minutes later, history repeated itself, as Swansea’s pack were again laid to waste by a lineout-maul combination – this time conceding a penalty try, and a their prop went to the bin. A man down and looking like a beaten team, it appeared as if Swansea’s floodgates had been opened – something star back Ross took advantage of by cutting through their back line to put Exeter 26-3 up. A somewhat consolatory try by the Swans’ winger was effectively cancelled out, as a couple of minutes later,

some further brilliant Exeter back play was finished with surprising aplomb by tight-head Richard Sinel. Another successful under-the-posts conversion ensured that Exeter had a 33-8 lead going into half time, with four of the five tries scored by forwards; no one at Topsham gave Swansea a prayer. The early exchanges of the second half indicated that this assessment might have been preemptive, as Exeter began their second half in a surprisingly lacklustre manner, allowing Swansea to get one back in the forty-sixth minute. To the dismay of coach Fleming, Exeter’s sloppy start continued, as they made several handling errors, and their first half flair seemed to have evaporated. Stronger opposition would have capitalised on this lapse far more effectively than Swansea – something the coaching team would have stressed after the game. But, as it was, Exeter largely got away with it, and they were rejuvenated by some fresh legs off the bench. Both Blanchet brothers were brought on, and Sam had the immediate impact of finishing off another wellworked forwards’ try, giving Exeter a 25 point buffer once again. Luke Treharne was another second half substitute who had an obvious impact, using his pace and nimble footwork to score a fantastic individual try from fullback – a feat it

seemed he would repeat only minutes later with another Halfpenny-esque run.

Swansea would have felt the scoreline flattered them a little- it could have been a lot worse Though Exeter continued to make mistakes, by this stage they were permanently camped deep in Swansea’s half, so these simply cost them further points, rather than granting any to the opposition. When the full time whistle blew, Swansea would have felt like the score line flattered them a little – it could have been a lot worse. Nevertheless, this should not take away from the fact that this was an outstanding win to begin the season, something coach Keith Fleming was keen to stress after the game. “We could have put several more points on them”, commented Fleming, evidence of the extent of Exeter’s dominance. If they cut the second half sloppiness, this Exeter side will be a serious force to contend with, though sterner tests await.

Live Well Week Free events to inspire healthy living Forum Project 09:00-17:00 Timetable at www.exeter. ac.uk/sport

Every Thursday

Rush Hockey 16:00 – 18:00 Free Lopez tennis courts All kit provided – All welcome p.d.mouland@ex.ac.uk

Mondays & Fridays

Tai chi/Yoga 12:00 – 13:00 Free Birks Grange Wear comfy clothes- mats and blocks provided p.d.mouland@ex.ac.uk

Autumn Tennis Courses

Beginners, Developers and Performers Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Exeter Tennis Centre