WesternEye 005 by Matt D Woodman [MISTD]

Western Eye 03.14 — Issue 05

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Western Eye 03.14 – Issue 05

lifestyle

lifestyle — local and national trends

International Women’s Day erica toms

lifestyle@westerneye.net

on saturday 8th march, thousands of events will occur worldwide, across governments, organizations, charities and the media, and 183 of these are in Britain. What better excuse to celebrate? As the official website points out, there are still inequalities in the world, thus this day is symbolic in recognising the ‘social, political and economic achievements of women whilst focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.’ It is important to choose one day to mark progress. Unfortunately, due to still-evident inequalities worldwide, we need a celebration of change made and a reminder of future change needed. In terms of treatment, men and women still experience life differently; from the law banning women from driving in the Middle East, to the double-standard of the word ‘slut’ used in the uk. Yes, women have the vote and to a large extent, the same opportunities as men. No, equality has not been achieved.

at the turn of the 20th Century. How far have we come since the celebrated Suffragists? Iwd recognizes women in developed and undeveloped countries alike, and developed an ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ which was annually celebrated from 11th To those who say women and October 2012. Dealing with issues men will never be equal: women such as sexual abuse, this day and men should not be treated needs more recognition amongst differently due to the ownership British society. of different sexual organs. The United Nations (un) Feminism is currently under- recognized iwd in 1975, yet each going a revival in the popular year since they have chosen the media. There have been many theme. This 64 year gap between articles in response to the ‘Uni the first iwd and the recognition Lad’ culture, and a backlash to of existence by the un shows recent comments made on tele- the time-lag occurring between vision shows such as ‘Celebrity registering change and creating Big Brother’. The recurrent issue acceptance. The mission statein the uk is the discrimination of ment for this year’s theme is women on a sexual basis. There to ‘challenge the status quo for are no laws to protect women women’s equality and vigilance’ to against verbal sexism outside of ‘inspire positive change’. What are the workplace, in everyday life; you waiting for? why not? Around the time of For more information and to International Women’s Day 2012, find registered official events: national newspapers discussed internationalwomensday.com the implications of ‘sexist remarks’ to use your voice on the matter, becoming an illegality. Providing tweet #womensday. this is applied to both sexes, we should be encouraging this. The theme of The first iwd was held in 1911, before British women even had International the vote. Celebrating the achieve- Women’s Day 2014 ments of women and recognizing their rights; the first International Women’s Day was provoked by ‘Equality for women is the activities of labor movements progress for all’ across Europe and North America

Coursework blues? Jack Iles

lifestyle@westerneye.net

it is that time of year again. Irrespective of being a third, second or first year, the unrelenting demon that is coursework is dominating our lives. Every student at some point in their life has valiantly fought past one hundred words only to realise they cannot continue. Our motivation crumbles and the cold terror of failure incapacitates us; progression ceases. So how do we solve this, how do we boost our mood whilst writing our coursework? This article identifies four easily accomplishable methods, tried and tested by students across the globe. Firstly, planning is crucial. Identify the distance between now and your deadline. Then break down the tasks you need to accomplish into small, manageable sections. Doing a little bit every day will not only improve your mood whilst studying, but will have a positive effect on the end result. Having two days to research, write and check an assignment will result in high levels of stress. Giving your assignment two to three weeks,

contributing to it on a smaller scale every day will vastly improve your motivation. Secondly, snacks. You do not need me to tell you that writing coursework is very hunger-inducing. For example, Roald Dahl consumed chocolate whilst writing to such an extent that he created a solid ball of foil from the wrappers. Thankfully there are certain foods we can snack on whilst studying to improve our mood. Internet forums preach the benefits of berries, bananas, and everything deliciously sweet and refreshing. Whatever your favourite fruit is invest and keep it close. This is not limited to fruit either, find a snack that works for you and your mood will noticeably improve. Enjoying the smells, flavours and textures establishes a positive mental mindset. Thirdly, exercise. If you find yourself struggling mid-way through an essay then go for a short walk outside. Removing yourself from the frustrating situation will create distance from the stress. Whilst you are exercising your body releases endorphins that naturally improve your temperament. Also your mind

will be unconsciously resolving your coursework issues. When you return you will find yourself reinvigorated and armed with new approaches to your challenge. Fourthly, rewards. Depending on the individual these can be large or small scale. On the large spectrum students have benefitted from envisaging the final reward that completing their coursework will achieve. When you next lose motivation, picture yourself on the stage of Bristol Cathedral on a beautiful summer’s day. All attention in the building upon you for one glorious moment as you finally get recognition for the struggle of the last three years. Small scale rewards range from having a break after a certain milestone, or setting aside time in the evening for your favourite pastime. Having these rewards will embalm you in a sense of wellbeing. Some of these factors will not work for everyone, but experiment with what improves your mood when writing coursework. Remember that it is okay to have bad days, but do not let them characterise your week.

Crocodile Dundee Bristol video shows a log floating downstream because, he claims, the ‘reptile’ was swimming upstream police were flagged down by against the current. a very alert bus driver on Monday However, the real mystery 3rd February who claims he spot- remains, where could the dangerted a 6ft croc lurking under the ous predator have come from? No Bedminster Bridge in Bristol. The zoos, as Bristol Clifton Zoo and bridge being approximately 500ft Noahs Ark Zoo have confirmed away from a nursery and 1,000ft that all their animals are accounted for. Bristol Aquarium away from a secondary school. The croc has also been hunted has said they are not missing any by police in full riot gear in animals, but have kindly offered Eastville Park and Snuff Mills to give the on the loose croc a since the initial sighting, with temporary home if it is caught. On a slightly more humorseveral other consecutive alleged sightings in the River Avon, by ous note, since the police search a motorist who was so stunned someone has created a Twitter she almost crashed her car and account for the crocodile naming an equally bewildered cyclist who it ‘Chris the Croc’, tweeting: spotted the reptile push its head @TheBristolCroc if anyone wants above water, revealing his eyes a piece of me. I’ll have a piece of and snout. you first. I’m hungry. The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, Nick Gargan tweeted that there was ‘no need’ What is more, Bristol’s Mayor to stay indoors, but advised George Ferguson has already against ‘water-skiing’. It is still touched base with ‘Chris the Croc’ unknown whether the crocodile to engage in local politics via is still on the loose in the city. Twitter: Police have been unable to track @GeorgeFergusonx seems as the beast down. though there is very little proviMany are sceptical and have sion for Crocodile capture scoffed at these sighting claims, George… #nextyearsbudget whereby the misleading colour of the Avon, a murky brown and olive green, floating debris and Currently the search has shed no natural swirls can allow for the light on the reported sightings mind to play tricks. It could be and no trace of the reptile. Police easily explained bythings such as have stated that further invesa carried floating log or a shadow tigation will ensue on the basis on the water seen out of the of further sightings. However, the prominent question remains, corner of the eye. Bradley Stoke town council- are people just jumping on the lor has revealed a video that he bandwagon because they want shot of the Avon last year show- to believe in a uniquely founded ing an object he believes is the Bristol myth or is the beast of reptile swimming in the water. Bedminster actually surviving in He rebuffed those who argued the the Bristol waterways? gemma davies

lifestyle@westerneye.net

crocodile freetaalen ©

Western Eye 03.14 — Issue 05

lifestyle

modern role models. never say never.

Baby, baby, baby. No! GEmma davies

lifestyle@westerneye.net

pretty-boy bieber turns 20 this month and it seems an appropriate time to review his scandalous achievements to date. Starting out on YouTube as a young Canadian boy from a small town in Ontario who made it in the music industry became the key in his successful rise to fame. With considerably more followers than President Barack Obama on Twitter, Justin Bieber had succeeded quickly in trending worldwide. I bet some of us ladies have even walked in on our secret Belieber boyfriends listening to some of his infectiously likeable songs. Many were won over by the pop star’s movie Never Say Never, however this impression has gradually soured by his recent indecent, disrespectful and shameless antics. The Biebs has become a controversial, hotly debated public figure and for every swooning ‘Belieber’ there is another who simply loves to hate him. Despite ongoing opinions about his infamous quiff, dropcrotch jeans and ‘Baby’ tone music, it seems there are now many justified reasons for his criticism. Bieber’s most recent shenanigans of illegal drink driving, high speed car chases, assault on his own security staff, publicised photographs smoking marijuana

justin Bieber joe bielawa ©

and his menagerie of tattoos, it seems he has become everything parents no longer want their children to grow up to be. His behaviour has been detrimental to his giant fan base and following his recent alcohol/drug use and reckless driving, a petition in the us materialized, urging President Obama to deport the bad-boy pop star. The petition has racked up more than 263,000 signatures, having surpassed the 100,000 mark at the end of January. This now means the White House is required to issue an official response. Other mini-scandals have surfaced too including Bieber spending a night in a brothel, disrespecting Canada by meeting the Prime Minister in a pair of dungarees, spitting on fans from a hotel balcony and an attempted attack from a car on the paparazzi in London. He since vowed to never return to the uk again. Justin’s Believe tour in London broke the hearts of many crazed ‘Beliebers’. Keeping fans waiting for two hours was his biggest crime. Fans of school age in the end had to leave the concert early to get up for school the next day. Many parents bought tickets for the concert worth £70 for their children to see their ‘Boyfriend’ idol that they barely got to enjoy. The teenager visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam last

year and laughably wrote a note claiming that the Holocaust Zodiac remko van dokkum © victim “would have been a Belieber!” It gets better still however; on Christmas Day he tweeted to his 47 million followers: “My beloved Beliebers I’m officially retiring.” Oh, but he was ‘just kidding!’ was the official response from his pr polly snell third of Americans believe in team. Devastated fans didn’t have lifestyle@westerneye.net astrological predictions! to panic for long, for their hero Although one can’t help but soon followed up with “I’m never star signs, horoscopes, pose the question, can having this leaving you, being a Belieber is a certain personality traits assigned much faith in astrology be harmlifestyle”. to each zodiac… at first glance it ful in any way? Arguably, reading The behaviour and lack of all might sound a bit too bizarre so-called ‘predictions’ of your apologies from The Biebs has for people to actually base their week ahead is self-indulgent in shown him at the age of now 20 to lives around. In the uk alone, itself, but could zodiac signs really be a poor role model, despite his however, research has found help people to see their lives more pretty-boy looks, and a product of that most women consider their clearly and figure out a clearer child-star-money-making-fame. star sign to fit their personal- path for themselves? His celebrity life has been an ity perfectly, suggesting that not Many people believe it to be emotional rollercoaster for us all! only are most women fully aware therapeutic; for example, readWith his rocky relationship with of their star signs, but also the ing an extract from the back of Selena Gomez finally reaching a specific traits that match. a magazine that tells you you’re bitter end last summer, the star A study based on a sample of going to have a really wealthy appears to have ‘gone off the rails’ students in the UK found that month for a change, and posiand permanently damaged his 100% of them knew their star sign, tive thinking by default does help own credibility and popularity. 70% of them checked their horo- people to live more fulfilling lives, Still, his despicable antics over scopes regularly and amazingly so to some extent horoscopes can the past year have culminated 85% of these students agreed that truly be beneficial. in upcoming court dates for his the description of their birth sign Many more rational thinkillegal deeds, yet he releases a describes their personality fright- ers may define the concept of new single entitled ‘Confident’. eningly accurately. astrology as ridiculous, with the If that’s not irony… I don’t know Although, many people today scientific leaps we’ve made in what is! But I welcome any dedi- who perhaps study their signs society, especially with claims cated fans out there to fight for us devotedly may not actually know being made by astrologers that all to ‘LEAVE BIEBER ALONE!’ where they came from. Well, the the Moon has a similar effect on technical explanation behind the humans as it does on the ocean, zodiac is ‘the apparent path of the due to the fact that the body is Sun across the celestial sphere made up of 75% water. This doesn’t change the over the course of the year’, but in reality many believers may have fact however that hundreds of no idea where their faith stems millions of dollars are spent on from, or why they routinely flick astrology every single year in to the back pages of the paper the us alone, with 7,000 profesevery week. So where did these sional astrologers currently living and working in America. Even unusual beliefs originate? 6,000 years ago, a tribe in conducting a search for anything southern Babylonia began focus- ‘astrology’ related on Google ing on the stars for guidance and provides you with nearly two counted their months by the million website links! Whatever your view on astrolphases of the Moon, then thousands of years later the Greeks ogy, it remains a fiercely popular called these constellations the topic with people all over the ‘circle of animals’ or zodiakos world believing in the predictions kykios — which we now refer to and traits related to each zodiac sign. I’m a Gemini, who is repreas the zodiac. These days, horoscopes have sented by the sign of the twins. gained a much greater sense of We as characters are supposed consumer appeal; with magazine to be versatile, expressive, and pages dedicated to celebrating commonly known to present two each sign’s birthday month and distinctive sides to their personaleven comparing which signs are ity, hence the ‘twin’ symbol. One twin can be communicative & compatible with one another. Interestingly, 75% of astro- adaptable, whereas the other twin logical believers are women, is prone to restlessness and an according to a study performed indecisive nature. Seems pretty by stariq.com, and a considerable accurate to me…

The zodiac

Western Eye 03.14 – Issue 05

science and technology

Science and technology — new age advances and scientific context what powers your home? There are probably a dozen other more important things to be worried about than climate change: you’ve got next month’s bills to worry about, that coursework deadline, Dad’s birthday present, and you still don’t know what you’re cooking for that dinner party tomorrow night. In today’s modern, fast-paced world, the problems that don’t appear to directly affect us can often slip our minds or just be someone else’s problem. Yet, with the announcement from the ipcc (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) that they are 95% certain that humans are the dominant cause of climate change, is it finally time for the entire world to pay attention and think about nuclear power? The main problem that we’re facing is greenhouse gas emissions. These are gases like carbon dioxide, methane, ozone and water vapour that are released all the time by our energy hungry lifestyles. One of the biggest greenhouse gas emitting sectors is electricity production from the carbon powered stations all over the world that provide power to our homes. Most of this energy is produced by big coal and gas power plants. Just 27% of the energy required in the uk is made by non-carbon producing methods and that is when the wind blows and the sun shines enough for our wind farms and solar farms to work at their best. It has become obvious in recent years that normal renewable energy sources (these are sources that have an unlimited source of fuel with no carbon output, i.e. solar, wind, hydroelectric) just can’t keep up with our requirements. Some optimistic estimates have said that the uk would need between 50,000 and 75,000 wind turbines to provide us with enough power and with so many people protesting against the current 5,000 turbines and the cost to build them, this is just not realistic. Nuclear power stations could be the answer.

A fluorescent alternative? Can nuclear power cure the uk’s carbon addiction Alex hale scitech@westerneye.net

advanced test reactor argonne national laboratory ©

Although they do not technically fall under the umbrella of a ‘renewable’ energy source, they don’t produce any greenhouse gases, they take up much less room

and according to the University of Maryland, nuclear fuel could last us another 200 years. It seems like some countries are well ahead of us with

these thoughts. In 2008, France produced 77% of its domestic power from nuclear power stations and they have another power station ready to go online in 2016. Their reputation as the country with the world’s most nuclear power has even prompted the government to let them help us build Hinkley Point C. This nuclear power station in North Somerset could provide as much as 13% of our electricity needs by 2020 and avoid the production of 9 million tonnes worth of co2 per year, that’s the roughly equivalent to the co2 production of 2 million cars. But with only 18% of our power being produced by nuclear power now, is it time to truly quit coal and gas and commit to nuclear power completely? “Business as usual is not sustainable, we have to look for alternatives,” says Admiral Neil Morisetti, Special Representative for Climate Change to William Hague. “If we continue to use fossil fuels in the manner we are today, it is going to increase the risks posed by climate change,” says Morisetti, and the world is coming around to see that this is the case. The science behind climate change, especially since the ipcc announcement and ensuing media furore, is now widely accepted after many years of debate between scientists, policy makers and the general public. Whenever nuclear power is talked about, there are always mentions of Chernobyl, Fukushima and Three Mile Island but events like these are extremely rare, and so far the total death toll directly related to nuclear power is considered to be almost zero (the 4,000 cancer-related deaths from Chernobyl are not counted by authorities because soviet era power stations lacked safety regulations). Compared to many technologies, nuclear power is very safe; coal power has been related to mercury poisoning deaths all over the world. Part of the reason for such a low incident rate related to nuclear power is that public fear over potential

disaster has prompted safety policies surrounding the regulation of nuclear power to be very strict. There is still strong opposition to nuclear power. Janice Baker, an anti-nuclear power campaigner from Somerset has been campaigning for many years against nuclear power stations in the uk. I’m fully aware that the power stations aren’t going to blow up on us, it’s the nuclear waste that I’m worried about. It [nuclear waste] can hang around for up to a million years in some cases and can really hurt the environment. It doesn’t matter if we’re going to save the world one way but then destroy it another. The waste generated by nuclear power production is a concern to all nuclear power users; once the fuel has been spent, it is still radioactive and potentially very harmful to the environment. Common waste products are elements like Plutonium-239 which can continue to produce radiation for several hundreds of thousands of years. Most countries now agree that the best way to dispose of the waste is to store it hundreds of metres underground in carefully monitored bunkers until it either becomes non-radioactive or we find a better way to dispose of it. There have, sadly, been incidents of nuclear waste leaks in the past but these are extremely rare and are becoming rarer with better safety procedures and regulations. These, and many others, are the issues that are due to be discussed by governments and scientists from around the world at the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (unfccc) in Paris. Neil Morisetti is hopeful: “The unfccc can make some big decisions on the future of climate change as a whole — it needs to be done”.

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Western Eye 03.14 — Issue 05

science and technology

Uncovering the cannibals of Somerset

Science and Tech writer Tariq Ismail explores what life was like for our distant relatives in a new exhibition of prehistoric Britain

ice age fauna mauricio antÓn ©

Tariq Ismail

scitech@westerneye.net

hippos swim the avon. Hyenas hunt in Horfield. Mammoths stomp across Broadmead. This isn’t a work of fiction; this is ancient Britain. ‘Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story’, a newly opened exhibition at the award-winning Natural History Museum, London, brings to life prehistoric Britain, giving fascinating insights into what life was like for Britain’s early humans, and the animals and landscapes with which they had to contend. The exhibition represents a culmination of work by a 50-strong team of palaeontologists and geologists from over 20 research institutions spanning 12 years, and led by the Natural History Museum. The continuing endeavour, known as the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain (ahob) project, has found evidence that has fundamentally changed our knowledge of early humans in Britain. It had been previously thought that humans had been in Britain for half a million years but excavations by the ahob project uncovered prehistoric flint tools in Happisburgh, Norfolk, that date back to 800,000 years ago, making this the earliest known settlement in Northern Europe. In February scientists announced the discovery of a set of footprints along a nearby

beach that were dated to the same age. These findings imply that humans survived here in freezing climates comparable to modern day Sweden, without the benefits of clothing or fire. The humans of 800,000 years ago had to deal with cooler summers and icy winters which averaged between 0°C and -3°C. As well as the battle against the cold, these early humans would have been hunted by sabretoothed tigers and hyenas, and maybe even other humans. Fossil remains of pine cones, pollen, beetles and voles show that humans lived close to the edge of northern pine forests with few edible plants and short daylight hours. These humans were hardy individuals. The people of Happisburgh would have probably belonged to the human subspecies Homo antecessor, different to modern humans (Homo sapiens), which only left Africa 200,000 years ago. The study has used intuitive scientific techniques, including biostratigraphy, in which remnant traces of plants and animals found within the flint tools are analysed and cross-referenced with species already known to be extinct or not yet present. This shows which plants and animals were around when the tools were made and provides a time-frame for when the tools date back to. Huge gaps in the fossil record show that humans were not

The ahob project uncovered prehistoric flint tools in Norfolk, that date back 800,000 years This discovery represents the earliest known settlement in Northern Europe

The humans of 800,000 years ago contended with icier winters Battling colds which averaged between 0°C and -3°C with no clothing or fire

always present in Britain, with the changing climate forcing migrations. During ice ages, the channel froze over, allowing humans to retreat south to mainland Europe, only to return when the climate was a little less demanding. In fact, there were periods spanning 100,000 years when humans deserted Britain altogether. Today’s Britons are descendents of the tenth attempt that humans made to populate Britain, resulting in our population being regarded as one of the youngest in the world, when compared to our continental neighbours. The exhibition contains relics from the Happisburgh site in Norfolk, along with many others from across the uk. A notable artefact is the skull of the earliest known Neanderthal in Britain, discovered near the village of Swanscombe in Kent and known affectionately as the Swanscombe Man despite the fact that the skull belonged to a young woman. The 450,000 year old Clacton spear, the oldest wooden spear in the world, is also on display. Other precious finds include Neanderthal remains dating back 230,000 years from Bondnewydd in Wales, and a prehistoric jawbone from Kents Cavern that radiocarbon dating puts at around 40,000 years old, making it the oldest anatomically modern human fossil discovered in Northern Europe. Professor Chris

Stringer, palaeontologist and at the National History Museum, says of the exhibition: “You will be surprised by the history hidden beneath your feet.” Numerous discoveries made by the ahob team have slowly painted a picture of the way that early humans lived. Analysis of 15,000 year old human bones found in a Somerset cave revealed the grisly truth that the cave-dwellers dined on other humans. The cannibals didn’t stop there — the heads of their victims were painstakingly shaped into functional cups or bowls, which Stringer suggests were used for special purposes, perhaps holding food, water or blood during rituals. These artefacts provided the earliest evidence of this gruesome practice in Britain. The exhibition paints a vivid picture of the humans that once roamed Britain, with life-size models bringing our ancients back to life. The ever-changing environments that these humans had to contend with are explored, from the frozen pine forests of 800,000 years ago to the dusty, hyena-ridden savannahs that Britain became thousands of years later. The Natural History Museum is the final resting place for all of these artefacts. As professor Stringer says: “This gives us an exciting glimpse into our past, which also leads us to reflect on our future.”

Western Eye 03.14 – Issue 05

sport

SPORT — university competition and global sports Midfielders

Bristol — the home of top-class sport! GEORGE BEARD

sport@westerneye.net

the city of bristol is blessed to have many high-quality teams that you can easily attend and support. Football, Rugby and Cricket are most prominent within the area. Importantly, many of the clubs recognise that students can be struggling for cash. As a result, student prices and discounts can often be found, making it more affordable to watch. Football, both for men and women, is played at a high level in Bristol. Bristol City will be looking to have a strong finish this season after a disappointing campaign so far. Under 21’s can buy tickets in advance from just £11 to watch Bristol City play. City play their home matches at Ashton Gate, which is just a 15 min walk from uwe’s Bower Ashton Campus. The blue half of Bristol, the Rovers, will be looking to improve upon the 14th position in League 2 they finished last year. Bristol Rovers have formed a partnership with uwe to move into a new 22,000 seater stadium within the next few years. Students with a valid nus card can get discounted tickets, ranging from £11 to £20.50. However, without doubt the best value sport to watch in Bristol is the Bristol Academy Ladies. Always a strong contender in the top division of women’s football, tickets cost a mere £3 and season tickets costs just £18 After narrowly missing out on the title last year, new manager Dave Edmondson will be looking to go one better this time around. The team play only a stone’s throw away from the Frenchay campus at near-by Filton Sports and Leisure Centre. If you like your rugby more than your football, then Bristol Rugby Club is for you. Currently competing in the rfu Championship, English rugby’s second tier, promotion back to the Premiership is their main target for this campaign. Bristol rugby shares the Memorial Ground Stadium along with Bristol Rovers football club, located just east of Filton Avenue. With the summer still feeling light years away, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club will hope to compete on all fronts this year after going through this season without winning a trophy. Tickets are comparatively inexpensive to watch the Gladiators play compared to other counties, with prices this season varying between £11 and £22. An excellent range of sports are available to watch in Bristol during the forthcoming year. Make sure you take advantage of what the city has to offer!

The chosen ones alex storey

sport@westerneye.net

with the 2014 world cup looming large on the horizon, there are only a handful of matches before Roy Hodgson names his squad for Brazil. Only a select few can begin to pack their suitcases and for the rest, it is a mad dash to force their way into Hodgson’s reckoning. Let’s take a look at the contenders for the hottest ticket in world football. Goalkeepers

A problem position for many years, Manchester City’s Joe Hart has grabbed the Number 1 shirt by the scruff of the neck since the disastrous campaign of South Africa 2010. He is a shoe-in for Brazil but much has been made of the other two goalkeeping spots. After coming out of international retirement in 2013, West Brom’s Ben Foster looks like a good bet to go as Joe Hart’s understudy. The third goalkeeping spot is very much up for grabs and it looks like it’s going to be between Celtic’s Fraser Forster and Norwich’s John Ruddy. Forster put in an outstanding performance for Celtic against Barcelona in the Champions League this season, but lacks international experience. Ruddy had a long spell out of the game in the 2012/13 season but has been solid for Norwich this season. Forster is likely to edge his East Anglian rival out for the final spot though. Defenders

Barring injuries, the right back position seems like the easiest position to select of all. Liverpool’s Glen Johnson is likely to be first choice, although he is having an injury hit season. Tottenham’s Kyle Walker will also be on the plane to Brazil after being consistently selected by Hodgson. If

Johnson is ruled out with injury, Manchester City’s Micah Richards is likely to deputise, despite being frozen out for club and country for a couple of years. Historically, England have been blessed with a multitude of options at centre back, but the choice for Roy Hodgson is significantly reduced for Brazil. Everton’s Phil Jagielka is a certainty to start for Hodgson’s Lions after impressing for Roberto Martinez’s side this season and has been an ever present for England in the past two years. He is likely to be partnered by Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, who has been mightily impressive alongside former England captain John Terry for the Blues. A Manchester United duo have every chance of making the squad. Both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have faced criticism for their performances this season, but remain favourites of Roy Hodgson. Challenging the United duo for the final two positions are Tottenham’s Michael Dawson and Cardiff ’s Steven Caulker and whilst there some talk of coaxing ex-captain John Terry out of retirement, Hodgson has officially ruled this out. If the competition was based on the quality of left backs, England would be favourites to win it. Although Southampton’s exciting prospect Luke Shaw is likely to carry the mantle in years to come and Kieran Gibbs has been a regular for title-chasing Arsenal, only two names are likely to be in the thoughts of Roy Hodgson. Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is England’s most-capped full back and although he will make the squad, he may find himself warming the bench. Everton’s Leighton Baines has every chance of starting the first match against Italy in Manaus. A hugely impressive season so far has put him in the driving seat.

In the heart of England’s midfield is where Hodgson is likely to face his biggest dilemma. The only certainty for the squad is captain Steven Gerrard. He is likely to be joined by Arsenal’s Jack Wilshire who has only been denied more England appearances by injury but remains a favourite of both Hodgson and fans alike. The final two positions are very much a guessing game. The experience of Chelsea’s Frank Lampard or Manchester United’s Michael Carrick could be vital in an otherwise young squad. On the other hand, the raw talent of Everton’s Ross Barkley could be extremely important in breaking down international defences, whilst Hodgson often relies on Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley in competitive matches. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has been impressive for Brendan Rodgers’ Reds this season, but is likely to be an outside bet. On the wing, Hodgson has been denied his most precocious talent with Arsenal’s Theo Walcott having been ruled out with injury and there are no certainties on either wing. Tottenham’s Andros Townsend exploded onto the international scene with two superb performances to help England secure qualification for Brazil but has suffered injury problems of late. Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has looked impressive on his return from a five month injury layoff and if he stays fit, he will be on the plane. Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon has a lot of international experience, but he finds himself down the pecking order as does Manchester United’s Ashley Young. The ever reliable James Milner has been solid for Manchester City this season and should find himself on the plane. Sunderland’s Adam Johnson has been sensational in recent weeks and could yet find himself going to Brazil this summer. The same could be said about Southampton’s Adam Lallana and Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling who have both been in

recent squads, but both will have to have a stunning ends to the season to make the plane. Forwards

Up front, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will be England’s main hope for success in Brazil. He will joined by Liverpool’s in-form Daniel Sturridge who is currently the top English scorer in the Premier League and is likely to partner Rooney. The other two positions are not sewn up, although it seems unlikely that Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck won’t make the plane, despite him playing second fiddle to Rooney and Van Persie at Old Trafford. The final position is likely to be reserved for a target man with Southampton’s Rickie Lambert and West Ham’s Andy Carroll vying for a spot. Lambert is the form man and due to Carroll’s lack of match time, is likely to get the nod for the spot. Potential Squad

Goalkeepers Hart, Foster, Forster Defenders Walker, Cole, Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Jones, Dawson, Baines Midfielders Gerrard (Captain), Wilshere, Carrick, Barkley, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, Lallana, Townsend Forwards Rooney, Welbeck, Lambert

Sturridge,

Alex Storey assesses the chances that England’s finest footballers have of making the plane to Brazil this summer

Who will be wearing the three lions in Brazil this summer? steve a johnson ©

Western Eye 03.14 — Issue 05

sport

England sack Kevin Pieterson England take a new direction after sacking their most gifted player, Philip Mansell ponders whether this decision has been a wise choice kevin pieterson nic_r ©

Philip Mansell

sport@westerneye.net

it was announced on Tuesday evening that after discussions between the England selectors and Kevin Pietersen, England’s all time highest international run scorer was to be permanently dropped from the side. In the immediate future this means he will not be selected for England’s tour of the West Indies next month, or the subsequent World T20 tournament in Bangladesh. In the long run, it means that cricket fans will never be able to watch one of the most thrilling batsman in recent years in international cricket again. Statements released by England and Pietersen himself were predictably vague, and the question of the majority of cricket fans lips has been simply; why?

It is a valid question. Pietersen’s apparently disruptive nature has been well reported for a number of years, ranging from his clash in early 2009 with then-coach Peter Moores, which resulted in kp losing the captaincy and Moores losing his job to his removal from the England side in the summer of 2012 for sending derogatory texts to South African players about his then-captain Andrew Strauss. However, since his re-integration it had been a relatively smooth ride, with numerous interviews given by England players relaying the same shtick; ‘kp has been brilliant since coming back, we’re much happier as a side’ and so on. But inevitably, cracks began to appear when England started losing (badly) in Australia in November of last year. Pietersen’s shot selection was questioned, and he was lambasted as giving

away his wicket too easily and not digging in. Despite his supposed inability to play for the good of the team rather than himself, he finished as England’s highest run scorer in the Test series. Rumours have already circulated and promptly been denied regarding a showdown between Pietersen and Test captain Alastair Cook whilst in Australia. Sadly, the situation has also prompted the reliably opinionated close friend of Pietersen, Piers Morgan, to begin an attack on England wicketkeeper Matt Prior. Morgan’s presence in kp’s corner can only have soured relations, particularly as he has been so consistently vocal in support of Pietersen and critical of Cook and the England management. The obvious disappointment of being on the same side of an argument as Piers Morgan is only

Sporting spotlight — UWE Boat Club rowing is a sport that in the uk at least is often associated with University sports, and the uwe Boat Club (uwebc) is certainly one of the most prominent clubs in terms of competition, training and commitment. Tom Williams interviewed uwebc President, Hannah Eardley to learn more about the club. WesternEye– How many members does the boat club have this year and how does this number impact the performance? Hannah Eardley– About 60 members, which is relatively low; usually we have 100+. We toe the line between being an elite club competing amongst the best universities and being a social club. In an ideal world we would have enough equipment to have every member competing at an elite level. WE– How are the competitions structured throughout the year? HE– Winter is a head format; a long distance time trial where boats race the same course one after another. Summer racing begins around Easter and is a regatta format, which has six boats side by side racing 2km. There are bucs rowing events for all universities and holds a head event and a regatta. The head

race was cancelled due to weather and flooding and the regatta is scheduled for May bank holiday weekend. We won a variety of medals last year — including two gold — and hope to win more this year too! WE– How has the season been so far and how has this set you up for the summer? HE– The winter season has been a challenge; weather conditions have prevented many clubs training and races are being cancelled most weekends. Thankfully, our club is based on a canal which meant we are able to get out and train. This will hopefully give us an advantage come the summer regatta season. WE– Varsity is fast approaching. What chance do feel uwe has in competition this year? HE– We won overall last year, 3 to 2, but the format has changed slightly and only 4 races will count towards winning. Uwe are tougher and have trained harder, attending sessions no matter the weather, so we have every chance of retaining our wins this year. WE– What would you say are the benefits of joining the uwebc? HE– Rowing offers the opportunity to learn a new sport from

scratch. Our novice program is designed to introduce people to rowing in an enjoyable manner. By the end of the first year members get the chance to represent the university at the biggest races in the country even in a ‘first’ boat. This is something other clubs are unable to offer to novices. The sport is incredibly social, we spend a lot of time together as a squad and many members choose to live with each other, and we are notorious for a huge night out! The intense training offers the chance to learn time management and self-motivation, worthwhile skills to have at university that often improve members’ grades. We support each other and are always ecstatic to welcome new and fresh members.

secondary to the sadness of knowing that Kevin Pietersen will never play for England again. There will be no more innings like his 151 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2012, or his phenomenal 186 in India later the same year. 23 Test Centuries, 9 odi centuries and 13,797 international runs is Pietersen’s legacy. What England fans will remember however is perhaps the most talented English batsman ever, who played some truly enthralling innings. The ecb needs to answer a number of questions regarding the sacking of Pietersen. The bland statements released by both camps have enraged fans and pundits alike, but suggest that the issue is not over and all cannot yet be revealed. The manner in which Pietersen has been dealt with suggests a major issue arose, but with no revelation from the

ecb, England fans can only ponder and speculate as to what has led England’s best batsman to be dumped so ceremoniously. Kp will undoubtedly be purchased in this year’s ipl auction, get paid a huge amount and be treated like a superstar. One feels that this treatment has always been what Pietersen needed, and at times he was provided this within the England set up. The ability or determination to manage a problematic player like kp was clearly lacking in recent months. With his track record, England may well have justified reasoning for this decision. But until this reasoning is made public, many fans will continue to support Pietersen, and decry the ecb for the premature removal of such a phenomenally talented player.

UWE Gliding Club — a brief introduction claude hoarau, the uwe Gliding Club president, recently completed his first solo flight in a glider. Claude is studying Aerospace Engineering with the aim of becoming an airline pilot. Gliding offers friendly and affordable pilot training, and with flights from as little as £7, there’s no better way to learn to fly whilst at university. Claude, having already gained some experience flying light aircraft, went solo after just 26 training flights which is an impressive achievement. A committed trainee glider pilot who goes flying every weekend will normally go solo in their first year, and can then progress towards cross-country flying or advanced aerobatics. During the

summer, it is not unusual for gliders to stay airborne for up to 5 hours at a time covering as much as 200–300 miles. Gliding has a lot to offer, whether it’s a gateway to learning the basics of flying before training as a commercial pilot, or just a way to enjoy time outdoors, taking in the views and having fun. The club also offers a way for interested aerospace students to get involved in aircraft maintenance to improve their skills and employability. The club and Students’ Union are proud to offer these opportunities to all students at uwe and we invite anyone who’s interested to get in touch. Go to www.uwegliding.com for more information.

The uwebc certainly offers a mixture of socialising, training and competition whilst giving every member the chance earn a place on the racing team, something unique to the club. The 20th Anniversary Varsity rowing will take place on 26th of April at the harbour side.

sudoku — logic & numeracy puzzles Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.39)

9 9

5 9

1 3

2 8

4 8

1 1

4 2

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Tue Feb 25 18:27:44 2014 GMT. Enjoy!

Puzzle 3 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.45)

Puzzle 4 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44)

3 2

2 4

7 7

8 4

1 7

1 9

9 1

4 9

Find the following words featured in this month’s issue of WesternEye

1 4

5 1

6 4

wordsearch — literacy puzzle

Puzzle 2 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.49)

Western Eye 03.14 – Issue 05

p u zz l e y o u r s e l f

7 1

3 1

2 2 7

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Tue Feb 25 18:27:44 2014 GMT. Enjoy!

colour— inside the lines

illustration sam cox — second year student samcoxdesign.co.uk

WESTERNEYE REFERENDUM SAINSBURYS VENEZUELA PRIVATISATION RUSSIA STEM UKRAINE ZODIAC CANNIBALS COURSEWORK VARSITY CROCODILE STI WESTWORLD CAMPUS FEMINISM FASHION EXHIBITION