Issue2

24TH SEPT 2012/ ISSUE 02 FREE

Warehouse Project Guide

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MANCHESTER’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Lavish perks offered to peddle club nights

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Clare Short Interview

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Trio who left student for dead sent down for 43 years

THIS WEEK £64 million BP investment condemned by student representatives

The University of Manchester has been challenged by members its own Students’ Union for “helping BP to research new and better ways in which to damage the environment”.

Page 4 John Leech MP interview

Photo Caption: Blah blah blah Police investigate the brutal assault last year in Platt Fields Park. Photo: Paul Campbell

Two men sentenced with attempted murder and robbery, woman with GBH and robbery for attack on UoM student Brownlie, 26 pleaded guilty to attempted Micheal Williams Reporter

Three people have been sentenced to a combined toal of 43 years in jail after the brutal assault of a University of Manchester student last year.

Both Nicholas Lindsay, 22 and Michael

murder and robbery while Katie Mongan, 18 pleaded guilty to robbery and grievous bodily harm with intent. Lindsay and Brownlie received 18 year sentences each, and Mongan was sentenced to a seven years behind bars.

Daniel Whiteley, then in his first year

of an English Literature degree, was left with bleeding and swelling to his brain and fractures to his face and jaw after the assault in February after returning from a night out drinking with friends.

Surgeons had to remove part of his skull in the aftermath of the assault to relieve the swelling in the fight to save his life.

Daniel made his way home to Fallowfield alone after leaving friends in a club around 2am on the evening of Monday 27 February 2012.

After getting off the bus at Owens Park,

Daniel entered the Krunchy Fried Chicken takeaway on Wilmslow Road, where he was approached by the three, who had been drinking in a nearby park during the day.

After becoming aggressive towards Daniel, the three were ejected by the shop owner.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Withington discusses his student constituents, tution fees and whether he thinks Vince Cable wil take over from Nick Clegg.

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02 : NEWS

ISSUE 02 / 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Highlights 05

Is piracy really all that bad?

A member of the chess society practises his

Comment, page 11

moves at the Welcome Week fair last week.

Photo: Patrycja Marczewska

Picture of the week

Anna Karenina review

Film, page 15

Top 5 trends from London Fashion Week

Fashion, page 17

Manchester Food Festival

Food & Drink, page 23

Trio who left student for dead sent down for 43 years Continued from front page

Unfortunately, when Daniel left the shop a short while later he went in the same direction as the trio.

CCTV footage shows them forcing Daniel into nearby Platt Fields Park.

His wallet, phone and watch were stolen, as the thieves assaulted Daniel and forced him to divulge the PIN number to his debit card before throwing him unconscious into an embankment and leaving him for dead.

The debit card had £250 withdrawn from it soon after, used by the trio to make purchases from an off licence before two of them went to McDonald’s at 6am to spend more of the money on breakfast. Mongan even used Daniel’s mobile phone several times to call

A police line marks the scene of the incident last year. Photo: Paul Campbell her mother. Officers traced their takeaway boxes left in Platt Fields Park back to Krunchy Fried Chicken, where the CCTV footage helped police track the movements of the group on that night and led to their arrest three days after the incident.

Detective Inspector Terry

Visit Our Website www.mancunion.com Editor: Richard Crook editor@mancunion.com Postal address: Univerity of Manchester Students’ Union, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR Phone (0161) 275 2933 Media Intern: Joe Sandler Clarke joe.sandlerclarke@manchester.ac.uk

Crompton from GMP’s Major Incident Team said that Daniel “has gone on to make a remarkable recovery following this traumatic ordeal”, and expressed hope that the Whiteley family can take “at least some solace from seeing his attackers put behind bars for a long time”.

Daniel’s father Michael expressed the family’s gratitude towards the emergency services, praising the “fantastic work of the fire, paramedic and then the medical staff ” in helping Daniel return to his studies.

“Given his strength of character and determination,” Mr Whiteley said, “we have no doubts he will fulfil his potential and go on to have a happy and successful life in whatever field he chooses to work in.”

Manchester bidding for £23 million to help fund graphene Jonathan Breen News Editor University of Manchester is bidding for more than £20 million of European money to help fund a research centre for wonder material graphene.

Nobel Prize winning scientists Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov at the University carried out “ground-breaking” work on the substance last year, which has the potential to revolutionise computers and other electronic products.

The University has submitted an application to the European Regional Development Fund for £23m to go towards the development of a National Graphene Institute based in Manchester with a total cost of £61m.

Last year the institution received £38m toward the creation of the centre, the majority share of £50m allocated to ensure Britain stayed ahead of other countries in developing commercial uses for graphene.

If Manchester receives the bid, to be decided in December, work

Photo: Jennifer Ho

is set to start in March 2013, with doors to open two years later.

“In the short-term the NGI will create 100 new jobs in the region, in addition to retaining the existing knowledge base within Manchester,” said a university spokesman.

“In the long-term it is expected that many thousands of new jobs will be created in the region.

“The University is currently in discussion with approximately 100 companies, who have made enquires about the NGI and the expertise offered by the University.”

The centre would be built on land already owned by the university on Booth Street East.

Sub-Editor: Catherine May

Tharoor-Menon

scienceandtech@mancunion.com

News Editors: Ellen Conlon, Emma Bean, Jonnie Breen & Anthony Organ news@mancunion.com

Features Editor: Andrew Williams Games Editor: Sam Dumitriu

Sport Editors: Ciaran Milner. Tom Acey & Matthew Barber sport@mancunion.com

Beauty Columnist: Jessica Cusack beauty@mancunion.com

Lifestyle Editor: Dana Fowles lifestyle@mancunion.com

Theatre Editor: Josephine Lane theatre@mancunion.com

Business Editors: Oli Taylor & Scott Mckewan business@mancunion.com

Literature Editor: Phoebe Chambre literature@mancunion.com

Web Editor: Jenny Ho webed@mancunion.com

Marketing: Michael Green & Edmund Alcock marketing@mancunion.com

Advertising : Stefan Redfern Stefanredfern@manchester.ac.uk Tel 0161 275 2930

Comment Editors: Lisa Murgatroyd, Antonia Jennings & Eve Fensome Fashion Editors: Elizabeth Harper & Jake Pummintr Food & Drink Editors: Jessica Hardiman & Emily Clark foodanddrink@mancunion.com Film Editors: Sophie James & Nihal

Music Editors: Sophie Donovan, Dan Jones & Joe Goggins music@mancunion.com Music Web Editor: Thomas Ingham Reporter: Michael Williams Science & Technology Editor: Keir Lewis

ISSUE 02 / 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

NEWS : 03

Foreign student numbers should be capped, says poll “There shouldn’t be any cap on international students,” say Education VP at London Metropolitan University Ellen Conlon News Editor

The number of foreign students entering Britain should be limited, according to an opinion poll published by Migration Watch UK. Two-thirds of around 2,900 adults questioned said that there should be a cap on overseas students.

They describe themselves as a “non-political body” that is “concerned about the present scale of immigration in the UK.” Before answering the question respondents were told that around 250,000 non-EU students arrive in Britain to study each year, with around 20% staying on legally after completing their course.

Syed Rumman, Vice President of Education at London Metropolitan University disagreed with the sentiment of the poll.

“There shouldn’t be any cap on recruiting international students,” he said.

Mr. Runman went on to state that a cap on international students will result in “universities losing income compared to previous years.”

Saad Wahid, Diversity Officer at the University of Manchester Students’ Union agreed. “Any capping of non-EU students will result in a reduction of financial resources for the university as foreign students generally pay twice as many fees as a domestic student,” he said.

The poll also revealed that

70% of respondents thought that those found to have insufficient English for their courses should be deported.

But Mr Rumman said: “It is not the border agencies but the university’s responsibility.”

“It is the universities’ responsibility to make sure that students can understand English before they arrive. Students coming to study in the UK should understand their lectures and all their education.

“It depends on the university how they impose it on students.”

The survey comes after London Metropolitan University had its license to teach foreign students revoked by the UK Boarder Agency for “serious systematic failure” to monitor its overseas students.

“This has always been an issue and that is why this decision has been taken,” Mr Runman acknowledged. “It is more political than just the public opinion.”

Mr Wahid agreed that there is a lot of politics surrounding the issue: “[The poll] may be a political stint to legitimize and gain public support on the increase in restrictions around foreign students.

“That being said I think that there is a real need to bring the actual facts to the surface.

“That genuine foreign students are a benefit to the UK in terms of diversity, economic impact and global connections.”

Responding to the poll, Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, said there were “clear signals” that the British public understood “the

Amnesty and Human Rights Watch to team up in Man City owner campaign Jonathan Breen News Editor

The Amnesty International Society at the University of Manchester is teaming up with Human Rights Watch in a campaign targeting the owner of Manchester City Football Club.

The student society were contacted by Human Rights Watch to get involved in a campaign to draw attention to United Arab Emirates human rights abuses.

It is directed at the deputy prime minister of U.A.E., City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

“We are mainly concerned with a recent spate of enforced disappearances, arrests without charge, and torture allegations that have emerged,” said co-chair of the Amnesty society Philippa Hughes.

The society will be working with Human Rights Watch and the Emirates Centre for Human Rights, an independent organisation who promote the

Photo: University of Manchester

contribution overseas students make to our academic and cultural life, as well as to our economy.” defence of human rights in the U.A.E..

“We were contacted by Human Rights Watch, suggesting the idea, and they put us in contact with the Emirates Centre for Human rights based in London, said Hughes. “Human Rights Watch is not a campaigning body, so they will not be involved in the campaign, but we will be using their information and resources.

“The emirates work hard to maintain a positive international reputation, so both organisations think a targeted campaign of information centring around Manchester City football club would be a good way to capture their attention.”

The UAE is suspected of enforced disappearances, detainment of prisoners with out charge and on allegations of torture.

Hughes made clear they would not be asking anyone

“We should be encouraging genuine international students to study in the UK, rather than risking our global reputation by

sending out false signals that they are not welcome here.”

A spokesperson from the University Manchester confirmed

that foreign students applying to study at the university must be able to speak and understand English to a required level.

sour’s wealth is the most important point and accusations of human rights abuses are not an issue.

“I like the owner because he’s got loads of money,” said the second-year Economics student. “If what’s going on has got nothing to do with the football it shouldn’t really matter for fans.”

Fan David Butler, third year English student said, “Obviously you can’t ignore the human rights issues and if he is responsible he should face some

consequence, but at the same time it’s still good football and you cant ignore the amount of money he’s poured into homegrown football talent.”

The Amnesty society plan to hand out leaflets at home games all year informing people of the situation in the U.A.E. and how their club’s owner is involved.

Manchester City Football Club were unavailable for comment.

Wikimedia Commons to boycott Man City, but aim to raise awareness about the cases of human rights abuse.

“We’re not asking anyone to stop going to Man City games.

But fans should be concerned that the owner of their club is complicit in this,” said Hughes.

“It’s an awareness campaign.

“Amnesty wants the UAE to respect international conventions on detainment of political prisoners and the prohibition of torture.”

For Man City fan Cameron Cloonies-Ross Sheikh Man-

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

04 : News

£64 million BP investment condemned by student representatives Students’ Union Executive and Manchester Young Greens crticise decision to accept investment from the multibillion pound firm

Andrew Williams Features Editor

The University of Manchester has been challenged by members its own Students’ Union for “helping BP to research new and better ways in which to damage the environment”.

The criticism follows last month’s announcement that BP will invest £64 million in a brand new International Centre for Advanced Materials, to be based at the University.

The Centre, which will chiefly support the engineering of advanced materials in the energy sector, will benefit from funding over the next ten years to a network of world-leading universities including Cambridge, the University of Illinois and Imperial College, London, with the ‘hub’ of the BP-ICAM facility to be based in Manchester.

BP’s decision to put Manchester at the heart of the project was hailed as a coup for the University and for the region by Government ministers when the announcement was made in August, with President and Vice Chancellor; Dame Nancy Rothwell saying she was “very pleased that BP has chosen The University of Manchester to be the ‘hub’ for the BP-ICAM”.

But the Students’ Union has criticised the University for accepting investment from a company which, two years ago, made headlines across the world for its failure to deal with an oil spill which saw 4.9 million barrels

of oil poison sections of ocean off the Gulf of Mexico.

Khalil Secker, Campaigns and Citizenship Officer at the University of Manchester Students’ Union, said on behalf of the Executive: “It seems odd for the University to put so much effort into cutting its carbon footprint on campus, whilst at the same time helping BP to research new and better ways in which to damage the environment.

The University needs to decide how its’ commitment to social responsibility sits alongside its’ commitment to teaching and research.”

Rosie Dammers, Chair of Manchester Young Greens, echoed his stance: “BP is one of the worst polluters in the world, and is famous for inflicting large scale environmental damage.

The University of Manchester should not be affiliated with a company with such a poor track record. Manchester Young Greens believe that the University should uphold its pledge [to pursue a policy of ] ethical investment and promote sustainable energy. This is a travesty and should not go unchallenged.”

The University has refuted claims that BP’s investment in the ICAM facility is at odds with its environmentally-friendly ethos.

Professor Colin Bailey, VicePresident and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: “To meet the needs of a global society it is important to provide affordable, secure and reliable sources of energy with the minimum possible impact on

Student campaigners have criticised the University of Manchester’s decision to accept . Photo: Paul

the environment.

“The University educates our students, and carries out leading research, in all aspects of energy supply and demand, including renewables, nuclear and hydrocarbons. We work closely with a number of international energy companies including organising and supporting student placements.

“The work with BP will be

looking at the use of advanced materials across the entire energy sector (including work on renewables) with a paramount regard for the impact on the environment.

Social responsibility is one of the three core goals for the University and we are committed to using our expertise and knowledge to find solutions to the major challenges of the 21st century, of

Manchester falls in Mancunians face above average health QS and Shanghai rankings risks Anthony Organ News Editor Cancer, binge drinking, obesity, depression and anxiety are all more common in Greater Manchester than the average European city.

These findings come as the result of the EURO-URHIS 2 project, the largest ever health and lifestyle survey of cities and conurbations across Europe, which aims to identify health problems in urban areas.

Despite so many above average health issues, the report did reveal that Mancunians eat considerably more fruit and vegetables than the average European city, as well as having

more green spaces to enjoy and eating breakfast more frequently.

Students in Greater Manchester are also specifically referred to since “significantly more” of them “brush their teeth at least twice a day”.

Project coordinator Dr Arpana Verma, also Senior Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Manchester, hoped that the findings would be used by policymakers to “translate into policies that can help improve our health”.

Dr Verma said that by comparing the data between cities “we can learn from each other to make our cities healthier, and empower the citizens of

Anthony Organ News Editor The University of Manchester has fallen slightly in the QS World University Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The QS ranking of 32nd is slightly lower than last year’s 29th and the Shanghai position of 40th is two places lower.

The QS rankings consider over 2,000 universities and rank over 700. They were used this year by the UK government in a poster campaign ahead of the London Olympics to endorse the excellence of its universities.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Vice-Chancellor of the Uni-

versity of Manchester, said that “Of the many university league tables which are published, the Shanghai Jiao Tong is the one we use to measure our performance”.

It ranks the research performance of institutions around the world but this year the University fell in this as well. Dame Nancy called this “disappointing” and said that it “is partly because two universities in Paris merged and hence moved above us.”

Since the foundation of the University in 2004 the Manchester 2015 Agenda has promoted the institution’s mission to make it one of the top 25 universities in the world by 2015.

which energy is one, and by producing graduates who exercise social leadership and responsibility.”

In February, The Mancunion revealed that the University holds 738,166 shares in BP, despite it’s ethical investment policy which rules out investment in companies which cause “environmental degradation”.

Adrian Ramsay, Deputy

Leader of the Green Party, branded the shareholding “completely irresponsible”, adding that the University should exert pressure on BP “to tackle human rights abuses and to promote the policies we need for an ethical, fairer world”.

Writing in an updated version, published last year, Anil Ruia, Chairman of the Board of Governors, admitted that the original mission was “bold and ambitious” but promised “we remain committed to the Vision and believe it to be achievable”.

The high point for the University in the QS rankings was the employer reputation score, which placed it joint fourth in the world, alongside more elite institutions such as The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The low point was the ratio of students to faculty members, in which the University was placed 170th. Last year the university received a score of 66 in this area, but it dropped this year to 63.2.

This comes despite plans announced by the University last year to spend £20 million on recruiting between 100-200 new academic staff as well as a

reduction of Home/EU undergraduate recruitment over the period 2010-2015, which is intended to work along with staff recruitment to address these ratio issues.

Results for individual faculties show that the best performers were Natural Sciences, who climbed seven places to 34th, and Life Sciences and Medicine, who climbed eight places to 35th.

But the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science dropped three places to 35th and also fell four places to 36th in this year’s Shanghai rankings.

A University spokesman said: “The Faculty remains third in the UK, behind Cambridge and Imperial, with University of Oxford being in fourth place. With the recent initiatives across the Faculty we do expect to climb in the rankings going forward.”

News: 05

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Manchester named piracy capital of UK In-depth study of the digital music industry shows that MCR has more illegal downloads per person than any other city Jonnathan Breen News Editor

The city is known for its strong musical heritage, but now has the crown for the highest number of illegal song downloads in the country.

Figures released in the Musicmetric study show 345 million songs were illegally downloaded in the first half of this year, of which Manchester had the highest number of per person.

Students are notoriously highinternet users, and with over 50,000 in the city, the Mancunion asked their opinions on music piracy.

“I don’t pay for music, does anybody these days? The last CD I bought was about 4 years ago.

People don’t buy CDs any more so they’re going to download it and places like iTunes don’t have all the music you want anyway,” said second-year Joseph studying for a degree in mental health nursing.

A Material Science and Engineering student felt the opposition to illegal downloading comes from record labels.

“I think it’s the record companies because the artists make shit all money on the sale of

their CDs, they make the money off the gigs they play, you can’t pirate a gig, so I don’t think its affecting the bands, I think its affecting the companies who are promoting the bands,” said the second year. “I illegally download some things unless a small band in which case I buy it.”

Second year Electronic Engineering student Sofiane said, “I think the cost of a CD is too expensive, I can see why people illegally download.”

An exchange student from the United States of America studying medicine said the cost of music is why she downloads illegally.

“I want to say it’s wrong, but it’s so expensive. I heard they make most of their money from concerts so getting their music out might help more people go to their concerts.”

The report revealed UK-based BitTorrent consumption hit 43 million albums and singles were downloaded during the first half of 2012.

Overall the UK came second for the most illegal downloads in the world, having fewer only than the United States. Ed Sheeran was the most pirated

Anthony Organ News Editor

Owens Park Tower, a University of Manchester hall of residence. Photo: Joe Sandler Clarke

artist in the country.

In a statement to the Mancunion, Pirate Party leader and Manchester Central by-election candidate Loz Kaye rubbished the report and condemned the British Phonographic Industry, representatives of the music industry.

“These figures don’t prove very much, other than the fact that Mancunians like music, and we’re leaders in using technology,” he said. “They are certainly not evidence of the BPI’s shrill claims that ‘a lot of people are getting very rich’ from so-called

piracy.

“Plans threatening to throw entire households off the web for “piracy” are particularly dangerous. For students, do you really know what everyone in a shared house is doing on the same connection. And why should you be collectively targeted.

“Why music industry figures are complaining so much is that with a properly functioning Internet, the big players are no longer needed in the same way.

We really should move on from this sterile debate.”

University of Manchester IT staff said illegal downloading hasn’t been a major issue.

“We have systems in place in our halls of residence which prevent illegal downloading,” read a university statement.

“Our policies state that all IT activity must be legal, and if we are alerted to anything via a ‘cease and desist’ order, then we do take measures to remove individual machines from the network and follow the appropriate disciplinary procedure.”

Pacific Oyster invasion threatens Irish ecology

Manchester airport to axe ‘naked body scanners’

Keir Lewis Science Editor_

Michael Williams Reporter

Invasive Pacific oysters on the Irish coast are now thriving outside of their original farmed colonies, a study has shown.

Dr Stefano Mariani of the University of Salford led a year-long project to genetically compare members of the wild and farmed colonies.

Pacific oysters, native to Japan and Korea, were introduced to Europe in 1966 to replenish overfished native stocks. But Dr Mariani concluded that the ‘feral’ oysters were genetically different enough to be considered separate colonies.

The potential impact of a feral species spreading across the Irish coast unchecked is enormous. “Now the Pacific oyster is with us, the far-reaching consequences of its establishment are still debatable, but just controlling aquaculture is no longer an effective means to reduce its further spread”, said Dr Mariani.

Management at Lough Foyle, where the farms are situated, has focused in the past on containing oysters. The researching student, Judith Kochmann, now believes more extensive controlling measures are required.

UK university donations to reach £2 billion by 2022

Photo: N_Quah @ Flickr

The introduction of a feral species has consequences both for local conservation groups and industry in the area, according to Dr Mariani. But he believes that controlling feral colonies is no longer enough, attitudes must change as well. “We may enjoy our oysters with Guinness or champagne, but we should now think more deeply about our insatiable need for more and more easy-to-access commodities.”

The use of controversial ‘naked body scanners’ at Manchester Airport is set to end at the end of October, as the airport looks to trial “a new generation of privacy friendly security scanners”.

The ‘naked scanners’ are to be replaced by scanners that use radio frequency-based millimetre wave technology, rather than the lowdose x-rays used currently.

The new scanners use a stick figure to alert airport staff to possible problem areas on passengers’ bodies – eliminating the need for staff to look at the infamous ‘ghostly images’ that made the old scanners so contentious. A similar system is used in the United States to alert railway staff to objects on the track.

Andrew Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester Airport’s parent company MAG, has called the decision to switch “baffling”.

Despite a panel of independent European health experts concluding in March that there was no evidence of health risks from the old style of scanner, privacy concerns were still a major issue surrounding the old scanners amongst flyers.

Airport bosses have blamed EU legislation for the changeover.

“It’s frustrating that Brussels has allowed this

Photo: Shai Barzilay, @shyb on

successful trial to end”, continued Harrison.

“Health experts say [the old scanners] are safe, plus the overwhelming majority of our passengers and security staff prefer body scanners to frisking”.

This news comes soon after over 8,000 international students poured into Manchester from 180 different countries to start the new semester. As the changeover begins at the end of October, many international students will start to see the effects of the new scanners if they choose to return home via the airport for their Christmas break.

UK universities “can expect to receive up to £2 billion per annum from some 630,000 donors by 2022” according to a newly published report.

The figure would be almost treble the donations received last year, which totaled £693 million from 204,000 donors.

Only 1.2% of UK alumni donate to their former university, compared with 10% of graduates in the US. In 1874, ER Langworthy left £10,000 to The University of Manchester “to encourage discovery in Physics”.

The Langworthy Professorship was created and four holders of this position have since won the Nobel prize for Physics, including the current Langworthy Professor Andre Geim who co-won in 2010 for the discovery of graphene.

The Review of Philanthropy in Higher Education was led by Shirley Pearce, former Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, but was commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and carried out by the More Partnership.

The More Partnership, a fundraising consultancy firm, published the report which states that investment in fundraising expertise is more effective than fundraising alone.

The report also asks to government to continue “matched funding”, since public investment of £143 million triggered around £580 million in donations to English universities between 2008-2011.

Tax incentives for charitable donations are recommended and the review welcomed the government U-turn in May on a proposed cap on such tax relief.

A separate report published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development revealed that private funding for UK higher education is now 0.7 per cent of GDP and therefore above public spending at just 0.6 per cent.

06 : News

ISSUE 02 / 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Two officers killed as NEWS police arrest most wanted IN BRIEF Manchester City to build new academy Manchester City football club have unveiled plans to build a new academy for training potential talent, work is set to start in the next few weeks.

The planned state-of-theart facility would be open for the 2014/15 season and will be set in 80 acres adjacent to the Etihad stadium.

It will include a new Alevel college with space for 400 pupils, 16 training pitches and a 7,000 seater stadium for youth-level matches.

Police collect DNA data from ex-convicts Police have started collecting DNA information from ex-convicts in the Greater Manchester area.

2000 former prisoners have been included in the move, with police officers going to their houses to collect the data.

So far samples have been largely collected from people who committed crimes prior to the creation of the national DNA database.

Two female Greater Manchester Police officers killed in incident leading to arrest of Manchester’s most wanted fugitive, Dale Cregan Jonathan Breen News Editor Two female officers were killed during an attack shortly before police arrested Manchester’s most wanted fugitive Dale Cregan.

Unarmed PC Nicola Hughes, 23, and PC Fiona Bone, 32, were shot as they attended a routine call at Abbey Gardens in Hattesley, Tameside shortly before 11am on 18 September.

One officer died at the scene, the other died from her injuries in hospital later the same day.

Cregan handed himself in at Hyde police station afterwards.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy, speaking at a press conference last Tuesday said, “we are all shocked by what happened,” adding it may have been one of the “darkest days” in the history of the police service.

Sir Peter said Cregan is believed to have lured the two constables to their deaths. He said Cregan is thought to have made a bogus 999 call reporting a burglary and then attacked the attending officers, opening fire with a gun and a grenade.

“It would appear Cregan has deliberately done this in an act

of cold-blooded murder,” he said.

Prime Minister David Cameron said of the atrocity, “what we have seen is the absolutely despicable act of pure evil “The cold blooded murder of two female police officers doing their job out there protecting the public, another reminder of the incredible risks and great work our police service does.”

Sir Peter described Miss Hughes as a “great bobby” who was “always smiling” and Miss Bone, who had been in the middle of planning her wedding, as and “excellent bobby.”

Home Secretary Theresa May is cutting her holiday short to travel to Manchester for a meeting with the chief constable.

Cregan was wanted in connection with a gun and grenade attack that killed David Short, 46, on 10 August in Clayton and the shooting of Mr Short’s son Mark at the Cotton Tree pub, Droylsden, on 25 May. He was also arrested on suspicion of the murder of a police officer.

Cregan’s identity was released earlier this month as part of the Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Harvest, a month-long crackdown on fugitives, thugs

A fifteen man brawl broke out on Withington Road, Whalley Range at 3pm on 15th September.

When police reached the scene those involved had run off. Greater Manchester Police are treating the event as an isolated incident, and a spokesperson said that no one had been seriously injured. Patrols have been stepped up in the area and investigations are on-going.

September. Photo: GMP and thieves.

Greater Manchester Police have also arrested three others from their 36 most wanted criminals.

They could not be named for legal reasons.

The GMP launched the op-

eration on 10 September, which saw the force release the identities of their 36 most wanted criminals to the media as part of a highly publicised campaign geared to bring in thieves, thugs and fugitives.

Police also made 802 arrests,

195 of which were wanted offenders and confiscated £98,795 in 13 cash seizures.

423 arrests were for theft offences and 379 arrests for violent crime. 117 and 78 were wanted criminals, respectively.

Clubs depend on students Manchester has highest for both work and play number of hate crimes Scott McEwan Business Editor

Fifteen-man brawl on Withington Road

PC Fiona Bone (left) and PC Nicola Hughes (right) were murdered on Tuesday 18th

Freshers’ week 2011 was seven days of first impressions, not only for students and their future friends for life, but also for those nightclubs who depend on the student population’s propensity to spend an evening at their establishments.

Every year the nightclubs in proximity to the university and local student hives swell their promotional presence and compete fiercely with each other to try and capture the lucrative student market.

The importance of particularly studentfestive periods cannot be underestimated for clubs which experience business cycles so closely linked to the student calendar.

Luminar Entertainment, a nightclub operator which has been experiencing net losses for the past two years, recently made pleas to its debtors to stave off considerations forced administration until after freshers’ week.

It’s a familiar story for Manchester clubs.

“Fresher’s week is our most important week,” said Matthew Iceton, advertising manger for 5th Avenue nightclub. “It’s like our new year: everything changesincluding our club night advertising and

artwork.”

Sophie Robson, bar manager of Joshua Brooks, said 80 percent of the club’s clientele are students and feels a promotional spotlight on freshers’ week is paramount for rousing repeat custom. “New students coming into Manchester don’t know where to go and so first impressions mean a lot. If they have good first impressions they’re more likely to come back.”

By operating in sync with the student calendar, which begins with freshers’ week and is dotted with exam periods, nightclubs make appropriate marketing manoeuvres to attract the most students when demand for nightlife activity is high. Clubs don’t tend to compete on price- though discount entry for students is essential- but in promotional muscle, posting more of their marketing team on the steps of the Union and pushing more leaflets into the hands of students.

Students are valuable to clubs in more ways than one. Venues experiencing declining trade in pre-exam and summer periods require a flexible workforce which is able to work fewer hours when needed.

Students seeking part-time work with the option to leave for home in the summer are positively sought after by such clubs.

Emma Bean News Editor Greater Manchester has the highest ratio of hate crimes in England and Wales, Home office data has shown.

17.09 out of every 1000 crimes are reported as hate crimes, 6.09 higher than the national average.

In the data, collected in 2011-12, the force dealt with a total of 3547 hate crimes, of which 2974 were racially motivated, 303 motivated by sexual orientation, 180 by religion, 73 by an individual’s disability and 17 were trans related.

Hate crimes involve any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic.

Cat Gray, the University of Manchester Students’ Union’s Wellbeing Officer, said, “The Union is a reporting centre for hate crime, so if any student experience or witness a hate crime and want to come and report that they can do so in the Union in the Advice Centre.

“The Union continues to fight against all forms of oppression and would support students in reporting hate crime.”

Despite the high figures, they represent a drop in reported cases. The same data collected for 2009-10 found that 5348 hate crimes had been reported in the Greater Manchester

Photo: Joe Sandler Clarke area.

Garry Shewan, Assistant Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said when talking to Mancunian Matters “We recognise that all forms of hate crime are under-reported, and tackling this remains one of GMP’s main priorities.

“We are working hard to raise awareness of what hate crime is, how to report it and the support available to victims.”

News: 07

ISSUE 02 / 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Lavish perks offered to peddle club nights to students - Discounts and free tickets offered to sell pack - Social Junkies say that issue has been dealt with Richard Crook Editor A company promoting club nights to Freshers’ offered generous perks to Halls committee members ( JCRs) in an attempt to sell their welcome week packs.

JCRs are responsible for delivering a quality and value-formoney Welcome Week.

The Welcome Week Company, a subsidiary to Social Junkies, insisted the contract dates back two years and they have since demanded the practice stop, but the leak emerged from two Fallowfield halls committee members who claim it was offered to them for last year’s Welcome Week.

The perks included free entry to all Social Junkies events for the remainder of their university life, as well as discounts to SKUM events and free entry to all clubs involved in the pack, which was priced at £45.

A spokesperson for Social Junkies said: “It is not attributable to anything that occurred for this current (or last years) Welcome Week. This was raised as an issue two years ago and as such, both Social Junkies and

The Welcome Week Company have expressly stated in all of their meetings there will be no incentives for any JCR or RA to work with either party.”

No official perks are thought to have been offered to JCRs this year, though several Halls of Residence committees again teamed up with The Welcome Week Company.

A committee member and Welcome Week organiser from a prominent Fallowfield Halls of Residence claims after rejecting the offer, he alerted the University to the practice and offered an alternative proposal to running Welcome Week.

But despite the Vice Chancellor wishing the initiative “every success”, the Pastoral Care Support Worker for the halls in question felt there were too many issues to recommend JCR members to cooperate.

Nick Pringle, General Secretary at the Students’ Union said: “I’m extremely concerned about reports that students were pressured into signing deals with club promoters for their welcome week packages.”

He added: “As a Students’ Union we’re committed to supporting and developing resi-

Students’ sign up for societies at the Welcome Fair. Photo: Matty Major

dences associations and JCRs so that they remain student led. As every student pays into their association through accommodation fees, students must always be in control of the activities and finances of these associations. It’s clear that a change is needed and we’ll be working with the students involved and the university to find a solution.”

Brendon Jones, General Man-

Greater Manchester Jobseeker’s claimant count rises again Scott McEwan Business Editor The number of people in Greater Manchester claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance has increased for the second consecutive month, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics.

As of August 2012, 85,038 individuals now claim Jobseeker’s Allowance; an increase of 488 and 1,302 from July and June respectively.

In the North West region the claimant count has remained at 4.4 percent, still above the UK average of 3.9 percent, however the number of people unemployed fell by approximately 8,000. The North West’s unemployment rate now stands at 9 percent; the third highest rate in the country behind the North (10.4 percent) and Yorkshire and the Humber (10 percent).

Dr Brian Sloan , Chief economist at Greater Manchester chamber of commerce commented on the results: “This rise in the claimant count is not unexpected given the weak economic conditions in Greater Manchester, accompanied by policy shifts and young people leaving full

time education.”

“The summer period has been a very slow period for the region’s economy, but these trends highlight the challenge of addressing high levels of worklessness, public sector spending dependency and getting back on to a sustainable growth path.”

Earlier this month ONS data showed that Liverpool had the highest level of workless households in the entire country with a quarter of all households inhabited by jobless individuals. In Greater Manchester that figure was an above average 16.8 percent of households that were jobless.

Dr Sloan believes the Atlantic Gateway projects, a 50-year co-ordinated private investment initiative costing £50 billion and driven by the Peel Group, will deliver the economic stimulus required to fuel business activity in the region.

He added: “We can sit back and blame the Eurozone or global conditions, but in reality more can be done now in the North West to secure our long term growth potential and provide job opportunities.”

ager for Pastoral Care, said in a statement: ”Residents Associations and Junior Common Rooms are autonomous bodies with constitutions and are elected by the residents in the Halls.

We always offer them support and advice in all matters that are drawn to our attention including entering into any agreements with third parties.

“Over the previous year meetings have been held to offer ad-

vice on managing approaches from promoters because we are aware that RAs and JCRs are regularly targeted.”

This is not the first time Social Junkies have made The Mancunion headlines. In 2010, students and the University condemned their promotion tactics, heavy emphasis on drinking, and their event entitled ‘Fuck a Fresher’.

Facebook puts freshers’ loans at risk warns Student Loan Company Ellen Conlon News Editor Public Facebook details make Freshers’ easy targets for fraud, the Student Loan Company has warned.

First year students, keen to add new friends, reveal too much personal information on social networking sites which could aid thieves.

An online survey of more than 1,100 university applicants suggests that two thirds of people reveal personal details on their Facebook page, without thinking of the consequences.

Most first year students have not met all their Facebook friends and would only consider a quarter of them as close, but still have their profiles public, the survey suggests.

Dates of birth, relationship status and email addresses are often clearly visible on social networking sites.

With this information, fraudsters can try to hack into bank accounts by sending officiallooking emails, asking for more personal details, warns the Student Loans Company.

Last academic year, over 1,600 students were targeted by fraudsters attempting to access their loans.

Heather Laing, the fraud protection and detection manager at the Student Loans Company said: “Freshers are often managing their finances for the first time by themselves when

they start university and we want them to make sure they’re keeping their personal and financial information safe, especially online.”

“Students are often targeted at the three main instalment dates in September, January and April and they need to work with us to ensure their identity and financial details are protected and not compromised.”

Pete Mercer, NUS Vice President (Welfare) said: “There have been some very worrying cases about those who have been victims of phishing scams, particularly individuals who have had their email addresses taken from social networking sites.”

“Students simple cannot afford to fall victim to those who have set up scams to extract data and money. In an age of dozens of logins and passwords, it’s vital to take care with your data and to keep tabs on your accounts.”

To raise awareness of student finance fraud, the Student Loans Company has published “Fraud facts for Freshers” on their website and have promoted them through Facebook and Twitter.

It is important to always create strong passwords for online accounts and to update them regularly. Ignoring emails headed ‘Dear Student’ is recommended, as they are often sent out in bulk and are unlikely to contain personal first or last names, but can look very authentic.

Universities could lose £1.5 billion Anthony Organ News Editor UK universities could lose £1.5 billion in tuition fees after accepting 52,000 fewer students compared to this point in last year’s admissions cycle.

This is a 15 per cent drop from last year’s totals and the money would have come from three years of tuition fees.

The data was released by UCAS, who were prompted to do so for the first time ever by rising concern over the fall in this year’s student intake.

This year’s higher fees have had an impact on application behaviour according to the first report from the Independent Commission on Fees, which noted that almost 15,000 “missing” applicants who were expected to apply failed to do so.

A controversial system was also used restricting the numbers of students with A-levels below AAB that each university could take, which combined with the first decline in A-level results for twenty years to damage admissions.

Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group said: “The difficult choices faced by admissions departments this year means students who wanted to attend a leading university and had the right qualifications have not been able to even though those universities wanted to accept them”.

A statement from the University of Manchester admitted that “undergraduate admissions will be down this year compared to last” but stressed that “the University has been implementing a planned reduction in Home/EU undergraduate recruitment over the period 2010-2015 anyway.”

It goes on to state that this, as well as recruiting more staff, is an attempt to address the “structural issue” of high student-staff ratios to improve the consistently low National Student Survey results.

Speaking to Times Higher Education, one Russell Group university revealed it was 260 students short of predicted AAB numbers and around 500 short of last year’s total undergraduate numbers, equivalent to around £13.5 million lost in tuition fees.

David Willetts, the universities and science minister, introduced the AAB system hoping it would allow top universities to expand, but it has prevented elite institutions from making up any shortfall in students.

The government tasked Hefce with estimating the numbers of high performing students but the decline in A-level results meant that the 79,200 AAB students fell short of Hefce’s estimated 85,000.

Despite the problems, the government could save over £400 million this year through having to provide less student finance than expected.

08 : News Feature

ISSUE 02 / 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

“The Tories are untrustworthy in the same way Labour are untrustworthy” The Mancunion talks to Lib Dem Mp for Manchester Withington, John Leech Richard Crook Editor An interview with a Liberal Democrat MP doesn’t catch the student reader’s eye in the same way it used to.

The party that gained mass support from students because of their opposition to tuition fees at the 2010 election have seen their support amongst young people virtually wiped out after they agreed to raise fees to £9,000 once in government.

Today their support stands at around 10 percent of the electorate. It was 24 percent at the height of ‘Clegg-mania’ two years ago.

I ask John Leech - MP for Manchester Withington, and a man who voted against the fee rise - whether he considered leaving the party over the policy.

“No. Party policy is still to abolish tuition fees. Whether we go into the next election with that policy remains to be seen.

“As someone who benefited from free education, I’m not about to start voting to suggest students of tomorrow should be treated differently. Secondly, why do we arbitrarily cut off free education at A levels? If we’re going to say students should pay for university, why not ask them to pay for their A levels?”

I put it to him that an arbitrary line must be drawn somewhere. Why draw the line at an undergraduate degree? Why not ask the taxpayers to fund a student’s MA? “Whenever you make a cut off for these things, it has to be arbitrary. I personally think it should be after a first degree.”

As most Freshers are about to find out, the first year of university doesn’t always demand a great deal of effort. Should taxpayers for whom university education was never possibility be fronting the bill for that?

“If you don’t educate your kids, society goes downhill. It’s to our benefit to spend thousands teaching people to be doctors and teachers. I accept there are probably efficiencies to be made in terms of how people do their degree. I do think there could be a levelling out, where people in subjects with not many hours could be doing more. Then there would be less of an incentive for people choosing certain degrees over others.”

(This interview was conducted before Nick Clegg apologised for ever supporting abolishing tuition fees, so I can’t ask whether it effects his position.)

Beyond tuition fees, the Conservative Party most famously let the Lib Dems down on Alternative Voting and House of Lords reform. What is the point in staying in the coalition?

“I was one of two MPs who didn’t vote to go to coalition with Tories. The Tories are untrustworthy in the same way Labour are untrustworthy. It was clear they were

always going to do the dirty on us when it came to constitutional and electoral reform.”

That may have been the case then, but polls suggest a general election would lead to a Labour victory. Wouldn’t pulling out trigger an election? “No, there would

I would expect the Telegraph to talk about electoral oblivion for the Lib Dems because they’re a bunch of rightwing fascists.”

be a Tory minority government that would really struggle to get anything through parliament. The reality is if we pulled out of the coalition then we’d have no influence in government. We’re the people who are responsible for making the tuition fee policy more progressive.

We’re responsible for the green deal.”

So why do half the voters think you’ve made no political impact? “Because they read newspapers like The Guardian, The Mirror, The Telegraph, and the Daily Mail, who have an anti-Liberal Democrat agenda.”

Nick Clegg remains the big media target, and if the newspapers dictate opinion as much as John Leech thinks, there will be many Lib Dem MPs who will be wondering whether Clegg is now too much of a liability. Who does Leech think will lead the party in 2015, and is he happy with the job Clegg has done?

“I have no reason to believe we won’t go into the next election with Nick still as leader.”

One reason could be 50% of Liberal Democrat supporters respect Vince Cable more than any other cabinet minister, compared to the 19% who say the same about Clegg? Could a move to Cable save

John Leech in conversation with the editor Richard Crook. Photo: Lisa Murgatoryd

the LD from – as the Telegraph puts it – “electoral oblivion”?

“I would expect the Telegraph to talk about electoral oblivion for the Lib Dems because they’re a bunch of right-wing fascists. “ I’m developing a sneaking suspicion Mr Leech isn’t all that fond of the media.

“Even YouGov, the worst polling organisation in the country, acknowledge that when you ask people if they’re going to vote Liberal Democrat, we actually get a boost if you add, ‘With Nick Clegg as leader.’ But I accept that we get a much bigger boost if Cable is named leader.”

So if that’s the case, what is the downside, especially with recent overtures to Vince Cable by Labour? “These overtures are a load of nonsense, it’s the usual Ed Balls tripe. But if Vince Cable were leader, the papers would all be slagging him off.”

What about when The Telegraph tried to sting Cable out of a job over his plan to ‘declare war on Murdoch’? “They left a few bits of that unpublished, it was actually other newspapers that published full quotes. But all the newspapers have a more positive image of Vince than they do of Nick, even if it is at times negative as well. “ So regardless as to whether or not the media are being fair, wouldn’t bringing in Cable be the only way the Lib Dems could avoid a general election dominated by broken promises? “I’d be willing to bet if Clegg resigned tomorrow and Cable became leader, the first thing the media would say is ‘this is the man that did the dirty on tuition fees’.”

Does he think the media has that much influence over people? “Yes, absolutely.

All the things constituents come to me with are regurgitated from the media.”

My media focus is beginning to irritate

John Leech, so I move the conversation onto his constituency. Withington has a high student population, and local residents have distinctly mixed feelings regarding their influx. I ask if he ever senses a tension between his student and non-student constituents.

He offers a long pause. “Unfortunately, students get a bad name because of a small number of students who have caused disturbances and upset residents.

“The biggest tension is between the settled population and landlords. When people move, landlords often snap up houses for students because they see it as a fast buck. The residents I spoke to are angrier at the landlords rather than the students.”

That’s not always the case though. The Withington Civic Society can often be found labelling students as various wild animals. I read him one quote. “The explosion of bars in Withington and Fallowfield over the years has led to the degradation of both areas in terms of noise, litter and urination.” Is that taking it too far?

“It’s not the language I would have used, put it that way. Wherever you create areas with lots of bars and late-night drinking, there is always opportunity for more disorder.”

Those bars emerge due to student demand though, no? “Fallowfield is not the only place with lots of bars in South Manchester. I live on border of Chorlton, where there’s plenty of bars and rubbish left on the street after latenight drinking. I would never label that as the responsibility of students. It’s the responsibility of careless late-night drinkers.”

A high student-populated constituency isn’t the blessing it once was for a Liberal

Democrat MP. Is he now worried about losing his seat? “All MPs should always be concerned about losing their seats.

Unfortunately, in too many parts of the country, people get a seat for life thanks to the undemocratic system that we have in place. I think it’s healthy for democracy that you have unsafe seats” Does John Leech think he’s in an unsafe seat? He laughs. “I won by less than 700 the first time and less than 1900 the second time. I think that could be construed as marginal.”

For the one or two students out there who don’t follow local politics, the Liberal Democrats were quite substantially obliterated at in the council elections in May. Was it a wake-up call for the party and Leech?

“It wasn’t a wake-up call to us because we know at the moment the party is unpopular. There’s a sense of irony that the party that has to bear a significant portion of responsibility for the mess we’re now in is the main beneficiary of voter’s anger. People have short memories for who’s responsible for what.”

Does he think the Liberal Democrats are being used as a human shield by both sides? “Yeah, that’s fair. In places like Manchester where the Tories are a fairly endangered species, we’re going to get the blame for the unpopularity of the government. I’d urge people to ask why we’re in the mess we are? The fact remains the previous government didn’t do anything to stop the banking crisis from happening with light touch regulation. People have short memories in politics.”

If John Leech’s seat really as marginal as all that, he might hope that’s the case.

ISSUE 02 / 24h SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

News Feature : 09

“Iraq is a crime against peace” - “Obama has been a big disappointment on Israel-Palestine” - Former Minister says Blair would face trial if Nuremberg laws were applied Andrew Williams talks to former International Development Secretary Clare Short ahead of her visit to the University on Wednesday As perhaps the most independentlyminded member of Tony Blair’s fledgling Cabinet, Clare Short received no shortage of offers from news organisations to come onto their programmes in the hope that she would go off-message. “I used to get invitations every other day from the Today programme”, she says, “because they knew I wouldn’t fully defend everything the government did!”

It is nearly ten years since Short resigned her position as International Development Secretary over the decision to invade Iraq. Though she was persuaded

by Tony Blair to vote in favour of the war having been assured that the UN would ensure international co-operation – “a lie to stop me going at the same time as Robin [Cook]” – she left the government in May 2003, just two months later, wishing that she had voted against. “Of course it was a mistake, but the reasons I did it – which I took a lot of flak for – were good reasons”, she explains.

Prior to her resignation, Short had served for six years as head of the newlycreated Department for International Development (DFID). She took up the position on the eve of the millennium; just as a unique ‘humanitarian moment’ – the subject she will be tackling in her lecture at the University of Manchester on Wednesday – had emerged. “Suddenly, the old order had crumbled and we came along and said what we should do is develop the world much more evenly and fairly, give everyone a chance and make it much fairer and more sustainable”.

“I was very happy running my department and we showed the highly honourable role that Britain could have in the world… that was a very satisfying, good thing.” Despite the progress that she believes she made during her time in government, Short will argue that our international system is broken, due variously to a political leadership which “hasn’t got any answers”; a “distorted” United Nations which is “not functioning well”; and an unwillingness of the part of the world’s richest, most powerful nations to enact change.

Having left Parliament at the 2010 general election, Clare Short harbours as much political energy as ever, conveying genuine passion for a plethora of humanitarian issues. Even closed questions provoke defiantly-argued streams of consciousness, her well-made points consistently returning to the crux of her argument: that the ‘old order’ is out of ideas and that the world must be reshaped to promote positive development and sustainability rather than reckless defence spending which fuels war and injustice.

“We need to shift the sense of Britain’s role in the world – we need to not just be America’s poodle but be an instrument of a more safe, sustainable, decent world order”, she suggests.

“At the moment I think we’re messing up big time. Throwing money at the military, looking for wars and creating a new enemy… it’s dangerous and it’s causing tension and conflict”. Meanwhile, she talks of international aid – “tiny compared with defence spending” at 0.5% of GDP – as a moral imperative, not to mention “a much better way of making the world safer and more sustainable”.

Short acknowledged that putting Blair on trial would be almost impossible

The sense of injustice which drives her outlook on the current geopolitical landscape is at least partially fuelled but her anger and sadness at being misled over Iraq. The now infamous decision to invade made “a hypocrisy of western rhetoric – if the US and UK can invade Iraq, why can’t Saddam Hussein invade Kuwait?” It fundamentally contributed, she laments, to “the crumbling of international law, which threatens all of us”.

“The response of the US to September 11 – so strongly supported by the UK and then with the EU coming along behind – was ludicrous”, she maintains. “Here was a man in a cave, and some fanatical men with bolt cutters who took over some aeroplanes and committed a terrible crime, but for the response to be an increase in military spending greater than at the height of the Cold War is not logical.

The whole of international foreign policy went crazy… and the response exacerbated the problem”.

Short is unequivocal that the somewhat over-zealous War on Terror heightened instability in the region; in February 2003, she warned Tony Blair that the aftermath of a war in Iraq could be bloody and costly. “I don’t think any of us envisaged it being as bad as it was, and is indeed”, she admits nonetheless.

It is no secret that Short endured a fractious relationship with thenPrime Minister Blair throughout his premiership and, three years after leaving the government, she finally burned her bridges with the New Labour leadership. In a scathing newspaper article, Short attacked the man who had “so dishonoured the Labour Party”, lambasting Blair for “helping to make the world a more danger-

ous place”. Perhaps, then, she would like to see the architects of the Iraq War face trial for orchestrating a campaign which, according to some estimates, cost the lives of a million people?

“Well, at Nuremberg one of the charges was ‘crimes against peace’, and it is literally a crime against peace.” Yet, “there’s absolutely no prospect of [such a trial]. If that had been likely, Blair wouldn’t have done it. To get to the point where such a law was enforced firmly on everyone, we’d make the world safer, but I’m afraid we’re not there yet”.

The irony of Blair’s current role as Middle East Peace Envoy surely doesn’t escape Clare Short, and it is unsurprising that he has failed to make any tangible progress on the peace process thus far. A long-serving campaigner for the Palestinian cause, Short calls the Israel-Palestine conflict, “the Apartheid of our time, the great wrong in current historical events” – a situation that “has repercussions right through the world system”. It is, quite simply, “a question of standing up for international law”.

“Obama has been a big disappointment on this, and some other things – although of course if I was American I’d vote for him. He couldn’t even deliver getting Israel to stop expanding its settlement so that peace talks could go on. It’s pathetic.”

Today, Short’s time is dominated by humanitarian work in regions such as Palestine. As such, she all but discounts a return to full-time politics, yet refuses to rule out the possibility of joining another party. She wouldn’t be interested in defecting “as things stand”, she says. “But I’m a social democrat and most of the Labour Shadow Cabinet aren’t, it seems to me”.

“In terms of our voting options, we’re bereft as a nation. The Labour Party never sorted itself out post-Iraq, and remains damaged by that. Ed Miliband is a good thing, but he’s got lots of Blairites around him and he’s living in this media politics… which constrains everything.

If he doesn’t play the game, the media is on his case every day. There are a lot of people around him who think Blair is the best thing since sliced bread”. The result?

“He’s got a problem because they all become unhappy and they all brief against him and then the media goes against him – so he’s in a kind of corset”.

Like Miliband, Short herself has been targeted by a baying tabloid press. In 1986, she began a campaign against The Sun’s infamous Page 3, “the endless repetition of which turns all young women into objects and distorts, I think, the human sexuality in a way that’s damaging to everybody.” Short was unprepared for

the campaign that followed. An angry Murdoch press lashed out in an attempt to quash her objection; this was “the deliberate use of the power of the press to silence [me]”.

“The News of the World tried to destroy me, and that is pretty frightening.

There were people in the House of Commons who said to me – there was one MP who said to me – ‘I’d commit suicide’.

And when it’s happening it’s bloody horrible, it’s terrifying. You don’t eat much, you lose weight, and you think ‘what the hell am I going to do’? They really went everywhere – every weekend job, every boyfriend I’d had anything to do with”.

“I came through it in one piece”, she says as if to dismiss the point she has just made, but is a shocking revelation, and one which resonates as we await the verdict of the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics.

Short remains a controversial figure.

Just as one Labour Party member I speak to calls her “one of the most respectable politicians around”, the very mention of her name to a second immediately elicits the response “traitor”. Whatever your position, her outlook on the world is refreshing. “We need a really deep debate about the current international order, the economic crisis, and the way out that isn’t taking place because of the focus group, polling-type domination of our politics”.

It is a plea for a rethink, and an indication that Clare Short will continue to challenge the status quo.

Clare Short is the keynote speaker at the HCRI Inaugural Annual Lecture on Wednesday 26 September. To reserve your place at this free event – taking place at 5.30pm in University Place, Lecture Theatre A – visit www.hcriclareshort.eventbrite. com

Short: “we need to shift the sense of Britain’s role in the world – we need to not just be America’s poodle

10

Politics & Comment

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCNION.COM

My Political Hero: Peter Mandelson

Gove’s goodbye to GCSEs Antonia Jennings dissects Michael Gove’s planned changes to the English exam system After a summer of exam board screw ups and the first shrinkage in A* grades in their history, education secretary Michael Gove has announced plans to scrap GCSE examinations in favour of a qualification called the English Baccalaureate Certificate (EBC).

This new mode of assessment is designed to avoid the problems with grade inflation that GCSEs had, as well as creating an examination system that is more relevant to today’s job markets. With more than a third of GCSEs awarded an A or A* grade, Gove’s shake up of the education system aims to address problems such as these.

Coming into effect in 2017, the EBC will initially be in three core subject areas – English, Maths and Sciences.

In many ways, the new EBC appears to be a return to O-levels, the pre-GCSE school leavers’ examinations. It is not modular, leaving all formal assessment to the end of the two years spent studying for them.

The two–tier system (where GCSE takers can either sit the regular or foundation paper) will also be scrapped, leaving one level that provides a fair and equal system for all. There will be less pressure on students to take the exams at sixteen too, allowing a few years for less able students to catch up.

Similarly, the grading system will nod to the O-level method. Instead of letters A*-F, pupils will be awarded a numerical grade, from one to ten, one being the highest.

The change is motivated by a belief that England is not keeping up with Tiger economies such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea. Other high-achieving nations such as Finland and other Scandinavian countries are also seen to be out performing us educationally. Their higher qualified school leavers are seen

to be more competent in both basic skills and more creative activities, creating a next generation that can manage a globally competitive economy.

The EBC is designed to give a wellrounded education. However, it has been argued that this will create the opposite.

Chris Keates, head of the NASUWT teachers’ union told the BBC: “The government will have to work hard to ensure that these reforms are not the final nail in the coffin for the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum.”

The worry that these reforms will unbalance the curriculum is shared by Rosie Dammers, leader of the Manchester Young Greens who said “it is totally unacceptable for the government to implement a system that their own education secretary admits ‘a sizeable portion will leave school with no qualifications’. This policy will only lead to an increase in inequality in education.”

The National Union of Teachers have also criticised the government’s proposals, and their attitude towards education for fourteen to sixteen year olds. They have warned of an ‘inherent contradiction’ in the Coalition’s criticisms of GCSEs. A spokesperson for the Union recently stated it was “nonsensical” to expect higher pass rates from schools while at the same tim saying that any such improvement was evidence of exams becoming easier.

The ATL teacher’s union have similarly warned the BBC that ”the plans for GCSE replacements are hugely simplistic and fail to recognise the complexity of learning and teaching.”

Concerns have also been raised by parents, teachers and academics about how this new system will be adopted

into the university entrance process. For example, it is unclear how universities will be able to give out appropriate offers to incoming students sitting the EBC, given they will have no prior grade demographic to work with.

Following that, the first few years of the program are bound to be unsteady, and the EBC is bound to be continuously modified.

Universities are going to have to decide how much leeway they allow for students, whilst being careful not to oversubscribe.

Similarly, they will have to decide whether to discriminate between those who take the EBC at sixteen and those who take it later.

The system is designed to allow students to mature at their natural pace, implying that they should be ready for university at their own natural pace also.

But will universities still choose students that were mature enough at sixteen?

Moreover, what preferences will they have between the various subjects available on the EBC? These are all questions that will have to be addressed in the run up to the EBC’s introduction in 2017.

Gove’s plans seem to all to be not sufficiently thought through; a quick solution to a multi-layered problem.

Given the proposals are not due to come into effect until 2017, there is hope that between now and then they will be more carefully scrutinised and nuanced.

Gove’s nostalgia for the time he was still in education is evident, but he must realise that he has to move with the times to give his proposals credibility in today’s world.

‘The Prince of Darkness’, ‘The King of Spin’, ‘the Dark Lord’ and ‘the Master of the Dark Arts’ are all synonymous with Peter Mandelson. But ‘hero’ is a noun rarely used to describe the supposed Machiavellian prince.’ Pictured with oligarchs and associated with dubious loans, Mandelson’s career has been laced with scandal after scandal. Even at the World Economic Forum Mandy was greeted with hisses and boos from the crowd in pantomime fashion. Regardless of the array of criticisms thrown his way; Mandelson’s ability to bounce back from political adversity makes him a politician who is to be admired, not derided.

Tumultuous and scandal ridden as his career may have been, Mandelson’s unwavering dedication to the Labour party is apparent from his early childhood. The grandson of the Labour politician Herbert Morrison, Mandelson was raised entrenched in the party that he would devote his life’s work to. His political credentials were first established when he began canvassing for Labour at the age of six then shooting to prominence as Labour’s director of communications in the 1980s.

While he is recognised more for political meandering, illustrious friends and more illustrious betrayals, Mandelson was responsible for dragging Labour out of political obscurity.

He successfully rebranded them into something electable, an incredible feat. He was willing to work with the regressive National Executive Committee and gave his utmost to Neil Kinnock. Despite heavy opposition, Mandelson managed to rebrand the party through both policy and image overhauls which gave Labour it’s much needed push into modernity. As morally ambiguous as some his tactics may have been, his record is formidable and his skills unrivalled.

Yet it is Madelson’s underhand strategies and love-affair with controversy that makes him so likeable. In a world of uninspiring Cameron’s and down-right dull Millibands, Mandelson never ceases to entertain. He is brazen and unabashed. Forced to resign in 1998 over a scandalous and undisclosed £373,000 loan, he returned to the cabinet a mere ten months later. He was forced to resign again in 2001 only to return again in 2008 for an unprecedented third time. No one saw it coming. As he said himself in 2001, he is ‘a fighter, not a quitter’. His apparent political immortality is comparable only to the superhuman. His longevity is intriguing, a testament to his skills and adds to his allure. Then in 2010 after a few quiet years, he released a memoir in which he divulges party gossip and brands Gordon Brown ‘a nightmare to work with’. With Mandelson one comes to expect the unexpected and it is never dull.

Peter Mandelson will always be remembered as the caricature that represents him in public consciousness. Beyond this guise however, is a man who dedicated a substantial part of his life to a party which he truly loves and believes in. His loyalty is admirable and his political durability fascinating. His methods are perhaps controversial but he did what was necessary to pull Labour out of the ‘Dark Ages’. Whatever your opinion on the man, it is difficult not to admire his talent, wit and determination.

Kimberly McIntosh

Comment

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012

11

The burning question...

YES

Rachel Rigg

In February 2012, an American file-sharing site -“Megaupload” – was shut down, and the site’s owner, Kim Dotcom was arrested. The offence the federal prosecutors were pursuing was a failure to prevent the sharing of pirated material, which was estimated to have cost the relevant companies around $500 million in damages. Similarly, the UK has the relatively recent Digital Economy Act 2010 (ineffective until 2013), which is purely to prevent these kinds of losses being caused to companies worldwide. But what about the cost closer to home – to our national economies?

This is a very different argument for anti-piracy.

Allow me to establish, I’m not arguing for the small change for the huge corporations here, but the reinvestment in our society. You could claim that the cost to the digital economy

is to such a serious extent that it could affect the overall health of the British economy.

The British film industry in 2009 was seen to be directly contributing around £1.6 billion to the UK’s GDP alone. So what is the real cost of the illegal downloads to our nation?

Bearing in mind we currently stand in over £1,032.4 billion in debt as a country, we could use that spare cash that seems to be floating around in cyber space. Allow me to re-establish though, I’m not arguing for the huge corporations here, but the reinvestment in our society.

You may argue that the appeal in illegal downloads is purely in the fact that it is free – and that if there was not an option to have it for nothing, many wouldn’t have it at all. But how many times have you passed up on a DVD, or a trip to the cinema for the lure of a free download?

Aside from the moral

“Is piracy really all that bad??” obligations of individually costing the economy every time you click that little ‘download’ button, there are so many more arguments against the use of illegal downloads.

Awful quality, hunting down links for a good connection; and for me, more than a little fear that I’ll end up corrupting my laptop with some god-awful virus.

But hey, if you don’t mind recession, a tinny sound and a fuzzy film quality, illegal downloads seem to be right up your street. I’ll stick to my legitimate film though, thanks.

If Ed Sheeran says it’s okay, then we’re good, right?

When it was announced that UK internet service providers were ruled by the High Court to block The Pirate Bay, I’m sure we all wept a little inside.

I know I did. Where else am I going to get those handy, and completely legal, free copies of pdfs for my Kindle?

Illegal downloading is always hyped to be this awful crime.

But, let’s be honest, it’s pretty hard not to be tempted. It’s not just about music, but movies and even video games. Albums

Lisa Murgatroyd

retail on average at around £12, DVDs around £13 (let’s not even talk about blu-rays!), and if you could get a brand new game for less than £40 you’re on to a winner.

Right now, I can’t afford that.

So, I don’t buy anything. Unless I’ve saved up for a special occasion (like a special edition of The Avengers).

The founder of video game company Mojang, and creator of Minecraft, replied to a twitter user who said he couldn’t afford the game that he should pirate it. “If you like it,” he said, “pay for it when you can.”

I don’t think anyone could say that they pirate because it’s better than buying. The quality is never as good as the original, and unless you’re a real pro, it can be more effort than it’s worth at times. But, there are a lot of people without the disposable income to buy all these great products every

NO week. For piracy to have such a huge impact as is claimed, surely it needs to have cost the maker a sale. If you couldn’t have bought the product in the first place, then I’d argue that this logic can’t apply. There’s also a handy “try before you buy” element built in.

Sites like Bandcamp, which lets users download for free or pay what they think a song/ album is worth, should be given more support (and make sure they’re not as greedy as the big corporate machines!).

Maybe it’s naïve of me to think that if you download an album from an artist, you’re more likely to go and see them, or buy the DVD collection when the prices come down a little.

I definitely don’t think that you deserve to be locked up in prison for doing it though!

Disagree? Tweet us @mancuniondebate, or email us at comment@mancunion.com

Happy Birthday Occupy Movement!

Since it’s birth one year ago, the Occupy Movement has spread across the world, writes Eve Fensome was probably only a small proportion of attendees, the media focused on the

everyone’s hanging out down the local park

violence rather than tuition fees. The

Photo: Nathan Meijer @Flickr

Happy First Birthday Occupy Movement!

We have cake (organic of course) and for a party!

The Occupy Movement was born on September the 17th 2011 in Zuccotti Park in New York’s financial district – Wall Street.

A lovechild of unknown parenthood, the occupy movement’s ancestors may include the Canadian activist group Adbusters, the Spanish ‘Take the Square’ movement and the Arab spring. While it began in America, this precocious youngster quickly spread globally and by the 9th of October 2011 was taking place in 82 different countries around the world.

Occupy Manchester began on the 2nd October with protesters setting up camp in Albert Square but later moved to the nearby Peace Gardens to allow a food festival to take place in the square. Occupy London, the annoying, bigger and flashier younger sibling of Occupy Manchester was born on the 15th of October. While occupation of the London Stock Exchange was initially planned, the land on which it is situated is privately owned so the Occupy movement set up outside St Paul’s Cathedral instead.

As well as camps in Finsbury Square they occupied an office complex owned by UBS which the protesters named the ‘Bank of Ideas’ and an unused premises of Old Street Magistrates Court.

Many

of

us

will

remember

the

preposterous comments made by Louise Mensch when she criticized the protesters for drinking Starbucks caffé lattes saying ‘you can’t be against capitalism and then take everything it provides’ to which Ian Hislop replied; ‘you don’t have to want to return to a barter system in the stone age to complain about the way the financial crisis affected large numbers of people in the world, even if you’ve got a cup of coffee

Occupy Movement has been non-violent from the beginning. This made it even more shocking when heavy handed police tactics were used on protesters. In America in particular the use of pepper spray

and a tent.’ Which leads us not-so-neatly

end to the actions of our government and

onto the question ‘what does the Occupy

others in causing this oppression.”

movement actually stand for other than camping and coffee?’

The slogan for the Occupy Movement is ‘We are the 99%’ pertains to inequality

The ‘Initial Statement’ made by the

and the Initial Statement highlights the

Occupy London protesters on the 16th

movement’s opposition to cuts in public

October identified nine assertions. The first

services as well as the financial sector.

was: “The current system is unsustainable.

However the first statement may be key to

It is undemocratic and unjust. We need

understanding the Occupy Movement. To

alternatives; this is where we work towards

paraphrase ‘this is where we work towards

them.”

the alternatives’.

The rest, among other things, asserted a

Which is to say; the Occupy Movement

refusal “to pay for the bank’s crisis”, a non-

is not just a protest to give voice to people’s

acceptance of the cuts and a desire for

dissent, but it is also a forum for the

“regulators to be genuinely independent

protesters to discuss and formulate ideas.

of the industries they regulate.” The sixth

As a social movement it is exceedingly

assertion stated “We support the strike on

clever in its concept, for while usual means

the 30th November and the student action

of protesting such as marches and rallies

on the 9th November and actions to defend

are highly visible, they only last for a short

our health services, welfare, education

time. Occupations, on the other hand,

and employment, and to stop wars and

have a much longer presence and are

arms dealing.” The eighth called for “a

also a far more impressive feat. It’s easy

positive sustainable economic system that

to go on a march for a few hours waving a

benefits present and future generations”

placard, whereas it takes a heck of a lot of

rather than the present economic system

commitment to sleep in a tent in the middle

which is “accelerating humanity towards

of a city during winter.

irreversible climate change.” The final

The student tuition fees protest lost a

statement reads “We stand in solidarity

lot of credibility because of the violence

with the global oppressed and we call for an

committed during it, even though it

#2

Sounding off about the gripes and irks of everyday life

Each week we’re going to get on our soapbox and shout off about what’s been grating our nerves lately. Everyone likes a good moan or a bitch. Feel like you have something to rant about? Tweet us @mancuniondebate or email comment@mancunion.com

and nets as well as mass arrests caused international

outrage

and

increased

sympathy for the protesters.

During the occupations over 7,400

An Occupy protester dressed as a Metropolitan Police Officer at the Occupy London Protest earlier this year.

SOAPBOX

arrests and 330 injuries were sustained by demonstrators. While some camps lasted

Calling all student activists, how about you take a look at yourselves before you preach to me and the world about the evil ‘big companies’. What’s that, you’re tweeting about how bad Coca Cola are from your iPad? Funny, that.

through the winter, by February 2012 the two highest profile camps: Washington DC and St Paul’s London had been cleared.

While the gains directly attributable to the movement are unknown, many political leaders, including Barack Obama have spoken about the movement, and some individuals have claimed that the political

It’s time to head back to class. Lecturers are a cruel breed.

Why do they always insist on 9am lectures? They must know that half the class won’t turn up, and the other half will be half asleep if they do manage to drag themselves out of bed. Boycott early morning lectures! There’s a protest we can all relate to.

discourse has altered because of the movement.

And maybe they’re right. Elizabeth Warren – Democratic nominee for the Massachusetts Senate, speaking at the 2012 Democratic Convention clearly echoed

Hipster alert. It’s a new year to show off just how cool and unique you are, outdoing the next bow tied, over sized glasses wearing rah with unkempt hair. Just as bad are the girls who haven’t outgrown those ugg boots and messy top buns yet. Hard to say what’s worse?

some of the Occupy sentiments when she said: “The system is rigged. Look around.

Oil companies guzzle down billions in profits. Billionaires pay lower tax rates than their secretary. And Wall Street CEOs, the same ones who wrecked our economy and destroyed millions of jobs, still strut around congress, no shame, demanding favours and acting like we should thank them. Does anyone have a problem with that?”

With the New York Times reporting 185 arrests having taken place on the year anniversary as Occupy demonstrators gathered to mark the occasion, this social movement has still got plenty of fight left.

And here’s to many Happy Returns!

Manchester is full of people trying to make it big in music.

Fair play to all those musicians. But anyone with a laptop can be a DJ these days, don’t think you’re something special.

There’ll be no VIP passes or guest list, don’t expect to earn hundreds in a night, and definitely don’t try and use it as a pick up line.

What happened to the so called “knowledge” that taxi drivers were supposed to possess? I don’t expect to have to be your sat nav when I’m going somewhere fairly well known. I’d understand if I asked you to take me to the back end of beyond, but it’s just a club off Oxford Road.

Comment

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012

Access to Higher Education isn’t just about the price Lisa Murgatroyd’s take on the perpetual debate of broadening access to higher education It seems like every year there’s the great debate about how to deal with Oxbridge elitism.

It’s just for public school kids, or rich kids, or both. They’re exclusive and a damper on the great British pride (whilst simultaneously being our most honoured universities). The problem is, nobody has ever been able to get everyone to come together and agree on how this can be changed.

On 1st September, 2012, Professor Les Ebdon took up the position as Director of Fair Access to Higher Education (taking over from Manchester’s very own Sir Martin Harris). The role of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is to “promote and safeguard fair access to higher education for lower income and other underrepresented groups”. Professor Ebdon has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding that the leading universities should aim to admit more equal numbers of students from better-off and worse-off families. He floated the idea of adjusting offers to lower the grades expected of students from “struggling comprehensives”.

Cries of outrage were swiftly led by Reading University and Cambridge, stating that it would be “patronising” and could be seen as a “back door route in”. The outgoing admissions director of Cambridge Geoff Parks went so far as to say that it would be a “cruel experiment that could ruin lives”.

Whilst I don’t agree with the melodramatics, I do believe that it would be wrong to have a sliding scale of acceptance based on what school you went to, and how poor your family was as opposed to your intelligence. It’s a little insulting, to be honest.

There’s no arguing that the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and also Edinburgh, are a class apart, but I say that with gritted teeth. The university experience is not only academical,

The education system needs to learn to adapt to its students.

but an enrichment of life experience.

The University of Manchester was my first (and only) choice. I completed a BTec National Award in Uniformed Public Services. It’s a vocational programme, based on coursework in a wide variety of subjects such as Psychology, Politics, and more practical elements such as P.E. and a unit in the Army Cadets. I achieved DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) which I was told would be the equivalent to AAB. Distinction was the highest grade you could get, so that made sense. However, when I started my university application in my second year, it turned out that the highest I could get would be BBC, and that’s only if universities decided they wanted to acknowledge the qualification at all.

My BTec excluded me from Oxbridge.

According to the University of Cambridge’s own website; “VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and/or BTecs are not an ideal preparation for most Cambridge courses, where the emphasis

is more academic than vocational.” I had grand ideas to apply, but no one warned me about this before I started my course.

Do I feel like I’ve missed out? Only on a more temperate climate.

I don’t do well in exams, and whilst I know that most of us don’t get the luxury of avoiding them at university, I chose an Arts degree. I can happily sit for hours in the library researching and writing an essay. Ask me to spend the same time cramming for an exam, and my brain melts.

This idea that your intelligence and skills can only be measured by the pressure of a two hour test has always confused me.

The education system needs to learn to adapt to its students. There are more and more calls for vocational based courses. This doesn’t mean you should then be limited to doing something like hairdressing or carpentry. According to the results of a survey conducted by Pearson UK (which runs Edexcel, the BTec provider) in 2011, 50% of students said that they had used their BTec to go on to study in university.

Higher Education Minister David Willetts stated last week that the number of students getting AAB grades at A-level were lower than expected this year, but there are “rather more getting top grades in equivalent high-class vocational qualifications, such as BTecs.”

Improving access to higher education should not be just about giving special access to those from poor backgrounds who might not have got A* because their school doesn’t have the right facilities. It should also be about realising that a degree is not limited to A Level students, and acknowledging that there isn’t one cardboard cut-out we all have to fit into.

Disagree?

Tweet us @mancuniondebate or email us at comment@mancunion.com

Photo Credit: Name of photographer

Photo Credit: University of Manchester

12

In Hollywood does mental illness = superpower Jak Dyehouse It is an unfortunate result of living under American cultural hegemony that we are treated to an awful lot of shit television.

Much of it is drivel, both drama and comedy, yet it clogs up the schedule each day. While making perfect hangover viewing that acts as a kind of valium to dull your aching head, the search for anything more substantial can be difficult what with all those repeats of How I Met Your Mother in the way.

Occasionally though, something is spat out that is so putrid in its social ramifications that it bears writing about.

This is not a review, so I’ll get my judgment out early: Perception is a terrible entry into the already bloated genre of forensic crime dramas that not only suffers for its mediocrity and poor production, but more importantly buys into a vision of mental illness that paints those who suffer as savant-like beings who are able to turn their condition to their advantage and achieve ends in a manner which is almost superhuman. This is a damaging discourse that paints a false image of the hardships that result from conditions such as depression, schizophrenia or autism. It is insensitive to those who suffer, while keeping the majority

ignorant of their plight.

I watched the first episode (Season 1 has already aired in the US) after seeing the advert which ran the tasteless tagline “There’s madness in his method”. As I feared, the show’s treatment of mental illness is fairly crass. Most obviously, it uses visual techniques reminiscent of other crime dramas such as Sherlock in order to give the audience something to look at while the protagonist furrows his brow in deep thought. Unfortunately in this case it is tied to the main character’s schizophrenia and paranoia, the “hook” of the show, in effect sexing up his condition with digital wizardry that is a far cry from reality. Letters float around on screen to rearrange themselves as an anagram while a hallucination is portrayed as a kind of spirit guide, disappearing only when the crime has been solved and helping the protagonist solve the case (this despite the character, an established neuroscientist, actually refuting the argument that his visions could be some kind of subconscious aid).

The tone of the program and treatment of the main character, who is frequently described as “eccentric”, is also troubling. With its part-cartoon logic (in which

an FBI agent leaps from a secondstorey fire escape onto a fleeing suspect), serious issues like coping mechanisms for anxiety or the protagonists interactions with vivid hallucinations come off as being slapstick or played for awkward laughs, which smacks of disrespect to those who may feel embarrassed that their conditions can have very public consequences.

Perhaps the most nauseating is the concluding moral. “If we’re able to treat those people living with neurological disorders, restore them to ‘normalcy,’ well of course we’re helping them, but sometimes might we also be stripping away what makes them unique, robbing them of an essential part of who they are? ” Maybe in Hollywood, where mental conditions bestow cognitive abilities akin to superpowers, the closing message of Perception would have a point.

Applied to the real world, this is a horrible fucking way to treat those with mental illness (or in fact any disability). Those with mental illnesses are not defined by their condition. They are people, with preferences, hobbies, motivations, dreams and beliefs, just like everybody else. Their condition, no matter how debilitating, is not their being. This is made even

worse by a scene in which a man suffering aphasia (the inability to comprehend spoken language according to the show) is used as a literal “human lie detector” due to his heightened sense of speech inflection. This man is never revisited save for in passing and is barely humanised past his first name. His disability is turned into

a useful ability to aid the main characters, but as far as the show is concerned his usefulness stops there.

Discussion of mental illness needs to progress beyond these examples of slapstick or savantlike abilities if we hope to create a more understanding discourse about conditions such as paranoia

or schizophrenia. Taboo is not preferable, but an overly simplistic and purely positive representation of very real and debilitating conditions will result in worse treatment of sufferers when they don’t match up to the unrealistic expectations of others.

14

Film

TOP

5

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

A ‘Crashcourse’ in film-making Merlin Merton talks about the inspiration behind a student-made film The best and most exciting thing about film is that everyone can take an interest and get involved. At the Mancunion, we love to cover both global film events and those happening in Manchester, so we were thrilled when University of Manchester student Merlin Merton contacted us about his filmmaking experience last year.

Here he tells Sophie James about the highs and lows of balancing uni-life with the making of his film Crashcourse.

Films left to see this year 5. The Life of Pi

Based on Yann Martel’s classic, much loved novel and directed by Ang Lee. Pi an Indian zoo keeper’s son is marooned on a lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger. The story follows an epic journey where trust and friendship are earned through devotion.

What’s Crashcourse about?

It’s a rickety twenty-minute hitch in a 1950s Cadillac, the sea one side and crumbling ghettos the other. We all dream of living the escape but reality kicks in and soon we return home. That’s how the idea for Crashcourse was conceived.

Wannabe rockstar, David Jones, is numbed by a life of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. He goes on a journey into barren countryside, making an assortment of encounters along the way.

4. Looper Bruce Willis stars in this near future sci-fi thriller where he interferes with his own past, a past in which his career is killing time travellers for a powerful crime syndicate.

Who was involved?

I teamed up with two friends at the University of Manchester, Louisa Hull and Alex Mansfield

3. Taken 2 Neeson returns as the ultimate over protective father. Yet this time around both he and his wife are kidnapped by vengeful relatives of the previous film’s deceased kidnappers. Ironically, their only hope of rescue may be their daughter.

2. 007 Skyfall Bond is back with all the style and darkness that Daniel Craig brought to the franchise in 2006. The story centres on M’s past, and 007 must sacrifice everything for Queen and country.

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey It’s been 9 years since the final film was released in Tolkien’s epic set of novels, now Jackson returns to the start with The Hobbit. The film tells Bilbo’s tale of how he set out to defeat a dragon and accidentally came by The One Ring, setting the stage for the events of the Lord of The Rings. Martin Freeman is an inspired choice as Bilbo.

David Pettifer

Martinez. Although we had had various film and theatre projects, we were all new to the process. Our cast consisted largely of drama students and actor-friends we asked to audition.

completed before Christmas.

Although we completed 80% of the first edit by the end of January, everything was paused until July when Finals were over. The rest of the edit took a month.

What was it like fitting in filming with uni?

The first week was bad, but then sleep ceased to be an issue. The worst was when we filmed 5:30am-5:00pm two days running, I had one essay in on the first day, Louisa had a dancing competition the next. I also received a warning from uni for lack of attendance!

Would you do it all again?

The project was intense, but we persevered and had a truly memorable experience.

Were there any other problems during filming?

There were various strange encounters including a drunken B&B owner, but worst of all was the cold. Once, Alex and I drove to the Peak District with Matt only to find that it had snowed.

The footage was all jerky and unusable as our frozen hands were unable to maneuver the tripod.

How long did the process take?

2nd November was the first meeting of cast and crew. We told everybody that filming had to be

What’s become of Crashcourse since you finished it?

Crashcourse was submitted to film festivals all over from San Francisco to Alexandria.

We won’t hear first results until October but we’ve been reviewed and accepted both onto Amazon and IMDB which was our main goal. Making money was never the main incentive, rather we hope to get as much attention as possible from this big project that killed a car and made zombies of the cast.

Where can we find out more?

Check us out on facebook. com/crashcoursefilm and imdb. com/title/tt2367092

Sophie James

Preview

Sinister Director: Scott Derrickson Starring: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance It is Sunday 26th August 2012 at the Empire Leicester Square, and the 13th edition of FrightFest has trundled into a forth day of uncharacteristically mediocre programming. Italian showcase Paura has been upstaged by the trailer for Dredd 3D. Several humdrum showings later, anticipated Film4-pick Berberian Sound Studio has to be the film the word ‘pretentious’ was created for.

At this point you can cleave the atmosphere with the knives from a psychopath’s cheese-board.

Fans are desperate to be scared – the festival has yet to provide that single word emblazoned on their weekend tickets: Fright.

Nevertheless, emerging from the disgruntled haze, Sinister changes the tone of the festival.

Director

PROFILE Name: Danny Boyle Age: 56 Best known for: Trainspotting, 28 Days Later

Directed by Scott Derrickson, the man behind 2005 s occasionally-scary The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and written by former movie mega-nerd C. Robert Cargill, Sinister twists the haunted house genre around elements of the pervasive ‘found footage’ style. Actor Ethan Hawke adopts his serious mode as a one-time successful true crime author, who moves with his family to a house within which all previous occupants have been murdered. Upon moving in, he finds a box of 8mm films in the attic, including footage of a hanging taking place on the property 9 months before. As he uncovers more murder reels he discovers the evil force’s next target is, inevitably, himself and his family.

From the heroin-ridden estates of Edinburgh (Trainspotting) to the post-apocalyptic flesh-eating streets of London (28 Days Later), Boyle has not shied away from the unconventional sides of the British landscape. Far from carrying characteristics of classical British cinema, his movies have often explored the darker and disturbed subcultures of their environment.

His directorial debut for instance, Shallow Grave, focused on a trio

The buzz around Sinister suggests that it is shaping up to be the single mainstream horror film of the year that is actually scary. Not ‘jump noise’ scary or body-horror grotesque, but genuinely sustained, heartthumping, eye-expanding fear.

Even FrightFest completists took to the internet to concede that they had indeed been rattled; at the time of writing Sinister is sitting on a smug yet unsustainable 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. For the effect ‘enjoyed’ by the unwitting early birds, the film is probably best seen without watching the overrevealing trailer. Sinister is out in cinemas on the 5th October.

Peter Masheter

of sickly narcissistic flat-mates in Edinburgh who conspire to dispose of their new tenant upon finding a briefcase of cash next to his corpse.

This is not to say Boyle doesn’t create likeable dimensions to his characters. All his movies have comedic undertones that help to keep the heavy subject matter buoyant. Trainspotting on paper is a tragic and torturous film of addiction, depression and sadism; and yet it is brimming with life, with energetic and witty storytelling throughout.

Of course Boyle has also shown us quite strongly his versatility

in directing, from subtle, stark cult classics to vibrant, colourful blockbusters. Slumdog Millionaire has been one of the most popular and widely praised films in recent years. It is perhaps this that finally dignified Boyle with the commercial respect needed to undertake the great public honour of directing our Olympic opening ceremony, Isles of Wonder.

Nihal Tharoor-Menon

Film

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Reviews

I Hate:

Angry Actors

Anna Karenina Director: Joe Wright • Starring: Keira Knightley, Jude Law Joe Wright must thrive off playing things dangerously.

Having chosen in 2005 to adapt Jane Austen’s most beloved novel a mere decade after the almost equally beloved TV show, he now turns his attention to Leo Tolstoy’s classic tale of doomed love.

In the lead role is Keira Knightley, who turns in a powerful, nuanced performance that makes the general sense of ambivalence surrounding her ability even more inexplicable.

Perhaps being the dullest part of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ trilogy damaged her more than initially thought, but as Anna she conveys both vibrancy and vulnerability, which adds heart to what is otherwise a slightly detached experience.

In this adaptation, Wright has taken an unconventional path indeed. A majority of the film occurs in a disused theatre, with sets changing around the actors as they walk, and this affected theatricality proves to be a spectacular device. Especially so when coupled with several long, elaborate takes which must be seen to be believed. But what Wright’s approach adds to the film in energy and novelty, it unfortunately removes in emotional proximity. We are never allowed to immerse

ourselves in the romance and tragedy as we are constantly reminded that this is simply a highly impressive production.

And it is highly impressive on all fronts. The cinematography is lush, the costumes dazzling, the cast uniformly excellent, albeit in their limited roles. Wright, perhaps wisely considering the length and breadth of the novel, narrows his focus almost entirely to the relationship between Anna and up-and-coming soldier Vronsky. Consequently, the parallel romance between Levin and Kitty is touching (indeed, they are at the centre of one of the film’s standout scenes towards the end) but infrequently visited, while Matthew Macfadyen’s exuberant adulterer Oblonsky

Tom Hanks has been busy giving actors a bad name.

has little to do but provide most of the film’s humour. Jude Law gets a little more time to impress as Anna’s softly-spoken, sympathetic husband, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson just about overcomes the handicap of his relative youth to convince as the object of Anna’s desire.

Ultimately, this new vision of Anna Karenina is laudable simply for not taking the tried and tested approach to period drama. What could have been a safe, well-produced but bland affair is instead bold and exciting.

Some will love it, others will hate it, but few will deny that it is something very different to close the summer with.

Alex Larkinson

Tom Hanks made headlines last week at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, berating event officials for treating the actors like livestock.

It’s a spreading syndrome this actors’ angst against event staff and paparazzi. Originating with the likes of Kristen Stewart, who now has the glamorous grimace down to a fine art, more and more actors are looking increasingly gloomy as they grace the red carpet.

Of course, it’s completely understandable for actors to be developing this defense mechanism; living under the glare of the media spotlight must be tough. Swarms of paparazzi and stressed-out officials at events such as The Toronto Film Festival cause actors to become rabbits caught in the headlights, or animals to the slaughter, in the words of Mr Hanks.

The worry is that this feud is ruining film festivals for the fans and detracts from the celebration of the cinema being showcased. Surely a bit of overattentive chaperoning is a small price to pay for the pleasure of the thousands that have flocked to Toronto to see Tom Hanks in action?

The solution? In Tom Hanks’ own voice as Woody in Toy

Reviews

a British action role. The charm, charisma, stature and style, all necessary for a successful Bond, flow consistently through his work.

Inevitably such a choice would spark controversy from those who believe that James Bond is an inherently white English gentleman and filmmakers should adhere to Fleming’s original concept.

However, the whole nature of Bond and the

The Sweeney (15) Director: Nick Love Starring: Ray Winstone, Ben Drew Running Time: 113 Min Genre: Action, Drama

his next film Cloud Atlas, Tom ‘ The-Film-Titan’ Hanks has every reason to be happy. So go on Tom, give us a smile!

Sophie James

Killing Them Softly

Why Idris Elba would make a great choice as the next Bond With Daniel Craig’s third venture into the world of Bond fast approaching, it is arguably time to reopen the debate over who could next portray this great British icon. One man I believe stands a cut above the rest, is the eastLondon born actor Idris Elba. Now this name may not ring out to you but I certainly hope a look at the man’s repertoire would.

Rising to fame as ‘Stringer Bell’ in the immaculate HBO series The Wire, he enthralled viewers playing a ruthless and calculating drug lord on the streets of Baltimore. He has shown versatility in Hollywood roles also starring alongside Denzel Washington in American Gangster, yet Elba is an Englishman through and through.

Guy Ritchie considered him enough of an authentic Londoner to cast him in his third gangster flick Rock n Rolla. However, what has perhaps put Elba most significantly on the map as a potential Bond heir has been the BBC series Luther. In this he plays a loose-canon detective on the mean streets of London, and whilst solving serial murders in a gritty Hackney does not carry the same glamour and sex-appeal of Bond’s international shenanigans, Elba has certainly proved able to take the helm of

Story, they all just need to “Play nice”. We all have to make a living somehow. For now, paparazzi and festival staff - don’t anger the actors! Actors – be happy! Let’s face it, with the growing anticipation surrounding

CORNERHOUSE

The Next Bond

LISTINGS

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world he inhabits has developed so much since Connery graced our screens. Whilst a black British spy would be unbelievable half a century ago it could certainly be a reality today. The only stipulation for an actor to play James Bond should be that they are British. If a great British actor comes along with the ability to encapsulate everything Bond he should be given serious consideration for the role, and Idris Elba certainly has that.

Speaking to Screenrant Elba made it clear he would not allow his race to hold any importance if he was chosen as the new Bond.

“I just don’t want to be the black James Bond.

Sean Connery wasn’t the Scottish James Bond, and Daniel Craig wasn’t the blue-eyed James Bond, so if I played him, I don’t want to be called the black James Bond,” he said.

But perhaps this a moot point for now. Craig has confirmed that he will continue his Bond for another film which is unlikely to be in cinemas until 2014, and by that time some kind of new-age Sean Connery could have emerged with an incredible abundance of suaveness.

For now though, I do believe Idris Elba should be waiting in the wings to take the lead as the world’s favourite international spy.

Premium Rush (12a) Director: David Koepp Starring: Joseph GordonLevitt, Michael Shannon Running Time: 91 Min Genre: Action, Thriller

Lawless (18) Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Tom Hardy, Shia Lebeouf, Guy Pearce Running Time: 116 Min Genre: Drama, Western

Director: Andrew Dominik Language: English Killing Them Softly is the third film from writer/director Andrew Dominik and his first since the critically lauded yet largely (and criminally) unseen, The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. Once again, Dominik teams up with Brad Pitt (who also produces) for another story of lawless, but ultimately inept, individuals leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

The time and place have shifted from 19th century Missouri to 2008 in recession stricken New Orleans. The story now focuses on mob enforcer and hitman, Jackie Cogan (Pitt), who is sent to investigate after a mob-protected poker game is the victim of a heist. Cogan is more hands off than the violent, headline grabbing antics of Jesse James, preferring instead to kill from a distance so as not to experience his victims’ final moments (a method he describes as “killing them softly”, hence the title of the film).

With this film, the feeling of Americana seems far more melancholy than it was in The Assassination… The glazed eyes and the muttered jokes of the tired, old mobsters makes them appear far less gung ho than the free and wild criminals that populated the James gang. These criminals don’t trust each other because trust is something that has long since been beaten out of them by the harshness of their profession. As Cogan says towards the end of the trailer, “I’m in America, and in America you’re on your own”. Killing Them Softly will be showing at the Cornerhouse Cinema from the 21st of September.

Dredd 3d (18) Director: Pete Travis Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby Running Time: 96 Min Genre: Science Fiction

Hope Springs (12a) Director: David Frankel Starring: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell Running Time: 99 Min

Fashion

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

The go-to high street brand that has managed to make a splash in the US, gain a cult celebrity following and faithfully reside in the wardrobes of you and I has exceeded it’s already solid reputation as a fashion heavyweight with its covetable Spring/Summer ’13 collection shown this London Fashion Week.

Sunday afternoon saw a flurry of celebrities and fashion followers eager to see Topshop’s high-end designs for next Summer, and the overhead lit U-shaped catwalk did not disappoint with a wealth of wearable (and covetable) designs.

A surprisingly muted colour palette of nudes, greys and monochrome enveloped the designs, with mere hints of dusky salmon pink and limeyellow making the collection more of a staple array of designs rather than an ensemble of striking, busy pieces.

If this Unique collection pre-empts the high street’s inclination next Spring then expect to invest in a lot of clean cut, shift pieces and look out for deep-v, slouchy and sheer pieces this winter to transition with ease into next season.

Etched details and patterns applied to the simplistic, tailored fits of the white suits, jumpsuits and dresses on the runway again made for an interesting take on a season that usually sees the same tired floral or Parisian infusions. The delicate and dainty nature of the monochrome tartan-check pattern and criss cross designs seem wearable and oh-so

understated: especially when infused with the casual tailoring and slouch fits of the pieces.

My favourite piece has to be a white, loose fit pencil skirt with graduated layers from sheer to solid fabric. With an acknowledging nod to this summer’s explosive sombre trend, the skirt was teamed with a fitted, long-sleeved ‘cold shoulder’ top. It seems that the cut-out has yet to have its day!

The flowing fabrics weren’t the only stand-out detail that fashion journos were hurriedly jotting down. One shoulder details made its mark, along with some the over exaggerated hiked-up sleeves reminiscent of 80s sweats. Cara Delevigne’s sultry attitude in her oversized roll-sleeve cream jacket and matching oversized clutch encompassed the theme of the collection in one strut: understated statement. Letting the clothes speak for themselves was elementary to this collection, as hanging hair was tucked behind ears and eyes were soft and smoky and skin kept fresh.

The ‘it’ piece had to be the slash peekaboo sheer dress that opened the show, modelled impeccably and rather suitably by Topshop muse and ‘it’ model Jourdan Dunn. Displayed in its striking white, tartan and black patch-work styles, this dress was immediately available to customise in the collection’s demure colour palette at topshop.com. Another piece I can see selling out as soon as it hits the rails is

the strappy chiffon slouch dress with silver embellished block details that commands attention in an almost celestial way. Already saved in my mental shopping basket.

Fashion’s boldest repped the high street brand at the collection’s showcase; with Olivia Palermo’s flawless appearance including a pair of prerequisite patterned trousers and a bright tee with tan suede swatches. Daisy Lowe, who was inkeeping with the pieces, strutted on the U-shaped catwalk, wearing a red and black criss cross jumper from Topshop Unique.

Topshop Unique’s SS ’13 showcase was as highly anticipated as any other luxury brand this London Fashion Week, and rightly so the addition of its ‘unique’ and pioneering interactive experience through Facebook, enabling viewers to customise pieces as they appear on the catwalk. Despite the seemingly unattainable experience of witnessing a collection debut at LFW, Topshop (with the help of social networking) has succeeded in making its showcase one of the most seen and spoken about this fashion week.

As well as the camera button that takes pictures of the show and posts them to your Facebook timeline, the option to pre-order the designs and even buy the models’ make-up is available through the Topshop site. Now if that doesn’t make you feel as much of a FROWer as Olivia Palermo and Daisy Lowe, then we don’t know what will.

CRAVING & SAVING LOVING & LOATHING Craving: Chloe cable knit wool blend sweater- £860- www.net-a-porter.com Topshop is currently a haven for anyone looking for that perfect, snuggly and downright gorgeous jumper this winter. To satisfy the Chloe craving, my pick would be this pink dip dye jumper, great not only because it has a similar colour scheme, but also because it is machine washable.

Pretty as Chloe’s jumper is, a dry clean only garment is not compatible with my hectic essay filled life. There really are more important things to be worrying about.

Topshop’s also comes without a polo neck which is perfect for those who hate that hot-jumper/itchy-neck scenario. You could buy 21.5 of them for the price of the jumper above, which is incredibly heart warming.

Loving: J W Anderson for Topshop A/W Over the years, Topshop have delivered many successful high street-designer collaborations, bringing us the likes of Christopher Kane, Charles Vanderham and several collections by Kate Moss.

Irish born J W Anderson is the next to take centre stage. He has produced a collection that is not only incredibly wearable, but undeniably fun. I can’t think of anyone else who has brought out the eclectic assortment of slap bands, Rubik’s cubes or £10 mini-mart cameras as some of their collection’s accessories. As collaboration collections go, it is simple, embodying a heritage vibe but splashed with delightfully modern and vibrant prints and images.

London Fashion Week Collections (so far…)

5.DAKS Sheila McKain-Waid began the catwalk show with a number of ethereal dresses in shades of brilliant white however, introduced subtle moments of colour to then eventually take the collection in a more dramatic direction of black tailored shirts and shorts.

Despite the variety offered by the collection, it was held together with the feminine silkblended materials.

4. Markus Lupfer This collection exuberates that throw-on appeal which can essentially make or break a LFW show. Mint and metallic hues are accompanied by textured python prints on jersey classics. The pieces are unbelievably easy to wear without traversing into the realms of being boring; be sure to familiarise yourself with the collection!

3. J JS Lee A modernist take on classic Womenswear tailoring, the collection exhibited this exactly with the blending of boyfriend-fit blazers styled with constructed and rectangular bottoms. The monochrome palette was interrupted with splashes of zesty green hues to again add to the contemporary edge.

Overtly modern whilst also classically feminine.

Your bank statements provide a snapshot of your recent transactions and bank details – a useful sheet of paper for you, and a potential income source for someone else. Any printed information that you no . Your Social Networking profile provides an insider’s view into your personal life.

Ensure that you use the privacy settings provided to protect yourself by filtering exactly who can see the information that you provide. At the end of the day, you are creating a page which is reflective of your character. Do you really want your parents or potential employer to see everything that you post? More importantly, don’t give out personal details such as your address, telephone number and place of work – you never know who might be looking at.

Elizabeth Harper

We’re supposed to love Karl, I know.

Under his leadership, Chanel has retained its chic and practical roots whilst adapting to the needs and tastes of modern women. With loyal followers including Florence Welch, Diane Kruger and Blake Lively, it is obvious that Karl is doing something very very right.

However, I can’t deny any longer that I have a problem with the man. He bluntly described Adele, in the year she won Grammys and Brits with x13 platinum album sales in the UK alone, as ‘a little too fat’. Pippa Middleton, he said, ‘struggles. I don’t like her face.

She should only show her back’ whilst describing her sister Kate as ‘a romantic beauty’. Anyone with a sibling will know that being pitted against one another is completely unfair and hurtful. So, Karl, come out of your designer bubble and bear this age old mantra in mind: if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

This year marks the 15TH Anniversary of the brand so it is only fitting that the collection celebrates all that it is known best for today.

Williamson claimed that, “opposites work together,” which is evident from the trademark contrasting use of azure blue with vibrant pink alongside the dip-dye approaches on classic singlebreasted blazers.

Elizabeth Harper

1. Julien Macdonald Kicking off the fashion festivities on Old Burlington Street, Julien Macdonald’s show brought an abundance of glamour to the menswear tailoring district of Savile Row. The show offered a stark juxtaposition between the severe cropped hairstyles of the models with the fluid and sexual lines of the illusionary gowns.

Sarah Barnes

The catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 2012 have provided us with an eclectic mix of looks and trends to suit any style, preference or mood. Here we have a break down of some of our favourite showcased trends which we predict will become major players on the high street: Baroque is all about using rich colours and textures in order to create an opulent, bold look with a distinct feel of heritage and grandeur. Its feature on the catwalks coincides with the cinematic release of Joe Wright’s Anna Karenina, whose nineteenth century Russian courtly atelier is an excellent embodiment of the Baroque look. It can be accentuated through strategic accessories; cuffs are back this season, this time embellished with jewels and studs in order to add a sense of luxury. In addition, heirloomesque jewellery such as rings, necklaces and hair accessories were seen on the models at Dolce and Gabbana. Grown-up and glamourous, Baroque relies on an acute attention to detail.

Surrealism was a big talking point on the catwalks of Diane Von Furstenberg and Mary Katrantzou.

Furstenberg’s use of bodily features was relatively subtle, with its strong, basic colour scheme reminiscent of pop art. The most notable examples were a body con dress covered with repeated clashing monochrome arms and hands, as well as a black patent leather bag furnished with a pair of gold lips. Katrantzou, more renowned for her overwhelmingly colourful and exciting graphics rather than her subtlety, also kept things bright and repetitive. However, her kaleidoscopic maze print meant that any accessories were rendered null and inappropriate, while make up also remained minimal. Confidence is a must if this look is to be pulled off well; in terms of surrealism, it’s all or nothing.

One of the most wearable and adoptable trends was Gothic Romance. This actually has a number of sub-trends within it, making it adaptable to your sartorial desires and needs. We are normally accustomed to seeing florals in the spring collections, yet this season they have been taken into winter. Unlike their soft and delicate spring counterparts, these winter florals are imbued on dark, bold backgrounds, with Alexander McQueen going one step further in making them 3D. In addition to this gothic shift for florals, we can see that designers have toughened the look

Whilst Oriental and space themes were prominent in some of the shows, the likes of which are inevitably going to filter down to Topshop and River Island et al Baroque at D&G further by teaming and layering them with various degrees of soft leather and lace. Contrasting with what we have seen of the vamped-up florals, the use of leather has been toned down considerably, casting aside the memories of Louis Vuitton’s seemingly dominatrix approach to the material.

Although leather is now more demure, it is no less chic. It is merely softer and more lady like, but maintains the sleek rebelliousness that only leather can provide.

Obviously, as with all other seasons, it is each to their own; the floor is yours to ultimately decide what to put on your back. These trends stand out to us due to their element of durability. Whilst Oriental and space themes were prominent in some of the shows, the likes of which are inevitably going to filter down to Topshop and River Island et al, it is unlikely that they are trends that will stick for very long after the end of January. My advice would be to invest in the staple pieces. This will keep you feeling up to date without committing your entire student loan to your wardrobe. Most importantly, it will be money well spent as these staples stay relevant for many seasons to come.

Winter floral+leather+lace= Gothic at McQueen

Beauty

2. Matthew Williamson

Loathing: Karl Lagerfeld Saving: Topshop knitted dip dye chunky jumper- £40- www.topshop.com

Elizabeth Harper outlines the styles set to dominate this year’s Autumn/Winter fashion season

Photo : GoRunway

Emma Williams reports everything worth knowing from the Topshop Unique LFW show

5

The top trends of A/W 2012

TOP

Topshop Unique: The Inside Report

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From the do-able to the downright doolally Jessica Cusack gives you the top 10 hair and make-up trends 1) Bright, geometric eye shadow/liner - also experiment with the shape of your eye makeup; bring it higher with a dramatic sweep to the temples or lower with a quirky dot below the eye. Basically, draw shapes on your face.

It’s fun.

2) Heavily blushed cheeks - so you can look like you’re flushed from romancin’ any day of the week. Yes, even in the library. (Please note that in some sections of the John Rylands University Library blusher is not required – you will be permanently red in the face from the heating, which is always on. You have been warned.)

3) Plum lips - like you’ve been bitten (aka the Twilight craze affecting what we put on our faces). Do clear, clean skin, no mascara and a deep plum lip. Hot. Warning: only attempt with lipstick. Do not actually bite your lips to achieve this look. But if someone else is biting your lips, that’s none of my business; what you do in your own spare time is up to you.

4) Sketched lashes - spidery and fun. And so much easier than faffing around with fake eyelash glue, which inevitably ends in sticking your eyes together and hopping around the house shouting for help.

5) Coloured mascara - an ’80s contribution to make-up has a come back – Lord save us.

But against all odds it looks fab. See Stella McCartney, who did electric blue. Also try deep purple.

6) Bold appliqués on face - looks incredible (see Miu Miu) but possibly a bit OTT for lectures. But if anyone does go into their 9am with mirrors stuck on their face, you are a legend and please send me a picture.

7) Lana del Rey hair - as in a bouffant. Oh yes.

8) Top Knot – always lovely when the fashion world helps a sister out by making frantically shoving your unwashed hair on top of your skull in a mad rush to make the bus ‘on trend’.

9) Bright nails - I often find a neon polish cheers everyone up. Also gives you something to marvel at during lectures. Glitter nail varnish is also spectacular but take heed: it takes approximately an hour to get off your nails. It’s basically sparkly superglue.

10) Eyebrows - to actually have them and not pluck them to within an inch of their hairy little lives. Put down the tweezers, ladies. Put ‘em down.

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Music

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Editor’s column

X Addiction – It’s time to kick the habit Sophie Donovan Music Editor

Allegedly, Cuban-heel wearing lady-killer Simon Cowell is refusing to leave his L.A mansion after both the US and British versions of his juggernaut show, in search of that je ne sais quoi, have lost millions of viewers. This suggests that Britons are kicking the habit and expect more from their Saturday night viewing, no longer satisfied by heart-string tugging, human interest stories and tone-deaf gyrating OAPs. Of course I know it’s brain-rotting guff and, as a music editor, I should be advocating X-Factor abstinence.

Alas, weekly (and sometimes mid-weekly) I watch (and rewatch) audition after audition and regularly descend into a pathetic weeping mess.

Having Lancashire’s dullest slimmer-of-the-year, Gary Barlow on the panel hasn’t deterred me – I amuse myself by guessing which mundane sound bite will next pass his lips. Nor has the presence of the nation’s most irritating old biddy, Louis Walsh, discouraged my obsession. Even the arrival of “the female boss” FHM’s Sexiest Woman, Tuli-sha hasn’t brought me to my senses. I should know better, and I hate myself for it.

But, I’m no monster – I cringe at the hysterical simpletons wielding their hopeful X signs, only to be crushed by the patronising putdown of a Pussy Cat Doll as the crowd point and laugh. But if someone even slightly resembling a humanoid staggers onto the stage, I’m hooked. Welling up if anyone overcomes their nerves… or loves

SONGS 5 IN THE FIELD OF...

Northern Soul

their Grandad… or even worse, is singing “to give my daughter a better life”.

I also abhor the live shows.

Surely it’s morally indefensible to witness the Cowell Colossus snatch children, digest their personalities and fart them out ready to shag across the globe. Although, as their faces sometimes appear on their very own brand of coloured condoms, I guess it’s probably okay.

Deciding this had gone too far, my road to recovery has begun by limiting myself to watching the “good” ones on You Tube.

Yet, this has led me straight to X Factor’s very own channel.

Where previously I could return to normality seemingly unscathed as soon as the audition process was over, now, a dark online world of archived video footage means the audition process is never over.

Anywhere, anytime I can return to my favourite tear-jerker.

I’ve even revisited ‘classic’ auditions from past series, watching “The Beast” Alexandra Burke rise from the ashes of 2008 to defy her ex-judge Ms Walsh and come back ever stronger. I’ve enjoyed Malvern marionette Cher Lloyd’s voice-loss in front of Will.I.Am and, rare and most precious of all, those auditions where the relative nobody, Brian Freidman managed to sneak onto the panel.

So please, no hate mail. Rather, view this as acknowledgement of the problem, an admission that I have no control over my compulsion. This is the first step on the road to recovery… 11 to go.

Interview: Marina & the Diamonds “I feel like I’ve broken through as a pop artist. I didn’t ever want to be an indie artist.”

Joe Goggins “I’ve tailored the tour around the album. It’s called the Lonely Hearts Club, based on the assumption you’re going to be alone forever.”

Tongue in cheek as it might be, the negativity of that mindset is an undeniably confusing one given the year Marina Diamandis has had; her electronically-fuelled second record, Electra Heart, hit number one in the UK album chart in May, and she spoke to The Mancunion from Leipzig, Germany, on one of the final dates of what’s been a mammoth summer tour. Whilst divulging some of the obvious perks of being a part of such a huge production - supporting Coldplay in stadiums across Europe, she’s clearly keen to be back out playing to smaller, more devoted crowds at her own shows in the coming weeks.

“Coldplay’s the nicest tour you can be on really – the crew are fantastic, you get gourmet catering every day, and as a performer, it’s great to have the challenge every night of trying to hold people’s attention, and convince them to check you out after the show. But you can’t lie, your own shows are obviously much more exciting in the sense that people are there for you.” The tour’s stage production is set to reflect the new album’s themes, particularly in terms of the influence of Americana – “it’s based around a motel bedroom – there’s a chaise longue, hat stand, fizzing TV – girly fantasy stuff. The whole album’s based around American pop culture.”

Electra Heart follows Diamandis’ 2010 debut, The Family Jewels, and signals a radical departure, both musically and in image terms. It’s a concept album developed around an ‘Electra Heart’ alter-ego, that she’s previously described as “the antithesis of everything that I stand for,” but the term ‘concept album’ doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a thematically over-complicated record, as she explains: “it’s about love, basically, in the same way that so many pop albums are about

“Coldplay’s the nicest tour you can be on – the crew are fantastic, you get gourmet catering every day, as a performer, it’s great to have the challenge every night of trying to hold people’s attention, love. The difference is that I wanted to create a fictional character to enable me to talk about having a fear of love, and the pain that can come with it, without having to apply it to myself and be embarrassed about talking about it.”

On the image change that has encompassed the record’s artwork, videos and her own fashion sense, she told us, “on the first album, image didn’t inspire me at all; fashion didn’t have any bearing. On this record, it was much more heavily inspiring in terms of the way I wrote the songs – the idea for the first track, ‘Bubblegum Bitch’, came when I was buying dresses in a thrift store – it got me thinking about that pop persona from the nineties that artists like Britney Spears had, and it made me want to turn that inside out, by creating this villainous character.”

Diamandis also took the opportunity to set the

record straight on her apparent claims that the UK ‘didn’t get’ Electra Heart, which she claims had been taken out of context; “the people I was talking about were the indie, leftfield press, rather than the people of the country I’m from.

The UK press took the album too literally, and how can you take a song like ‘Bubblegum Bitch’ or ‘Homewrecker’ seriously? It’s obvious I’m joking.”

She also stressed that her pronouncement of having achieved ‘fuck all’ with her first record was more a symptom of her ambition than a reflection on the album itself: “it did really well for a leftfield album, but I was ambitiously disappointed in that I wanted to do bigger things…it’s weird how that’s seen as a bad thing.

Every artist wants it. That’s why the new album getting to number one was such a big deal for me; I feel like I’ve broken through as a pop artist. I didn’t ever want to be an indie artist.”

Marina and her Diamonds – the latter, she says, being her fans rather than her backing band – visit Manchester twice in a week at the end of the month, with a headlining performance at the inaugural M13 festival preceding her own headline show. “I fucking love Manchester. I’ve always had big gigs there and always had an amazing time, although I suspect I’m not alone in that.” She’s less enthusiastic, though, when we tell her that M13 is to take place post-Freshers Week; “at least their hangovers can’t get any worse,” she groans.

She’s a little more guarded when it comes to discussing the video for new single ‘How to Be a Heartbreaker’, which filmed recently; it sounds set to be as divisive as the album it’s taken from.

“All I can say is that it involves a lot of naked men,” she laughs, “and we’ll leave it at that.”

Marina and the Diamonds headline M13 Festival on September 29th, and play Academy 1 on October 6th.

1. ‘Easy Mover’ – London Fog and the Continentals

2. ‘Tainted Love’ – Gloria Jones

3. ‘One Wonderful Moment’ – Shakers

4. ‘You’ve Been Gone Too Long’ – Ann Sexton

5. ‘Footsee’ – Wigan’s Chosen Few

A minor hit in America, ‘Easy Mover’ was picked up by the scene at Twisted Wheel, Manchester. Infectious bass line and lyrics by Brenda Lee Jones, “Jean” of Dean and Jean, delivered in a gutsy vocal from the Continentals’ Loretta Reid.

London Fog have been featured in Mayer Hawthorne’s podcasts for Stones Throw Records.

Synth-pop duo Soft Cell were notoriously influenced by the music from dance halls of the North covering both this Northern Soul favourite and Judy Street’s ‘What’. Despite the British version’s success, reaching #1 worldwide, Gloria Jones is still hailed the “Queen of Northern Soul”.

A suitably wonderful distortion heard at the beginning of the record leads into the reassuring falsetto and heavy beat. It’s uptempo rhythm lent itself to the frantic spinning, kicks and backdrops that could be seen at all popular Northern Soul venues such as Wigan Casino.

A real feel-good record, ‘You’ve Been Gone Too Long’ is punctuated by horns and has a driven beat. Ann Sexton has been sampled by the likes of Wu Tang Clan’s GZA, and in 2008 after a 30 year absence, embarked on a welcome return to performing.

In the latter days of the Northern Soul scene, ‘Footsee’ reached #9 in the UK singles chart. Released with Chuck Wood’s ‘Seven Days Too Long’ as a B side, this remixed track supposedly is overdubbed with crowd noises from 1966 FA Cup semi-final between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday.

Music

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

19

Clubbing

“So, which Warehouses are you going to?”

A look at this year’s WHP series and what promises to be 12 weeks of pure, unadulterated messiness.

This, a frequent ice-breaker in the formation of fresher friendships across the city, is a question that you’re going to hear a lot over the next few months. With less than a week to go before the seventh season of Warehouse Project kicks off and with 23 shows to choose from, we should probably start deciding on our conclusive answers.

For those who didn’t make it down to the shows last Easter, the new venue on Trafford Park Road marks Warehouse’s third home so far. Spread out over three rooms, the sheer size of the place is the first thing you notice when you get inside. Rooms 2 and 3 are like elongated concrete avenues, defined by monolithic pillars and strips of PVC. Room 1 is the epicentre; it has a ceiling that sprawls even further than your dilated pupils allow you to see. Basically, when compared with Store Street, it’s a hell of a lot bigger and there are much larger swarms of people lining the entrance queues.

What remains is that unique, murky atmosphere that only Warehouse Project can conjure up.

The brick walls, girders and cavernous spaces have effectively been multiplied to form a modern day industrial behemoth, one that swallows up punters for eight hours before spitting them back out into the real

If anybody tells you that they can’t wait to see Skrillex, slap them world, sweating and shivering.

It marks both a new dawn in Manchester nightlife and the next chapter of an institution that has given so much to this city already.

Given the change in scale, there were, naturally, a few teething problems back in April. The one way system isn’t perfect, the sound in Room 1 needs a bit of rejigging and it will take time to establish a similar level of intimacy to that of the last venue. Rest assured though, these are minor issues. It might take a few visits to completely orientate yourself at Trafford Park, but that’s just another excuse to go to as many nights as your loan can afford.

Now then, who’s actually on?

Pretty much every conceivable genre of dance music is represented in the series, so whatever your taste,

there’s a night to suit it. The opening weekender promises to get things rolling in style, with Rinse’s 18th birthday party on the Friday featuring more big names than you can shake a glowstick at.

Saturday 29th September is the big one though; Soul Clap, Seth Troxler and Ben Klock all feature and there’s a headline slot for Nico Jaar who makes a return to Manchester following his sold-out set at Sound Control last January.

The title of ‘hottest act behind the decks’ will almost certainly go to Maya Jane & Heidi b2b, a mouth-watering prospect if ever there was one.

That is unless Scuba somehow manages to rig the vote in favour of himself.

With such a strong opener planned, it’s hard to believe that any subsequent dates could match it. Fortunately, there’s pretty much something decent on for the next 12 weekends. SBTRKT curates the 6th October, with a line-up that includes Pariah, Caribou, XXXY and Oneman.

Friday 12th sees Bugged Out! present a host of techno giants including Green Velvet and Boys Noize.

The following Friday is a completely different affair though and sees Bloc Party headlining, off the back of their imaginatively named fourth album, Four.

The Halloween special, curated by Totally Enormous

who, what, when, ware…

A quick selection of the type of tracks you’re likely to hear over the next few months…

I swear to God, somebody should start a petition that demands each DJ to post a tracklist of their set after each WHP. By the morning, it’s hard enough to remember who you actually saw, let alone what got dropped. Here’s a quick selection of the type of shit you can expect to hear: Daniel Jones

Track: ‘Let’s Go’

Extinct Dinosaurs, has one of the more eclectic arrays on offer. Chicago legend Derrick Carter makes an appearance amongst the likes of Todd Terje, Factory Floor and Mosca. It’s also the only nights you’ll get away with going dressed up like a triceratops.

November gets going on Friday 2nd with 9 hours of minimal tech courtesy of Sven Vath’s Cocoon imprint.

However, if you prefer something harder then perhaps Saturday 3rd is more up your alley. It’s Metropolis’ 10th Birthday so expect plenty of celebratory drum ‘n bass in your face.

November 8th welcomes experimental quartet Animal Collective, who will definitely put on an interesting show.

However, given the line-up on offer the very next day, you’d be forgiven for not attending.

The WHP X RBMA roster on November 9th includes Flying Lotus, Floating Points, Prosumer, DJ Shadow, Squarepusher, Jamie XX and an entire room dedicated to Hessle Audio. In my humble opinion, this is the one you don’t want to miss.

That takes us up to the festive period, where some early Christmas money may come in very handy. The R.A. night on 1st December is the only line-up to include Blawan and George FitzGerald. Add to that Levon Vincent, Joy O and Boddika and you’ve got the makings of a classic evening.

The Chemical Brothers, Soulwax

and Fatboy Slim all play within the space of 6 days so unless you’re lucky enough to have daddy’s credit card, it’s a toss-up between them.

So yes, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for the next 12 weeks. In terms of getting there and back, it’s a taxi ride away from both the town centre and Fallowfield, so between 4 or 5 of you, it’ll cost the same as the takeaway that you won’t be eating. Get thinking which ones tickle your fancy, and be prepared to answer the question on everybody’s lips.

If anybody tells you that they can’t wait to see Skrillex, slap them.

Daniel Jones

Track: ‘Furrball’

Track: ‘Phreqaflex’

Artist: Zed Bias and Paleman

Artist: FaltyDL

Label: Swamp81

Label: Planet Mu

This track generated a fair bit of hype online over summer when nobody could guess who it was by. Now we know it’s the dynamic pairing of UK bass stalwart Zed Bias and Manchester’s own up and coming prodigy, Paleman. It’s forthcoming on Swamp this year and it’s bound to get a few plays on 23rd November when the label gets a room to itself.

This is Drew Lustman, aka FaltyDL, in quasi-garage gear. The three chord riff bounces alongside a snappy 2-step beat and rumbling sub, before seamlessly changing into a much grimier affair. The transitions are expertly managed and show us the true extent of Lustman’s ability in arrangement. To be fair, the whole EP is a must have.

Track: ‘Gemini’

Artist: FCL

Artist: Marek Hemmann

Label: We Play House

Label: Freude am Tanzen

Had to put this one in. The vocal sample is so simple but it works so well against a thumping 4/4 backdrop. When the chiming synth stabs start, everything falls together perfectly. I’d be surprised if you didn’t hear it in the next 12 weeks because it’s in more mixes than eggs and flour.

Definitely Hemmann’s best track to date.

I’m sure I heard it played a few times last year because I can remember the vocals coming in and not being able to stop my head from nodding in approval. It just goes to show, if you combine a throbbing bassline with a funky ass saxophone then you’re onto a winner.

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Music

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Reviews

The Killers

How to Dress Well

Battle Born Label: Island

Total Loss Label: Acephale

Killers frontman Brandon Flowers decided to start a band after seeing Oasis live in concert.

It’s something to be commended – Oasis gigs aren’t normally known for inspiring anything more productive than multiple uses for plastic pint glasses – and it’s not difficult to draw parallels between The Killers’ career trajectory and that of their Mancunian idols.

Hot Fuss fizzed with youthful vigour, throwing up tracks like ‘Mr. Brightside’ and ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’ that came to define rock music for a generation of fans, just as Definitely Maybe had a decade earlier. The followup, Sam’s Town, is their Be Here Now; outrageously overblown, frequently ridiculous and only occasionally as brilliant as its creators pronounced it to be.

Day & Age, meanwhile, was the sort of weary, insipid affair that Standing on the Shoulder of Giants represented for Oasis; the sound of a band back in the studio too soon, devoid of ideas and desperate for a break.

For what is, in essence, a comeback record, given Day & Age‘s (deservedly) lukewarm reception, the band go back to the bombastic Americana of Sam’s Town, ditching disco for huge soundscapes and Springsteenworthy levels of grandiosity.

Really, though, the result is quite the opposite; whilst genuine feeling spills out of Springsteen’s records, making them such an exhilarating listen, Battle Born is incredibly contrived, a collection of songs as soulless as the arenas they’re destined to fill.

Lyrically, Flowers strives for fist-pumping passion, but usually falls somewhere between the banal and the absurd – “from the Blue Ridge to the Black Hills to the Redwood sky” he cries on the title track, presumably after having

taken the first three suggestions from the Old American Place Name Generator.

Elsewhere, it’s stadium-rock by numbers on ‘A Matter of Time’ and ‘The Rising Tide’, the former hinging on the kind of fauxemotional ‘woahs’ that Mumford and Sons have recently displayed a mastery of. ‘Deadlines and Commitments’ almost engages on the level the band so aspire to, cutting through the rest of the record’s repressively-clean production and proving that

Flowers, vocally, is capable of nuance and subtlety, making the rest of the record’s thumping obviousness all the more disappointing.

This fourth record was a chance for The Killers to try to recapture some of what made them sound so exciting on Hot Fuss – unfortunately, Battle Born is much more a Heathen Chemistry than a Morning Glory.

Joe Goggins

Timing is everything, apparently, and in that respect, it’s difficult to envisage a more opportune time for How to Dress Well – the stage name of musician Tom Krell – to release his sophomore record, Total Loss.

The album wings its way into the wider world at a time when, in many alternative circles, this kind of music is considered de rigueur – this minimalist, electronicallydriven take on R&B is underscoring the albums that the likes of Frank Ocean, The xx and The Weekend have been making. Interestingly, Krell commented recently that much of what he describes as ‘indie R&B’ is “ready to be played at Urban Outfitters” rather than “experienced in any meaningful way”. He could be alluding to the often baffling success of some of the above artists’ laid-back lyricism in the face of an ever more uncertain world, or to the impact of circumstances surrounding Total Loss.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the title, this is a record fuelled by personal turmoil – the sudden deaths of Krell’s best friend and uncle, and the collapse of a longterm relationship – and this might explain why he’s chosen to do away with the lo-fi vocals of his debut, Love Remains, allowing his sombre lyrics to take centre stage.

There’s a strong feeling of catharsis throughout; ‘Talking to You’ and closer ‘Ocean Floor for Everything’ suggest Krell trying to overcome his troubles rather than wallow in them. As seems obligatory for the genre, Total Loss is a sonically-gorgeous record; the distortion and fuzz of the first LP have been stripped away in favour of a much cleaner production method, Krell’s ghostly falsetto drifting over minimalist beats and augmented by diverse instrumentation, making for a much glossier, more polished affair.

There’s undeniably moments where the album falls into a common trap for records as understated as this; ‘Talking to You’ and ‘Running Back’ both meander, symptomatic of an occasional struggle on Krell’s part to underpin his soundscapes without the use of a rhythm section.

As easy as it’d be to lose yourself in Total Loss from an aural perspective, you’d be missing out on the formidable emotive punch that it packs. Unlike some of his more vacuous contemporaries, How to Dress Well hasn’t produced an ‘indie R&B’ album – this is soul music.

Joe Goggins

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK Volunteers Required We are running a research study at the University of Manchester looking at how antidepressant drugs affect people’s emotions and motivation.

To volunteer you must be:



Male or female aged 18 - 45 (inclusive)



Fit and well, both physically and mentally



Able to spare between 2-4 hours on 9 different occasions – all study visits will occur between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday



Be a non-smoker or moderate smoker



Speak English fluently



Be willing to take a marketed and licensed antidepressant or dummy drug daily and to provide us with a daily saliva sample for 9 weeks

A fee will be paid for your time and inconvenience, and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

For more information or just to have a talk about the study, please email us your contact telephone number.

Email: volunteersmanchester@p1vital.com Tel: 0161 2757426, 07774 058417 or 07765 330102

Club guide 24-30th September MONDAY WHAT: Hit&Run w/ SHOGUN AUDIO / ROCKWELL WHERE: FAC251 WHEN: 22:30-03:00 HOW MUCH: £4

FRIDAY WHAT: Mikill Pane WHERE: Deaf Institute WHEN: 19:00-23:00 HOW MUCH: £7

TUESDAY WHAT: Venetian Snares WHERE: Sound Control WHEN: 19:30-23:00 HOW MUCH: £12.50

SATURDAY WHAT: Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club WHERE: Band on the Wall WHEN: 21:00-03:00 HOW MUCH: £13 adv

WEDNESDAY WHAT: Richard Hawley WHERE: Academy 1 WHEN: 19:30-23:00 HOW MUCH: £20

SUNDAY WHAT: Ultravox WHERE: Palace Theatre WHEN: 20:00 HOW MUCH: £33.50

THURSDAY WHAT: W.A.S.P. WHERE: HMV Ritz WHEN: 19:00-23:00 HOW MUCH: £19.50

Books

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

The Disgusting Room’s cover

The real thing:

21

A look at Austin English’s avantgarde comics Phoebe Chambre Books Editor

The action that unfurls is as strange as the pages that tell it – catalysed by the cramped spaces that frame it. The images are abstract, weird mixtures of bold line and sombre colours, but the story is not as difficult to follow as it sounds. and pictures together’, and it is within this generosity of genre that Domino’s books find space to experiment. To my mind, whatever you want to call comics/cartoons/graphic novels, in the end, in the hands of a reader, it either will or won’t be art to him/her.

After discovering Austin English on Canadian novelist, Lee Henderson’s blog, I ended up buying The Disgusting Room – the book under discussion in Henderson’s interview with English – off SparkPlug Books. The Disgusting Room is a full book, a 48-page spread of mixed media. It’s big, 10.5” by 15”, and printed on newspaper. In short, it looks great, like something you want to pick up and handle – and you can! for only $6. An expensive newspaper, but surely the cheapest art you’ve ever bought.

The story takes place inside rooms, which are represented inside (or by) thick black frames on the page. There are three characters, with good, solid names like Margaret and Bobby, who take up most of the rooms they inhabit.

They change shape almost every frame, and keep track of them by their hairstyles.

The action that unfurls is as strange as the pages that tell it – catalysed by the cramped spaces that frame it. The images are abstract, weird mixtures of bold line and sombre colours, but

the story is not as difficult to follow as it sounds. Lee Henderson cites the American artist Basquiat as a reference point for English’s images, and he’s right, Basquiat with the murk of something like a Van Gogh palette.

These images are coupled with words that are seem somewhat opposite – short, direct, plain strands of thought that direct the imposing, abstract images. But they are also fitting: blunt sentences for blunt, bold lines. Sentences like ‘Theo sat solidly in his chair’ are perfect examples of the written fragments that have the directness of George Saunders’ prose, and that seem like weird cryptic messages about what you are viewing – titles, almost, that merely allude to the profundity of the work, whose depth you are left guessing. That the visceral punch of English’s visual contains the words they become part of the image and are deciphered in the same glance.

It is their combination that makes the pages so compelling, one look and I am completely sucked into the world they create.

These are all attempts to explain how the comic is doing what it is doing, and yet somehow they don’t really begin to explain why, when I look at English’s work, I feel everything expanding; that the promise of the world Domino’s mission statement sketches could be fulfilled at any moment. That feeling you get when you look at really good art, or listen to great music.

It has something to do with Austin’s insistence on reaping no rewards, on working for the good of art, the good of the comics themselves. Novelist David Foster Wallace described the importance of an artist’s intention thusly: “it seems like the big distinction between good art and so-so art lies somewhere in the art’s heart’s purpose, the agenda of the consciousness behind the text” and if that agenda is pure and good: “The reader walks away from the real art heavier than she came into it. Fuller.”

It is these intentions that surely manifest on the page, making the art “real” in such an unusual way. English’s Photo Caption: Blah blah blah words on the subject only confirm this

authenticity and love for the medium.

He describes the “physical pleasure” that he gets from drawing, and his excitement for what lies ahead – a consideration he takes very seriously: “We are in a phase where beautiful things are being created each year and I can’t help but feel very carried away by that and wanting to contribute my two cents to all of it as hard and as seriously as I can.”

The comics world also seems to be in an interesting position with regards to this point. English describes comics as “low, low stakes – economically”, but to him this is a great position, because? “the only reason to be doing this stuff is for the art”. And the purity of intention that reigns supreme in The Disgusting Room seems to somehow fulfill the idealism and premise that comics were founded upon in the first place.

Austin English wants to keep making comics until he grows very old and grey, and I can’t see anything that would stop him doing this.

Photo Credit: Name of photographer

“DOMINO BOOKS believes that all people – not only those that call themselves artists – have images and phrases lying in their hearts and minds.

We’d much prefer a world where people sit down and try to bring these things to the surface, rather then attaching widgets to gears for someone else’s benefit.”

So reads DOMINO BOOKS’ About Us section on their website. They are a company with a mission statement, a motive. One that it is easy to deride, but much harder to believe, let alone to contribute towards; a world-view such as this.

DOMINO BOOKS is a small publishing house set up a couple of years ago by avant-garde comics artist Austin English. English publishes his own work through Domino, and also endeavours to support and nurture unsung creative talent in the comics world. As I said, a company with a mission. So if you do find yourself at a loose end now, or soon, may I suggest that you take a few precious moments out of the well-worn Facebook-emailarticle-StudentNet groove of your own personal Internet microcosm and check out DOMINO’s wares. They’re unlike any comics you’ve seen before.

I promise.

Let me just preface what is to come – by way of a disclaimer – that I am not a comics nut, graphics novel reader or ‘fangirl’ – in fact, I’ve never bought a comic before (except the Beano, but that was mainly because it used to come with a free drumstick so probably doesn’t win me any comics gravitas). I have no pedigree to talk to anyone about anything comic-related.

But bear with me, and it all may or may not be worth it in the end. I promise I won’t pretend to have any specialist knowledge.

So what exactly is it that we’re talking about then – you may be pondering.

Comic – cartoon – graphic novel – which is it? As far as I can tell, ‘cartoon’ is used generally to denote the smaller, snapshot scenes that appear in the corner of your newspaper or magazine.

‘Comic’ is the broader, catch-all term for drawn stories. Whereas ‘graphic novel’ is altogether a bit hazier: typically it’s a longer, bound book versus the flimsy ‘zine-ness of its comic counterpart, and much more expensive. So whereas all graphic novels are comics, not all comics are graphic novels.

English defines comics as ‘just words

Games Nintendo announce Wii U release date 22

Nintendo launch new console and announce launch line-up Nintendo have announced their new Wii U console will be released in Europe on November 30. The console will not have a recommended retail price (RRP) but is expected to retail at £250 and £300.

The console will be sold in two versions, the Basic White version, which will have 8GB flash memory, and the Deluxe Black version, which will come with 32GB of flash memory.

The Deluxe version will also come with a Gamepad charging cradle and a copy of Nintendo Land, a collection of 12 mini-games based around Nintendo’s most memorable characters.

The Wii U’s unique selling point is the innovative Wii U Gamepad. The Gamepad features a 6.2inch touchscreen that can be controlled with either fingers or stylus.

The Gamepad will remind gamers of the 3DS, with multiple screens serving different purposes. This allows Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 to offer full screen local multiplayer with one player using the TV Screen and the other using the Gamepad screen. New Super Mario Bros. U has you use the stylus to create new platforms for Mario and co to use and in Nintendo Land you’ll be using the touchscreen to control a variety of minigames.

Other improvements on the Wii include 1080p graphics and 2GB of RAM. Hopefully, these will allow the Wii U to escape the criticism that was levelled at the Wii for lacking the graphical power of the 360 and PS3. However with the Xbox 720 and the PS4 on the horizon, it looks like those critiques could still stand.

Launch Line Up: Nintendo Land: Bundled in with the Deluxe version, Nintendo Land will be hoping to be as iconic for the Wii U as Wii Sports was for the

Wii. Featuring twelve mini-games based off of Nintendo’s most iconic games from Animal Crossing to Zelda. The game will likely be the first experience of what Nintendo are calling asymmetric gameplay, where one player uses the Gamepad while others use Wii Remotes, giving different gamers different experiences in multiplayer. One of the mini-games Metroid Blast has you controlling Samus’ gunship with the Gamepad, while two Miis controlled

by Wii Remotes try to destroy the gunship.

With the opportunity to interact with your favourite Nintendo characters in new scenarios, this looks like a great argument for getting the Deluxe Version.

Bayonetta 2: Bayonetta 2 is third-person hack’n’slash game. The first game won near universal acclaim for its easy to learn but hard to master combat system. You play as Bayonetta a character a shape-shifting witch with implausibly long legs, wields four pistols (including two strapped to her high heels) and can use her Rapunzel-like hair as a vicious weapon. Capcom certainly went overboard on the fanservice here.

Most people would greet the announcement of a sequel to one of their favourite games with excitement, but Bayonetta’s fans took to the web threatening to kill themselves over the fact it was a Wii U exclusive. Note to Bayonetta fans: buying a Wii U is probably a

better option than suicide.

Zombi U: Zombi U is a first person shooter from Ubisoft, with a premise that should excite everyone; zombies have overrun London. You control a random survivor who has to escape London, when you die you respawn as a different character and continue trying to escape. The game allows players to drop hints before they die in order to help other gamers complete the game. The Wii U gamepad is used in a variety of ways, including as a turret, and as a sniper scope.

Finally, if you’re still on the fence, two words: ZOMBIE BEEFEATERS! Pikmin 3: Nintendo fans waited eight years for a follow up to the brilliant Pikmin 2. Pikmin 3 is a real-time strategy game where you lead a brigade of Pikmin. You navigate your way around the game world with your Pikmin in tow using them to get around obstacles and solve puzzles. New to the game are Rock Pikmin, which can be used to destroy glass walls and carry heavy objects. These new Pikmin add to careful strategy in Pikmin 3.

The games’ graphics have also been updated with lush foliage on show in the demo. The game can be controlled with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, or the Gamepad. The Gamepad uses its extra screen to display a map of the whole level.

New Super Mario Bros U: In his first Wii U outing Mario goes back to his roots with 2D platforming. New Super Mario Bros Wii was one of the Wii’s best games, and the Wii U update doesn’t toy with that formula too much. The main updates are long awaited HD graphics, and a new feature with the Gamepad where if you play multiplayer, one player can use the Gamepad to create new platforms for other players and to create obstacles for enemies. Like the Wii version, four players co-op will be supported

Reviews

Arron Wray looks back at a game that holds a special place in his heart Final Fantasy 8 is considered by many to be the weakest entry in the series. Whilst I can clearly see why many people feel this way, to me it will always be the most important game in my life, as playing it as a young boy made me the gamer I am today.

It was not the first game that I played as a child, but it was the first game that made me appreciate games as more than just something to do on a rainy afternoon. I was hooked and spent hours immersed in this vast new world, always eager to see where the story would take me next. However the overcomplicated mechanics of the game baffled me as a child and so I would never get very far without getting stuck on one of the games many bosses, but this only meant I played it more, forever trying to beat it. Playing the game in my teens I finally fully understood how the game worked and had the capacity to finish it, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

The game meant so much to me at this point that I did not want it to end.

This summer I finally decided to bring my lifelong quest to an end and finish this game. Playing it again, I began to understand why so many people dislike it; it is flawed in so many ways with bad characters, a crazy plot and a terrible levelling system yet I still loved every second of it. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of achievement upon defeating the game’s hardest boss after 13 years, a feeling that no other art form but gaming could ever deliver.

Feature

Mass Effect 3: Leviathan DLC Bioware Remember Mass Effect 3? After free multiplayer DLC and the extended cut, Bioware brings us its first playable single player DLC. The Systems Alliance has found something that might change the course of the war and once again Shepard is on point to find and secure this asset to win the war.

This DLC adds to the story by expanding the single player campaign. The 2-3 hour DLC, also comes with new upgrades to your arsenal and an extra war asset, but otherwise doesn’t really affect the other aspects of the game.

There are emotional choices and a few nods to the previous game’s lore. There are also puzzles and Atlas Mech sections in addition to the normal run and gun. The maps are designed with more layers to make it feel more flexible and to make the locations feel more realistic.

Despite new characters, new locales, raised stakes and more reapers to shoot at, the DLC still feels unsatisfying.

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Jonathan Lee

Slain diplomat mourned by gaming community US Diplomat Sean Smith, who was killed in Benghazi, was a prominent player of MMO EVE: Online

Mass Effect Leviathan is the latest DLC from Bioware.

The attachments feel underwhelming; the puzzles are just a question of “Have you found all the interactive spots in the map?” and because the ending of the DLC makes such a huge splash, the fact that it doesn’t do anything after that is disappointing, I should say that

I am judging this harshly as I expect a lot from anything Mass Effect. Bottom line is: if you are dying for more Mass Effect then this is a solid and fun DLC with new places to go, new things to see and hear, and more choices to make in the boots of Commander Shepard.

A US diplomat prominently known in the online gaming community has been killed in Benghazi as a result of violent protests over the anti-Islamic movie Innocence of Muslims.

Sean Smith, 34, who had worked for the US State Department for 10 years as an information management officer was known to players of the MMORPG EVE: Online as Vile_Rat. Smith was highly regarded amongst the 400,000 players of EVE: Online, where as in real-life he fulfilled the role of diplomat. He was elected by players to the Council of Stellar Management (CSM), a panel who relay concerns of players to the developer CCP. Smith was thought of as a legend amongst EVE: Online players for his incredibly ability as an in game diplomat, able to shift the balance of wars featuring tens of thousands of gamers.

Gamers paid tribute to diplomat Sean Smith His death prompted an outpouring of grief amongst fellow gamers. Already 200 player made space stations in EVE: Online have been renamed out of respect for Smith. His impact amongst gamers was even recognised by Hillary Clinton as she eulogised Smith.

Ned Coker of CCP said, ”CCP and its employees are overwhelmingly saddened by the news of Sean Smith’s passing, as we are when we learn of any player who is tragically lost. Many of us interacted

with him professionally and personally and, honestly, it feels like our words are lost adrift– amongst such a tremendous, soul-affirming outpouring from the EVE community.”

Mark Heard, President of the CSM, said of Smith “Sean made the world we all play in much more dangerous while simultaneously making the world we all live in that much safer” He is survived by his wife Heather and his two children Nathan and Samantha.

Food & Drink

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Manchester Food and Drink Festival In my very first year as slave to higher education, I was sitting eagerly on the X50 express bus, on my way to the library to do some extra work. Not so. I was expressly (and rudely) carted off into the town centre whereupon I noticed a stream of people filtering into Albert Square. I followed the crowd, wanting to discover its purpose. I found myself delightedly in the throng of Manchester Food and Drink Festival, on the best possible day – the one devoted to chocolate. Dreams clearly do come true! All thought of extra library study had long since fled my mind.

Manchester Food and Drink Festival (21 September – 7th October) is a wonderful, long-winded celebration of eating and drinking. The festival sprawls across Manchester, but at the heart of it all is the Festival Hub, in Albert Square, which combines bars and stalls with live cookery demonstrations, eating competitions, beer testing and much more besides.

Check out the street food at the Hub. This year, it sounds better than ever:

Catalan noodle paella or doughnut mash, Spanish churros, French smoked duck and spicy pulled pork burritos. Just some of the things that make me pre-emptively drool.

However, the event I most keenly await is Oktoberfest, at the Hub from the 5th – 7th Oktober. Litre steins of malty, hoppy pilsner are provided by Veltins, one of Germany’s most established brauereis.

Bavarian brass bands are accompanying this happy event throughout.

Beer Fest (21st-26th September) at the Hub features a 20 metre long bar, with over 100 craft beers and plenty of food to go in your other hand. It’s open noon till 11pm. I’d recommend Robinson’s Old Tom, a thick black ale whose abv is hideously high. Cider Fest runs concurrently with Beer Fest, enabling you to get some cider inside your inside, featuring over 60 types of cider and perry. That isn’t all - Hawaiianthemed bar The Liars Club is setting up a cocktail shack at the hub to display a

bit of theatrical mixology and offer some exotic cocktails.

I am also greatly looking forward to the cake day at the festival, on October 7th. It seems to have replaced the chocolate day, so let’s hope I accidentally end up on the X50 again.

Events Altrincham Market, 23rd September, held at The Trafford Centre.

The Big Indie Wine and Cheese Fest, 28th to 29th September held at Freemason’s Hall.

Live Cookery Theatre at the Hub, 28th to 30th September. Free entry.

Come Dine with Metrolink, 30th September and 6th October including pre-drink, starter, main

course and dessert at different venues. Tickets £25.

Pete Brown’s MFDF Beer Tasting Mash Up, 1st October at the Hub. Tickets £5.

Naked Chef MFDF’s Life Drawing Master Class, 2nd October at the Hub. Nexus Café to provide refreshments. Tickets £5.

Chilli Eating Contest at the Hub, 5th October. Free entry.

The Independent Manchester Beer (& Stuff ) Convention, 5th and 6th October, held at Victoria Baths, Manchester. Tickets £6/ £9.

Cake Sale and 15th Birthday Party, 7th October at the Hub. Free entry.

Emily Clark

The Great Noodle Poll We’ve been ramen in the noodles to decided which brand is best. Photo: Stefan van Bremen

The noodle world has never seen a poll so thorough. I invited a horde of nine people to my house to blindly rate and comment on many brands of noodle; chicken flavour if available. Results were enthralling. Pot Shots, the worst contender, scored a tiny 11 per cent whilst Morrison’s soared to the top with an underwhelming 64 per cent. Personally, I would choose a Curry Mile offering, as the spiciness masks the inadequacies of monosodium glutamate-based flavourings.

Note the net weight before you buy – the price doesn’t always indicate maximum value for money.

The best noodles were Morrison’s BBQ beef flavour, coming in at 29p and weighing 85g received an overall vote of 64 per cent. Comments said ‘bland but reasonably inoffensive’.

Vitasia from Lidl, the underdog, came in second, costing just 18p and weighing

108g. Good value for money.

Vitasia scored a modest 60 per cent.

Third was Sainsbury’s own brand, with a price of 28p and a weight of 85g. Its score was 57 per cent, down into the 2:2 degree bracket. Comments said ‘the bits of carrot were a bit stiff ’ and ‘the flavour was not detestable; hints of popcorn’.

Bachelor’s Super Noodles came in fourth, my childhood preference (what kind of mother feeds their child instant noodles?). Costing 68p and weighing a neat 100g, these noodles score 52 per cent and were described as ‘homogenous gloop’.

Big Daddy Pot Noodle was fifth, costing an extravagant £1 and weighing in at only 90g.

The noodle giant scored a disappointing 35 per cent, and was deemed ‘another assault on the senses, very salty’.

Cheapest of the bunch was Tesco’s own Curry flavour in

sixth at 11p; it was 65g and awarded 25 percent. Voters explained it was a poor imitation of curry indeed.

Missing out on the bottom spot was Indo Mie, available from Worldwide. Its price was a mere 35p and weight 70g, earning 21 per cent. To accompany a spicy, burning sensation was a ‘strong taste of plastic’.

Lamentably last and certainly least,was Pot Shots. Punching above its weight at 76p for 46g, these noodles received an awful score of 11 per cent.

Comments revealed it ‘tasted

Azzurro: Italian bar and kitchen Forget Bella Italia, Zizzi or Pizza Express. For a real taste of Italy, one needs only catch the 43 or 143 bus, walk the short distance to Burton Road and knock at the door of Azzurro: ItalianBarandKitchen.This fine ristorante, located in the heart of West Didsbury (something of a secret itself, and a must-visit) offers a delicious selection of Italianfoodanddrink.Steak Nights, special offers and online vouchers adorn the menu of this family-owned establishment, and those living on a student budget will find it easy to enjoy an excellent meal for between £10-15 each.

I recently visited Azzurro and enjoyed Linguini ai Fruitti di Mare for my main course. The meal was a delight, combining fresh linguini cooked al dente, a chili-infused tomato sauce, king prawns, mussels and calamari. The balance of chilli was good; it didn’t overpower the flavour.

I’ve eaten similar courses elsewhere but Azzurro takes the crown. I’m mad for seafood, and you could just tell that everything on the plate had just been fished

Emily Clark Food & Drink Editor

Photo: Joseph White

out of the ocean. Following this course I enjoyed a dessert of profiteroles. The choux pastry was perfectly made and the chocolate sauce was lovely.

My mother’s carrot soup This is also as cheap as it comes. With a 1.5kg bag of Sainsbury’s Basics carrots at 70p (of which you will use about a third), you can’t go wrong. Depending on what you already have in your cupboard, this dish could cost as little as 6p a portion.

Ingredients: 2 onions, chopped 1 lb carrots, grated or very finely chopped 1 ½ tbsp plain flour 1 tbsp thyme 1 bay leaf Salt & pepper 1 pint vegetable stock 1 pint milk

Review

of alkaline cleaner; minging’.

Recipe

(Serves 4) When my body is suffering from one inebriated night too many (as many people may be experiencing after Welcome Week), it craves some nourishing home cooking and a good, old-fashioned dose of vegetables. This soup was my alltime favourite meal when I was little, and I would eat it with one of those starchy white bread rolls that serve no nutritional purpose whatsoever, but are surprisingly comforting when slathered in butter. It takes me back to a simpler time when life wasn’t riddled with hangovers or deadlines, and bread snobbery wasn’t running amok. This is my remedy, which I impart to you.

23

Fry the onions in a knob of butter over a gentle heat. Once soft, add the carrots and cook for 10-15 minutes with the lid on.

Be sure to heat the mix until the carrots are completely cooked – if underdone the soup won’t be sweet enough. Once the carrot is cooked, stir in the flour thoroughly. Add the stock, thyme, bay leaf and seasonings and cook for a further 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, take the pan off the heat and liquidise using a hand blender. Add the milk, stir and then bring to the boil.

This delicious soup will save you from scurvy in Welcome Week Photo: Jess Hardiman

Jessica Hardiman Food & Drink Editor

If you discover a love for Azzuro like mine, follow their Twitter account @ AzzurroDidsbury which offers information on deals and special nights. Azzurro is only open on Friday and Saturday, which according to the website is because the owners are spending time with their young family. How very Italian.

Joseph White

Arts

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Photo: Lisa Murgatroyd

Recharge ahead of October’s cultural marathon Harriet Hill-Payne looks at film, books and music to keep you entertained this week Though these pages will hopefully persuade you to visit at least some of Manchester’s performance and exhibition spaces during your time here, you don’t have to stand for hours in a gallery or dedicate an evening to the theatre to recharge your cultural batteries. Post freshers week, if your student loan took a battering and you’re looking for something cheap, or if you’ve just moved here and are wondering where to explore next, or if you need to give your liver some time away from Gaffs 2-bottles-for-a-fiver, here are some suggestions for you: The Apartment (Matinee Classics @ The Cornerhouse, Sun 30 Sep at 12.00) If you’re missing the Mad Men aesthetic (or want to see Martha Levinson of Downton in her slightly younger days) and need a quick fix, check out Billy Wilder’s The Apartment, screening on Sunday at Cornerhouse, Manchester’s best cinematic experience.

While it opened billed as a romantic comedy, Cornerhouse claim the movie as a ‘satirical and sorrowful Wilder classic’ – and though the years might have altered our perception of the film, its’ sparking

Must see

THIS WEEK

24-30 SEPTEMBER

dialogue, beautiful cinematography and stellar cast remain constant, making this a classic, and a must-see.

Chorlton Book Shop (506 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9AW) First spotted whilst driving past on the way to the rather less culturally-fulfilling UK Parcelforce depo, the Chorlton Book Shop is a charming independent bookshop stocking novels, art, travel and children’s books – and moleskines if you’re in need of a new diary.

Staff always friendly, knowledgeable and happy to help – they also run a book club if you like it that much.

Kyla Brox (Tuesday 25th September @ Matt and Phreds Jazz Club ) The daughter of blues singer Victor Brox is an artist in her own right and, having first performed at the tender age of 12, now has several albums to her name and works both as the front woman of the Kyla Brox Band and performs in a duo with partner Danny Blomeley. These two roles provide the settings for two distinct performances – one as the leading lady of a set chock-full of show

stopping blues numbers and the other, a more nuanced performance for a more intimate set of soulful tunes. If you’re already bored of the X-Factor, this is the night for you.

Mr Scruff’s Teacup (53-55 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter Manchester M4 1NA) There is a cheeky sense of humour to this lively Northern Quarter institution, owned by Andrew Carthy aka Mr Scruff, which serves up some of the best tea, coffee, cakes and poached eggs in the city. This is the place for the post welcome week hangover to be soothed – sit, let your tea brew according to your personal tea timer, and watch the world go by – whilst perhaps also indulging in a cake or two. Or four – they are that good.

So take it easy with a movie, wind down to the sounds of some soul, sit with a coffee or finally get around to that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages, and recharge your batteries for October – because festival season hits Manchester in the form of the Literature Festival, the Food & Drink Festival, the Comedy Festival, the Science Festival and (winning the ‘best named’ prize) Grimm Up North Film Festival.

Cornerhouse regularly shows arthouse films.

Rogue Open Doors

The First Cut

Idents

Walk through the Park

The Country Wife

Rogue is the largest independent studio group in the North West, don’t miss their open doors weekend showcasing everything from textiles and printmaking to interactive and installation art.

The First Cut at Manchester Art Gallery focuses on artists using paper as their primary material, and don’t forget to check out the Gallery of Costume as well for some delicate paper dresses and shoes.

Idents at Cornerhouse, by Daniel Fogarty, features a series of images, clay sculptures and a short film inspired by the decor of cinemas across the city.

A walk through the park: catch the last of the September sun and have a wander through one of the city’s green spaces.

The Country Wife at the Royal Exchange: billed as a rollicking farce, this could be just the thing to get you laughing.

Feature

Exhibition

Keep on Shuffling

Focal Points

One woman, two jobs: Maria Miller as culture secretary and minister for women and equalities?

Focal Points: a collaborative exhibition exploring the debt of contemporary photographers to traditional artistic themes

In David Cameron’s September party reshuffle Maria Miller, in an unexpected move, was announced as the successor to Jeremy Hunt as culture secretary, as well as taking on the portfolio for women and equalities. It is a significant promotion for the former Minister for disabled people and MP for Basingstoke, as she inherits responsibility for a department which encompasses the sports, arts and the media, whilst simultaneously representing women and championing equality.

Though Millers’ was not one of the names thrown about as a potential successor to Hunt, her CV does show evidence of experience in the media, if not strictly cultural, sphere. Her website details her time spent as Advertising Executive and then Company Director at Grey Advertising Ltd, with a four year stint as Marketing manager at Texaco in between, listing ‘Advertising and marketing’ as her profession. Miller claimed to be ‘looking forward to tackling the challenges (of ) the role,’ and it is to be hoped she holds on to that enthusiasm as she attempts to pull the trinity of sport, art and media into

Currently filling the walls of the Manchester Art Gallery, Focal Points is an exhibition exploring the medium of photography and the versatility and detail with which it documents modern life. Providing something of a modern art history lesson, the exhibition takes the viewer through the ’80s with Keith Arnatt and Helen Chadwick, the ’90s with YBA’s Sarah Lucas and Jane and Louise Wilson, before showcasing some more recent work by, for example, Nigel Shafran or Melanie Manchot.

The exhibition is designed to reveal the debt of contemporary photographers to traditional artistic themes, as the exhibition’s blurb explains: these images ‘explore the body, reinvent still-life, examine cultural identities and explore the places where we live, work and spend our leisure time.’ An exhibition, then, showcasing both an impressive rostra of names in modern photography and provoking comment on the way we live now, exploring our every day behaviours and encouraging the viewer to reflect on their own habits.

A combination of original works and those collected over

a coherent and flourishing department, in the face of (surely) more budget cuts.

Whilst this appointment came as a promotion and marked Miller’s move into more frontline politics, she was one of the few female politicians for whom this was the case. Though just one male minister was removed, Sir George Young, two out of five women, Caroline Spelman and Cheryl Gillan, who previously held positions were shuffled onwards and outwards, with the current female cabinet total standing at four. Clearly, it’s a way off Cameron delivering on his promise of appointing a third of his first government’s jobs to women. Similarly, the appointment of Miller to both culture secretary and minister raises important questions about the significance of either role in the coalition government.

As they reported, following their invitation for comments on Millers’ positioning, the tourism agency Blue Sail tweeted the Guardian newspaper to suggest the assignment of dual roles to Miller might represent a

‘downgrading of the status of DCMS’. It would certainly seem that by demanding Miller split her time between the two positions, the Conservative government is saying that actually – neither of them are so important.

Miller is also – barring her media experience – an unexpected choice for the role with good reason. Having voted in favour of an amendment, proposed by Nadine Dorries, to the Health and Social Care Bill which would prevent abortion providers from also giving counseling, and also having voted in 2008 for the abortion limit to be lowered, Miller seems distinctly to the right of Conservative opinion.

It will be as interesting to see how she balances these more traditional personal principles with her new role as minister in charge of women and equalities as it will be to witness her taking the helm of the department for culture, media and sport – and we shall see in due course if her promotion serves either of those causes well.

Harriet Hill-Payne

the past decade by Manchester City Galleries, the exhibition is diverse – and it hangs together surprisingly well, given the only criteria on the work is that it must be photography, with photographic style ranging dramatically. That range is essential to the appeal, as it means everyone will like something – find one piece to stand in front of and see something of themselves or their own life in.

However, this exhibition is of particular importance because it is delivered in partnership with the Arts Council Collection, supported

by Christie’s, thus representing a collective desire to bring interesting and accessible

work to Manchester. In the face of funding cuts, surely this approach to programming, which unites institutions and which champions greater access by all to art, is the way forward.

As Manchester’s Finest reported, Caroline Douglas, Head of the Arts Council Collection said ‘this collaborative project … throws a spotlight on the importance and value of a sustained programme of collecting in public institutions in this country. In bringing together great works from across the two collections, Manchester Art Gallery epitomises much of what we hope to achieve’.

Harriet Hill-Payne

The Manchester Art Gallery is hosting the ‘Focal Points’ exhibtion

Photo: Joe Sandler Clarke

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Theatre

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Hooray for The Heretic Josephine Lane went to The Cornerhouse last week to preview some scenes from The Library Theatre Company’s The Heretic Chris Honer, the Library Theatre’s Artistic Director says he is always on the lookout for plays that have something to say, which at the same time are engaging and entertaining. I’ve no doubt he has certainly found one here in The Heretic.

The play explores climate change and the validity of its research, in a lighthearted, comic and even-handed way.

Written by Richard Bean, (famous for the National Theatre’s One Man Two Guvnors), the play centres around Dr Diane Cassell and her research into rising sea levels. The research contradicts current predictions and after an unapproved appearance on a national current affairs program her boss (and ex lover) suspends her. But these are not Diane’s only issues. Her daughter Phoebe is joining Greenpeace and one of many oppositions to her mother’s work, whilst simultaneously falling for Diane’s hippy first year student Ben . I can only assume that that the play unfolds to a Galileo-style showdown where Diane has to choose between giving into the pressure from the forces around her, and her own integrity and beliefs.

In the rehearsal room I witnessed some very sharp, witty dialogue and some excellent chemistry both on and offstage.

From only minute long snippets, it was clear the cast understood the play, its comedy and its strong relevance to today.

What came across the most to me was the volatility of the different relationships in the play. Chris described the play as combining the personal with the political and I can tell that this element is delicately balanced throughout.

After experiencing the positivity that exuded from the cast, I wanted to know what rehearsing with each other and Chris was like. They told me that despite the straight-play format, it was very much an ensemble piece and Chris wanted all the actors to be heavily involved throughout, even the smaller parts. I was told also that he was calm, patient and would always encourage the cast to trust their own instincts. The company also worked with Richard Bean, who would clarify any queries they had with the play.

Sophie Robinson, who plays Phoebe, described him as ‘fantastic’ and always positive.

The piece seems so relevant and fresh I even got the impression that its themes had seeped into the subconscious’ of most of the cast. Sophie tells me that before doing the play she would believe anything she heard about the impact of climate change, but now questions more when she hears facts and figures. Ciaran Kellgren jokes that after playing Ben, he feels like a ‘bit of a tree-hugger’.

The play’s fresh and somewhat controversial idea I believe will be well-met by most audiences, but will undoubtedly cause a stir amongst some groups. Polly Lister, who plays Human Resources Officer Catherine Tickell believes the play is going to have a real impact on anyone with a real opinion on climate change. Whilst she believes the play is a debate, she thinks it has the potential to anger people too. I for one cannot wait to see the reaction to the Heretic, in both the theatrical and the scientific worlds.

What’s On...

The Heretic The Library Theatre Company returns to the Lowry with on Thursday with Richard Bean’s new play, The Heretic. A fresh and relevant comedy exploring climate change and the validity of research surrounding it.

Runs until Saturday 13th October at The Royal Exchange. Tickets £10-£12

Sister Act Based on the 1992 film of the same name, this musical about a disco diva’s experiences as a nun hiding from gangster visits Manchester as part of its UK tour. The music is inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco and has received rave reviews!

Runs from Tue 25th September to Sat 6th October at the Manchester Opera House. Tickets £15.00-£45.50

Lost and Found Festival Supported by the Contact Theatre, Lost and Found is a series of pop-up art and performances in public spaces around Manchester and Salford. The performances take place alongside everyday life so but do check out the Contact website to find out about individual performances.

Runs from Wednesday 26th September until Friday 28th September at various locations.

No money to get home?

The Students’ Union has an exclusive agreement with Union Cars which means you can get home, even if you don’t have any money!

All you have to do is follow these steps:

1 Phone Union Cars quoting ‘Manchester SU Safe Taxi Scheme’ 2 Wait safely for your taxi, check your taxi says ‘Union Cars’ on the side before you get in 3 Give them your student ID card, ask the driver for a receipt 4 After 24 hours, collect your student ID card from the Students’ Union reception in exchange for your fare

25

Lifestyle SECOND 60 Experience… Copenhagen

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

26

Travel

Interview

Team Sky cyclist, Bradley Wiggins’ teammate, National time trial champion and haemophilliac Alex Dowsett chats to the Mancunion about his charity work and career so far.

You do a lot for the World Haemophillia Foundation.

Could you tell us a little bit about your work with that?

Well we’re trying to raise awareness and educate.

It’s a condition that often leads to parents essentially wrapping their kids in cotton wool. But it doesn’t have to be like that so we’re trying to teach people about lifestyle as well as medication. Whilst encouraging them to take up sports and keep fit and healthy. I’m currently setting up a charity called Little Bleeders which will offer advice.

Did you have a lot support when you were growing up then?

Yeah my parents were great.

They took the condition really seriously but also got me involved in sports from an early age. I did a lot of swimming as it is low impact and the risks are lower and its probably helped me be as quick on a bike as I am now.

Becky Leddy offers her take on the Danish capital, Copenhagen Copenhagen is a city I wish I had explored more regularly on my year abroad; living over the Oresund bridge in Sweden, it was my sanctuary for all access off licences, curfew free partying and general roguery. It holds a sophisticated demeanour with Parisian style grand boulevards and regal castles around sleek Scandinavian architecture,yet has a rebellious streak carefully sectioned off in the free town of Christiania as though to keep it from wider influence. Though quite small for a capital city and structured with a faultless metro system don’t be deceived; its vastly contrasting neighbourhoods laced with intertwining streams make it difficult to navigate so you get your head down at the Generator hostel perfectly located downtown, grab your furs and get a gulp of that icy Nordic air.

Stroget is the flash lit emblazoned tourist trap complete with mandatory Irish pubs and enticing winter markets. This neverending street begins at Copenhagen’s main square Kongens Nytorv passing the town hall and old medieval churches all the way to fantasy theme park Tivoli. With unique Danish boutiques its clear why Copenhagen is the design capital of Europe, its grandeur stretching from the flagship H&M to Christiansborg palace. If you’re a fan of extreme sports climb one of the churches’ spindly spiral staircases for staggering views of Copenhagen and beyond, and theatre aficionados must see the Dogma Theatre dedicated to play directing and filming in the style pioneered by Lars Von Trier.

As far as Danish cuisine goes, unless

It’s...

lead weighted rye bread and pickled herring amidst luminous beetroot coleslaw floats your boat, there’s not much foodie gratification to be had on a budget. I stuck to the trusty diet of street sold kebabs and Danish pastries – pick up the original and best hot cinnamon rolls at Lakagehuset bakeries dotted round the city which you will locate by sniffing.

After hours head to Gothersgade (metro: Kongens Nytorv) a strip of bars adjacent to the Generator, or simply stay in the hostel bar for Copenhagen’s longest happy hour.

Later on head to Dunkel (Radhuspladsen) for DJs mixing til 7am. Smoking inside is encouraged as is grinding and club necking, and the resident professional hipsters extend the Scandivian indifference to gender stereotypes by sharing saloon style dark toilets. If you’re luckily enough to pass as Danish or at least pass the outfit examination, well done.

Christiania, Copenhagen’s own anarchist free town sectioned for radicals and statement law breaking, is an essential visit.

A police banished playground defined by marijuana and squat houses, it seems a world away from the catwalk that is the main shopping strip, and its ghetto attitude and live graffiti-ing aplenty. It gives this ghetto the air of a battle turf-come-exhibition and unlike anything you will have come across in such a prim and otherwise perfect city. It’s a shame cameras have been unanimously banned by occupants of this shanty town, as a photo is required to prove the prices of beer (20 DKK a bottle) in comparison to the

Photo: La Citta Vita @flickr

Keir Stone-Brown talks to professional cyclist, Alex Dowsett...

Copenhagen’s beautiful dockside extortionate robbery of the rest of the city.

The ‘centre’ is host to grungy bars, a dodgy clientele and an apparently abandoned stage Iwhich is a shame as I can imagine the festival feeling this place could exude if a band were to play out to drunk or stoned skinheaded Danes and Brits high on the unfamiliarity of such political harmony.

Blind

Take in Copenhagen in all its glory and let its vast classiness knock you dead.

Stay in the Generator Hostel from £26.60 Fly with Easyjet from Manchester in November from £40 return

Date

Barbara, French and Linguistics, 2nd Year

Tasha, 3rd year, Zoology

So how’s the racing gone this year?

First impressions?

He looked very smart apart from his hair, which was wet like he’d just gotten out of the shower

Well my year was based around the Olympics but I crashed out earlier in the year and broke my elbow in three places. I didn’t know it was broken at the time so I drove home from Belgium.

Then my sister took me off to A&E. Unfortunately it became infected as well which pushed my year back for two months and meant I ended missing it.

For the rest of the year I was just trying to get results on the board and ended up winning the national time trial which was pretty good.

What did you have to eat?

We both had a cheese burger which I thought was cute because we obviously already had so much in common.

What did you have to eat?

We both got a cheeseburger which she thought was really funny. I said I’d pay for the drinks and we had four rounds of cocktails! Still, worth it.

What did you talk about?

I think he would be a cider and black because he’s a pretty down to earth guy but with a twist.

What did you talk about?

A white Russian, because she looked kind of Eastern European, and she can drink vodka like its water!

What are your plans for next year?

Hopefully I’ll train well over the winter and start getting some results on the board and then aim to get selected for the Tour de France.

First impressions?

I was blown away, she was pretty and dressed respectably. Spot on.

Any awkward silences?

There were quite a few because he kept coming back to the same topics and I got a bit bored.

Any awkward silences?

No, none, conversation flowed all night.

Finally, hug, kiss or something more?

It was a bit uncomfortable because I think he went in for a kiss but I wasn’t sure so I just went with a hug. Nice guy but probably not for me.

Finally, hug, kiss or something more?

I would never push for more than a hug on the first date but I think she’ll be back for more!

Back of the net.

Barbar a an d Co urtney

Thanks Alex. Best of luck for the future.

Alex’s new charity Little Bleeders has a website called www.littlebleeders.com.

Barbara and Courtney ate at The Deaf Institute, Grosvenor Street, Manchester. Thanks to the guys down at Grosvenor Street for getting involved. To check out their menu, gig listings and have a look at what club nights are coming up visit their website www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk To sign up for blind date please e mail your name, year of study and course keir.stone-brown@student.manchester.ac.uk with ‘blind date’ as the subject.

Lifestyle STUDENT 101

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

27

Sex & Relationships

Save it for the bedroom goodbyes, had a perfect summer with my gorgeous guy’. Someone pass me a sick bucket! Do these girls have no shame?

It gets even better in the last girl’s ‘About Me’ section: ‘Tom . . .’ (that’s her ‘gorgeous guy’) ‘. . . you are the jam on my toast’. Much to my horror, she even uses the pokey tongue face smiley – ‘:P’.

More cheese, anyone? I can now completely understand why most guys are under the impression that we women are incapable of having sex without falling madly in love and planning marriage and children. I’m sure Tom is secretly quite pleased about being the jam on his girlfriend’s toast, but does everybody need to know? Wouldn’t it have been better if she had text him this instead of plastering it all over a social networking site? It can’t be doing his reputation with the lads any good, that’s for sure.

I am dreading Valentine’s Day 2013; I know my newsfeed will be choc-a-block with photos of flowers, chocolates, cards, teddy bears, Pandora bracelets and Swarovski crystal rings. Said photos will of course be complete with captions such as ‘OMG best boyfriend’, ‘I am such a lucky girl’ or ‘Been spoilt rotten, thanks babe.

Love you so much’. It hasn’t even happened yet and I am already feeling angered by it.

When I spoke to my mum about this new found hatred I have for

Photo: Alex Nursall Jules I was having sex with a girl who

lived in the house opposite me after a night out. Half way through I felt violently sick and dashed out back to my own house, leaving her utterly bewildered and frankly a little offended. The next day she sent me a Facebook email asking if she had done anything and telling me that she would

Zara Zubeidi reminisces on freshers’ week in her hot student topic column My first car journey up to the University of Manchester involved counting down the hours until my supposed fate via Sat Nav and being unable to eat in the service station due to nerves. We eventually arrived at my hall in Victoria Park and after equipping my room with newly bought IKEA essentials and shyly inspecting my future companions beneath my fringe, it was ‘time’. By ‘time’ I mean that widely read moment in every student university guide where your parents leave you, alone and abandoned in your lifeless hall room, without a friend in the world. What now?

You’d be surprised at what humans resort to in the sheer desperation to make friends. One of the first things I said to a long legged, blonde haired girl on my first day of university was “Do you like music?” In the ridiculous assumption that anyone north of London didn’t share the same interests.

Despite my stupidity, my forwardness paid off, and that said girl, who turned out to be a Russian speaking Sheffielder, continues to be a good friend today and lived with me during my second year.

Public displays of affection Yes or No the PDA, she told me that I would probably turn into one of these dreadful lovey dovey human beings once I met the right man. Naturally, I turned my nose up in disgust at such an idea and denied that I could ever be so utterly ridiculous.

So, if I do meet the right man (and that’s a very big if ) and you happen to catch me making sweet love in the pasta aisle of Sainsbury’s Fallowfield, please feel free to shout “hypocrite!” and give me a bloody good slap.

pass my shoes over sometime.

Awkward doesn’t even cut it.

my head on the sharp corner of the shelf. It hurt so much that I burst out crying. I had kind of ruined the mood then...

Terrible tales from between the sheets...

“I was enjoying some doggy style when I looked up to find that this was literally the case.

My actual dog was just sat there, staring at us with his big, bulging, pug eyes. It was all a little disturbing to say the least.”

Life Lessons from Fresher’s Week

Nick A couple of years ago I was getting with a guy at a house party. He started rubbing in circles on my thigh, asking “does this feel good for you”? It was all I could do to stop myself from laughing, did this guy think that the clitoris was located on the leg? Still to this day, I genuinely think he thought he was touching my vagina!

Alice I was having sex with a guy I had been seeing in my friend’s single bed. He asked me to go on top and I obliged.

Unfortunately, I managed to hit

Chloe “I was at the end of my period and in bed with my then boyfriend, when I decided that I really wanted sex. I pulled out my tampon (we had a weirdly open and pretty gross relationship) and stuffed it into my headboard. Classy, I know.

Afterwards, I totally forgot about the tampon . . . that is until my mum came across it and asked what on Earth it was doing there. I really didn’t know what to say!”

hat day, I took it upon myself to chat to anyone and everyone. I met people I would have never met at sixth form and from completely different walks of life to each other and to myself. The following week became a whirlwind of names, accents and stories.

What Fresher’s Week really taught me, alongside the drinking games and free pizza, is that university ultimately gives you the opportunity to meet people like no other institution can. It is a time to forget any stereotypical prejudices you had back in school and sixth form and to welcome diversity with open arms.

The University of Manchester celebrates its 36,000 students for good reason. If I hadn’t made that painfully nerve-wracking car journey up north three years ago, I would not be the person that I am today. Freshers of 2012 take advantage of your first year and embrace every opportunity that gets thrown your way, because for me, the life experiences that I have gained from meeting new people tops any first class degree.

Photo: Martin Klefas-Stennettr

I am a PDA (Public Display of Affection) hater. This discovery was made on a recent shopping trip to Morrisons. I was minding my own business, forcing my mum to buy me all of the luxuries that I wouldn’t be able to afford once I was back in Manchester. There, by the raw beef, chicken and pork, was a couple indulging in what can only be described as heavy petting.

Who knew that your Sunday roast contained a powerful aphrodisiac?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing bad to say about casual hand holding or a quick peck on the lips. PDAs of the discreet variety, such as these, are perfectly acceptable. Full frontal tonsil tennis on the other hand, takes it too far. Just for the record, I am not a bitter singleton. In fact, most of the time and to the surprise of many, I actually quite like being single. Some things simply need to be saved for the bedroom (or wherever else takes your fancy – bathroom, kitchen, stairs, garden shed – just so long as it is in the privacy of your own home).

Worse still is the online PDA. I usually find myself ranting about men, but this time the offending sex is my own. To quote but a few of the most irritating and frankly nauseating Facebook statuses this week: ‘my boyf is amazing’ (the use of the abbreviation ‘boyf’ is a criminal offence in itself), ‘missing snuggles with my man’, ‘I hate

Photo: Ed Yourdon

Dana’s takes on public displays of affection

Sam

University gives you the opportunity to meet people like no other institution can

Got a story to share? Please send your bedroom blunders to lifestyle@mancunion.com. Names will be

Dream Job Comedy Screenwriter Qualifications needed: English Literature, Drama, Creative Writing, Film or Media Studies Salary: £70K on average

A professional and successful comedy screenwriter is responsible for creating the scripts used for our television comedy shows. The comedy genius that lies behind Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show is a talent that can take years of practice, which the University of Manchester graduates Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong have mastered to perfection. In an interview with The Guardian, the duo explain that their student themed comedy, Fresh Meat, is based on their experiences at university. Their success does not come through writing what they believe may be “shocking” for viewers, Armstrong explains, but rather, whether it’s purely funny and works.

Screenwriting isn’t simply a case of having an idea and winning a BAFTA the following year. The job demands long and stressful days attempting to meet deadlines by studios and production companies, often working as part of a team of staff writers for particular shows. Screenwriters are also responsible for shooting and require an in depth knowledge of what shots, lighting and camera angles will work best for the script. The potential pressure of coming up with a new and original script every week for a TV show is a skill that you will only possess with self-motivation and creative talent.

It is essential that you make a portfolio of your work and begin to market yourself. Twitter is a fantastic platform to network with industry insiders and gain advice from figures that could potentially be future employers. Link people to your personal blog and ask them if they know of any available work placements. Media can often be a case of breaking into the circle through personal contacts so once you are presented with the opportunity, pitch your ideas.

Zara Zubeidi

STAND! Standing online is quick and easy

10th Sep - 11th Oct 2012

www.manchesterstudentsunion/stand

Societies

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

29

Coppafeel!

“Knowledge is power, and this power will save lives” Kristine Hallenga, breast cancer survivor and founder of Coppafeel!

CoppaFeel! is a breast cancer awareness charity that aims to educate young people on the importance of checking their boobs and knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Introducing a new feature this yOur mission is to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that you know what your boobs feel like normally. This way you check your breasts regularly throughout your lifetime and will have the confidence to seek medical advice if you detect any changes to your body.

This huge campaign, which is gaining momentum with its celebrity patrons’ Fearne Cotton and Dermot O’Leary, has a inspirational and touching story behind it. Co-founder Kris was just 23-years-old when she was misdiagnosed by doctors twice on the basis she was ‘too young’ or that the lumps she found in her breasts were just ‘hormonal’.

Eight months down the line after demanding referral to specialists, she discovered that she did actually have breast cancer and by this point it had spread to her spine. Thrown into radiotherapy and chemotherapy immediately, Kris had to say goodbye to not

only her dreams of travelling but also her breasts, hair, and living a normal life. Then she realised she didn’t want others to experience what she did. Whilst still attending chemotherapy she turned her shock and anger into pure kick– ass, immediately making it her full–time mission to encourage her friends, her generation, and YOUNG PEOPLE everywhere to keep hold of their wonderful, carefree lives. By encouraging people to get to know their boobs and appreciate the harsh reality that young people at any age (inclduing men) can get breast cancer, campaign CoppaFeel! was born.

It is now the 3rd year of Student Boob Teams, where CoppaFeel! aims to continue strengthening their presence in UK universities and further infiltrate campuses nationwide with the message to regularly check your boobs! We want to remind every 18-30 year old that checking their boobs isn’t only fun but could save their lives, Manchester Fresher’s Week 2012 has already seen two attentiongrabbing giant bosoms bopping around campus promoting the University Boob Team. This will give students the opportunity to get involved in this amazing

campaign spreading the boob love throughout the year! The Boob Team will be running various events over the next couple of months including nights out, cake sales, possible flash mobs and a massive dodge ball match playing with boobs instead!

Coppafeel in the Shower Coppafeel! Boob teams are encouraging students to coppafeel in the shower this term.

This autumn the breast cancer charity is taking the Shower campaign to 36 universities nationwide. Sponsored but very. co.uk, this fun, engaging campaign aims for self-checking to become part of every student’s daily routine. CoppaFeel’s Founder and C.E.O, Kristin Hallenga explains: ‘When’s the best time to check your boobs? Well, in short, any time is good for Boob Time. To keep it simple, we’re reminding students to do it in the shower.

No more excuses, you’re already starkers and your boobs need some attention!’

“By educating the young people of today, we can shape the future of breast cancer survival in years to come. Knowledge is power, and this power will save lives. I only wish that someone shared this

&

ER Present the FIRST EoVf Manchester Official Universityight!

Weekly Student N

£1.75

Smirnofrf +Mixe

Contact: knowledge with me,” says Kristin Hallenga, Founder of CoppaFeel!

Dedicated student ambassadors known as Uni Boob Team Leaders have been recruited at each of the 36 universities. Their role is to recruit a Boob Team and be a friendly reminder to students on campus of the need to check your breasts regularly, be familiar with what they look and feel like normally.

But most importantly to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Boob Teams will invite

students to sign up to CoppaFeel!’s free SMS reminder service, which sends you a free monthly reminder to check your boobs. It’s easy to join simply text ‘MAN’ to 70500!

Boob Teams will be active all over campus and want you to get involved.

In the words of CoppaFeel! “We have to be clever, we have to be different, we have to be cheeky.

And we are.’’

Dodge Ball with a difference: visit: www.coppafeel.org/ uniboobteams www.facebook.com/coppa FeelUniversityOfManchester/ info?ref=ts CoppaFeel! website: http://www.coppafeel.org/ For regular text reminders: Text “MAN” to 70500 for a free monthly reminder via text to check your boobs.

Victoria Kilford

FRIDAY!

Tickets £5 facebook.com/SSVManchester

30 : SPORT

ISSUE 02 / 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Manchester athletes set for triumphant return Matthew Barber Sports Editor

The heroes of London 2012 are to be honoured in a parade through Manchester’s Albert Square. The event, set to take place on October 26th, will see many of the athletes born or based in Manchester return to celebrate their sporting roots.

Though London was host, it is perhaps fitting that Manchester, arguably the nation’s sporting capital, had its part to play in the historic Games. Over 60 of Team GB were from Greater Manchester, claiming 16 medals between them, including 11 golds.

Were Manchester a separate county, it would have placed 8th in the Olympic medal table, a staggering achievement.

Manchester trained Vicotria Pendleton is set to appear.

Eleven-time Paralympic gold medal winner Sarah Storey. DancesWithLight @Flickr

Bradley Wiggins, Laura Trott and Victoria Pendleton owe much to the facilities that Manchester has to offer. The Manchester-based athletes are not limited to cycling, as gold medal-winning Jade Jones and the GB Taekwondo team also call Manchester their home.

These athletes are among 130 to be invited to the parade, along with many of the volunteers who helped to make the games such a roaring success. The event is set to be the biggest Olympic

celebration outside of London, and is a chance for everyone in Manchester to show their support for the athletes that have so inspired the nation.

Manchester was also home to one of the select out-of-London venues of the games. Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, played host to several of the Olympic football ties.

These included the quarter final between Japan and Egypt, the semi-final between Brazil and

South Korea and of course Team GB’s own clash with Senegal.

Averaging crowds of over 60,000 people, the extradition of some of the Olympic football to the North West was a great success.

Now that London has passed the Olympic and Paralympic baton on to Rio, the country can look back on what will no doubt go down in history as a legendary summer for British sport.

Manchester will always be remembered as part of this due to the athletes it has produced and the venues it contains. And who knows, maybe one day Usain Bolt, potentially the biggest star of the 2012 Olympics, will find his way back here too-if he can twist Sir Alex Ferguson’s arm enough.

A ir Sex Cha mpion.

Tim Manson

crow ns an

Lewis Hamilton to swap chassis’ Bizarre Sports in 2013? #2 – Air Sex

Chr is Trew

Etienne Stott, who claimed gold in the men’s canoe slalom, was born in Manchester, while cyclist Jason Kenny, who grabbed two golds and smashed the world record in the team sprint, was born and bred in Bolton.

The Paralympics were also a

great success for the region, as Heather Frederiksen, from Wigan, won gold in the 100m backstroke, while Sarah Storey, from South Manchester, claimed a further four golds for her glittering collection.

Storey, who had previously won gold in Paralympic swimming, has now turned her hand to cycling, where she has cemented her place as Britain’s most successful ever Paralympian.

The University of Manchester also has its claim to fame at the London 2012 Games through Paralympian Matt Walker. Walker, a swimmer, represented the North West at youth level before going on to win gold at Sydney, Athens and Beijing. At 34, Walker is in the twilight of his athletics career, but that did not stop him from winning a bronze medal in the London games. Walker is an alumnus of the University of Manchester, having graduated with a Masters in Business in 2001. The swimmer dedicated his medal to father Alan, who passed away in June after a battle with cancer.

In addition to the wealth of Manchester-born athletes, many of Team GB were based in Manchester prior to the summer Games. The city’s excellent sporting facilities, many of which were created for the Commonwealth Games in 2002 are a particular draw for athletes.

Britain’s cycling team, who contributed an incredible eight gold medals, train at the National Cycling Centre in SportCity; the likes of Sir Chris Hoy and

Ciaran Milner Sports Editor

As Lewis Hamilton stormed to victory in the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, talk in the pit lane continued on his future. He’s been linked with Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes and, as with most gossip, it can be dismissed with relative ease. but the link with Mercedes appears to be almost as good as a done deal with the involved parties McLaren and Mercedes making no moves to dispel or deny such an arrangement.

Hamilton himself has also declined to comment on the issue.

“I’ve no extra news for you”, he told the Daily Mail before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, stating that he has “other things to focus on” at present.

The BBC’s F1 pundit Eddie Jordan has claimed that Mercedes and Hamilton have agreed a contract allowing him to make the swap at the end of the current season, though McLaren have confirmed as far as its concerned Hamilton and their representatives are still in negotiation over a new contract.

Why Hamilton would want to leave McLaren is on the face of it unclear. After all, McLaren have guided his career from the karting circuit from the age of 13 to

Lewis Hamilton won the F1 World Championship in 2008. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

World Champion. Mercedes sit 5th in the Constructors Championship and have only won one race since their return to the sport as a fully fledged team opposed to an engine supplier, whereas McLaren have won the last three a row.

McLaren have shown that they have the more competitive car in comparison to the Mercedes counterpart; they both run on the same engines the chassis being the only difference. The 2013 season will be the first year that McLaren have to pay for the Mercedes engine knocking a considerable chunk from their budget which could have otherwise been used

to persuade Hamilton to stay.

There have been rumours that Hamilton was offered a reduced salary in order to keep McLaren competitive in research and development. Hamilton, a World Champion Driver, already earns less than half of Alonso’s salary, so it may be the case that the larger offer from Mercedes will be too much to turn down.

Regardless of what decision Hamilton makes, F1 principle Martin Whitmarsh is still confident of having a competitive driving duo on the grid at the start in 2013.

The date is June 2012. In Tampa, Florida, Chris Trew walks on stage before the judges of America’s Got Talent. This is his breakthrough moment; for three years he has been pioneering a sport close to his heart in championships across America.

Here, he hopes to see his sport explode into the mainstream.

The music starts as this large, bearded American prepares himself. He is alone onstage. He holds out his hand in front of him, carefully supporting a face that is not there. He holds the air tightly, lovingly. He begins to kiss his imaginary partner, his tongue exploring and caressing in time to the beat. On his face is a look of intense passion, every expression demonstrating the intimacy of the moment. His other hand reaches behind his head, pulling his hair back as he begins to gasp and pant.

There is a loud beep. After less than a minute, the judges have had enough.

Chris has failed in his maiden attempt to see the sport of Air Sex be accepted in the mainstream… for now. “Clearly I was robbed,” he says, “I will get my revenge and prove to the world that the Air Sex Championships is a legit sport”.

Air Sex is exactly what you think it is. It involves men and women, mainly clothed, performing simulated sexual acts with an invisible partner, set in time to music. Similarly to diving, the act is judged by a panel and given an average score.

The origins of Air Sex can be traced back to Japan in 2006. J-Taro Sugisaku invented the phenomenon in Tokyo along with, unsurprisingly perhaps, a group of bored friends who did not have girlfriends.

The sport made its way to America when a showing of the BBC documentary Japanorama at a convention resulted in a spontaneous Air Sex competition. Since then, it has gained significant popularity.

Founded in 2009, Chris hosts The World Championships, crowning victors in over thirty cities across North America and often bringing crowds in the hundreds.

SPORT : 31

ISSUE 02/ 24th SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Club Profile: Athletics and Cross Country Matthew Barber Sport Editor The Athletics and Cross Country Club is the ideal club to join for anyone interested in any track or field event, or cross country running.

The Mancunion spoke to former athletics captain Tom Mosley about his experiences as a sprinter and member of this club.

How did you get into athletics?

I joined Leeds City Athletics Club when I was 14, and was Northern Champion in the 100m and 200m that year. It escalated from there really.

What has been your athletics highlight at University?

My personal highlight was competing at the BUCS (British University and College Sports Championships) last year. The outdoor competition took place in the Olympic Stadium; to run there was an incredible experience.

So do you have to be of high standard to join the Athletics and Cross Country Club?

No, there is a wide range of people in the club; some have competed at international level, while others are beginners who just want to do something different at Uni. Where do members of the club train?

Most train at SportCity, the complex near the Etihad Stadium. It’s all top class facilities, it was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Whats the social life like?

The AU socials at TigerTiger are always popular, while the Athletics and Cross Country club have our own nights out as well. Everyone is really friendly and easy to get on with.

Other Comments?

If you think you have a skill or talent you should absolutely get involved in athletics.

Through the University you can have fantastic experiences; I’ve been to Germany and Malta to compete alongside some top class athletes. The Olympics has got everyone interested in athletics and cross country, so there’s never been a better time to get involved!

The Athletics and Cross Country Club is sure to prove popular this year in the wake of the Olympics

Tom Acey Sport Editor

Tom Acey Sport Editor

What is Handball?

Handball is a fast-paced, physical sport in which two seven-men teams attempt to score against one another by throwing a small ball into a goal. It is often described as being very similar to five-a-side football (apart from the use of hands, of course), as it is played indoors and involves a similar pitch layout.

What are the basic aims of the sport?

The aim of handball, as with many team sports, is simply to score more goals than the opposition. The six outfield players are allocated specific positions, and will generally attempt to create chances through quick, direct passing. The intention of the defending team is to disrupt the flow of these attacks, often through strong physical challenges.

Are University of Manchester any good?

In short, yes. The first team reached the final of the full university championship last year, and play in a competitive northern league alongside a mixture of university and club teams.

Why should I get involved?

Handball is as technical as it is physical,

Handball was one of the most popular team sports at the 2012 Olympics and the club typically runs a beginners’ course between October and December to help newcomers develop their ball skills and understanding of the game. The club runs a development XI alongside the first team, so less-talented players are still encouraged to take part in one of Europe’s fastest developing sports.

Jose Maria Olazabal’s European team will be hoping to retain their crown when the 39th Ryder Cup gets underway at the Medinah Country Club next Thursday.

The Spaniard selected Ian Poulter and debutant Nicolas Colsaerts as his two wildcard picks, the latter being chosen ahead of three-time major winner Padraig Harrington after impressing on the European Tour this season.

Poulter, like Colsaerts, only just missed out on automatic selection, but his distinguished Ryder Cup record made him an obvious candidate for Olazabal’s team.

Besides from Colsaerts, the European team boasts plenty of experience, with five of the twelve (including Poulter) having made two or more appearances in the Ryder Cup. Westwood, Donald, Garcia and Poulter can all draw on previous successes on American soil.

USA’s Davis Love III, meanwhile, will captain a side which includes four Ryder Cup debutants. Their lack of experience may concern some, but Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson are both major winners, whilst Jason Dufner and Brandt

Photo Credit: Keith Allinson

Experienced Europe all set for Medinah Photo Credit: Peter Bonnett

Club Profile: Handball

Ciaran Milner Sport Editor

Korfball is a mixed gender sport which is a sort of hybrid of basketball and netball. It involves teams of eight people, made up of four females and four males, attempting to score by throwing the Korfball into the basket. Korfball was created in Holland in 1902, hence the name, as ‘Korf’ is the Dutch word for ‘basket’.

The Mancunion spoke to Korfball veteran Alex O’Shea as he gives us the lowdown on one of Manchester universities lesser known sports.

Photo Credit: Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Mancunion speaks to former athletics captain Tom Mosley

Club Profile: Korfball

Nicolas Colsaerts (left) is the sole Ryder Cup debutant in an experienced European team++

Snedeker have been perennial challengers in recent tournaments.

Tiger Woods’ Ryder Cup record may be fairly ordinary, but the 14-time major winner will relish his return to Medinah Country Club. Woods has won two PGA Championships on this course; he will hope to complete a perfect trio by regaining the Ryder Cup there this week.

How did you get into Korfball?

“I saw the stall at the Fresher’s fair and thought it seemed interesting. I wanted to try something new.”

What’s the best thing about it?

“The sport is played in universities across the UK so there is plenty of opportunity to travel.”

Can you tell us a funny story about it?

“Well, the first game is often played straight after the first big night out… there are a lot of people running to the bathroom to throw up during the match!”

What’s the social scene like?

“Awesome. It’s the best thing about it. As it’s a mixed gender sport, you get to meet lots of new people. The socials are well looked after by the committee members, who make sure to cater for everyone. Everyone is really friendly.”

Other comments?

“It’s a great sport that everyone should try.

University is about broadening your horizons and Korfball provides a great opportunity to do that and make some excellent friends along the way.“

SPORT WWW.MANCUNION.COM

24TH SEPT 2012/

Lewis Hamilton to swap chassis’ in 2013?

ISSUE 02 FREE

P30

Manchester athletes set for triumphant return

Captain ready for Varsity: “We’re going to smash them”

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In Brief

Ricky Hatton only suffered two defeats in his career.

Ricky Hatton set to return Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton has announced his return to boxing after over three years out. The 33-year old Mancunian has stated he wants Britain to be proud of him again.

Man Utd honour dead Police Officers Manchester United wore black armbands in their match against Galatasary last Wednesday as a mark of respect for the two female police officers killed in Manchester last week.

Manchester take on Leeds Met back in 2011. Photo: Jonathan Whiting

- Manchester set for Varsity challenge against MMU - “We’ve got far more fitness”, says confident Men’s Captain Freddie Drummond - Weds 26th October: Manchester Women v Salford Women 4.15pm, Manchester v Man Met 7pm Ton Acey Sports Editor

play Salford University in the early kick-off at

cunion Sport. ‘We’re going to smash them up

the same ground.

front. We’ve got far more fitness. It should be

Only an inspired second-half comeback This year’s rugby season gets underway at Sale Rugby Club on Wednesday, as University of Manchester meet Manchester Metropolitan University in the second of the traditional varsity fixtures.

University of Manchester Women will also

an entertaining game”.

spared Manchester’s blushes last year, as they

Even allowing for bullish predictions, Drum-

turned around an 11-3 deficit to eventually

mond has reason to be confident of their

emerge 29-11 winners. The team will keen to

chances this year.

assert their dominance this time around, with

“We’ve got a lot of players back from study-

captain Freddie Drummond typically confi-

ing abroad, who’ve really added some sub-

dent about their prospects for Wednesday.

stance to the team,” he says.

“We’re going to smash them,” he tells Man-

These returning students include Richard

Coskie, a former Sale Sharks B team centre,

Owen’s Park, with coaches leaving the Armit-

who Drummond says will be ‘crucial’ to the

age Centre at 4pm.

team this year. Former Leeds Carnegie coach

Drummond admits ticket sales have been

Tiu Barnard, meanwhile, has “massively im-

slow this year, but a 3,500 sell-out crowd is

proved” a defence which conceded 30 or

once again expected for one of the biggest

more points on five occasions last season.

events in our university sporting calendar.

A comfortable 57-19 varsity victory was a

Fans would be advised to buy early and avoid

rare high-point in a season to forget for Man-

missing out on an evening of high-quality

chester Women last year, winning just once as

rugby.

they finished rooted to the bottom of the Premier North division.

The Mancunion will cover both the men’s and women’s fixtures again this year, with

A repeat performance, however, may prove

match reports appearing online and in the

a suitable catalyst for the season ahead, as

next printed issue on Monday 1st October. Visit

they hope to make an immediate return from

our website on Wednesday for our live blog, as

Northern Division 1A.

we keep you updated with all the action on

Both games will again take place at Sale Rugby Club, with the women’s fixture starting at 4.15pm before the men kick-off at 7pm.

Tickets are £5 from either the student union or

what will be another highly-charged evening at Heywood Road.

Oxford introduce new Rugby League side A new rugby league side from Oxford are set to be admitted to Championship One in 2013. They will be coached by former New Zealand international Tony Benson.