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It’s cold, dark and I’m pretty sure that your students loans are looking depressingly pitiful compared to their once former glory (if they have arrived at all.) But it could be worse, you could have your exams and essays looming over your heads.... oh wait... you do. OK, I admit it, this issue isn’t being read at the best of times. On a lighter note, in the not too distant future you will be shipped back to the parentals under the promises of free food, stockings and all the other goodies Christmas brings with it, but that is still a few weeks away. So to try and lift the mood, I’ve packed this issue of Concourse with some of the best photography Keele has to offer, if a picture is worth a thousand words, than this issue is going to overtake Websters Dictionary. So grab a coffee (whisky optional,) find a seat, and take in the glory that is Keele’s number one source of news and entertainment. Hope you enjoy this issue of Concourse! Nick Heath - Chief Editor Advertising KUSUMarketing sta65@kusu.keele.ac.uk 01782733712
Editorial/Submissions NickHeathVPComms vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk 01782733702
Produced and Edited by Nick Heath Vice President Communication & Democracy Any views expressed are not necessarily the views of Keele University or Keele University Students’ Union. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the explicit permission of the editor Cover Photo - Seyi Solarin
features
07...............................................Politik 08 ...............................Societies News 12 ...FOCUS - Photograhpy @ Keele 18 .......................................Film Review 19 ..................................Music Reviews
News
04 ....Hawthorns - The End is Nigh 06 ..........................IAU, VE & Jobshop
Entertainment
10 ..................Whats on @ the Union 20 .......................Found on Facebook 21 .........................Games and Puzzles
Sport
23...............................Keele-imanjaro 24 ................................REsult Tables 24 ........................A View From the AU
AU President - Sonia Douz kusu_au_president@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Entertainments Officer - Allie Coombs kusu_entertainments_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk
Union Committee UC is the executive body for KUSU, made up of elected officers, it is here to help students with their day to day probelms, whilst instigating change which they have been manadated to do by the students body. If you have any problems don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of the officers
Mature Students’ Officer Kate Lawrence
Campus Affairs Officer Lauren Proctor
mature_students@kusu.keele.ac.uk
kusu_campus_affairs_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk
Disabled Students’ Officer Charli Bailey kusu_students_with_disabilities_rep@ kusu.keele.ac.uk
Off Campus Affairs Officer Morgan-Ross Inwood kusu_off_campus_affairs_officer@kus u.keele.ac.uk
Non Portfolio Officer Adam Palmer kusu_non_portfolio_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk
Hospital Campus Affairs Officer Richard Bowman hospital_campus_rep @kusu.keele.ac.uk Post Graduates’ Officer Kunal Khanderia
Environmental Officer Dan Hougham kusu_environmental_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk Male Gender Officer David Igo kusu_male_gender_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk
Female Gender Officer Holly Brown kusu_female_gender_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk
kusu_postgraduate_students_officer @kusu.keele.ac.uk International Students’ Officer Amanda Gross kusu_international_rep @kusu.keele.ac.uk LGBT Officer Jack Thistlewood kusu_lgbt_rep@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Racial Diversity Officer Leona Russell kusu_racial_diversity_officer@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Chair of Student Council Hannah Gascoigne
Health Faculty Representative Adina Josephs
cac.kusu@googlemail.com
health_rep@kusu.keele.ac.uk
CAC General Secretary Robert Griffiths
Hums & Social Science Representative Laurence Mallows
cac.kusu@googlemail.com
social_sciences_rep@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Constitutional Affairs Secretary Carrie Martin cac.kusu@googlemail.com
Natural Science Representative Kelly Ross
CONCOURSE
NEWS Hawthorns...The End Is Nigh! After hearing rumours for the last few years, its has now been made official that Hawthorns Hall is to be torn down and sold off, the story broke in The Sentinel last week, with comments from both local councillors and University Secretary and Registrar, Simon Morris. While the students are yet to be officially informed, it is understood that this is the start of a five year plan for the area. It is expected that almost 200 properties will replace the ageing blocks, with extra accommodation being built across the other halls of residence to compensate for the loss of rooms. It is unclear what the fate of Templar Bar or the Select and Save shop are going to be, but without the support from Keele students, it seems likely that these will also have to go. There has always been a conflict of interest between Hawthorns students and Keele Village residents, with locals complaining about ‘drunken students yelling and brawling’ on their way home from the Union and halls bars; not forgetting to mention the minor vandalism that inevitably follows (traffic signs and plant pots seem to be prized possessions for snakebite fuelled academics.) So with demolition seeming inevitable, surely this will be a
National Blood Service Breaks Records in KUSU Blood Drive Two weeks ago Keele University Students Union hosted the National Blood Service in the Ballroom for two days, with around 200 students and staff giving up their time, and half a litre of something a lot more valuable. Around 75% of the people who donated where returning, which means almost 50 people gave blood for the first time, a record according to the organisers. The Ballroom normally renowned for bad dancing and cheesy music was full to the brim with anxiety and nerves from the first timers, but the worries soon quickly disappeared when the offer of free tea and biscuits came to the table (who said students where fickle!) Interviewing a few of the brave first timers,I asked what it was like, and most importantly did it hurt? ‘No! I was really scared at first but once the needle went in my arm, it was alright..’ while another student (who looked a little faint at the time) commented, ‘Didn’t hurt. but I miss it... do you think I could have it back?’ The nurses present said that Keele always had a good turnout and they will be sure to return. Asking for some essential advice about giving blood for future events, they were quick to highlight, ‘make sure you have breakfast, also maybe wait till the afternoon if you went out last night’ Or in other words, lets not get the people on the operating table drunk because they where fortunate to get a Keele students blood.
joyous time for the locals, but the impact of losing all those students will have consequences on bus routes and security patrols currently provided or subsidized by the University, suggesting that there will not necessarily be universal support of this development from the locals.
651students currently live in Hawthorns With most of the blocks dating back to the 1960’s it is getting harder and harder to keep the blocks up to current students expectations, ‘Hawthorns is an issue, because of the difficulty in refurbishing it... we have decided to replace rather than refurbish’ said Mr Morris. From the Students Union point of view, it is good to see that the University is finally investing in better accommodation for the student body, with fees now topping out at an eye watering £3,225 plus an extra £2,800 for accommodation.... we deserve a little better than what Keele is currently offering. Lets just hope that the future plans for new accommodation by the University will take in to account the student bodies point of view as well as the accountants. Do you have an opinion on this story? If so send an email to the editor. vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Stressed? Anxious? Worried? Join us to practice using relaxation techniques to manage work & exam stress, and anxiety. We will cover breathing exercises, muscular relaxation and guided visualisations / meditations
25th November 2nd December 9th December 2.30 - 4pm You may attend any or all of the sessions. Numbers are limited so please pre-book by phone: 01782 733950 or email: aaa09@keele.ac.uk Location WMB014 Walter Moberly Building
The National Blood Service will be returning to Keele next May
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Center for Learning and Student Support
“A problem shared is a problem halved” Society has a habit of making us feel like we should be able to deal with everything ourselves, that it’s a sign of weakness to seek help. No matter how big or small, Nightline values each individual and respects the autonomy of all. We believe that reality is subjective. If it matters to you, if it’s affecting you - it’s important.
How does talking help? - Say it out loud Be heard: Feeling that someone has heard you and cares can sometimes be enough. You are free to talk about anything, for as long as you like, to someone that wants to listen to you, that knows how to effectively listen to you and that cares about what you’re going through. Be free: Just saying your thoughts or worries out loud can help liberate you from them. You can offload, unburden yourself or reveal your secrets without fear of criticism, judgement, come-back or having to see that person again.
Understand Get perspective: By talking over the issues in your life you can see if there’s any value to your thought process. Have you ever found yourself saying “it sounds silly when you say it”? Be understood: You’ll get undivided attention with a fellow student who may have an understanding of the issues you’re going through, and who can support you emotionally, as well as providing access to advice services that may be helpful to you. Identify: It’s your journey of discovery. You have an objective safe space where the person helping you on that journey is not directing you according to their own bias. You get as much time and space as you need to see clearly and identify what you’re feeling, what’s bothering you, why you act a certain way or do certain things.
Issue Four
NEWS Decide a way forward Reflect & take charge: You can now reflect on your situation, discover what you need to discover for yourself and identify your options. You can then work out a plan for yourself. Nightline is there to listen, but we’ll never have the answers – we don’t know you and so we cannot and will not ever tell you what you should do. We can be there to support you, but ultimately you have to get there yourself; -inspire yourself, and make decisions for yourself, so that you are ready for any actions you take – as it’s you that has to manage that change and action. Someone else telling you what to do often won’t work if you haven’t yet understood why you need to do it. Ask yourself: Is something bothering you? Are you upset, stressed, angry or lonely? Do you find yourself apologising for talking about your problems? Do you feel like you’re burdening friends and relatives? Do you find yourself isolated, not able to make friends or ‘putting on an act’? Have things changed or has something unexpected or traumatic happened? Yes? CALL US! Taking your call 9pm - 3am every night of the week. External : (01782) 733999 Internal : 34999
Feel in control: If you’re experiencing high emotions, you may feel overwhelmed and out of your depth. It’s really important at this time to discuss those emotions with someone to make sense of what you’re feeling, to make you feel safe and in control again and to stop you acting on an impulse you may later regret.
Keele lead in Student Scramble Mark Holtz and his Yearbook team have made sure that Keele keeps its lead in the Carphone Warehouses’ Student Scramble on Facebook, after being creative with human bodies, and cramming Keelites in to phoneboxes, the next stage has been to ‘re-create a classic photo’.... So they went for ‘Lunch Atop A Skyscraper’...
Buses Between Keele University and University Hospital (Clinical Education Centre) Buses operate Monday to Friday during University term time from September 2009 Busesleave leaveKUSU KUSU bus busstop stop: Buses 08:26, 08:26, 12:11, 12:11, 13:11, 13:11, 17:16 17:16 Student Fairs Available Only £1.10 each way Buses leave University Hospital 08:25, 08:50, 12:30, 13:30, 17:15 D&G Bus 01782 332337
The New York Sky Line had never been so interesting
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The IAU is a ‘Free, Impartial, Non Judgemental Independent Advice Unit’ found on the top floor of the Students’ Union. It is here to help all Keele students with any problems you may have or at least point you in the right direction. Here are a few things which the IAU have been focusing on over the past few weeks.
The Swine that is Swine Flu
Credit Card Crunch
With winter colds and Swine Flu and general illness around, now is a good time to plan ahead when it comes to help with health costs. People on a low income are able to apply for help with health costs NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, NHS wigs and fabric supports, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses or travel to receive NHS treatment if referred by a doctor (GP or hospital doctor) or dentist. You might not have to pay for these, or you may get help towards the cost. You can claim now, you don’t have to wait until you need treatment.
The problem with credit cards is that they aren’t good if you don’t have a monthly income to pay off the balance. Most students have irregular income which doesn’t tie in with the monthly payments needed to prevent penalty charges for non-payment and interest. If you have taken out a credit card and are now not able to repay the outstanding amount, or if you need help with budgeting, contact the Unit for an appointment and see what help we can provide.
Collect a HC1 form from the IAU, your GP/dentist. The benefit of the change in the rules regarding Child Benefit(!) Swine flu guidance:http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu Keele’s Swine Flu info is at http://tinyurl.com/keele-sf If Swine Flu has affected your travel plans your travel insurance will need confirmation that you have contacted the National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 and you will need the unique ID number they give you. Last chance to apply to take part in
University Overseas Challenge - Thailand 2010 VE @ Keele is working in partnership with the charity VESL, to offer an exciting volunteer opportunity for Keele students to take part in an exciting programme to teach English in rural primary & secondary schools in Northern Thailand in the summer 2010. Costs will be in the region of £692 & will include insurance, visa, in-country travel, accommodation, food, VE @ Keele & VESL support. Volunteers must fund flights* & vaccinations, no experience necessary as appropriate training will be provided, but you must be committed, flexible, resourceful & enthusiastic. If you think you have the right skills, attitude and motivation to volunteer for Overseas Challenge 2010, contact Becky at: volunteering@kusu.keele.ac.uk for an application pack The closing date for applications is: 4pm on Wednesday 25th November 2009. University Overseas Challenge 2– Thailand 2010 is sustainable, benefits host communities and offers Keele students a cultural exchange experience. * You must cover the cost of your return flights, which VESL can arrange on your behalf
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Local authorities have received guidance about the disregard of Child Benefit as income with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. If you are claiming benefits and are confused about the changes taking place from 2nd November contact the Unit.
Looking for Work? Check out the Jobshop FREE, professional and friendly service to help Keele students find part-time work during term-time and part or full time work during the vacations. - Administers applications for work within the Students’ Union - Specialist advice and guidance on:Employment Advice e.g. National Minimum Wage, Income Tax, National Insurance, Holiday pay, Working time directive, etc - Prevention of Illegal working, identity checking and help for non-uk students - Creation and maintenance of links between Keele University and the local community - As members of NASES ‘Vacation Link’ scheme – students coming back to the Staffordshire area during university vacations can use the Jobshop to find vacation work and we can help Keele students looking for vacation work in their home town! Benefits of part-time work: - Improve transferable skills e.g. confidence, responsibility, motivation, organisational etc - Gain work placement skills e.g. teamwork, communication, problem solving etc Enhances CV’s / application forms and interview techniques - Financial support Find Us On Top Floor, Students’ Union Tel: 01782 7 34800 Email: Jobshop@kusu.keele.ac.uk Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Issue Four
Politik
UNDEMOCRATIC! .....Or just plain sensible? Matthew Davies - Political Editor Freedom of speech is a right that I’m sure most of us at Keele cherish and would not like to be withdrawn from us. However the question I want to ask in this article is: should we have freedom of speech without question, or should there be a limit to freedom of speech? The Students’ Union currently has a ‘no platform policy’ which bans those with extreme political views, both left and right, from speaking at UGMs and Student Councils and from setting up political groups on campus. The ‘no platform policy’ is a hotly debated issue not just at Keele, but at every Students’ Union in every university around the country. Is the ‘no platform policy’ undemocratic and against a key value I’m sure most of us hold? Or is it just ‘plain sensible’ not to let extreme political views be heard in Keele University Students’ Union?
This leads to a bigger debate nationally about whether or not we should debate with those whom we do not agree with, especially those we consider to hold extreme views. Nowhere has this issue received more attention than during the recent decision of the BBC to ask the leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin, onto Question Time. Was this right considering the BNP won a substantial amount of votes at the European Elections in June, or is it better to deny the BNP any media coverage at all? Does it do more harm to allow the BNP to gain the ‘oxygen of publicity’ or does it do more harm not to let them have a voice at all and therefore leave people unsure of what they stand for and of what their policies are? These are big questions and all the more key as the run-up to the General Election approaches where the BNP will hope to win a substantial amount of votes in Stoke, where they already have their second largest proportion of councillors. Each person will have their own different individual view on the matter, however KUSU also needs to provide a cohesive stance on the matter, whether to keep the ‘no platform policy’ or to re-debate it at the next UGM (which I’ve heard is quite likely) and get the opinion of the latest crop of students’ on the matter. The next UGM is on Thursday 10th December in the Ballroom
Musings from our MP Paul Farrelly MP for Newcaslte under Lyme To a packed committee room at the House of Commons last week, to address the latest student rally. The government has now appointed former BP boss Lord Browne to chair a review of university and student finance, expected to report in autumn next year. And the NUS lobby provided an immediate platform to show the strength of feeling against any increase in fees. With getting towards half of school and college leavers going into higher education, the reality is that none of the main parties – Labour, Conservative or the Liberal Democrats - backs funding out of general taxation alone. The question over contributions remains, as ever, how to design a system that’s fair and doesn’t deter people through fear of debt. Personally, when I led opposition to higher (and variable) fees years ago, I favoured a so-called ‘graduate tax’. That means people contribute according to earnings. It would be progressive, not a flat amount. It wouldn’t penalise people out of employment nor women, especially, taking time out to have children.
That’s the position of the NUS today. The danger is, though through the lobbying of Vice Chancellors, interested in league table rankings – that we get a ‘quick fix’, focussing on fees alone. What we need is what the review’s terms actually state – a look at the system in the round, for everyone’s benefit, not just a few institutions driving it from the top down. That’s why all students must make their voices heard. I pledged last week to break my party’s whip again if it opted to lift the cap on fees. After the next election there are going to be lots of ambitious, new MPs, jostling to climb the greasy ladder. I’m glad, therefore, that the NUS is asking all candidates to set out their stall before, so students know where they stand.
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CONCOURSE
All you movers and shakers out there listen up!
Societies
Beka Andrews
Want to learn a new dance style, brush up on your technique or just have a bit of fun? Then Keele Dance Society is the place for you! We are a friendly, open to everyone society who love to dance and perform and meet new people. Want to showcase that talent of yours? With us you can, in our annual charity dance show! Every year around March we host a dancing spectacular, showing off a range of dancing styles and abilities to friends and family all in the name of charity. Want to meet new people and have some great nights out? Come out with us on one of our amazing socials! It might be dancing the night away at the union or beating one of the Mondays: 7-9 Hip committee at bowling or joining us in our other Hop, 9-10 - Advanced Hip love, eating, with a meal in Newcastle! Our social Hop secs are great at organising a range of fun stuff for us to get to know each other better when not at dance. Thursdays: 6-6.30 - Warm up, 6.307.30 - Modern Upcoming socials include: Locked Up – a prisoner themed bar crawl 7.30-8.15- Ballet, 8.15-9 – Tap on 25th November, Toga Night – a fancy dress night in the union on 4th December and a Christmas Meal on 15th December. Keele Dance Society is always looking for new All classes are held in the members and is open to everyone so whether you’ve never danced in your life or you Ballroom consider yourself a Step Up worthy opponent come on down to our classes: For more information join our Facebook group: Keele Dance Society 09/10 or email us at: keeledancesociety@googlemail.com
Women’s Society We are a new and thriving society, that welcomes new faces, ideas and thoughts! We meet approximately every 2-3 weeks where we discuss issues that affect real women, while being in an enjoyable and fun environment. We are aiming to implement a lot of different things in the next few weeks but we need some people to help! We are only as good as our members! Why come along? Well, we promote equality between men and women and are ‘pro woman’. With there being a 35.2% pay gap in part time employment and where 3 million women in Britain are affected by sexual violence, we need like minded women to help our cause – don’t let feminism sound like a dirty word. For More Info Contact: info@keelewomenssociety.co.uk Find Us On Facebook “Keele Women’s Society” Next Meeting: 9th December 2009, 5:30pm at Lindsay Bar
Keele University Foosball Society Presents
The Keele Open Table Football Tournament 28th - 29th November 2009 The Ballroom, Keele University Students’ Union
Only £10 Entry for new Players
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Well folks term is flying by and it will only be a few more weeks until we say goodbye to you all and 2009 to boot. Before we say goodbye we’ve got some ace events to chase away those winter & essay blues. We know how you love a Headphone Disco and we know money is tight so on the 27th Nov the 3D HD will be part of the entertainments for Get Funked....lovely! The last Massive Monday of term on the 14th Dec is set to be a big one we’ve got a Roller Disco...one last chance to get those primarni legwarmers out! OOoo I almost missed out the Winter Wonderland Xmas party with our very special guest Radio 1’s Scot Mills, we hope you show him lots of Keele love and then he can go on to let his listeners know exactly where the best university in the land is...KEELE! We’ve also got a giant white chocolate fountain, santas grotto, a bucking reindeer and some wonderful Christmas decor, which knowing you guys will be adourning your blocks and rooms after the event...you do love your SU decor souvenirs!! Pssst.....secret info!! There is an invitation only party happening in Sams Bar on the 5th Dec brought to you by the Secret Record Club. Check out the facebook group ‘A ClockWonk Orange’ and see if you can bag yourself an invite. Jayne x x x
Are you in these photo’s? If so you’re on the Guest List for our new Wednesday Night Project just go up to the ents office to get your name down!
Make the Union, YOUR UNION! Here in the Entertainments Office we strive to give you the best nights out we can, and we always welcome your opinions on how you think we can make your Union better. Not only do we have the weekly entertainments meetings, but we also have a variety of Facebook groups that you can leave your feedback on, and the office door is always open. In order to provide you with what you want we need your opinions. We would like to know what you have liked so far, and what you would change about the nights we have. Also, what is it that turns you off coming out to the union particularly on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday? How can we make these nights better for you? The more feedback you give, the more information we have to work with. Basically, your feedback = new ideas = a better night out for all! I will set up a discussion on the KUSU ENTERTAINMENTS Facebook group where you can leave your answers. Don’t forget the Entertainments meetings are held every Friday at 3pm in K2! Muchos Love, Allie xxx
Photography @ Keele
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Ellie Watts
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Phil Olsen
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Paul Bailey
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Seyi Solarin
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Concourse
Film
Frederike Dammé - Film Editor
I was going to see Fantastic Mr. Fox but unfortunately it was not running anymore. Instead I decided to watch a film I had not heard of before. It was recommend to me by various Keele students and obviously your opinion is worth pure gold to me. I’m not too fond on horror films for obvious reasons. I value a good nights sleep. However after I’m able to watch the “The Ring” all by myself, I thought I will give it a go. Also, I had my friend next to me, who offered his arm in case of emergency (I recommended that to everyone). Paranormal Activity by Oren Peli is the story of Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat), a pretty normal couple in their twenties. They live in a nice, suburban house somewhere in the States. However since her early childhood Katie feels that she has been haunted by some kind of dark creature appearing at night. Micah's decision to get into contact via video cam soon proves to be not the greatest idea. The camera shows what is happening while the couple is asleep and it seems that it is not only Micah who is looking for some contact.... Obviously I cannot give away much of the content, that would naturally spoil the concept of a horror film. Nevertheless this film is excellent and fulfills everything a well made horror film needs. Also it is refreshing that this film does not
director of Paranormal Activity got the Did You The idea for the movie from a personal experiLate at night he was sleeping and a box Know... ence. of detergent fell off the shelf. The box was
Paranormal Activ ity
need expensive special effects and four hour long make-up. The budget was only 15,000 dollars, which is cheap. The films lives from its amateur cinematography and down to earth acting, which in my eyes, perfectly fits the bill, if you want to be truly scared. I can tell you now, that you will be if you let yourself get into the story. This film has been compared to “Blair Witch Project” and “Open Water “ but even though there might be similarities in terms of cinematography I personally think Paranormal Activity is much better. The actors do a great job and create an atmosphere without screaming or heavy breathing every two seconds. All in all and (as you probably have noticed), I think it is a great film and the only do one thing, and that absolutely recommend it!
pushed too far back for it to just tilt and fall
I managed to see two feature films for this issue and I 'm glad that I saw at least one good film. 2012 by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) is complete and utter shite. Basically, you can waste three precious hours of your life to go and see this movie. I do enjoy a good world end scenario from time to time. However this film is going over the edge and also tries to send a pseudo moral lesson. Nothing works here and the acting is particularly bad. You get the failed author and family father (John Cusack) who tries to save his family and surprisingly succeeds. You get the Black American president (Danny Glover), who stays with his fellow citizens instead of saving his bum by flying off with Air Force One. You get the heroic scientist (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who knew it all and still cannot do anything about it. You get the Chinese, Russian and Indian sidekicks with heavy accents. Yeah, yeah, it is all there in good old America.
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This film was obviously extremely expensive, one think about all these special effects but the lesson we learn is again, money does not mean taste. It is a shame that good actors such as John Cusack or Thandie Newton, who plays the presidents daughter, waste their talent on a film like this. If you are a special effects fan, you might even see something positive. However the message I want to send to you is: Don' t watch this movie, not even on DVD. Thank you!
Re- views “New Fang” - Heard anything by Them Crooked Vultures yet? Consisting of Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) the trio are among the most talked about bands to emerge this year – so much so, their members' pedigree helped sell out their tour before they'd released any songs. “New Fang” is the band's first proper single and a real southern rock stomper – sounding more like Homme's previous work than anyone else's, with its angular guitar boogie and Grohl's thunderous drum performance. The shape of good things to come, as far as the just-released self-titled album is concerned.
“My Love Is Better” - This single came out back in the middle of October, but it deserves a mention nonetheless. Norwegian singer Annie's brand of electropop is just that bit slicker and more intelligent than just about anyone else's at the moment, and the fourth single from her new second record, Don't Stop, is as good an example as any. “My Love Is Better” combines Annie's smooth Scandinavian vocals with a percolating guitar riff and some enjoyably thumping beats. More wry than venomous, this song of romantic oneupmanship gets its tone exactly right and squeezes out every drop of fun the concept allows – well worth checking out.
Feature London Calling – Thirty Years On December 14th 2009 sees the 30th anniversary of the release of one of rock's all time classic albums – London Calling, the legendary third album by punk icons The Clash. Given the proximity of this occasion, celebrated among others by Radio 1's Zane Lowe, now seems like a good time to look back on this hugely significant record. Few albums have covered as much stylistic ground as successfully as London Calling did, and the fact that The Clash achieved that whilst also challenging what audiences could expect from a punk band, and you have on your hands not only a a hugely entertaining set of songs but a historical milestone that genuinely changed music. Before 1979, The Clash were, in genre terms at least, just another punk band, one of many in an era when punk was a huge (if short-lived) cultural phenomenon in the UK. They'd expertly covered a reggae song on their 1977 self-titled debut album, but generally
Issue Four
M U SI C
Andy Johnson - Music Editor
The oddly-titled Gorilla Manor is the debut album from Local Natives, who aren't local at all but instead hail from Los Angeles, although they did play the Sugarmill in early October. Having seen them live there, I can say with confidence that they were my favourite band on this year's NME Radar Tour. The trouble with this record of glassy, vocal harmony-laden set of songs though, is that it's just desperately samey. By having too many soundalike songs, this otherwise enjoyable and occasionally great pop rock album fails to capture the band's soaring live sound. Merely average.
the band were just like their contemporaries – reliant on driving, three-chord riffs, pounding drums and political lyrics. On London Calling though, they massively broadened their horizons in a way that would drop the jaws of just about everyone except the Beatles. Through styles like punk, rock, reggae, ska, 50's rockabilly and soul the band explored themes like nuclear meltdown (“London Calling”), drugs (“Hateful”, “Koka Kola”), consumerism and anxiety (“Lost in the Supermarket”) and unusually for The Clash, love (“Train in Vain”). The effects were both immediate and long-term. Right away, the record became an overwhelming critical and commercial success. The Clash became a versatile, wide-ranging rock band, escaping the punk pigeonhole. When punk entered a crisis and then a rapid death in the UK in the 1980s, The Clash proved to have more longevity than their peers, helped by their willingness to experiment on London Calling. What's most impressive about the record, though, is the fact that its relevance continues into today, still looked back upon as one of the very best albums of the 70s. What's perplexing though, is how the title track is so often mis-used – amusingly, Scouting For Girls covered it to celebrate the success of London's olympic bid, apparently oblivious to the fact that the song is partly about the end of the world... but given what a fun record London Calling is, I'm sure Joe Strummer would have appreciated the irony.
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N O D FOUN
For Lau
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GameS & PUzzleS
KUSU SUdoKU 6
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Men’s urine is less acidic than womens... I’m sure your glad that you know that....
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Mainland China spans across 5 time zones, yet all across the whole country you will never have to change your watch... its the same all over.
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Across 5.Privatenotesandthoughts kepthere(5) 6.Totakeadrink(6) 7.Smallsnack(6) 9. Four legged officer of the law(9) 11.Nolongercaptive(4) 12.Notlookingtoowell(5) 14.Measurementofland(4) 15.Afemale(3) 16.Oppositeofflow(3) 17.Fitandwell(4) 19.Playedbyamusician(5) 21.Toboast(4) 23.Teasedandannoyedsomeone(9) 26.Suggested(6) 27.Chestareaofhumans(6) 28.Veryangry(5)
NIKIPEDIA
You’resourceofrandomknowledge atKeeleUniversity
An estimated global audience of more than 4 billion people are expected to watch the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games on 27 July 2012.
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The name ‘Viking’ comes from a language called ‘Old Norse’ and means ‘a pirate raid’.
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Down 1.Acountrywalker(7) 2.Justaboutperfect(5) 3.Councilofchurches(5) 4.Memberofthearmy(7) 8.Highestcardinthedeck(4) 9.Notinthepastorthefuture (7) 10.Gotholdofsomething(7) 12.Keepthesheepinhere(3) 13.Saidwhenacceptingaproposal(3) 18.Makingaloudnoise(7) 20.Testthewaterwiththese(4) 22.Offeredhelpandinformation(7) 24.Listeningdevice(5) 25.Countryinthefareast(5)
You’re not allowed to play tennis in the streets of Cambridge by law. The peregrine falcon can reach over 320kph in a dive, making it the fast animal in the world.... 1
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Purhaps This Was A Poor Investment
amazingsuperpowers.com
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thirty SeCond interview ConCoUrSe aSKed: who do yoU want to win Cara & Dale Jenny Hunt
Hannah Hiles Stacey Solomon, She has to be the best singer, seems to have a nice personality.. also she is the only girl left... so we have to give her our support!
Jedward!!! They have improved the most, gone from pretty bad to almost good! Also seem like fun guys...
I like the one with the purist tone of voice, quite cute, and a bit of style.... its got to be Joe McElderry
Emily & Dan Kim Ahrens Josh Kyriacout I think Olly should win, he is easilly the best singer, can dance well... also FIT AS! Reminds me of Robbie Williams...
Olly Murs! FTW! He’s a bit different, I can see him going a long way. Also I can sense he is authetic
Piss Off, I can’t stand XFactor! Its ruining individuality of music, crap contest, money spinning idea! Load of Crap!
Best of the Interweb
collegehumor.com - While the spelling might annoy you, the Americans did get
the content right. Targeted at 18-25 yr old males this comedy website is full to the brim with stupid videos, blogs & photo’s. Along with it’s regular orginal content, the site also boasts its own online tv channel... hours of procrastination lay ahead of you...make sure to catch the ‘March of Shame’ video....a depressing appropriate remake of ‘March of the Penguins’
theonion.com - A Twisted take on the weeks news
picnik.com - Your free all in one, online photo editing tool
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Search - Rastabator - Make huge wall prints from your photos
TEAM : KEELE
Team:Keele-imanjaro
Continued from page 24....With all members currently flying the flag high and proud for Keele you could say I’m a very happy AU president! Away from the buzz off Wednesday fixtures we have been busy organising Varsity. For those of you who are newbies this is when we play the scum from Staffs Uni in various games in one day. This year Varsity is on our turf and I can only think of one thing...BRINGING THAT TROPHY HOME!!! The banter has already started between the two AU committees even between some of the teams. Mens Lacrosse giving Staffs a taster by smashing them in a friendly at the start of the year. Varsity this year will be bigger and better! Of course it all depends on whether their AU Pres can manage to get teams out seeing as he has already admitted to not knowing what and who most his teams are!!
Sam Ward A team of 9 from Keele Mountaineering Club, plus 1 volcanologist are facing the challenging Rongai route of Kilimanjaro in June 2010. The extinct volcano rises dramatically above the plains of East Africa displaying an impressive snow-capped summit. At over 19,000ft high, it is a tough ascent and the team will need to be in good physical condition.
Bring on Varsity! I’m currently writing this the week before the AU Christmas ball..I’m gonna guess it will be a fun and civil evening with no mishaps or anyone throwing up on their dinner from too much wine! We will see, one thing is for sure it will definately be a night that won't be forgotton. Not only do we hold a great sporting tradition here at Keele we also know how to party hard which I’m sure you have all experienced bought the t-shirt and now paid for the keyring. On a final note would just like to say well done to all the members of the AU for working hard and promoting the name of Keele on a regional and National stage. You’re all stars..but the season isn't over yet guys so keep at it!! If you haven't joined a sports team and would like to it's never too late so what you waiting for?! Pop down to the AU office in the Leisure Centre and we will point you in the right direction.
Although the trek seems so far away the clock is ticking and each member has to work on their personal fitness as well as find time for fundraising activities. Half of the money raised will be split between the Mountain Rescue and the Air Ambulance Service, with the other half going to help fund the cost. Both of these charities receive no government funding and so rely purely on donations and we feel that these are worthy causes which do not receive enough attention both financially and in the media. Please help us assist these charities by supporting us in our fundraising activities, which includes a live band night in K2 on Sunday 6th December.
But for now take care..be proud..Team:Keele
‘The Bigger the Bounce the more the Bed Shakes’ Last year Keele Trampolining Club won the most improved club at the AU presentation ball, thanks to an amazing committee and the members. This year we hope to carry on and make our club even stronger. Last weekend we represented Keele at a competition at Loughborough University. We set off at 6.45 and took eleven competitors along in various categories. We all successfully competed, by all completing our routines and staying on the trampoline (unlike last year). Everyone did so well! We are still awaiting the results but it looks like we were on track for at least one medal! We all tried very hard, had a fantastic day, and are very proud of all that took part, and of course ended the day in true style with a huge Chinese take away
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TEAM : KEELE A View from the AU Sonia Douz - AU President It's been pretty busy over here in the Athletic Union! So far this semester we have signed up nearly 1,200 students and this is increasing everyday.Which is a lot more compared to last year! It seems all the typical stereotypes of students being lazy aren't so true, with many of you continuing with sports or taking up a sport for the first time.
Our start within BUCS (university sports leagues) has been impressive! We have definately made our presence felt! With a fair few wins under our belts and many more to come it's looking good for Team:Keele. With so many teams to name I could be here forever but currently leading the way is the Mens Fencing team destroying their league. The Mens Football first team are not only smashing their BUCS fixtures but have now become a threat within the Staffordshire County League. Continued on Page 23
BUCS Results & League Positions - As of Monday 16th November Team Badmington Mens 1st Badmington Mens 2nd Badmington Womens 1st Basketball Mens 1st Basketball Womens 1st Fencing Mens 1st Fencing Womens 1st Football Mens 1st Football Mens 2nd Football Mens 3rd Football Mens 4th Football Womens 1st Golf Mens 1st Golf Womens 1st Hockey Mens 1st Hockey Mens 2nd Hockey Womens 1st Hockey Womens 2nd Lacrosse Mens 1st Lacrosse Womens 1st Netball 1st Netball 2nd Netball 3rd Rugby Mens 1st Rugby Mens 2nd Rugby Womens 1st Squash Mens 1st Squash Womens 1st Tennis Mens 1st Vollyball Mens 1st Vollyball Womens 1st
Played 4 4 4 4 1 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 2 4 4 3 2 1
Won 0 1 4 0 1 3 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 3 0 1 1 0
Drew 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Lost 2 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 4 1 1 2 0 3 1 2 2 4 3 1 3 3 1 1 4 2 1 1
Position in League 6th of 6 5th of 9 1st of 6 6th of 6 1st of 4 1st of 5 5th of 5 1st of 6 3rd of 6 6th of 6 1st of 8 6th of 6 7th of 7 7th of 7 4th of 6 7th of 8 5th of 6 2nd of 8 4th of 5 6th of 10 6th of 6 6th of 6 2nd of 5 8th of 8 7th of 9 6th of 11 3rd of 10 6th of 6 5th of 8 4th of 7 3rd of 5