Opinion
Music
Political parties need to stick together
Arts
The Rev talks music, politics and Sheffield
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Fleabag’s back - but is it worth the hassle?
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THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER
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ISSUE 135 | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2019 | FREE
Water polo club to raise for Macmillan Lucas Mentken News Editor
Sheffield students are hosting a nation-wide Water Polo tournament where students will play on behalf of their loved ones who passed away from cancer. Students who play in Water Polo clubs from all over the UK will be playing against each other throughout the day, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Players will also be able to send in photos of their loved ones who have passed away from cancer along with their names. (...cont. on p7)
Cheap student singles return on First bus routes Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
First Buses have brought back £1 student bus fares from Sunday 15 September, after negotiations led by SU President Jake Verity. This marks a success for one of his campaign promises, as he pledged to bring back the £1 student singles during his bid for election in spring. The price of student singles had increased over the last couple of
years, to £1.20 on First - and, a few weeks ago, £1.30 on Stagecoach buses. However, students travelling on bus routes operated by First will soon have the opportunity to return to the cheaper prices of previous years. “I’m absolutely delighted that I’ve managed to sign this agreement with First to reintroduce £1 Bus fares for our new and returning students,” Jake said. “I promised students that when I
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ran for this role, I would make this happen, and I’m incredibly pleased that it has come to fruition. “Students deserve to have a cheap single fare that ensures they have affordable, safe and accessible transport in this brilliant city. “I’m hoping that this is the start of an excellent relationship between both us and First going into the future and I’d encourage all students to make the most of the £1 bus journeys during the next few
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SU shuts down to support climate strikers
months, to make sure the scheme continues in the new year.” The £1 student singles have been reintroduced on a trial basis until the end of December this year, and the SU President is encouraging students to make use of the cheaper prices, in order to show First that it’s worth continuing the agreement into the new year. As part of the agreement, student weekly tickets will be scrapped by the end... (cont. on p6)
Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
The Students’ Union shut its doors for an hour in solidarity with young people and workers from around the globe on Friday 20 September. The move was to coincide with the Global Climate Strike, as the SU Officers and other staff wanted to show their support for students and young people striking in protest at damage to the global climate. From 10.00am, students and staff were guided out... (cont. on p5)
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Editorial
Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief Ben Warner Managing Editor Becky Sliwa Webb Deputy Editor Bethan Davis Deputy Editor Patrick Burke News Coordinator Tevy Kuch Sport Coordinator Michael Ekman LOF Coordinator Jack Mattless Entertainments Coordinator Luke Baldwin Entertainments Coordinator VACANT News Editor Lucas Mentken News Editor Georgie Marple News Editor VACANT Features Editor Anastasia Koutsounia Features Editor Bernadette Hsiao Opinion Editor Jack Mattless Opinion Editor VACANT Arts Editor Kate Procter Arts Editor Rosie Davenport Lifestyle Editor Jaz Catlow Lifestyle Editor Em Evans Music Editor Ella Craig Music Editor Dana Raer Screen Editor Dan Cross Screen Editor Josh Teggert Games Editor Catherine Lewis Games Editor Ash Williams Science and Tech Editor Bethany Hanson Science and Tech Editor George Tuli Break Editor Luke Baldwin Break Editor Alicia Hannah Sport Editor Alex Brotherton Sport Editor VACANT
Welcome to Sheffield! For those of you just joining us in the Steel City, this might be a scary time for you. This is probably the first time you’ve ever lived independently of friends and family back home, but that isn’t something to worry about. Everyone feels like that in their first few days, and you couldn’t have picked a better city to come to. Three years ago, I drove into Endcliffe with my mum and dad, and despite having spent a fair bit of time in Sheffield when I was younger, I didn’t really know what to expect. Being from Manchester, I knew Sheffield was quite a bit smaller, but it’s still a city of over 500,000 people and it can seem quite daunting if you don’t know your way around. But within a few weeks it was like I’d found a second home, with mates and a fun degree to boot. I’d encourage you to make the absolute most of your first year, and grab every opportunity with both hands. Join societies, try new things and be open about who you are – you’ll be surprised how many people here are just like you.
This couple of weeks also marks a new experience for us here at Forge Press, as this is our first issue of the academic year with an almost completely new team who I have to say I’m extremely proud of as I sit here writing this. The paper looks absolutely fantastic, with some brilliant content on top of that. In Lifestyle, editors Jaz and Em have put a lot of effort into forming a guide of do’s and don’t’s for you to follow as well as a guide to managing your money, plus their first recipe of the year. Meanwhile, Opinion are looking ahead to when you need to start studying, and have pitted four people (including myself) against each other over which library is the best. Or, why not check out Games’ picks for the best gaming-places in Sheffield, impress your flatmates by beating Break’s sudoku, or devour Science & Tech’s advice on how to avoid the dreaded Freshers’ Flu? If you’re a student, new or old, and you’d like to get a bit more involved in Forge Press, we’d love to hear
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from you. We have a Facebook group, ‘Forge Press Contributors’, where our section editors regularly post content, or you can pitch your own ideas. You can also find my email on the left if you’d like to get in touch with me that way. Writing for a newspaper isn’t for you? Fear not, as Forge also boasts a 24-hour radio station, broadcasting from the Students’ Union, and an award-winning student TV station. We’re hosting a Forge Media welcome talk in Studio at the SU at 6.00pm on Monday 30 September, so come along and say hello! Most of all though, I’d just like to say welcome once again. My Mancunian civic pride is one of my strongest traits, but I’ve grown to love Sheffield. The city of steel, the home of football. This is the city of common people, dancing shoes and temptation. The city of hills, the Rome of the north. Give it a chance, let it into your heart, and you won’t regret it.
Long-exposure photography using phone torches to spell ‘Forge’ outside the SU
Head of Design VACANT Secretary and Social Secretary Tom Buckland Inclusions and Welfare Officer Chloe Dervey Head of Marketing and Publicity Giulia Carleton Head of Photography Chelsea Burrell Head of Online VACANT
Want to join Forge Press committee? We still have a few roles left on our committee for 2019/20, and we’ll be electing them at an EGM on Thursday 10 October. Come along to Meeting Room 2 in the Octagon at 5.30pm if you fancy giving it a go! We have: News Editor Opinion Editor Sport Editor Head of Design Head of Online Email editor@forgetoday.com for more details.
Image: Chelsea Burrell
Editor’s Picks: Three Freshers’ tracks ‘Don’t You Want Me’ The Human League Virgin
‘The State of Things’ Reverend and the Makers Wall of Sound
‘From the Ritz to the Rubble’ Arctic Monkeys Domino
The 1981 Christmas number one, this remains the Human League’s biggest song to date and has been covered multiple times since its release. As you’re going out during Fresher’s you’re sure to hear this classic tune, and if I were you, I’d soak in every bar.
Reverend and the Makers’ first album - with this as the opener gives a fantastic insight into the grimier side of Sheffield life. If you want to start your Steel City education, start it here. The band return to Sheffield for a sold-out Best Of... show in October.
This song conjures up thoughts, for me, of queuing up for Leadmill, seeing groups of lads being turned away and trying to weasel their way back in. It might not be Leadmill, it could be literally any club on this splintered isle, but it’s a fantastic Freshers’ banger nonetheless.
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
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News in Brief
News editors Tevy Kuch, Lucas Mentken and Georgie Marple
SHEFFIELD O’Mara resignation postponed
NATIONAL UK work visa for foreign students
NATIONAL iPhone 11 priced higher for UK users
The independent MP for Sheffield Hallam was due to step down after confirming his resignation at the start of August. In the last week, the Treasury wrote a postponement letter in place of O’Mara’s resignation to the Chancellor. The letter did not disclose any reason for the decision.
The UK government announced a new two-year post-study work visa to allow international students who completed a course approved by UK Higher Education to be eligible for work two years after completing their studies. The switch from the four-month work visa aims to attract the “best and brightest.”
A surge in pricing of the newly anticipated iPhone 11 causes outrage. It is to be sold at £1,049 including VAT in the UK. Its US counterpart will pay $999 excluding VAT, though it is thought to vary from zero to 10 pence in comparison. This £50 increase is due to the pound’s recent devaluation.
Jared O’Mara Image: UK Parliament
Ben Stokes Image: NAPARAZZI
SHEFFIELD Meadowhall host student night
NATIONAL Ben Stokes slams press intrusion
STUDENT Two new club nights launched at the SU
Students can enjoy from 100 exclusive offers and giveaways from staple fashion, beauty, food and footwear stores and join competitions with their wristband. The event is set to start on October 3rd at 5-10PM and tickets can be purchased on the Meadowhall site
Cricketer Ben Stokes, called out The Sun’s “low and despicable behaviour” over their coverage on a personal family tragedy. #Boycottthesun is currently trending on Twitter as users share their distaste against the recent publication.
Ahead of Freshers’ Week, the SU have announced two new club nights in their lineup: Riot, which will take place every Monday featuring Paramore and the like, plus Grapefruit which will be in collaboration with the LGBT+ Committee and replaces ‘Proud’.
Leadmill shut down roads for Freshers’ Week parties Olivia Hutton News Contributor
The Leadmill are going all out for th The Leadmill are going all out for this year’s Freshers’ Week, hosting road closure parties for all three of their club nights. Leadmill Road will be closed for Club Tropicana on Thursday 26 September, followed by new club night Everything Now on the 27th, and Sonic Saturday on the 28th.
The road closures will feature local street food traders, party games,
carnival performers, an outdoor bar, and much more to round off Freshers’ Week 2019 with a bang. These road closures follow the success of the Tramlines afterparty hosted by Leadmill, which followed the Courteeners’ headline performance at Hillsborough Park in July of this year. Meanwhile, inside The Leadmill will be the three massive club nights
for freshers to start off the academic year as they mean to go on.
Leadmill’s legendary 80s night out, Club Tropicana, will be on Thursday of Freshers’ Week. It was voted Sheffield’s best club night last year. It launched nearly two years ago now, and has been a massive success every month since, drawing in large crowds from the student body. Friday sees the launch of The Leadmill’s newest club night,
Everything Now, which prides itself on playing a non-stop mix of
indie and pop hits. It replaces the previously-held Gaga. Sonic Saturday rounds off the week, with Sheffield’s biggest Indie night out. Students can expect a range of surprises across the weekend, including confetti cannons, balloon drops, merch giveaways, free Freshers souvenirs and much more. Freya Gill-Stevens, Promotions Manager at The Leadmill said: “We’re pulling out all the stops to give everyone a Freshers Week to really remember! Having an extended outdoor area ensures people have space to move around, are able to get some air, and can get amazing street food all from inside the event!” The Leadmill have ten events planned over Freshers Week including two free entry events on the 20th and 21st September. Tickets for all three club nights are £6 and on sale on The Leadmill Website now. Advance tickets are expected to sell out, but there will be tickets available for entry at the door.
Increased young peoples’ drinking rates due to uni peer pressure Georgie Marple News Editor
Young people aged between 18 to 24 are consuming more alcohol than intended due to peer pressure, a recent study suggests. Research by Drinkaware shows that more than two thirds (71%) of 18 to 24-year-old drinkers feel pressure from their friends to drink more. Although the majority of the time it is thought to not be with malicious intent, the study found that nearly a third (31%) of this age demographic that drink had admitted to encouraging someone to consume more alcohol after they had expressed that they did not want to.
71%
of 18-24 year olds feel pressure from friends to drink more
The study found that most people within this age demographic would tactically avoid more alcohol consumption. 49% of the students had admitted to nursing their drinks to avoid facing the pressure of having another.
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News
Natalie Sheffield Extinction Rebellion Bennett against the Government elevated to the James Cottis event’, and that it is their ‘duty to News Contributor act on behalf of the security and House of Lords well-being of our children, our Tevy Kuch News Coordinator
Former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett is the latest addition to the House of Lords, vowing to take part in activism and continue antifracking related campaigns. Recognized as Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, she is the second Green member currently sitting in the House of Lords alongside Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb. While serving her time, she has pledged to focus on climate and environmental issues including factors such as land use and food security.
Extinction Rebellion, the pressure group that organised the climate protests that shut down central London in April, which forced parliament to declare a climate crisis, took to the streets of Sheffield this month to redeclare their rebellion against the government. Saturday 14 September saw the group march from Union St. Cafe to Sheffield Town Hall. Among the speeches held, the group restated that we are living through the ‘sixth mass extinction
communities and the future of the planet itself.’ Central to the group’s redeclaration featured demands such as calling for the Government and media to remain truthful over their representation of the climate emergency, restating the need for the government to enact a legallybinding policy to reduce carbon emissions by 2050 and to ensure any changes to climate-related policy must have received oversight from a citizen’s assembly.
The co-coordinator of Extinction Rebellion Sheffield, Dr. Bing Jones, hailed the event as a success, arguing that in the face of the current climate crisis that “protests are the best way of raising awareness of the cause. “We live in a time where there is a lot of talk, but very little action. Symbolic words and actions are being used by the government to stop people looking at the facts.” He expressed concerns over the lack of student engagement in the group’s protests, especially when “the youth face dire, dire problems. “They have not risen up yet, but they have to be the drivers of change. “I understand that exams, in counting for something, can be an immediate worry. However, what is the point of sitting an exam if there
is going to be no world to live in the long run? Join us!” The redeclaration of rebellion by Extinction Rebellion Sheffield came as other branches of the wider group did the same throughout September, with big cities like Oxford, Cardiff and Bristol also redeclaring their intent to protest and disrupt. Redeclaration has come in the lead up to international action being taken on Monday 7 October, where the group will attempt to shut down London, in protests similar to those taken back in April that saw the arrest of over 1,000 non-violent protesters including a Sheffield student. Organisers intend to block off roads surrounding Westminster, with disruption expected to last upwards of three weeks.
Image: Edinburgh Greens Baroness Bennett, a former Australian journalist, 53, posted on Twitter: “Chance to represent millions of Green voters, to be [a] voice of the anti-fracking protectors, supporters of universal basic income, disability & climate emergency campaigners I’ve spent years on the streets with, in the corridors of power.” Green Party policy currently supports the abolition of the House of Lord chamber, opting for democratic reforms in favour of proportional representation. Sheffield Green Cllr Alison Teal, representing Nether Edge and Sharrow ward, said: “Natalie Bennett is exceptionally hard working. Her relentless passion is evident at every public event she attends. “I have no doubt that Natalie will be a brilliant member of the House of Lords, and I am so thrilled that she has made Sheffield her home, and she will represent us in Parliament.” Green Cllr Douglas Johnson, from City ward, added: “I’m delighted to have Natalie representing us in the House of Lords as Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle. “This year has seen members of Sheffield Green Party reach all levels of government - the council, Parliament and in the European Parliament.”
Image: Pomdu
University of Sheffield to benefit from Mind and Goldman Sachs’ Mental Health Programme Tevy Kuch News Coordinator
The University of Sheffield is to provide increased mental health support thanks to a £1.5 million partnership with Goldman Sachs and mental health charity Mind. The programme will include support and specialist training on top of the University’s current mental health programme. This would involve resilience training for students and workplace wellbeing workshops for final-year students who plan on working once they have graduated.
Additionally, it aims to equip the university community with the knowledge and skills to recognize and support the student’s own mental health as well as other students’ wellbeing. Susan Bridgeford, Director of Student Support Services, said: “The mental health of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us so we’re delighted to be part of this new initiative, which will complement the support we already provide within our University community. “We hope that by providing people with the tools and knowledge
needed to support their mental health, we’ll be giving students the best university experience possible, as well as equipping students and staff with crucial life skills.” There is a growing number of mental health challenges in the UK’s higher education system. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recorded that the number of students who reported a mental health condition had almost doubled between 2012 and 2015. Lindsay Doyle-Price from Sheffield Mind said: “We are really looking forward to working with the University of Sheffield and
appreciate the commitment they have shown already to improving the mental wellbeing of their students. “We will work closely with staff and students to enhance the support already provided, through a programme of specialist training and peer support. “Through these interventions we hope that staff and students will be better equipped to take care of their own mental health and also to support each other.” The programme is funded by Goldman Sachs Gives, a donoradvised fund for Goldman Sachs. It comes under Goldman Sachs’ charitable aims to improve mental health support and wellbeing in workplaces and the wider community.
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
SU sees mass summer refurbishments Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
This summer has seen the Students’ Union undergo heavy refurbishment, ready for new students arriving in September. New signage can be found around the building, with the sections now being known as ‘Tower’, where the building reaches its six-level peak,
‘Graves’, where many of the offices including marketing and technical services can be found, and ‘Link’, which bridges the gap between the two. Bar One has had a makeover, including a new bar, while many of the public spaces in the building have also been repainted ready for new students arriving, giving the SU a more colourful feel for 2019/20.
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News However, one of the biggest changes is the introduction of a new hot food counter in Our Shop on Level 3. Since opening on Monday 16 September, it has served breakfast between 8.30am and 11.00am, then lunch until 2.00pm.
Bar One has had a makeover, including a new bar For breakfast, they serve a range of hot sandwiches and porridges,
and for lunch this is replaced by burgers, noodle pots and baked potatoes. Payment at the minute is card-only, while the rest of the shop still takes cash and card. Across Our Shop, two more self-service tills have been introduced, leaving just two operated by cashiers. Finally, there’s good news for societies as the Activities Zone has reopened after being fitted with a new carpet and vinyl in the final weeks of summer, ready for the influx of new society members, especially during the Activities Fair on Thursday 26 September.
Arthritis drug could help stop blood cancer Bethany Hanson Science & Tech Editor
A breakthrough study led by Dr Martin Zeidler, from the University’s Department of Biomedical Science, has revealed that a low-cost arthritis drug may provide effective relief to patients suffering from two types of blood cancer. Methotrexate (MTX) is a relatively cheap medication, currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are characterised by the overproduction of red blood cells and blood-clotting platelets respectively. Over 6,000 people a year are diagnosed with either condition. Methotrexate inhibits the pathway underlying both blood cancers and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Its safety is well documented; however, a full clinical trial is still needing to be undertaken to confirm these findings.
Fuel poverty conference held in Sheffield Bethan Davis Deputy Editor
Sheffield Students’ Union empties for global climate strike Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
(cont. from front) ...of the Students’ Union and onto the concourse for a rally, where they heard speeches from the SU Development Officer Harry Carling among others. The SU remained closed while the rally took place outside. “School students globally have been leading the way in fighting the climate crisis which has been utterly inspiring, but they can’t do it alone,” said Harry. “It is time for all of us to take decisive action for the future of our planet, which is why we closed our
doors today. “At Sheffield Students’ Union we’ve been ambitious in our initiatives to combat the climate crisis, from lobbying the University to switch to clean energy providers and divest from fossil fuel companies, to promoting consumer lifestyle changes through our Zero Waste Shop and campaigns such as our Sustainability Step Up.” “Relying solely on consumer lifestyle changes and the good will of world leaders hasn’t worked. We’re at the point that a mass movement in the streets, our workplaces, and our universities can create the systemic change necessary to
prevent climate chaos. “He also praised the Students’ Union’s and student groups’ previous work on sustainability, including successfully pressuring the University of Sheffield to divest from fossil fuels earlier this year. After the rally outside the SU, students were invited to join in with the city-wide climate strike, starting with a march from Devonshire Green at 11.00am. This march ended at City Hall, Barkers Pool, where another rally was held with even more speeches. The SU’s support for the Global Climate Strike comes after the University also expressed support
for the protests. A joint statement from Harry, and Women’s Officer Rosa Tully, added: “Mass movement in the streets, our workplaces, and our universities can create the systemic change necessary to prevent climate chaos. We need to keep this momentum going until we’re confident we’ll see the level of change we need. “Our struggles for climate justice are interwoven with our struggles for social justice. The climate crisis will and already is impacting on the already marginalised members of our community - one cannot be achieved without the other and it is integral that we act now.”
Around 250 key stakeholders are in Sheffield for the national conference of fuel poverty led by charity National Energy Action. Fuel poverty affects more than
4 million UK households, with approximately 25,000 houses in Sheffield alone. The conference, titled ‘Fuel Poverty: Mission Possible?’ sets to explore the difficulties of those living in fuel poverty and to look at various solutions. Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis MBE MP, who provided the keynote address, said: “To effect change, we need to think and do differently, and do our utmost to ensure that future cold winters do not have the same devastating consequences for our relatives, friends and neighbours.” The UK Government signed to reach a net zero carbon target by 2050.
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Resident feedback crucial on carbon emissions Alicia Hannah Break Editor
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News
Kevin McCabe ordered to sell SUFC shares in court ruling Kevin McCabe (r) in Sheffield in 2017 Image: Richter FrankJurgen
Listening to housing residents is ‘crucial’ to cutting carbon emissions by 2050, according to a Sheffield professor. The housing industry must listen to homeowners in order to become truly sustainable, argues Professor Fionn Stevenson in a new book. Housing is currently responsible for nearly 15 per cent of all carbon emissions in
Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
the UK. This comes after the government announced their target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Professor Stevenson, Chair of Sustainable Design at the University of Sheffield School of Architecture, argues that “doing so could slash carbon emissions from housing. “All too often, housing does not meet the needs of its occupiers. Further to this, there is no consensus in the sector on how this could be improved. Despite good intentions, both ‘affordable’ and standard housing routinely uses twice the amount of energy it is supposed to use, and often fails to satisfy even the basic needs of its occupants.” Statistics reveal that up to two thirds of the UK’s adult population have concerns over the quality of housing in Britain. In February, the UK Committee on Climate Change called for greater levels of inspection of building standards, demanding the performance of UK homes to be better monitored. Professor Stevenson will be speaking about her new book at the Off The Shelf festival in Sheffield on Monday 14 October. Tickets are on sale now online at www.offtheshelf.org.uk.
Former Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has been ordered to sell his remaining 50 per cent stake in the club to co-owner Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It comes after a High Court ruling by Mr Justice Fancourt in London, although McCabe has allegedly been told not to sell his stake until the legal process is complete.
This will happen on Monday 14 October, before which McCabe has the chance to appeal the ruling, which he indicated to BBC Sport that he may do. The dispute began in 2017, when the McCabe-run Sheffield United Ltd made a £5 million offer to buy out the Saudi prince. However, the offer contained a clause which allowed Prince Abdullah’s company, UTB LLC, to buy McCabe’s shares in the club for the same price. They submitted a counter-
proposal in January 2018, which would see Prince Abdullah gain full control over the club, which was disputed in the High Court by McCabe. The ex-chairman initially sold 50 per cent of his shares to Prince Abdullah when the Blades were in League One in 2013, as McCabe was looking for more investment to improve the club’s fortunes. However, the pair fell out in 2017 hence the offer to buy the shares back from the Saudi prince.
McCabe is thought to have invested over £100 million of his own money into the club over the years, and previous years have seen them promoted from League One to returning to the Premier League this year. In High Court, Mr Justice Fancourt said that despite McCabe, a Blades fan, investing his money due to his love for the club and not for financial gain, the terms of the offer were fair and couldn’t be set aside. He also dismissed a counterclaim from Sheffield United Ltd for damages against UTB LLC, and ruled that the now-whole owners would also have to purchase assets including Bramall Lane from McCabe’s company. Prince Abdullah told Sky Sports after the ruling that: “In every decision we face, we will make sure we do the best for the club. I’m going to invest heavily in the academy and we have a great working relationship with manager Chris Wilder. “I know I’ll do well, and I ask fans to give me an opportunity and [I] will make them proud.” Meanwhile, McCabe expressed concern about the ruling, and suggested he could appeal the decision made by Mr Justice Fancourt.
SU President vindicated thanks to First student bus fares cut Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
(cont. from front) ...September, and monthly tickets are expected to go up slightly in price. However, Jake says the agreement works out best for the majority of students, with around 75% of student trips using single tickets in the city. First operate a range of studentheavy bus routes in the city, including the 95 to Walkley and the 52 to Crookes. Alan Riggall, First South Yorkshire Commercial Director, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the Sheffield Student Union in reviewing our prices and ticketing offers for Students. “We have listened to the feedback and the importance of the £1 swingle fare has been made clear to us. The revised package will be trialled until
the end of December this year, and hopefully if proved to be a success we can make the arrangement more permanent. “In order to keep fares low we need more people to use the bus, so we urge all students to consider the bus when travelling around Sheffield.” For now, the £1 bus fares will only be on First buses, and not Stagecoach which operates the 120 between Endcliffe and the city centre. This marks a success for one of Jake Verity’s signature policies, and comes after he announced a music festival to be held next spring. The festival, which is to be called ‘Underpass’, was announced in an exclusive interview with Forge Press in August. He also wants to introduce an SU app, featuring everything students could need to know or use while at the SU.
Image: Richter FrankJurgen
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
Personal VR headsets may maintain good mental health Ella Craig Music Editor
Personalised VR headsets are being designed alongside experts from the University, with the aim of improving mental health. In the UK, around one in four adults suffer with mental health issues; depression and anxiety being the most common. In order to tackle this, new technology is being pioneered by
This narrative approach to treatment of common mental health probalems, but that level of choice is rare a group including UoS experts, mental health charity Sheffield Flourish and designers Human VR, called LifePathVR. It aims to create a personal care experience for people with mental health issues by using visions of life events, allowing reflections of thoughts and feelings.
Dr Chris Blackmore Image: University of Sheffield
Dr Chris Blackmore, from the Mental Health Research Unit at the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), said: “This narrative approach to treatment of common mental health problems is favoured by users of mental health services, but that level of choice is often unavailable.” The concept meets the NHS vision to move away from a onesize-fits-all approach towards engaging, personalised care.
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News
Garry Monk appointed Wednesday manager following Bruce exit Patrick Burke Deputy Editor
New Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk was able to celebrate three points in his first game in charge as the Owls triumphed 2-0 at Huddersfield Town to move up to 9th in the Skybet Championship. The hosts themselves had Danny Cowley in charge for the first time on Sunday, but Steven Fletcher’s early goal dampened any initial optimism at the John Smith’s Stadium, before substitute Sam Winnall made sure that the points would return to South Yorkshire.
Monk had a brief spell on loan at Hillsborough in the 2002/03 season, and his track record is one which will encourage the Owls’ fans: the former Swansea City centre-back guided the club where he spent the bulk of his playing career to a record 8th place finish in the Premier League in 2014/15. He revitalised Leeds United during the 2016/17 campaign, with only a late loss of form denying them a play-off place. From there he departed for a mixed six-month spell at Middlesbrough, before guiding Birmingham City to safety from relegation in 2017/18. Monk
proved a popular manager at the St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium, putting his Blues side in contention for a play-off place for much of last season before a 12 point deduction contributed to them finishing 17th. After the 40-year-old’s surprise departure in the summer, Wednesday have opted for him to fill the void left by Steve Bruce’s move to Newcastle United. Bruce had taken over in S6 in February, but headed north to his boyhood club in pre-season having lost just three of his 18 games in charge of the Owls. Monk takes over from
caretaker manager Lee Bullen, who had the team top of the early Championship table prior to back-to-back league defeats to Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers. The Owls’ playing squad will no doubt welcome the stability of a permanent manager, and Monk has got off to a great start with the win at Huddersfield. He takes charge of his first home game this weekend against promotion-hopefuls Fulham, before a no doubt raucous Hillsborough crowd will await Premier League outfit Everton in the Carabao Cup Third Round next Tuesday.
Teaching Hospitals receive software grant Bethan Davis Deputy Editor
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has received £67,000 from the Health Foundation award to develop innovative software which could transform NHS outpatient care. The hefty sum given by the Health Foundation’s Applied Analytics Programme will fund the PathAnalyse Project, which will use sophisticated machines and methods track 32 million datasets containing information about patient arrival times, and time needed to undertake clinical processes such as height checks at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ outpatient departments. Researchers from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Computer Science and the National Institute for Health Research’s Devices for Dignity MedTech Cooperative will work together on the project. Dr Maria-Cruz Villa-Uriol, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield, said: “This project brings together a team of researchers at the University of Sheffield with the scientific computing and informatics team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to work on real world solutions to the chain
of events that need to happen for patients to receive prompt, efficient outpatient care.” Once evaluated, the data will stem to create a digital road map of the different stages of outpatient care to support senior staff in outpatient clinics and help understand current processes, waiting times and their impact on patient care. The project builds on previous collaborative work carried out by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ Medical Physics team, and researchers at the University of Sheffield’s Insigneo Institute of in silico Medicine to visualize a patient’s journey through the outpatient clinic. At Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, two clinics have been used to convey how the findings of the project could improve the care of patients: the antenatal care department at Jessop Wing and the rheumatology outpatient department. Dr Steven Wood, Clinical Scientist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to use our scientific and computing expertise to seek to better understand complex processes within the healthcare system. This is the first time an advanced modelling data system of this kind has been used in the NHS.”
Image: Pmberry, Wikicommons
Water polo club fights for charity cash Lucas Mentken News Editor
(cont. from front) ...These will then be featured in a memory page within the event’s programme which will be handed out during the tournament. Bekki Lee, women’s captain of the University of Sheffield Swimming and Water Polo Club and lead organiser of the event, said: “We are trying to give the players something a bit more sentimental. “The programme is something that they can take home and it’s got something personal in there.”
Bekki, who worked together with Rosie Rudin from the University’s Swimming and Water Polo Club, said that organising the event has been a summer-long project. On the day of the event the teams will make an entry donation to play and there will also be a raffle and a bake sale to raise more money. The men’s and women’s teams will play against each other in two separate tournaments and the winners will receive medals at the end. The fundraiser will take place at 2.00pm on Saturday 16 November at Maltby Leisure Centre and the public is invited to come along.
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Saturday 21 September 2019
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Bernadette Hsiao Features Editor
Features
Hello all! A big welcome to Sheffield freshers and welcome back to all returners! This year Anastasia and I will be taking over Features and we are so excited to show you the things we have come up with. In our very first issue, we are happy to introduce this year’s SU Officers, explore the growing presence and potential of online
learning in the educational world, and get into the deeper issue behind the Amazon fires. We hope you enjoy our little section and if you wish to write for us it’s easy! Just email us at press. features@forgetoday.com with your idea or join our Forge Press Contributors page on Facebook and stay tuned!
Is online learning the future of education? Bernadette Hsiao Features Editor
As a generation growing up in the digital age, a lot in our lives is reformed and challenged by technology. With its various inventions and features it has been methodically integrated into every part of our everyday lives to such an extent that it feels as vital to our functioning as a hand or a foot. One of the many sectors of our lives it has noticeably changed is the way we are educated. Technology, specifically the internet, has infiltrated and gifted our education system, which plays a crucial part in our development and progress in life, with vital innovations that have made it more accessible to the public. To begin with, the use of the internet has managed to create a broader learning environment. Teachers can collaborate with their colleagues from other countries or continents and share resources and materials online that enrich a student’s learning experience. Both teachers and students have access to a vast amount of data and students are given the chance to develop their researching skills at a younger age by researching information.
With such huge potential, it is not surprising that online learning continues to gain popularity and has almost become a trend nowadays. Platforms such as Khan Academy, edX, Cousera and The Great Courses offer various courses for aspiring learners. Some students even opt for online learning as the main form of education instead of following the traditional way of learning, by enrolling in schools or universities. According to research by Allen and Seaman (2017), of all students taking at least one online class, almost half (48%) are enrolled only in online programs. So why do learners prefer online learning than traditional oncampus education? Does its benefits outweigh on-campus education? In Best Colleges’ 2019 Online Education Trends Report, it was revealed that for the third year in a row, the convenience and flexibility offered by online programs topped the list of reasons. Remember the times you slept through your alarm and were so stressed about being late to that 9am lecture? You dashed out into the street only to be stuck on the pedestrian crossing because the traffic lights stayed green for what seemed like forever. And then you finally get to the lecture room,
wiping away the beads of sweat on your forehead, check the time and it’s 9.15am; you were still late. With online learning, there is never a fixed schedule which enables you to join the ‘class’ and begin studying at a time that is more suitable or can be adjusted to your lifestyle. This means no rush in the morning and no more nodding off during lectures. In addition, it is a great way to save money as commuting fees would decrease or no longer exist when the need to get the bus or tram to school is no longer there. We all hate watching the bus fare increasing year by year.
You can choose to complete the tasks at your own pace and set your own learning schedule. Everything is designed to work according to your needs. Another advantage of online learning is that you have a broad range of subjects or skills to choose from as the internet is similar to an enormous auditorium with
countless stands advertising courses. So, you feel your course isn’t fulfilling? Or what you are interested in isn’t offered on campus? Create an account on an online learning website (or multiple if you want to!) and you have plenty of resources. (Of course your wallet might complain a little.) Last but not least, it is selfpaced learning. You can choose to complete the tasks at your own pace and set up your own learning schedule. Everything is designed to work according to your needs. No more anxious feelings of falling behind your fellow students, your biggest competition is yourself. You learn at your own pace and you get to focus on your own studies. However, every coin has two sides. Some disadvantages of online learning include a lack of interaction with other people as this is not a class filled with students to interact with but an online program in your computer, and the concern that the online learning institution might not be accredited. Several online learning websites have started to include interactive sessions in their courses, for example, a discussion with teachers and fellow learners. Yet, can these interactions be the same as face-toface ones? Wouldn’t it be easier to have a discussion and to understand what your teachers and peers have to express while they are in the same classroom as you? As for course providers not being accredited, in reality it shouldn’t be a problem since lots of top universities are providing online
courses. However, would it be the same experience as enrolling in these universities?Definitely not. Students at universities have someone to refer to should they have any problems or need help with their course. This might not be the same for online learning students. You may have no idea who to turn to when needed and, when something is not clearly explained, you might not get a sufficient answer quickly since you cannot just email or find your lecturer or professor immediately. The quality of instruction and academic support could also be potentially unsatisfying. While there are a variety of courses available, their quality isn’t guaranteed by anyone so you never know if you are getting your’e money’s worth. According to the report, among the students who reported concerns regarding online learning, this topped the list. Undoubtedly, with the advance of science and technology, online learning has become an easily accessible alternative form of education with huge potential. It offers a level of convenience and flexibility which is crucial to learners living in this fast-paced society. Yet it is lacking in aspects that traditional learning can only offer, such as socialising and hands on teachers. Will online learning replace traditional oncampus education one day? Or will traditional on-campus education continue to thrive and complement with online learning? Only the future holds the answer.
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Features
The Amazon Fires: A discussion of veganism Anastasia Koutsounia Features Editor
While it is now more widely accepted, veganism has always been a controversial subject in the eyes of the world. The plant-based diet carries a social stigma for its community, described as the latest ‘trend’ for new generations to sell their alternativeness, scorned for differing from the norm and deemed extreme by many. A 2015 study by Cara Mclnnis and Gordon Hodson shows that it is often viewed with equal or more hatred than groups of targeted prejudice such as atheists or members of the LGBT community. However, if there was a time to reconsider the meaning and value of veganism, it is today. It has been an eventful summer, with temperatures reaching such heights to place 2019 in the top three warmest years, with July 2019 the hottest month to date. These climate anomalies have resulted in deaths being recorded all over Europe but the latest story that’s taking over the news are forest fires. Specifically, the one currently scorching the Amazonian forest. The Amazon forest has been harvested by farmers and cattle ranchers for decades to create pastures for mass-breeding of animals. When the fire broke the news it was quickly confirmed by both experts and environmentalists that the extreme agriculture was the catalyst. This was also followed by
assertions that the Brazilian Government hindered the news of the disaster from coming out, either to save face or to keep it going for as long as possible. So, after three weeks of the forest silently burning, the resulting public outrage led to a storm of prayers and donations from the public as celebrities and governments rallied to save the forest commonly referred to as ‘the planet’s lungs’. Be that as it may, one has to wonder if a response such as this one, that has come a thousand times before, will only have superficial results and, perhaps, we should dig a little deeper this time. The reasons detected behind the Amazon disaster are deforestation along with (and a by-product of) extreme agriculture. These not only add up to 80% of the Amazon’s fires each year but they are also some of the main aggravations of climate change and greenhouse emissions. Maybe what we need to ask is: Why? Why is cutting a couple of trees in order to breed more animals so bad? Why should we give this issue more attention than other sources of carbon footprints, such as cars and factories? How is this even related to veganism? Let me shed a slither of light to a few of these questions for you dear readers. Deforestation is a tale as old as time, with woodcutting being one of the oldest professions to date. It might surprise you to learn that deforestation by fire is the healthiest way to clear a forest land without
preventing it from rejuvenating. But times are new, businesses are greedier than ever and the market is demanding; meat is one of the cheapest and most sought out products. So, naturally we cut down as many trees as possible in order to build the needed farms and warehouses. Lands are left barren
We live in a world which values quanity more than anything while the high temperatures and wind encourage fires to blaze. And, again, why? As much as we love meat on our table, according to healtheater. com from a health perspective we actually do not need the amount we consume or purchase and which contributes to this level of farming. It is actually advised by the World Cancer Research Fund to never eat more than three small servings of red meat per week, which to note is described as a safe amount, and to avoid processed meat such as ham, bacon or sausages all together. That being said, beef production takes up about 60 per cent of agriculture land while it amounts for less than
two percent of the world’s calorie intake. That is because we live in a world which values quantity more than anything. The production of beef and lamb makes up 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions coming from food which amounts to a high 26 per cent of the total emissions. That is an inflated percentage for something that seemingly should not be a concern if we regarded our diets with the same care we do with our clothes and belongings. The truth is, veganism, with its strict dietary rules and restrictions, was never vital before but years and years of exhausting and mistreating our natural resources for an extraneous number of products, has led to this lifestyle becoming not just a stand but a valuable weapon. In fact, a recent UN report backed by 107 scientists advocated that a plant-based diet is a reliable and effective way to deal with climate change. It is a way for people to be hands-on to a threat becoming more and more apparent with each passing year. But, we needn’t forget that veganism was initially a stand against the cruelty of animals that pasture is created for. It is a bit ironic to see the animals for which the trees are cut and burnt are also being treated with the same cruelty. While we are sold advertisements full of
healthy cows happily chewing grass, the industry is actually notorious for its mistreatment of these animals. A quick internet research will expose you to hundreds of images
26% of greenhouse gas emissions come from food production.
of scrawny cattle with their bones visibly sticking out underneath their skin, so apparent you could count them with little effort. In these ‘factory farms’ the cows are made to produce 15 gallons of milk each day (14 more than they naturally do), while living in awful and unsanitary conditions that inflict them with wounds and infections in their hooves and udder. In a similar case, battery chicken farms house four-week-old chicks who are shot with growth hormones turning them as big as four-yearold chickens for big brand stores to be stocked faster with our favorite chicken wings. These chicks are put in warehouses toppling over each other with no space to move and in total darkness as the overdose of hormones slowly leads to various physical impairments and chronic pains. Chicken meat is a beloved dish by many and a big source of
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
protein but described above are just a glimpse of the suffering these animals endure before ending up packaged in our freezer. Their treatment is unnecessary, unjustified, and inhumane. Consequently, even in the case of the Amazon fires, the root of the disaster can be traced back to overeager food industries as every aspect of their work is contaminated with greed and cruelty. The saying ‘ignorance is bliss’ has been a very convenient excuse to avoid responsibility for a long time, but now we have reached a point where the problem can no longer be ignored if we hope to salvage anything for our generation and the ones to come. Scorned, dismissed or frowned upon, veganism is regardless an effective, scientifically proven action we can all take. No shout-outs, likes or distant donations will achieve long-term results if we do not embrace some change in our own lives. At the same time, we have to acknowledge that veganism is not an easy lifestyle to follow, nor is it for everyone. The UN study pointed out that a plant-based diet could alleviate the current climate state but does that mean everyone has to renounce all meat
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Features
and dairy products? Veganism for environmental purposes should not be viewed as a stop sign for food,. People that are unable to follow its strict rulebook can instead take something from it and become more conscious eaters. For example, when it comes to dairy there are a variety of non-dairy milks to choose from as a vegan, but if you are in need of actual milk there is the alternative of goat milk. While comparatively lesser known than cow milk, it is
As humans we have a tendency to see things very black and white, right or wrong, but that is seldom the case actually a great substitute, lacks the animal abuse scandals, and the cheese is delicious. However, where an absence of milk can be tolerated, some people find giving up meat more difficult than quitting smoking. When someone says they are vegans or vegetarians one thing that is unconditional is a zero percentage of
meat in their diet; but it is possible to be a part of the change and cook a beef steak once in a while if we are careful of where we buy it from. Whether the goal is to reduce the general intake of meat or stop animal cruelty we should not be overlooking a particular sector of the business: local or independent farms. Local farm products are undeniably a bit pricier but they come from people who ethically raise animals. It is a business currently being smothered under the overbearing shadow of factory farms and well-known meat and dairy brands that stock the shelves of big chain stores such as Sainsbury’s and Asda. As humans we have a tendency to see things very black and white, right or wrong, but that is seldom the case. When it comes to changing the status quo, completely forgoing and renouncing the use of certain products should not be viewed as the only way. This change can be achieved not only by quitting habits, but also switching them, finding better alternatives, supporting the right businesses, and getting informed. Local farms and businesses are the perfect way to be conscious of what you are eating and having the knowledge of how the food on your
plate w a s made.
It is incredible to watch the change in the way we view veganism since the climate crisis struck red, but it is vital to not also view it unilaterally. A plant-focused lifestyle that also includes dairy and meat products can be just as powerful if they come from the right farms, and can even produce a manifold effect: helping the environment, taking a stand against animal cruelty, and helping
local economy flourish. So, while veganism’s value has grown in the past few years, it is important to acknowledge its importance and benefits, take something from it, and understand that it is not the only way to help. Instead, add more greens than processed food in your plate, visit your local farmers’ market(s) or your local farm, and get more informed about the food you consume every day.
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Features
Meet your 2019/20 SU Officer team Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
Like the majority of Students’ Unions around the country, Sheffield SU is led by a team of elected sabbatical officers, who lead on a number of issues including education, liberation and welfare, to name a few. At Sheffield we have a team of eight paid full-time officers, which is high compared to some of the other SUs around the country. This team was elected during the annual elections which take place in spring along with referenda and electing
In increasingly confusing political times having some kind of studentled political direction could be useful for students student trustees. This year, the Officer team is led by Jake Verity, a geography graduate who was elected on a platform of bringing back £1 student bus fares after they were scrapped in 2017, starting a music festival on campus and introducing an SU app, among other things. Jake won quite a hard-fought campaign against three other candidates, securing nearly 300 more votes than his nearest rival in the final round of voting. He said: “I just wanted to make students’ lives better. I know it sounds simple but I just wanted to find out the issues students were facing and to make a
positive difference to their lives. “I also wanted to prove to students that you can you can make a manifesto come to life, and that it will be genuinely transformational in its impact.” Bradford-born Verity will be joined in the team by seven other Officers: Rosa Tully (Women’s), Sissi Li (International Students’), Beren Maddison (Welfare), Martha Daisy Evans (Activities), Harry Carling (SU Development), Charlie Porter (Education) and Britt Bowles (Sports). They all represent the SU and the student body on a variety of different boards, teams and groups, and all have manifesto promises which they were elected on, alongside their sabbatical duties. Some of the roles are more overtly political than others, such as Women’s Officer, which Rosa sees as a good thing, and important to the running of the Students’ Union as a student-facing organisation. “I think having political roles on the team is integral as ultimately the Students’ Union is a political body - aimed at uniting the student voice to counterbalance the power and authority of their institutions, to demand what they want from their education and to support all students in their pursuit for a better future,” she said. “Without these roles, that is lost. I think in particular now, in increasingly confusing political times - having some kind of student lead political direction could be quite useful for students.” Education Officer, which is often held by candidates running on a platform of free education and reversing cuts to maintenance grants, is also one of the more
political roles on the team, but some are more managerial. Harry, the SU Development Officer, handles much of the Union finances, while Martha and Britt provide year-round support to societies/committees and sports clubs respectively. Meanwhile, Sheffield SU can be proud of the fact that it was one of the first SUs in the country to introduce a dedicated International Students’ Officer who supports international students as they’re settling into Sheffield, and is often one of the most hotly-contested roles during the elections. Despite their full-time jobs, the Officers are still students at heart, and Jake says he’s really excited to get to know new freshers arriving at Sheffield this September: “I think it’s so important I can get out there and chat to as many students as possible, as all I want to do is make their lives better. I want to be able to give them the best year of their life, and to make sure they feel their SU really is as good as it can be.”
I think it’s so important that I can get out there and chat to as many students as possible and make their lives better Although the Officer team – also known as the Student Executive Committee (SEC) – is the highestprofile group of students at the Students’ Union, they don’t claim the title of being the highest decision-
Jake Verity SU President
Martha Daisy Evans Activities Officer
Jake leads the Officer team and sits on several Uni boards
Martha supports societies and committees at the SU
Rosa Tully Women’s Officer
Britt Bowles Sports Officer
Rosa represents the interests of all liberation groups
Britt supports the many sports clubs at the University and SU
Beren Maddison Welfare Officer
Harry Carling Development Officer
Beren handles student health, housing and much more
Harry deals with the SU’s yearly budgets and supports outlets
Sissi Li International Officer
Charlie Porter Education Officer
Sissi offers support to international students throughout the year
Charlie campaigns on academic issues within the University
making body within the SU. That title goes to SU Council, which is elected each October and holds SEC to account in fortnightly meetings. Each department has a representative on the Council, as well as councillors for each of the representative groups. And as of spring, thanks to a referendum held alongside the Officer elections, there are now new Societies and Sports councillors. “The SU extends far and wide in everything it does, and you are almost definitely part of it,” Jake told Forge Press. “If you’re part of a society or a sports team, if you’re running to be an Officer or on SU Council, if you’re even just casting votes for candidates in elections - you’re involved in our SU
Democracy.” The Officer team would also encourage new students to get involved in SU activities as much as possible, including running to replace them next year. Rosa in particular wants to see those from representative groups making the SU their own space, and believes that they could make a long-lasting impact by getting involved. But Jake Verity probably sums it up best: “All I want to say is if you’re unsure when you’re walking around at the Fairs at the start of Freshers’, if you’re not confident about it you’ll meet people with the same interests as you, if you want to try something but you’re just a bit unsure, go out and make that leap of faith into the unknown.”
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
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Jack Mattless Opinion Editor
Opinion
Hi folks, In our first issue of the academic year we get straight into tackling the great debates of the day by discussing just where the best place is to study from Sheffield’s baffling array of choices. Hopefully those of you new to university life also get something from our piece reflecting on Freshers’ culture.
Divided we fall: political parties must remain inclusive if they want to govern with a majority
Prince Harry, Duke of... hypocrisy? Lucie Rhodes Opinion Contributor
Philip Hammond (l) and Nicholas Soames (r) Images: UK Parliament
Caelan Reid Opinion Contributor
Following Boris Johnson’s recent decision to boot out 21 Tory MPs over Brexit, party deselections are once more the burning issue of the day. Yet they merely represent a visible symptom of the intra-party strife that’s characterised the last few years. Every party leader dreams of leaving a lasting legacy on their party, and rather understandably given it’s a tell-tale sign of a successful politician. No reasonable person could claim leaders like Thatcher and Blair hadn’t revolutionised their parties by the time they left office. It’s clear a primary way this is achieved is through changing the makeup of parliamentary parties. But there’s a difference between bringing in supportive MPs over the course of several elections and booting out MPs who’ve long served and helped their constituents for daring to disagree, as some would do
well to remember. Conservative rebels, including former Chancellors Philip Hammond and Ken Clarke, had their whip and candidacy revoked by party HQ, with no input from party members. Labour’s debate around deselection centres on demands for more internal party democracy at a local level. This fundamentally separates the two parties on the issue. Members of Hammond’s local Conservative Association reselected him as their candidate just days before he was barred unilaterally from standing again by CCHQ. How a supposedly democratic party can conduct itself in such an authoritarian manner is beyond belief. Nonetheless, there are worrying similarities. Both parties have been marred by a lack of tolerance of dissent. Johnson’s deselection of MPs seems a clear attempt to silence more moderate, pro-European Tories. Proponents of mandatory
reselections in the Labour Party may claim that it’s in the interests of democracy and accountability, but it certainly has critics of Corbyn rattled. This is especially true following the reselection process being triggered against Hull North MP Diana Johnson, someone who’s not even particularly critical of the leadership. Is this really a good idea when so many Labour members are angry at dedicated, long term MPs purely for not supporting Corbyn? Accountability to members and ensuring MPs do their job properly are very different things to removing MPs simply because they didn’t vote for Corbyn to become leader. The systems and structures of British democracy are built for a two-party system, necessitating a level of inclusivity within parties. Yet we potentially face a purge on both sides of the House of Commons. How can parties that cannot even reflect and criticise themselves ever hope to govern a country?
Meanwhile, away from the ivory towers, we’ve got meditations on Prince Harry’s jet-setting summer and some thoughts on the latest chapter in our farcical state of political affairs. If you have thoughts on any of this week’s articles or even a pitch idea of your own then just drop a line to press.opinion@forgetoday.com, we’d love to hear from you!
initiatives such as the Flygritt social-media campaign which convinced 14,500 Swedish people to renounce air travel. In the wake of this European movement, it seems fair to say that Prince Harry will not escape judgment, even if he makes use of his private jet “occasional”. As an influential figure that publicly
Little makes sense in the 21st century. While Prince Harry frequently announces his commitment to nature conservation, his frequent use of private jets seems to fall out of line with his claimed commitment. Global carbon emissions reached The extortionate a record high in 2018, and planes cost of this contributed up to 3 percent of the means they’re total atmospheric pollution. Despite this, Prince Harry still uses his only available private jet. If Prince Harry wants his to a wealthy stance on environmental issues to elite ...these be credible, he ought to rethink his justifications ring lifestyle. a little hollow During this year’s summer holiday, private jets were used for trips to Ibiza and Elton John’s advocates for nature conservation house in France. True, the latter he should be setting a good was carbon offset by the example by taking part in pop superstar, but this movement. the extortionate Supportive cost of such platitudes are measures admirable, but m e a n s if he wants to they’re only be a credible available to a voice and wealthy elite. make a Given the g e n u i n e Duke of Sussex difference, communicates reducing air with audiences travel is the Image: DoD Images from all walks of life, answer. it’s hard to escape the conclusion that these justifications ring a little hollow. For some genuine environmental credibility he should actually lead a more frugal lifestyle and stop using air travel so frequently. Meanwhile, the movement of flygskam (flight shame) is really taking off. Many Europeans have turned to other means of transportation and avoid using planes altogether. Greta Thunberg, for instance, sets a great example by crossing the Atlantic Ocean by sailboat. There have been many
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Opinion
Library Wars: Where is the true cockpit of academic success? Four of our contributors stake their claim... Western Bank Library: Serene and supreme James Cottis Opinion Contributor
Can you hear that? Exactly. Quiet is the name of the game; the written and unwritten rule of Western Bank. No talking, just the pattering shuffle of footsteps, the turning of the page, the rhythmic tapping of keyboards. The only voice you can hear is the
Truly the undisputed Biblioteca Alexandria of campus one in your head telling you that you needn’t stress over tomorrow’s deadline. For where there is quiet, there is the space to breathe, think,
and reflect. Whilst it cannot boast to be open 24 hours or have a coffee shop, at least you won’t be left frustrated by those who hoard unnecessary amounts of table space in The Diamond. And nor will you be flustered by the heat of the IC. You can, however, take comfort in knowing Western Bank offers you a peaceful time where - sat opposite the scenic views of the leafy Weston Park- you can study without distraction, and even explore the myriad of archives on offer. With over 25,000 rare books and 150 special collections, Western Bank is truly the undisputed Bibliotheca Alexandrina of campus. In fact, on a related side note, I would absolutely recommend visiting the brilliant medieval collections on offer. Simply nothing compares.
Western Bank Library at night. Image: Jason Parrish
The Diamond: A metropolis The Information Commons: Practical, under one roof reliable and perfect for an essay crisis Jack Mattless Opinion Editor
Derided by many for both its extortionate building cost and Swiss cheese inspired design cues (see the central staircase), the Diamond is the ugly step-sibling of the Sheffield library world. But judging solely on looks is never a wise step and this is especially true here. Frankly, whatever the other libraries do, the Diamond does better. Craving the old-school bookishness of Western Bank? Just pay a visit to the reference room on floor four. Rows of miniature
The Diamond. Image: Chemical Engineer
bookcases, combine with squat study tables to give a vibe reminiscent of a primary school reading room. Wanting vistas over Sheffield to rival those at the top of the IC? Simply go to the large computer room on the second floor where a ground- to- ceiling window looks out onto the rolling hills of the city. What’s more, however you like to study, the Diamond has you sorted. Silent zones with individual booths? Check. Bookable group work spaces? Check. Noisy open-plan rooms to procrastinate and chit- chat? They’re ten a penny. This building truly is a metropolis of all your hearts desires, under a single roof.
Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
In three years at this fine institution, I’ve sampled all three major libraries and reached this conclusion: the Information Commons is Sheffield’s best. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. You might as well stop reading now, frankly. The deceptively large building uses its space well, and if you’re heading down at a reasonable time, chances are you’ll be able to find a nice seat, within reach of a plug socket, in a way that you just can’t at any of the other libraries.
Not too informal, not too stuffy, and with plenty of access to power. It feels like a sixth for m common room you can actually get work done in.
Sure, the Diamond looks straight out of the next instalment in the Star Wars franchise, and the polished wood and gentle silence of the Western Bank makes you feel like you’re at uni, but let’s face it: this is 2019. You’re not bothered about the shiny trappings of the Diamond – which seems to have more empty space than study space – and you can’t cope for long periods without plug sockets, sparsely-placed throughout Western Bank.
The IC is a comfy middle ground. Not too informal, not too stuffy, and with plenty of access to power. It feels like a sixth-form common room but one you could actually get work done in. I’ve written essays in a couple of hours under the IC lights, and I’d do it again. It’s not flawless – the unpredictable lifts will tell you that much – but it’s ours and that makes it perfect. So ignore all these challengers and head for the one, the only, the IC.
The Information Commons. Image: Byb3
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
My bed knows best Tierney Green Opinion Contributor
I understand why many people choose to study outside their house. If you’re too easily tempted by distractions at home, it can be beneficial to go to a location on campus designated for work. At any rate, it’s good to get out of the house. But as a student with physical disabilities and ADHD, the noise level in most study zones is wrong for me. Not to mention the fact
Opinion
many places around campus aren’t entirely accessible. Luckily, with minimal self-discipline, there can be upsides to staying at home. For starters there’s zero travel time meaning you avoid getting wet on those rainy mornings and can stay cozy, studying in pyjamas without risking weird looks from fellow students as you enter the library. If you get hungry, there’s access to all the food and drink in your house and when, inevitably, you spill crumbs on the keyboard, at least they’re your crumbs. What’s more, the technological benefits of heading down to the
The cult of freshers week: Statistics only tell a partial story Joe Farmer Opinion Contributor
A Sunday Times survey says students are more likely to spend Freshers’ week in the library than at the SU bar, but it’s going to take more than the current rise in teetotal students to actually change the culture of freshers week. I am not condoning binge drinking
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by any stretch of the imagination. But the memories made with alcohol and the lowering of inhibitions did enable myself and fellow freshers to become closer right away. Whilst we could have bonded from shared experiences without the booze, it’s an incredible ability to create conversation out of nothing was just what was needed in those nervy, early days of first year.
library are practically non existent. Most resources can now be accessed online and the WiFi at home is almost certainly faster - sorry, eduroam, but you suck. So, while I’m grateful for the multi-million-pound study spaces, I’ll be staying home, where there’s nobody else to disturb me and the tea is free.
Let’s face it, those first moments after your parents drop you off in some scary northern city with a bunch of strangers for flatmates are hugely daunting. Yet once the first game of Ring of Fire begins your mind is relaxed and ready for the task of university life that lies ahead- or at the very least least distracted enough to block it all out for a few hours.
1 in 5
students are now teetotal according to a survey by the Independent
A girl in our flat was teetotal and while she made an effort to come on nights out without drinking, it clearly was not the same experience for her. Nightclubs like Corporation and Code probably look rather worse for wear without those beer goggles on. She did eventually make friends with other people on her course but
Image: bigberthaoriginal
Let’s face it, those first moments after your parents drop you off in some scary northern city are hugely daunting it was clear that not drinking made her feel left out of our flat group. Admittedly, this was our fault as we did not make enough of an effort to attempt socialising without alcohol in the early days of first year. But it also goes to show how integral drinking is to freshers culture, even if it is a sad necessity. This attitude to socialising and drinking might change if the number of teetotal students continues to grow, in the meantime a boozy freshers culture will continue to offer escapism for some and isolate others.
Image: Pixabay
1 in 5
students are now teetotal, according to a recent survey by the Independent.
Image: Quinn Dombrowski
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Emily Evans and Jaz Catlow Lifestyle Editors
Lifestyle
Welcome to Lifestyle! It’s the first issue of the 2019/20 academic year and we’re excited to start it off with some useful ‘how-to’ guides for those who are new to the Sheffield scene or are raring returners. Whichever you are, these tips on how to budget will certainly get you thinking about how to better manage your money this year, and
how to make it stretch further than you’d realise. Money can be tight for a lot of students at uni, and we hope that this guide will go some of the way to helping you out. We’ve also got some tips and tricks on how to not make the same rookie mistakes a lot of students have in the past, helping the early days of your student experience. Finally, we have a tasty recipe suggestion for you that will get your tummy rumbling!
As you’re settling into your new homes for the year, you’ve probably already spent a lot of money. It’s easy to overspend if you’ve never had to budget properly before, which is why we’re here to help you with this handy guide. Thinking about how to manage your money in advance will really pay off, especially during Freshers’ week.
Compare your expected spending to your income. Your income might come from a variety of places, but will mostly be from your maintenance loan. Does your maintenance loan cover all of your spending? If not, you might be able to make your budget stricter, but the important point is that your budget should be realistic. It’s much better to overestimate than underestimate your budget. Don’t set yourself targets you can’t stick to.
There’s certain things you need to consider when budgeting. Where does your money go? What essentials do you pay for, and what luxuries can you not live without? You can set yourself a budget for each item. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of expenses you might need to cover while you’re at university: Rent (and bills - if not included) Travel (either to uni, or back home) Food (this could be a weekly food shop, a meal deal at lunch, or eating out at a restaurant) Phone bill - there are some student deals which can make this cheaper Clothes Entertainment (e.g. music or Netflix) Textbooks and other course materials Going out (clubbing, cinema, day trips with housemates etc.) Societies, clubs or the gym Laundry - if you’re living in halls and have to use the laundrette
The next step is adding up how much you spend on these items and calculating a yearly, monthly and weekly amount. Breaking this down will help you stick to your budget. It’s best to plan for spending more money during Freshers’, as this is when most students overspend.
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Lifestyle
The Forge Press guide to managing your Freshers’ cash Jaz Catlow Lifestyle Editor
Once you’ve finalised your spending targets, you might have realised you’re short of some money. This is fine, as there are a couple of ways to make up this gap. See the list below for a few ideas: Get a job - this will be the most obvious. Have a look at Career Connect for on-campus work, but if you have a visa just be careful of its limitations on working hours. Paid research studies - you’ll regularly get emails from staff and students at the university who offer paid rewards for participating in their work. Be careful to check the exact benefits, because sometimes they are only prize draws. You could sell some of your old clothes or belongings on Depop or Ebay. If getting a job is too much for you on top of studying, then you can ask your department if you can work on open days. They’re held on Saturdays, so won’t interfere with your course commitments, and they pay well. If you have any artistic talents, you might be able to use them as a way of making money by setting up an online Etsy shop. Alternatively, you can ask your family to give you money towards things like Netflix or club memberships for your birthday instead of gifts.
If you can afford to, putting some money aside each week is a good idea. You can do this by making savings on areas you’ve budgeted for. Having some extra money kept aside is helpful for emergencies e.g. if your paycheck gets delayed. If at the end of the year you haven’t used it, you can always buy yourself something nice. In the worst case scenario that you do overspend, there are lots of ways to save money and still eat well: Freshers’ week - grab as much food, and as many discount vouchers as you can. Societies’ pizza parties - these are usually held at the end of term. All you have to do is turn up, and the food is free. Volunteering - at Timebuilders each hour you volunteer is worth one voucher which can buy you a full meal, with a dessert and drink, from their café. Activities include cooking and gardening, and their café serves vegan options. You can also buy frozen meals to take home. Wellbeing Café - one evening a week, all the leftover food from the SU is cooked up into a delicious meal by the society’s volunteers. The food is ‘pay as you feel,’ so if you haven’t much to spare this is a good option. Bursaries - check your emails for opportunities to apply for additional bursaries, or look on the university website. SU Emergency Fund - if you’re facing financial hardship, please ask for help. There is a fund set aside to help students in your situation.
If you need any additional resources to help you, there is a money planner available on the SU website. You can also go to the SU Advice Centre or contact the Financial Support Team for more help. Now you know how to be smart with your money, go and enjoy Freshers’!
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forgetoday.com
Lifestyle The Cookbook Egg Tacos
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4
Yash Raveendra Lifestyle Contributor
Ingredients: 4 eggs, beaten 1 can of red beans, drained
A hearty one-pan lunch that will definitely get you through the day!
Method
1 can of sweetcorn, drained 1 packet of taco shells ½ cup of sour cream Coriander to garnish (optional)
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble. Add the beans and sweetcorn to the scrambled eggs and fry gently for five minutes.
Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. To spice the eggs up, you can also add a pinch of chilli powder. Garnish the mixture with coriander. Spread a teaspoon of sour cream over the base of the taco shell. Add a tablespoon of the mixture into the taco and serve immediately.
How to avoid making the same uni mistakes everyone makes Emily Evans Lifestyle Editor
Whether you’re a newbie on campus or starting your Masters, all students are susceptible to making the same rookie mistakes. Student experiences come in all different shapes and sizes so not everyone will do or act the same, but by following the next few steps you can ensure you don’t make the same mistakes as many others did before you. DO go to the Activities Fair This seems like an obvious pointer, but it’s one that can’t be stressed enough. Going to fairs will enable you to connect with people, pick up old hobbies, or even give you the opportunity to try something completely new. Take a good hour out of your schedule to make sure you get the chance to see everything as the choice is so diverse. Don’t make the same mistake that I did by signing up for one society and leaving straight afterwards. Take your time – it’ll be busy, but it’s worth it! DON’T blow your entire loan/overdraft in your first term
Everyone has heard the story about that one person who renovated their wardrobe with their loan, or spent every penny of it during Freshers’ week. This is all well and good at the time, until you realise you’ll have to wait until mid-January before the second instalment comes through. Do try and plan your spending carefully, and budget where needed – check out Jaz’s article on pages 16 and 17 on how to budget effectively. DO go to everything on your course timetable in Intro Week When everyone is caught up in the midst of Freshers’ and making new chums, going to that introductory meeting with your personal tutor at 10am may seem like it can take a back seat – especially when the hangover has done you dirty. But these meetings will give you so much necessary information which will carry you through your entire degree. From how to reference properly, to accessing relevant course content online, these hourlong meetings will set you up properly for the year. I
didn’t even realise where Blackwell’s was till week 3 as I made this simple rookie error. DON’T fear the unknown It’s common knowledge that either starting or heading back to university is a daunting thought, and sometimes the comfort of your own company is preferrable. But the reason why people say “everyone’s in the same boat”, is because it’s true! Venture outside of your bedroom, go and experience it all and meet so many new people. Uni is all about throwing yourself into the mix and learning as you go along. However, if you do need that extra bit of support in finding your feet, there’s a fantastic team of people just waiting to hear you say you need it. From welfare support to academic advice, the SU has your back. To see what help is available, have a look at the SU website, or call into the Advice Centre to ask in person.
If you want to follow Ben’s lead, and get more involved in societies, check out page 2 to find out about our Forge Press committee vacancies.
“I’ve found that most of the traps that students fall into are going to bed and getting up too late, letting their rooms become pits of despair, leaving essays until the last possible second - all of which can be avoided by the most basic of organisation skills. As someone with all these vices, I have no idea what these skills entail and will probably never find out.” - Pat, 3rd Year Sociology Student
“Take advantage of student societies! I only really involved myself in them during my third year at university and my one regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. I’ve met the most amazing people and it’s helped make my time at university absolutely unforgettable.” - Ben Nealon, Chemistry Graduate
Getting involved politically at Uni was one of the best things I did. The SU is a great campaigning force, and we should be proud of it. I’ve sat on SU Council for the last two years, and ran for Officer this year, and it was such a fantastic experience. - Ben Warner, Journalism Graduate
Key Intro Dates Wednesday 25th September Tastes of the SU, Students’ Union Thursday 26th September Activities Fair, Octagon and Students’ Union Building 11am - 3.30pm Friday 27th September Sports Fair, Octagon 11am - 3.30pm Wednesday 2nd October Freshers Fair, Octagon 10.30am - 4pm Thursday 3rd Ocotber Part Time Jobs & Volunteering Fair, Octagon, 10.30am - 2pm
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Luke Baldwin and Alicia Hannah Break Editors
Break
Welcome to Sheffield and the next three years of your life! We’re Luke Baldwin and Alicia Hannah - your break editors for the year! Luke has been on the Forge Press committee seemingly forever, and Alicia is new to committee having joined at an EGM at the end of last year. Incidentally, we still have a few roles on our committee to fill, so keep an
Untitled
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Across
DOwn
7. Feared by many, will be the bane of your teeth (and bank account) for years to come (9) 8. 1929 and 2008 were bad years for this subject (7) 10. Written by the victor (7) 11. Sigmund Freud is often considered the modern father of this field (10) 13. “I think therefore I am” - Rene Descartes (10) 14. You’re likely to find one or many of these students in the Diamond (11)
1. My father once said to never discuss this around the dinner table (8) 2. “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction” (7) 3. Metal, Electronic and Rock are all types of what? (5) 4. Walter White taught this subject (9) 5. L’escargot, cuisses de grenouilles and baguette are typical cuisine of which subject? (6) 6. Known for their colouring-in skills (9) 9. Indiana Jones was a professor in this subject (11) 12. Followed by order (3)
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Students study all sorts here, some arguably more difficult than others. But who am I to judge? You want to piss away thousands on a media degree, you do you. But can you name all the courses in this crossword?
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1.Politics 2.Physics 3.Music 4.Chemistry 5.French 6.Geography 7.Dentistry 8.Economics 9.Archaeology 10.History 11. Psychology 12.Law 13. Philosophy 14.Engineering Across
On this day
7. Feared by many, will be the bane of your life (and bank account) for years to come
Down 1. My father once said to never discuss this around the dinner table
23 September -Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is born (27 BC) -Japanese company Nintendo are founded, manufacturing playing cards. It would be almost 100 years before they release their first video game (1889) -Nine black students are permitted into Little Rock High School under presidential order, a pivotal moment for the civil rights movement (1957)
26 September -Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the world, sailing into Plymouth harbour aboard the Golden Hind (1580) -Oliver! premieres in London, winning Best Picture at the Oscars the following year (1968) -The Beatles release the album Abbey Road (1969)
8. 1929 and 2008 were bad years for this subject 10. Written by the victor 11. Sigmund Freud is often considered the modern father of this field
the Yankee Stadium in New York (1934) -Elvis Presley releases ‘Jailhouse Rock’, named Billboards song of the year (1957)
27 September -William the Conqueror sets sail for England (1066) -Albert Einstein publishes his paper “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon its Energy Content?” (1905), introducing the equation E=mc² -The first Ford Model T leaves the Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan (1908)
Did you Know?
13. "I think therefore I am" - Rene Descartes Freshers’ Week will no doubt host 14. You're likely to find one or many of these students in the some memories that will last you Diamond a lifetime. But what other iconic moments throughout history happened during this week?
25 September 2. "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction" -US 3.Congress proposes Bill of Metal, Electronic and Rock are the all types of what? 4. Walter White taught this Rights (1789) 5. L'escargot, cuisses de grenouilles and baguette are typical cuisine -Canada USA in the first of which defeat subject? 6. Known for their colouring-in skills (1844) international cricket match was a professor in telephone this sibject -The9. Indiana first Jones transatlantic 12. Followed by order cable comes into operation from Newfoundland to Oban in Scotland (1956)
24 September -Author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, is born in Minnesota (1896) -Babe Ruth plays his final game at
eye on social media ahead of our next EGM where we’ll try to fill them. I’m not going to lie to you, the start of uni can be a bit of a slog. Between the late nights and early mornings, the homesickness and the new friends, it can all get a bit overwhelming. But fear not, you’re bound to have the time of your life. Just remember to keep calm, take care of yourself and every now and again, sit back and take a break.
Images courtesy of Wikimedia (Erlend Bjørtvedt (CC-BY-SA)) Flickr (Ian Burt)
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Word Search
sudoku Some of the accommodation names when you arrive in Sheffield can be a little bizarre. So here’s a word search to help you learn. That way when you’re invited to a flat party, you’ll know exactly where they mean.
Want to impress your new flatmates? Then have a go at this super difficult sudoku. Just think how loved you’ll be if you solve it, guaranteed BNOC!
Crescent Froggatt Yarncliffe St Georges Broad Lane Allen Court Crewe Derwent Stephenson Ranmoor
FRESHERS TIP Flat mate You’re going to be spending the whole year with your flatmates, so don’t be scared - go knock on their door and break the ice.
Want to get involved with Forge Media? Come along to our welcome meeting at 6pm on Monday 30 September, in Studio at the Students’ Union to hear more about how you can join Forge Press, TV or Radio! We are the University of Sheffield’s independent student media, run by a team of student volunteers. We broadcast 24-hour radio, print a fortnightly newspaper and produce regular online videos. We also have several committee positions available, so if that takes your fancy, why not run at one of the EGMs throughout October?
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forgetoday.com
What’s On
What’s On
Saturday 21-28 September 2019
Bethan Davis Deputy Editor
A
very warm welcome to all Freshers! Freshers’ Week is jam-packed with many events to celebrate all of your hard work to get here and to introduce you to student life. Your first week at uni can seem overwhelming with the sheer amount of activities planned and the rush to settle in, so allow us at Forge Press to take you through what will be happening, and what we feel is the easiest way to settle into our lovely, hilly city.
GIVE IT A GO
Give it a Go! are a range of activities organised by Sheffield Students’ Union. The programme is full of events, activities, courses and day trips to get involved in and they are a great way to make friends, to spend time with your flatmates without boozing and try new things. If you live in university managed accommodation, make sure to keep your little yellow Residence Life hob you were given in your freshers’ pack, as that offers many discounts to these events which would usually cost so much more. Give it a Go! also turned 15 this year, so they have even more events planned to celebrate.
Top picks
Sheffield Theatres - Northern Ballet’s Cinderella, Thurs 26 Sept, Meet at The Lyceum at 7.45pm or the SU 6.30pm and tickets must be bought at SU box office, £12 Latin and Ballroom Dancing, Tues 24 Sept, 6-7pm, High Tor 2, The Edge, £3.50 Beginners’ Filmmaking Workshop, Sat 28 Sept, 10am-5pm, View Room 5, SU, £3 Baseball Taster, Sun 29 Sept, 5-6pm, meet at Goodwin Sports Centre, £2
activities fair
thurs 26 sept @ the octagon Take it from me, societies are one of the best ways to feel more at home in Sheffield: getting involved in activities you love, or have always wanted to try is one of the best ways to make friends - not only with people in your year, but older students too. Even if you don’t have a particular hobby, passionate and friendly committee members (like us) would still love to talk to you and beginners are always welcome. There are hundreds of societies to choose from so hopefully there’ll be something which takes your fancy!
FILM UNIT Film Unit is the University of Sheffield’s very own independent, award-winning cinema! Founded in 1949, the cinema is non-profit and strives to convey film as an art form. And they don’t just show obscure indie films, they also show the big, contemporary blockbusters, foreign films and the good ol’ classics. With the cheapest ticket prices in Yorkshire, Film Unit is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening at, whilst supporting independent cinema.
Top picks
high life (18) Sci-fi/thriller “Monte and his baby daughter are the only survivors left on a damned and dangerous mission to the darkest edges of the solar system. The crew have vanished, leaving father an daughter living in isolation on the ship. As they hurtle towards the oblivion of a black hole, their only hope for survival is each other.” From the 23-29 September
freshers fest fri 27 sept @ foundry
The Freshers Fest is the ultimate end to your Freshers’ Week and it’s one night you don’t want to miss Dance the night away through three different rooms, with helpings of free Domino’s pizza, ball pits, scattered popcorn stands, a free TV giveaway and much, much more. Tickets are £6.60 and go on sale Thursday 26 September at 10am. We suggest you buy your tickets as soon as you can on the day as it is a sell-out event.
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Spotlight
Society Spotlight Getting to know...
Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
When new students arrive at Sheffield this summer, many of them will head down to the Activities Fair at the Students’ Union during Freshers’ week, where almost all of the over 300 societies and around 40 committees will set up shop to entice people to get involved with them. Sheffield SU is blessed to have so many societies, working committees and representative committees, all entirely run by students. However, running these groups can be a lot of work, which is where Societies Committee – often known as SocCom - come in. They’re formed up of a group of students elected at Annual General Meetings every spring, and offer unbridled support to other societies and committees, appointing liaisons
Societies Committee
for everything from Media and Tech, to Faith groups. They also handle the approving of new societies, so if there isn’t one which takes your fancy, they’re the guys to go to. SocCom are a working committee just like Forge Press, meaning everyone at the SU is a member and can get involved with helping to support societies. We spoke to Sameh Kamel ElBadry, the new chair of the committee, about the work
Societies can provide a home away from home for some students, who make struggle socially away from home they do and how important societies can be for the student experience.
“The diverse range of societies on offer means that there is a society present for almost every hobby and skill you can think of. This is crucial if you are wanting to learn a new skill or continue practicing a previous passion,” he said. “Societies can also provide a home away from home for some students, who may struggle socially away from home. Their society can be a safe haven where they are able to truly express themselves.” Societies Committee meet weekly to discuss new societies and the like, as well as distributing more than £40,000 in extra money for societies to run activities and trips. They also run social events throughout the year, including the extremely popular Dance Your Socs Off bar crawl every October, where dozens of student groups come together for an organised, free social down West Street, normally
culminating with a club night at Foundry in the SU. Sam said: “This is my third year on SocCom, having originally joined as a liaison for Academic & Departmental Societies. “As chair, I want to ensure that smaller societies and those outside the SU bubble are properly supported throughout the academic year as these societies can often be left out when discussing what resources societies need throughout the year. “If we are able to properly reach out to these societies and let them know that we are available as a source of advice, funds and equipment, then we will be able to improve their social experience.” Every year, much of SocCom’s budget also goes into hosting a glamorous event known as the Activities Awards, celebrating students’ achievements within their
student groups and bringing many societies and committees together for a formal dinner followed by a trip to Pop Tarts. But to get involved in all this, you first need to get involved in societies, which Sam would very much encourage you to do. “Joining societies and committees provides a great way to meet people who you would never have met on your course or in your accommodation,” he said. “The highlight of my time as a student has been getting involved with societies and committees. They are the reason I’ve chosen to stay in Sheffield for the foreseeable future, and I’m extremely excited to help promote societies to incoming students.” Would you like to be featured in Society Spotlight? Email editor@ forgetoday.com for more info.
SocCom (pictured here in 2018) are one of the biggest committees at the SU Image: Societies Committee
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Rosie Davenport and Kate Procter Arts Editors
Arts
Freshers’ Week is a busy time, but when I had an hour to spare last year, I went to Weston Park Museum, near the SU. This year I headed back to find an exhibition on by Sheffieldartist Joe Scarborough: Life in the Big Village. The locals say that Sheffield isn’t a city, but a collection of villages, and Scarborough’s bright paintings
reminded me of this sentiment. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of the city I now recognised. In particular, the spaces – be it the Drama Studio, Arts Tower or Weston Park – I’d come to inhabit in the two pieces commissioned by the University earlier this century. It was a reminder of just how much can change in a year, and that, as students, we create our own village. (Kate Procter)
Overcoming ‘Reader’s block’: advice from students on getting back into books Don’t wait for January to come around to set an unrealistic resolution of reading 100 books in a year. September is the best month to break the reading slump and rediscover the vast world of books. The days are still warm, and you’re not burdened by looming exams and post-Christmas blues. But when was the last time you actually read a book that wasn’t required reading? It’s all too easy to be lured in by a visual book cover, only for it to inevitably gather dust on your shelf. We’ve collated the best tips from our contributors to create the definitive guide on how to make reading your new hobby. Set yourself regular goals
Once you’ve found the books you want to read, setting yourself achievable goals will help you to feel accomplished. Of course, personalised goals will be most effective as you can base them on your schedule and reading style. Try setting yourself a certain number of pages to finish before completing one of your daily tasks. This will teach you to make time for reading in your routine. Personally, I challenge myself to read one chapter before I get out of bed and another before I go to sleep to ensure I make progress. I understand this goal might be impractical if you have early morning lectures and if you don’t know how much time the reading
will take, but you can easily change it to finishing five pages, or perhaps even one. (Amber O’Connor) Invest in a notebook and write how much you aim to read across a day or week. When you’ve finished the first few books, make a list to avoid forgetting what you’ve read. Motivation and organisation can be cultivated easily when visualising your list of books. For virtual lists, Goodreads is a useful app. After creating a profile, books can be added that you would like to read or have already read, encouraging your progress. (Colby Thompson)
Start with an easier read
Unless you’re an English Literature
student there’s no obligation to start on a heavy classic. Instead, start by reading lighter books, especially if it’s been a few years. You could read some teenage fiction. There’s no shame in picking up The Hunger Games trilogy or Harry Potter, for example. It will help you to remember how enjoyable reading can be. When I’m in a reading slump, I tend to gravitate towards light autobiographies. Celebrity autobiographies can be very entertaining given the unique stories they contain. Lily Allen’s My Thoughts Exactly is emotionally touching and funny simultaneously in recalling her days of fame, motherhood, and trauma. Many comedians have
also written about their lives and they guarantee a laugh. In Happy Fat, Danish comedian Sofie Hagen recorded her life story with a stance on weight stigma in society, which is both witty and informative. Reading books by people that already inspire you can be a great way to establish a habit. Once you’re confident reading ‘easier’ reads, you may feel inclined to improve your abilities and the habit will be firmly planted. (CT)
monthly meetings before heading down to Interval. Alternatively, if you can’t attend the meetings or fancy reading something else, Waterstones run monthly, genrebased groups, and offers their members 20 per cent off the chosen titles. The Orchard Square branch, in Sheffield’s city centre, has fiction, crime, and thrillers book clubs, and even one for sci-fi and fantasy. (AC)
Join a book club
Online book clubs, often found on Goodreads, like their real-life counterparts, help to encourage frequent reading. However, they involve less pressure which can be a relief when university workload piles up. If you don’t like the club’s current pick, or you haven’t always got the time to read, you can skip the discussions without your absence being noted. Since several online clubs have a big presence on social media, you can also follow their pages and connect with other readers throughout the month, helping you to stay motivated. For example, Reese’s Book Club, created by Reese Witherspoon for Hello Sunshine, an initiative that
Book clubs normally expect participants to have read the book being discussed at each meeting, meaning you will have deadlines for your reading. Signing up to a book club, and following its timescale, means you are committing to reading regularly. It will transform your solitary reading experience into a group activity, giving you a place to share your reflections and seek different opinions once you have completed books. You will gain a purpose for your reading beyond your own immediate enjoyment. If you are looking for one to join, the University has its very own book society (BookSoc) which holds
Or an online book club
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Arts Guardian Books. (Kate Procter)
Follow book-related social media communities
Above left: Happy Fat by Sofie Hagen; Above: My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen; Left: Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark
celebrates female storytelling, is one of the most popular examples, with currently 1.2 million Instagram followers. Meanwhile, Emma Watson runs Our Shared Shelf, a feminist book club inspired by her work with UN Women. (AC)
Quit books that don’t catch your interest after 50-100 pages
If you’re trying to get back into reading, something must have caused you to fall out of the habit; don’t let dull books – which do, unfortunately, exist – allow you to do so again. Most authors introduce the main plot, characters and themes within the first 50-100 pages of the book. Even if a drastic change occurs later in the text, it is unlikely that the story or style you
failed to connect to at the beginning of the book will become appealing to you. Once you have read enough of a book to know that it doesn’t suit your reading preferences, any further reading wastes times and can discourage your efforts. You don’t need to feel bad about closing a book; you are reading for fun. (AC)
Read reviews before choosing a book
Reading a couple of reviews before you choose a book can help you gauge whether you’ll enjoy it. A review should offer a glimpse into what the book will offer. Whether it will be funny, interesting, or thoughtprovoking, and whether it lives up to the claims made on the cover. You can find user-generated reviews for most books on Goodreads, which usefully allows its reviewers to hide spoilers in their posts. (AC) If you’re not sure where to start looking for a good book, I suggest taking a look at what critics are recommending. Great sites dedicated to all things books include The Millions, Literary Hub and The
Book-focussed YouTube channels, collectively known as “Booktube”, has been my way out of a reading slump numerous times. Watching people share their love and passion for reading is guaranteed to put you in the mood to do the same. It is a community that you can turn to at any time and find people talking with an infectious enthusiasm about the book in your hands. It feels like you have your own little book club inside your room! The fantasy-loving PeruseProject, the Shadowhunter-obsessed EmmaBooks, Ashleyoutpaged, Jessiethereader, BooksandLala, or NayaReadsAndSmiles are just a few of the booktubers you will find constantly raving about books. Or, you could start your own like I did! (Anastasia Koutsounia) There is a whole community on Instagram, sometimes referred to as “bookstagram”, dedicated to reading, reviews and curated pictures of books. I recommend following @ladieslitsquad and @ thebohemianbookshelf, or having a look at publishers’ own accounts, such as @penguinbooks and @ wayfarerbooks. You can search the hashtag #bookstagram for books to read and people to follow. However, as with all social media, avoid succumbing to comparison. Some accounts will make you feel less adequate for not reading the same unrealistic amount. Stay away from shaming accounts to create a space that inspires you to pursue reading. (CT)
Experiment genres
with
library – unless you include the mobile library that visited your primary school – but getting a free library card is one of the best ways to save money. If you have concerns about being charged for overdue books, the University libraries also stock a good range beyond academic texts. Alternatively, if you prefer a personal copy, second-hand bookshops are your best friend. Oxfam on West Street is dedicated entirely to books. I picked up Anna Burn’s critically acclaimed
field or learn about a completely new subject - the choice is yours. (CT)
What’s On THEATRE
COMEDY
Reasons to Stay Alive The Crucible Studio On until 28 September
Wahala comedy clash: Jamaica vs England The Leadmill 22 September
Matt Haig’s honest and thoughtprovoking best-selling novel has undergone a theatrical transformation with the help of Jonathan Watkins to bring an array of physical theatre and emotive music. It highlights the journey out of the depths of depression and how to celebrate living life to the fullest. Sure to be an uplifting and lifeassuring evening that will leave you with lots to reflect on.
Urban comedy group Wahala Comedy Clash collaborate in a “roasting war” that isn’t for the faint hearted or easily offended. With the presence of urban DJs and apparently wild after parties (!) make this a night not to miss this Freshers’ week!
Images: Sheffield Theatres
book
One of the best things about reading is the variety out there. If you enjoy watching films, find a book with a
Where to find cheap (or free) books in Sheffield Unfortunately, maintenance loans don’t budget for books - spending the little amount you do have on textbooks for your degree leaves you with little left for leisure reading. Luckily, Sheffield is a great place to find inexpensive reading material. I had been awaiting the release of Tiffany Francis’s Dark Skies earlier this month. On the release date, I was pleasantly surprised to see her book stocked in the Sheffield Central Library, saving me £13 on a hardback. You might have never visited a public
similar genre to the last movie you loved. If you enjoyed watching the recent movie It: Chapter Two, try a book by Stephen King, for instance his latest release, The Institute. Were all the last books you tried fiction? Perhaps give non-fiction a go.I knew nothing about artificial intelligence until I read Max Tegmark’s Life 3.0 last year, which truly fascinated me. You can build upon your current interests by reading a book in that
Milkman for only £1.60 a few weeks after its initial release. Blackwell’s at Jessop West on the University campus also stocks second-hand books. If you buy books from hive. co.uk, a percentage of the sale goes to an independent bookshop of your choice, whilst bookbutler. co.uk lets you compare the prices of thousands of titles sold by online retailers. Finally, browse your friends’ bookshelves - you might share similar reading preferences. Ask them if they have a book you could borrow and chat about. (CT)
EXHIBITION
FESTIVAL
It Moves Forward: The Work of Richard Hamilton Graves Gallery On Until 26 October
Off the Shelf Book Festival Various Venues 5- 26 October
A look into what is now believed to be the origins of Pop Art and the British influence in the art craze that took over the 50s. This Richard Hamilton exhibition highlights the progression of his work over a 30 year span. Having had prestiges exhibitions in top galleries such as the Tate, don’t miss the opportunity to catch his work locally while you can.
Some of the biggest names gather in Sheffield for a month of literary talks, shows and readings. With the aim to bring literature to all in the community. With some free and reasonably priced tickets, it is perfect for students on a budget. This year’s themes comprise of Working Class Voices and the Environment, while featuring big names such as Zadie Smith and David Baddiel.
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Arts
All images: Movie DB
REVIEW
The return of Fleabag: does it live up to expectation? National Theatre Live at The Light Cinema Sheffield
Ellys Woodhouse Arts Contributor
Six years on from her premiere performance at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, Phoebe WallerBridge returned to the role of Fleabag,performing a limited string of shows in London’s West End, the National Theatre and a Sky Arts live broadcast to cinemas across the country. Since the premiere in 2013, Fleabag has seen two television series, a sold-out run on Broadway, a Bafta and 11 Emmy nominations. It’s hard to deny the cultural impact this one-woman show has had. In this one cinema alone, there were five dedicated screens, each sold out. Looking around at the others in the queue for the screens, it’s hard not to notice the demographic for whom Waller-Bridge has united. An abundance of white women in maxiskirts with gin and tonics in their hands. Fleabag has received criticism in the past for being marketed exclusively for ‘posh girls’, raising concerns about inclusivity. Despite some criticism, clearly Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones have highlighted more modern perspectives on theatrical form. Whereas previously theatre was conceived as an environment reserved for the middle class, here it aids to the comedic character of
Fleabag as she seeks to alienate herself from such a society. The very simple staging helps create an intimate atmosphere, distinctive to a theatrical production. Sat on a red office chair, in a jumper and jeans with her hair quickly and loosely scrambled up, this is far from our Fleabag in plunging neckline jumpsuits enjoying champagne receptions seen on TV. Instead this performance by Waller-Bridge feels more intense, vulnerable, and real. This is exaggerated with a soundscape by Isobel Waller-Bridge, an enveloping and rich combination including voice overs. There are moments it feels as though the sound swallows Fleabag up and reveals a far more isolated and scared Waller-Bridge than previously encountered.
There are no limits or boundaries in the content, instead everything is free to be shared and experienced As for her monologue, the loss of asides, perhaps my favourite stylist element of the television show feels disappointing at first, but I realised the whole performance as a monologue is one long aside. It feels so intimate, so contained and shared. There’s no breaking
of the fourth wall because there are no walls. There are no limits or boundaries in the content, instead everything is free to be shared and experienced. In the absence of voice-overs, Waller-Bridge’s ability and talent shines through as she successfully jumps between impressions of other characters. The degree to which she can contort both face and body to present such an array of distinctive and entertaining characters is truly impressive. From the scrunch-up mouth impression of ‘The Rodent’ on the tube to when she plays her mother’s breast obstructing opening of the fridge. Until the moment the stage goes black and she returns for her (rightly deserved) standing ovation, it is an honour to watch WallerBridge perform. Yet one thing must remain consistent throughout both stage and screen; Fleabag is not a nice person. Moments where the stage may encourage relatability, are distinctly and dramatically balanced by events and twists excluded from the television adaptations. More than just the additional bonecrushing ending, her occasional
fatphobic or insensitive jokes about sexuality means this encounter with Fleabag is inherently more cruel. And yet being an audience member, you are more than likely a fan of the show and your heart has probably been truly stolen by Waller-Bridge in the last few years. The staging and acting may lend
itself to be considered as vulnerable and lonely, but I am still cautious to identify with this character of Fleabag as a broadly relatable figure. This was one of the moments when I wished I had been amongst
the crowd upon first debut six years ago. I wished I could judge and view this Fleabag entirely unknowing of the television series. I imagined how it felt upon first viewing in Edinburgh, where an encounter with this angry but horny woman felt fresh and new. Fleabag now has such a cult reputation (one that I buy into) that there is no surprise upon moments of big reveals or gut punching moments of classic dialogue. Instead you can feel the air of anticipation as the audience eagerly await these moments. The jokes may be funny and continue to land, but it is almost as though the punch lines are demanded by the viewers. Still the praise for this show is endless and it was a joy to not only get to witness the origins of such a masterpiece but also be a part of its conclusion. There is a reason why this may be one of the most financially viable onewoman performances in recent productions. Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones’ creation has landmarked a moment in female art, and in turn the repercussions are affecting the accessibility for other female artists.
AM Library book returns
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Dana Raer & Ella Craig Music Editors
Music REVIEW Lana Del Rey: Norman Fucking Rockwell! Freya Wood Music Contributor
Norman Fucking Rockwell! is the sixth studio album from sadcore superstar Lana Del Rey. Beginning by boldly proclaiming ‘Goddamn manchild’, Del Rey demands your attention to her striking album that ebbs and flows between whimsical, relatable, heartfelt and in some places, surprisingly uplifting. With six tracks released as singles, ‘Fuck It I Love You’ and ‘The Greatest’ combined with a double video, NFR! cements Del Rey’s position as a talented album artist, without compromising her ability to
create impactful stand-alone tracks. Perhaps her most down-to-earth album yet, Del Rey is candid about heartbreak and longing in the lyrics of ‘Happiness is a Butterfly’: ‘If he’s a serial killer, then what’s the worst / That can happen to a girl who’s already hurt?’. This record proudly exhibits Del Rey’s breadth and versatility, from the trip-hop closing bars of ‘Cinnamon Girl’ to the nine-minute odyssey of ‘Venice Bitch’ with instrumentals reminiscent of The Doors but with more synth. 70s rock references are scattered throughout NFR!, especially in the poetic tune ‘Bartender’. Stand-out tracks include the album’s first single, piano ballad ‘Mariners Apartment Complex’ and ‘Doin’ Time’, a cover of ska punk band Sublime’s 1996 track. Just like ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ on Lana’s fourth studio album Honeymoon and ‘Blue Velvet’ on her Paradise album, Del Rey covers a song which assimilates effortlessly into an album of otherwise original songs. It’s hard to believe ‘Oh take this veil from off my eyes / My burning sun will someday
After a music-filled summer packed with festivals and amazing album releases, it’s time to step back into university life (or start university life for all you freshers). To help with this, Dana has put together some ideas on how you can utilise music to help with the learning process. We also have a review of Lana Del Rey’s latest album, Norman Fucking rise’, was not written by Del Rey. More complex than the muted optimism of her last release Lust for Life, NFR! revives the grandeur of Del Rey’s early work—think Born to Die and Ultraviolence. Despite her ever-changing styles, one thing that has remained constant throughout Del Rey’s entire discography is
K-POP’s upwards trajectory FEATURE Sophie Candler Music Contributor
BTS Image: John Lin, Flickr
KPOP, or Korean pop music, has taken the world by storm in the last decade. Fans all around the world are listening to Korean bands, but is the rising popularity of KPOP just a phase?
Lana Del Rey Norman Fucking Rockwell! Image: Polydor Records / Interscope Records
This record proudly exhibits Del Rey’s breadth and versatility, from the trip-hop closing bars of ‘Cinnamon Girl’ to the nine minute odyssey of ‘Venice Bitch’ her intricate, poetic lyrics capable of creating unique and vivid experiences with each song. Del Rey makes the listener feel nostalgic for lost loves and Californian adventures, even if they have never experienced these things. Lyrics like ‘We didn’t know that we had it all /
Arguably, the world’s love for KPOP is only growing with hugely popular acts such as BTS, a sevenmember Korean boyband who recently sold out their world tour, including two shows at Wembley Stadium. If you are unfamiliar with the genre, it is like the pop music you would hear on the radio, except the artists sing in Korean. However, many KPOP fans would say that it is more than just music. For one, all artists sing and dance and many groups have a vital role in producing their songs and writing lyrics too. Groups make up their own choreography and when performing live they manage to maintain perfect vocals and rap whilst dancing. KPOP dance has also inspired our very own, ever-growing KPOP Dance Society, which
Rockwell! and a feature about the ever-growing sensation that is KPOP music. As well as this we have an interview with Scottish band The Snuts, alongside an online live review of their Leadmill gig. This can be found at forgetoday.com. Our Editor-in-Chief, Ben, caught up with Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers for an exclusive interview where he talks Tramlines, politics and the future. Enjoy!
But nobody warns you before the fall’ invoke sentimentality even to the most detached listener. It is hard to identify a weak link within the 14-song track list. Del Rey’s ability to cross genres and
reinvent herself with each record is something which sets her apart. A melting pot of emotions and experience, Norman Fucking Rockwell!, could well be Lana Del Rey’s best work.
only solidifies the growing success of KPOP. As the media officer for the KPOP society, I thoroughly recommend giving the genre a chance. However, it should be noted that the genre is incredibly demanding. KPOP idols go through strenuous training before debuting in groups and they are required to spend hours practicing daily. The trainee system within the industry is extremely challenging. Individuals are expected to leave their families at young ages and spend every waking minute training, improving their vocals and dancing, before even being considered to debut in a group. Even then, there is a high chance that they will not be chosen. Or worse they will debut in a group that fails to get a breakthrough with many groups disbanding each year, such as Sistar, 2NE1 and B.A.P, to name a few. The hardships trainees face is only one huge hurdle to overcome and endure for KPOP idols. Many KPOP groups are required to release several albums and title tracks with
music videos per year with little to no rest. On top of tours and a high demand of content on social media from fans, it is no surprise that the world’s biggest KPOP act, BTS, recently took a long-term break. Being a KPOP idol is not as glamorous as it appears to be: it is not just performances, interviews and photoshoots. Korean culture is very different to the Western world. The beauty standards in South Korea can be detrimental to the mental health of KPOP idols, with several suffering from eating disorders. Many idols will even go to the lengths of serious plastic surgery to try and appeal to an industry that is only looking for perfection. That’s not even considering the low pay many idols receive due to the majority of the money going to Korean companies, rather than the individuals. But KPOP continues to grow globally, and more groups debut each year, with trainees following their dreams and hoping to succeed. Do you think you would have what it takes to be a KPOP artist?
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
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Music
Ahead of their headline tour, Forge Press caught up with The Snuts’ lead vocalist, Jack Cochrane INTERVIEW Ellys Woodhouse Music Contributor
Scotland’s latest indie export, The Snuts, come fresh off the back of a summer of festivals, having played the stages of Reading and Leeds, TRNSMT and MadCool festival. As the foursome are set to begin their own headline tour, Forge Press were lucky enough to catch up with the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Cochrane. How are you guys doing? All good! We’re really busy at the moment. Obviously, we’re about to start our own tour, but it’s good, really good to have lots of things going on. Especially our own headline stuff. Lots of things ahead of us to look forward to, it’s all good! Now you’re coming off the back of a summer full of festivals, what was your summer highlight? Probably playing the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow. It was the first time we had played in Scotland, so it was like a homecoming plan to make that one as special as it could be for those who haven’t seen us in Scotland. So that was pretty special and big for us. We also played Mad Cool Festival in Madrid the day before, and that one was kind of a big one for us as well. Now you’re about to start your own headline tour, how are you
guys feeling about it? Are you excited to be out of the festival run and be on your own? 100 per cent! It’s something we’ve been preparing for all year, we’ve been trying to use the festivals to kind of see what works, what old tracks and new tracks people haven’t heard, to see what goes down the best on this tour. So it’s our chance to showcase what we love and a lot has gone into it, so it’s really exciting! We’ve got a few places we haven’t been before. Last year we did all the obvious places, so this year we wanted to go to other places where other bands may be missing out at the moment. So I’m really excited for that. Well one of the places you’ll be playing at The Leadmill. Now I’m not sure if you’ve heard of itYes! It’s quite the Sheffield institution, we’ve had the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Pulp, Strokes, White Stripes who have started here. Are there any bands who have shared this stage with you, who you look up to? 100 per cent. I think a lot of the music scene have played there and taken influence from there as well. We’ve never actually played in Sheffield before, but we’ve been in and out a few times. We travelled about for a few gigs when we were younger. I think the last one we’ve seen were Milburn, they’re a Sheffield band, right?
Of course! We went to see Milburn and that on their reunion. We went to see them in Sheffield and absolutely fell in love with it; the live music scene and the city itself. Yeah, we have a pretty cool vibe round here. It’s one that we’re really looking forward to. It’s almost Scottish! Speaking of Scotland, you’re also due to be supporting Lewis Capaldi very soon. What’s it like working with other Scottish artists and what are your thoughts on the Scottish music scene? Scotland is absolutely booming with music at the moment, for all genres! And it’s something that we’re really proud to be a part of. By the looks of the Lewis tour, he’s from the same town as us, so it’s nice to share the stage with him again. Like we used to when we were younger in pubs and not getting paid any money to do so! What are your thoughts on the Scottish music scene? Do you have any recommendations of other, smaller Scottish artists we should listen to next? Aye definitely, it’s absolutely booming! We’re really lucky to be bringing Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves, and Creeping Jean along with us for the Sheffield shows. It will be their first time in Sheffield so it will be really good fun. Definitely worth checking out! Another guy who’s doing our support for a few shows in Scotland
The Snuts Image: MBC is Luke La Volpe, they’re worth checking out as well. That’s great, I can’t wait to give them a try. But what’s nice to see are the artists who are breaking out of Scotland are the ones that don’t particularly belong to anywhere or any scene. They’re just doing their own thing on their own and it’s nice to see, it’s nice.
between us is writing and recording our own debut record – and it’s been killing us! But it’s something that we’ve been really working hard on, putting our hearts and souls into it. Making sure it’s something that’s going to be really special, in the hopes it stands the test of time. So basically, we’re trying to get that finished off and put it out at the start of next year, hopefully. And we will see from there!
Well once you guys come off touring and slow down, what can we expect from you in the next year? Obviously, we have our own tour and then the Lewis tour. But everything we’ve been doing
In the meantime,The Snuts’ latest single, ‘Maybe California’, is available now! Or if you missed out on grabbing a ticket to their sold-out show at The Leadmill, check out a full review of the live gig at ForgeToday.com.
How to: your guide to learning with music FEATURE Dana Raer Music Editor
Music has always had a calming effect on our thought-filled minds. Whether it is listening to jazz on a rainy afternoon or to the latest highly motivational songs from pop artists such as Ariana Grande, after a long day. YouTube and Spotify provide us with a background of sounds for weary days. Especially now with the university year beginning, music is our soul and loyal companion for meeting
deadlines and working towards our aspirations. Here are some of the best playlists you can find on
Especially now with the University year beginning, music is our soul and loyal companion for meeting deadlines and working towards our aspirations
YouTube and Spotify to study, relax and meditate towards success: 1. Movie soundtracks – did you know that on YouTube, you can find ‘Harry Potter Ambience Night at Hogwarts’ with rain in the background? The soundtracks of The Theory of Everything, The Imitation Game, Avatar or The Lord of the Rings are also available, which all awaken a certain type of nostalgia. Combined with reading or studying, these songs can give you power and endurance. 2. Classical music – from Mozart to Tchaikovsky, there are
songs for all moods and seasons: in winter time ‘The Nutcracker’ can ease your pain of working towards a deadline right before Christmas, Vivaldi with its ‘Four Seasons’ can become your year-round companion, or even listening to Disney soundtracks can help with motivation as well.
3. Sounds of nature - rain, thunderstorms and windy days, all recorded to relax and optimise stressed behaviours into the learning phase. Nature lovers who live in a more industrial part of Sheffield (or their city) can go back to the times
where you could have got all of this just by opening the window. Living in the city sometimes forbids the simplest pleasures of life. 4. Intensive learning – there are so many playlists that include ‘memory enhancers’ through the power of a continuous piano or guitar sounds (or even with birds and insects in the background). For those who want to finish studying quickly and rush through revision, now you can do it whilst having the most epic and legendary sound behind your every action. Headache included.
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Music
“For whatever reason we seem to go on and be successful in lots of ways” - Jon McClure
The Reverend and the Makers frontman talks the future, Tramlines and new Prime Minister Boris Johnson with Forge Press INTERVIEW Ben Warner Editor-in-Chief
Jon McClure – the Reverend – has been a mainstay on the Sheffield music scene for nearly 15 years now, but he seems to be enjoying his best period of success with his band of Makers at the minute. Playing to ever-increasing crowds around the UK every summer, about to embark on a Best Of tour across the country, beloved by tens of thousands, it was never meant to happen for Reverend and the Makers. That’s what Jon tells Forge Press as he meets us in a south Sheffield café, fresh off a summer of sun-blasted festival sets. “We’re a bit blown away by the size of the crowds to be honest,” he says. “For whatever reason we seem to go on and be successful in lots of ways. “It’s a bit weird because our demise has been predicted for so long and it just doesn’t happen, and it makes me feel amazing and gives you a right ego-boost, seeing all those people [at our shows].” Tramlines Festival, which celebrated its 11th anniversary in July, almost always has a Reverend and the Makers presence, and this year they played a coveted late afternoon slot on the star-studded Saturday, sandwiched between Miles Kane and Johnny Marr. In lots of ways, Tramlines is what Sheffield has been crying out for a long time, a fact Jon – who grew up in Grenoside in the north of the city – freely admits. “I’m old enough to remember what Sheffield was like when I was a child, it was fucked. Industry had fell on its arse, everybody was on
strike or being made redundant, Thatcher was bending us over and there were no music festivals or none of that shit. “Now we’ve got all this cultural stuff: Warp Films, Arctic Monkeys and all the bands, and now this
We’re on such a high, everything’s great and part of me thinks, shall we just press on and smash it even more or shall we stop? festival. It’s unbelievable, it’s like a big party for the city.” However, he adds a caveat as he notes that the festival is becoming much more mainstream: “Tramlines has to be careful it doesn’t become a pop festival. It would be easy to put on Olly Murs and sell the fucker out but that’s not historically what it has been. It’s now under new ownership so I hope in the future it’ll continue to … reflect the musical taste of the city.” Talking to him, it’s plain to see how passionate Jon is about the work he does and his music. With Reverend and the Makers, he’s released six studio albums, the most recent, Death of a King, coming out in 2017. Now they’re back with a Best Of, including two new songs in ‘Te Quiero Pero’ and ‘Elastic Fantastic’. But is this the end of t h e
band? Short answer: the Rev doesn’t know. “We’re on such a high, everything’s great and part of me thinks, shall we just press on and smash it even more or shall we stop and do something else? Is it the right time to step off and think about it for a bit? I don’t know what to do. “Part of me thinks, you’ve had a good run, don’t take the piss, just leave it, but people love us, why would I go away? We’ve got loads of music, music’s no problem, but it’s all a bit up in the air. We’re all older now but I’ll certainly be doing stuff. I’m not going to stop making music.” Indeed, it is hard to imagine a band so beloved in Sheffield, who had 40,000 people clamouring for more when they played Hillsborough Park in July, just calling it a day and moving on to other things
after nearly 15 years. Even if they do though, Jon is extremely unlikely to stop voicing his opinions on music, politics and just about everything else through interviews and on his Twitter account, which now has over 70,000 followers. He recently took a hiatus from the platform, but is back and better than ever. A topic he often broaches on Twitter is politics. A Labour Party supporter, the Rev hasn’t taken kindly to the Boris Johnson administration, lambasting the new Prime Minister for his Etonian upbringing. “Wake the fuck up. You think he’s on your side? I saw a bloke I know the other day and he said ‘Boris Johnson studied Classics at Oxford and went to Eton, but Tracey from Barnsley who’s got five kids thinks he’s a dickhead and she could do a better job’,” he regales. “Well you know what? Tracey from Barnsley lives it every fucking day, she sees this shit every day, and yes she would make a better fucking Prime Minister than Boris. “We’ve got an illusion of democracy because ultimately the media are all in league and lockstep with the forces of the political right. People like Corbyn are continually speared in the hope that shit will stick and to some degree it does. “You’re talking about the man who’s fought against racism and colonialism all his life. At the very least you have
to accept he’s a very principled man. I’m very proud to have been involved. “Corbyn himself said I personally changed the course of the last election, because his chant started
Corbyn said I changed the course of the last election, because his chant started during our gig. That blew me away during our gig. That blew me away.” McClure also has some choice words for the media in terms of their music selection – particularly when it comes to him getting on the radio. He says: “Where do bands like us fit in? You put Radio 1 on and it’s Dave and Stormzy, Radio 2 is like ABBA, Radio 6 is like Wobby Lamps. Where do Reverend and the Makers fit into that? “It is frustrating when you do festivals and get big crowds. It’s not like people don’t fucking like us is it? I’ve made an album where I tried to get on the radio and it’s my worst album. I think it’s absolutely rubbish by and large.” But despite this, he seems at peace with where he and his band have found themselves – beloved by many, and Sheffield superstars. “I can’t change the way things are. I just make music I think is good and crack on. I used to moan about it, but what’s the point? “Just ignore all that shit and crack on. Make tunes and play gigs.”
The Reverend - Jon McClure Image: Cloud PR
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Dan Cross & Josh Teggert Screen Editors
Screen
It’s September, which according to Earth, Wind and Fire means there‘s never any cloudy days and people start dancing the night away. The returning students among you may see this as a teaser for the return of Pop Tarts. Freshers may be unaware of this wonderful night as well as all the amazing things this city has to offer. It’s famously appeared on our
screens in such classics as The Full Monty or the more recent home to the latest Doctor Who. We’re starting the year by looking back over the films and shows we’ve watched over the summer. There’s reviews of It: Chapter 2 - written by our own Josh - as well as the Downton Abbey movie. Also, there’s a piece on visionary director Stanley Kubrick, reflecting on his career 20 years since his final film, Eyes Wide Shut.
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STARRING: FILMS OF THE SUMMER 2019 has, unquestionably, been a turbulent summer for film and TV. We’ve seen huge, recordsmashing box office hits; we’ve seen some of the biggest TV series return, as well as some ground-breaking new ones. A fairly standard summer then, perhaps, but 2019 has comprised of some fairly unique twists. Here is our take on it all. As ticket prices soar and the movie industry continuously becomes more saturated with franchise films and superhero flicks alike, it’s hardly a
surprise that cinemagoers are choosing their outings a little more carefully nowadays. This makes it more difficult for studios to avoid the ‘Stark’ competition from the bigger franchises. In short, it’s been another difficult summer for studios, except Disney. Back in late April, opening the summer season was their mammoth box office hit Avengers Endgame. After its shameless re-release in June (adding six minutes of unnecessary extra footage after the credits), Endgame just
managed to break Avatar’s record to become the highest-grossing film of all time with a worldwide total of $2.796 billion. This momentum endured for Disney, with hits from rather dreary remakes of The Lion King and Aladdin, as well as the excellent Toy Story 4. However, despite Spider-Man: Far From Home also proving popular among audiences, the agreement which allowed the character - owned by Sony - to feature in the Disneyhelmed Marvel Cinematic Universe broke down, resulting
in the devastating omission of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man from future MCU releases. Thanks for everything, Tom. We love you 3000. There have been some excellent standalone films released this summer as well. The cruelly underrated Elton John musical biopic Rocketman was particularly fun, as well as Ari Aster’s second film Midsommar, following a strange Swedish cult, which was both disturbing and perpetually intriguing. Quentin Tarantino’s fabulously
luxurious Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood was a hit in August, however this and Jordan Peele’s Us are the only two original films of the year so far to pass $100 million at the US box office. It’s also worth giving a shout out to the latest offering from Danny Boyle in the form of Yesterday. Gracing our screens back in June, this interestingly original idea follows a singer who gets hit by a bus and wakes up in a world that has no memory of The Beatles or their immense back-catalogue of music.
ALSO FEATURING: TV SHOWS WE’VE WATCHED Netflix’s domination of the TV market is just as prevalent as Disney’s monopoly in film, and the impacts of this are increasingly widespread. Having heavily influenced the shut-down of video rental service Blockbuster back in 2013, Netflix is now posing stiff competition to aerial networks such as BBC and ITV. With a reported budget of $10
billion (with the BBC’s total revenue only half of this), it’s easy to see why Netflix is now such a threat to cable TV. Over the summer, they have delivered on their enormous budget. Black Mirror was its first tentpole release of the season back in June, followed by the modern pop-cult classic Stranger Things in July. The latter was more well-received
among fans, but Dan is yet to see any of the Stranger Things series (booooo). Furthermore, Orange Is the New Black closed its curtains after its seventh season, while Mindhunter returned for its second outing, delving deeper into the minds of serial killers in the 1970s. The Last Czars appeared on our streams in July, focusing on Russia’s history during the
Bolshevik Revolution whereby the last ruling royal families at the time were overthrown, and Vladimir Lenin’s new rising party helped secure an instrumental victory in the Russian Revolution. Over on Amazon Prime, the groundbreaking superhero satire The Boys premiered in July, set in an America where superheroes are monetised as part
of a corrupt capitalist business. This was one of Josh’s favourite shows of the summer. On BBC One, the summer season drew to a close with Peaky Blinders making a triumphant return in late August, but fans have to endure weekly gaps for their next dose of Tommy Shelby and co. (oh, how the bingewatching culture has changed TV).
A CROSS AND TEGGERT PRODUCTION
SUMMER OF SCREEN
SCREEN PRESENTS A FORGE PRESS PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH SHEFFIELD SU ‘SUMMER OF SCREEN’ CASTING BY FORGE PRESS AGM 2019 | MUSIC BY THE MUSIC SECTION | EDITED BY THE COPY EDITING PROCESS | FINANCED BY BETHAN DAVIS AND SHEFFIELD SU EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BECKY SLIWA WEBB (SpecDEV) | PRODUCTION PRODUCER BEN ADAM WARNER (BA)
COMING SOON (NOW) | SEPTEMBER 2019
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
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Screen
“Don’t you want to go where the rainbow ends?” - Stanley Kubrick and 20 years since his final film, Eyes Wide Shut FEATURE Jay Jackson Screen Contributor
What links Joe DiMaggio, Iris Murdoch, Dusty Springfield and Stanley Kubrick? They all sadly didn’t quite make it with us into the 21st century, cruelly falling at the final hurdle. The year 1999 was also, perhaps more notably, the year of the Columbine massacre, the creation of the European single currency and the first airing of one of the definitive television series of our time – Grand Designs. The final year of the millennium is also significant as the year that marked both the sad end - and the triumphant apotheosis of Kubrick’s career. Kubrick, arguably the greatest film-maker of the 20th century, died in his sleep on 7 March 1999 - only six days after submitting the final cut of what would be his last film. Now, two decades after his death, and with this month marking the 20th anniversary of the UK release of his final masterpiece Eyes Wide Shut, it seems a fitting moment to revisit the astonishing career of one of cinema’s most legendary figures, and re-evaluate this most mysterious and captivating film. Kubrick was born 26 July 1928. The great-grandson of Austrian-Jewish immigrants who had left Vienna and arrived at Ellis Island, New York
Kubrick at work behind the camera Image: Movie DB
– via Liverpool – in 1899, he spent his childhood in the Bronx, flunking school, following the New York Yankees and devouring Greek and Roman mythology and European fable-stories. He would later go onto direct some of the most visually arresting and critically acclaimed films of all time. Even if you are not knowingly familiar with his work, you are likely to be at least aware of it, as his filmography reads like a catalogue of the 20th century’s greatest motion pictures, including but not limited to: Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Stopped Worrying And Learned To Love The Bomb (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1973), The Shining (1980), and of course, Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Kubrick’s untimely death also left a series of unfinished projects. These included A.I. – a film that was later successfully taken on by Steven Spielberg and notably described by Mark Kermode as Spielberg’s “enduring masterpiece” - and The Aryan Papers, a film about the Holocaust in development during the early 1990s, which due to its subject matter and the release of Schindler’s List (1993) was eventually shelved. Kubrick also had an unfinished project on Napoleon and had walked away from One Eyed Jacks (1961) - eventually directed by Marlon Brando - a title which should be familiar to any Twin Peaks fans.
Bill Harford (Tom Cruise) looks out across the street in Manhattan, NY Image: Movie DB
Kubrick is also one of only a few artists who have bequeathed to us a new adjective, Kubrickian, which - like Dickensian, Lynchian and Shakespearian – constitutes high praise, and instantly evokes notions of his unique filmic mode. Kubrick’s films have an unquestionable idiosyncrasy: the repeated use of one-point perspective and symmetry, the masterful use of score, tracking shots and zoomouts and the use of organic lighting embedded within the miseen-scéne are all unmistakably Kubrickian features. To understand the impact that he had on modern cinema, one need only look at the list of directors who list him as an influence: Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, Steven Spielberg, David Lynch, James Cameron, George Lucas,
Christopher Nolan, Guillermo del Toro, Tim Burton – the list is nearly endless. In turn, he notes that Soviet filmmakers such as Sergei Eisenstein, Vsevolod Pdovkin and Konstantin Stanislavski were all notable influences on his own style, alongside others such as Max Ophüls and Ingmar Bergman. Let’s now turn our attention to the raison d’etre of this piece, Eyes Wide Shut. The crowning glory of a career spanning five decades and 13 feature films – it constitutes one of the most unique and underrated pieces of modern cinema. Based on Arthur Schnitzler’s 1926 Traumnovelle (Dream Story), the film is a fittingly dreamy 159-minute venture through end-of-the-century New York. Following protagonist Dr. Bill Hartford through a night of sexual impropriety and super-rich societal sub-strata, the film is a comment on power, gender-relations, capitalism, monogamy, fantasy and sexual deviancy. The film represents near-peak Kubrick, the most realised vision of his artistic style, that whilst lustful on the surface, is in fact an anti-erotic vision, a psychocarnal thriller that leads the viewer on a stimulating journey through desperation, deceit and debauchery. Starring then real-life couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as the leads Bill and Alice Hartford, it is a seedy tale of desire, corruption and power. Warner Bros. had asked Kubrick to cast an established movie star in the film – something he hadn’t done since his work with Jack Nicholson in The Shining, three films prior. Eyes Wide Shut also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous film shoot at over 15 months. It is worth noting that Kubrick’s
work is widely available online, with the selection of his films available on streaming platforms changing with the seasons. Currently Spartacus (1960) and the Vietnam war classic
It represents near-peak Kubrick, the most realised vision of his artistic style Full Metal Jacket (1987) are on Netflix, whilst his debut feature film Fear and Desire (1953) and the protoKubrickian First World War feature Paths of Glory (1958) are on Amazon Prime-Video. As 2019 ages, Brexit looms and the leaves turn a crispy golden brown, now more than ever Kubrick’s legacy is one of unparalleled artistic vigor and ingenuity. In a year that will see the fourth Toy Story, the ninth Star Wars, the 23rd Marvel cinematic universe picture, and the latest in a number of lukewarm Disney rehashes with Aladdin and The Lion King, Kubrick’s imaginative and unique collection of seminal works have – like a fine red wine – matured with age. Eyes Wide Shut is undeniably challenging viewing not only in a literal sense but also morally, as it confronts the viewer with the glaring imbalances of power that are the inevitable product of a latestage capitalist society. A fitting swansong to a career unparalleled in both creativity and controversy, it demands our attention as not simply a piece of cinema, or a piece of art, but as a piece of socio-political commentary, that today seems more relevant than ever.
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REVIEW
Film: IT Chapter 2 Josh Teggert Screen Editor
It’s back. 27 years after the shapeshifting, child-killing clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) was seemingly defeated by the Losers Club of Derry, Maine, the nowgrown up group of outcasts must unite once again to truly obliterate the threat which haunted their childhoods.
None of the principal actors can be faulted, although the group dynamic amongst the adults is somewhat more disjointed Directed by Andy Muschietti, who helmed the previous film, It Chapter Two certainly feels like an authentic continuation of the It story, inspired by the book written by horror legend Stephen King. The film follows both the 1989 and 2016 versions of the characters, with the timelapse connected through a series of flashbacks. Muschietti generally manages to tie the separate periods together satisfactorily, although
REVIEW
Film: Downton Abbey Rachel Towers Screen Contributor
1920s Britain is particularly present on our screens right now. While the Peaky Blinders are busy taking down their enemies, Downton Abbey has made its move to the big screen, and director Michael Engler’s sumptuous two hours of Downton drama couldn’t be further from the grimy streets of Birmingham. The film practically drips with nostalgia for an England that probably never existed. In 2015, the inhabitants of Downton Abbey both upstairs and down were left conveniently settled, yet within the film’s first minutes these familiar halls are set all aflutter by news of an impending
some cut-scenes serve only as largely unnecessary recaps. The success of the continuity owes substantial credit to the outstanding work of Rich Delia et al. in the casting department; each of the seven main protagonists from It are splendidly portrayed by their adult counterparts, with Bill Hader (as the older Richie, originally depicted by Finn Wolfhard) and James Ransone (as Eddie, Jack Dylan Grazer plays the younger iteration) providing standout performances. None of the principal actors can be faulted, although the dynamic amongst the adults is somewhat more disjointed, despite the best efforts of Gary Dauberman’s screenplay attempting to reignite the on-screen spark that the young actors had. In the same way the previous instalment was more of a comingof-age film than a horror, Chapter Two is funnier than it is frightening. A rather meta running-joke, digging at King’s reputation for contentious endings to his books, provides the best payoff, but this film – like its predecessor – forces itself into a corner with its reliance on jump scares, albeit Pennywise is arguably more fearsome here. Still, Muschietti delivers an excellently potent psychological examination of the minds of the principal characters – especially so with Bill (James McAvoy/ Jaeden Martell) who struggles to shake feeling responsible for what happened to his brother Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott) in the royal visit by King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James). This is the basis of the film’s numerous and occasionally contrived subplots. Shady Major Chetwode (Stephen Campbell Moore) has moved in conveniently close to where the King will appear; Lady Edith’s (Laura Carmichael) hard-earned marital bliss is being
Writer Julian Fellowes continues Downton Abbey’s track record of handling sensitive topics admirably threatened; shortly after, there is
a panic around silver buffing, and Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess is prepping for a showdown with frenemy Lady Isobel (Penelope Wilton) and her estranged cousin Lady Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton). The film flits between these overlapping storylines at such a pace
“We all float down here”... Pennywise artwork. Image: Movie DB
previous film. Yet, clocking in at 2 hours 49 minutes, Chapter Two may switch some viewers off with its supererogatory duration. It suffers from a considerable pacing issue in the middle act, as Muschietti reinforces the significance of Pennywise’s reign of terror from the last film. In this instance, the flashbacks become a repetitive yet oddly necessary drag, capriciously chopping between individual stories across the two time-frames to
remind viewers of what’s already happened, whilst also trying to build on the teenager’s narrative. It’s uneven, and it’s where the film stumbles most.
The unavoidable fact of the matter is that the book is over 1,000 pages long in most print editions. Quite
simply, It would have benefited as a limited series, similar to the highly It-influenced Stranger Things, but more immersive than the Tim Curry led interpretation in 1990. Muschietti makes this version the best it can be, but unfortunately, film just isn’t the right medium to truly make this story float. Instead, it’s like one of those fairground rides you went on as a child, which kept you entertained at the time, but left you wishing it was just a tad more thrilling.
you could be excused for thinking you were watching a particularly long episode of television. There are even stirrings of revolution from the downstairs quarters - not against their elite employers of course, but against the new set of servants who accompany the royal family. Writer Julian Fellowes continues Downton Abbey’s track record of handling sensitive topics admirably however, as newly-promoted butler and Downton’s only gay character Barrow (Robert James-Collier) is given generous screen time to explore his sexuality. The classic entertainment factors which endeared hearts to the series continue to work well for the film incarnation. Fan-favourite
her way. Poor Mr Molesley (Kevin Doyle) suffers a fanboy moment over dinner which must be the funniest moment of any Downton instalment. While the incredible interiors and stunning costumes are only more impressive on the big screen, it’s the narrative that lets this idealistic drama down. For example, while the film does acknowledge republican leanings in its characters, the
Grantham family’s assumption that their Irish brother-in-law will “make trouble” or maybe build a bomb is laughable, and not in a good way. This film was never going to be a socially accurate critique of our history, however Downton Abbey is lighthearted fun, best enjoyed from a sofa with a glass of mulled wine and the leftovers from your Christmas dinner.
characters like now-retired butler Carson (Jim Carter) and cook Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol) are back ordering everybody about, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) still gets laughed at for being uptight, and the Dowager Countess has comebacks so sharp she’ll cut down anyone in
$185m
First three-days box office revenue worldwide
Carson (Jim Carter) heads out across the grounds Image: Movie DB
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Saturday 21 September 2019
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Catherine Lewis and Ash Williams Games Editors
Games
Hello, and welcome to the first Games section of the 2019/20 year! As your new games editors, we’re very excited to be here, and we’re looking forward to the year ahead to share lots of gaming-related goodness with you all. In this issue, Ash delves into the debate that is loot boxes in games; what’s the problem with them?
Read on to find his thoughts on the matter. And, since it’s Freshers’ Week, we’ve also put together a gamingthemed freshers guide for those new to the city, including Catherine’s guide of the best gaming-themed places to go! Even if you’re a returning student you might find out something new on there, so be sure to check it out. We hope you enjoy our first issue of games!
Are loot box mechanics dangerous for gamers? OPINION Ash Williams Games Editor
I’m about to take another chance on the summon screen. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been here before thinking the exact same thing I’m thinking right now. It’s not worked out for me so far but maybe, just maybe, it will this time. I bite my tongue and go for it. The animations play out, the hero is revealed… and it’s a two star duplicate. Great. This was the typical experience I had playing Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, but really, I could have
18.5%
The chance of getting an “Epic” level item in Overwatch
substituted that for any other free-to-play mobile game because sadly, that seems to be the norm nowadays. Our cultural obsession for free things has cultivated a space where mobile game developers are turning to alternative and devious methods to extract as much profit as possible from their players, and I for one am not having it. I of course refer to the practice of randomised rewards within gaming,
Overwatch proves that loot boxes can have their place when used correctly Image: Blizzard
popularised by games such as FIFA and mobile titles, a practice that has spread itself out over a number of years like an infection. What began as an additional way of obtaining items within the game has since become twisted in a way I feel we need to take a real look at. I looked at a number of games over the course of 2017, two of which were Star Wars: Battlefront II and Need For Speed: Payback. Both these games got scathing reviews from critics and the public, myself included, because of the way they handled progression in the form of loot box rewards. EA, who made both titles, were forced to backtrack almost immediately, issuing statements of apology and, perhaps embarrassingly, lauded the fact at the following E3 that their upcoming games would not feature loot boxes, to a wave of sarcastic applause and wry smiles.
Not that all the blame lies with EA. Browse the top grossing free-toplay mobile titles on your
loot boxes and the player’s addiction to obtain the best heroes and items, which of course are extremely hard to get. I’m not advocating for the complete ban of them, however. When they are h a n d l e d correctly, i.e. not blocking p l a y e r progression and instead being limited to cosmetic items only m da A (like Blizzard ia ar has done with M : e ag Overwatch ), I feel Im like they have a place. However, it’s a big ask for corporations to hold back on squeezing every penny out of players just for a bit of good karma. Because when it comes down to it, loot box mechanics are almost like gambling. It made me laugh hearing a senior executive from A p p Store of EA recently describing them as choice, and you will likely see them “surprise mechanics”, seeing as the filled with hero collectors (or gacha “surprise” in question is actually games), tower defence games or getting the result you want. Just like puzzle games. The former rely on a trip to the casino, the odds of you coming out with exactly what you want are so stacked against you, you might as well not try. But that hope, that ‘one more try’ mentality, is the primary hook of these things, and that painful feeling of hope is exactly what the developers are wanting from you. “Try again”, they say. “Try again and you might just get what you want.” An argument I have seen that differs loot boxes from gambling is the fact that with loot boxes, you will always get something from it, whereas gambling can leave you empty handed. My retort is that every time the player goes to meet Lady Luck, getting an insignificant item results in the same feeling as getting nothing. The fact is, we often
go in there with a desired result; anything other than that is a failure. What use is a costume for a character I will never use in Overwatch, or a terrible player in FIFA that will never see the bench, let alone the first team?
Developers are turning to devious methods to extract as much profit as possible from their players, and I’m not having it Another argument is the distinction between virtual currency and microtransactions. In FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode for example, you can buy player packs for coins, which are earned through playing the game, and ‘FIFA points’ which are what players can buy with realworld money. My problem with this is that it seems like the earning of in-game VC is adjusted in a way that it often feels like it would be more convenient to instead buy some VC through microtransactions. We are seeing a big reaction from the gaming community in response to this, as evident by the reduction in intrusive loot box mechanics in recent titles. Whether they go away for good remains to be seen, as FIFA’s Ultimate Team remains the headline mode to m a n y Image: Charles Nguyen
gamers, and the cosmetic-only approach has been adopted by many, but for now, we seem to have finally started getting the results we want.
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Games
Freshers’ Guide: Gaming Edition
Hello, and welcome to the first games section of the 2019/20 year! As your new games editors, we’re very excited to be here, and we’re looking forward to the year ahead to share lots of gaming-related goodness with you all. In this issue, Ash delves into the debate that is loot boxes in games; what’s the problem with them? Read on to find his thoughts on
the matter. And, since it’s freshers week, we’ve also put together a gaming-themed freshers guide for those new to the city, including Catherine’s guide of the best gaming-themed places to go! Even if you’re a returning student you might find out something new on there, so be sure to check it out. We hope you enjoy our first issue of games!
Missing home? Here’s our picks to help you settle into Sheffield The Pokémon series Chloe Dervey You’ve made it to uni! With a big journey ahead of you in a whole new world, you suddenly realise something about this is very familiar... Put the kettle on, snuggle up in bed, grab your old handheld and start the epic Pokémon journey from your childhood
The Sims 4 Ella Craig all over again as you embark on this new chapter in your life. Your clothes, hair and music taste might’ve changed, but Pokémon is exactly how you remember it. Don’t walk into the tall grass alone, and trust you’ll find your party soon enough. Hang in there, trainer!
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Catherine Lewis If you’re missing home, what better way to get away from it all than into your own peaceful town full of animal friends? You’ll always have someone to hang out with when all your adorable villagers are around, and helping them out and giving them gifts can really help give you that
Explore the fantasy worlds of mermaids, spellcasters and vampires. You will get lost in the endless opportunities of the Sims world. And if you’re still missing home after binge-playing The Sims 4 all day, you can even create a replica of your pet.
Stardew Valley Zac Hickton-Jarvis feel-good boost! You could even take inspiration from your house decor in-game and apply it to your new room, to make it feel even more homely! If none of that takes your fancy, you can hunt treasure in Animal Crossing...
The Tomb Raider series Tom Buckland Tomb Raider may seem like a game that would do the opposite of curing homesickness. It’s an iconic series, with a loveable protagonist at its center. If globetrotting doesn’t quite ease your anxieties and stress, then why not go to Croft Manor?
The Sims 4 is the perfect game to play when you feel homesick, as there are so many different ways that you can play. Build homes, create families (only to never play with them again) or develop careers, aspirations and in-game relationships.
Escape from the often-busy Sheffield city life with a visit to the countryside! It’s a wonderful opportunity to create the perfect farm to call home, all of your own design, fit with crops and a variety of animal friends. If you’re feeling a bit more on the adventurous side, you could spend
your time exploring the cavernous mines, searching for rare minerals and items. With a large cast of characters going about their daily lives in Pelican Town to interact with and learn more about, it’s easy to absorb yourself with this fantastic and relaxing game.
Harvest Moon Ben Warner Lara’s journey through the games can be reminiscent of your overall life; the original trilogy is when you were a young babe, the Crystal Dynamics was when you were a maturing teen, and the Survivor Reborn trilogy is when you were a student, so, uh, a bit of a mess really.
When I was young, Harvest Moon made me feel at home. Even though I was on a farm presumably located hundreds of miles away from Manchester, it felt like home to me and that’s why I’d recommend downloading an emulator and playing it if you’re struggling to settle into uni.
There’s something cathartic and homely about getting up (in-game, anyway), tilling your land and selling crops, followed by your doting dog. And once you’ve done that, there’s a whole town to explore, just like Sheffield. You’ll settle in in no time.
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Saturday 21 September 2019
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Games
Introducing... Sheffield’s gaming hotspots, from board to screen Catherine Lewis Games Editor
So, you’ve made it to Sheffield, your exciting new home for the next few years. But, you might be wondering, is there anywhere to go around here that matches my interests, such as gaming? Well, faithful reader, whether you were thinking that or not I’m here to answer the question! Yes, there are plenty of gaming themed places to go in Sheffield! But that’s not the end of the article. Below is a list of just a few of the best places to go to game in this city. PokéSoc The University’s very own Pokémon Society is one of the very best places to go to hang out with like-minded fans of Pokémon and other games too! Everyone there is very friendly and will make sure that everyone feels happy and included, in whatever things might be going on. As well as Pokémon, people play a
variety of things there, including Mario Kart and Smash Bros, as well as some board games too! There are a number of competitive Smash Bros players there who are always up for some games, and everyone is welcome to join in for fun on the big projector screen, where you’ll often find a lot of people playing together at once! Throughout the year there are plenty of fun things going on, including Pokémon quizzes, movie nights, Pokémon Go walks, and the famed 24 hour event. There’s always going to be something you’ll enjoy! Socials take place in the Students’ Union’s Gallery area every Friday from 5pm-8:30pm, and you can also order delicious pizza on the night which I definitely recommend! You can start getting involved by joining their public Facebook group: “PokeSoc at Sheffield Students’ Union”.
Firepit Rocks Firepit Rocks is a groovy dive bar located on West Street, that not only sells great food (including unlimited chicken wings and fries on Wednesdays!) but is also home to a number of gaming booths which you can sit at with your food. Whether you fancy some Mario Kart, Fifa, Tekken, or many more, you can play whatever you like for free (as long as you’ve got some food or a drink that is). As long as there’s space, you don’t have to book, but the booths are bookable if you really want to make sure you get a place. There’s also a number of classic arcade machines that you can play for free including hits like Street Fighter! They also occasionally host different gaming tournaments and quizzes, and you can enjoy live music from up and coming bands on their Jam Nights. This is the perfect place to go with friends for a fun night with some good food, and you can stay as long as you like too. Check out their Facebook page to see their menu and any upcoming events
Pokémon has the power to bring everyone together, so get involved! Image: Nintendo
@FirePitRocks. Meltdown Meltdown is Sheffield’s first e-sports bar, and is a must-visit for those who like to watch or be involved in competitive gaming. They host weekly tournaments (with prizes!) which are free to enter as long as you buy a drink. These include League of Legends, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and Overwatch, but they also host plenty of other things like quizzes and after parties for various events, so there’s something for everyone! They even serve special themed drinks and cocktails for their events; fancy trying a Yoshi Bomb, or some Lon Lon Milk? You’ve come to the right place! It’s definitely worth checking out, and if you’re interested you can see the dates for all their upcoming tournaments and events on their Facebook page @MeltdownSheffield. Treehouse Board Game Cafe It might not exactly be video game related, but hey, this is the “games” section so I couldn’t not mention this place! The Treehouse is Sheffield’s very first board game cafe, and is home to over 500 different board games. It’s £2.50 for a two hour session, but if you bring your student card with you, you can play for free, for as long as you like, on weekdays before 7pm, which is a deal you simply can’t miss out on! Whether you’re a board game
fanatic or you’ve just played a bit of Scrabble at your grandma’s before, there really is something for everyone. You can pore over their board game menus that can help you decide what to play, based on how long they take to play, what kind
This is the perfect place to go with friends for a fun night with some good food, and you can stay as long as you like of game they are, and how many players they accommodate. All the games on the shelves are also labelled with their general difficulty level, so that you don’t accidentally get yourself into something too complicated, or not challenging enough depending on your skill level (though the staff are always willing to help out if you want to try something that’s a bit trickier than you’re used to!) They also sell lovely food platters and cakes, as well as a wide selection of different teas to keep you fuelled through your playing sessions. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for their menus and upcoming events: @treehousesheffield. National Videogame Museum Whilst you’re in Sheffield, you have to check out the National Videogame Museum that resides in the city centre. It’s very interactive, which yes, means you can play the different games exhibited there; there’s around one hundred to check out. Not only that but you can have a mess around with the “creation stations” to try making your own games. It’s definitely worth a visit; not all museums are boring! It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and tickets cost £8.50 for students if you book online on their website: thenvm.org. On their website is also a list of all the games currently being exhibited, so take a look at that if you’re not sure whether you’d be interested or not!
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Science & Tech
George Tuli & Beth Hanson Science & Tech Editors
Welcome back to Science & Tech. We hope you made the most of the hottest summer on record, whether you were at work, on placement, or simply enjoying the weather. In this Freshers’ issue, we’ve got a student’s guide to avoiding a hangover (involving toast), and the facts behind the notorious Freshers’ flu, a piece well worth the read to
get the most out of your first week at university here in Sheffield. If you’re stuck on which apps and tech to kit yourself out with for uni, turn over for our definitive guides. We’ve got everything from a sustainable app to help you study to the best electric toothbrush within a student’s budget. And if you’ve been kept up at night worrying about how polluted space is, we’ve got all the facts for you.
Freshers’ flu:
What is it and how can you prevent it? Image: John Voo (CC BY 2.0)
Saskia Lee Science & Tech Contributor
‘Freshers’ flu’ is a catch-all term referring to an assortment of ‘flulike’ symptoms including sore throat, coughing, sneezing, fever, headache and fatigue… the list goes on. But generally speaking, you’ve probably not actually got flu – just a nasty cold – and, though it might feel like it, you’re not going to die! You’ll be back to full health soon enough – and you’ll get there faster by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So, Freshers’ Week is here again. If you’re new to Sheffield, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed at how hectic life has been since the dreaded A-Level results day. Don’t worry; you’ve made a great choice in choosing to study at the University of Sheffield. You’ve probably lost count of how many freshers’ events you’re going to and you’re wondering how you’ll have time to sleep amongst the chaos. Nevertheless, you’re excited to get stuck into your first week of university life. Maybe you’ve heard rumours about the ‘inevitable’ Freshers’ flu from older siblings and
friends – or maybe you haven’t – either way you’ll want to be prepared if you’re going to avoid it. Freshers’ is going to be tiring enough. Socialising with so many new students from all over the country (and beyond!) is great. But meeting new people, especially in crowded places like bars and clubs, means you’ll be meeting new pathogens that will be difficult to avoid. These pathogens, commonly referred to as ‘germs’, include bacteria and viruses that you haven’t yet developed immunity to. So, when they get into your system, your body steps up its army of white blood cells to attack the pathogen intruders. Without the chaos of freshers’, your immune system can battle all sorts before you’ve experienced any symptoms. But the long days of introductory events and longer nights embracing Sheffield’s nightlife can take a toll on your immune system. Spending the whole night drinking and dancing is fun; but stumbling out of Foundry at 3.30am into a greasy takeaway on West Street doesn’t help your body when
it’s trying to deal with all these new pathogens. These will further weaken your immune system; it can’t function optimally whilst hungover, and sleep- and nutrientdeprived! Your body will thank you for keeping up good hygiene (hand sanitiser is your best friend), eating more fresh veg than fatty kebabs, and taking a break – you don’t have to go out every night! If, unfortunately, you do succumb to freshers’ flu, it’s not the end of the world; you’ll “be reyt” within a week or two. The NHS recommends that you do not see your GP unless your symptoms persist for more than three weeks, suddenly get worse, or if you develop breathing difficulties or chest pain. Instead, try to maintain a number of healthy lifestyle choices:
Go to your lectures
Try to rest as much as possible (but still try your best to go to your lectures – the first few weeks are important!)
Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands more frequently to
reduce the spread of germs.
Avoid drinking and smoking
Lay off drinking and smoking which introduce unnecessary toxins into your body.
Eat your five-a-day
Especially leafy, green vegetables and citrus fruits to give your immune system a boost with an increased intake of vitamins A and C.
Stay hydrated
Aim for eight glasses of water (or juice, tea or coffee) a day to reduce the risk of dehydration caused by fluid losses. Add a wedge of orange or lemon to your glass of water to add more flavour and vitamin C without the high sugar content of juice.
Keep an eye on your mental health
Being away from home for the first time is hard. If you feel yourself slipping out of sorts, it’s okay to phone home for a chat with your family and send a message to your friends. Isolating yourself won’t help you to settle in any faster.
Take painkillers
Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help to reduce inflammation, fever, aches and pains. Be wary of taking these in combination with cold medicines – make sure to check the label as they often already contain painkillers. Choose one or the other as you don’t want to take more than recommended. Speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure. Keep up these healthy habits for as long as you can (we recommend permanently!). Once you’re starting to feel a little better, get outside for a wander around Weston Park, or perhaps venture into the Peaks for some gentle exercise and a dose of vitamin D. The weather may not be great, but it all helps! Freshers’ flu is frustrating, especially when, for the first few weeks, you’ll be lucky to hear your lecturers over everyone’s coughing. But you’ll get through it and hopefully by November the coughing in lectures will have mostly stopped. Embrace these few weeks – winter is coming!
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
Science & Tech
How to cure a hangover - a student’s guide for recovery
You can now make it to those 9am lectures in one piece Ashton Kirby Science & Tech Contributor
Let’s set the scene. It’s Freshers’ Week, and you’ve just woken up from a messy night at ROAR. Your brain is hosting its very own Tuesday Club set. You glance at your phone and realise you have a whole day of introductory lectures and seminars. Oh Corp, you’re in trouble! So what are you going to do? Lie in bed and miss these meaningful university commitments? Absolutely not. Here’s a guide to your successful hangover cure, that’ll get you right and ready and feeling like Theresa May running through a field of wheat. The first step is preparation. Get ready for the pain of being hungover - be considerate to your hungover self. Before you go out, fill a bottle of water and put it beside your bed. You’ve probably had a drinking talk from your parents before coming to university and were told to have plenty of water. Sorry to say this, but
using it as a mixer, you don’t want to remind yourself of alcohol). You’re probably wondering, why the bottle of Coke? Well, this is key to recovery, because it will return your body and head to full strength. This is a personal favourite of mine and is no mythic legend, as it takes prime position on the NHS website on dealing with hangovers. According to the NHS website, it will “speed up the absorption of alcohol into your system.” Additionally, due to the high levels of sugar in a bottle of Coke, you will get the boost of energy you’ll need to get into the shower. (Please shower, you don’t want to meet your new coursemates while carrying the scent of a Wetherspoons floor). If you don’t like fizzy drinks, try a sports drink. This will give you the vital hydration needed, as well as an essential burst of energy. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day too. Lastly, to help absorb the alcohol, eat some toast before you go to Image: CollegeDegrees360 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
they’re right. Make sure you have a bottle of water at hand. You will wake up dehydrated, as the alcohol in your system will have removed fluids from your bloodstream. This is the main cause of hangover symptoms. You want to aim to drink the same amount of water as alcohol you drank the night before. Buy yourself a bottle of Coke (go for something else if you’ve been
bed or when you wake up in the morning. This will help absorb the alcohol left in your system and help you on your way to enjoying the rest of your Freshers’ Week. But please remember, do not carry on drinking. This will put the hangover off for a bit, but it’ll hit you ten times harder! Follow these tips to ensure you get the most out of your Freshers’ Week drinking experience.
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Orbiting rubbish trucks, satellite fishing, and lasers The race to clean up space junk Wesley O’Callaghan Science & Tech Contributor
Space. You may think of it as being precisely that. An infinite volume in which nothing much really exists aside from planets, stars and asteroids. It is reasonable to imagine space to be a blissfully clean environment. Or an environment that portrays very little evidence that humans have ever even existed. A stark contrast to the images of polluted oceans and landfill sites we are now accustomed to seeing on Earth. In reality, thousands of now useless clunks of metal, screws, rocket engines and satellites orbit our home planet, polluting the near space environment either indefinitely or until they eventually fall back to Earth. If they do leave orbit they are hopefully then incinerated by the friction of our protective shield, the atmosphere, though this is not always the case. According to NASA’s website, “more than 500,000 pieces of ‘space debris’ are tracked as they orbit the Earth”. This estimate does not even include the thousands of items that are too small to be tracked. ‘Space junk’ is the leftovers of previous space missions, including satellites with which we have lost communication, parts of used rocket stages, as well as smaller particles resulting from collisions amongst these items. In fact, the problem is now starting to spread beyond Earth’s orbit. At the start of the month, India lost communication with its Chandrayaan-2 as it smashed into the moon, releasing a collection of metal that is unlikely to be cleared up for many years. Our exploration of space is now exponentially accelerating as more and more countries, and private companies, develop space programs. Are we just going to end up trashing near space in the same way we have already polluted the Blue Marble? Many people may ask, why is debris in Earth’s orbit a problem? The issue is the speed at which objects travel as they zoom around the Earth. The International Space Station, for example, travels at around 17,000 miles per hour that’s five miles per second! During an orbit of Earth, the smallest flake of paint becomes a bullet,
Image: Beth Hanson
whilst a football-sized object could destroy the entire space station. Furthermore, if satellites do collide in orbit, the materials they are made of smash into thousands of pieces. These disintegrated satellites create even more particles which could cause collisions, further increasing the problem. The truth is that currently, we do not have many available solutions to this problem. A British satellite
known as RemoveDebris last year tested a giant net that could be used to capture space debris and safely pull it down to burn up in the atmosphere. Perhaps one day we could use ground-based lasers to vaporise the waste, or orbiting rubbish trucks that collect this rubbish from orbit? Either way, it has now become clear that often what comes up does not come down - at least, not by itself.
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Science & Tech
Essential tech for returning to uni George Tuli Science & Tech Editor
Laptop
The most essential piece of tech for uni is a laptop, and chances are you already have one from your previous years before university. But if you’re on the lookout for a new laptop to take to lectures and coffee shops, look no further. Mac users should head to Apple’s UK Education Store – a partnership with UniDays. The new MacBook Air starts at £988.80, and is available in a bundle with free Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones. PC users have a little more choice. The HP Pavilion 14-ce0505sa is an excellent all-rounder, boasting an i7 processor and speedy SSD with plenty of storage space for photos, apps and downloaded TV programmes.
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Electric toothbrush
Not only does an electric toothbrush save you time and effort, but it does a much better job at cleaning your teeth than a manual brush. The range is surprisingly extensive: from basic models with one brushing mode to app-connected brushes to give you feedback on your brushing
technique. You need not spend a fortune even on the Bluetoothenabled brushes, such as the Oral-B SmartSeries 6500 (£42.30), which boasts five cleaning modes. However, if you’d rather keep things app-free, the Oral-B Pro 650, with its one brushing mode, retails at £14.50 - certainly within a student budget.
Image: William Warby
Bluetooth speaker
Whether you’re throwing a spontaneous flat party or relaxing post-study, a good set of speakers is vital for uni. A reasonably cheap option is the Anker SoundCore 2 (£39.99), available in three colours, and waterproof so it can be used outside. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Sony offers the SRSXB21, a “waterproof speaker with extra bass”, from £71.46 to £100, depending on which of the five colours you choose. This speaker also boasts a 12-hour battery life so you needn’t worry about the music suddenly cutting out.
Chromecast
If you or one of your flatmates has a TV, £30 will buy you this useful gadget allowing you to stream video and audio from your phone, and mirror your laptop screen to your TV. See your favourite content on the ‘big screen’ without relying on live TV. Handy for bringing your old TV up to modern streaming standards. All the big names in streaming have participating apps, so whether you need to catch up on the Bake Off on All 4, or you’ve planned a Netflix movie marathon, Chromecast will have you covered.
Fitness tracker
In a world with smartwatches, it can be easy to forget the humble fitness tracker. Whilst you’re at uni, it is important to stay active, and a fitness tracker will help you to do so. You can see how you’re progressing towards your 10,000 steps, and track cycle rides and runs without having to carry your phone. The Lintelek Fitness Tracker can be bought from Amazon for £27.99 and includes a step-counter, heartrate monitor, and a colour screen to display the time and your tracking data. If you’re looking for something more stylish, try the Garmin Vivoactive 3, which is technically a smartwatch, but marketed as a running watch. This watch includes GPS and a high-res colour display.
Image: Y2kcrazyjoker4
Essential apps for returning to uni Beth Hanson Science & Tech Editor
Images: Beth Hanson
Ankiapp
Ankiapp is a minimalist flashcard app. Not only is the app compatible with iOS and Android, but it can also be accessed on Chrome. I appreciate the ability to create my flashcards on the larger keyboard of my laptop, and the versatility of the mobile version. You can also download your flashcards and use the app offline, which is excellent for conserving data. There are options to change the font colour and add photos. I have a few flashcards with blank diagrams on one side and completed labels on the other. Many studies cite active recall as the most effective way to learn, and this app makes flashcard creation effortless. The ranking system for the cards allows the app’s algorithm to bring up the more difficult cards at the right time and prevents the more straightforward questions cycling over and over.
Forest
Forest is a satisfying Pomodoro timer that helps me focus but is also good for the planet. You earn ‘coins’ by concentrating for the total duration of the timer. These ‘coins’ can then be spent on both virtual trees and real trees. If you leave the app while the timer’s running, the tree you are growing dies. This gives you a real incentive to stay off Facebook during study time. It also encourages healthy study breaks, and I enjoy being able to adjust my study times. You can also study with friends, and having someone else on the app helps me to hold myself accountable. A practical feature is that you can receive a phone call without it killing your tree. Don’t worry if you have an emergency call – it won’t harm your forest!
Any.do
Any.do is an integral part of my workflow. Thinking about the tasks I need to do before a study session allows me to focus on the job I need to do at that moment. The reminders are great for assignment deadlines and scheduling study sessions. It can be colour-coordinated, and the seamless link between the to-do list and calendar makes this a great app.
RefMe
Scan and go! RefMe is connected to popular service CiteThisForMe and generates a book reference when you scan the book’s barcode. It is a staple for students. There is no reason to reference manually any more! It allows me to stay concentrated on what I’m writing about, rather than falling out of the flow scouring sources for ‘publication date’ and ‘city of publication’.
Caffé Nero
The Caffé Nero app inspires me like no other. There is a shop right next to the Cathedral tram stop that I always go to when the libraries are full. This app is the only reason I can afford artisan coffee. Within the app, you can collect stamps on loyalty cards, just like the paper versions. The real benefit is having reminders for when you can earn bonus stamps and fill up your cards more quickly, getting that sweet bean juice for free!
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
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Sport Thoughts
press.sport@forgetoday.com
Forge_Sport @ForgeSport
Bury FC and regional footballing identity – an obituary Jay Jackson Sport Contributor
Bury Football Club was formed in 1885 by the merger of the Bury Wesleyans and Bury Unitarians Football Clubs. That’s closer to the American Declaration of Independence than to the present day. With two FA Cups and a First Division title, whilst not a footballing goliath, Bury nonetheless constitutes a quietly important part of English football’s unparalleled history. Sadly, after 134 years of existence and 125 continuous years of Football League membership, they were expelled in August and are seemingly doomed to insolvency and expiration. The painful demise of Bury Football Club was no accident, it was an execution; a state-sanctioned killing at the altar of example. A football club assassinated by its owners, with both the Football League and the Government bearing witness to the execution, not
protesting, but facilitating. Footballing governance and finance is as murky as it is monotonous, but, there are some clear lessons to be learnt from this tragedy. The ‘Owners’ and Directors’ Test (‘Fit and Proper Persons Test’) is clearly inadequate. Football clubs deserve a special legal status, not merely that of a business, but one that recognizes their value as community institutions and historical artefacts. The annual publishing of unredacted accounts should be mandated, a 50+1% ownership rule should be introduced as in Germany, meaning the fans - the true owners of any football club – have VETO powers over financial decisions. Finally, a regional footballing bank– akin to a miniature IMF or World Bank – should be created as a rescue agent of last resort. Nor is it a coincidence that Bury and Bolton constitute prime examples of ‘left-behind towns’. The demise of their football clubs - historic community institutions,
Gigg Lane, home of Bury Football Club Image: geograph.org.uk
cornerstones of local identities – is symptomatic of wider socioeconomic decay that besieges towns across the north of England. These places were once at the beating heart of the Industrial Revolution, now - ravaged by Thatcherism and its legacy – they are nowhere-places. It
follows naturally that both Bury and Bolton voted Leave in the 2016 EU referendum. Football need not go the way of politics, in order to preserve English football’s unique historical legacy both tribalism and corporatism need to be shunned in favour
of compassion, consensus, and collectivity. The alarming quandary that the plight of Bury FC leaves the football community with is this - how many more football clubs need we lose before political and legal action becomes palatable?
Racism is everywhere - not just in football Nicole Oshisanwo Sport Contributor
“My mummy says that I can’t play with you because you’re dangerous.” Those were the words uttered to a 10-year-old girl on a playground because she happened to be wearing a turban. A nine-year-old boy was told that he couldn’t be from the UK because he “is brown”. Just two incidents from the last month where young children in England were made to feel unwelcome in their own country because of racism. Only one of them involved football. Statistics show that black women in the UK are five times more likely to die in childbirth, and it’s well known that having a traditionally Raheem Sterling playing for England in summer 2018 Image: Anton Zaitsev
non-white name on your CV will net you fewer responses. In football, while 25 per cent of white ex-pros get jobs in
management, just 10 per cent of former black players do. The English leagues’ resistance to implementing the ‘Rooney Rule’ means that this disparity is likely to continue. We can blind ourselves to the truth and say that this is just a problem confined to the terraces, but it’s everywhere in football. How many times do we hear the phrase “pace and power” when a black player runs with the ball? Now multiply that by 11 when an African team is playing. Not only is this lazy commentary that perpetuates stereotypes, it often isn’t even true. I’ve lost count of the number of times I heard commentators praising Alex Iwobi’s “pace and power” as he’s beaten to the ball by pacier and more powerful (often white) fullbacks. And reducing dribbling at speed to mere “pace and power” dismisses the decision making and technical
ability to perform such a move. But it’s not just football commentary that has a problem. Certain newspapers have – rightly – been pilloried in recent times for their ludicrous handling of young black players. Raheem Sterling in particular deserves credit for the way he stood up to the papers that lambasted him for spending too much (and then not enough) money in the space of a few weeks. Football has a racism problem, yes, but so does the whole of the UK. Racism is insidious and sneaky. It’s the thing that causes you to miss out on an interview despite being perfectly qualified, and it’s the evil that prevents children playing without fear. If we keep pretending that this is something only seen on the terraces, defined only by people hurling around racial slurs and monkey chants, then we ignore the true problem.
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Sport
World Cycling Championships head to ‘God’s own country’ in eight-day event Matt McCabe Sport Contributor
Between the 22 and 29 September 2019 the world’s best cyclists will race on the roads of Yorkshire in the UCI Road World Championships. After the Spring Classics and the Tour de France, this is the pinnacle of professional cycling. The Championships promise to underline Yorkshire’s reputation as a world-class cycling and sporting destination, recreating the atmosphere of the 2014 Tour de France and the annual Tour de Yorkshire. This will be the first time that Britain has hosted the Championships since 1982 and Yorkshire is aiming to deliver the most inclusive, exciting, and inspirational championships in the history of the event. The riders will contest to wear the coveted rainbow jersey for a full year in road race and stage events. Races take the form of various disciplines, including individual and team time trials and a road race. There will be 11 Championship races over eight days of action, including a range of men’s and women’s events for junior to elite riders. Prior to the Championships, the Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International will take place on the 21st of September. A brand new, trailblazing event, it will help para-athletes gain qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Lance Armstrong (l) and Laurent Dufaux (r) at the 1990 World Cycling Championships Image: ta_do, Flickr.com
Races start in 10 different locations across Yorkshire, covering over 1000km of road before concluding in the competition’s hub town, Harrogate. Bradford, Doncaster, Leeds, Northallerton, Richmond, Ripon are all also set to see the world’s best set off in the various races, providing fantastic opportunities for community activities and the chance to witness elite sport first hand. The finale of this cycling festival is the Elite Road Race. The women’s 149km event has been dominated by the Dutch for the past two years and it’s hard to look beyond their team once again. Anna van der Breggen
and Marianne Vos look particularly strong, although Britain’s Lizzie Deignan is the reigning World Tour champion and has excelled this year. Twelve months after she gave birth to her daughter, she is back in top form and hugely motivated to win the World Road Race title on home soil. The Great Britain men’s team will be out to win too. Having held all three Grand Tour titles last year, the likes of Geraint Thomas and Simon Yates have had to take a back seat. The men’s tour has seen South Americans Richard Carapaz (ECU) and Egan Bernal (COL) come to the fore, taking the pink and yellow
jerseys respectively. It has felt like a changing of the guard, with multiple Grand Tour winner Chris Froome missing most of the calendar, after a horrific crash left him with a fractured neck and a broken hip. Younger riders have brought aggression and excitement to bike racing. The explosive Julian Alaphilippe lit up his home race, leading the Tour de France for fourteen days before heroically cracking in the final week. He and Mathieu van der Poel (NED) look set to be amongst the favourites when they set off from Leeds to Harrogate on 29 September.
Both riders favour the short punchy climbs that make up the course featuring many of the ascents from the 2014 Tour de France, including the Cray and Buttertubs passes. Alongside riders from seventyfive countries they will battle to wrench the rainbow jersey from 2018’s veteran winner, Alejandro Valverde (ESP) and become “God’s Own” World Road Race Champion. For more information about how to go and see the racing live visit https://worlds.yorkshire.com. Alternatively, watch it on the BBC, the Red Button, or iPlayer from Sunday 22 September.
A message from your Students’ Union Sports Officer Britt Bowles SU Sports Officer
Britt Bowles, Students’ Unon Sports Officer Image: Sheffield SU
Getting involved in sport whilst at university is one of the best things that you can do and it is so easy to take part. Whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, there is something for you! Goodwin gym is a great way to have an active lifestyle if sport is not for you. Goodwin is located around a five minute walk from campus and a membership includes access to a range of fitness classes (including zumba, pilates and yoga), the gym and the pool. Social sport is a programme where you can play when you feel like with no commitment or competing
involved. This is a good way to be introduced to a sport if you have never played before and also a way to meet new friends. Campus Leagues are another great way of getting into sports during your time in Sheffield. This is an opportunity to represent your degree course (E.g playing netball for Law,) and play against other courses throughout the year. Or you can make up your own team of housemates, friends or other coursemates. There are a range of sports available such as touch rugby, netball and football. Club Sport is the competitive sport we offer at Sheffield. We have 58 clubs to choose from ranging from cricket to equestrian, from
sub-aqua to rugby. You don’t need to have ever played a sport before as all clubs want a range of abilities, so this is the perfect opportunity to try out a sport that you may never have had the chance to! The sports fair is on Friday 27 September 2019 from 11.00am3:30pm in the Octagon. This is a great opportunity to come and see what we offer, have a chat with the clubs and figure out what suits you best. It might sound cringey but there really is something for everyone! I can speak from experience by saying that my biggest regret of uni was not joining a sports team in my first year. It genuinely was the best thing I ever did and I cannot recommend it enough.
Forge Press
Saturday 21 September 2019
Got a sports tale to tell? press.sport@forgetoday.com
Michael Ekman Sport Coordinator
Hi everyone and welcome to another year full of sport here at the Uni of Sheffield! My name is Michael Ekman, I’m the Sport Coordinator for Forge Press, and with me in the sports team I’m joined by fellow Sports Editor Alex Brotherton. Together, we look forward to covering all of this year’s sporting events. A special welcome to all the freshers who are joining us this year. If you have a passion for covering
sports, then we would love for you to be a part of our team. There is currently one space left on our committee for a Sports Editor to join me and Alex and we would be happy to have you onboard. If you don’t feel you want to commit yourself just yet to joining the committee, no worries! There are still plenty of ways to get involved. You can join the contributor pages on Facebook as well as the one specifically for Forge Sport, called ‘Forge Sport Team’. In there, all the sports committee members from the three Forge
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Sport outlets will regularly be posting about chances to cover sport events for us, so be sure to stay tuned to any updates. Lastly, if you’re an athlete who’s achieved something extraordinary, then please do let us know! We’re always on the lookout for stories regarding sporting triumphs among the Black and Gold community. No matter the size of the achievement, we would love to shine the spotlight on you. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this Freshers issue and we look forward to covering the year ahead!
Results board
Upcoming fixtures
Sheffield Utd 0 - 1 Southampton
Everton - Sheffield Utd
Huddersfield 0 - 2 Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday - Fulham
Blackburn Rovers Ladies 2 - 3 Sheffield Utd Women
Sheffield Utd Women - Coventry Utd Women
Hepworth Utd Ladies 2 - 3 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies
York Railway Institue Ladies - Sheffield Wednesday Ladies
Scunthorpe 31 - 27 Sheffield Tigers
Sheffield Tigers - Caldy
Sheffield Steelers 3 - 1 Manchester Storm & Dundee 5 - 6 Sheffield Steelers
Sheffield Steelers - Guildford & Sheffield Steelers - Glasgow
Sheffield Sharks 66 - 61 Newcastle Eagles
Leicester Riders - Sheffield Sharks
Equestrian rider qualifies for Horse of the Year competition in Birmingham
Helen with her horse, Shady Image: Helen Radford
Michael Ekman Sport Coordinator
A University of Sheffield equestrian rider has been nominated for the Horse of the Year show, after succeeding in numerous competitions over the summer.
Helen Radford, a second year PHD student at the School of Health and Related Research, led her horse ‘Shady’ in qualifying for the famous competition after performing well at the Cheshire County show. The pair will now appear at the Horse of the Year show in
Birmingham at the beginning of October. This isn’t the first time Helen has qualified for the famed event, but it will be the first time with Shady. “We have had previous horses compete at the Horse of the Year show and my old horse came third there last year. This year will be Shady’s first time. “Horse of the Year show is extremely hard to qualify for and every time we do it’s a dream come true.” Horses in Equestrian riding compete in “showing”, a type of competition where horses are judged on good manners, correct conformation and movement. However, it is up to the rider to show the horse off to the best of it’s abilities. Over the summer, Helen and Shady have been gearing up for
October’s event by taking part in several competitions. “Equifest was another large final that we qualified for and Shady took Champion in the evening performance. “We qualified at Newark Notts county show for the Royal International at Hickstead but unfortunately Shady was not the judges cup of tea at the Final in July.”
Horse of the Year show is extremely hard to qualify for and every time we do it’s a dream come true Helen, who is now the President of the Equestrian Club, is also looking ahead to what she wants to achieve
ahead in University-related sports. “For me this year I want to keep working on my confidence, I feel the psychological help from Sport Sheffield will really help with this. “I want to support our riders at all levels and encourage our BUCS teams. University riding competitions are really difficult given that you have to ride an unknown horse. “You only get between five to seven minutes on the horse before having to demonstrate a dressage test and jump a course of fences. This can be nerve wracking for the most confident of riders.” “I am going to continue with side saddle lessons throughout the winter and hope to start with local level shows with Shady before trying to qualify for the Royal International and the Horse of the Year Show again.”
London Warriors take Tamworth apart to seal pretigious national championship title Michael Ekman Sport Coordinator
(cont. from back) ... Mark says that there is a big difference between the Warriors and the Sabres. “University is where a lot of people play the sport for the first time, so you will have complete novices alongside more experienced players. “This obviously limits what you can do and how quickly and easily
you can do things which lowers the level, but aside from the lack of experience of the sport the depth of talent at the London Warriors is far greater than you’d see at any uni team. “The culture around each team is different as well, as much as we take the sport seriously at Sabres it is not to the same level as the Warriors and not with the same intensity. “However, Sabres offers an unrivalled family atmosphere with
the players spending so much time together, at uni, on nights out etc. “They’re different organisations with different purposes but they’re both fantastic to be a part of.” Looking ahead, Mark hopes to continue his triumphs both here at University and in international competitions abroad. “I’m so excited to be back [with the Sabres] this year with an even greater appreciation for it. “Winning championships is
obviously amazing but the bonds and experience you get with a university side is really something special. “In terms of other competitions, as national champions we will have the opportunity to compete in European competitions next season which will produce far tougher tests for us as a team but they’re challenges we are looking forward to facing. “We want to be playing the best
competition available.”
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press.sport@forgetoday.com
Sport
Forge_Sport @ForgeSport
Mark Price (l) with exSabre Reece Waller (r) Image: Arrival Athletic
Uni of Sheffield American football player wins Britbowl National Championships Michael Ekman Sport Coordinator
A Uni of American footballer won the Britbowl National Championships with the London Warriors over the summer, in what is seen as the most prestigious American football tournament in the UK. Mark Price, a final year student in French and Economics, was part of the team that won the competition after defeating Tamworth Phoenix 56-29 in the final.
The team had faced numerous competitors from all over the south of the country, scoring a whopping 581 points and only conceding 35 points in ten games before qualifying for the playoffs, where they overwhelmingly beat Manchester Titans 63-0. This set up the final against Tamworth Phoenix, where the Warriors started off on the backfoot and were actually losing at one point for the first time in their campaign. Mark said: “After this regular
season and semi final the expectation was that we would have a similar result in the final but Tamworth Phoenix proved to be a tougher test than we had faced before. “We were actually losing for the first time all year early on 7-13. “However as the game went on our depth and quality showed and we started to take the upper hand, at half time the score was still fairly close at 28-13 to us, but in the end we finished the game with a solid lead winning
56-29. “I felt pretty good going
I felt pretty good going into the game, very excited, it’s always fun to play on a bigger stage and I thought we’d get a result into the game, obviously very excited, it is always fun to play on a bit of a bigger stage but I
was very confident we would come out with a result. “When we won it was a great feeling, it was my first championship and I think that only people who have been there really know how it feels. “It made me just want to go do it again next year.” Mark has been playing American football for three years now and only started when he first joined the Sheffield Sabres here at university. Even though they play the same sport... (cont. on p43)