The Leopard Issue 16

Official Goldsmiths student newspaper

@leopardnews

www.theleopard.co.uk

Issue 16 October 2013 Free

warden interview

alternative guide

new: classified

Pat Loughrey gives his perspective on Goldsmiths life p11

The best kept secrets of New Cross p8

Free drink at no 178 cafe, New Cross p12

freshers’ accommodation scramble

By Ella Jessel News Editor

F

reshers’ felt “betrayed”

by Goldsmiths this summer after not being able to secure a place in halls of residence, as it emerged that the university has lost Ewen Henderson halls. The offered replacements are deemed too expensive for students’ standard of living.

Not Enough Room in Halls Many students were not allocated places in halls this summer after Goldsmiths’s contract with Unite for Ewen Henderson Court wasn’t renewed. The halls, situated on Goodwood Road, previously housed up to 260 Goldsmiths students. King’s College have now taken over the halls, with a guaranteed five year contract.

A spokesperson for Goldsmiths Univeristy told the Leopard: “This residence was rented to us

via an external provider. When the contract came to an end, the provider chose to let out the halls to another university.”

A spokesperson from Unite said: “there is a standard nomination procedure with our University partners. Goldsmiths’s 12-month contract ran out so the contract was awarded to Kings, one of our other University partners for the next five years.”

To address the shortfall in rooms, Goldsmiths has blockrented rooms in two private halls, Mansion Wharf in Canada Water and Student Castle in Aldgate.

Both are more expensive than Goldsmiths halls, with the latter costing almost £70 more per week.

Freshers’ Furious Students who felt they should

NIGHTMARE ON MALET ST

‘‘

We don’t want to end up with 140,000 students and no union.

By Ella Jessel News Editor The death knell for ULU, UoL’s “uber-brand” union, was sounded

have been a priority—such as those living far from London who applied early for housing and made Goldsmiths their ‘firm’ choice—were angry at being rejected for student housing and took to social networking sites to vent their frustration.

The Leopard spoke to 18-year old Yasmin Hajji, who will be studying Media and Sociology at Goldsmiths this September. unceremoniously in May by a panel of vice-chancellors from each college, with a pan-London union already gearing up to replace it.

Though the review board had consulted unions and students, the lack of a student representative on the panel lead ULU president Michael Chessum to claim he would fight the “totally illegitimate” ruling.

“I applied on the day the applications opened, very early,” Hajji said. “I was told on results day that I had no place in halls.

I live in Oxford, which is around 2 hours away by coach but many others live in Wales or abroad, and they were not allocated a place in halls.” continued on page 3

Pat Loughrey, Goldsmiths warden and member of ULU senate, said in a recent interview with the Leopard that he had voted for the closure of ULU. It was felt the money that we offered from Goldsmiths could be continued on page 2

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for the news in brieF: stories breakfast table

By Gaëlle Laforest

said: “We are very happy with the redesign of the website. We have designed it to make it much easier for students to navigate and better looking. We believe it will contribute to improving students’ experiences of the Union.”

Goldsmiths SU launches brand new website Goldsmiths Students’ Union recently launched their new website, complete with a new membership system using the services of Membership Solutions Ltd. This will allow students to join clubs and societies, and purchase tickets for Union events online.

The website was redesigned by the communications & marketing department at the Union.

A spokesperson for the Union

The Leopard est. 2010

Students arrested on antifascist march Several Goldsmiths students were arrested after taking part in an anti-fascist protest against the English Defence League (EDL) march on September 7. The police

by ella Jessel news editor

spent better representing students, we promised that money would be set aside and the SU could seek it and use it as they want,” he said.

Leopard Logo: olly bellamy

He called the “uberbrand” of ULU “outdated”.

Features editor: Gaëlle Laforest Culture editor: emmet simpson

to set it up in,” explained Ankin.

“We’re trying to ensure there is something there if ULU closes, we don’t want to end up with 140,000 students and no union.”

Michael available

SU President, Conrad Grant told the Leopard that the Student Union could no have an official stance as the majority of the student body was away in the Summer term when the decision was made.

Chessum for

was uncomment.

Since May, Chessum has not released further information on the fight to save ULU, instead launching a brand new ‘pan-London’ union The London Union of Students- through a press release on the ULU website.

Thomas Ankin, elected officer of both Goldsmiths SU and ULU attended the founding meeting of LUS. He said things were still “up in the air”, but confirmed the LUS was a back up plan in the eventuality that ULU is axed.

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a contributor in any area of the Leopard?

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There is a lack of clarity among students in London about what we should be fighting for,” said Grant. “There seems to be a general consensus from universities and colleges across London that ULU’s representation has had major issues in previous years.

My opinion is that our students should define what we would ideally want from Pan-London representation and push for that or ‘fight’ for it if it is necessary.”

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the LeOpard, new Cross

Wired Radio is set to move to pastures greener after Goldsmiths estates confirmed a new studio to replace the reception on the top floor of the Students’ Union building. Works are already underway and are expected to be completed by October 11. The adjoining room is also expected to see a makeover, becoming a production room for both Wired, Smiths and The Leopard. The station will begin broadcasting from late October.

If ULU closes and there’s not already a union there it will be very different to set one up, if there’s not already a home base

The ULU website states that the relationship between the

dixon road

New studio for Wired Radio

... continued from page 1

old and new student unions is yet to be decided, and that it is possible the LUS could “lay claim as successor to ULU’s headquarters on Malet Street.”

Sports editor: olly bellamy

interested in becoming

Arrestees were later bailed on conditions restricting their protesting permissions.

NIGHTMARE ON MALET STREET

editor-in-Chief: Courtney Greatrex Layout: Lia Quijano Courtney Greatrex

News editor: ella Jessel

arrested 286 people who had breached the conditions that had been placed on the protests. A Goldsmiths student who wishes to remain anonymous said: “I think it’s important to confront fascism and historically militant antifascist action has been successful. It’s a shame we got arrested in mass and we didn’t manage to do what we wanted to, but if the coppers wanted to discourage us, that’s not gonna work.”

2nd OCTOBER at 6pm Buy your ticket at Super Experience Club Presents Freshers' Fair stall

email: leopardnewspaper@gmail.com

A membership to our 'one-year-only party’ is just £3!

Become a SECP member to receive exclusive discounts on tickets, drinks, priority tickets and the odd surprise as well!.

freshers’ accomodation scramble Another new student from Yorkshire, Ella McBride, 18, applied for student housing three days after the opening date. She told The Leopard the housing allotment system felt “incredibly wrong and unfair” after she was rejected three days after A-level results were announced via an unofficial e-mail.

“There was just this panic online all these first years on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, we felt trapped in a situation that no one had any control over,” she said.

She added that the Housing office had told students that first year students living far outside London who applied early for halls would have the priority on halls, and added that the waiting list system was “very mismanaged and frustrating.”

“I didn’t realize I would have to try and think of a way of commuting from west Yorkshire. It feels

incredibly badly handled.”

Too Many Applicants, Too Little Money Goldsmiths told the Leopard that the shortage of rooms available was due to the high volume of applicants.

“Given this unprecedented demand for places, and greater interest in our accommodation than in previous years, we were not able to offer a room in halls to all students,” a Goldsmiths spokesperson said.

Goldsmiths has seen a 12 per cent increase in Undergraduate applications and a subsequent 12% application for halls.

To create more housing places, Goldsmiths have block rented rooms for its students in two private halls of residence. Mansion Wharf in Canada Water costs £130

RIDING HIGH IN THE ANNUAL STuDENT SAFETY REPORT

By Adam Morby

T

he annual report published recently by the Complete University Guide detailing student-relevant crime saw Goldsmiths move to up eleventh in the overall table for the London area, Kingston being the least afflicted and King’s College being the most.

The table does, however, emphasize the significant disparity between those universities inside the capital and those outside. A closer analysis of the statistics shows that when looked at in its entirety, London, with an average of 3.1 burglary, robbery or violent crime offences per 1000 inhabitants in the period

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october 2013 The Leopard

2012/13, is still 17% higher than the worst area for the same crimes outside of the capital, which is Hull.

It should be noted that the statistics take account of the entire population surrounding the University, rather than just the University’s students. Although a study is yet to be carried out, it is estimated that one third of students become victims of one of these crimes, an estimation which, if accurate, makes these statistics quite confusing.

Nevertheless, that Goldsmiths is a relatively inner-city institution, in an area with a lively reputation, certainly suggests that the student welfare department is heading in the right direction when it comes to student safety.

per week excluding an ensuite bathroom and Student Castle in Aldgate costs £199 per week, even after Goldsmiths subsidized the cost. *Get the actual numbers* “Even with my student loan and grant combined there is no way I could get a room in Student Castle,” commented McBride. “It’s a standard of living no student can afford.”

A call for change Howard Littler, Campaigns Officer, stated that the SU stands behind students on this issue.

They have been providing help and offering advice on the private rented sector.

(cont from pg1)

“Private halls providers are profitdriven and will go where the money is,” he said about the loss of the Unite contract. “These type of contracts are precarious, which is why we need to keep student accommodation in house.

Besides, I’m skeptical as to how many students can afford the new halls and I’ll be encouraging the university to seek out much cheaper options.”

An online petition calling for an official apology from Goldsmiths for the added stress and inconvenience for new students has been created by Ben Bowker, a current English student at Goldsmiths.

The petition states: “We expect the apology to be issued from

Accommodation Services Manager, Ms Sue Tarhan, on behalf of the University, and be delivered in writing to all undergraduates who applied for Goldsmiths Halls of Residence for the 2013/14 academic year.”

It also calls for further subsidies for the students who have been forced to take places in Student Castle and Mansion Wharf due to the “astronomical” cost of living as well as the acquisition of more Goldsmiths-owned halls in the foreseeable future.

Hajji concluded: “I think a university has a duty to provide guaranteed housing for international students and those who don’t live in the area.”

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The Leopard october 2013

Lewisham Hospital remains defiant in face of Governement appeal

By Ella Jessel News Editor

T

he g ov e r n ment launched a last-minute appeal against the judgement that “quashed” Jeremy Hunt MP’s decision to close departments and services of Lewisham Hospital, and will be taking the ruling to the High Court.

On July 31st Mr Justice Silber found that Jeremy Hunt had acted unlawfully in his decision to substantially cut services and close departments such as A&E at Lewisham Hospital.

Goldsmiths students were heavily involved in the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign, with hun-

dreds of students joining local protesters on marches and demonstrations against the cuts.

the message is clear - don’t close down our hospitals and hands off our NHS,” he said.

Howard Littler, Students’ Union campaigns officer is a strong supporter of the “amazing” campaign.

“I hope the campaign continues beyond Lewisham in fighting for a public NHS and this court ruling sets a precedent for future threatened closures”, he added.

“This is essentially the government not knowing when they’ve lost. The people have spoken and

Tony O’Sullivan, speaking on behalf of the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign said: “We are disap-

pointed by the Secretary of State’s decision to launch an appeal.

However, we are confident that the strength of our case will be upheld at appeal.”

“Our commitment to defend the excellent services provided by Lewisham Hospital is unwavering,” he added.

Mr Hunt has now outlined his grounds for the appeal, which will be heard on October 28.

NSS survey says we are happy ... but are we?

By Adam Morby

A

ccording to the National Student Survey, student satisfaction at Goldsmiths is at its highest ever level.

The recently published statistics confirm that 88% of fi-

nal year students were satisfied with their course.

The statistics also show that 91% of students are happy with the teaching on their course and 92% find their course to be intellectually stimulating.

Also improving in areas such as student support, teaching resources and skills development, Goldsmiths achieved an overall rise of four percent, one of the most significant improvements of all UK universities.

Dr Michael Young, Pro-Warden for Students and Learning Development at Goldsmiths, said: “Improving the student experience is at the heart of everything we do at Goldsmiths, and these results are testament to a considerable amount of hard work by staff across the whole University.”

Predictably, Goldsmiths scored less well in the category relating to post-university job prospects, although this is to be expected from a university so focused on the arts.

When ‘student satisfaction’ is considered a little more closely, it is clear that there are a number of influencing factors that will have little bearing on how you enjoy your time at Goldsmiths.

One category that Goldsmiths would probably be in the top five for would be ‘student expectation’.

The university has an illustrious recent history, and there are only a handful of other UK universities with a more famous name than Goldsmiths, suggesting that it faces a far more challenging job in satisfying its students than most other universities.

When expectation is so high, so too is the possibility of disappointment, which only further underlines the improvements that

Goldsmiths has made.

However, when the process of learning and education is analysed a little more closely it seems disingenuous to even ask students such a question.

For example, so long as a strong foundation has been previously put in place by a skilled teacher, most students will learn far more effectively when working independently than when sitting inside a classroom, which, to your average learner, wouldn’t seem like effective teaching.

A day out at the university, a sample lecture and a pint in the local pub will tell you far more about an institution than even the closest scrutiny of the league tables.

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Goldsmiths realises opportunities Goldsmiths joins other leading universities to “break down social barriers” by helping underprivileged students make it to University

By Ella Jessel News Editor Goldsmiths is the latest university to sign up to a collaboration encouraging disadvantaged young people to apply to higher education.

With the aim of promoting fair access and social mobili-

ty, the Realising Opportunitie scheme has so far worked with more than 1,500 students from underrepresented groups.

The scheme targets year 12 and 13 students from socially and economically deprived Backgrounds, giving them access to events and activities aimed at helping them make the next step into further education.

One student who has benefitted from the scheme is Naazia Hussein, who attended Sixth

Form College in Birmingham before going on to study Law at the University of Leicester.

“The scheme aims to break down social barriers enabling bright students to receive the support and acknowledgement they deserve,” said Hussein.

Michael Young, pro-Warden for Students and Learning Development at Goldsmiths Said about

he was “delighted” joining the scheme.

1000 sunflowers for new cross

By Ella Jessel News Editor

A

thousand sunflowers planted this Summer in New Cross are now in bloom as part of a collaboration to brighten up the area and to create a bee-friendly environment.

The project ‘1000 sunflowers for New Cross’, involved local food sharing and growing initiative Grow Wild, New X-ing and Goldsmiths and had funding from the National Lottery- all who shared the vision of making the A2 that little bit sunnier.

The seedlings were grown at Edmund Waller primary school and then transplanted into new beds

dug up by local adults and children, seeds were also scattered in drier areas.

Richard Groves , Energy and Environmental Manager at Goldsmiths said he was “delighted” to be supporting the project.

“The project is not only helping to brighten up the local area but is also providing much needed extra food for bees,” he said.

“There is a (surprisingly) high bee population in the area and the extra food from this great initiative will help local bee-keepers to sustain their bee populations,” he added

“Goldsmiths is committed to raising aspirations and getting more young people to consider university, especially those who might not have thought it was a route for them”, he said.

Students are encouraged to take part in a range of events such as subject taster days, masterclasses and summer schools available at all partner universities.

Throughout the programme, the students receive the support of an undergraduate ementor who provides on-going infor-

mation about Realising Opportunities and higher education.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities, said: “The expansion of Realising opportunities is good news, and will help even more young people from less advantaged backgrounds benefit from the transformational experience of higher education.”

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The LeOpard oCtober 2013

THE STUdENT PORTRAIT

By Gaëlle Laforest Features Editor Palacios, a Design student about to start her third year at Goldsmiths, is the person at the root of TREE|HUB, a tree house in the heart of Peckham where conversations three metres off the ground tried to challenge our vision of technology this past month.

Tell us more about yourself, first.

I was born by the Llobregat in Barcelona and now by the Thames. Back in Spain, I studied advertising and PR, but the industry was completely unsatisfying. I came to London and found Goldsmiths by chance. At the open day I discovered design was a thing you could study! From then on, Goldsmiths has been mind-blowing.

What interested you about design?

I had a background in graphic design and was going to get deeper into that, but instead decided to

Goldsmiths. Being interested in space and how people interact in it, I proposed a tree house project where conversations would happen, and in May, I was given the award.

Wait, what exactly is TREE|HUB? For us as a team of second year Design students, it was mostly a challenge! Now, when it comes to visitors, we want it to be a different space in the city, a sort of sanctuary to isolate yourself. It’s a place for conversationsIt’s also something playful and kind of dangerous, since it’s risky to go up.

How did you choose the people who would work with you on TREE|HUB? I picked people I knew who had relevant skills but also shared my views of things. It’s not all about working with your friends!

Choosing the team was the first thing I did to make sure people were involved from an early stage.

This way it stopped being my project to be come ours. I’m a little bit of a control freak so working

tree|hub is a wooden tree house three metres of the ground that spent the past month at the heart of Peckham as part of the London design Festival. it was the host to conversations between visitors and academics or designers such as des Freedman and dominic wilcox aiming to challenge our vision of technology.

Logo by birute bikelyte

take a step back and learn more about design as a whole. It takes curiosity, and I think this is what makes a designer. If you don’t want to discover, you’re stuck with what you know and you can’t design.

How did TREE|HUB come to be?

Second year Design students at Goldsmiths can apply for the ‘Professional Development Award’ from the ISA which gives the winner money to create a project. The brief this year was to create something for the London Design Festival. I thought this was an opportunity to create something big, completely out of the scale of what we can produce within the Design studio at

with other people was a learning experience, but collaboration is essential. Things happen when you allow people to appropriate your idea, otherwise it’s just a thought

in your head.

You said TREE|HUB was a challenge, how so?

A lot of sponsors have helped us by donating material and knowledge, but it was hard to convince people about the potential of the project when it was just air. People trust you when you’ve done something already, but we’re only

students. Besides, delivering the project with so little time, money and experience was very challenging. I wish we’d had two or three more months!

Do you think university is a good source of opportunities?

University is a great space to meet people that you can go out there and do things with, and it has useful facilities. It’s a sort of catalyst for your ideas, but then you need the vision to expand them outside university. It’s also a chance for students to be free from commercial profit and companies and just create whatever they want.

What questions do you hope to raise with the conversations held in TREE|HUB? We want to change the idea people have of technology being high-tech, that is just computers and Internet. Tools, crafts, even the way we interact with each other are technology. We don’t

except a massive change in the world from the project, but if a conversation leads someone to see things in a different way, that’s done for me. Even if it’s just one person!

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved in big projects/create things/change the world?

Believe in your idea. Only then will you be able to convince others it’s possible. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time for big projects, because they can be very health consuming. And mostly, don’t be afraid to collaborate.

Knowing you’re not alone means you can lean onto one another and find ways around problem more easily. It can be difficult to trust people and let them show what they can do, but believe me, what they can do is amazing!

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oCtober 2013 The LeOpard

GOLdSMITHS STUdENTS’ UNION UPdATE

H

i all, I’m Conrad G r a nt , this year’s Students’ Union President.

dEvIL’S AdvOcATE WhY We haTe FreSherS

I’ll start by giving a simple word of advice to all first years and students who have not been involved in the Union yet: expand your university experience by getting involved! I initially got interested in the Students’ Union by being an active member of the African Caribbean Society and the Men’s Football Team. The experience was invaluable to my personal development and enjoyment during university, so I recommend you check out what the Union has to offer.

by bartholomew Foley

Dear Freshers, Why don’t we like you? Well, you care for your studies about as much as cats do for dogs. You moan more than Jenna Jameson. You’re über political yet even if you had ten tongues you ought to hold them all. And you haven’t got what we have: hindsight! Let me elaborate.

As an unemployed fresher, if indeed you are, you may want to contend that your life is ‘busy’, ‘full’ or ‘over-loaded’ with studying. My advice: don’t. You will find little sympathy here. Learning difficulties aside, you’re certainly not at Goldsmiths to study rocket surgery.

That said most male students could really gain from the wielding of a sharp edge, or understanding the laws of physics – perhaps, the law of attraction. Are you following me? Well of course, I’m talking about facial hair.

Let me just say, a well-worn beard depicts a certain kind of class, an oeuvre that is perfectly legit. On the contrary, peach fuzz Fu Manchu-style facial fungal growth is nasty and unpleasant for all parties. No doubt you will try it and you will look awful. But here’s the kicker, most young ladies – or men for that matter – will find your new “whiskers” akin to those of a rat.

Consider too that looking your best could be an advantage during

this time of awkward but wonderful experimentation. Spread legs and premature ejaculations abound during, what is likely, your fi rst year away from home.

So long as it’s consensual and – hopefully – safe, it’s fine by me.

However, experimentation with various political beliefs and the interchanging of one’s values often leaves spectators huffing and puffing. Frankly, when it comes to politics, a stuck pig is regularly more discerning than you. Those who sit by and listen or agree with some of the crap that people spit are guilty enablers. Th is isn’t to imply that there is a right kind of political beliefs or ideology, but by Jove I’m convinced that there are some delusional, ill-founded and ignorant ones. Before attempt-

ing, this possibly includes you dear reader. If it does, please feel free to weigh in on politics but by golly! Everything you say is always so unbearably boring that it’s murder by monotony.

You will find little sympathy here.

Is apathy the new black then? It would appear so, and it may also be the root cause of the ‘aim to pass’ fresher mantra. Tragically, pride in one’s studies seems to be evasive for at least 12 months; all before a scramble to scrape through with a 2nd class degree and bewilderment when awarded a 3rd.

Well surprise, surprise!

ing to re- educate the masses with the movement of your jaw, please think about why you know what you know, and how.

But don’t let me get you down, you’re a unique and honest individual – ‘tis a shame this has to be cocooned within a loud and naïve tomfool for the twelve months to come.

‘‘

A Leopard survey conducted last year revealed 73% of freshers couldn’t name the Chancellor and 20% couldn’t name the Prime Minister. Statistically speak-

Welcome to G-Smiths.

As the SU President this year, I will closely focus on employability. Following the rise in tuition fees and the government adopting austerity measures, students have become concerned about their job prospects after graduating from Goldsmiths. For this reason I have told students about the opportunities they can get involved in during university such as starting up social enterprises, talking to the Careers services and getting guidance from Goldsmiths alumni who are established in their field.

It is important that we keep discussing how to make students aware of openings on the job market and chances

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to get professional experience, especially with the rapid and ongoing job cuts on the job market.

Th is is why the SU Officers will be striving to develop politically active students who see the importance of campaigning about the cuts. We need to build a momentum as students, not just at Goldsmiths but on a national level, in preparation for the next General Election in 2015.

An increased political awareness will benefit students greatly as we will be more knowledgeable when voting for who will give us the best deal for issues such as job opportunities, tuition fees, education access, housing, transport etc.

Above and beyond, it will hopefully lead the government to take students seriously as a lobbying force.

If you have any further questions about the Union or want more information on how you could get involved don’t hesitate to speak to me on campus, or email me or any of the officers.

President@goldsmithssu.org

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ALTERNATIvE NEw cROSS: THE GUIdE new Cross has more to offer than it seems. the Leopard team asked around for secret spots and alternative hang outs. here’s a (non exhaustive) list of the other side of new X. now it’s up to you to explore and add to it...

By Gaëlle Laforest

SMOKEY JERKY, 158 New X Rd Chicken is more or less the local specialty in New Cross, and it can be really tasty if you know where to go. Head down towards Old Kent’s Road for one of SE London’s best kept secret, Smokey Jerky. Beats all jerk chicks around.

MADISONS EXPRESS, 2 Lewisham Way For a cheap alternative to the cafeteria, try their panini – better than you'd think! You can add a smoothie on top for extra vitamins.

BAR STORY, 213 Blenheim GroveHidden under the Peckham Rye station railway arch is Bar Story, a cocktail bar known by surprisingly few the arty crowd of Goldsmiths and Camberwell College. Cocktails are cheap enough, their happy hour is unmissable (buy one, get one for £1 everyday 6-7pm) and with £4.50 Canteen Mondays for students, you'll want to be there everyday.

AYRES THE BAKERS, 131 Evelina Rd A trip down to Nunhead will be worth you while if you stop by this fifty years old bakery and get your hands on their cronuts – a magical donut shaped treat made with croissant pastry. Ayres make the biggest and cheapest in London, and also damn good bread.

FUN FACT: There used to be strippers on a Sunday in the Montague arms on Queen's Road... Which has unfortunately closed since.

The LeOpard oCtober 2013

If you're picky (or broke), secret microwaves can be found in The Stretch and on the first floor of the NAB for you to heat up your homemade lunch.

THE THAILAND 15 Lewisham Way Delicious and authentic thai food with an afternoon-long happy hour every day (yes, you read me right) offering a twocourse meal for less than a fiver

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oCtober 2013 The LeOpard

DEPTFORD MARKET, Deptford High Street Everyone always goes on about Brockley market but its Deptford equivalent is worth a detour too. You'll find good cheap fruit & veg if you know where to look, and all sorts of house basics. There's also a few nice takeaways.

Turn onto Douglas Way on Saturdays for secondhand goodies.

FUN FACT: Laurie Grove, the building that now houses Fine Art students, was a pool for most of the 20th century. It was rumoured to be haunted by Charlie, a ghost who'd whisper 20s tunes at night – three members of staff quit because of Charlie's love for night swimming! This same building also once hosted a black beauty pageant. Yvonne Rosario was elected Miss Brockley in one of the first events promoting ethnic equality in London.

BEARSPACE, 152 Deptford High Street Set up by a Goldsmiths alumni (how surprising!), this indie art space focuses on emerging artists going beyond the limits of contemporary art practice. Opens late every last Friday of the month.

FUN FACT: Goldsmiths alumni Blur came back to the SU for a reunion gig in 2009, and Linkin Park played their first UK gig at the SU in 2001! Other music trivia, indie band The Maccabees live in the area (we know where but we won't tell you!)

THE BUNKER CLUB 46 Deptford Broadway This independent club is one of the spots contributing to the night life renewal of New X. Cheap entry, cheap drinks and music by people who love it make for awesome nights out. Plus, we hear it might host more events by your fave student radio this year...)

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FEATURES

The Leopard october 2013

Cameron’s New Labour tribute act won’t cut it.

By

Jamie Wright

@WrightJamie

The dividing lines for the 2015 general election will be sketched out at this month’s party conferences. Putting clear red (or blue) water between the parties is vital when the country is crying out for a different kind of leadership – a leader that can prove they are different and better than the disconnected political establishment we’ve become used to.

In the words of legendary gay rights activist Harvey Milk, “you gotta give 'em hope.”

David Cameron has shown he is not up to the task; he is merely a follower. Like a Labour Student singing ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ at the conference karaoke, Cameron claims to be the true heir

to Blair but fails on the big judgements facing him: on Leveson, on a more responsible capitalism, and on Syria.

personal ratings leave much to be desired and, by and large, the country is hesitant in granting him their trust yet.

Whether you agreed with the war in Iraq or not – I personally thought it was a mistake – at least Blair knew his decisions would be supported by a majority in the House of Commons. Cameron’s knee-jerk reaction to rush into war cost him dear. He looked inexperienced, when Ed Miliband’s actions were lauded for being a calm and measured approach to what is a grave judgement about war and peace. Whilst Cameron looked liked he’d mislaid his sensibilities, Miliband appeared in touch with a country uneasy about military action after our experiences of Iraq.

The Labour leadership is defined by its cautious radicalism. The party seems nervous, to put it politely, about unveiling to the public the policies that will make their new manifesto. Admittedly, it’s understandable for the simple reason that the best ideas often get stolen. But it’s time that the radical answers that have been hinted at are revealed. The people are hungry for a new settlement between the citizen and the state. In what is an unstable and insecure world, we need to see the light at the end of a tunnel that is thick with hardship for the majority.

But this doesn’t mean victory for Miliband – not necessarily. His

I recently visited the Castro district in San Francisco, where Har-

vey Milk lived. His hopeful words are still inscribed on the building of Castro Camera, the store he opened and that turned out to be so much more. Hope was at the heart of this movement of ordinary people coming together to make change happen. Maybe that's what we need.

FEATURES

october 2013 The Leopard

Pat Loughrey, Golsmiths warden interview

11

The Leopard met up with Goldsmiths’ Warden, Pat Loughrey

By Courtney Greatrex Editor-in-Chief Meeting up with the Warden of Goldsmiths seemed a pretty daunting task from the beginning. For most students, a chat with high-up management usually only happens if you do something either really good or really bad. I was hoping for the former.

But Pat Loughrey, the current Warden of Goldsmiths, turned out to be an all right guy: large presence, killer handshake, and all the general prerequisites of what he calls a ‘suit’ – the invisible people who manage our university on a daily basis.

Loughrey has a lot to live up to here at Goldsmiths. Past wardens have included some big names of social academia, most notably Richard Hoggart, the very one that our main building (the one that looks like a construction site) is named after. In fact, like the RHB, most of the buildings at Goldsmiths are named after past wardens.

Loughrey’s main aim however is not quite as glamorous, since what he is focusing on is restoring these buildings back to their

former glory. He mused: “All my predecessors have these iconic buildings named after them... I’m probably going to get named after lavatories!”

He justified the focus on the RHB by explaining it is part of New Cross’ community life and needs to be restored to its “iconic, historic state.” The Tiananmen building, home to the SU, will have to wait, despite being “stuck in a 1970sstyle time warp.”

‘‘

in Goldsmiths welcomed the fee change. It felt like it wasn’t inspired by the best motives.”

Many believed that our university would not survive the hike after a RIP Goldsmiths campaign was launched, and masses of students took part in the 2010 demonstrations. However, the Warden told of his pride that Goldsmiths emerged from the trauma “remarkably.”

He described the success of Goldsmiths, who did exceptionally well during the clearing process last year as going “from being in a protective huddle like a group of footballers waiting for a free kick, to a sense of striding confidently into the future.”

Goldsmiths is like Marmite

P a t left his executive job at the BBC in 2010 to become our new Warden.

He recently came under scrutiny from the Daily Mail and Murdoch press for receiving a generous payout upon his departure. “This is really really awkward,” he said.

“All I can do is express embarrassment.’ Unable to say much about it for legal reasons, he concluded on the subject with: “don’t believe everything you read in the press!”

We talked about how Goldsmiths suffered from the trauma of the fee increases in the UK. “No one

“Goldsmiths is like marmite – it’s not right for some people and they know it, yet it’s profoundly right for others.”

As the head of both the academic and administrative vision of Goldsmiths, Pat has a tough job making it right for the most people.

When asked about his successes as Warden in the past couple of years, he was hesitant to self-praise. But

once he got going, it was difficult to stop.

He mentioned the restoration of the RHB and St James’s Church, as well as Goldsmith’s work with “world renown” scholars who have been winning big research grants.

Most notably, he said: “One thing I’m extremely proud of is our relationship with local schools. The

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFE SEX

By Adam Morby

I call it the moment of baboonian overload.

It’s when you just met and you’re freshly intertwined and the smells are beginning to emanate and the sounds are beginning to emanate and the passion is so high it’s almost bursting the lightbulb hanging over the bed.

You want to be inside each other, you really want to be inside each other, you’re edging closer and closer with intent and you’re so close you can feel the sheer heat of each other’s genitalia, it’s the closest you’ll ever, ever be to the animal kingdom,

that moment, your bestial superlative, a joyous conflagration of five billion years of evolution.

‘‘

But it’s also when you need to show a superlative responsibility.

In a wildly frustrating paradox demonstrating probably more than any other set of circumstances the unwavering comedic absurdity of human life, you know what you’ve got to do: grab a condom from the drawer, pull it out, roll it on.

Then you get to enjoy yourself.

If you don’t practice safe sex, get regular check-ups. It’s the most adult I’ve ever felt, discussing my parts with a doctor. You hop

onto the bed, they have a look, take a sample, and that’s it. Do it, get used to doing it, and behold and admire the unimaginably good-humored and professional way that you will be treated.

So go forth, don’t multiply, and fuck each other as much as you want So go forth, don’t multiply, and fuck each other as much as you want. Just stay sensible and stay safe and remember that the least serious Sexually Transmitted Disease on the market stings like friggin’ crazy whenever you pee – and that’s the last thing you need right now.

Goldsmiths Company put us here for a reason – this is one of the most deprived areas of London and it is remarkable that a unique, high-end institution is located in such a real, vibrant community.

“This is really a dynamic part of London and we can now say we are a part of that in a way that we couldn’t a few years ago.”

12

CLaSSIFIedS

The LeOpard oCtober 2013

cLASSIfIEdS

GoLdsmiths LGbtQ soCietY we provide support, information, advice, and events for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, asexual, intersex, pansexual, polyamorous people in and around Goldsmiths College London and are open to straight allies. welcome Part ‘awkward turtle’, Friday 18th october, the stretch.

PaLestine soC interested in visiting Palestine?

Go to http://palsocgold. wix.com/palestine for details

Join GoLd Labour want to get involved in campaigns on the issues that matter on campus and in the local area? Join the home of the Labour movement at Goldsmiths.

CouPon

Get in touch: facebook.com/GoldLabour or tweet us @Gold_Labour

no.178 is a brand new social enterprise situated at 178 new Cross rd se14 5aa. we serve a lovely fresh rotating menu featuring a range of salads, burgers, pasta, wraps and sandwiches and much more. our lovely space is available to hire and stay posted for later evening openings, live music, craft beer and whole lot more. bring this ad and receive a free hot drink or juice you’re your meal! @no.178_newCross (one coupon per person)

mto suFi what is the real meaning of true identity?

Join GoLdsmiths historY soC

Join us for the first mto sufi society workshop of the year!

Join the Goldsmiths history society today! we’ll be @ Freshers Fayre 25th/26th sept.

rhb 342 wed 2nd oct 1pm info@sufisociety. com

visit www.facebook.com/goldsmithshistorysociety for more info, or email goldsmithshistorysoc@gmail.com.

13

culture

october 2013 The Leopard

Leopard recommends / condemns Welcome to Leopard recommends/condemns. In this section we give you a brief rundown of our favourite new finds, things to be thankful for and things we wish would disappear. We’ll be out and about asking you guys for your suggestions in time, but for this issue, culture editor Emmet gives us his run-down.

International Supermarkets Looking for a good way to spend an afternoon? Go to one of these and browse the aisles. London is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth, embrace and explore!

Brockley Market

Greasy Bus Handrails A huge thank you to the fried chicken fans for this one, some much appreciated savory lubrication.

Being sold a can of Red Stripe for £5

The best of London’s market traders meet here every saturday.

Arrive with cash, leave satisfied.

I’ve been to an off license before. I know I’m being messed about here. Thank god for venue re-entry and curbs.

Drying clothes with a hand dryer

Youtube’s Infinite Wisdom • There is no task YouTube can’t coach you through. Perfect for learning grown up stuff like how to bleed a radiator.

Seems like a fantastic shortcut, but it isn’t. The clothes will dry, but you can expect some awkward holes. Wearing t shirts inside out is a thing now anyway.

Reduced Food Shouts out to end of day street food discounts. Sure, it’s been sitting there sweating all day, but that just gives the flavors time to really mingle.

Pigeons eating Fried Chicken remains I don’t know if I can properly explain why we condemn this. Once you’ve seen it for yourself (and you will), it will have you questioning everything. Powerful, powerful stuff.

14

Culture

The Leopard october 2013

Emmet’s culture guide to London

By Emmet Simpson Culture Editor Hello, I’m Emmet the Culture Editor. In this culture section I am tasked with suggesting to you, our lovely readers, what you can get up to when you’re not in class.

Now on one hand this seems simple enough, right?

There is an infinite amount of stuff to be getting on with in a city this large and diverse. Wikipedia even goes as far as to dub London a “world cultural capital”.

The problem is that there’s a bit too much going on. In this, my first article as Culture Editor, I’m not just going to list #cool #quirky #fun #london #activities. In stead, I’m going to have you do my job for me by suggesting ways that you can find stuff that interests you. Think of it as a London cultural digital toolkit.

If you’ve just arrived at Goldsmiths, you’re probably new to living in London. Having a packed schedule of things to do

and see is all well and good, but getting to them is going to be the toughest bit.

The TFL website has a journey planner that will help you out while you’re at a computer, but if you have a smartphone things are going to be a little easier. iPhone and Android users alike should download CityMapper immediately.

Honestly I do not know how people get anywhere without this app. As well as planning your journey, CityMapper gives live bus countdowns so you’ll know exactly how long you’ve got to wait for those illusive night busses. It’s free, pretty, easy to use and isn’t covered in ads.

But what are you going to use CityMapper to get to? If you fancy going to a gig, you need SongKick. On your phone, Songkick will search

your music library for the artists you listen to.

Once its done this, it will show you every time those acts are playing in London. It will show you when the gig is, where it is and where you can buy tickets. You can even have it alert you when new gigs are announced so they don’t sell out on you. Songkick is perfect for you dumbphone users too, as the website does everything the app does.

If you haven’t got much of a knack

for advance planning, YPlan comes in pretty useful. This free app (currently iOS only, Android soon) suggests what you can get up to tonight. It offers comedy, gigs, theatre, sports events as well as some pretty out-there suggestions.

All the payment and ticketing is done in the app, so no need to go and print out an e-ticket or any of that nonsense. If you’re out of ideas as well as time, this app is perfect. It’s all bit ‘London’ but it’s genuinely very handy.

Call it a cop-out, but there it is.

With this knowledge you can go forth and do, see and listen to whatever interests you in this great city of ours. In the next issue you’ll find more of reviewy/ recommendationy piece from me, but I think this will be far more useful to you at this point. Now go out and see some stuff before the snow comes and you realise London can’t handle that.

Where will you be this Freshers’?

20 21 22 23 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

24 25 26 27 28 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

12pm-6pm All halls Free

10am-5pm All halls Free

10am-5pm All halls Free

10am-2pm The Marquee Free Entry

10am-2pm The Marquee Free Entry

11am-5pm Back Field Free Entry

8am - 6/7pm Meet in the Union £30.00 Entry

9pm - Late SU 2nd Floor £8.00 Freshers (FP)

MEET & SWEET

MEET & GREET (DRY)

5 A SIDE FOOTY

INTERNATIONAL WELCOME

FRESHERS’ WEEK 13

By Michelle Watson Freshers Week Organiser

FRESHERS CREW - FRESHERS CREW - FRESHERS CREW - TOURS! ASSEMBLE! ASSEMBLE! ASSEMBLE! CAMDEN

Friendly Goldsmiths volunteers will meet you as you arrive and help you move in - look out for the orange t-shirts!

Goldsmiths Freshers 2013 definitely has a certain ring to it and hopefully it’s going to be the best Freshers week so far. It has all the right ingredients: inflatables, jelly, live music, alcohol, free food and loads of new students!

As well as the annual dodge ball tournament and Freshers Fayre there is also our student welcome events, a bunch of club nights and a 5 a side football tournament. Oh and did I mention a trip to Thorpe Park? (You must be excited by now, I know I am!)

With that said, I hope you have a fantastic week and enjoy your time at Goldsmiths!

5pm - late SU 2nd Floor Free Entry

Meet new people, make new friends, play classic games... and eat your own weight in free sweets. Kind of like ‘Charlie & The Chocolate Factory’ but without the singing and moral lessons.

FILM NIGHT: THE ITALIAN JOB 6:30 Start Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

(1969) Classic comic caper about a plan to steal a gold shipment from the streets of Turin by creating a traffic jam.

Stars Michael Caine.

Friendly Goldsmiths volunteers will meet you as you arrive and help you move in - look out for the orange t-shirts!

5pm-9pm SU 1st Floor Free Entry

Join us in the Green Room to meet new people and make new friends. We’re predicting the sweets will run out so get their early...

FILM NIGHT: SHERLOCK HOLMES

6:30 Start Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

(2009) Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Stars Robert Downey Jr.

JELLY PIT PARTY 9pm - late SU 1st Floor £3.00 Entry (FP)

Everything jelly; jelly-shots, jelly-pit, actual jellies - what more could you want? Your mates will be ‘jel’.

Friendly Goldsmiths volunteers will meet you as you arrive and help you move in - be nice, they’ll be tired.

12pm - 3pm Catford Soccer £2 Per Person (FP)

An exciting tour of all the Camden hotspots. Organised and carried out by Camden local, Limahl Macfarlane.

1pm-4pm 1st Floor

Meet in the Union Foyer with Free Entry four other mates for a Five-a- A warm welcome to all our side tournament! What better International students, grab way to get to know your new some food & make some friends? Open to all. friends.

FILM NIGHT: SKYFALL

6:30 Start Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

CAMPAIGNS BBQ 3pm-5pm Back Field Free Entry

Grab a burger in the sun and discuss with your elected (2012) Bond’s loyalty to M is campaigns officer what the tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Whilst MI6 Unions’ Campaigns should comes under attack, 007 must focus on over the coming year. track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal CHEESE & WINE the cost. Starring Daniel Craig 6:30pm-9pm & Judi Dench

COMEDY NIGHT

SU 1st Floor £2.00 Per Person (FP)

A plethora of cheeses, 9pm - Late chutneys and grapes SU 2nd Floor alongside a complimentary glass of wine all for two £5.00 Entry (FP) Sit down and laugh till it hurts pound. If you like, love or adore cheese this is the night (physically)watching some of the funniest people ALIVE for you! including Ian Smith, Lou Sanders and Simon Munnery! FILM NIGHT:

TOURS! SOUTHBANK

An exciting tour of the local Southbank area. Learn the area like the back of your hand including the best places to eat and shop!

DISABILITY OFFICERS WELCOME 11am-1pm SU 1st Floor Free Entry

SU 1st Floor Free Entry

Mario Kart, Fifa, Pool & Foosball mini tournaments + Board games, tabletop games and more! Are you up to the challenge?

POST GRAD SOCIAL 6pm-9pm SU 1st Floor Free Entry

A warm welcome to all our Post-Grad students, grab some food & make some friends.

QUIZ NIGHT

(2013) Hong Kong director Peter Chan Ho-Sun returns to his favourite theme, love and friendship, with American Dreams in China, an entertaining comedy-drama about three college friends who build a business empire over two decades.

Quiz, karaoke and musical bingo. The Stretch challenge night continues and for the very first Quiz Night of the year we’ve got a extra special grand prize!

RUBIX NIGHT 9pm - Late SU 2nd Floor Free Entry

Wear the colours of a Rubix Cube (Green, yellow, red, orange, blue and white) then through out the night meet and greet new people and swap items of clothing until you’re completely one colour.

FRESHERS’ FAYRE DAY 2

The Freshers’ Fayre returns bigger and better - with more sports, societies, and of course, freebies. Come and pick up a Goldsmiths goodie bag, check out Wired Radio LIVE, or just relax with a burger and a drink on the back field.

The final day of the Fayre.

If you missed day 1, make sure you come and see us on day 2. Come and pick up a Goldsmiths goodie bag, check out Wired Radio LIVE, or just relax with a burger and a drink on the back field.

FILM NIGHT: NOTTINGHILL 5:30 Start

A warm welcome from our Dsiabled Students Officers - a Small Hall Cinema chance to find out more about Free Entry (1999) The life of a simple their campaigns cake & make bookshop owner changes some friends. when he meets the most famous film star in the world.

GAME TIME Starring Julia Roberts + Hugh 1pm-6pm Grant

AMERICAN DREAMS IN CHINA 6:30 Start Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

FRESHERS’ FAYRE DAY 1

9pm-2am SU 2nd Floor Free Entry

FILM NIGHT: LOVE ACTUALLY After Nottinghill Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

(2003) Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.

Starring Hugh Grant.

11am-5pm Back Field Free Entry

Mature Welcome 6pm-8:30pm 1st Floor Free Entry

A warm welcome to all our Mature students, grab some food & make some friends.

FILM NIGHT: SHAUN OF THE DEAD

6:30 Start Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

(2004) A man decides to turn his sad life around by winning back his ex-girlfriend, reconciling his relationship with his mother, and dealing with an entire community that has returned from the dead to eat the living. Staring Simon Pegg & Nick Frost.

NX RECORDS PRESENTS

FRESHERS 9pm - Late SANDWICH (CLUB SANDWICH) 2nd Floor 9pm-Extremely late SU 2nd Floor £5.00 Entry

Free Entry

NX Records features some of the best sounds from SE14 playing live for you in the Club Sandwich is the BIGGEST Students’ Union. night of every week! Come and join us for a club night overflowing with cheesy chart toppers and good times.

TRIP TO THORPE PARK

Thorpe Park, is simply put: AMAZING (We have not been paid by them to say this). A coach trip to Thorpe Park and a day of fun and excitement all included in the one neat price. Buy tickets of the goldsmithssu.org site when they go live. Limited spaces.

DODGEBALL

12pm - 3pm Upper Gym £1.00 Per Person (FP)

Dodge, duck, dive, dip and... dodge. Full rules apply (like the film). Come with your new friends and house mates in teams of five.

FILM NIGHT: GANGSTER MARATHON

6:30 Start Small Hall Cinema Free Entry

(1998) Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, (2000) Snatch and (2008) Rock ‘n’ Rolla.

BOUNCY BALL PIT BASH 9pm - Late SU 2nd Floor £5.00 Entry (FP)

Remember your youth?

Remember Ball pits and bouncy castles? Well re-live your early years in this indoor club night recreation. And bounce.

FRESHERS’ BALL FEAT. SWISS LIPS

After catching the attention from Radio 1, the Indie/Dance five piece from Manchester are attracting more attention than ever. With some exciting festival appearances lined up across the summer, plus their highly anticipated debut album ‘Swiss Lips’ due for release this July, it’s set to be the band’s biggest year yet.

october 2013 The Leopard

15

culture

A/W Fashion: The Top 5 Looks to Wear on Campus Goldsmiths students are renowned for their excellent fashion credentials, and it’s now up to you, whether fresher or postgrad, to uphold the honour. Here’s our guide to what’s hot next season, so you can burn that student loan in style. Here’s to a fashionable 2013/14 – happy shopping!

1. Versace Nothing says ‘I’ve arrived at Goldsmiths’ like a PVC skirt and graphic tee ensemble, so dress like alumnus Vivienne Westwood and work the punk look this season. Versace among other designers are plugging this trend; time to whip out the safety pins and teenage angst. Go forth and scare some tourists.

2. Louis Vuitton The seductress vibe is always a runway hit but at Louis Vuitton it’s big news. Opt for the fur- coat-no-discernible-knickers combination for a look that straddles high fashion and poor refinement. Guys will want you but your friends will judge you; how far will you go for fashion?

3. Prada Discard your curling irons and lace ribbons – ‘tis the season to be trashy. Prada is rocking dishevelled hair and mismatched clothing this AW; at last a look students can relate to! Come winter, sigh happily when a bus splashes you with piss-filled puddle water, stride confidently from whatever/whosever flat you spent the night at, and hobble into your lecture post-Sandwich with wet hair, bloodshot eyes and a proud grin. Slovenliness just got legitimised. Go nuts.

4 & 5: McQ Alexander McQueen: McQ is pushing for gangsta chic trend this year. Guys, sport a Snoop Lion hairdo and synthetic separates that don’t belong together. The premise is you’ve robbed five different people for your outfit, but nobody’s going to question it because of your fearsome cornrows.

Ladies, you’ll need some cinematic knowledge to nail this look.

You’re aiming for a cross between the hookers in Taken and ghetto Lauryn Hill from Sister Act II. Mercilessly plucked brows are essential, as is braided hair and a subtle gurn.

The Virtual Sphere: Gathering in the Multicultural Living Room

By Julia Haase Features Editor

The world is becoming smaller and smaller. It’s a fact. This so-called process of “growing together” is also known as globalization, a fancy term used excessively and subjected of controversy amongst experts. In this respect, the question of communication arises: which role does communication play? How is communication evolving? These are examples of questions that are of interest to me – a redhead straight from Germany, about to start my postgrad in Political Communications.

Honestly, who doesn’t use social media to communicate?

They have revolutionized the international communication process, and this especially for young adults all over the world.

We are the social media generation. Our group of urbane, dynamic, youthful grown-ups has discovered the wide range of possibilities social networking in the virtual sphere offers. Communication is becoming faster and more efficient by the day. Information reaches a large number of

people in an instant.

On top of that, the online world has one great advantage: geographical boundaries are blurred and borders do not matter anymore.

Social media – or the internet in general – make it possible to get in touch with people from all over the world. “Culture mix ‘n’ match” is the motto. A modern sphere has been established that can be accessed by (almost) anybody.

Many other foreign students will be starting on their fantastic life abroad this year, yet we all worry about losing touch with friends and family at home. Let these negative thoughts disappear. People might think critically of Facebook and co, but social platforms are and remain an unbeatable invention insofar as they allow for no one to have to come to London (or elsewhere) as a loner... theoretically.

Sit down on the virtual couch, have a chat and get excited! Exchanging ideas on different matters with people with diverse backgrounds has been made possible. Broaden your horizon because the possibilities social media offer are another step towards the world becoming smaller – it’s time to gather in the multicultural living room.

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Culture

The Leopard october 2013

AN incredibly UNHELPFUL GUIDE TO SWIMMING POOL ETIQUETTE

By Adam Morby

top 5 unsigned bands

By Rob Barber @robjamesUK Wired Radio host Rob James lists his top five unsigned acts.

All of these artists come from different genres but share the same philosophy that success is not given to you, it is earned.

They are the unsung heroes of the unsigned world who are working hard to live their dream of entertaining us.

1

Rockie McFLY @RockieMcfly “decided to take a risk and a leap of faith” when he began his career back in October last year and most would be glad he did. His beats and lyrical content demonstrate his passion to his craft. Many would say that his brand of hip hop is refreshing because he’s not afraid to experiment with different styles and genres.

2

Rat Attack @RatAttackTweets Rat Attack are a band that failed in their attempts to imitate their idols. However, we can be thankful they did because it enabled them to create a

unique sound of their own, which they describe as “catchy party rock”. The band made their Reading and Leeds debut this year.

Miss B @MissB_WS Miss B’s vocal skills as a singer and a rapper make her a standout urban artist , a view shared by industry professionals, “I have definitely gained a bigger fan base and more networks since having music played live on BBC Introducing” said Miss B. Highly

3

Robbie Sea make a sound that is hard to categorise. This is not a bad thing as the band are cited as saying they go with the flow when it comes to vibing off their writing “whether that be a funk vibe, pop, rock, reggae etc” creating wonder.

Becky Rose @thisisbeckyrose

5 talented unsigned artist.

4

Robbie Sea @TheRobbieSea

Becky Rose is an amazingly talented musician and singer. Her brand of electro pop and powerful voice are beyond her years and awe inspiring. She has an amazing story to tell but getting it in to this word limit would not do her justice. She is a solo musical masterpiece.

I was taking a short break at one end of the pool. He wasn’t tall or muscular but he was lean and tight as though he'd spent most of his life eating raw meat.

He stared out at the pool as though it was filled with sharks and he didn’t give a crap, he fancied a fight, and in he went, like a bullet, and he didn’t come back up, no kidding, until he was half way back. Like some kind of bearded-dolphin the bastard had actually swam under four or five other swimmers, performed a kick-turn six feet underwater, and was now powering back towards me using the momentum of a wave that he'd somehow created himself.

I glanced over at the slow lane. It was full. I glanced over at the bit at the end, where I sometimes go to see how long I can hold my breath for, or to do handstands - also full - so I let him do another turn and went after him. On a good day I clock in at 22 seconds, but I'm clumsy as hell, always stroking people, jabbing people, catching them with my nails or my key.

He was doing four lengths to my one and a half, swimming under me again and again, so I decided to ask him for some advice. ‘That is the fastest I've ever seen anyone swim in this pool, got any tips?’ I asked.

He stared at me in silence and for far too long, grunted a little, ‘learn to swim,’ he said, and pushed himself off again. I swear my bottom lip almost started to quiver and that day the pool

was just that little bit more full as a few tears rolled slowly down my cheeks (not to mention the three pees I'd already had by that point). Then he stopped at the other end and called over one of the lifeguards. After he spoke to her for a few seconds the lifeguard waited where she was, for me, it turns out. ‘You're holding people up,’ she told me, ‘you might want to try the slow-lane.’ I was out of breath, ‘twenty-two,’ I sputtered, dribbling a little. ‘What?’ she said.

I pointed up at the massive timer on the wall, ‘twenty-two.’ ‘Slowlane, please,’ she said.

I haven’t been swimming since. I don’t look quite as attractive when I'm naked and I’ve put on half a stone, but I'm happier and more content - I'm saving up for swimming lessons, actually.

I was asked to write a piece on the laws of swimming pool etiquette, but let me tell you, it’s lawless out there, a world devoid of justice – unless you're a bearded dolphin you'll be humiliated just like the rest of us.

CULTUre

oCtober 2013 The LeOpard

JOYCe’S ULYSSeS: eNJOYING The UNeNJOYaBLe

by adam Morby It’s a simple story, a day in the life. Leopold Bloom wakes up, burns his breakfast, takes a crap and leaves the house, spending the day getting into all sorts of mischief. Steven wakes up, has a

think, goes for a walk, he has another think, and then another one.

His mum just died and he refused to pray at her deathbed, so he’s got quite a lot to think about.

Steven is the head and Bloom

is the heart. Steven thinks and Bloom feels. Steven ponders the possibility of calculating the possibility that Hamlet was Shakespeare’s great-uncle (or something), while Bloom tries to intercept the massively-endowed Blazes Boylan from completing his adulterous tryst with Molly, Bloom’s wife, but instead finds himself momentarily enchanted by his friend’s melancholy singing (see if you can see the Homeric parallel). Steven nips over to the hospital to ponder life and death and birth and decay; Bloom nips down to the beach to crack one off in his pocket to a pretty young disabled girl named Gertie McDowell.

seventy pages without a single punctuation mark and only three paragraph breaks. But a breath of fresh air she truly is. These seventy-something pages of a woman’s thoughts as she drifts off to sleep are about as good as it gets, as close to the human mind as ink and woodpulp will possibly ever come.

The final chapter is Molly’s.

Harry Blamires, author of The Bloomsday Book (massively recommended if you’re going to take this thing on), describes Molly’s chapter as a breath of fresh air, which puts everything into perspective given that it’s

Yes, the complexities are endless, the Homeric structure, the fact that each chapter is a separate colour, organ, symbol, technique. Joyce, cleverer than us all, stopping to wait for no man.

But this is high art and you’re all Goldsmith’s students, so next

Ah, the complexities of the mind wrapped in the simplicities of daily life. Every moment of every life, in my opinion, would make profoundly good writing if written in the right way, and we mustn’t forget that nobody constructs a sentence like Joyce constructs a sentence.

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17

time you’re feeling a little empty open it up and have a crack – if you’re deterred by the notoriety of it, read only the Bloom chapters – there’s so much that’ll pass you by on the first reading that onepage-after-the-other conventional reading practice kind of goes out of the window.

Joyce’s ulysses, which was published in 1922 is considered to be one of the most important works of modernist literature.

18

Sport

The Leopard october 2013

The ultimate guide to sports at Goldsmiths

By Olly Bellamy Sports Editor

I'm not entirely sure what qualifies something as an ultimate guide and I get the strong feeling I'm using the term, perhaps, rather loosely in this instance. Much like a product that brands themselves as the 'best in the world' we can be assured they most definitely, are not.

Regardless of the heading however, we welcome all new students to the drab world of higher education. Where if you're not already familiar with the subpar range of Sainsburys basics produce and the questionably high alcoholic percentage of K cider, then you soon will be. Your experiences during freshers week may well be hindered by the onset memory loss caused by alcohol, with new friendships being forged and forgotten in the same night.

Despite the rather odd tradition of spending one week of the year in a dangerously paralytic state,

the universities, much like your parents, will attempt to appeal to you, the contemporary student, through the use of inappropriately modern language, music and bribery through free goodies. You'll hear the professors vein attempts to plead to the younger generation over the dangers of flaking through your degree. But you aren't the first, nor will you be the last to start the work you've had for three months the night before.

But your education is only a small part of the university lifestyle, for most it's about making connections, meeting new people and enjoying yourself. As somebody who has spent a fare share of my time outside of education, I can tell you one of the most underrated aspects is the easy access to sporting facilities. With so much to choose from, now is the time to take up a sport you've always been curious about where if there are any costs incurred, they're likely to

be minimal.

So have a look through our breakdown of all the sports on offer at Goldsmiths. The majority, if not all of the teams will be on display at the freshers fayre competing for you to sign up, the shiny new students union website has all the details on training days for those teams that couldn't make it.

If you can't see any sports you like, the Goldsmiths Student Union aims to help out with new sports clubs and societies however the BUCS league system used by them will often close registration dates by mid October. Goldsmiths is part of the University of London which offers a substantial number of additional sports and activities which as a student you are automatically allegeable for including archery, fencing, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, mountaineering, polo, sailing and swimming.

Ju-Jitsu/Tai Chi/Kung Fu and Kickboxing

The various arts teach people of all sizes a way to effectively defend yourselves against larger opponents even when carrying attacking weapons What can I get from this club?

No matter where you live, even a rudimental knowledge of self defence techniques are a useful asset to have.

Ju-Jitsu and kung fu will often improve flexibility and focus while kickboxing can increase core as well as upper body strength.

What do I need to take part?

Most of these sports will teach you that physical strength is not a large advantage here, the clubs welcome people of all abilities to start from the ground up.

Rugby

Nicknamed the Greyhounds, Goldsmiths rugby team have enjoyed a stellar year and have proved themselves a force to be reckoned with over the past season. Training is tough, and on the field players are expected to give 100% but in return you get to be part of exceptionally close knit team.

What can I get from this club?

Rugby is an exceptional team game that demands hard work and a lot of elbow grease but in return forges friendships between players that you just can't find in any other sport.

What do I need to take part?

A mentality to do your absolute best at all times, the sport accommodates people of all different sizes and capabilities but players will need to work well as part of team. Training happens both indoors and outdoors during the week with matches being played outside all year long.

Cheerleading

One of the fastest growing sports in the United Kingdom, cheerleading defies all stereotypes as you know it. Based on a competitive element it requires exceptional endurance and combines dance, stunting and tumbling into competitive routines throughout the year that reward the dedication and motivation needed for this sport.

What can I get from this club?

This is an exceptionally team orientated sport. People who commit to the hours really see their progress take shape including better tumbling skills and flexibility, while areas like upper body strength and stamina will naturally improve over time.

What do I need to take part?

Things like correct uniform and shoes will be needed further down the line, however at the start standard trainers and athletic sportswear is fine. A correct mind set and willingness to push yourself is needed.

Pom-pom's not necessary.

Badminton

A new club founded this year in the Goldsmiths roster, which provides a number of key areas required in staying healthy. Badminton is a comparatively cheap sport which caters to people of different talents. The movements in badminton are often shorter than tennis but similar principles apply.

What can I get from this club?

The nature of badminton is often good natured even when competing.

The sport itself relies less on upper body strength than other ball and racket alternatives.

What do I need to take part?

Badminton racket, which can be picked up at most sports shops for around ÂŁ15 as well as indoor trainers.

Cycling

The raw cycling club offer more of a social experience for road cyclists with cycles often taking members around Surrey and Kent areas on a non competitive basis. The club takes part in various charity and road race events throughout the year. As of this year the club has also introduced a mountain biking aspect, providing planned rides throughout the south coast and Wales plus competitive elements at the end of the year.

What can I get from this club?

You'll be part of a community more than anything, providing tips between members on bike care, advise as well as even the best deals on what's available. It offers an excellent, low impact way to keep healthy and riding in groups is often much safer around London. The mountain biking division will help new riders improve basic aspects like bike control and balance with the ultimate goal of advancing riders skills by the end.

What do I need to take part?

For all aspects appropriate bikes will be needed, road cyclists will often head both inside and outside of London so a bike with thin tread would be better suited rather than hybrid bikes. Mountain bikers would require front suspension at the very minimum as well as safety gear for any discipline including crash helmets and lights, various difficulties will be accommodated for.

october 2013 The Leopard

Sport

Netball Dance

A very specific sport that requires a lot of raw talent but also exceptionally hard work to excel in.

What can I get from this club?

Obviously as members progress, dancing ability is expected to naturally increase with time. Better timing and rhythm often follow suit, because of the nature of the sport people who display dedication and hard work often see the greatest improvements with individual talent being only part of the package.

What do I need to take part?

The dance society is one of the few that exist with little investment needed at entry level. As members progress investment in competitions and adequate footwear would be needed.

Athletics

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Often compared to basketball, netball uses a lot of the same skills with the main difference being that players are unable to move with the ball, requiring much more focus on positioning and movement when not in possession. Team play comes into play much more with less of an ability of individual players but more on the team as a whole.

What can I get from this club?

Like most team sports, socials are often arranged around team members, giving people a chance to meet new people and be part of a great atmosphere. On the court depending on play positions players would be expected to steadily improve in areas such as passing, catching and decision making to provide the best opportunities for team mates.

What do I need to take part?

Team kit is provided, just appropriate footwear is needed.

The athletics team enjoys a great atmosphere that rewards personal achievements, making it a great place for all levels of experience. Training is held each week on a circuit not far from Goldsmiths and utilises a hired instructor. The club encumbers all disciplines with the aim of pushing people within their limits. The university also has an onsite gym with various weight and cardio set ups which, when coupled with training can allow substantial improvements.

What can I get from this club?

The structured runs and support of the club help with motivation and goal setting as well as ensuring you're getting the best from your workouts. Over the course of the year most people should find vast improvements in stamina and running style, however the rate of improvement depends vastly from person to person.

What do I need to take part?

Appropriate shoes are always strongly recommended, standard trainers often don't provide enough support to either the ankles or heel depending on your running style, while also being much bulkier than running shoes.

Your running style can be checked either through observation or by wear on your current shoes if you have any.

Basketball

Don't let the stereotypes fool you, basketball is open to people of all sizes and while height can be an advantage, basketball itself relies on a multitude of different strengths to be an effective team like positioning and understand between team mates.

What can I get from this club?

Basketball requires a lot of running, hand eye coordination and balance, when organised correctly members should improve their reading of the game as well as overall fitness.

What do I need to take part?

Basketball requires a lot of running around, despite the comparatively small size of the court players quickly realise that fitness and stamina are especially important. Good hand eye coordination and reading of the game are useful traits, but not necessary. Adequate indoor trainers are needed however league jerseys are provided.

Football

With a professionally kept pitch and the addition of a fourth team, the Goldsmiths football club is ever expanding under leadership by the new football and sports coach. On top of matches each week, training is run to help improve players technique and ability throughout the course of the year, honing in on both strengths and weakness.

What can I get from this club?

Part of a team with a clear mutual interest, training is provided, with the hope of an increase in personal development over the year.

What do I need to take part?

Either firm or soft ground studded boots are recommended, playing pitch is a professionally kept grass pitch. League and cup tops are provided however other clothing like shorts, socks and shin guards will need to be purchased separately.

Hockey

Hockey has always been a strong part of the Goldsmiths sporting roster, most people are familiar with the basic concept of hockey, with training often occurring at least once a week with the team. Matches often also occur once a week in the university league with teams around London.

What can I get from this club?

The club really does allow for people to try out hockey from the very start and always welcome new participants to train. There's a great atmosphere around the team that will push players to develop their skills.

What do I need to take part?

Most of the competitive kit is provided for, the team usually trains on an enclosed Astroturf pitch, which requires appropriate shoes as well as hockey stick.

Volleyball

Similar to basketball and netball in that you use your hands and a ball.

Volleyball is a must try for everyone new to university life. It's easy to pick up and is rarely anything but great fun. The nature of the sport welcomes a vast array of different players but the Goldsmiths team does offer competitive matches throughout the year to add a beat of heat to the sport.

What can I get from this club?

One of the easiest sports to pick up, it relies heavily around team work and patience making it a great way to meet new people from very a multitude of courses and backgrounds.

What do I need to take part?

All netting and volleyballs are provided, all you need is yourself - and perhaps something clothing.

20

SpOrT

The LeOpard oCtober 2013

SPORT T

ComPetetive vs reCreationaL sPort

by Olly Bellamy sports editor

A wELcOME fROM YOUR SPORTS OffIcER

shaY oLuPona weLComes new students to sPort at GoLdsmiths Hi! I’m Shay your sports officer for 2013-2014. Sport at the college is one the many ways you can get involved with students union. We offer various levels of sport and aim to encourage everyone to take part regardless of your sporting background.

Last season was positive with many teams finishing top two of their respective leagues. With the introduction of 3 competitive teams including women’s basketball and badminton were aiming to carry on the progress of last year and once again win varsity against our rivals over at the University of Arts!

Keep an eye out for information on rewards for sports people, the annual AU Dinner and this year’s

sports tour.

Taking part in sport at the college has many benefits and remember if we are not currently offering

something you’d like to take part in, drop me a message and I’ll gladly help out.

Let’s make this year a big one! #GoldArmy

o explain the differences between recreational sport and competitive sport you need to look mostly at the end product of something that subjectively offers both elements on a daily basis.

Sports like football encumber both competition on a large scale form as well as matches between friends on a much lower level. The significant difference between the two is that the competitive element focuses almost exclusively on winning, playing to our instinctive, caveman instincts towards being the best. While the recreational, mostly sociable side of the sport focus’ less on the end product and more on the shared experience.

Somebody’s innate attitude then, should clearly reflect their chosen style of play. John Nicholls developed the ‘goal perspective theory’ in 1990 which postulated on how people who related to competitive sport, often did so more on an egotistic level and where attempting to demonstrate superior performance. On the other hand people who enjoyed recreational sports played at a level to improve personal development over anything.

The thought process behind Nicholls research is logical,

exceptional sports stars like Christiano Ronaldo and Sebastian Vettel are known for their competitive edge, to do whatever necessary to win. But at this level it gets increasingly difficult to compare the competitive vs non competitive elements for the obvious reasons that nobody with the skill pallet of these people exists within the media spotlight.

Based on the research it seems that recreational sports are often associated with more of an amateur level, where people merely congratulating each other until the next time they meet. In contrast competitive sports tend to push players further, earmarking flaws to improve on, with the ultimate payout being the very best even though exceptionally few will ever reach this point.

An important point to make however, is that even recreational sports tend to have some underlying competitive element to them regardless if the end outcome makes any difference in the long run. Th is raises the philosophical question of

whether or not a recreational sport can truly exist when there is a competitive element between players.

Societies fascination with the very best is no doubt a precursor for some people, where the increasingly difficult nature of breaking records fuels some people to try to break them using illicit drugs in part by the reception players like Usain Bolt have received.

There is however, an fundamental problem with our respect towards highly competitive individuals. Cervello and Santos-Rosa described interpersonal competition, public evaluation and normative feedback as triggers for generating maladaptive ego’s.

Th is coupled with numerous self help and advice forums on the internet about trying to curve competitive nature, should surely signal the delicate nature of what sports have on people’s lives. Recreational sports instil the values of team work and friendships while competitive sports may allow for personal development.