Impact Magazine - Issue 208 - Jan 2011

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EDITORIAL

Our January issue is always a bit of an odd one, for its writers are always in a completely different state of mind to its readers. Far from the mixture of festivity and fatigue from the hectic Autumn semester during which we made this issue, you are now experiencing the fresh faced optimism and fear which comprises the January exam season.

So hello there in 2011, you may consider [OL ^VYKZ ^P[OPU [OLZL WHNLZ [V IL H ÄUHS send off from last year. Apparently the United Nations has designated this year as the International Year of Forests, Chemistry and People of African Descent. Ours is not to reason how or why we can have a year dedicated to three such disparate causes, but I’m sure at some point we’ll be informed of how they all link up. I’m excited already. While we wait for Ban Ki-Moon’s guidance, then, perhaps this could be a year of getting involved. It’s really easy to come and ]VS\U[LLY MVY 0TWHJ[ Q\Z[ ÅPW V]LY [V 7HNL HUK JOLJR [OL

THE

information there. If you’re unsure of what you might want to do with Impact but you’re still feeling the urge to join us, just contact me on the email address at the end of this editorial. Remember, it’s never too late to get started! Nor is it too late to participate in some of the numerous other MHYL VMMLYLK I` [OL <UPVU 0 ^LU[ VU T` ÄYZ[ 5\Z\YM [YPW SHZ[ term and my only regret is that I didn’t pluck up the courage/ motivation to go on a trip with those awesome lads and lasses earlier in my time at university. So don’t be like me, go and try something new - for many of us there might not be a better opportunity. And while you’re pushing the boat out, be sure to keep track of Impact’s coverage of some of the biggest events of the calendar - in addition to our usual work, this term sees us follow the Varsity series and the Students Union elections. I can’t wait. Remember, if you have any queries, comments or letters for publication, I can be contacted at chief@impactnottingham. com. Thanks, and enjoy.

Dave Jackson

TEAM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dave Jackson

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WEB

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DESIGN

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EDITORIAL

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MANAGEMENT Associate Managing Editor Rachel Taylor

Associate Editors Stephen Lovejoy Angus Drummond Chloe Painter

Associate Design Editor Matt Turner Tristan Bejawn

Associate Web Editor Ollie Small Vanessa Brown

Managing Editor James Sanderson

PR and Distribution Managers: Sam Tully Alice Hajek

Design Editor Andrew Speer

Web Editor Ben Wadsworth

Image Editors Bruno Albutt Tara Wallace Matt Turner

SECTIONS

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Advertising Manager Jack Shields

Editor Gabriella DeMatteis

News Editors Ben McCabe Emily Sargent Natasha Smith Sports Editors Lowri Wyn Morgan Joseph Lobo Tim Edwards

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Travel Editors Ruth Edwards Eleanor Simpson

Film Editors Hannah Coleman Lucy Kenderdine

Style Editors Charlotte Gelipter Jasmin Watts

Music Editors Rosie Kynman Sarah Dawood

Arts Editors Michael de Vletter Victoria Urquhart

Nights Editors Adam Dawes Lucinda Richardson Rachel Boyle Science and Technology Editors Eric John Philip Bowyer

CONTENTS / 208 - January 2011 02

Editorial

04

Get Involved

05

News Campus Number Seven?

11

Sport Varsity Returns for 2011

11

FEATURES 16

How Middle Class is Your Uni? Are We C****?

19

Asexuality

20

Peacocking Dressing Up to Get Down

22

Why Not to Detox A look at an alternative money-saving diet

23

Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Your Depression SAD?

24

STIs A New Year’s Gift you don’t want!

26

The Royal Family Useful or Useless?

27

Metrosexuality The harsh truth or an outdated stereotype?

30

Wave Your Rave and Vent Your Spleen

REGULARS

23

50

30

Students’ Union

32

Exposure

35

Style

40

Film

46

Travel

50

Arts & Culture

54

Music

57

Science

60

Nights

62

Spare Parts

63

Gratis IMPACT NOT T INGHAM.COM

03

Involved WIT H

Any student at The University of Nottingham/member of the Students’ Union can contribute to the magazine and website. We have a wide range of sections and roles, so whatever you’re interested in, you can work with us. No previous experience is needed, so even if you haven’t done anything like this before, you can get involved. Working for Impact has plenty of benefits and we won’t expect you to show up to meetings every week unless you’re elected to be an editor. Remember, we’re students too, so we know what it’s like when deadlines approach! So come along to our stall at Refreshers’ Fayre for more details, or pop in to our new office on the first floor of the Portland Building. Our office is just across from the East Concourse Lounge and next to the hairdressers. We are signposted from the main entrance.

For more information visit www.impactnottingham.com/get-involved

NEWS

SU PLANS FOR REFERENDUM REFORM GIVEN THE ALL CLEAR The Students’ Union Council has agreed to plans lowering quoracy levels in referenda, with the aim of making it easier for students to decide directly on certain areas of policy. This came despite a vote on the same issue failing to pass just a few weeks before at the previous Council. The SU Council heard that the last referendum held was in 2003, when there was a petition to boycott NestlĂŠ products. Democracy HUK *VTT\UPJH[PVUZ 6MĂ„JLY .LVYNL >YPNO[ JSHPTLK [OH[ [OPZ was due to the current level of quoracy being “unattainably highâ€? at 20%. He added that “Quoracy should not be a target but a number with which we are comfortable to base decisions on. By lowering quoracy we would be able to run more referenda.â€? The initial motion in November suggested that the referenda quorum should be reduced from 20% down to 6% of students, and the percentage of students required to sign a petition for referenda should be reduced from the current 5% down to 2%. However, many of those present at the Council meeting and those watching the proceedings on the NUTS live stream met the proposals with some concern. Opposing the motion was Dave Jackson, who asserted that referenda had no protection for minorities and “risked being populistâ€?. He believed that current quoracy levels ensured that referenda were “only used when an issue really mobilises the student bodyâ€?. Wright responded that all petitions would have a ÂŁ200 fee and would not be allowed to break the SU ,X\HS 6WWVY[\UP[PLZ WVSPJ` /V^L]LY HM[LY [OL Ă„YZ[ TV[PVU MHPSLK [V YLHJO [OL MV\Y Ă„M[OZ Z\WWVY[ YLX\PYLK MVY P[ [V WHZZ he did compromise on the level of quoracy, with the revised proposal stating that quorum should stand at 10% of students. Wright explained that their motivation behind the plan was based on a student desire for referendum found in the Big Review 2010 Z\Y]L` 0U [OPZ Z\Y]L` Z[\KLU[Z ^LYL HZRLK [V JOVVZL [OLPY Ă„YZ[ ZLJVUK HUK [OPYK WYLMLYYLK TL[OVK VM KLJPZPVU making, and these choices were given 3 points, 2 points or 1 point respectively. Under this method, 27% of the total scores voted for ‘referendum’, making it the most popular choice. Some believed that this didn’t form enough of a basis for the changes proposed, and it was pointed out that 73% of scores preferred alternative options. However, the SU maintained that the survey showed that students had “made a shout for referendaâ€?. Wright argued: “Students have expressed clearly that they want more referenda. As student leaders we should react to this and make it happen.â€?

the percentage of students that certain top UK universities require for petition and quorum in referenda. Amongst these universities, Nottingham had the highest percentage needed for quorum at 20%, compared to an average of 7.5%. It was argued that Nottingham needed to be brought in line with other universities. SU President Will Vickers again drew Council’s attention to the fact that referendum was the most popular method of decision making, and insisted that this was the reason why change was needed, saying, “If we don’t pass it, we will fail our studentsâ€?. The motion passed with only one abstention, none against, HUK PU MH]V\Y +\L [V JV\UJPS ILPUN PUX\VYH[L OV^L]LY [OL TV[PVU ^PSS OH]L [V IL YH[PĂ„LK H[ [OL UL_[ ZLZZPVU

Fiona Crosby

YES NO

Jackson disputed that there was clear enough support for a referendum and said that until there was, the SU should MVJ\Z VU Ă„_PUN L_PZ[PUN WYVISLTZ PU *V\UJPS /L HZRLK! “What are referenda for - to allow greater student involvement or to bypass Council?â€? An online viewer also added “If HU :< VMĂ„JLY PZ \Z\HSS` LSLJ[LK I` VM [OL <UP]LYZP[` why should it be less to change the Union completely?â€? (M[LY [OL Ă„YZ[ TV[PVU ^HZ KLMLH[LK [OL :< ,_LJ\[P]L YLZLHYJOLK

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NEWS

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NEWS

CAMPUS NUMBER SEVEN?

NOT T INGHAM UNIVERSITY IN TALKS TO OPEN NEW CAMPUS IN SHANGHAI The University of Nottingham already has a reputation as an international university, perhaps as a result of having six campuses worldwide (with four in the UK, one in Malaysia HUK VUL PU *OPUH ;OPZ ÄN\YL JV\SK UV^ IL VU [OL YPZL HM[LY the University announced that it is entering talks with the government in Shanghai to develop a second campus in China, around 140 miles from where the current Ningbo campus is situated. It is possible that, providing the decision PZ ÄUHSPZLK [OL <UP]LYZP[` ^PSS VWLU [OL JHTW\Z PU ;OL UL^ WYVWVZHSZ JLU[YL VU [OL ÄUHUJPHSS` Z\JJLZZM\S JP[` of Shanghai - a city whose need for education is increasing exponentially. The purpose of building a new campus is to provide “the opportunity to offer different subjects to a new group of students” by offering courses based on life sciences. Ningbo cannot provide these courses simply because there is no more space for development there; the university does not wish to ruin the natural aesthetics by building on the parkland setting that the campus currently enjoys. It was the government VM :OHUNOHP PU MHJ[ ^OV HWWYVHJOLK [OL <UP]LYZP[` ÄYZ[ 0M the University had turned down this opportunity, there may

well have been another internationally acclaimed university developing there, which would almost certainly compete with Ningbo. As it is, Nottingham University asserts that it is against its interests to provide any courses Ningbo already provides. Professor Christine Ennew, Pro Vice Chancellor, argues that this will have a very positive effect on UK students. There will be opportunities for exchange in new subjects (since Shanghai will offer all-new courses), as well as new international programmes for “shared learning”. Some students based in Nottingham may have concerns over the increase in young graduates in China earning themselves University of Nottingham degrees; how desirable is each individual University of Nottingham graduate if collectively the numbers are increasing? In terms of ‘employability’, Professor Ennew believes the contrary - rather than detracting from the appeal of a Nottingham graduate, a Shanghai campus will attract better teachers and therefore build upon Nottingham’s reputation, by “enhancing the international dimension to our teaching”.

Rebecca Wilson

HOPES FOR BREAKTHROUGH WITH NEW CANCER PATIENT STUDY Cancer Research UK is funding a three-year study into deaths caused by venous thromboembolism (VTE or blood clotting) in cancer patients at the University of Nottingham. The study is being conducted by the University’s Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, with lead researcher Dr Matthew Grainge saying, “This detailed analysis will show us more precisely when people with cancer are at greatest risk of venous thromboembolism compared with [OL NLULYHS WVW\SH[PVU ^P[OPU WLYPVKZ KLÄULK I` JHUJLY treatment, time since diagnosis and hospitalisation.” It is hoped that approximately 3,000 deaths from VTE in cancer patients could be saved with early, preventative treatment. The risk of VTE appears to be higher in cancer patients, with the risk factor increasing with treatment such as surgery and chemotherapy. The research project will analyse data from 500,000 patients to be better able to assess the risk posed by VTE in approximately twenty different types of cancer. Joe West, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department

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of Community Health Sciences, also professes the need to develop preventative cures in order to increase the risk of survival in cancer patients with VTE - “Epidemiological studies SPRL [OPZ HYL ]P[HS PU [OL ÄNO[ [V J\[ [OL U\TILY VM WYL]LU[HISL deaths in this group of patients who are already suffering from cancer and enduring the effects of its treatment.” Information will be analysed from the General Practice Research Database, the Hospital Episode Statistics database and Cancer Registries, and these 100,000 cases will be compared to samples from 500,000 patients. Meanwhile at Nottingham Trent University, the John and Lucille van Geest Foundation have funded a £7.65m cancer research centre based at the University’s Clifton campus. Scientists at Nottingham Trent will work in conjunction with scientists from the University of Nottingham to harness new technology that will increase the speed of diagnosis of cancer and develop new treatments.

Settit Beyene

NEWS

SUMMER PARTY LOSES ‘STUDENT RUN SERVICE’ STATUS This year it has been decided by the Nottingham University Trustee Board that the Student Summer Party will no longer be a Student Run Service (SRS). This decision was made in the aftermath of the £70,000 loss incurred by last year’s Summer Party. The decision has dismayed many students involved with the Summer Party Exec, with Ben Ingram, Former Summer Party Coordinator, saying, “I, and my predecessors, do have issues with the way in which this has been approached, which has been quite closed. We need to make sure it carries on with as much involvement from students as possible”. Although the decision had HSYLHK` ILLU VMÄJPHSS` THKL the Student Council voted on the motion as a formality. 58 members voted in favour of the removal of the Summer Party as a student run service,

and only one vote was placed against the motion. The majority argued that after [OL ÄHZJV VM SHZ[ `LHY»Z WHY[` when only half those expected turned up, it would be common sense to hand over the power and responsibility of organising the Summer Party to a non-student, professional organisation. However there is still room for dispute. Student involvement should be integral for any student event, not only to encourage student participation and limit student apathy but also to ensure the event is aimed at student ideals and desires. Thankfully student involvement has not been entirely cut off - although students will have no control V]LY ÄUHUJL [OL` ^PSS Z[PSS IL able to contribute through their choice of bands at the event as well as designs and marketing.

Hannah Pupkewitz

WHAT IS AN SRS? An SRS, also known as a Student Run Service, is essentially HU VYNHUPZH[PVU [OH[ WYV]PKLZ H ZLY]PJL MVY [OL ILULÄ[ VM [OL student body as a whole. These organisations are run by Z[\KLU[Z HUK YL[HPU ÄUHUJPHS JVU[YVS V]LY OV^ [OLPY I\KNL[Z are spent, though these are set through consultation with the -PUHUJL HUK :LY]PJLZ 6MÄJLY VM [OL :< ,_LJ\[P]L :[\KLU[ Run Services are currently split into three branches. Week One, Karnival, The New Theatre, TEC and the Record and CD Library HYL HSS V]LYZLLU I` [OL (J[P]P[PLZ 6MÄJLY ^OV HSZV Z\WLY]PZLZ societies. The Media SRSs, namely NUTS, Impact and URN, HYL Z\WWVY[LK I` [OL +LTVJYHJ` HUK *VTT\UPJH[PVUZ 6MÄJLY in their aims to both inform and entertain the student body. Nightline, which works in conjunction with the Welfare and ,X\HS 6WWVY[\UP[PLZ 6MÄJLY WYV]PKLZ H JVUÄKLU[PHS SPZ[LUPUN and information service from 7pm-8am during term time.

Student Run Services are expected to assist in the aims of the Students’ Union, which include the representation of the interests of students at all levels, providing a wide variety of services to enhance student life, developing students’ personal skills through training and participation, and empowering TLTILYZ VM [OL <UPVU [V WHY[PJPWH[L HUK ILULÄ[ MYVT [OL activities provided. On top of this, they are expected to evolve and respond to changing student needs. Student Run Services differ from societies and AU clubs in that they communicate directly with the SU Executive as opposed to a committee. They also take on far more responsibilities in terms of both providing a service that is relevant to a wide variety of students and providing opportunities for its members [V KL]LSVW HUK NHPU ZRPSSZ [OH[ ^PSS ILULÄ[ [OLT PU [OL M\[\YL

Ben McCabe

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NEWS

07

COMMENT

HAITI

ONE YEAR ON Last year a 7.0MW earthquake hit Haiti, the least economically developed country in the Western Hemisphere. In the weeks which followed it was reported [OH[ OHK ILLU RPSSLK OHK ILLU SLM[ PUQ\YLK HUK H M\Y[OLY OVTLSLZZ ;OL [O 1HU\HY` THYRZ [OL Ă„YZ[ HUUP]LYZHY` VM [OL JH[HZ[YVWOL HUK ^OPSL V]LY [OL past year the international community and a multitude of NGOs have sought to aid the Caribbean nation, the Haitians have lurched from one tragedy to another in what must surely be one of the unluckiest corners of the earth. This time last year, the world was confronted by a series of harrowing images in our newspapers and on our television screens, particularly of Haiti’s capital Port au Prince - lying just sixteen miles from the epicentre of the earthquake and home to 2,000,000 - summarily destroyed. One image in particular became synonymous with the desperate plight of the Haitian people - their dilapidated Presidential Palace, a shattered symbol of Haiti’s independence, keeping vigil over a broken city of dispossessed inhabitants. The rubble of Haiti’s former political centre has still not been removed - another image which may come to have resonance beyond the earthquake alone and 1.5 million refugees remain in overcrowded displacement camps. The international community sprang into action - the EU as H ^OVSL KVUH[LK Ă T ^OPSL V\Y NV]LYUTLU[ ZLU[ H 9V`HS Navy ship full of aid along with $22 million. The British public raised ÂŁ101 million through the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal, and our sentiments and feelings of compassion were made commercially manifest in a cover of R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts sung by Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, Rod Stewart and Mariah Carrey. Hollywood also got in on the act, generating high levels of publicity comparable to events like Live Aid in the 1980s. If 1VOU ;YH]VS[H WLYZVUHSS` Ă…`PUN H )VLPUN [V /HP[P VU ILOHSM of the Church of Scientology felt like a stunt it didn’t matter, because everyone was pulling together to help a stricken people. But after this period of impressive and energetic action, slowly, and as so often happens, Haiti faded from our screens and was largely forgotten. Since then the humanitarian effort has become paralyzed. Refugee International has condemned Haiti’s UN camps commenting: “living in squalid, overcrowded camps for a

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prolonged period has led to aggravated levels of violence and appalling standards of living�. Gang rape and forced prostitution are common occurrences in these camps. More recently, a series of tragic coincidences have befallen Haiti - a series of events which seem more like a passage from the Old Testament than anything which could happen in our modern reality. In October, reports started to emerge from Haiti of outbreaks of cholera. Fears were voiced that if drinking water was contaminated in Port au Prince’s displacement camps, this could have a devastating effect. On the 9th of November these MLHYZ ^LYL YLHSPaLK HM[LY KLHKS` ÅVVKZ JH\ZLK I` /\YYPJHUL Tomas helped the epidemic on its way. In one month, the cholera epidemic spread throughout the country, leaving 91,000 people infected and 2,000 dead. This cruel conspiracy of events, however, became more poignant when it was discovered that cholera emerged in Haiti not from within, but was brought to the country by Nepalese troops acting on behalf of the UN. In mid-November anti-UN and antiforeign demonstrations broke out in Haiti’s second city of CapHaïtien, as 200 protesters threw stones at hospitals and foreign doctors. Rioters exchanged shots with UN peacekeepers, leaving two Haitians killed and further hampering efforts to stem the tide of cholera. Conditions in Haiti show little signs of abating. In fact, stasis in [OL YLSPLM LMMVY[ OHZ JVTL [V IL YLÅLJ[LK PU H Z[HNUH[PVU VM /HP[PZ political process, as presidential election results announced on the 7th of December have been met with accusations of widespread fraud. The elections used an electoral register which predated the earthquake, meaning it bore little resemblance to the now decimated population, and was easily manipulated by the deeply unpopular incumbent, the American-backed PrÊval. ([ [OL [PTL VM ^YP[PUN [OL WVSP[PJZ YLZ\S[PUN MYVT /HP[PZ coup play out on the nation’s streets - an eventuality the UN peace keeping force was supposed to prevent. Perhaps the only light on Haiti’s horizon is the still-to-arrive $1.5 billion in aid promised by the U.S. What effect this will have upon a nation with such prevalent and entrenched problems remains to be seen - if indeed it arrives at all.

Callum Paton

COMMENT

GIVING IRELAND A HELPING HAND To say that Ireland is in deep ÄUHUJPHS WVSP[PJHS HUK ZVJPL[HS [YV\ISL would be an understatement. Two years of depression and austerity measures look set to become even more excruciating after the budget announcement on the 7th December. The €85 billion bailout agreed by the European Union and the International 4VUL[HY` -\UK VU [OL [O 5V]LTILY MHPSLK [V PUQLJ[ JVUÄKLUJL PU[V Eurozone markets as the cost of borrowing continues to rise. Once described as an economic posterchild of the EU, this is a riches to rags story like no other. Without needing to understand the economic technicalities of the crisis, both in terms of Ireland and the euro, the mess that Ireland is in is abundantly clear. Angry protests, increasing homelessness, thousands of empty apartments and a mass emigration of Ireland’s youth are all synonymous with [OL ÄUHUJPHS JVSSHWZL /V^L]LY MYVT a British perspective, many people question George Osborne’s decision to help fund the bailout when we are facing our own cuts here. A sombre editorial in the Irish Times a few weeks ago declared,

“is this what the men of 1916 died for: a bailout from the German chancellor with a few shillings of sympathy from the British chancellor on the side? There is the shame of it all.” For all the Irish complaints, it seems that the British are hardly enthused by it either. Britain’s total contribution will be approximately £7 billion, which includes the direct loan of €3.8 billion. This is the largest direct loan from any other country in the EU. According to BBC Business Editor Robert Peston’s analysis, “the UK is doing more than the basic minimum to help Ireland out of its predicament”. Not only are people asking where this extra money is going to come from, they are wondering if Britain, given the cuts at home, can really afford it. Some may even be led to consider whether cuts here are out of regretful necessity or, more sinisterly, whether there are ideological connotations attached to them. Should Britain be paying this money, or as The Sun eloquently puts it, “bung Direland a €7.5 billion bailout”? The simple answer is ‘Yes’. On this occasion, Osborne has made the wisest decision. For all of his sentimental neighbourly

?

rhetoric, it has nothing to do with goodwill. The purely practical reasons behind this decision are motivated by British self-interest. British banks have the biggest single share in Ireland’s banks with an investment of over €130 billion, followed closely by Germany. The Conservatives argue that it is necessary for Britain to contribute to prevent the complete failure of Ireland’s banking sector. By agreeing to a bailout fund, Osborne is aiming to protect UK banks from full exposure to the crisis in Ireland. Moreover, Britain exports more to Ireland than to China and India combined, so it is essential that these trading links are retained, especially considering the shared border and history between the two countries. Ireland isn’t out of the woods yet, and with Fine Gael, the main opposition party, against the Government’s plans, the future is very unpredictable. Unlike other unstable countries such as Greece, Portugal and Spain, Britain’s economic interests in Ireland run a lot deeper. ;OPZ PZ H ÄUHUJPHS JYPZPZ [OH[ JHUUV[ IL ignored.

Mea Goodall

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NEWS

09

NEWS

GOOD NEWS FOR‌ THE POUND

Following riots in Greece, mass unemployment in Spain and £150 billion worth of cuts in Ireland, it is safe to say it’s been a bad year for the EU and the Euro. Barely six months after Greece was saved by a huge bailout, the same cheque is once again being passed around the EU. With economic troubles in most of the euro-zone countries HSYLHK` [OL KLÄJP[Z VM .YLLJL HUK 0YLSHUK OH]L WYV]PKLK HU extra strain on the Euro currency at a time when it least needs it. Meanwhile, we survey the wreckage across the Irish Sea and breathe a sigh of relief that we had the foresight to keep our proud currency. Saying this, the pound itself hasn’t done all that well. Thanks to our membership in the EU we have also had to contribute to [OL IHPSV\[Z HUK PUÅH[PVU OHZ YPZLU HZ H YLZ\S[ VM NV]LYUTLU[ H[[LTW[Z [V KLHS ^P[O [OL KLÄJP[ 5V TH[[LY œ P[ PZ Z[PSS IL[[LY [OHU having the Euro.

Daniel Fine

BAD NEWS FOR...

POLITICIANS’ WIVES

It’s been a bad year for wives of political leaders this year, after both the new Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister conducted a much publicised ‘display of courtship’ for the country to see. Whether it was Nick Clegg’s dogged loyalty to Cameron’s tuition fee rise, which has caused an enormous rift within the Lib Dems and destroyed any chance of young voters choosing them at the next election, or David Cameron’s surprising U-turn over holding a referendum over Alternative Vote, it is obvious that a very unlikely bond has been forged between the two parties. This has evidently left the two men with little time for their families Âś *SLNN [VVR H ^OVSL KH` VMM MYVT [OL LSLJ[PVUZ JHTWHPNU HM[LY his wife and sons, who had been stranded for three weeks by the volcanic ash clouds, returned home from Spain. Meanwhile Cameron’s attempt to spend time with his family resulted in his child being middle-named, rather unappealingly, Endellion, HM[LY [OL *VYUPZO [V^U Âś H MLLISL LMMVY[ ^OLU MHJLK ^P[O HSS [OL wonderful, traditional Cornish names that there are. Perhaps he was in a pub there when Nick called.

AND IN OTHER NEWS‌

Ben McCabe

DEFENCE SPENDING CUTS LEAVE FLEET ALL AT SEA As part of the Government’s Spending Review, the decision was taken to scrap the 80-strong Harrier force and the aircraft JHYYPLY /4: (YR 9V`HS HSVUN ^P[O KLMLUJL QVIZ Britain’s second carrier, HMS Illustrious, will be used as a OLSPJVW[LY WSH[MVYT I\[ L]LU [OH[ PZ K\L [V IL YL[PYLK PU The Lib-Con coalition is claiming the shake-up is the result of a ÂŁ38 billion military over-commitment that they inherited from Labour. ;OL J\[Z TLHU UV <2 WSHULZ ^PSS IL HISL [V Ă…` MYVT )YP[PZO aircraft carriers until 2019. Instead, French and US aircraft may IL [OL Ă„YZ[ [V VWLYH[L VMM [OL [^V UL^ )YP[PZO HPYJYHM[ JHYYPLYZ being built at a cost of ÂŁ6 billion. Liam Fox, the Secretary of State for Defence, insisted it was not unprecedented for Britain to have aircraft carriers without jets, and insisted that Tornado and Typhoon jets would allow Britain to project “air powerâ€?. The Prime Minister maintained that Britain would remain a

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¸MYVU[ YHUR TPSP[HY` WV^LYš KLZWP[L [OLZL ¸KPMĂ„J\S[š KLJPZPVUZ Military leaders have decried the cuts, emphasising the importance of the Navy Harrier in ensuring success in the Falkands. In a letter to the Times, a group of former Royal Navy admirals (including two former heads of the Royal Navy) said defence cuts will leave the “newly valuableâ€? Falkland Islands VWLU [V H[[HJR HUK JHSSLK [OL WSHUZ [V H_L [OL /HYYPLY Ă…LL[ ¸Ă„UHUJPHSS` WLY]LYZLš /V^L]LY [OL -HSRSHUKZ NV]LYUTLU[ PZ ZHPK [V IL ZH[PZĂ„LK ^P[O [OL WYV[LJ[PVU P[ ^PSS IL HMMVYKLK ;OL KLJPZPVU [V OH]L UV Ă…PNO[ JHWHIPSP[` VU HPYJYHM[ JHYYPLYZ MVY up to 10 years could lead to loss of the relevant skill set, and there could be a struggle to man them in the future. In the meantime there is serious concern as to the military capability that the UK will be left with.

Louis George Hemsley

SPORT

WILL ANYBODY DEFEAT THE ALMIGHTY ALL BLACKS? The World Cup: the most eagerly anticipated event in the rugby union calendar takes place this summer in New Zealand and it seems that the hosts will, once again, be the favourites. But what are the prospects for our own Home Nations following the Autumn Internationals?

from their backline. In possessing a powerful scrum and more creativity from their half-backs, there is certainly potential for England. Luckily, they have one of the more straightforward routes to the next round in the World Cup, with their biggest threats being Argentina and Scotland.

It was a disappointing tournament overall, with New Zealand proving that they are a class above the rest, emerging as the only team to win all of their matches. They also showed that they possess one of the greatest players in the history of the game with Dan Carter becoming the leading points scorer in Test history with a phenomenal 1,188 points in 79 matches.

Ireland too won half of their four matches. But again, they showed that they aren’t quite at the standard of the Southern Hemisphere, failing to capitalise on their chances against South Africa losing 23-21, and also losing to the All Blacks. They will seek to reproduce their form of two years ago, where they claimed the Six Nations trophy in Grand Slam style. With the exception of the Wallabies, they also have a relatively straightforward route to the next round of the World Cup, facing the likes of Russia and USA in the group stages.

However, there were a few good performances showing some glimmer of hope for each of the home teams. Scotland pulled out the most impressive win of the tournament, beating the reigning World Champions South Africa 21-17. Despite this, they struggled to a disappointing victory against a physical Samoan side and were brushed aside by New Zealand +LZWP[L PTWYV]LTLU[ [OL Z[VY` ZLLTZ [V IL VUL VM inconsistency for Scotland and they will hope to demonstrate that they can produce regular good performances during the :P_ 5H[PVUZ UL_[ TVU[O œ PU ^OPJO [OL` JV\SK IL H Z\YWYPZL package. In particular, they will want to improve on their lack of tries which has proved their great weakness. They will want to challenge England this year and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with, ahead of facing them in the group stages of the World Cup. England’s story seems to be similar to that of the Scots. Despite impressing against Australia, thrashing them 35-18 with a thoroughly impressive display by their backs, and struggling to victory against Samoa, they also failed to show consistency losing the other half of their matches to South Africa and New Zealand. Although they proved more of a challenge for their Southern Hemisphere rivals than the Scots, if they want to be in with a chance of regaining their 2003 title, they are going to show greater consistency across the board, particularly

Wales were the most disappointing team in the Autumn Internationals, coming out as the only team not to win any of their matches. They came close to beating South Africa, but MHPSLK [V [HRL [OLPY VWWVY[\UP[PLZ PU [OL ÄUHS TPU\[LZ SVZPUN 29-25. Their most shocking display came against Fiji, against whom a comfortable victory was assumed, but which ended in a thoroughly disappointing draw. There were some rays VM OVWL PU [OLPY ÄUHS TH[JO VM [OL [V\YUHTLU[ HNHPUZ[ 5L^ ALHSHUK ^OLYL [OL` UHYYV^S` SVZ[ HM[LY H ÅVVK VM [YPLZ MYVT [OL (SS )SHJRZ PU [OL ÄUHS ML^ TPU\[LZ VM [OL NHTL /H]PUN VUL VM [OL ILZ[ ZJY\TZ PU [OL >VYSK ^PSS IL VM NYLH[ ILULÄ[ [V [OLT PU the summer against the likes of South Africa, Fiji and Samoa, all of whom they face in the group stages and all of whom are incredibly physical sides. The story therefore seems to be one of promise, but with KLÄUP[L YVVT MVY PTWYV]LTLU[ 0M [OL /VTL 5H[PVUZ ^HU[ [V be in with any chance of challenging the Southern Hemisphere teams in the summer, namely New Zealand, then they are going to have to use next month’s Six Nations to iron out any faults in their game.

Lowri Wyn Morgan IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SPORT

11

SPORT GREAT SPORTING RIVALRIES:

NOTTINGHAM VARSITY SERIES Take your everyday Nottingham student. Let’s call him Dan for the sake VM JVU]LUPLUJL +HU»Z Z[PSS PU OPZ ÄYZ[ year, he’s living in a hall on campus and returning after Christmas fresh V\[ VM OPZ ÄYZ[ [LYT +\YPUN [OPZ [PTL unbending loyalty to his university and place of residence for the rest of the year has been drilled into him by his Week One and Karni reps, so far into his brain in fact that a CT scan would probably show up his fresher’s wristband. Dan’s also a lover of sport, but though he’s passionate enough to UPW \W [V [OL 1*9 [V JH[JO 4H[JO VM [OL Day, he’s also not inclined to join any of the seventy-six clubs represented by the Athletic Union. Next month Dan ^PSS ÄUK OPTZLSM NYHJPUN ]LU\LZ Z\JO as the Trent FM Arena and Meadow Lane, watching Nottingham University [HRL VU ;YLU[ PU OPZ ÄYZ[ =HYZP[` ZLYPLZ Now ask Dan this question: Would he sooner Nottingham beat say, Loughborough in BUCS and became the country’s leading sporting university? Or would he prefer Nottingham to beat the country’s twenty seventh-placed sporting university and so their position remained unchanged? The twentyseventh is Nottingham Trent, so it’s a nobrainer. It’s always Trent, only Trent. After a UniTrent Varsity series, all other university sport is black and white to so many students of the students who will be

watching. Come one of the showpiece events such as ice-hockey in February, L]LY`VUL ^PSS IL ÄaaPUN ^P[O P[ [HSRPUN about it. It’s truly overwhelming. Nottingham University are battling Nottingham Trent for the Varsity series what else in university sport could rival that? Well, maybe the Oxford and Cambridge boat race if we’re placing stock in such humdrum things as sporting excellence. But we’re not, and that’s the point. True, Nottingham conquering a university such as Loughborough or Bath is a hell of a harder achievement, but it’s just not the same. This is the one everyone wants. The moment the long-clichéd chants directed at our formerly-polytechnic rivals ILNPU [OH[ Z[YHUNL OH[YLK KLÄULK SV`HS[` will start to overcome so many previously indifferent students. It is a strange thing, [V KLÄUL ZWVY[ ZVTL[OPUN `V\ SV]L I` something you hate. It must be part of that human need for polarity. If we love something, we must hate its antithesis and Trent is just that antithesis. But sport is a conveyor belt of rivalries, a conduit for deep and bitter hatreds. Varsity has become a traditional aspect of life as a Nottingham student, as once a year two parts of a city come together to celebrate their loathing for one another. In order to be one kind of student, you T\Z[ ÄYZ[ OH[L HUV[OLY RPUK ;OPZ PZ UV[ to say hatred is essential - all that is

required is a marrow-deep intensity, a true desire not only to win a match but to beat this particular opponent above all others. We don’t necessarily need any bad blood, just red blood. But perhaps this question is worth asking: how healthy could the obsession be? Has it enabled the participating clubs to improve, or has it possibly obscured our vision of the bigger picture, of higher goals than the Varsity series? Last year the swim team dominated their Varsity, winning every one of their twenty-four races. Their then-President, Tom Beach, was indifferent when pointed out the crowd, who were by then both dumbstruck and ecstatic at such a dominant victory. The previous week they OHK ÄUPZOLK [O PU [OLPY )<*: ^P[O ;YLU[ left a considerable number of places behind. Upon hearing this, you could tell for them the hard work was already over before Varsity had started. But this is not to say there was no passion in their victory. They know Varsity offers something different; it offers a spotlight, an adulation few of the athletes competing could get anywhere else. Just ask the footballers or icehockey players from last year - who both had to overcome nerve-wracking penalty-shootouts to lay claim to their Varsity cups for the year - how much it mattered to win on such a massive stage. Ask Mervyn Tasker, who made a string of saves to give Uni an ice-hockey

Image by Matt Turner

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ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

SPORT

Image by Matt Turner Image by Matt Turner

Image by Matt Turner

Image by Matt Turner victory in a Trent FM Arena packed to the rafters with over six thousand fans, why that Varsity game was so important to him and to his team and he would not have to think for very long. Tasker was given man of the match in [OH[ Ä_[\YL /L YVZL [V [OL VJJHZPVU HUK pushed himself to meet the challenges it brought him. Fine individual performances such as this, along with the likes of Izzy Joris, Pat Simpson and Tom Cliffe, show why this city’s Varsity is shaping up to be a fair old rivalry, and shows that for all talk of hatred, for both the crowd and competitors, rivalries ignite sport.

Image by Matt Turner And make no mistake, with the Varsity series still growing in sports this is a rivalry still very much ignited. For rivalries HÅHTL P[ PZ UV[ VUS` [OL JVU[LZ[HU[Z I\[ also the contest that matters - the value of the whole thing is doubled. One might hope for their own loyalties that both Manchester United and City fail to win when facing each other, but if you care for the sport you will nonetheless watch this doubly-charged match, just as all of America will stand still to watch the Red Sox take on the Yankees.

in the extraordinary performances from the likes of Tasker that are brought out by the sheer intensity of the occasion; small but special things to savour. Last year Uni wasted a resounding lead halfway through the series to lose overall 8-6. Along the way we were treated to tense thrillers, thrashings, and cheerleaders even in defeat, we were left us so many of those small things to savour. It would be very greedy to expect the same this time around, wouldn’t it? But who knows? We’ll ask our man Dan when it’s over.

At the end of the day, a real rivalry will need no hyping. It is there to be witnessed

Tim Edwards

IMPACT will be bringing you all coverage you could need from the 2011 Charity Varsity Series over the web. Be sure to check out www.impactnottingham.com in the coming weeks for all the Varsity reports, news, and previews. IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SPORT

13

SPORT IMPACT INTERVIEWS

JOLYON PALMER This month Impact Sport interviewed professional racing KYP]LY HUK ZLJVUK `LHY 5V[[PUNOHT I\ZPULZZ Z[\KLU[ 1VS`VU 7HSTLY 3HZ[ `LHY OL ^HZ [OL Y\UULY \W PU -VYT\SH PU VUS` his second year driving in the series. When we spoke to OPT 1VS`VU ^HZ V\[ PU (I\ +OHIP [LZ[PUN MVY .7 UL_[ `LHY

Pretty good on the whole. I was running around 10th place, so I was one of the quickest rookies out there!

+LÄUP[LS` (`Y[VU :LUUH :PTWS` ILJH\ZL OLZ H YHJPUN SLNLUK He died when I was 3 (in a crash whilst leading the San Marino .YHUK 7YP_ PU ZV 0 KPKU[ NL[ [V ZLL OPT JVTWL[L SP]L I\[ having seen clips of his racing, it’s pretty incredible. Other than that (laughs) I quite like Fernando Alonso! (A controversial view if you ask Impact Sport!) I just really admire his attitude and determination.

>HZ .7 H SV[ TVYL JOHSSLUNPUN JVTWHYLK [V -VYT\SH &

What did you think about the F1 season this year?

([ ÄYZ[ P[ ^HZ H SP[[SL IP[ 0 OHK H MHZ[LY JHY I\[ 0 NV[ \ZLK [V P[ quickly and wasn’t far off the pace. So overall, yeah it was a good week. The car was different but not too challenging in the end.

0 [OV\NO[ P[ ^HZ WYL[[` LWPJ 0 KLĂ„UP[LS` [OPUR =L[[LS KLZLY]LK [V win; he had some bad luck earlier in the season but ultimately he was the fastest driver.

/P 1VS`VU /V^ KPK [OL [LZ[ PU (I\ +OHIP NV&

How hard is it to balance being a professional racing driver with studying for a university degree? It’s not too bad. Overall I get my work done but I do need to take a lot of time off for the racing. It’s quite demanding on JVTTP[TLU[ HUK Z[\MM I\[ 0SS WYVIHIS` ÄUK V\[ [OPZ `LHY OV^ hard it is! Last year was alright, hopefully this one will be the same. Do you ever want to just focus on one or the other? Obviously I’d rather focus on the racing but it’s good to have academics to fall back on if it doesn’t work. For the moment, I’ll just keep going with both. 3HZ[ `LHY `V\ JHTL Z[ PU [OL - JOHTWPVUZOPW" [OPZ `LHY `V\ YLHSS` \WWLK `V\Y NHTL HUK JHTL UK V]LYHSS >OH[ helped make this year so much more successful? My driving has improved greatly compared to 2009. In my rookie year I was one of the youngest racers in Formula 2, so the extra year’s experience under my belt helped a great deal. >OH[ HYL [OL ILULÄ[Z VM NVPUN [OYV\NO H MLLKLY ZLYPLZ SPRL -VYT\SH & Formula 2 is really good because everybody has the same engine. You can tell who is the fastest driver based on ability alone, so it’s one of the best formulas for actually improving as a driver. It also helped having such a great team behind me! Hopefully I’ll be moving on to GP2 next year, so I’ll just have to see if I can get some sponsorship for it. But overall, this season’s been really good and allowed me to develop as a driver. Does having such a successful father (former F1 driver HUK L_ ))* JVTTLU[H[VY 1VUH[OHU 7HSTLY HKK HU` L_[YH pressure? I’m used to the pressure by now. In my early years I found his experience really helpful as he was able to give me a few pointers in the right direction. I don’t really think about it, I just focus on winning each race - it doesn’t really affect me.

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Other than your dad, who were your racing heroes growing up?

ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

Looking forward, is Formula 1 your ultimate ambition? +LĂ„UP[LS` 0M 0ÂťT PU .7 UL_[ `LHY P[ÂťSS IL [V\NO I\[ OVWLM\SS` 0 can have a really strong season. If that works out and with a bit of luck, you could see me in F1 in 2012 or 2013!

Fiona Crosby and Joe Lobo

SPORT

BUCS BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, 19-21 NOVEMBER 2010

The University of Nottingham’s sports hall had the honour of playing host to the immensely competitive BUCS Badminton Championships at the end of last term. There was a tense and energetic atmosphere in the air as supporters from all universities surrounded the courts. The importance of the tournament was evident, with over 400 players participating and representing 60 universities in the event.

LHJO V[OLY»Z NHTLZ ZV ^LSS [OL ÄUHS JV\SK OH]L ILLU KLJPKLK by which player could exploit the other’s weaknesses best. The game started off at great pace and Kaur roared into an \UHZZHPSHISL ÄYZ[ ZL[ SLHK L]LU[\HSS` ^PUUPUN 0U [OL second, Milne hit back with some superb shots but, ultimately, 2H\Y»Z NYLH[LY WV^LY HUK ÄULZZL WYL]HPSLK HZ ZOL JHTL [OYV\NO to win the second set and the match 21-7, 21-8.

The tournament played out to form as the number 1 and 2 seeds, Leeds Met’s Lim Kenn and Manchester’s Jamie Bonsels, TL[ PU [OL ÄUHSZ )V[O WSH`LYZ OHK KPZWSH`LK NYLH[ SL]LSZ VM composure in clinically dispatching their opponents on route [V [OL ÄUHS 2LUU»Z WYV^LZZ HUK PU[LSSPNLU[ ZOV[ ZLSLJ[PVU ^HZ L]PKLU[ HZ OL [VVR [OL ÄYZ[ ZL[ ( ZPTPSHY Z[HY[ [V [OL second set meant Kenn took an early lead, and, despite a late rally from Bonsels, the Leeds Met representative took the set 21-17 to retain his title for the second time.

The competition was a huge success for both the organisers and players from Nottingham University, with many of them achieving above expectations in reaching the third round in what is a notoriously tough tournament. Nottingham’s Kate Strong ^HZ H Z[HUK V\[ WLYMVYTLY HZ ZOL V\[ JSHZZLK OLY ÄYZ[ JV\WSL of opponents and appeared to be on course to cause a huge tournament upset. However, she was unfortunate in coming up against Sarah Milne in the third round in a hard-fought game. Milne was victorious, but in the post-match interview Strong stated “I gave her a good game”.

(M[LY [OL ÄUHSZ 0 JH\NO[ \W ^P[O [OL 4LU»Z ^PUULY MVY ^OVT [OL result had clearly not sunk in yet. A graceful Kenn admitted he JV\SK OH]L WSH`LK IL[[LY HUK L_WLJ[LK [OL ÄUHSZ [V IL [V\NO as each round presented different tests along the way. Having trained regularly, this performance was well deserved and he responded by saying he was “happy to win”. Much like Kinn, 1st seed Anita Kaur was the reigning champion in the Women’s Singles and was up against the number 3 and Leeds Met teammate Sarah Milne. With both athletes knowing

WHY NOT TRY

RUGBY LEAGUE Fast paced, hard hitting, physically demanding, but extremely rewarding. Rugby league is not an alternative to rugby union, but a separate entity in itself. Playing does not only produce NYLH[LY Ä[ULZZ HUK ZRPSS I\[ HSZV JYLH[LZ HU HS[LYUH[P]L HZWLJ[ to university life. The enjoyment of winning is unparalleled, and the bond between teammates is unbreakable.

Congratulations should be given to Leeds Met Carnegie who Z^LW[ [OL IVHYK PU ^PUUPUN HSS Ä]L WVZZPISL TH[JOLZ HUK WYV]LK once again, why they are the best University in the country for badminton. Despite this, the reputations of Nottingham’s players and organisers can only have been enhanced by what was truly a successful weekend for all involved.

Ketan Patel

Most importantly nothing is more satisfying than beating your opponent, making that try saving tackle, or looking at your team mate and knowing that you left everything on the pitch. Grab your boots and a hand full of fearlessness and give rugby league a go. Training: Monday and Tuesday 5-6pm, 3G pitch Friday 5-6pm, Astroturf

Mike Lazenby

The University’s rugby league club has been going from strength to strength in recent years, gaining numbers and L_WLYPLUJL ;OL ÄYZ[ [LHT WSH`Z PU [OL ZLJVUK OPNOLZ[ [PLY VM student competition available, and the club was awarded ‘Team of the Week’ on three consecutive occasions this season. Whilst places in the squad are competitive, everyone is welcome at training. A basic knowledge and skill of rugby will IL TV\SKLK PU[V WYLJPZL Y\NI` SLHN\L WYVÄJPLUJ` ^P[O [OL OLSW VM X\HSPÄLK JVHJOLZ HUK H OPNO ^VYR L[OPJ H[ [YHPUPUN Yes the game is hard hitting and yes the training is tiring, but those that play hard, well, play hard. Socials bring the club together and allow players to wind down, relax and generally chill out after a hard game. Whether home or away, the club’s socials are unmissable and unforgettable.

Image by Aniec Liu

Image by Aniec Liu

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SPORT

15

I

f you’ve ever been to a Varsity ice hockey match in Nottingham, you’ll have heard it: to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it clap your handsâ€?, the words “I’d rather be a poly than a c**tâ€? resounding across an arena from the lungs of the Trent faithful. What exactly is the motivation behind this chant? Why are we c**ts? Well, as with most things in Britain it’s probably to do with class. It’s not that we’re stereotypically and institutionally classier than them, it’s that we’re‌ well‌ more middle-classier than them [OL [O TVZ[ TPKKSL JSHZZ \UP]LYZP[` in the country, in fact, according to the Sunday Times University Guide. 82.2% of us come from the top three social classes, which is just over 7% behind leaders Oxford, putting us miles above Trent, though perhaps also showing that we’re not quite as good at picking up the crumbs from the Oxbridge table as we’re supposed to be.

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So how middle-class is Nottingham? Let’s start with the statistics. In 2009, the University admitted 22.9% of its students from households with incomes in the lowest bracket of under ÂŁ23,660 year, ^OPJO PZ ILSV^ P[Z V^U [HYNL[ VM In 2008, only 19.1% of entrants came from the bottom four social classes, placing Nottingham below the Russell Group average. There’s a similar story to be found in some other categories too, such as the proportion of its entrants who come from state schools and those from ‘low participation neighbourhoods’, or areas from where very few school leavers tend to go into higher education. What does this mean? Not a lot according to Nottingham’s Head of Widening 7HY[PJPWH[PVU +Y 7LULSVWL .YPMĂ„U >OPSZ[ admitting that the university must improve, she also argues that these Ă„N\YLZ HYL ^OH[ `V\ÂťK L_WLJ[ MYVT H competitive, top-20 institution with high entry standards and a bias towards “Arts and ‘pure’ subjects, which tend to be

less attractive to [poorer] students than applied & professional courses.â€? From a student perspective, however, things can seem different. Taking a ZSPNO[S` SLZZ VIQLJ[P]L HWWYVHJO [V Ă„UKPUN out how middle class we are, a friend of mine recently carried out an experiment whereby she counted the number of Mini Coopers she saw during her walk from Lenton to campus. It came to 21. In that spirit, I decided to tot-up the number of <NN IVV[Z Âś YLHS VULZ Q\Z[ [V IL JSLHY Âś 0 could see in the course of a few hours around uni. I counted 32 pairs. That’s over ÂŁ6,000 worth of furry footwear, in just a few hours! On one internet forum offering advice to budding undergraduates, Nottingham students were pretty uniform in their opinions: the nightlife’s great, halls are a rip-off and the people are a bit‌ samey: “Too many rugger buggers and ice queensâ€?, “a lot of ra’sâ€? and “middleclass, middle-brow, middle-Englandâ€? are among the site’s best comments. The BMW garage of parental motors which

opens outside most halls of residence come every holiday, and the legions of blond, back-combed locks and their wheeled suitcases rushing across campus to get the train back to North London each weekend reveal that there is something to these small summative statements. Class may be one amongst many KP]PKPUN SPULZ H[ 5V[[PUNOHT ¶ ZJPLUJL subjects vs. arts, freshers vs. fourth years, sporty vs. not-so-sporty, Hallward catwalk vs. George Green ZJP Ä JVU]LU[PVU 4LKPJZ ]Z L]LY`VUL LSZL ¶ I\[ P[ PZ \UKV\I[LKS` ZPNUPÄJHU[ Even the club nights are particular , for whilst Ocean, Oceana and Crisis are your classless, free-for-all cattle markets, High Spirits, Market Bar and Coco Tang all self-consciously cater to the more upwardly mobile. In truth, this sort of thing happens all across British life; it’s not really Nottingham’s responsibility to be an engine of social mobility, but to take the best candidates it can and - more often than not - that means the better-heeled ones with the grades, the nous and [OL ZLSM JVUÄKLUJL [V LMMLJ[P]LS` WSH` the admissions game. Elite universities are not comfortable participating in [OL I\ZPULZZ VM ZVJPHS LUNPULLYPUN ¶ HZ [OL KPMÄJ\S[PLZ MHJLK I` 5V[[PUNOHT»Z >PKLUPUN 7HY[PJPWH[PVU \UP[ H[[LZ[ ¶ but are asked to engage in it by a government which inherited ambitious Labour’s target of getting 50% of

young people into higher education. This is not a problem that is going to go away. As Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argued in August, Britain is rife with “social segregation” and a key to explaining this lack of social mobility is the “educational apartheid that currently exists between vocational and academic learning in general, and between further and higher education in particular.” However, this does come from a member of the staunchly white-collar House of Commons, a man educated round the corner at Westminster and then at Oxford, and who has now famously reneged on his pre-election promise not to vote for a rise in tuition fees. The arguments are well rehearsed by now. The prospective lifting of the cap on top-up fees will make universities SPRL V\YZ UV[OPUN TVYL [OHU ÄUPZOPUN schools for the middle classes by further putting-off poorer youngsters from applying. Less well-off families not only lack the means to pay these fees, but are more debt-averse than their wealthier counterparts, and are also less likely to encourage their children to apply to the best universities in the ÄYZ[ WSHJL

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

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‘Not so!’ cry the Lib Dems, ‘It’s all progressive!’ They point to a number of measures to illustrate their point, such as the raising of the income threshold at which graduates will have to start paying back their fees from £15,000 to £21,000, the offering of £3,250 grants to students from families earning under £25,000, and the provision of a national bursary fund of £150 million. These will supposedly make the proposed system fairer than the current one by ensuring that 25% of students pay less than they currently do, and will bring more poorer youngsters into higher education than ever before. The massive expansion of the sector that began under previous governments will, in [OLVY` ÄUHSS` ILULÄ[ [OVZL ^OVT P[ ^HZ Z\WWVZLK [V PU [OL ÄYZ[ place. 3LZZ ^LHS[O` Z[\KLU[Z ^PSS \UKV\I[LKS` ILULÄ[ MYVT [OLZL TLHZ\YLZ ¶ [OV\NO ^OL[OLY [OL` ^PSS LU[LY OPNOLY LK\JH[PVU PU HU` NYLH[LY U\TILYZ YLTHPUZ [V IL ZLLU ¶ ^OPSZ[ ^LHS[OPLY NYHK\ates, possibly with help from their parents, will pay-off their loans quickly. This of course means that they won’t end up paying anything like as much interest as a middle earner who may take 30 years to get rid of their debt. Thus we tiptoe inexorably back to us, the middle classes, who

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will to an extent be paying for all of this by both subsidising poorer students, and plugging the gap left by all that interest which the wealthy don’t have to pay. Of course there’s nothing surprising here, as any system of progressive taxation tends to squeeze those in the middle by setting rates which are negligible for the very poor, and avoidable for the very rich. What is drastic is the extent to which the government’s 80% cut in university funding will shift the burden of paying for higher education from the taxpayer to the individual student. So where does all this leave Nottingham? Well, if I carried out [OVZL ZHTL L_WLYPTLU[Z PU Ä]L `LHYZ [PTL WLYOHWZ ZVTL VM the Uggs would be Fuggs (ie. fake) and the Minis would be Renaults, but the pretensions would be the same. We’re pretty bourgeois as we are and this is unlikely to change much in the ULHY M\[\YL ;OPZ PZU»[ ILJH\ZL ^L»SS LUK \W H ÄUPZOPUN ZJOVVS as a result of the fee rises, but because until brighter but poorer students are better able to compete with less able but wealthier ones at an earlier stage of their academic careers, then Nottingham students will remain far from salt-of-the-earth. That said, we’re hardly a bunch of Little Lord Fauntleroys either and, regardless, we’ll all be singing together come Varsity: all together now, “Your Dad works for my Dad…!”

WHO

WANTS A A BY

SHAUN REEVE

s you sit in your seminar, bored of one grand theory or another, it’s all too easy to slip into a fantasy about having a special ‘grand theory’ of your own with the person next to you. How the mind wanders so quickly to sex. Not only is it in our minds, but it’s constantly on our screens and in our media too - living in this sexualised culture, it’s no wonder that sex is often on the brain. For most, that is, except for one particular group.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation describing a person that doesn’t experience any sexual attraction. Not to be confused with priests, who take a vow of celibacy (only later to break it with a mousy haired boy from Sunday school, but that’s a sexuality this article doesn’t have time to cover), or the Jonas brothers, who, let’s face it, no one legal wants anyway. Asexual people have no sexual desire. It’s no small group either: New Scientist PU MV\UK [OH[ VM HSS WLVWSL HYL HZL_\HS >OLU Ă„YZ[ LUJV\U[LYPUN HU HZL_\HS P[ÂťZ LHZ` [V Q\TW [V the thought that there is something wrong with them. This is the most damaging viewpoint we could take on the subject, unless we want to go back to a time where people were put in institutions and had their testicles messed with, which is a world I just don’t want to live in. Asexual people have normal hormone levels and their orientation is not born out of trauma. Much like heterosexuality and so on, asexuality is another orientation that, although no one knows how it came about, cannot be changed. Emma Lightwing, a current student at Nottingham Trent University, gives her account of being asexual: “I have no sexual desire but I still have romantic attraction (with guys and girls), so I don’t mind physical contact but many asexual people like no contact ^OH[ZVL]LY 0ÂťT HSZV H UVUÂśSPIPKVPZ[ ^OPJO TLHUZ no masturbation or solo satisfaction desire either. “I‘ve told my family; they’re surprised and may not believe it’s real. They seemed ok with it but expressed concerns as I still want children, which would be hard, being asexual. I’ve only told close friends who seem ok with it; they can normally accept it but not fully understand it. I haven’t dated properly, but I imagine it would be easier with another asexual, or at least with someone who understands it and could do without sex. I think most people couldn’t, which obviously makes P[ OHYK [V Ă„UK ZVTLVUL HZ [OLYL PZUÂť[ T\JO JOVPJL š For asexual people who don’t want a romantic relationship, it’s hard to be within a society that values romantic and sexual relationships above everything else. Anyone who has been single for a long time might understand this feeling. This gets further complicated when we

ANYWAY? consider that many asexual people want long term companionship without any romantic attachments, similar to a twin or a best friend. Most asexual people would not ever want to have sex, and when dating, it all too commonly becomes an issue. Looking at the forum on the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), it’s unfortunately ÄSSLK ^P[O HZL_\HS WLVWSL ^OV OH]L KPMÄJ\S[` ^P[O [OL JVUZLX\LUJLZ after telling the objects of their affection that they are asexual. From a sexual point of view, it is all too easy to imagine the horror of being told that someone liked you but in a completely non-sexual way. Alternatively, asexual people go out with other asexuals. Fortunately, asexual dating websites such as platonicpartners.co.uk are places where members thrive knowing they won’t be rejected HM[LY YL]LHSPUN [OL` KVU[ ^HU[ ºWO`ZPJHS YLSH[PVUZOPWZ 4HU` ÄUK their happily-ever after, perfectly understanding partner this way. Although not thinking about sex may be a blessing in some eyes, [OL HZL_\HS JVTT\UP[` Z[PSS ÄUKZ P[ZLSM MHJPUN WYVISLTZ [OL IPNNLZ[ perhaps being that of obscurity. Hopefully this article has in some small way helped people begin to understand the reality of having an asexual orientation and some empathy with the asexual community.

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P

Dressing for attention. Just like peacocks use their feathers to get a mate.

eacocking (Urban Dictionary)

images by Bruno Albutt

Made infamous by Neil Strauss, author of pulling guide The Game, and Ned Gold, the massive geek sidekick from EfronMLZ[ JOPJR ÅPJR 17 Again, peacocking is display behaviour at it’s ]LY` ÄULZ[ 6UL T\Z[ KYLZZ NHYPZOS` VY ^HJRPS` X\P[L ZPTWS` [V attract as much attention as possible - “Just like peacocks use their feathers to get a mate” as Urban Dictionary states. Unusual props and eye-catching paraphernalia are also permitted as part of the get up. Predominately and traditionally utilised by guys to chat-up otherwise uninterested girls, it’s now becoming more common for ladies to peacock as well. Perhaps these WLHJVJRL[[LZ ZLL P[ HZ H ^HYTLY HS[LYUH[P]L [V ÅHZOPUN H SV[ VM ÅLZO 7LYOHWZ P[»Z Q\Z[ H ^LSJVTL JOHSSLUNL [V [OVZL ^OV ÄUK P[ far too easy to pull in killer heels and a bodycon skirt. Because we love a cheeky prop (ahem) as much as the next attention-seeking sad act, we at Impact decided to try

“Have you had your Weetabix?”

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WLHJVJRPUN V\[ MVY V\YZLS]LZ >LHYPUN V\[Ä[Z [OH[ ILSVUN ÄYTS` back in the 80s and an array of eye-assaulting hats that even Jay Kay would be proud of, we ventured out in the fancy dress get up to end all fancy dress get ups. Our wacky ensembles designed to stand out from the crowd, break ice and encourage scintillating conversation - included leopard print in excess, [OL VJJHZPVUHS YOPULZ[VUL /H^HPPHU ÅV^LY NHYSHUKZ HUK H questionable wig. Prop-wise we carried a teapot, harmonica, cabbage, a box of Weetabix (full) and a pack of cards. With several shots of Dutch courage and the promise of some impromptu chitchat spurring us on, we were on our way. All in the name of investigative journalism, of course. Hitting bars around Nottingham city centre such as The Approach, Wetherspoon’s, Yates’ and Tantra, we received plenty of quizzical looks and raised a fair few local eyebrows. Some people were clearly

Peacocks - Becca Bell, Ellie Blanchette, Aimee Creasey, Timothy MacFarlan & Stephen Lovejoy

“Would you like to sip from my teapot?”

familiar with the peacocking seduction technique, rumbling our romantic ruse straight off the bat. Others were completely IHMÅLK I\[ V\Y H[[LU[PVU NYHIIPUN NHYI UL]LY MHPSLK [V NLULYH[L comments. With witty one-liners such as (to a good-looking man) “Have you had your Weetabix?” “Are you ogling me in my goggles?” and “Would you like to take a bite out of my JHIIHNL&¹ JVU]LYZH[PVU TVZ[S` ÅV^LK HZ LHZ` HZ ILLY V\[ VM our teapot. Props worked absolute wonders for the boys, who even managed to get a phone number or two from girls drawn in by the allure of a realistic pube-esque wig. However, the very same wig did bewilder several bouncers; perhaps this is a prop best smuggled into a club under the radar. Undoubtedly our surreptitious photographer altered the dynamics of our attempts to pull on occasion, and several people questioned his paparazzi-like presence. Minus the media, we all agreed that casual peacocking wouldn’t draw quite the same response, but ^V\SK ^P[OV\[ H KV\I[ Z[PSS Y\MÅL H ML^ ÅPY[` MLH[OLYZ

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why

In attempt to make small talk at New Year’s parties nationwide, one question was always bound to crop up: “So have you got a New Year’s resolution this year?� - to which the answer all too often is something along the lines of ‘to get healthier’ or ‘to detox’. Good luck with that! I doubt that many of these faux-promise makers have woken up on New Year’s Day and tucked into a tasty bowl of low fat yoghurt with muesli, followed up with celery sticks for lunch, instead of opting for that glorious, hangovercuring fry up.

Aside from eating only the healthiest and most nutritious food that you can SH` `V\Y KL[V_PÄLK OHUKZ VU KL[V_PUN also involves exercise - lots of it. But lets be honest, chances are you won’t stick to this either. Each January sees

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ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

Anyway, what student is honestly going to successfully detox? As students we’re known for our love of pizza, garlic bread HUK JOLHW IVVaL /V^ PZ Z[\KLU[ Ă„UHUJL going to stretch to a ÂŁ36.95 ‘BioCare 9 Day Detox Pack’ by Patrick Holford for the student who could otherwise be buying Sainsbury’s Basics ÂŁ8 Vodka? Instead of detoxing, maybe we could all adopt one of other nation’s favourite New Year’s resolutions and spend more time with those we love. Whilst we’ll be slightly MH[[LY ^LÂťSS IL TVYL LTV[PVUHSS` M\SĂ„SSLK and possibly feel a much better person inside. Aw. Yet chances are we won’t stick to this either, and end up feeling disappointed in our lack of commitment, alongside failing health, whilst probably hung-over and certainly not emotionally M\SĂ„SSLK /HWW` 5L^ @LHY

to by Alex Binley

Detoxing doesn’t just involve a healthy diet and more exercise - it also entails a number of moral quandaries. So assuming that by some miracle you did manage to keep up the detox past exams, you are now faced with the dilemma of what to do regarding the end of exams parties. Do you now allow yourself just the one cheeky drink as a reward, knowing that this will be the beginning of the end of everything you’ve just worked for? Or will you just drink water, as even the orange juice they serve isn’t organic/freshly squeezed?

Whilst we probably all could do with the occasional detox, it has become a massive market throughout the retail year. For example, from the ‘Revital’ website, one can buy the lemon detox diet for just ‰ YLK\JLK MYVT ‰ JVUZPZ[PUN of ‘Lemon Detox Tree Syrup’, Cayenne pepper tincture, and a book which presumably tells you how to mix the two together. For this detox the following are the only things you eat: lemon juice and maple syrup. How these cost the reduced price of ÂŁ30 I fail to understand. And how this constitutes a balanced diet is equally unclear. Whilst you may be ridding your body of toxins, you’re also solely drinking sugared water. Surely that can’t be a good thing.

not

detox

No one ever keeps up their New Year’s resolutions. They’re easy to make and easy to break, and that is all too often ^OH[ OHWWLUZ >P[OPU [OL ÄYZ[ ^LLR of detoxing you bore all of your friends with chat of how healthy you now feel whilst your stomach grumbles because JHYYV[ Z[PJRZ YLHSS` HYLU[ [OH[ ÄSSPUN Furthermore, January, a freezing cold month with about 8 hours of daylight per day, heralds the arrival of the dreaded January exams. Let’s not depress ourselves further with the added strain of KL[V_PUN (U`^H` 0 ÄUK IPZJ\P[Z OLSW TL ^VYR >OVL]LY ZHPK ÄZO ^HZ IYHPU MVVK had clearly never experienced a caramel Hobnob.

a sharp increase in gym memberships, yet according to numerous consumer surveys, the dropout rate during the ÄYZ[ LPNO[ ^LLRZ VM N`T TLTILYZOPW PZ >OLU P[ JVZ[Z ‰ [V W\YJOHZL a basic membership of the University :WVY[Z *LU[YL ^P[O H ‰ JOHYNL L]LY` time you use the gym at peak times), [OPZ PZ H ZPNUPÄJHU[ HTV\U[ VM TVUL` that you could be spending on one of the numerous iffy detox packages that retailers have come up with.

Every year two million people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression that relates to the onset of winter. It is particularly prevalent amongst younger generations, with the main age of onset ranging from between 18-30. Whilst the concept can often have a cynical response from those who underestimate the extent to which SAD can affect everyday life, the disorder affects a surprisingly large number of people. The most common symptoms include a loss of energy, concentration and creativity, and can often lead to social withdrawal and a drastic change in diet. As a student, suffering from these symptoms, everyday becomes a struggle. Having to force yourself out of bed to go to lectures, making yourself dinner or even just socialising with your housemates everything can become quite daunting. The Winter Blues can often lead to long periods of loneliness and can eventually turn you into something of a social recluse. ( SV[ VM [OLZL Z`TW[VTZ JHU IL KPMÄJ\S[ to identify among the student population given the lazy student stereotype. Would you immediately be worried if one of your housemates had stayed in bed, missed a few lectures, and stuffed their face with high carb products all day? Given that a whopping 7% of the population suffer with some form of depression every winter, it is important that people are aware of what these simple signs can suggest.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD, unlike other forms of depression, doesn’t necessarily bring about feelings of despair - this often means people don’t automatically make the connection between the symptoms and the cause. It is common also that students who will have already been diagnosed with SAD will keep it to themselves because its association with depression embarrasses them. This can IL L]LU TVYL KPMÄJ\S[ MVY [OVZL PU [OLPY ÄYZ[ `LHY ^OV HYL H^H` MYVT MHTPSPHY OVTL JVTMVY[Z MVY [OL ÄYZ[ [PTL HUK TH` not have had the chance to build strong friendships yet.

by Samantha Owen and Priyal Dadhania image by Andrew Mehigan

Impact spoke to a sufferer of SAD who explained, “Everything ^HZ KPMÄJ\S[¯ P[ ^HZ OVYYPISL 0 MLS[ SPRL 0 OHK SVZ[ PU[LYLZ[ PU SPML itself.” For those suffering from this disorder, every day presents its own challenge and life can come to a halt. She continued, “I ended up having to take a gap year - I couldn’t concentrate on my work and had to focus on getting better. I had to move back home, I needed something familiar.” She went on, “support provided by friends and most of all my family proved essential in my getting better, even if it meant them forcing me out of bed, convincing me to take walks to get some fresh air, and making me go out and buy new clothes so I could feel good about myself.’’

Whilst SAD can affect a lot of people, some naturally suffer greater than others and there are several treatments available depending on the severity. A popular non-medicinal treatment is the use of light therapy, which involves sitting near a lightbox or wearing a light visor for up to an hour a day. This TPTPJRPUN VM KH`SPNO[ JHU OH]L KYHTH[PJ WVZP[P]L ILULÄ[Z for those susceptible to SAD. Other treatments include St John’s Wort, an extract available without prescription and 5-Hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), a chemical compound that helps produce Serotonin, often prescribed by doctors. Ritul Shah, of the Pharmacy at Mayfair in London warns [OH[ ¸[OLZL YLTLKPLZ TH` UV[ ILULÄ[ HSS Z\MMLYLYZ HUK some individuals will require treatments prescribed by their physicians.” He continues, “Even simple lifestyle changes like participating in daily exercise and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the symptoms of SAD.”

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Hepat Chla STI

The : A New Year’s Gift you don’t want! T

here is an enormous stigma attached to having a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For some, burying their head in the sand may seem a preferable alternative to seeking advice or treatment. There has been a marked increase in STIs in England over the last ten years, with the most common conditions being chlamydia and wart virus infections, but almost all sexually transmitted infections are becoming more common. The pattern and trend in STIs in Nottingham city mirrors the situation nationally, with almost a doubling in [OL WHZ[ Ä]L `LHYZ VM :;0Z Z\JO HZ chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. ;OL WVW\SH[PVU YH[L VM WLY (persons aged 15-59) puts Nottingham city just within the rate at which acute hospital and HIV screening has now been recommended. However there are still a considerable number of students silently suffering amongst the walls of our very own university, who just don’t know how to go about getting tested, or even admitting that they might have an STI.

By Rachel Boyle Image By Matt Turner

become a victim�. Although rates of STIs have decreased dramatically - possibly due to the Easy Tiger Campaign, launched in 2000, possibly through other factors - there are still a minority of students left who don’t know how to handle the situation and get the help they need.

So, what does the university do to help these students? The Students’ Union ,X\HS 6WWVY[\UP[PLZ HUK >LSMHYL 6MĂ„JLY 2H[PL 4J2H` Ă„YTS` ILSPL]LZ [OH[ [OL \UPversity is doing all it can to stop the rise of STIs. She informed me of the ‘Healthy U’ roadshow - ‘Healthy U’ is promoted by students, who go into various halls of residence, offering those there a full STI screening. This approach can sometimes act as something of a bonding session for students, as groups of individuals go together and can use the excuse of wanting a free cinema ticket as a way of hiding why they really want a screening. One fresher, who remained anonymous, remarked that “Healthy U can be good because at dinner we joke about it, but actually you know people are serious about getting one done. The cinema ticket just gives us an excuse to do it.â€?

actually employs students at clubs such as Gatecrasher, Rock City and Oceana to do STI testing in a discreet area of the club.

Alongside Cripps Medical Centre, the Terrence Higgins Trust - a British charity that campaigns on various issues related to AIDS and HIV - now works with the university to provide help and support for students who are suffering from an STI. The Trust is based in Nottingham and provides counselling and complementary therapies. Katie believes that it is “these specialist individuals who are the most successful in reaching out and helping students.� Working in partnership with these groups also helps the university become a part of the larger Nottingham community. The Trust, amongst other things, works alongside the university doing sexual health testing, presentations and providing free condoms in freshers’ week.

Gon

Recently I had the opportunity to talk to a few students who were too embarrassed or shy about the fact that they may have chlamydia or herpes. One student in particular confessed, “I didn’t know what to do, or how to handle the situation. I felt so alone, and had no one to turn to - I felt like people would automatically judge me for having one, thinking I have slept around, but it only takes one person who has it for you to

24 ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

Katie further stated that “We still have lots of government funding to do things like this, and what with the NHSs target [V [LZ[ VM WLVWSL HNLK ^OV are sexually active, we are really pushing the campaign this year.� There’s also a C Card scheme for under-25s in the university to get free condoms with, and ever newer is the ‘Moo Moo’ company, commissioned by the NHS and which

Having spoken to Katie, it would appear that the majority of the STI programs the university is currently working with HYL KPYLJ[LK H[ Ă„YZ[ `LHYZ MVY L_HTWSL every hall of residence has an elected committee of people that includes a JCR welfare rep, who is nominated in part because of their approachability and friendly countenance, making them H NVVK Ă„YZ[ WVPU[ VM JVU[HJ[ MVY WLVWSL to come to if they have any worries. “Sometimes the topic is just too sensitive for students - and if someone doesn’t want to help themselves, you can’t help themâ€?, says Katie.

titis amydi There are still plans for STI tests to be made available in Lenton, with Katie suggesting the Bag o’ Nails as a prime location for students to get tested at. It begs the question: would students actually go there and get tested? Effectively, announcing the fact that they may have a STI to all and sundry in Lenton’s bestSV]LK IHY& 0[ KLĂ„UP[LS` ZLLTZ unlikely. Still, it feels to me as though the university are really pulling out all the stops this year in reducing the numbers of STIs among students. Katie is now working closely with Cripps Medical Centre in setting up student-led organisations, such as ‘Beat’ Âś H JSPUPJ MVY Z[\KLU[Z ^P[O eating disorders. However the concern and issue remains that, once they are no longer a fresher, a student will revert IHJR [V ILPUN H SP[[SL Ă„ZO PU H very big pond. Reading notice boards in hall of residence JVYYPKVYZ VUL Ă„UKZ OLSW MVY all sorts of conditions, yet for the newly turned second year who is now leaving the homely comforts of hall life, it can seem very daunting.

started antibiotics for it.â€? More serious sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS are obviously less prevalent amongst students than chlamydia. The GUM clinic (Genitourinary Medicine) at City Hospital is currently [OL VUS` Ă„_LK WVY[ VM JHSS MVY people suffering from these far more serious diseases. However, as Katie informs me, there are “various projects outside of the university to help those sufferingâ€?. In our city, these include the Nottingham Hardship Fund, the Prostitute Outreach Workers Project (POW) and The Nottingham Positive Care Team, not to mention Health and Well Being Day and World Aids Day.

I ended my discussion with Katie by asking if the university can do more to help students suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. She answers, “In order to improve our standards, students need to be asked how they want their needs to be met and what they’d feel most comfortHISL ^P[O ^OL[OLY P[Z I` Ă„SSPUN out feedback forms every time A third year, suffering from an an STI test is done, or giving STI, tells me “There are no out more incentives.â€? Ulticharities and no one really to mately, it’s up to the sufferee talk to about it. Yeah, there is to access these many services help out there, but really, if I that have been provided, and wasn’t as outspoken as I am, I making sure that honest feedwould have ignored the infec- back is given to people like tion. Luckily I knew I had to Katie who have the ability to deal with it myself, so booked change things for the better. an appointment at Cripps and

S

tephanie oh

Impact Columnist

Universally Challenged

My idea of student life used to be rather...pristine. The TVZ[ PUĂ…\LU[PHS JVUJLW[ VM \UP]LYZP[` OHK HS^H`Z ILLU [OH[ VM 6_IYPKNL Âś HUK H NSVYPĂ„LK ]LYZPVU VM 6_IYPKNL H[ [OH[ Âś [OYV\NO YLHKPUN IVVRZ Z\JO HZ Âş/PZ +HYR 4H[LYPHSZÂť and ‘Brideshead Revisited’. University was where you rode HYV\UK VU H Z IPJ`JSL ^P[O `V\Y JVSSLNL ZJHYM Ă…HWWPUN in the wind, guffawing away with your best friend Stephen -Y` >OLYL ÂşUPNO[ SPMLÂť TLHU[ Ă„LYJL PU[LSSLJ[\HS KLIH[LZ PU MYVU[ VM Ă„YL WSHJLZ ^OPJO ^V\SK OH]L [V LUK VUJL `V\ÂťK fallen asleep with your pipe hanging out of your mouth, having spilt port all over your copy of ‘The Republic’.

One TV programme that continues to project the rather old skool ideal of student life, is none other than the dearly ILSV]LK <UP]LYZP[` *OHSSLUNL @LZ [OH[ UV[VYPV\ZS` KPMÄJ\S[ quiz show in which students appear to spend their days reading Chaucer and Wittgenstein, rather than watching Jeremy Kyle on iTV2. University Challenge is certainly a British cultural institution, ushering forward the bright HUK IYPSSPHU[ IYHPUZ VM ZVJPL[` œ HUHJOYVUPZ[PJ OHPYJ\[Z HUK HSS œ [V IL JLSLIYH[LK PU HSS [OLPY IVMÄU ` NSVY` 0[ PZ YH[OLY reassuring as it appears to prove that, actually, the country isn’t going to the dogs. How can it, when these young people know all about continental drifts and Manet?

norrhe But after having to endure all those Starter For 10’s and derisive snorts from Paxman, what prize could possibly pay tribute to the academic prowess of the winning team? Only the University Challenge trophy. Oh, and the glory of RUV^PUN TVYL MHJ[Z [OHU HU`VUL LSZL H[ \UP Âś HU HJJVSHKL which clearly transcends the value of insipid quiz show prizes, such as... a million pounds... Yet one cannot undermine the esteem attached to winning this most scholarly of quiz shows. After all, this is no mere Blankety Blank. To be honest, I’m generally happy when I get a couple of X\LZ[PVUZ YPNO[ L]LU ^OLU [OL`ÂťYL ZVTL[PTLZ Ă…\RLZ Âś [OL result of shouting such things as ‘Copper! Titanium! Aluminium!’ at the TV as soon as Paxman starts any question with: ‘Which chemical element...?’

And Paxman is so smart that he makes average people look like the chimp ancestors of Kerry Katona, gawping vacantly into the middle distance whilst trying to get off with a tree stump. He knows about politics, he knows about medieval Persian poetry, and he even knows about Atomic Kitten. Maybe. It is that sneer he gives when contestants get an ‘obvious’ question wrong that makes me want to hurtle towards my bookcase, frantically groping for HU ( 3L]LS TH[OZ [L_[IVVR [V Ă„UK V\[ ^O` [OL JHSJ\S\Z process that is the reverse of differentiation is integration. Since I didn’t know the answer to this, I’m probably not going to make a name for myself as the modern day Isaac Newton. Screw it, I’ll just switch over to ‘I’m A Binge Drinker And A Drug Dealer, But I’ll Be A Great Dad!’ with good old J Kizzle.

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l a y o R mily? a F e h t e ar l u f e us w o H

institution ene y generates over e B t i ÂŁ500 million in tourism and many t t T h e argue that the impending wedding could by Se role the Royal provide a massive boost to the economy,

The British Royal Family is one of the more idiosyncratic aspects of Britishness. Some see them as a national icon to be cherished, whilst others acknowledge them as no more than a drain on the [H_WH`LY 1\UPVY TLTILYZ VM [OL 9V`HS Family appear to incur luxuries that many think the country should not OH]L [V HMMVYK 0U :JV[SHUK @HYK estimated that it cost over £50 million to provide round-the-clock police protection for the junior Royals, the most notable of these being Prince Andrew’s daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Debate was sparked over whether Princess )LH[YPJL H SV^ ZLJ\YP[` YPZR Q\Z[PÄLK [OL ‰ WLY `LHY MLL MVY OLY protection with many seeing this as a gross misuse of taxpayers’ money. Contrast this with Princess Anne’s children, Zara and Peter Phillips, who LZJOL^ [OL ULLK MVY WYV[LJ[PVU PU favour of a more normal lifestyle. Zara and Peter do not bear the Royal titles and are thus relieved from carrying out VMÄJPHS K\[PLZ

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Family plays in British life was reviewed with the announced engagement of Prince William of Wales to Kate Middleton, with many arguing that the taxpayer should not have to foot the bill for their wedding. Due to the less than prosperous economic climate, concerns have been raised over whether the Z\WLYĂ…\V\Z JVZ[ VM H 9V`HS ^LKKPUN JHU IL Q\Z[PĂ„LK ^OLU ZWLUKPUN J\[Z HYL ILPUN made across the board. Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding was estimated to have cost over ÂŁ30 million, so it’s clear as to why the Taxpayers Alliance is lobbying against a ‘lavish’ wedding. The Windsors and the Middletons will cover the cost of the wedding, with the taxpayer covering the cost of additional security. St James’ Palace stated that they, in conjunction with the happy couple, would continue to be “mindful of the economic situationâ€? as they plan the nuptials. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has even offered City Hall as a venue for the wedding reinforcing the need for the Royals to have a “costeffective wedding in keeping with our JVZ[ LMMLJ[P]L [PTLZš Âś \UZ\YWYPZPUNS` they’ve opted for Westminster Abbey as their venue instead. 6U [OL Ă…PW ZPKL Âş=PZP[)YP[HPUÂť LZ[PTH[LZ that the Royal family as a national

providing a two-year surge in tourism what with the Olympic games taking place the year after their wedding. The wedding takes place on Friday 29th April 2011 and is estimated to bring in ÂŁ120 million more that year in tourism.

,_WLUZP]L HUK Z\WLYĂ…\V\Z [OV\NO [OL 9V`HS MHTPS` TH` ZLLT VY YH[OLY ZWLJPĂ„J high-maintenance members of the Royal family, they are something of a national treasure and generate more for the country than what they cost to keep up. The cost of the Royal family last year is said to have been ÂŁ38.2 million or 62p per person excluding security costs. The reason that most tourists were said to have visited Britain in 1981 was because of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding, and many are predicting that in 2011 it will be no different. A fundamental facet of British identity, the Royal family will do much to boost Britain’s global WYVĂ„SL ;OPZ PU JVUQ\UJ[PVU ^P[O [OL 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, will mean only good things for Britain’s future. Emma Boon, campaign director of the Taxpayers Alliance urges moderation, summing up that “Of course it should be an event for the whole nation to celebrate, but ordinary taxpayers should not be left ^P[O H IPSS Ă„[ MVY H RPUN š

ETRO SEXUA LITY

M BY PRIYAL DADHANIA

The last couple of decades has seen a shift in attitudes regarding men and fashion. If we ask our fathers, I don’t suppose they would say that their generation were particularly interested in appearance and beauty - maybe when they were going on a date they would throw on an ironed shirt, but on an ordinary basis, jeans and an ordinary shirt did the job. Now, the ‘masculine SVVR» PZU»[ ULJLZZHYPS` Z[YPJ[S` JVUÄULK to baggy clothes and short haircuts – it’s fashionable to be fashionable, with ZRPUU` QLHUZ HUK Ä[[LK [ ZOPY[Z [HRPUN up more and more space on the high street. Not only is it men’s clothing which is changing: styles in hair are shifting and the cosmetic industry is booming. Adverts for hair products are featuring an increasing percentage of styling products for men, and let us not forget the latest collection of Z[YHPNO[LULYZ [V OP[ Z[VYLZ" ./+Z THKL especially for the boys. Obviously, concepts of beauty change over time, and metrosexuality seems to have become fashionable for the moment. Male icons are being airbrushed more and more in advert campaigns, giving them a feel of aesthetic perfection that perhaps was before considered unnecessary in media aimed at men. It is not just the females who have to anticipate what to wear, what to shave, or what the right look is for that night anymore; men are under increasing pressure too.

Perhaps the most iconic metrosexual male of our time is David Beckham: according to the Guardian, he’s “the ZVJJLY Z[HY ^OV WHPU[Z OPZ ÄUNLYUHPSZ braids his hair, and poses for gay magazines, all while maintaining a manly WYVÄSL VU [OL WP[JO ¹ ;OL OPNO PU[LYLZ[ in his appearance is not surprising, considering the fact that Beckham is good-looking enough to moonlight as an Armani underwear model. However, even unlikely candidates are seemingly becoming more interested in their appearance: rough and ready alpha male Gordon Ramsey had cosmetic surgery [V ÄSS [OL ^YPURSLZ VU OPZ JOLLRZ HM[LY taking advice from Simon Cowell. More recently, David Cameron had his preelection campaign posters airbrushed to JYLH[L H ÅH^SLZZ SVVR ^P[O PTTHJ\SH[L skin aglow, hair super-slick, and a saucy open-neck shirt to boot. We tend to picture the metrosexual as someone who rolls out of bed to switch his straighteners on and douses his hair with hairspray to maintain that perfect messy look, then having to douse himself in aftershave to maintain a husky, manly smell. What about the male who empties his bottle of hair gel to maintain the perfect head of spikes, primed to withhold hard-hitting rain in the winter? Whilst he isn’t conventionally metro, he would be upset if I ruined his hair, even though it is short and typically ‘boyish’. This IYPUNZ \Z [V [OL X\LZ[PVU VM ^OH[ KLÄULZ

someone as ‘metro’ - is it down to the number of beauty products used? Face wash, tinted body moisturiser, scented lip balm... there’s nothing wrong with a man who takes care of this appearance. In fact, most people would consider a male using these almost ‘cute’. But the latest products on cosmetic stands for men are manscara and guyliner. Have these innovations taken metrosexuality to a whole new level? If your boyfriend jumped out of bed and asked for eyeliner and mascara before heading to campus to touch up his look, would you really hand it over willingly without a second thought? Clearly, there is a continuously progressing aesthetic movement at the heart of what’s happening here. Are we as a society ready to embrace the metrosexual man who takes so much care of their appearance? Have we been programmed to believe that women must appear perfect by whatever means of fakery necessary, but that men have to present themselves as nature dictates, hypothetical warts and all? We should probably be embracing these changes and gladly herald the arrival of the new 21st century man. After all, who really wants to see Cameron’s true complexion on a billboard in all its ruddy, blemishy glory? No one. All hail the mighty metrosexual.

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Emma Harwood

VENTS WAVE JANUARY SALE SHOPPING Going ‘sale shopping’, or in other words, visiting a junkyard of other people’s rejects, is exhausting, frustrating and ultimately soul destroying. All the goodwill of the festive season is discarded as the steely determination of the New Year kicks in. My faith in human nature hits an all-time low while our consumerist appetites grow to frightening proportions. Humans turn into scavenging animals and defend their territory with a ruthless menace. Nowadays there doesn’t seem to be a time of year when there isn’t a sale, so why do people insist on putting themselves through this ordeal? Maybe to get that Christmas present for the friend you (luckily) haven’t seen yet. Or maybe to squeeze into something new that your, so far, two day long diet decrees is physically possible. Entering the glowing doors of H&M is like stepping through the back of the wardrobe into Narnia (except with awful warm, YLJ`JSLK HPY ISHZ[PUN PU[V `V\Y MHJL Âś HZ [OL YLHS ^VYSK ZLLZ HU hour pass by in real time, it feels like you can spend a lifetime of tactfully telling your friend to get the next size up. And why do no major stores have seats? Where is the sofa on which to rest a weary body in these trying times? We have to make do with awkwardly perching next to a mannequin, until a shop assistant - usually about as friendly as leprosy - asks you not to sit on the display. January sales are a phenomenon where everyone seems to forget that bagging a bargain only counts if you would have ^HU[LK [V I\` [OL P[LT PU [OL Ă„YZ[ WSHJL H[ M\SS WYPJL 0UZ[LHK of ending up with one piece to be treasured for years to come, we inevitably waste precious Christmas money on multiple buys that we do not truly want or need. Saying this, I hardly ever buy full priced clothes. But I still avoid the high-pressure environment of peak-time sale shopping that operates like a nightmare version of Santa’s Grotto. Whatever sale it is from the myriad on offer throughout the year, work the system - don’t be a sales statistic.

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ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

RAVE

YOUR

HER

SPLEEN ON

Jennifer Chattaway on

HARRY POTTER I know for a fact that almost every child who reaches the age of eleven begins to listen out for the postman L]LY` TVYUPUN 1\Z[ ^H[JOPUN ^HP[PUN ^VUKLYPUN for that letter from Hogwarts. Oh Harry‌ why must you be so brave and mysterious? Oh Ron‌ why must you be so witty and full of bumbling charm? Oh Hermione‌ why must you be so extraordinarily clever and at times a little grouchy? You make me so OHWW` -PM[` WVPU[Z [V .Y`MĂ„UKVY The sensation that is J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series forces me to remain on the sofa reading for days on end until I know the tiniest of details, the most important of HP facts. I am not alone in my obsession. The seven Harry Potter books have so far been translated into 67 SHUN\HNLZ WHZZPUN [OL TPSSPVU ZLSSPUN WVPU[ ZPUJL [OL W\ISPJH[PVU VM [OL Ă„YZ[ IVVR PU [OL ZLYPLZ /HYY` Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in 1997 when many VM \Z ^LYL VUS` Ă„]L ZP_ VY ZL]LU `LHYZ VSK Harry, Ron and Hermione are my brothers and sisters. My kin, if you will. I would be happy for Hagrid, that beautiful half-giant with a height of 8.5 feet and as wide HZ [OYLL TLU [V WPJR TL \W Ă…PUN TL V]LY OPZ ZOV\SKLY and carry me around a forest of some description. I crave to sit on Dumbledore’s knee whilst he reads to me from ‘Hogwarts: A History’. My point is that the fantasy that is Harry Potter has grown up with us. Harry and I have shared a lifetime of worrying about those GCSE’s or OWLS, and then moving on to A levels or NEWTS. We’ve been through it all together, even those tough battles with Voldemort/the bouncers at Ocean. I’ve got the scars to prove it‌ not lightning-shaped, but still. -PSTZ IVVRZ HJ[PVU Ă„N\YLZ Âś JHSS TL ZHK I\[ 0 OH]L it all. I know, deep down in my heart, that this magical wizarding world exists. I refuse to be a petty muggle. I will one day get that letter of acceptance to Hogwarts HUK Ă„UK V\[ [OH[ 0 HT Âş;OL .PYS >OV 3P]LKÂť Âş;OL Chosen One’!

Premier Student Letting agents in Nottingham, with over 350 student properties available.

For further information please contact Shields Student Homes:

Tel: 0115 941 1177

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Students’ Union TELL US WHY YOU ARE PROUD TO BE NOTTINGHAM Nottingham is a great University for so many reasons. We are ranked 7th in the country for research, 7th in the country for competitive sport, and came in the top 75 universities in the world according to the latest QS World rankings. We have campuses across three countries, and links with universities in many more countries, allowing you the opportunity to study abroad and experience new cultures. We have an award winning careers service in the Centre for Career Development. The list goes on… You should be proud of being part of such a highly regarded institution. That’s why this year the University and the Students’ Union are launching ‘Proud to be Nottingham’. This new initiative wants to highlight the positive effect students feel that their University experience is having on their lives, and to emphasise the positive changes the University is making to enhance your time here. Visit the website www.nottingham.ac.uk/proudtobe, and look out for the ‘Proud to be Nottingham’ logo on the portal and around our campuses to find out about the latest achievements of the university and its students. We also want to hear from you to find out what you like about studying, living and socialising at the University. Tell us why you are Proud to be Nottingham at: studentcommsoffice@nottingham.ac.uk

Email oliver.kasper@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more and to shadow an officer su.nottingham.ac.uk

Pantone 3

MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE UNIVERSITY! No, we don’t want you to go out and graffiti some

The survey is really important as it highlights the

university buildings. What we want you to do is

areas in which different Schools at the University

tell us exactly what you think of your university

are doing a great job, and allows them to extend

experience…in a survey. “Yet another survey!” I hear

this good practice into other Schools. It also makes

you cry - but this is no normal survey. In a ‘normal’

it clear where Schools need to do better and where

survey you fill it out and never hear anything back or

the Students’ Union can work with the University to

see anything changed. This survey is different…

make this happen. So, for instance, the survey last year computers in the libraries came up as an area

The National Student Survey (NSS) is a chance

which needed improvement, and so over the summer

for final-year students to tell the University how you

the University put in over 500 new plug sockets

rate your time here; from how good you feel your

across the main libraries, and installed ‘PC finder’

lecturers have been, to whether the library was

screens to help you find a free computer.

everything you wanted to be.

Students also said that they weren’t happy with the length some Schools took to return coursework, and so the Students’ Union worked with the University to implement a compulsory 28 day coursework turnaround limit. The NSS is a great way for you to make your mark and leave behind a better University for new students coming in. So - to all final-year students - when the survey goes live this February, please take time to fill it out. Think back about your University experience, about the good points, and about the bad points, and let us know your thoughts. It takes less than 10 minutes to fill out, and by doing so you really will be making your mark on the University.

su.nottingham.ac.uk

Exposure

Showcasing the best of University of Nottingham student photography

32 Image ISSUE | NOVEMBER 2010 by206 Tom Watkinson

Matt Turner A late afternoon outing on lake Montriond near Morzine, France

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

33

Tom Parker ;HRLU H[ [OL MHTV\Z 2PTIVS[VU ÄYL^VYRZ KPZWSH` VU .\` -H^RLZ UPNO[

‘‘THE STAGE BELONGS TO THE RISING GENERATIONS’’ André Maurois

Previous page: Corset - Burlesque in Digital Printed Silk with Original Artwork Necklace - Accessorize

This page: Dress - Delilah Corset in cork fabric with spiral wrap over skirt also in cork - made to order. :OVLZ Âś :HT ,KLSTHU

‘Nottingham council house’ digital print corset with full skirt. Blossom and digital print silk train showing the Nottingham Goose Fair in Old Market Square - made to order. Eternal Spirits - available at the Davenport Shop of Originality, Flying Horse Walk.

Photography & Editing: Matt Turner Styled and Directed by: Jasmin Watts and Charlotte Gelipter Hair and Makeup: Charlotte Gelipter Assistant Styling: Charlotte Rottenburg and Dipika Chauhan Model: Louise Carmen Ford

‘Talkin’ ‘bout my generation by Jasmin Watts

F

rom 1960’s hippies to 1990’s grungers, every generation has had their fashion emblem. Open a family photo album and you’ll easily locate the dodgy perms and stonewashed denim à la Bananarama circa 1984. Iconic fashion moments make an era instantly YLJVNUPZHISL PU OPZ[VY` I\[ HZ ILNPUZ HUK [OL UV\NO[PLZ are becoming an increasingly distant memory, the style that KLÄULK V\Y [LLUHNL `LHYZ PZ OHYK [V WPUWVPU[ >OH[ L_HJ[S` is our legacy? As Catherine Nieto notes (in this issue’s interview) ‘WAG’ culture sky-rocketed in the last decade and propelled these women into [OL MHZOPVU ZWV[SPNO[ ;OL MHZOPVU H[YVJP[PLZ [OH[ ZPNUPÄLK [OL early years of the WAG phenomenon - Juicy Couture tracksuits, KVKN` OHPY L_[LUZPVUZ HUK JYLVZV[L ZRPU PUÄS[YH[LK THZZ J\S[\YL H[ HU HSHYTPUN YH[L KLÄUPUN [OL Z[`SL VM ^HUUHIL >(.: HUK misguided teens alike. Then in the latter noughties came the WAG makeover led by (now designer and WAG royalty) Victoria Beckham. Ex-WAG Cheryl Cole underwent a similar style overhaul, and her transition from chavvy girl band member to blossoming style queen became a national fascination. Cheryl’s stint on the X Factor brought a whole new dimension to styleZ[HSRPUN ¶ Z\KKLUS` ^OH[ [OL Q\KNLZ ^VYL LHJO ^LLR ZLJ\YLK more column inches than the contestants on the show. The rise of the WAG was complete, and we began to covet the likes of a newly polished Coleen Rooney, Abby Clancy and Alex Curran for all the right reasons.

*SLHYS` JLSLIYP[` Z[H[\Z OHZ OLSK [OL RL` [V PUÅ\LUJPUN MHZOPVU for some time, but where has this left us? Does our era have a signature style? When celebrities embraced the ‘it’ bag, so did we. The Chloe Paddington and Hermes Birkin spring to mind as the designs that spawned countless high street copies, but every fashion house in the world got in on the ‘it’ bag phenomenon. They even went so far as to explicitly acknowledge the power VM JLSLIYP[` LUKVYZLTLU[ ¶ [OPUR 4\SILYY`»Z (SL_H JVPULK HM[LY everyone’s favourite muse Alexa Chung. Then came the ‘it’ shoe, namely anything by Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik thanks to the Holy Grail of style that was SATC. Not forgetting the most unfortunate ‘it’ footwear of the 21st Century - the Ugg Boot - the cruel joke that celebrities seemed to be in on, and thousands of women (and men) fell foul of. Clothing trends though, were suffering from something of an identity crisis. Was anything truly new? Save for quirky icons like Lady Gaga and Agyness Deyn, every major trend of our teenage and young adult life was a re-hash of something we had already seen: skinny jeans, Ray-Bans, body-con, tassels, studded leather, shoulder pads... our parents beat us to it. Save for hipster jeans, the noughties failed to innovate in the way previous decades had, and not surprisingly, vintage fashion became something of a norm. However, our approach to fashion has seen something of a revolution. The rise of the internet has given us limitless choice at the touch of a button. Blogs, YouTube, Facebook, Apps and style websites have changed the face of fashion forever. This previously mysterious world is becoming increasingly interactive and accessible via the internet, giving the individual the power [V PUÅ\LUJL [YLUKZ PU H ^H` [OH[ ^HZ UL]LY ILMVYL WVZZPISL ;OL pace of fashion has sky-rocketed thanks to the instantaneous nature of the internet and the insatiable interest of its users. This PZ [OL LYH ^OLU [OL WLVWSL OHK H ]VPJL ¶ HUK P[ PZU»[ V]LY `L[

Trend Profile: Reclaimed Jewellery by Charlotte Gelipter IM P[ HPU»[ IYVRL KVU»[ Ä_ P[» YLJSHPT P[ ;OL WHZ[ KLJHKL OHZ seen something of a vintage fashion storm and jewellery has not escaped the trend, bringing with it an individual, retro make-over. Step into many of Nottingham’s vintage shops and you will note the presence of unique, statement pieces enjoying a second wind as something else. The reclaimed jewellery trend is not just about creating modern from vintage or new from old – it’s a resourceful way of creating uniqueness in a mass produced consumer society. With tutorials on YouTube and Google showing you how to achieve these individual compositions, it is clear that the reclaimed look has mass appeal for those who don’t have that extra cash. These designs stand out from the crowd - that’s the beauty of reclaiming, you make it your own. Whether it’s a stray Lego man masquerading as an earring drop, a Scrabble piece pendant (a favourite of Pixie Lott) or a broken watch shedding its strap and acquiring a shiny new chain. The possibilities

38 ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

are limited only by your imagination. Be careful not to over do it, be bold with a statement piece but don’t let it weigh you down or you’ll end up looking like MC Hammer… Don’t just limit yourself to jewellery - reclaimed fascinators and bows are the perfect accessory for a bad hair day, and if you shrink that woolly jumper why not get handy with the scissors and turn it into a skirt.

An Interview with

CATHERINE NIETO by Jasmin Watts and Emma-Jane Steele

I` YLK MVY [OL ÄYZ[ [PTL PU HIV\[ ten seasons. And what hairstyle should we all be embracing for the New Year? 2011 is all about the wet look as seen on the catwalks for S/S ‘11. ‘Shipwrecked’ hair - mermaid style locks is the new blow-dry.

A

Which rising talents in fashion design are set to be the faces of the future?

Looking back at the noughties and up to today, what fashion trend do you think most sums up the era?

And who in your opinion most deserves the crown of style icon, both male and female in our generation?

s University life prepares us for the big wide world, our personal style is honed and tweaked as we discover who we are as adults. Through the last decade and our teenage years, mistakes have been made and fashion icons created. This New Year, helping us to look back in nostalgia and ahead to the future of style is Grazia Magazine’s Junior Fashion Editor, Catherine Nieto. We’ve caught up with her for a chat about fashion’s most memorable moments.

The noughties have been a very interesting and unusual era in that the saw the boom and then demise of the economy worldwide. For this reason, two trends stand out - the opulence and ‘bling’ that captivated the middle of the decade (allowing ‘it’ bags and WAG culture to consume fashion) and the uprising of Minimalism - the backlash against all things extravagant and ‘showy‘ which saw major fashion houses looking back into their archives at a quieter, more understated aesthetic. And what has been the biggest faux pas? Cowboy boots! The increasing involvement of technology in beauty treatments is showing no sign of slowing. What beauty innovation have you been most impressed by and why? 2010’s biggest innovation in skincare has been the introduction of electromagnetic pulses, which have been harnessed in products to energise skin cells deep within. Which new makeup product do you [OPUR PZ ZL[ [V ILJVTL H Z[HWSL PU & Red lipstick! Bright pink has been pipped

London Fashion Week, more so than New York, Milan and Paris is a hot-bed of up-andcoming designers destined to shape fashion in seasons to come. During the S/S ‘11 shows the industry was buzzing about Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou and hot newcomer, Felicity Brown.

Looking back over the last decade, Kate 4VZZ» PTTLUZL PUÅ\LUJL PZ \UKLUPHISL The noughties saw celebrity fascination soar like never before but as 2010 drew to a close celebrities were no longer the only people in the running for style icon status. The popularity of street-style is putting the general public back on the noticed list, and as the world’s interest in the behind-the-scenes workings of the fashion industry deepens, fashion editors, stylists and insiders such as Ana De la Russo, Kate Lanpear and Carine Roitfeld are becoming the icons of this generation. This is also true with men, where the likes of Karl Lagerfeld are attributed the same attention as David Beckham. /PNO Z[YLL[ KLZPNULY JVSSHIVYH[PVUZ have become a huge phenomenon in recent years, which pairing has proven the most interesting? In recent years high street/designer collaborations have become less about names and more about the concept of bringing luxury to the high street through a fashion house’s signature aesthetic and expertise. H&M have brought some incredible designers to the masses, my particular favourites being the Stella McCartney and Lanvin collaborations. Topshop’s collections with Christopher

Kane and Jonathan Saunders were also brilliant as was Whistles’ pairing with Roksanda Ilincic and Gap’s partnership with Valentino. Not forgetting THE most revolutionary way we now shop – the internet – which online store has most changed the face of fashion and why? Two websites stand out for me, Net-aporter.com- the most incredible fashion website alive at the moment, which allows you to buy runway looks and commercial collections from an international pedigree of designers and fashion houses - and ASOS.com which continues to outsmart the competition with innovative inventions such as ‘Market Place’. Finally, if you had to choose the one ‘it’ accessory that most symbolises [OL Z[ *LU[\Y` ^OPJO P[LT Z[LHSZ [OL crown? The ‘it’ accessory of the 21st century is undoubtedly the ‘it’ bag! You could argue for the Hermes ‘Kelly’ (its resurrection helped by Victoria Beckham having one in every colour), the Chloe ‘Paddington’, Mulberry ‘Alexa’, Fendi ‘Spy’, Balenciaga ‘Lariat’… every luxury fashion house produced one and each had its moment in the fashion spot light.

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/STYLE

39

AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS‌ - Tom Grater

“Product placement, to put it very simply, is a practice that turns movies into outright commercials.â€? (Mark Crispin Miller) This viewpoint may seem extreme, but exactly how far from the truth is he? It’s a feature of commercialism we’re all aware of, but how tuned into the actual workings of HK]LY[PZPUN PU Ă„ST HYL ^L& >L [\YU V\Y noses up when we spot it, claiming that ^LÂťK UL]LY IL ZV LHZPS` PUĂ…\LUJLK I\[ can we be so sure? Advertising in movies has existed in ]HYPV\Z MVYTZ ZPUJL [OL IPY[O VM [OL Ă„ST industry as a mainstream commercial vehicle. In the 1930s, the actress Olivia de Havilland was paid large sums of money to endorse various products, one example being Lux Soap, the biggest exponent of “Hollywood Beauty Careâ€?. However, it took until 1971 for product placement to really take off and for people to recognise its potential. The movie that bridged the gap was ‘Dirty Harry’, ZWLJPĂ„JHSS` *SPU[ ,HZ[^VVK HUK OPZ \ZL VM [OL 4HNU\T 0U [OL HM[LYTH[O VM [OL Ă„STÂťZ YLSLHZL :TP[O HUK >LZZVU UV[LK that sales of that particular weapon rose dramatically, in some cases the handgun was selling at three times retail prices. ;OPZ ^HZ [OL Ă„YZ[ ZWHYR VM ^OH[ ^HZ [V IL HU LUKSLZZ YVHYPUN Ă„YL VM TVUL` spinning commercialism. Advertisers now noticed the largely untapped market,

and deciding to milk for all it was worth was the next logical step. There are several types of product placement, though the golden egg for HK]LY[PZLYZ PZ MVY H Ă„ST JOHYHJ[LY [V perform what is known in the industry as ‘The Plug Deluxe’. This is a shot of said character directly interacting with

“

When I become aware of it in a film I particularly enjoy, it takes away a good percentage of the magic.

�

the featured product, and then often KPZWSH`PUN H SVVR VM NLU\PUL M\SĂ„STLU[ Witnessing a Plug Deluxe is akin to ^H[JOPUN HU HK]LY[ ^P[OPU H Ă„ST HZ PM there’s a sudden short intermission; “And

now, a word from our sponsor...â€? To fully understand what I mean, I’ll point you to several examples. ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ (1999) featured an excellent plug for Pepsi, with Rene Russo’s character vending a can of the drink and promptly [\YUPUN WYVĂ„SL [V JHTLYH JVUZ\TPUN [OL beverage in the classic advertisement style. There was the Dr. Pepper moment PU Âş-VYYLZ[ .\TWÂť )LU (MĂ…LJR HUK 4H[[ Damon’s constant need for Dunkin’ Donuts in ‘Good Will Hunting’. Not forgetting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ dependence on Dominos pizza. This leads me to a mention of the ‘Cola Wars’ - for those who don’t know, the battle for supremacy between Pepsi and Coca Cola that peaked during the 1980s but is still raging today. This was UV TVYL L]PKLU[ [OHU PU [OL Ă„ST Âş4PZZPUNÂť ^OPJO KLWPJ[LK H JVUĂ…PJ[ between Americans and the Pinochet Regime - respectively the good guys and the bad guys of the piece. However, throughout the movie we see constant references to Coca Cola alongside the Americans, and the rival product Pepsi being associated with the Pinochet regime. A very subversive ploy by Coca Cola you may think, and you may wonder OV^ L_HJ[S` [OL` NV[ [OL Ă„STÂťZ WYVK\JLYZ onboard with doing this. Delve a little into [OL Ă„STÂťZ WYVK\J[PVU SPUL HUK `V\ÂťSS Ă„UK the simple answer, Coca Cola were the Ă„STÂťZ WYVK\JLYZ *VS\TIPH 7PJ[\YLZ [OL company behind the movie, were owned by Coca Cola for a seven-year period in the 1980s, and as such had free reign over the amount of advertising in the Ă„STZ WYVK\JLK 0[ PZ Z\YWYPZPUNS` KPMĂ„J\S[ [V ZV\YJL PUZPNO[M\S quotes regarding opinions on this subject, PU WHY[PJ\SHY MYVT WYVTPULU[ Ă„STTHRLYZ It seems that product placement is J\YYLU[S` [OL SHYNLZ[ LSLWOHU[ PU [OL Ă„ST industry’s room of ivory. Thankfully, the one man you can always rely on to be outspoken in his musings has blessed us with another gem of a statement. David Lynch, director of mind-trippers such as ‘Mulholland Drive’ and ‘Eraserhead’, was once quizzed on where he stood on the growing trend of product placement in Hollywood. His response was quite simply, “Bullshit. That’s how I feel. Total fucking bullshit.â€? This quote goes beyond

40

ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

f film representing Lynch’s attitude and, in fact, displays to us a deeper frustration within the industry. Auteurs like Lynch are in the business to make movies, not to make themselves rich. It is unfortunate then, that the use of advertising in Ă„ST PZ H TLHUZ [V HU LUK YH[OLY [OHU H commercial choice. This fact is displayed in Lynch’s own work - I wonder how he would react if you quizzed him on the rather overblown use of the ‘Heineken’ brand in his movie ‘Blue Velvet’. It is blatant product placement - there’s just no denying it. I refuse to buy into the idea that Lynch was trying to be topical and further the realism of his characters. There has to have been some money exchanged here. In all, would we rather [OL Ă„STZ VM KPYLJ[VYZ Z\JO HZ 3`UJO ^LYL made with advertising or not made at all? Despite my determination to avoid James Bond, as it is frankly too obvious an example, I’ve come to terms with the fact that my defences will be breached as I reach the topic of movie ‘cross-promotion’. Cross-promotion PZ HU HYYHUNLTLU[ IL[^LLU Ă„STZ HUK advertising agencies that leads to promotional to campaigns that feature both commodities. It is a mutually ILULĂ„JPHS YLSH[PVUZOPW ;OLZL OH]L been particularly successful in recent years, with ‘Casino Royale’ being a standout example. A deal was brokered between MGM and watch manufacturer Omega that went beyond the product placement of Omega in the Ă„ST HUK PUJS\KLK H WVZ[LY campaign that stated IV[O ¸5V Ă„ST YLSLHZL PZ more eagerly anticipated than a new

instalment in the James Bond series,â€? and, “[James Bond] will be wearing an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial Chronometerâ€?. The poster is endorsing IV[O [OL Ă„ST HUK [OL ^H[JO [OV\NO [OL description makes it sound like the latest advancement in rocket technology) thus killing two advertisement-shaped birds with one stone. The success of cross-

promotion such as the Omega/Bond love affair is likely to lead to an increased trend in this kind of relationship. Expect more movie protagonists to get directly brand-associated in the near future. ( TL[OVK Ă„STTHRLYZ OH]L JVUQ\YLK to counter the ever-growing trend of product placement is to use it in an ironic way, satirically critiquing the use of advertising in movies. Mike Myers has been a particular exponent of this, and two of the most prominent examples can IL MV\UK PU OPZ Ă„STZ Âş>H`ULÂťZ >VYSKÂť the cult tale of two 80s starlets trying to conquer public-access television, dedicated an entire scene to mocking product placement. “Well that’s where I see things just a little differently, contract or no, I will not bow to any sponsor,â€? Myers states as he grabs a slice of pizza from a box clearly labelled ‘Pizza Hut’. Another Myers venture to follow the same lines of mockery was ‘Austin Powers’ sequel ‘The :W` >OV :OHNNLK 4LÂť ;OL Ă„ST KLWPJ[LK the headquarters of arch villain Dr. Evil as also being the HQ of coffee-chain Starbucks. This was a deliberate swipe at the global conglomerate, inferring a direct comparison between them and [OL Ă„STZ H_PZ VM L]PS 5V[ [OH[ :[HYI\JRZ cared in the slightest - bad connotations or no, they were still being featured in a O\NLS` Z\JJLZZM\S JVTLK` Ă„ST HUK [V the average viewer it almost looks like they’re in on the joke. The real problem I have with product placement is that when I become aware VM P[ PU H Ă„ST 0 WHY[PJ\SHYS` LUQV` P[ [HRLZ away a good percentage of the magic. ‘Serpico’, Sidney Lumet’s fantastic depiction of corruption in the New York police force, is a personal favourite of mine. However, during a recent re-watch I noticed Pacino turns up to one scene wearing a Coca Cola t-shirt, inexplicably breaking away from his characters ^HYKYVIL PU [OL YLZ[ VM [OL Ă„ST 0[ ^V\SK IL KPMĂ„J\S[ [V WYV]L [OH[ 7HJPUVÂťZ JSV[OPUN ^HZ PUĂ…\LUJLK I` HK]LY[PZPUN I\[ [OL fact that it affects my enjoyment of [OL Ă„ST KPZWSH`Z T` ZLUZP[P]P[` [V [OL subject on the whole. Product placement certainly isn’t without its merits, but the real question is what difference does it make, i.e. does it affect artistic merit? Personally, I believe it does. Product placement is a compromise and we have to ask ourselves how many great movies have been made by compromising.

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MUSIC TO MOVIES - Isabelle Parkin

When another bright new hope in directing surfaces in the Ă„ST PUK\Z[Y` P[ PZ VM[LU [OL JHZL [OH[ KLZWP[L ZLLTPUN [V appear out of nowhere, they manage to produce remarkably accomplished pictures. In reality, many have a decent

RICHARD AYOADE

amount of smaller scale work already under their belt, many having started out in directing music videos. Different from [OL UV]LS[` VM [^V OPNO WYVÄSL ÄN\YLZ JVSSHIVYH[PUN œ ZLL Martin Scorsese’s 16 minute West Side Story-esque video MVY 4PJOHLS 1HJRZVUZ º)HK œ [OLYL HYL U\TLYV\Z KPYLJ[VYZ whose cinematic career has come off the back of their Z[YLUN[O PU [OPZ SLZZ WYLZ[PNPV\Z ÄLSK /LYL HYL [^V Z\JO Z\JJLZZ Z[VYPLZ KLÄUP[LS` ^VY[O SVVRPUN V\[ MVY

MARK ROMANEK

Probably most widely recognised as Moss from ‘The IT Crowd’, Ayoade has in fact directed a respectable set of sometimes surreal, often humorous music videos for bands including the Arctic Monkeys and Vampire Weekend, citing Godard and Fellini HZ PUĂ…\LUJLZ *YP[PJHSS` HJJSHPTLK PU IV[O [OPZ Ă„LSK HUK [OH[ of comedy writing (such as Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), his MLH[\YL Ă„ST KLI\[ PZ [OL OPNOS` HU[PJPWH[LK Âş:\ITHYPULÂť H KHYRS` comic coming of age picture follows precocious adolescent Oliver in his quest to lose his virginity and prevent his mother from running off with her dance teacher. From the few clips that have surfaced we can glimpse what immediately appears to be an innovative and visually striking piece of cinema boasting some impeccable young acting talent

More established, but with only a few more cinematic titles to his name, is Mark Romanek. Having directed numerous acclaimed videos for singers, including Madonna, he cites them as being more like ‘miniature assignments’ and an opportunity to learn [OL JYHM[ VM Ă„ST THRPUN YH[OLY [OHU L_HTWSLZ VM OPZ WLYZVUHS vision. He moved from directing the controversial video for Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Closer’ into similarly unsettling territory in ‘One Hour Photo’, which featured Robin Williams playing brilliantly against type as a department store photo processor who becomes obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. His latest project is ‘Never Let Me Go’, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s L_[YHVYKPUHY` K`Z[VWPHU UV]LS 0[ OHZ ILLU NLULYH[PUN ZPNUPĂ„JHU[ awards buzz for a number of months, with its widespread YLSLHZL PU 1HU\HY` Âś Q\Z[ PU [PTL MVY [OL 6ZJHYZ

MUSICALS: THE GREATEST ACTION HERO OF ALL TIME? - Adam Dawes

The next time a clichĂŠ-laden piece of cinematic musical pap lands at your feet, please do not write off it off as a genre. With the current state of things, it seems hard to believe that if it was not for the musical, Hollywood almost KLĂ„UP[LS` ^V\SKUÂť[ IL HU`[OPUN SPRL HZ big as it is today.

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Unlike today, when many independent production companies can hold their V^U H[ [OL IV_ VMÄJL IHJR PU [OL Z and 30s, Hollywood was controlled by a small number of major studios. These WSHJLZ ^LYL Y\U SPRL ÄSTPJ MHJ[VYPLZ \ZPUN PUÅ\LUJLZ MYVT [OL -VYKPZ[ TVKLS of production to churn out release after release for the new, ravenous cinema goer. Because of this, like in a regular business, it was vital to generate consistent revenue. Luckily a genre developed, mostly from familiarity with stage shows, which allowed budgets to be controlled, audiences to be entertained, production to move quickly, and - most importantly - a consistent stream of revenue to be developed. Musicals facilitated Hollywood’s early growth.

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Some remarkable technological innovations are associated with the T\ZPJHS ;OL 1Haa :PUNLY [OL Ă„YZ[ Ă„ST to ever use sound, is a musical. If you ^H[JO HU` Ă„STZ JOVYLVNYHWOLK I` )\ZI` )LYRLSL` Z\JO HZ UK :[YLL[ you will see camera movements and set design that were brand new at the time, and are still being used today. If you ever ZLL HU`[OPUN RHSLPKVZJVWPJ PU H Ă„ST VY PU H T\ZPJ ]PKLV [OL` HYL ILPUN PUĂ…\LUJLK by musicals. Not only did musicals allow Hollywood to grow and, eventually, take risks due [V OH]PUN H ZVSPK Ă„UHUJPHS IHZL I\[ PM P[ weren’t for musicals, Frank Sinatra would never have become a household name. In addition to that, MTV and music videos as a whole grew from the ‘soundies’ of [OL Z Next time you despair about the rubbish, teeny-bopper musical trash around, [HRL H ILH[ HUK YLTLTILY [OH[ HU` Ă„ST that you have ever enjoyed in your life might only have been made because the musical saved Hollywood in its infancy.

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AUTEURS OF TELEVISION

film

- James McAndrew

If you gaze across your DVD collection, I’ll wager there are more than a couple of TV box sets in there. The likes of ‘The Sopranos’, ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Band of Brothers’ are just some of the ones I most often notice on the shelves of fellow box set bingers. And if you check out the credits VU [OL IHJR `V\ ^PSS SPRLS` Ă„UK [OL ZHTL UHTLZ JYVWWPUN \W after the ‘written by’ and ‘directed by’ credits. Over the last 20 years some of the best directors of TV drama make their mark on popular series and subsequently make the move into feature direction. In the UK a prime example is that of Joe Wright. Beginning his career as a director of TV mini-series, he seamlessly transferred his skills to celluloid with ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Atonement’, both of which bagged Oscar nominations. But for the people that don’t move into movies it is much harder to get the name check that they deserve. So to begin with, there’s one man who I think needs to be recognised, and his name is Tim Van Patten. If HBO were a Hollywood studio then he would be the premiere go-to creative talent. He is essentially the Spielberg of television. His name pops up in the credits of nearly all of HBO’s major shows of the SHZ[ ML^ `LHYZ! Âş;OL >PYLÂť Âş+LHK^VVKÂť Âş;OL 7HJPĂ„JÂť [V UHTL but a few. However his status as a true auteur of television is most evident in his episodes of ‘The Sopranos’ (of which he directed more than anyone). With the show’s strength coming from the power of its writing, his directing style is wonderfully understated, allowing the acting and the dialogue to prevail over any kind of cinematic stylisation. This kind of artistic choice is one of ‘The Sopranos’ most distinguishing features. Van Patten can also claim the plaudits for having written ‘Pine )HYYLUZÂť ^OPJO :VWYHUVZ HĂ„JPVUHKVZ TVZ[ VM[LU JP[L HZ ILPUN [OL NYLH[LZ[ LWPZVKL (UK HU` HĂ„JPVUHKVZ YLHKPUN ^PSS RUV^ what I mean when I ask: what ever happened to the Russian?). Now before I lose non-Sopranos fans completely let me just ZH` [OH[ =HU 7H[[LU HSZV KPYLJ[LK [OL [^V WHY[ Ă„UHSL VM Âş:L_ HUK the City’ which, I am reliably informed by a female housemate,

brought the much loved series to a satisfying end (with the Z\IZLX\LU[ \UULJLZZHY` Ă„STZ JVTWSL[LS` Y\PUPUN P[ During the early 2000s ‘The Sopranos’ became something of a breeding ground for major creative talent in US television. Two VM [OL ZOV^Z TVZ[ WYVSPĂ„J Z[HMM ^YP[LYZ ;LYYLUJL >PU[LY HUK Matthew Weiner, are now the head writers and show runners for ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘Mad Men’ respectively. Over here in Blighty, a similar trend can be seen in terms of there being a small pool of heavyweight creative talent bringing us popular and original television. Russell T Davies is someone ^OV OHZ JVUZPZ[LU[S` JYLH[LK [LYYPĂ„J ;= KYHTH YLHJOPUN OPZ peak with the BBC’s jewel in the crown ‘Doctor Who’. Through this show he rejuvenated a previously lagging genre with ^VUKLYM\SS` YLUKLYLK JOHYHJ[LYZ PU H MHU[HZ[PJHS ZJP Ă„ JVU[L_[ I’d urge anyone who enjoys good drama to seek out box sets of his earlier work, particularly ‘Queer As Folk’ and ‘The Second Coming’. But it is his apprentice and current Doctor >OV ZOV^ Y\UULY :[L]LU 4VMMH[ ^OV PZ KLĂ„UP[LS` [OL PUJ\TILU[ auteur of British television. His superlative, modern take on Sherlock Holmes (‘Sherlock’) was, despite only having three episodes, undoubtedly the runaway TV hit of 2010. His work is characterised by decidedly dark themes and plots but, taking a leaf out of Davies’ book, is always sprinkled with smart humour and delightful characters. Case in point is his Doctor Who episode ‘Blink’ (which is to Doctor Who what ‘Pine Barrens’ is to The Sopranos), famous for featuring hardly any of The Doctor, lots of Carey Mulligan and some absolutely terrifying angel statues. TV auteurs are in some ways superior in talent to their cinematic contemporaries; because despite having to work with major restrictions on the time, the content of the work they consistently produce is unique, entertaining and distinctive television. And seriously, is there anything better than watching some really good TV?

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THE EVOLUTION OF DAVID CRONENBERG - Benjamin James

Eccentric 67-year-old Canadian director David Cronenberg is as LUPNTH[PJ HZ OL PZ IYPSSPHU[" OLÂťZ HU uncompromising auteur whose bizarre beginnings have lead to an amazing artistic approach. For those who are unfamiliar with Cronenberg, as I fear a good deal are, he PZ [OL YLJLU[ KPYLJ[VY VM Z\JO Ă„STZ HZ ( ‘History of Violence’ (2005) and ‘Eastern 7YVTPZLZÂť [^V Ă„STZ ^OPJO OH]L cemented Cronenberg as a yardstick in alternative cinema. By far these movies HYL [OL [^V Ă„STZ TVZ[ ]PL^LYZ ^PSS OH]L seen, and quite rightly so - they are *YVULUILYNÂťZ TVZ[ YLĂ„ULK HUK TVZ[ expressed pieces of work to date. Both star Viggo Mortenson, an actor who too has had a late blossoming and as such, the pairing of the two lends neatly to the comparisons of Scorcese and De 5PYV >P[OPU [OLPY YLZWLJ[P]L Ă„LSKZ [OL` HYL [^V Ă„STTHRLYZ ^OV \UKLYZ[HUK and experiment with the form and are unafraid to grapple with new ideas, whilst at the same time maintaining a persistent level of interest and intrigue.

Cronenberg’s early career with the Body Horror genre established his fascination with the frailty of society. He then developed into a director who blurred the lines between reality and fantasy, which led to the individual and their idiosyncratic perception of reality. With OPZ SH[LZ[ Ă„STZ Âş( /PZ[VY` VM =PVSLUJLÂť and ‘Eastern Promises’, Cronenberg has proven his ambitious undertaking as a director willing to confront the audience with disturbing subject matter. His \WJVTPUN Ă„ST Âş( +HUNLYV\Z 4L[OVKÂť stars once again Mortenson as Sigmund Freud and Michael Fassbender as Carl Jung - their close relationship is torn apart by their love for Sabina Spielrein, played by Keira Knightly. Given that this movie Z[HYZ [OL [OYLL TVZ[ PUĂ…\LU[PHS [OPURLYZ of psychiatry, it promises to be fraught with psychological depth and looks to be one of the most interesting movies of the New Year. Cronenberg deservedly has earned the title of auteur, and is among David Lynch, Akira Kurosawa and Stanley Kubrick as one of the most groundbreaking and distinct directors of his generation.

CINEMAT IC CLAUSTROPHOBIA - David Bruce

While mainstream cinema in the modern age might involve huge set pieces and giant robots hitting each other, the experiment of claustrophobic cinema has repeatedly `PLSKLK LMĂ„JPLU[ HUK LMMLJ[P]L TV]PLZ The technique works by putting too many people in a limited space, and is more often than not a recipe for Y\PU HZ THUULYZ JY\TISL HUK JVUĂ…PJ[ arises. This is not to be confused with JSH\Z[YVWOVIPH PU Ă„ST IL P[ )Y\JL >PSSPZ crawling through the Nakatomi Towers’ ventilation system, or cave-divers in ‘The Descent’. These instances where PUKP]PK\HSZ HYL W\[ PU[V H JVUĂ„ULK ZWHJL are often still classed as claustrophobic Ă„STTHRPUN I\[ PU [OL [YHKP[PVUHS ZLUZL cinematic claustrophobia is more due to a singular location.

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ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

One of the greatest exponents of this is ‘12 Angry Men’, Sidney Lumet’s courtroom drama, 99% of which takes place inside a jury room, where each of the respective jurors’ prejudices and preconceptions are laid bare. Henry Fonda plays the one impartial voice, slowly turning opinion towards that of justice and against hastily condemning a potentially innocent man. The lack of space around the table and the small adjoining washroom force the jury (all male) into an unusually tight surrounding, with a selection of classes and personalities on show. In addition, \U[PS [OL Ă„UHS ZJLUL UV UHTLZ HYL \ZLK for any of the jury or the defendant or witnesses. A further implementer of this technique was Alfred Hitchcock, whose famous work ‘Rear Window’ places Jimmy :[L^HY[ PU OPZ Ă…H[ ^P[O H IYVRLU SLN

naturally unable to leave, with only spying on his neighbours as exposure to the outside world. There is also ‘Rope’, which wholly takes place at a dinner party in the aftermath of a murder committed by the hosts, with the body hidden underneath the buffet table. But a recent example, ‘Buried’, directed by Rodrigo Cortes, combines both KLĂ„UP[PVUZ VM TV]PL JSH\Z[YVWOVIPH Its entire hour and a half running time takes place in one location, that of 7H\S *VUYV`ÂťZ JVMĂ„U 0U H YPKPJ\SV\ZS` tense showcase of the brilliance of claustrophobic cinema, with only a lighter, a mobile phone, a slowly decreasing level of oxygen and a slowly PUJYLHZPUN PUĂ…\_ VM ZHUK 9`HU 9L`UVSKZÂť character must somehow escape being buried alive. Miss it at your peril.

Coming Soon

SUMMER AND EASTER INTERNSHIPS Starting in June 2011 our summer internships offer valuable real experience and could help you secure a place on our graduate programme. After a one-week orientation, when you will learn market basics and meet your new colleagues, you will spend the remaining nine weeks learning from leading banking professionals and gaining hands-on experience. Throughout, you will have the chance to attend a number of high-profile networking events.

to your

Students’ Union Shop Ground Floor, Portland Building, University Park.

A brand new Salad Bar

We have a number of different programmes which are open to students in their penultimate year from all academic disciplines who can demonstrate an interest in banking and finance. For students in their first year, we also have an Easter Insight week. This programme offers you the chance to gain valuable work experience, technical training and attend networking events. Do well on this programme and you’ll be offered a summer internship for the following year.

Self Service

To apply, please visit www.makeitrbs.com/internships Closing date 31 January 2011. The place is here. The time is now.

RIGHT PLACE. RIGHT TIME.

Purple frog was set up by former students to help you find the best properties and the best landlords. We’ve got full details and photos of all our properties on our website: purplefrogproperty.com Pop in and see us or give us a call and we’ll help you find what you’re looking for. And the best bit… no fees for students!

7ɪɸɖ Wɛ ʝʦɠ ʓʢȲʑQɮʙɨ ɀHʋə ʋQɍ ȵHɢ Xɡ ȱɰʙɞ \ʝɤ ՌQɍ \ʝʦɠ ȸʑ[ɢ Kʝȷɏ

Pop in and see us: 363 Derby Road Call us for a chat: 0115 822 4388 Drop us a line: Nottingham@ purplefrogproperty.com www.purplefrogproperty.com

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IMPACT’S TOP FESTIVALS FOR 2011 - Priyal Dadhania and Richard Collett

JANUARY The ‘Festival au Desert’ Where: Essakane, Mali When: 6th-8th January The most remote festival in the world is only accessible after a three day camel ride through the Sahara Desert or by [HRPUN H _ [OYV\NO [OL ZHUK K\ULZ 0[ JLSLIYH[LZ [OL LUK VM [OL JVUĂ…PJ[ between two tribes in the Sahara which saw 3000 guns burned in a celebration now known as the ‘Flame of Peace’. It showcases local music of the Tuareg tribe and famous international acts - in 2010, they played host to Paul Oakenfold. The festival also allows visitors to soak up the SVJHS J\S[\YL ^P[O YP[\HS Z^VYK Ă„NO[PUN song, dance, and poetry.

APRIL Songkran Where: all across Thailand When: 13th-15th April

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For three days in April the streets of Thailand become wet and wild during the ‘Songkran’ or New Year’s festivities. Known as the ‘Water Festival’, people traditionally sprinkle water on one another’s heads as a sign of respect and good luck for the coming year. These days with more drink, more tourists and more super soakers, the street parties involve the ritual drenching of vehicles and passersby with water guns, buckets of ice cold water and hose pipes. Be prepared to be soaked day and night for the duration of the festival. The best spot to catch the action is Chiang Mai, where elephants line the streets, spraying people with water while the Thai whiskey Q\Z[ KVLZUÂť[ Z[VW Ă…V^PUN

ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

FEBRUARY ‘Hadaka Matsuri’ Where: Japan When: all month The most famous of Japan’s many naked festivals. All the participants are dressed in only simple loincloths while they race through the streets desperately trying to touch the ‘holy’ naked man, who must Ă„YZ[ IL W\YPĂ„LK I` H YP[\HS ZOH]PUN VM OPZ body. Running through the streets the men are splashed with freezing water in an attempt to purify themselves. The naked man is believed to absorb all the bad luck when touched leaving the rest of the community cleansed for the rest of the year.

MARCH Carnival de Binche Where: Binche, Belgium When: 6th-8th March A colourful costume is a must at Binche and with men (known as Gilles) wearing ostrich-feather headdresses, wax masks and wooden shoes parading through the streets this one-of-a-kind carnival is sure to grab your attention. Dancing to the sound of drums is said to rid the town of evil spirits and the day ends with the Gilles launching oranges at the crowd, so prepare for it to get messy!

MAY Land Diving Where: Pentecost Island, Vanuatu When: all month This is one of the most dangerous tests of faith in the world and might take some preparation. For those not accustomed to such dare-devil antics, watch your heart pounding as you wait in anticipation for the man to hit the ground safely. Young TLU HUK IV`Z ZVTL HZ `V\UN HZ Ă„]L `LHYZ VSK SH\UJO [OLTZLS]LZ OLHK Ă„YZ[ off wooden towers of up to 25 metres high, attached by two fragile vines. The tradition goes back to the 15th Century and is considered a precursor to modern day bungee jumping. The dives are meant to secure a bountiful harvest for the local islanders, who believe the higher the jump and the closer the jumper gets to the ground, the better the harvest will be.

JUNE El Colacho (Baby Jumping Festival) Where: Spain When: 23rd June A contender for the title of Spain’s most dangerous and strange festival, ‘El Colacho’ as it is locally known sees families placing their new born children in lines in the street and allowing grown men dressed as the devil to perform running jumps over them, the idea being to banish sin. This has been going on since the 1620s and takes place alongside the Catholic Festival of Corpus Christi. Watch on if you dare!

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travel JULY Boryeong Mud Festival Where: Seoul, South Korea When: all month If you fancy being a mud wrestling champion, competing in mud sliding competitions or earning the ultimate title of ‘Mud King’ then this is the festival for you. Chill out with a dip in the ‘Mud Mega Tub’, or relax in the mud massage zone after a messy day’s fun before joining the other festival goers for an evening of ILHJO WHY[PLZ T\ZPJ HUK ÄYL^VYRZ

AUGUST Notting Hill Carnival

SEPTEMBER Burning Man Festival

Where: London,UK When: 29th/30th August

Where: Nevada,USA When! [O (\N\Z[ ¶ [O :LW[LTILY

As the biggest carnival outside of Brazil, Notting Hill Carnival brings the Caribbean to the streets of London. West London JVTLZ HSP]L HZ WHYHKLZ VM ÅHTIV`HU[S` costumed dancers party down the roads. :[H[PJ ZV\UK Z`Z[LTZ ÄSS [OL HPY ^P[O music and the street with dancers. If you are looking for an easy time however, you can forget it! Be prepared for it to take you ages to get where you want to go as it can get a bit busy with over a million revellers turning up to experience it every year.

Anything is acceptable at the Burning Man Festival. Held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, thousands gather to smash down the doors of perception and express themselves in as many eccentric and bizarre ways as is humanly possible before torching the extravagantly huge HUK LX\HSS` \UJVU]LU[PVUHS LMÄN` VM H ‘Man’, in a dramatic and sacramental display. It has been described as ‘a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and selfreliance’. People gather for a week and depart without leaving a single sign of their appearance.

OCTOBER Oktoberfest

NOVEMBER Pushkar Camel Festival

Where: Munich, Germany When: [O :LW[LTILY ¶ YK 6J[VILY

Where: Pushkar, India When: 2nd-10th November

This beer festival is the biggest of its kind, L]LY` `LHY H[[YHJ[PUN TVYL [OHU Ä]L TPSSPVU people. With fourteen tents to choose from in the main square, people are spoilt for choice! In 2010, 310,000 litres of beer IYL^LK ZWLJPÄJHSS` MVY [OPZ L]LU[ ^LYL consumed. In addition to the beer there are classic German foods on offer, from Hendl (chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork) and Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock).

This festival is held on the banks of the Pushkar Lake, which is renowned across India for being a sacred and blessed spot. Whilst best known for the hundreds of camels on sale, the festival also houses other general livestock. In recent years it has turned into more of a tourist attraction and is full of entertainment from competitions including the longest moustache, camel race and camel dance competition. Men buy and sell livestock whilst women man stalls selling beautiful bracelets and fabrics.

DECEMBER Santa Run Where: Newtown, Wales When: Selected dates in December For a charitable cause in the spirit of the season, every December in Wales people participate in a world famous Santa Run. It is a four and half mile run which is organised by Newtown and District DialA-Ride. Whilst registration may be slightly costly (£10 for an adult) it does include a free Santa suit!

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travel Image by Rob Barham

THE NORTH KOREAN EXPERIENCE - Dan Adams

:P[[PUN PU V\Y ÅH[ PU :LV\S ^L ^LYL IVYLK >L»K OPRLK the mountains, waddled along the beaches and drunk ourselves stupid on too many occasions. “We could go to North Korea?”, someone suggested. I paused, mulling over whether to give my money to such a government. Still, I felt I needed to see it. Koryo Travel, run from Beijing by two English guys, has been running tailored tours for twenty years. If you have ever seen a ÄST HIV\[ [OL 4HZZ .HTLZ [OL 5VY[O 2VYLHU MVV[IHSS [LHT PU 1966 or the four US soldiers who went AWOL, they made them too. I wasn’t comfortable taking a tour, but turn up, as a solo backpacker, expecting to tramp around and you’ll get ten years inside. ( TP_LK UH[PVUHSP[` NYV\W VM ZL]LU[LLU ÅL^ MYVT )LPQPUN [V Pyongyang. The plane was so old it barely got off the runway. Next to me was a North Korean school girl vomiting into her sick bag. I gave her mine as well. She took it, acknowledged P[ ^P[O H [OHURM\S UVK I\[ UL]LY SVVRLK H[ TL :OL HSZV ÄSSLK P[ Once in Pyongyang, the true surreal experience began. ([ ÄYZ[ ^L ^VUKLYLK PM ^L ^LYL TLHU[ [V [HRL [OL SVJHSZ» stories seriously. Soon we simply gave smiling nods to all the wondrous news we were told. The hotel was unfortunately not [OL THNUPÄJLU[ HUK Z[PSS \UJVTWSL[LK 9`\N`VUN /V[LS I\[ VUL built by the French on an island in the river - a hotel the North Korean government subsequently refused to pay for and then threw the French out. If you ever wondered where North Korea gets its money from, then the list is notorious. They’re the biggest producers of amphetamines and fake US dollars in Asia, they helped train Zimbabwe’s Special Forces and they regularly threaten to build more nuclear bombs unless they get help. It’s a simple game of brinkmanship, but with the tacit backing of China and reluctance of South Korea and the US, it has consistently worked. So far. We visited a farm with a radio you can turn down but not off. It looked a very orderly farm, if rather deserted of people and crops. The State Circus was fun, but the Children’s Theatre was two hours of traditional Korean music (think Team America), and

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Image by Rob Barham [OL SPIYHY` Z\WLYTHYRL[ HUK +4A IVYKLY ^LYL TVYL KPMÄJ\S[ [V cover up. They were shell-like buildings; cold and vacant. A trip to a school was the most surreal experience of all. In the computer room, the kids were busy doing various different tasks. I watched one child from a distance. He was inputting [LU VY ZV U\TILYZ PU[V HU ,_JLS ZWYLHKZOLL[ HUK VUJL ÄUPZOLK he simply deleted the numbers and started again. This school was a sham, prepared on Wednesday afternoon for the tourists. We bowed at various monuments and murals dedicated to Kim Il Sun (The Great Leader) and his playboy son Kim Jong Il (The Dear Leader). Our guides pointed out that one huge statue of The Great Leader used to be all gold. When the North Koreans tried to play-off the Soviet and Chinese government for aid, the Soviets took a different tact. Pointing at the glimmering statute, they merely suggested North Korea melt it down. It’s now copper! Once you get out of Pyongyang, the true picture emerges. The country is desolate, brown and worn. The soldiers are not the impressive 6-footers you see at the DMZ border with South Korea. Rather they are boys with country tans and sleeves that cover their hands. You could lie down and sleep in the middle VM [OL OPNO^H` [OLYL»Z Z UV [YHMÄJ HZ MHY HZ [OL L`L JHU ZLL The most sinister thing we experienced (apart from eating dog one night!) occurred in the East coast town of Wonsan. The park we visited was full of locals enjoying soju, the local 2VYLHU ÄYL^H[LY HUK KHUJPUN PU H JPYJSL >L QVPULK [OLT VUS` for the party to be quickly broken up by state agents. Later, we witnessed a small car accident and the state security came to our hotel to check our digital cameras. In North Korea, bad news isn’t to get out. On the last evening before the train ride back to Beijing, there was a large dance in honour of Kim Il Sung’s birthday. We observed for a while before being dragged in to join the party. Later, we sang karaoke and drank whiskey with the guides. I asked the male guide if he really believed the stories he told us. “Yes”, he replied. “So Kim Jong Il is so good at golf he once scored 36?” “Of course”, he smiled, but with a smile that said all I really needed to know.

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THE BACKPACKER’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! - Ruth Edwards & Ellie Simpson

Every year lists of empty resolutions end up in the bin as our brief optimistic streak ends and reality sets in. This year we’ve changed our lists, looking at them from a distinctly travelling perspective. Well, how else are we going to have the resolve to actually do them? I will not blow my student loan (again!) Instead of jetting off to some far off country, this year I am going to make an effort to explore closer to home. I haven’t properly been to Wales or Scotland let alone the majority of Europe. Let’s not forget that the UK has some magical places waiting to be discovered. A cosy youth hostel in the nearby Peak District might be a perfect winter weekend.

travel CITY REVIEW:

MARRAKECH - Katie Cook

WHERE

Marrakech in Morocco, just 3 and a half hours away from the UK, is the perfect destination for a short break easily done on a student budget. Situated near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is truly a world away from our own.

WHEN

The best time to go is between November and March, as it is less busy, cheaper and temperatures average 20oC instead of the sweltering summer UVYTZ VM V*

COST

The exchange rate is 13 dirham to the pound HUK HZ HU L_HTWSL (YHIPJ ÅH[IYLHK JVZ[Z Q\Z[ 1 dirham, meaning that eating out is cheap. Also a good and authentic tagine in the restaurants located in the main square, Djeema el-Fna, can be had for as little as £5. Street food, such as calamari, cous cous, barbequed meat and sweet pastries, is L]LU JOLHWLY HUK ZOV\SK KLÄUP[LS` IL ZHTWSLK Staying in a beautiful riad, a traditional Moroccan town-house often complete with plunge pool and rooftop terrace, won’t set you back either. Prices per person per night are around £15 with breakfast included. Cheaper accommodation can be found at basic hostels from £3 a night but these are not as comfortable. Excluding souk shopping, which can mount up, you can easily get by on £15-25 per day.

WHY

Quite simply, visiting Marrakech is an experience like no other. The atmosphere, people, culture, history, sights and smells make for a heady experience that you will fondly remember and heartily recommend.

STAY

We stayed at the friendly Riad Balkisse in the height of summer, just 2 minutes from the main square, without a reservation. Balkisse is the perfect place to stay and provides a great continental breakfast (www.riad-balkisse.com).

TOP TIPS

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I will get healthy In trips that I make this year I am going to treat my body better. If you are in the area try getting detoxed in one of India’s holy towns. Pushkar has alcohol, meat and eggfree regulations to help detox your body and mind. For a less spiritual (and closer to home) experience why not [Y` `V\Y OHUK H[ Z\YÄUN H[ 5L^X\H`Z -PZ[YHS ILHJO MVY H full-on work out. I will make a difference Travelling gives me the opportunity to help change the situations that many people suffer in the poorer parts of the world. Overseas volunteering, though a contested PZZ\L JHU IL O\NLS` ILULÄJPHS [V V[OLYZ HUK H JOHUJL to experience local life and culture. However, I’ll make sure the work I choose doesn’t compromise the locals’ independence and that I’m properly trained and prepared. Also by always supporting local charities wherever I go I can really make a big difference. I will decrease my carbon footprint A single roundtrip to Asia causes as much pollution as my car does for a whole year so maybe this year I am going to compensate for the travelling I’ve done in the WHZ[ 0M `V\ YLHSS` ^HU[ [V Å` OV^L]LY THRL HTLUKZ MVY your air miles by staying in an eco-lodge (now in over 60 countries) or earning your keep by working on an organic farm (check out World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). I will learn something new I want to get the most from everywhere I travel to. From cookery courses in Tuscany to scuba diving in Spain and creative writing courses in San Francisco, the world of knowledge is our oyster. A language course is an amazing way to immerse yourself in local life and also means you come away with more knowledge of where you lived than simply what the main tourist attractions are.

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Barter, barter, barter! I walked away with a beautiful hand-woven rug for less than half its original price. Spend the evenings sampling the street food, dancing and snake charming before relaxing at a roof-top bar or cafĂŠ. Get lost in the veritable Aladdin’s cave that is the souk. You’ll see the backstreets and for a 2 dirham tip you can ask a local to show you the way out. Visit ‘Les Jardins Majorelles’, a true oasis in the middle of a warm and often chaotic city. Owned by the late Yves Saint Laurent, the gardens are a must-see.

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/TRAVEL

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BRITISH ART SHOW 7: IN THE DAYS OF THE COMET Over the last few months, Nottingham played host to the seventh incarnation of the British Art Show, an exhibition that ^PSS [YH]LS [V [OYLL V[OLY JP[PLZ <2 PU [OL UL_[ `LHY )(: PZ [OL IYPUNPUN [VNL[OLY VM J\YYLU[ )YP[PZO HY[ MYVT [OL SHZ[ Ä]L years, and it showcased 39 artists at three different venues across Nottingham this winter: Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Contemporary and the New Art Exchange.

Image by Alexander Newton

THE NEW ART EXCHANGE - Isabel Roth

Hyson Green’s New Art Exchange was perhaps the most manageable of the British Art Show venues, featuring the work of just four artists. The centrepiece of the exhibition was Christian Marclay’s ‘The Clock’. With a running time of twenty-four hours, this painstaking project is stitched together from thousands of visual fragments that refer to particular times of day. Expect the unexpected as short clips from a ]HZ[ ]HYPL[` VM ÄSTZ HWWLHY PU YHWPK succession, expertly edited so that the references on screen match the actual [PTL VM KH` ;OL LII HUK ÅV^ VM [OL piece is captivating, thanks perhaps to the use of overlapping music. For me half an hour slipped away unnoticed, but any more than this and I might have started to get overwhelmed. Next was Duncan Campbell’s ‘Bernadette’ - another visual collage that knits together 1960s archive footage of Bernadette Devlin, the young Irish political-activist-turned-MP, something which perhaps lost poignancy without some prior knowledge.

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Image byAlexander Newton

THE CASTLE

- Sasha Morgan Manley

Nottingham’s 17th century castle was the perfect oxymoronic location for this display of modern art. As I entered, [OL SPNO[ Ä[[PUNZ OHUNPUN MYVT [OL roof and Cullinan Richards’ art trash (a collection of trampled canvases and open paint pots) gave a sense of incompletion. 6U LU[LYPUN [OL ÄYZ[ YVVT 0 OHK UV JS\L as to what to expect, but was met by an indecipherable video on a projector screen. After ten minutes of watching it become clear to me - aided by a title WHNL HZ [OL ÄST Z[HY[LK HNHPU [OH[ 0 had been watching a walnut being burnt. Although bizarre, more shocking was that ten minutes had passed without my realising.

Image byAlexander Newton

Around the corner I was met with Michael Fullerton’s masterful oil portraits and Sarah Lucas’ Nud Cycladic sculptures [OH[ SVVRLK SPRL ÅHII` SPTIZ 4` OPNOSPNO[ of the gallery took centre stage in this energetic room: David Noonan’s untitled tapestry, a stunning piece of work with such intricate detail that should be impossible to achieve by textile. It was breathtaking. Despite there being many installations that I simply didn’t understand, ultimately I thought it was wonderful and well-worth a visit - even if only to test your abstract comprehension abilities!

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NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY - Melanie Solomon

arts&culture Despite setting aside my doubts about contemporary art, there were some things that worked and some that really didn’t at this gallery. Maaike Schoorel’s beautifully simple oil paintings gave me hope that the medium which dominated

the art world for centuries might be ÄUKPUN P[Z ^H` IHJR PU[V WVW\SHY J\S[\YL Wolfgang Tillmans’ ‘Truth Study Centre’, full of cultural noise in a museum style WYLZLU[H[PVU ^HZ KLÄUP[LS` [OV\NO[ provoking, whilst his other piece, worlds apart, ‘Freichswimmer’ was simply stunning. Haroon Mirza’s ‘Regaining a Degree of Control’ which focussed on Ian Curtis of Joy Division frustrated many as everyone seemed to struggle as to how they should go about viewing it, to understandably comic effect. This I can say about BAS7 at Nottingham Contemporary: there were certainly some pieces which had the ability to stand alone, whereas some needed BAS7 as a crutch to validate their existence. And though these pieces do not bring down the integrity of the show, I can’t help but wonder: do the public stream into this L_OPIP[PVU MVY P[Z OPNO WYVÄSL W\ISPJP[` VY for its quality?

Image byAlexander Newton

Image byAlexander Newton

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EDITOR’S COMMENT:

PUBLIC RECEPTION TO PUBLIC ART With funding being such a hot topic for British art at the moment, Impact asked members of the public for their impressions of the exhibition, to determine whether it really did achieve Art Council UK’s mission statement of ‘achieving great art for everyone’. Whilst some pieces of art were repeatedly praised, particularly ‘Freichschwimmer’ by Wolfgang Tillmans at Nottingham Contemporary, one recurring comment that was stressed was

how it was essential to have the interpretive guide to hand when observing the art. Indeed, without it, some projects could not be fully appreciated, and others could not be understood at all. What is worth noting, however, is that this is an opportunity to see iconic, world-renowned art free of charge. So if you do manage to track down this show in future, be sure to pick up a guide book on entry!

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/ARTS

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BRITISH ART SHOW 7: THE RISE OF REGIONAL ART - Victoria Urquhart

The decision for Nottingham to host the launch of British (Y[ :OV^ THYRZ [OL J\STPUH[PVU VM [OYLL `LHYZ VM Ă„UHUJPHS and ideological investment in the Nottingham art scene. This time has seen the opening of two major new galleries, Nottingham Contemporary and the New Art Exchange, but equally the rapid development of smaller, multifunctional art spaces such as One Thoresby Street and the Surface .HSSLY` HZ ^LSS HZ [OL PUĂ„S[YH[PVU VM IYVHKLY J\S[\YHS events into Nottingham society: the Mela, Light Night, and Splendour music festival. Still, Nottingham is just one of many cities that have recently been placed on the cultural map through arts investment. In his now infamous ‘Blitzkrieg on Arts’ article in The Guardian in October, Nicholas Serota, director of Tate, cited the Lowry in Salford and the Sage at Gateshead, alongside our own Nottingham Contemporary as examples of the transformative power of art in regional communities. Although I would never berate any investment in the arts, and I agree that cities are better for wider cultural initiatives, there is an underlying arrogance in the assumption that we should all be desperately proud of these recent investments. Considering that most galleries and museums are funded in some way by the Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which in turn is funded by taxpayers countrywide, why should there be so much fuss about having great art outside of London? Sadly, Serota’s article acts alongside the many reviews of British Art Show 7 that seem to treat the exhibition like some kind of cultural colonialism: new galleries in the regions are presumed to have a civilizing effect on us poor provincial oiks, and we in turn are expected to be grateful we were thought of at all.

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However, the older sibling attitude of London galleries has since come under scrutiny following the revelation that the cuts Z\MMLYLK I` +*4: œ H [V[HS VM ^PSS IHYLS` IL MLS[ I` ;H[L the British Museum, and the National Gallery. Indeed, cuts to the budgets of these huge London institutions will be limited [V V]LY Ä]L `LHYZ HUK L_[LUZPVU ^VYR VU [OL ;H[L HUK British Museum will continue as planned. This leaves the brunt of the cuts to be taken by the Arts Council, one of the leading providers of funding for arts institutions outside of London. All three galleries playing host to BAS7 in Nottingham list the Arts Council as a main source of funding, which combined with local council cuts suggests that there could end up being an even NYLH[LY ÄUHUJPHS KP]PKL IL[^LLU HY[Z PU 3VUKVU HUK [OL YLZ[ VM the country. Despite these reservations about the manner in which the Nottingham art scene has developed and concerns over its future, there can be no question that it has been successful. 5V[[PUNOHT *VU[LTWVYHY` YLJLU[S` YLSLHZLK ]PZP[VY ÄN\YLZ MVY P[Z ÄYZ[ `LHY ZOV^PUN H THZZP]L PUJYLHZL VU [OL WYLKPJ[LK ÄN\YLZ HUK 0 JHU VUS` OVWL [OH[ [OL UH[PVUHS H[[LU[PVU IYV\NO[ by BAS7 will ensure that this continues. The three institutions that we now have represent diversity that even the strictest funding assessor must respect: The Castle with its respect for decorative arts, Contemporary with its sheer amount of space, and the New Art Exchange in Hyson Green, dedicated to Black and Asian art. Of course all of these things could be found in the capital, but what truly makes Nottingham, and by extension regional art, special is that they work together within a far smaller geography. Whereas the presence of London galleries threatens to be diluted in the sprawling metropolis, these three institutions act as cultural beacons, uniting different areas of the city. Elephant and Castle couldn’t be linked with Bloomsbury in the same way that Hyson Green is now linked to the Lace Market, and it is the transformative power of these links which London is yet to learn.

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arts&culture

iART

- Anne Moore

Once upon a time the use of technology within the art world was a certain formula for controversy. In 3VUKVU 1HZPH 9LPJOHYK[ VWLULK Cybernetic Serendipity, an exhibition of computer-aided art. In response Robert Melville, art critic for the new statesmen, labelled this as ‘the end of abstract art’, arguing that ‘when machines can do it, it will not be worth doing’. Indeed, critics used to believe that technology would kill creativity, but today this fear belongs to the past. Technology has assimilated itself within the art world, becoming the new medium for artistic expression. Each one of us uses a computer or a phone to enhance our work life and communication on a daily basis. So why would this be any different for an artist? David Hockney is an example of an artist who has fully embraced the digital age. Visitors to Hockney’s new Paris exhibition ‘Fleurs FraĂŽches’ can see his work, presented not on a traditional canvas, but upon a series of iPads set into the wall. Hockney’s aim as an artist remains the same; his pictures attempt [V JHW[\YL H ZWLJPĂ„J TVTLU[ PU [PTL @L[ this technology brings a new immediacy to his work, allowing him to share his pictures with friends moments after their completion. The speed of this distribution is mimicked within the exhibition itself. Each screen is constantly refreshed, changing to a different picture and a different moment. For Hockney the iPad offers a whole new way of creating and viewing art. These products make sharing digital art simple, a fact that attracts artists like Hockney. Online communities also appeal to advocates of this new medium.

Websites like deviantART let artists selfpublish their own work, just as writers often self-publish through online blogs. Members of this particular website commonly share images with each other: an artist may use someone else’s photograph as a backdrop, placing their own creation within the setting. These communities encourage and promote the generation of new work. A quick browse on the internet will offer a world of free tutorials, giving software help and tips for beginners. Closer to home lies Nottingham University’s own art society where one member, David Kingaby, uses a drawing tablet during life drawing sessions. He attributes the popularity of this art form to technical advances in the last few years. New computers have a higher amount of pixels, meaning that artists can achieve a greater level of detail. David currently ^VYRZ ^P[O H >HJVT 0U[\VZ [OL newest line of tablets available from this Japanese company. I spoke to David in order to learn more about this creative process. “It was surprisingly easy to get used to,â€? he said, “but the advanced options really take some learning. It’s just like regular paintings, the time I spend drawing depends on the piece. The difference is that with digital there’s no drying time and you can undo any mistakes, so there’s no need to be so carefulâ€?. Perhaps for some artists the tactile process of painting can never be replaced by a computer screen. I wondered if David was still drawn to use these traditional materials. “This September I bought my Ă„YZ[ ZRL[JOIVVR PU [OYLL `LHYZš OL ZHPK “I like it, but I can’t imagine going back. It’s like writing a 3,000 word essay, you’d use a computer. Paper art is all but a thing of the past. In the videogame and movie production worlds; it’s just not fast enough.â€?

Blagger’s Guide to‌

ULYSSES

-Emma Prescott

Ulysses. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? Well, fear not, help is at hand! Firstly, the whole novel (yes, all VKK WHNLZ ^YP[[LU I` 1HTLZ 1V`JL VUS` VJJ\YZ V]LY OV\YZ concerning an average day. It is broken into eighteen chapters, each one directly corresponding to a chapter from Homer’s ‘Odyssey’. Furthermore, each chapter uses a different narrative technique hence why it seems easy to read at Ă„YZ[ HUK [OLU Ă…PLZ VMM PU[V YLHTZ VM unpunctuated prose. Mirroring Homer’s classic tome, Ulysses portrays the modern-day Odysseus in all his ordinariness and faults, but is given the name Leopold Bloom. In response to Homer, Joyce Z\NNLZ[Z [OH[ [OL .YLLRZ ^LYL Ă…H^LK and weak. Bloom’s Spanish wife, Molly is unfaithful to her husband, mirroring Odysseus’ Penelope. Stephen Dedalus PZ H ÂşZVUÂť Ă„N\YL [V )SVVT HUK PU [\YU mirrors Telemachus. Fundamentally, Ulysses pioneers the ‘stream-of-consciousness’ technique, where sentences are written as if as thoughts, devoid of traditional punctuation. However, if you’d like to break into the iconic works of Joyce slowly, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is an excellent place [V Z[HY[ HUK HSZV PUJS\KLZ V\Y Ă„YZ[ introduction to Stephen Dedalus.

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/ARTS

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WORST ALBUM

BEST ALBUM

WINNER

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – THIS IS HAPPENING RUNNERS UP Arcade Fire – The Suburbs The National – High Violet Eminem - Recovery Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

WINNER

JUSTIN BIEBER – MY WORLD 2.0 RUNNERS UP

BEST ARTIST

Scouting for Girls - Everybody Wants to be on TV Susan Boyle – The Gift Miley Cyrus – Can’t be Tamed Kings of Leon – Come Around Sundown

WORST ARTIST

IMPACT MUSIC

This month, Impact scoured the corridors of Portland to hunt out you budding music enthusiasts. We needed to ÄUK V\[ ^OV `V\ [OV\NO[ THKL \W [OL ILZ[ HUK ^VYZ[ VM [OL T\ZPJHS ZWLJ[Y\T VM (S[OV\NO ^L TH` have received a few set-backs along the way and a few unwelcome responses to our prying (“Excuse me, are you interested in music?” “No”), we’ve managed to put together a pretty diverse selection of award winners. Coming straight from the mouths of Nottingham University students, here are the winners and a shortlist of runnersup for the Impact Music Awards ¯

WINNER

JUSTIN BIEBER RUNNERS UP Hadouken! Chipmunk Brandon Flowers Guns n’ Roses

WINNER

ARCADE FIRE RUNNERS UP Tinie Tempah Vampire Weekend The XX LCD Soundsystem

music

WINNER

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB RUNNERS UP The XX Ellie Goulding Plan B The Drums

KATY PERRY RUNNERS UP

Florence and the Machine Lady Gaga M.I.A. Brandon Flowers

WINNER

LADY GAGA RUNNERS UP Florence and the Machine 1\Z[PU )PLILY Beth Ditto Darwin Deez

BIGGEST DOUCHE

WORST DRESSED

WINNER

WINNER

LOUIS WALSH RUNNERS UP 1LK^HYK Dappy from N-Dubz Kanye West Axl Rose

AWARDS 2010

BEST DRESSED

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST

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IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/MUSIC

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MUSICAL PREDICTIONS FOR 2011

As we turn over into a new year, what’s in store? Will we ditch the dubstep for a pop-punk revival? Is indie on its way out in favour of psychedelic post-hardcore, or “Psych-core”, if you will? Our interesting suggestions aside, here’s what our contributors thought…

THE ELECTRONIC SONG-WRITER My tips for new year are two THSL ZPUNLY ZVUN^YP[LYZ ¶ VU the surface hardly reinventing the wheel, but there’s a key difference: the utilization of electronics. Jamie Woon has been lurking for a few years but looks ready to break, having seen heavy Radio 1 support for his recent single ‘Night Air’. Other tracks such as ‘Wayfaring Stranger’ demonstrate a keen use of multi-layering and looping, being paradoxically both warm and chilling at the same time. James Blake has been far more versatile in 2010, having branched into ambient, jazz and electronic sounds throughout three EP releases. Blake’s reworking of Feist’s ‘Limit To Your Love’ was phenomenal during his recent appearance at Stealth and is being touted as one of the standout tracks of the year. Blake’s album sees release in February whilst Woon is W\[[PUN [OL ÄUPZOPUN [V\JOLZ to his debut LP, and both look set to leave an indelible mark on 2011.

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ALBUM PREVIEW 2011 is truly shaping up to be a brilliant year for music. We have already been promised new material from reformed bands like No Doubt and Blink-182, hotly anticipated second albums from Fleet Foxes and Lykke Li, and the long awaited return of Aphex Twin. Speaking of long awaited returns, we mustn’t forget Dr Dre’s ‘Detox’, which has taken almost 10 years to complete. And if the hype surrounding his latest album wasn’t colossal enough, Kanye West is due to release an album with Jay Z entitled ‘Watch The Throne’. However for me, the music event of 2011 will belong to the unavoidable Lady Gaga with the release of her next album ‘Born This Way’. Other releases that deserve a mention include Cut Copy’s ‘Zonoscope’ which should build upon the synth-pop master class that was ‘In Ghost Colours’, Panda Bear’s ‘Tomboy’, and the currently untitled new release from The Strokes.

Gabriel Szatan ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

James Smyllie

MANCHESTER’S NEW SCENE

THE RETURN OF THE GUITAR

Manchester has always had a strong sense of musical heritage; home to Factory Records, the Hacienda and ‘Madchester’, the city has certainly left its stamp upon modern music. The Radchester or Post-Parka scene is continuing the line left by Joy Division, The Fall and The Smiths, an addition that has been anticipated ever since Oasis’ peak in the late-nineties. This scene has produced such bands as Delphic, Everything Everything and Hurts; however, in my opinion the more interesting bands are yet to break through and are poised to take 2011 by storm. Firstly, Egyptian Hip Hop; their fusing of post-punk and new-rave echoes and merges the sounds of Late of the Pier, Foals and the Cure. Also we have WU LYF; they are as enigmatic as they are brilliant, melding the sounds of Nick Cave with Afrobeat. Once again it would seem that Manchester is on the brink of a new generation and genre of music.

The Vaccines and Mona lead a guitar-laden backlash against »Z Ä_H[VU ^P[O Z`U[O HUK automated drum beats. The Vaccines will be coming to Nottingham soon, playing the prestigious opening slot of the NME Awards tour that has previously been inhabited by bands such as Coldplay and Mystery Jets. They have been compared to The Ramones for their frenetic energy - their ÄYZ[ ZPUNSL º>YLJRPU» )HY (Ra Ra Ra)’ is two minutes of unbridled emotion and catchy as hell. Mona provide a throwback to classic rock, with catchy riffs and heartfelt lyrics; the band’s front man, Nick Brown, proudly claims “if it lacks passion, it’s not real.” The two bands take their stand against modern day music with The Vaccines refusing to accept cyber-space until becoming signed (by Marshal Teller Records) and Mona creating hype and intrigue by limiting their music’s publicity. In 2011, look no further than these two bands for epic rock n’ roll.

Ben James

Nicholas Batty

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science

ARE DREAMS DEFUNCT? - Settit Beyene

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In this day and age, we are no closer to ascertaining whether dreams are advantageous to the longevity of the human race, or indeed whether they serve any function at all. This is reinforced by the fact that few are able to recall their dreams after waking, leading us to believe that they may UV[ L]LU IL ILULÄJPHS /V^L]LY Q\Z[ because dreams appear to serve no biological purpose now does not TLHU [OH[ [OL` UL]LY KPK ILMVYL" [OL appendix, the sinuses and wisdom teeth are all body parts which via evolution have become obsolete but were once upon a time integral to the prolongation of our race. One possible use of dreams propagated by cultural lore is that dreams aid us in problem solving and, having no immediate access to our subconscious, we are provided with the solutions through the metaphor and symbolism within our dreams. Dreams are never straightforward representations of our issues, but could be considered symbolic and furtively encoded with the answers to our problems. This ties in with the fact that we experience more negative emotions than positive ones in our dreams, the most common emotion experienced being anxiety. Freud believed that the purpose of dreams was to ward off sleep deprivation; when we dream we are purposefully made oblivious to external and internal stimuli in the form of noise or light (external) and strong negative feelings like fear, anger and resentment (internal), which may disrupt our sleep. In spite of what Freud believed, dreams may not be the product of the manifestation of repressed wishes or emotions. However, we are still uncertain HZ [V [OLPY ZPNUPÄJHUJL PU KHPS` SPML especially when considering different dream states and the content of dreams.

zz

z

Most dreams are nonsensical, lending no clue as to their importance within the grand scheme of things, especially when comparing two or more people’s dreams. As dream symbols have no universal meaning, the same symbol may appear to two different people, but would have totally disparate meanings due to the fact that no two brains are genetically alike and each has had a unique experience of the world. So, whilst we still have yet to determine the role dreams play within our lives, the fact that everyone dreams indicates that, in some way perhaps, dreams may have been or still are conducive to our lives. Conversely, the function of dreams would be more telling if only a select group of people experience them. Blind people are still capable of dreaming and if they were born blind, then their dreams rely more on the senses of touch, taste, smell and sound. Furthermore, a vast array of known and unknown characters are shown to populate our dreams, all of whom we have actually met in real life at some point. A man from whom you bought ice cream last summer could HJ[\HSS` VJJ\W` H ZWLJPÄJ YVSL PU `V\Y dream; the attributes which we delegate unto these characters are supposedly different aspects of ourselves projected onto others. We experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep approximately 80 minutes after we fall asleep, in which time our bodies are paralysed to prevent us from physically enacting our dreams, lest we cause ourselves harm. A study carried out by the British Cheese Board discovered that cheese, rather than inducing nightmares, gives us a good night’s sleep due to the presence of a stress-reducing amino acid called tryptophan. Volunteers who participated in this study also reported that eating certain types of cheeses before bedtime NH]L [OLT ZWLJPÄJ KYLHTZ" Z[PS[VU cheese apparently gave the most outlandish dreams whilst British Brie is a more appropriate snack if one is looking to experience relaxing dreams. Dreams are wonderfully complex and beautifully pointless at the present. Few are able to deduce the objective of dreams in humans and animals. Though many theories have been pushed forward thus far, we should not dismiss dreams as being obsolete just yet.

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SCIENCE

57

s

science

WHAT WOMEN DON’T KNOW ABOUT THEIR WOMB - Bethany Moos

National chlamydia rates are currently between two and six percent. Everyone has heard of chlamydia despite a relatively low prevalence rate. One in MV\Y ^VTLU OH]L ÄIYVPKZ I\[ ^OLU 0 HZRLK Z[\KLU[Z ^OL[OLY [OL` OHK OLHYK VM [OLT ILMVYL VUS` Ä]L OHK Although they sound like something MYVT H ZJP Ä ÄST ÄIYVPKZ HYL ]LY` T\JO MHJ[ HUK UV[ ÄJ[PVU What are Fibroids? Fibroids are benign, or non-cancerous, tumours that grow in the womb lining and may also be called myomas or leiomyomas. Leiomyoma comes from the Greek word ‘leios’ meaning smooth, ºT`Z» TLHUPUN T\ZJSL HUK [OL WYLÄ_ ‘oma’ meaning a swelling; hence the KLÄUP[PVU VM H ZTVV[O T\ZJSL [\TV\Y There are three main types, which are JSHZZPÄLK HJJVYKPUN [V [OLPY SVJH[PVU PU the lining of the womb; they can either grow from the inside wall of the womb and project inwards, grow from the outside wall into the abdomen, or grow within the wall itself. They vary in size, but can grow to the width of a melon. The vast majority of other mammals KVU»[ KL]LSVW ÄIYVPKZ I\[ PU[LYLZ[PUNS` H high prevalence has been noted in Baltic Gray seals. Approximately 25% of women of JOPSKILHYPUN HNL OH]L ÄIYVPKZ HUK [OL` are 2-3 times more common in women of African-Caribbean descent. There are two hormones called oestrogen and progesterone that occur at higher levels in women of a reproductive age, and it is thought that these could be stimulants for the growth of these uterine tumours. Fibroids tend to shrink naturally after the menopause as the hormone levels drop. There are many other factors that can predispose a woman to the development VM ÄIYVPKZ PUJS\KPUN ILPUN V]LY^LPNO[ taking the oral contraceptive pill and a degree of genetic involvement.

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ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

What to look out for ;OL THQVYP[` VM ÄIYVPKZ KVU»[ OH]L H detrimental effect on daily life, hence THU` ^VTLU TH` OH]L ÄIYVPKZ HUK IL unaware of it. They can be associated with a variety of symptoms including, Heavy or painful periods Bloating or swelling Passing urine more often than usual Constipation Pain during sex Problems conceiving and a risk of miscarriage 0U YHYL JHZLZ SHYNL ÄIYVPKZ JHU HMMLJ[ H woman’s ability to conceive. It is believed [OH[ P[ PZ THPUS` [OL ÄIYVPKZ [OH[ HMMLJ[ the environment of the womb that are associated with infertility. 0U [OL JV\YZL VM H WYLNUHUJ` ÄIYVPKZ can cause a series of damaging events to both the mother and the foetus. They can induce an early labour, cause the baby to be incorrectly positioned in the womb and also warrant a birth by caesarean section, as well other serious complications. (YL [OL` YLHSS` ÄIYVPKZ& If a woman experiences the symptoms above, it is advisable to visit the GP. ( KPHNUVZPZ JHU IL JVUÄYTLK I` H

transvaginal scan, which involves using a laparoscope to inspect the outside of the womb or a hysteroscope to examine the womb from the inside. A sample may be taken for analysis in a laboratory. How are Fibroids treated? Fibroids can be managed with drugs to reduce their size and if these fail to alleviate the symptoms, a range of other options are available. The surgical YLTV]HS VM ÄIYVPKZ PZ JHSSLK T`VTLJ[VT` and is a procedure that has been carried out for over 150 years. Although there are many treatments H]HPSHISL MVY ÄIYVPKZ P[ PZ JVTTVU MVY them to recur, hence the only effective cure is to completely remove the womb. Whilst this eradicates all the symptoms, this option doesn’t suit women who wish to have children. :[\KLU[Z [OH[ HYL H^HYL VM ÄIYVPKZ probably think that they are not of any real relevance to them. Indeed, it is \UJVTTVU MVY ÄIYVPKZ [V IL WYLZLU[ in women in their twenties, but not unheard of, and there have been HJJV\U[Z VM ÄIYVPKZ PU HKVSLZJLU[Z 0M women experience any of the symptoms above, they shouldn’t be afraid to seek assistance from their GP.

s

VOLCANOES OR WHAT LIES BENEATH...

science

- Arnd Korn

If you haven’t lived under a YVJR MVY [OL WHZ[ TVU[OZ `V\ would have heard of the eruption of the EyjafjallajĂśkull volcanic system in Iceland (a.k.a. EyjafjĂśll ]VSJHUV PU (WYPS ;OL TLKPH covered the event mainly due to the considerable disruption of JP]PS HUK TPSP[HY` HPY [YHMĂ„J ;OL grounding of the better part of ,\YVWLÂťZ Ă…LL[ MVY ZL]LYHS KH`Z led some to speculations about that volcanic eruption being the ]LY` Ă„YZ[ JHYIVU UL\[YHS VUL What you probably haven’t heard about is the 60 different volcanoes that erupt over the course of a year. At any moment, some 20 eruptions can be detected, of which 17 are expected from the track records of the past 20 years. These semi-permanently erupting ‘old faithfuls’ are complemented by three ‘surprise eruptions’ like EyjafjĂśll, who was dormant since the 19th century. In midNovember, scientists reported on WVZZPISL THNTH Ă…V^Z SLHKPUN [V Ă…HUR 4HYJO HUK Z\TTP[

LY\W[PVUZ (WYPS )\[ OV^ JHU you be expected to get a grasp of the processes that are beneath the Earth’s crust when mines only explore up to 3 km, and holes can only drill 12 km deep? Contrast that with our planet’s radius Q\Z[ MHSSPUN ZOVY[ VM RT HUK YLTLTILY [OH[ ‡* OV[ magma comes from a zone 100200 km below the surface! The key lies in using a number of different measurement methods exploring, for example, the propagation of earthquake waves with seismic stations and surface deformation with satellite radar. The data collected with these methods proved to be amenable to mathematical modelling. As a result of that, one can gain understanding of phenomena which are physically inaccessible and hence prevented from direct observation. Such multidisciplinary efforts can not only bring a better understanding of the Earth itself but also highlight differences to other planets.

WEIRD but TRUE FACTS

wtf!

1kg of honey is made from bees visiting more than four million flowers There are 4 sunken nuclear submarines at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean Coca-Cola is the biggest consumer of sugar in the world More than 80% of the earth’s surface is volcanic in origin Two thirds of the world population have never seen snow The Eiffel Tower shrinks up to 15cm in extreme cold weather At -800c your breath solidifies and falls to the ground Carrots were originally purple but have been bred to be orange

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SCIENCE

59

n nights

MIRAGE RE-OPENING -Caitlin Jones

GOING

OUT

4VUKH` 5V]LTILY UK ZH^ [OL YLSH\UJO VM 4PYHNL PU [OL venue that was once home to one of Nottingham’s favourite student nightclubs - Isis. Having attended on Wednesdays YLSPNPV\ZS` K\YPUN T` ÄYZ[ `LHY [OL JSHZZPS` UHTLK 4PYHNL had an awful lot to live up to. Aesthetics & Atmosphere Built in a car park, Mirage has room for improvement. However, [OL JPYJ\SHY SH`V\[ PUZPKL THKL P[ NYLH[ MVY ÄUKPUN `V\Y MYPLUKZ VU [OL KHUJL ÅVVY ;OL T\ZPJ JVU[YPI\[LK [V [OL MYPLUKS` atmosphere as it is provided by DJ Vimto, who we all know and love from cheesy Ocean Friday nights. Drinks

Event organiser Andy Smith informed Impact that “the only criticism people had was about the price of Jaeger bombs, which will now be lowered.â€? Promos and prices Andy intends to provide the same drinks deals as Cr-Isis on a Wednesday - and who can complain with a double vodka being a mere ÂŁ2? In addition, AU, Karni and Week One card holders YLJLP]LK MYLL LU[Y` KLZWP[L P[ ILPUN HU Âş\UVMĂ„JPHSÂť <UP]LYZP[` night. All in all, Monday night did not disappoint. The whiplashPUK\JPUN ^HS[aLYZ HUK [OL [VWSLZZ TLYTHPK Ă„N\YPUL YLTPUKLK \Z why we loved this place. Mirage’s slight downfall was the taxis H[ [OL LUK VM [OL UPNO[ 4PYHNLÂťZ Ă…`LYZ WYVTPZLK [OL` ^V\SK arrange set prices back to Lenton, however, some people were being charged up to ÂŁ10 for the 5 minute journey. Despite this, a great night was had by all, whether reliving the Isis days of their Ă„YZ[ `LHY VY [Y`PUN V\[ 4PYHNL MVY [OL ]LY` Ă„YZ[ [PTL

Similar to generic nightclubs, the drinks on offer ranged from spirits and mixers to bottled drinks such as VKs and beers.

DINING

OUT

HART’S HOTEL RESTAURANT -Lucinda Richardson

Walking through the glass doors of Harts from the snowy streets of Nottingham you transgress an unseen boundary into a world of plush velvet sofas and serenity. Certainly, the children in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe jumped at the chance to magic themselves to a snowenveloped world from their luxurious home, but Lenton, sadly, is no Narnia. The prospect of escaping an icy Derby Road for a couple of hours in what has twice been voted Nottingham’s best restaurant consequently offers fantastic potential. Staff at Harts are impeccably dressed in pastel blue shirts with golden ties - a particularly appropriate colour choice considering the menu’s prices. A small NSHZZ VM OV\ZL YLK JVZ[Z ‰ H JVJH cola £2. A three course set menu Sunday lunch sets you back by £22. There is also the 12% service charge that doesn’t even bother to disguise itself in the small print - why would it when the smell of money is just as strong throughout the restaurant as the rich gravy reduction accompanying the roasts? Not that the service doesn’t merit it. A large front-ofhouse team ensures that everyone feels they receive individual attention.

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Freshly baked bread was served to us as we sat calculating the average age of diners (about sixty) and analysing the seasonally-inspired menu. The choices are not extensive but there was enough ]HYPL[` PU [OL KPZOLZ VU VMMLY [V YLĂ…LJ[ VU the innovation of Claridge’s-trained head chef, Tom Earl. The starters appeared almost instantly, my smoked salmon with beetroot purĂŠe looking profoundly more appetising than my companion’s chicken terrine with pineapple chutney (the latter appearing a little like lumpy Whiskas). The roast beef served in a giant Yorkshire pudding on a bed of caramelised cabbage and horseradish hollandaise was an entirely different affair. I ordered rare, my companion well-done and Harts delivered on both. Dessert options were KPZHWWVPU[PUN Âś JOLZ[U\[ TV\ZZL VY espresso parfait? Perhaps they suited the aged palettes of our co-diners, but sadly I fail to get excited by descriptions omitting the terms ‘chocolate’ or ‘sticky’. When your parents come to visit, turn the heating off, move your food to a friend’s cupboard, plead starvation then perhaps bring up this restaurant. If you love a SP[[SL Ă„UL KPUPUN HUK HYL WYLWHYLK MVY [OL prices there’s no reason at all why you too wouldn’t heart Harts.

n nights

OUT

A NIGHT IN IS THE NEW NIGHT OUT -Rachel Boyle

NOT GOING

0[»Z [OH[ [PTL VM `LHY HNHPU 1HU\HY` [OL JVSK ZOVY[ Z\USP[ days, when the memories of Christmas have now almost MHKLK PU[V H KPZ[HU[ TLTVY` -VY \Z Z[\KLU[Z 1HU\HY` PZ also the beginning of a month of stress, deadlines, revision, and hearing that dreaded exam chat in Hallward. Don’t let [OL 1HU\HY` IS\LZ NL[ `V\ KV^U 5V KV\I[ [OL THQVYP[` VM us students will be promising to replace nights out with nights in this month in the hope of getting more work done. From past experiences, we know that these attempts are ultimately doomed to fail. But staying in really is the new going out. Yes, what I am proposing may seem a crazy suggestion, but never fear keeping you sane by keeping you sociable is my mantra. Exam time doesn’t mean you should stop living; there are plenty of ways to take your mind off the doom and gloom of those impending exams. Staying in can be great fun, and it doesn’t come complete with an obligatory hangover. Food provides an excellent excuse to chill out with friends. Why not spice things up a bit and add a competitive edge to cooking with a Ready, Steady, Cook style challenge? Be as creative

HZ `V\ JHU ^P[O Q\Z[ Ä]L PUNYLKPLU[Z 0M [OL JVTWL[P[P]LULZZ VM cooking doesn’t take your fancy, a more relaxed Come Dine With Me evening could be for you. The ingredients needed here include a few friends, good food and lots of laughter. Make your competition last throughout the January period - you might even save yourself a few pennies. Old school games are always a winner; get out board games like Monopoly or, for the more agile, Twister. Alternatively, make \W `V\Y V^U NHTLZ ¶ NYHI ZVTL WVZ[ P[ UV[LZ HUK W\[ UHTLZ on them, putting one on each of your housemate’s heads. The ^PUULY PZ [OL VUL ^OV N\LZZLZ ^OV [OL` OH]L VU [OLPY OLHK ÄYZ[ naturally with some good prompting from those involved ... oh, and a fair bit of wine! Or how about playing virtual games whilst getting rid of that excess Christmas weight? Have a ‘sporty’ night in with a Wii Fit or dance mat. If you’re feeling guilty for going out shopping at this all important time, how about doing it in the comfort of your own home? No, I’m not talking about online shopping… I’m talking about a night in, swapping clothes. Gather some garments you wouldn’t mind giving away, meet at someone’s house with friends, and swap them. It’s a great way of getting new clothes without the guilt of spending money. A bargain night in if ever there was one. Don’t let the dark, gloomy winter days of January and the anxiety of exams get you down. Staying could be your secret to a saner existence!

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NIGHTS IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

61 61

Winter Warmers Menu

by Angus Drummond

r e t r a st

LEEK AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

main

SHEPHERD’S PIE

t r e s des

CHOCOLATE BANANAS AND CUSTARD

INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹

200g butternut squash, peeled and chopped SLLRZ JOVWWLK [HISLZWVVUZ WHYZSL` Ă„ULS` chopped [HISLZWVVUZ JOP]LZ Ă„ULS` JOVWWLK 2 teaspoons sugar 800ml vegetable stock Large knob of butter 200ml double cream Salt and pepper to taste

‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹

500g lamb mince 1 tin chopped tomatoes JHYYV[Z WLLSLK HUK NYH[LK Knob of butter 1 large red onion Generous splash Worcester sauce 1 tablespoon tomato puree (or tomato ketchup!) 1 teaspoon mustard SHYNL WV[H[VLZ WLLSLK HUK J\[ PU[V 6 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

1.

1.

Slowly melt the butter in a large pan on a low heat. Once melted, gently fry the butternut squash and leeks until golden. Add in the sugar, onion parsley, chives and salt and pepper. Put the lid on the pan and allow it to cook on a low heat for about twenty minutes. This will allow the vegetables to sweat and release their juices. 2. Add the vegetable stock and allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Pour the soup into a liquidiser to make it smooth! You may need to do this in a couple of batches, depending on how big your liquidiser PZ Âś Q\Z[ THRL Z\YL [OLYL HYL UV lumps left! Now return the soup to the pan, reheat over a low heat and add the double cream. 5. Serve in warmed bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley and some warm crusty bread. Approx price = ÂŁ5 TIP Âś [V ZH]L L]LU TVYL TVUL` [YPWSL [OL quantities and freeze the extra for a rainy day.

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ISSUE 208 | JANUARY 2011

Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the onions. Once browned, add the mince and fry for 5 mins or until the mince is browned and cooked. 2. Add the Worcester sauce, stir, and add the carrots, mustard and tomato puree. Fry for 5 minutes and then add the chopped tomatoes. Cover the pan and leave to cook on a low heat for 25 minutes. 3. Whilst it is cooking put the potatoes in a pan and pour over boiling water until all the potatoes are submerged. Add some salt and a splash of oil and leave to cook for twenty minutes. Once soft, pour in the milk and add a large knob of butter. Now mash! Once mashed, take the mince etc and put into a large ovenproof dish. Evenly spread the mash potato over the top and press with a fork. If you’re feeling extra hungry, generously sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese. Now place the dish in a preheated oven (180C/ MHU * NHZ HUK IHRL MVY minutes. Serve with whatever takes your fancy, but I often use peas, baked beans or bread and salad. Approx price= £10

INGREDIENTS ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹

IHUHUHZ 2 packets of Cadburys chocolate buttons 800g custard Golden syrup

DIRECTIONS 1.

2. 3.

Slice the bananas down the middle but do not cut to each end. Place half a pack of chocolate buttons into the banana, drizzle over with golden syrup and wrap it in silver foil. Place PU [OL V]LU * MHU * NHZ and cook for 5 minutes or until the chocolate has melted. Heat the custard in a pan, be careful not to bring to the boil. Take the bananas out of the oven and remove from their skin. Place each into a bowl and generously pour over the custard!

Approx price= ÂŁ4

1 208 GRATIS

ISSUE

CONTRIBUTORS

Fiona Crosby, Rebecca Wilson, Settit Beyene, Hannah Pupkewitz, Callum Paton, Mea Goodall, Daniel Fine, Louis George Hemsley, Ketan Patel, Mike Lazenby, Timothy MacFarlan, Shaun Reeve, Becca Bell, Ellie Blanchette, Aimee Creasey, Alex Binley, Samantha Owen, Priyal Dadhania, Emma Harwood, Jennifer Chattaway, Stephanie Soh, Charlotte Rottenburg, Dipika Chauhan, Emma-Jane Steele, Tom Grater, Isabelle Parkin, James McAndrew, Bejamin James, David Bruce, Richard Collett, Dan Adams, Katie Cook, Isabel Roth, Sasha Morgan Manley, Melanie Solomon, Anne Moore, Emma Prescott, Gabriel Szatan, James, Smyllie, Ben James, Nicholas Batty, Bethany Moos, Arnd Korn, Caitlin Jones

THANKS

To Dave Jackson, Gabby DeMatteis, Matt Turner, Jack Shields and Bruno Albutt for ^VYRPUN PU [OLPY *OYPZ[THZ OVSPKH`Z [V Ă„UPZO this issue on time. To Mamar, Betsy and Peter for helping with critical design decisions in this issue.

APOLOGIES COVER IMAGE

To Dammy Ikeola and Laura Curtis for getting their articles mixed up

Photographer: Bruno Albutt Illustration: Matt Turner Art Direction: Andrew Speer

CONTACT

The best way to contact us is via email, on magazine@impactnottingham.com Failing [OH[ `V\ JHU Ă„UK \Z \ZPUN ^OPJOL]LY VM [OL following details takes your fancy: Impact Magazine, Portland Building, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD ;LS!

6\Y VMĂ„JL PZ PU YVVT * PU [OL 7VY[SHUK )\PSKPUN VWWVZP[L [OL ,HZ[ *VUJV\YZL 3V\UNL

question we ask everyone by Gabriella De Matteis

University: three years of your life during which the promise of a month’s Christmas holiday doesn’t necessarily equate to a schedule full of frolicsome festivities. Oh no. For many an HMĂ…PJ[LK Z[\KLU[ P[ TLHUZ ^LLR \WVU ^LLR VM TLYJPSLZZS` PU[LUZL YL]PZPVU VY V\[YHNLV\Z amounts of coursework, depending on your discipline. Too often this page is used for mere MVSS` Âś JOPSKPZO X\LZ[PVUZ VM SHZO HUK IHU[LY HUK V[OLY ^VYKZ [OH[ THRL `V\ ^HU[ [V Z^LHY an oath to cut out your eyes if you ever see them in Impact again. But no more. As the great philosopher Spiderman’s Uncle Ben once said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.â€? ;OPZ TVU[O 0 ^PSS W\[ T` WHNL [V NVVK \ZL HUK WYV]PKL [OL Ă„ULZ[ [PWZ VU OV^ [V MVJ\Z VU ^VYR that this University has ever seen. This one’s for you, people who sat opening your presents on Christmas morning with the phrase ‘SEVEN THOUSAND WORDS STILL TO BE WRITTEN’ ricocheting around the inside of your poor, exhausted student skulls. This is for you, young men HUK ^VTLU ^OV JHTL IHJR [V 5V[[PUNOHT LHYS` [V ^OPSL H^H` [OL Ă„YZ[ WYVTPZPUN KH`Z VM ZH[ HSVUL HUK PU ZPSLUJL VU /HSS^HYKÂťZ PJ` \WWLY Ă…VVYZ ^P[O UH\NO[ I\[ H K\Z[` [VTL [OL ZPaL of your head, a 60p coffee and the rattling cough of approaching pneumonia for company. This is for the student who thinks that, for all the nights spent vomiting into the gutter somewhere around the city centre, for all those library sessions wasted playing ‘Spot the International Student’, for every episode of Come Dine With Me languidly consumed and for every single mention of the words ‘Gin-induced narcolepsy’, the hope of a 2:1 is still aglow. This is for the student who dares to believe that there is still hope for every single last wastrel among us, given enough Relentless. This is for the student who dares to dream. “Listen to music with no words, anything with words and you’re going to get distracted. Or you’ll start singing along, just for something to doâ€? Matthew, 2nd year Biochem “Go to the library with people you don’t like, so you won’t sit and talk to them all dayâ€? Angus, 3 year English Studies “Work for 25 minutes on, and TPU\[LZ VMM Âś P[ YLZL[Z `V\Y attention span or somethingâ€?

Nick, 2nd year Archaeology “Have snacks to hand, or you’ll just keep getting up for food. Can’t go wrong with Basics tortilla chips�

“Never sit on the ground Ă…VVY PU /HSS^HYK `V\ÂťSS Q\Z[ have people coming over to say hi all the time. Unless you’re very unpopularâ€? Phil, 3rd year Maths “Photocopy stuff, it makes you feel really studiousâ€?

Chris, 2nd year Biochem Ashley, 2nd year Economics “Disconnect the internet unless you need it. You’ll sit refreshing Facebook if you don’t�

“Get someone to sit with you and make sure you’re working, if you’re on your own you’ll just mess around‌ actually that makes me sound weirdâ€?

Polly, 1st year History Tim, 3rd year Management “Keep thinking about how disappointed you parents will be if you fail!� Rebecca, 3rd year English Studies “Buy loads of nice stationary, post-it notes - that sort of thing. You’ll want to use it more�

Published by The University of Nottingham Students’ Union

“Pro Plus is a bit clichĂŠ, so I’ll say Ritalinâ€?

Anna, 3rd year Politics

“If your house is cold, go to the library or somewhere with OLH[PUN Âś ILPUN JVSK ^PSS W\[ you off and make you feel sorry for yourselfâ€?

Luissa, 1rd year History “Find people who like you and get them to make you tea all day�

Samantha, 2nd year Politics

Nazia, 3rd year Politics

¸@V\ÂťYL Z\WWVZLK [V LH[ Ă„ZO HYLUÂť[ `V\& @LHO ,H[ Ă„ZOš Joshua, 1st year Management

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

63

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