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FEB 2011
THE KNOWLEDGE
S R O T EDI LCOME WE Hi guys, welcome to another edition of The Knowledge. We are now half way through the second term of university, the work is starting to build up and the money is starting to run out: but fear not, as ever we have another packed issue with stories, puzzles and competitions for you to love! We are always looking for contributors and want to hear what you have to say so if you are interested in getting involved, email us at knowledge@upsu.com. Hope you enjoy this issue! Lots of love Eilidh and Steph Although The Knowledge may seem to be put together quickly and swiftly, it takes a dedicated team to make it what it is. Editors: Eilidh Robbins Steph Driscoll Sub editors Sports and societies Sarah Pook Nathan Gornell
Arts and Entertainment Ali Tudor Union/University News Matthew Williams Student Opinion Lucia Paulis
Design Dan Srokosz Carmen Dowling Harry Smith Jamie Bush Scott Edwards
Local News Georgie Luton The Knowledge was put together listening to: Paper Crows - Stand Alight Foals - Total Life Forever Radiohead - Lotus Flower The Smiths - This Charming Man Esben & the Witch - Warpath Darkstar - Deadness Cinematic Orchestra - Time & Space Cassius - I love you so (Skream remix) Incubus - Pendulous Threads Gorrilaz feat. Daley - Doncamatic White Ring - LXC999 Bloc Party - Signs (Armand Van Helden Remix) R Kelly - I believe I can fly
Supergrass - Caught by the fuzz Visage - Fade to grey Sunshine Underground - Borders Crystal Castles - Not in Love feat. Robert Smith Mystery Jets - Dreaming of another world Snap! - Ready to Start Arcade Fire - Ready to Start Tempz - Next Hype Seal - Kiss from a Rose Warren G - Regulate RJD2 - June Feat. Copywrite Wu Tang Clan - Cream Dead Prez - Hip Hop
Aim - Cold Water Music Beach House - Lover of Mine Lonely Island - Boombox feat. Julian Casablancas Chase & Status - Smash T.V. oOoOO - SEAWW Knightmares on Wax - You Wish Fleet Foxes - Your Protector Foals - Spanish Sahara Crystal Castles - Baptism These New Puritans - Hologram Beirut - Postcards from Italy The Strokes - Under cover of darkness
FEB 2011
CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS UNION NEWS ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT OPINIONS SPORTS & SOCIETIES
THE KNOWLEDGE
FEB 2011
S R O T EDI TE NO   HELLO everyone from your Local/National news sub-editor! We are approximately halfway through the term now and I know everyone is cracking on with their workload. Thank you to all the writers who have contributed to this section in this issue. Remember if you want to write any local/national news stories contact me at georgina.luton@students.plymouth.ac.uk Have a good read! Thank you, Georgie
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THE KNOWLEDGE
The ASBO: A Has-Been? By Abigail Banks In a bid to battle against anti-social behaviour, the coalition government has vowed to radically overhaul its current system, instead implementing a whole new set of behaviour orders. Included in the proposed makeover are plans to scrap anti-social behaviour orders, better known by the rest of us as ASBOs. The infamous ASBO has acquired something of a controversial reputation in recent years, becoming synonymous with the stereotyped hooded delinquents of Britain’s increasing yob culture. The contentious status of ASBOs stems from the fact that they are widely perceived as a lenient slap on the hand which has been largely ineffective in reprimanding those on the receiving end. When discussing anti-social behaviour orders, the undoubtedly familiar phrase ‘badge of honour’ tends to get thrown around – because this is precisely how many of the offenders are said to regard their ASBO label. If this is indeed the case, it is hardly surprising that the stamp of criminal behaviour has been ultimately futile in deterring individuals from engaging in anti-social activity. If an ASBO is a source of pride, rather than shame, it seems to have defeated its own object. ASBOs were first introduced by Labour leader Tony Blair in 1999, and were intended to place limits on individuals’ behaviour, for example by restricting the places to which they were permitted to go. A breach of the imposed bans on these individuals’ activities could result in criminal punishment of up to five years in prison. However, the government’s recognition that they have essentially failed miserably in their ongoing fight against anti-social behaviour has demanded that they seriously re-assess how they deal with these problems.
The new Criminal Behaviour Order promises to take a much tougher stance on anti-social individuals, and can be attached to a criminal conviction. It would be issued by the courts following conviction, and would prevent an individual from particular activities and insist that they address their behaviour. A breach would incur a maximum of a five year spell in prison. These new measurements would also enable police to apply for a court order to tackle low-level nuisance behaviour. Lesser offences would also be counteracted by facing individuals with the removal of personal items like mp3s, or eviction from their home in more serious instances. The government has also announced plans for a Crime Prevention Injunction, aimed at nipping anti-social behaviour in the bud before it spirals out of control. This would carry a civil burden of proof, making it quicker and easier to obtain than previous tools. For adults, a breach of this injunction would potentially entail imprisonment or a fine. For under18s, consequences would include curfews, supervision or detention. Furthermore, the government wants to encourage police to investigate incidents that are reported by at least five people. This new tool, known as the ‘community trigger’, will demand police intervention when five people from different residences in the same neighbourhood complain, or once one individual has reported three times. Nevertheless, it is tempting to wonder why a complaint is not taken seriously the moment it is made – or why it should need corroboration by at least four others before being confronted. Another proposed plan is the establishment of Community Protection Orders, orders targeted at specific places which would amalgamate several existing measures. There will be
FEB 2011
Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Downsized one for local authorities to stop persistent environmental anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, neighbour noise or dog fouling. Alongside this there would be another order for police and local authorities to combat more severe disorder and criminality in a particular area, such as closing down a property used for drug dealing. Finally, the government have expressed wishes to create police ‘direction’ powers, which would provide the police with the ability to direct any individual causing, or liable to cause, crime or disorder away from a certain place and to confiscate related items. While all this sounds very well, it is hard these days not to be too cynical about our largely mistrusted politicians who perpetually make promises they then fail to deliver. Besides, does the loss of an iPod really serve as enough of a drastic threat to warrant an individual completely turning over a new leaf? Even the least disillusioned individual has to admit it doesn’t sound likely... And, more to the point, these new plans coincide with the government’s simultaneous proposal to axe 10,000 police officers’ jobs by 2013. It is hard to imagine how the new measurements to tackle anti-social behaviour can be successfully carried out if we don’t even have the workforce for the task. As bleak as it sounds, one has a sneaking suspicion that whatever title we attach to these shiny new behaviour orders, it will yet again be quite simply a case of all talk and no action.
By Eleanor Baggley It is a sad time for chocolate lovers everywhere. The size of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk bar is to be reduced by two squares of chocolaty goodness. US company Kraft Foods who bought Cadbury at the beginning of last year have settled on economic reasons to explain this sudden short changing of the chocolate consumer. The 140g bar of Dairy Milk which costs 99p will be reduced to 120g but the price remains the same. Kraft Foods claim that “by reducing the size of our 140g bar to 120g we have been able to hold the bar at this price although we believe our confectionery still represents a very affordable treat.” Kraft are arguing that had they kept the bar at 140g the price would have risen as a result of a number of economic factors such as the rising cost of ingredients. It is a sad time for chocolate lovers everywhere. The size of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk bar is to be reduced by two squares of chocolaty goodness. US company Kraft Foods who bought Cadbury at the beginning of last year have settled on economic reasons to explain this sudden short changing of the chocolate consumer. The 140g bar of Dairy Milk which costs 99p will be reduced to 120g but the price remains the same. Kraft Foods claim that “by reducing the size of our 140g bar to 120g we have been able to hold the bar at this price although we believe our confectionery still represents a very affordable treat.” Kraft are arguing that had they kept the bar at 140g the price would have risen as a result of a number of economic factors such as the rising cost of ingredients. Unfortunately this catastrophe is not limited to the Dairy Milk bar; other products may be affected as well. Neither is it limited to Kraft Foods. Manufacturers such as Masterfoods are also downsizing. Malteaser bags, advertised as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, are now fulfilling that promise by putting fewer chocolates in the bags but, again, keeping the price the same. So whichever Cadbury’s bar is your favourite: fruit and nut, caramel, whole nut or even Turkish delight (if you are that way inclined), make sure you cherish it whilst it is still at a reasonable size.
THE KNOWLEDGE
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CANCER? As my title explains, my job is all about “awareness” that means recognising signs and symptoms and acting on them. It is important to know what is normal for you, so if become aware of any changes you will be the first to know. I would like to start with the forthcoming summertime, for those of you who come from Plymouth, and students who are just here for the duration of their courses, here is some advice on how to protect yourselves in the sun. The reason for this is “The South West is a skin cancer hotspot”. This is because traditionally we have an outdoor lifestyle, after all, nobody wants to spend all summer indoors, but it is important to understand how to protect yourselves against the harm the sun can do. Rates of melanoma skin cancer have more than doubled in the South West since 1985. I want to ensure that everyone understands right precautions to take when out in the sun. Measures you can take to prevent skin cancer include using sunscreen with a protection factor no lower than 15+, avoid the use of sunbeds and report any changes in moles for example change in colour or size to their GP. The SunSmart message is • Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm • Make sure you never burn • Aim to cover up with a t shirt, hat and sunglasses • Remember to take extra care with children • Then use factor 15+ sunscreen I have been reading recently about parents using sun factor 50 on their children’s skin and reapplying too much, doctors fear the lack of vitamin D may see a resurgence of rickets. The general advice for parents is to use factor 30+ then reapply as necessary. It’s all about using common sense, we all like to be in the sun but don’t need to stay for long periods in it. It has been proven that getting sunburnt regularly can heighten the risk of skin cancer.
Some useful contact details are NHS Direct Tel no 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Or www.cancerresearchuk.org Cumberland centre drop in on Saturdays 10.30 until 1pm Tel no 434401. Also if you are not registered with a GP refer to the University occupational health who will advise you. I would like to draw attention to some women’s awareness issues, which include “be breast aware”, know what is normal for you. And for the next generation of cervical screening candidates make sure you understand all about the test and why we do it. It is a free test and could save your life. For information on screening you can visit www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk. For information or queries contact lorraine.wilkinson@plymouth.nhs.uk Lorraine Wilkinson Cancer awareness and screening Community Public health
FEB 2011
MAN MISSING WHILE D-DAY BOAT SINKS By Georgina Luton On January 30, a 30m (98ft) ex-Navy minesweeper that went by the name of Yarmouth Navigator, which took part in the 1944 mission to Normandy sank off a Plymouth marina. It is thought that a number of men went overboard and therefore a search and rescue team was sent out to locate crewmen. The boat which was one of the last surviving D-Day boats sank in the Cattewater off Plymouth Yacht Haven at Mount Batten, approximately around 6pm. Four people were onboard the boat and are all believed to have gone overboard. Three of the casualties were found by the staff of Plymouth Yacht Haven Marina, however the rescue people had to be sent out to locate the fourth. The search involved an RAF Chivenor rescue helicopter, a Ministry of Defence launch, the Plymouth inshore lifeboat, a Customs cutter boat, a Royal Marines landing craft, the Tamar, Plymouth and Yealm coastguard teams, as well as a pilot boat. The Yarmouth Navigator was one of seven surviving vessels to have taken part in the D-Day landings.
THE KNOWLEDGE
VESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2011!! Vestival returns for its third year - an annual youth volunteering event on Saturday 5th March 2011 - Organised by young people for young people! Situated in Plymouth city centre the festival is a great place to find out to get involved with volunteering within your community. This free and fun event boasts an array of entertainment including local cooking demonstrations, live music such as Johnson and the Believers, dance performances from Beat Breakers and exciting workshops! Starting at 10am and finishing at 4pm, this day is a perfect opportunity to find out what volunteering is on your doorstep which is a fantastic way to develop your communication skills, and gain invaluable work experience. Vinvolved Plymouth at BTCV, the country’s leading practical conservation charity, will be hosting this unforgettable event. These organisations will be offering YOU the chance to make a difference to others... OPAL, Igo Mango, Plymouth Environmental Action, Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Plymouth Youth Service, Horizons Sailing Charity, Plymouth Hope FC, SCOPE, Plymouth Centre for Faiths and Cultural Diversity, South West Lakes
Trust, RIO, Barnardos, The Shark Trust, Headspace & Oxfam, plus lots more ... ‘I had no idea about the range of volunteering opportunities available to young people in my city. The whole day was a fantastic chance to meet new people and the entertainment was fab!’ (Sarah, 17, Volunteer) This event is being organised by the Youth Action Team, a group of young people from Plymouth and South East Cornwall who have taken on different volunteering roles to organise this event. As little as one hour a week can benefit both the community, the organisations and is incredibly rewarding! For more details please contact: BTCV, Vinvolved Plymouth, 6 Mannamead Road, Mutley, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7AA. Tel No: 01752 519 780, Email: vinvolved-plymouth@btcv.org.uk
S R O T EDI TE NO I’m Matthew Williams, Editor of the University & Union News section. I’m a 2nd year English student and I love going for a skate on the Hoe. I’m also pathologically fixated by The Strokes, and am currently refreshing the News section of their site every five minutes. My aim is to inform you of what is happening in and around the University and the union. If you want to get in touch with me about anything you are arranging or interested in doing on campus email me on matthew.t.williams@students.plymouth.ac.uk Thanks Matt
FEB 2011
UDHC Urban Downhill Charity Event The Urban Downhill Charity Event is returning to the University of Plymouth for 2011. As with last year this will be a spectacle of 100+ riders racing through the campus to get the podium positions. Downhill is a gravity assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders will be racing against the clock, setting off at 30 second intervals, on a 200+ meter course. Winners will be determined by the fastest times set and places will be won or lost by margins under a second. The race will be through the University campus and is set to be an even bigger spectacle than last year’s event. There will be plenty to do on and off the track including trade stands, raffles, clothing for sale and other ‘activities’. Competitors need to be 16 years and over to participate; registration takes place at 4pm at Drakes Place Gardens with the first race starting at 5pm. For more information and online entry please visit www.dh-events.co.uk
THE KNOWLEDGE
VENUE NEWS This year has seen an increase in the number of instances of verbal abuse from students against UPSU staff, particularly when customers are refused entry or asked to leave the venue. UPSU door staff are all SIA qualified and trained to deal with verbal and physical abuse but these instances are occurring on a weekly basis and this is simply not acceptable. Staff have been subjected to foul language and abuse from a minority who seem to think that they are in some way superior to staff and believe they have a right to come into the venue no matter how they are behaving. On 11th December 2010 at approximately 1am, two Police officers arrived at UPSU to carry out venue checks. This is normal practice at licensed premises in order to check venues are complying with licensing law and operating in a responsible and safe manner. As the officers arrived, a Door Supervisor was dealing with a male customer who had tried to queue jump. The customer was refusing to return to the back of the queue and the Door Supervisor had informed him that he would not be allowed entry because of his refusal to comply with the request to move back up the queue. The Police observed the proceedings for some time before they intervened and ordered the customer to leave the area. Unbelievably, the customer continued to argue his case and still refused to leave. The Police issued him with a Notice To Leave (a legal order to leave the area) and sent him on his way. The two officers then continued with their checks around the venue, also checking UPSU’s CCTV equipment. They were satisfied with everything they saw and had no concerns with any of UPSU’s operating procedures. They complimented UPSU staff on the professional manner with which Door Staff had dealt with the incident in the queue and noted that all UPSU Door Supervisors were high profile and easily identifiable around the venue. It was very reassuring and satisfying to have positive feedback from the Police who had seen UPSU operations first hand. The officers left the venue from the south entrance and walked up the steps and passed U:Shop. En route, who should they bump into but the customer who had been issued the Notice to Leave! He was
arrested and handcuffed for breach of the instruction to leave. A simple case of queue jumping turned into a night in cells and a criminal record. UPSU has Safe Space and Equal Opportunities policies and welcomes well behaved customers who want to enjoy their evening out in a safe and friendly environment. However, UPSU has the legal right to refuse entry to any customer and will exercise that right whenever appropriate e.g. for drunkenness, abusive or inappropriate behaviour, or failure to produce an acceptable form of ID. Please respect any refusal of service or request to leave the venue and remain courteous to staff at all times. Remember, UPSU staff are acting with customers’ welfare in mind, constantly ensuring the safety of everyone in the venue. Being asked to leave the venue does not necessarily mean a venue ban has been issued – unless otherwise informed, customers are welcome to return the next day. However, escalating the incident by becoming abusive or failing to comply with the request to leave will usually result in a ban being issued so the best course of action is to leave quietly when requested to do so. As the entire campus is licensed, any customer who is refused entry must leave the area. The police will be called if anyone who has been asked to leave refuses to do so or becomes abusive. Please make sure your night out does not end up as a night in the cells and a criminal record. UPSU has a formal Complaints Procedure which should be followed in the event of a genuine complaint. Customers believing to have been treated unfairly by a member of UPSU staff should contact the Venue Manager in the first instance. Please note: it may not be possible to resolve customer complaints the same day and you may be asked to return to UPSU at a later date. Thank you for your co-operation and enjoy your time at UPSU!
FEB 2011
MONEY ADVICE With an all time record number of UCAS applications, Student Finance England are going to find themselves extremely busy again this year. So if you are a returning student we would suggest that you get your application for next year’s funding in as soon as possible. You can start the application process from 14th February; however, if you leave it until after the 30 th June you are not guaranteed to have your funding in time for September. If you are an NHS funded student then you do not need to worry just yet, as your application forms will not be available until at least the middle of April. If your Student Finance is stretching a bit thin and you’re unsure of whether it is going to stretch to the end of term you may be eligible for help from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) particularly if you have dependents; are an independent student; final year student or suffer from a disability. If you think you might be eligible then either talk to the Student Funding Unit in Hepworth House or drop in to the Students’ Union Advice Centre. Applications for ALF close on the 11th March.
The Advice Centre amongst other things offers lots of advice on money, whether you need help with Student Finance England; require a Benefits check; assistance with a Debt problem or would simply like to talk to someone about how to budget. We are open all year round, our contact details can be found at: www.upsu.com/advice Watch out for money saving tips over the next month as we enter National Student Money Week from the 7th -11th March, follow us on twitter at upsu_advice.
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Emily Robson Women’s Campaign Chair UPSU
The 8th March 2011 is International Women’s Day celebrated every year by Men and Women all over the world. This year is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day so there will be a week of celebrations all over the country and the world. UPSU are making the most of this opportunity and joining the world on the 8th- 13th March to celebrate the achievements of women in the past 100 years, the present and helping to ensure the future achievements of women worldwide. Here’s the update of what UPSU are planning for International Women’s Day:
Tuesday 8th March – STEM isn’t just for men, Roland Lewinsky Cross-Point 1:30pm - 4pm Secondary schools from around Plymouth are invited to RLB to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects to female students. All students are welcome to come to RLB from 1:30 to 4pm to talk to some local STEM businesses to potentially get your foot in their door.
Wednesday 9th March- Women for Change, Jill Craggier Building, RLB. 6:30pm - 9pm Be inspired by our film showing of “The Entrepreneurs” about four young women from backgrounds of extreme rural poverty, of which many suffered from the loss of one or both of their parents. Watch how with courage and determination these young women defy the odds and establish their own successful businesses. All those who make a donation (recommended donation £3) http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ internationalwomensdayUPSU And to end the night Catherine Butt from Oxfam will be giving an inspirational speech about women’s issues around the world, how Oxfam and your donations will make a difference. All proceeds will go to Oxfam to increase women’s access to healthcare, education, food, autonomy, financial independence and safety (for more information go to: http://
www.oxfam.org.uk/Celebration/about/ourworkwithwomen)
Thursday 10th March- Take a Stand RLB Cross-point 11am - 4:30pm We will be raising awareness about issues affecting women and girls worldwide in RLB to let you know what’s going on in the world, what is being done and we can do to Take a Stand. There will be stalls selling Fair Trade crafts, stands, cakes and the launch of the Hidden Marks website!
Thursday 10th March- Made in Dagenham Babbage 006 7pm - 9pm In the evening we will be showing “Made in Dagenham” based on a true story about the Ford sewing machinists’ strike of 1968 that shows how a group of spirited women joined forces and fought for equal pay in the UK. And finally…
Saturday 12th March, Celebrate Students Union 8pm – 3am Get your party shoes on and come down the Student’s Union and join us in Celebrating the achievements of women over the past 100 years with Karaoke and lots of other fun stuff and our exclusive IWD cocktail to raise money for Oxfam. Dress code soon to be confirmed so keep your eyes peeled at www.UPSU.com. If you are interested in getting involved or if you have any ideas email IWD@plymouth.ac.uk For more information about the events we and other people have got planned go to: www.internationalwomensday www.oxfam.org.uk/celebration
FEB 2011
MARY JACOBS
AN INSPIRATIONAL LADY
Some of you may be aware of the recent sad news regarding English and Creative Writing lecturer Mary Jacobs, who due to an ongoing battle with cancer has been forced to relinquish her duties here at the University of Plymouth with immediate effect. Every student who knows Mary will no doubt agree that it has always been a privilege and joy to be taught by her. She is a brilliant teacher, with a wicked sense of humour who always brings a smile to everyone’s face. But more than this: she is not simply a teacher but a friend too. Mary is a truly inspirational English lecturer, who has never failed to fill her students with that same enthusiasm and passion which she has for the subject. Mary has always been a much loved member of staff by both students and colleagues alike and will be sorely missed. On behalf of all of us here at the university, Mary we wish you all the best.
By Abigail Banks and Jessica Batey
56p None the Poorer... The Library & Parliament By Luke Jarmyn The library has recently been on the tip of every students tongue around campus. Yet depending on whom you speak to the reasons vary. It’s not just with the average student that the library has become something of a conversation piece but it has also become a hot topic on Parliament and its scrutinising sub-committee, increasingly in the last month or so. The general student resentment with the library is seen first and foremost with the devastating library fine structure which can be a real nightmare. I’ve heard of students paying over £40 in fines in the first term alone which, considering how much an average students finances work out at per week, this really has an impact. Sometimes it can be cheaper to just buy the book, I bought a course recommended book which was absent from the library for just 56p from Amazon, bargain! Furthermore it’s not just the steepness of the fines but also how there implemented, considering that the library is first and foremost a educational service, not a private sector business, I believe that there should be room for all fines to be reduced as long as all books are accounted for. Secondly, the whole purpose of a system of fines is that you don’t lose books or retain them when not necessary at the hindrance of others; however other students can just request them to be returned. It makes sense to only have steep fines if someone else has requested them and otherwise keep fines at a lower rate when you consider the library’s purpose is to provide a service to support students upon their strenuous journey through higher
education. Moreover the library has also come under criticism in Parliament mainly for the limited access hours that it is available, which saw a bill by postgraduate officer Tom Milson in Parliament last term to continue the campaign for a 24/7 hour library all year round which we’ve previously been told the university can’t afford. On the other hand when the vice-chancellor gives herself a 20% annual wage increase, this argument becomes pretty meaningless. With a campaign that has been on the assault ever since I’ve been at the University of Plymouth, it has been agreed the library will ultimately go 24/7 by the end of April. Finally the scrutinising committee, headed by Lucy Humphries, has campaigned for a water fountain to be made available in the 24/7 area of the library, and I can be proud to say this has been a success with one installed near the drinking vending machines. Well done to everyone involved in the campaigns.
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CAMCRU BEST OF THE MONTH
FEB 2011
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A YEAR ON PLACEMENT Hello, My name is Sam Coumbe and I am on a Work Placement year at UPSU working as a Marketing Assistant. So, why did I decide to go on a work placement year? Well, I am studying BSc (Hons) Business Management and therefore had the option of either taking a placement year or continuing with my course, but I decided to take a placement. The first reason is that it will significantly enhance my CV and hopefully make me stand out when I come to look for graduate employment. The second reason is because it allows me to develop the theory that I have learnt in the classroom and put it into practice working for a multi million pound organisation, and finally there is the potential to be fast tracked with your graduate application, should you do well as a placement student. I am thoroughly enjoying my time working for UPSU and would definitely recommend it to any student looking for a placement. I am part of a very small team who are responsible for the designing and marketing of events that take place in the Students’ Union, and communicating with all students at the University of Plymouth. In addition, I have been given the opportunity to take on my own projects, such as the Farmers Market that have taken place at the University of Plymouth, the alternative student car boot sales and communication with external organisations through the medium of our business fairs throughout the year.
Being part of such a small team has also meant that I have gained additional responsibilities within the organisation and have had the freedom to suggest Ideas that I think would benefit UPSU, as a placement student this is exactly what you are looking for, you don’t want to spend a year in a job that you find boring or unchallenging. Finding a placement is certainly not easy, it involves a lot of hard work and you must be committed to putting the hours in applying for jobs. It is certainly advisable to apply early as there are thousands of students up and down the country, going for a very limited number of positions. However, the hard work will certainly pay off and it will make you stand out from the thousands of students leaving University every year with degrees. If I could pass on two pieces of advice when searching for a placement, it would be to apply early and treat the placement module like you would any other. The more jobs you apply for the more chance you have of securing a placement. Secondly, I would advice tailoring your CV and Covering Letter for every placement position you apply for, you must sound as though that particular job is the one you want more than anything. Best of luck for the future Sam Coumbe, UPSU Marketing Assistant.
UPSU CAMPUS MARKET
A HUGE SUCCESS
The University of Plymouth Students’ Union Campus Market took place last Thursday in the Roland Levinsky Building. The event is aimed at supporting local traders and also introducing Students to food synonymous with the West Country. This is the third such event that has been held since October 2010 and it is now becoming a huge hit with local traders who thoroughly enjoy the market and are extremely eager to come back in the future. Last Thursday saw 27 local traders descend on the Roland Levinsky Building, selling everything from delicious crisp local cider, through to gorgeous homemade hot foods and scrumptious jams and chutneys. The event was extremely well attended by Students and Staff at the University of Plymouth, as well as members of the public. The next event will be held on Thursday 31st March 2011 in the Roland Levinsky Building between 10:30 – 15:30.
FEB 2011
LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS University of Plymouth Students’ Union welcomes recent improvements to the Students’ Learning Experience The University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) has consistently campaigned to improve student access to the essential academic services, including the library and computer workstations. Over the past week there have been several positive initiatives announced internally by the University of Plymouth. These include the extension of the library opening hours to a 24/7 service from 25 April 2011, the installation of a water point for students in the ground floor lobby of the library and the alteration of the default printing settings for university computers to automatically print double sided. Emma Wilson, UPSU Vice President Education & Welfare comments: “Students will welcome the decision, of the University’s Vice Chancellor, to open the University’s main library 24 hours a day, throughout the year. This is an important initiative which will improve the experience for many students, particularly the increasing number who need to study whilst holding down jobs, juggle family commitments or travel large distances to our campus.”
She added “The installation of a water point for students to use free of charge is another positive step towards improving the experience of students whilst studying. These issues have been raised repeatedly to UPSU by students via the course rep system and student parliament and we are encouraged by the universities decisions to act on them.” “UPSU also recognises and welcomes the recent changes to printing systems on campus and the allowance of doublesided printing for future coursework submissions. As the University of Plymouth tops the People and Planet’s ‘Green League’ we feel that this is a justified and positive step to committing to the ambition of becoming a truly sustainable institution.” “UPSU will, of course, continue to press for further improvements to student facilities, including more computer workstations and quiet study areas.” For more information contact Emma Wilson on vpedandwelfare@upsu.com or 01752 588372.
Nancy Astor Sports Centre University of Plymouth Recreation and Active Leisure Card ONLY £80.00 a year (less than £7 a month) Or £50 for 3 months Facilities include: Fitness Suite - 46 station fitness complex Three Squash Courts Up to 35 exercise classes a week Squash and Badminton courts from £2.00 a session Free Sports Injury Clinic Specialist fitness programmes, diet and exercise advice Watersports from £3 per session Discount Coaching Courses Nancy Astor Sports Centre Tel: 01752 588510
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FEB 2011
National conference (7funded positions) Tue 12 Apr 2011- Thu 14 Apr 2011
Newcastle NUS National Conference is the sovereign body of the organisation. It sets policy for the year ahead in each of the 5 zones and elects the President, Vice Presidents and Block of 15 representatives on the National Executive Council. It is also where the budget for the year ahead is decided through the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Why should I run? You can get involved in shaping the priorities and activities of NUS this year. You can vote in the new President and other representatives for the year. It is a fantastic opportunity to influence the position NUS takes in the year ahead. What does being a delegate mean? All delegates have full speaking and voting rights. Travel and accommodation is provided and you are entitles to an allowance every day you are travelling to and from and are at conference. How do I run in the election and what does it involve? To run in the elections, simply get a nomination form (either in the SU building or on www.upsu.com) and fill it in. You can submit the form either electronically or put it in the ballot box in the Hive until 18th March 12 noon. LGBT Campaign conference (2 open funded positions & 1 open, 3 women, 1 BME, 1 Trans non-funded positions) Please note that you can only attend if you identify with the LGBT campaign. Friday 29th April 2011- Sunday 1st May 2011 TBC NUS LGBT Students’ Conference sets the policy for the campaign over the year ahead and elects the LGBT Officers and their committee to lead the campaign.
Why Should I run? You can influence the policy for the LGBT campaign over the year ahead and you can elect the LGBT officers and committee members. What does being a delegate mean? All delegates have full speaking and voting rights. Travel and accommodation is provided and you are entitles to an allowance every day you are travelling to and from and are at conference for funded positions. How do I run in the election and what does it involve? To run in the elections, simply get a nomination form (either in the SU building or on www.upsu.com) and fill it in. You can submit the form either electronically or put it in the ballot box in the Hive until 18th March 12 noon. For more information and a nomination form, please visit www.upsu.com School and Faculty Reps Both School and Faculty Reps are elected to represent the views of their students at Faculty Board and any other academic meetings that it is deemed by the Faculty that they should attend. Both School and Faculty Reps will meet on a monthly basis with their sabbatical officer in order to progress academic campaigns. Support can be obtained from the sabbatical team by contacting them at coursereps@upsu.com Both School and Faculty Reps are encouraged to attend Student Parliament. Faculty Reps have the additional responsibility of reporting to Student Parliament about what progress has been made on issues affecting their Faculty, in the event that they are unable to attend student Parliament the three School Reps are asked to deputise on their behalf. For more information and a nomination form, please visit www.upsu.com/coursereps
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UPSU VOTE By the time you read this article, UPSU’s main election would have started and all the candidates are beginning to campaign hard with sweat all over their back. During this election, we will be electing 5 full time sabbatical officers and a number of part-time officers. We need theses officers to drive UPSU forward, to represent students’ views and visions, to take the lead in looking after the students’ experience and welfare, to be involved in the University’s decision making progress and to build a stable relationship with our Plymouth communities. More importantly, we need these officers to RUN UPSU. Therefore, use your vote, listen to what the candidates have to say, vote for someone that you put your faith in and be part of the elections process where you can have your say in who you want to be in the role that they are running for. As a Sabbatical Officer and the Lead Officer of this election, I am very pleased and proud of the numbers of candidates that we have this year. They are all very
valuable and add a lot of unique elements, which make up what I believe, is the best UPSU election in my time at the University of Plymouth. I can still remember the campaign that I ran last year, spending 10 days on campaigning with not much sleep at all. The proudest moment was not standing alone on stage when the result of victory was announced, but was the moment after I spoke to students and they immediately said “I’ll vote for you!” See! Your vote can really make a difference not only on to the whole student union, but it can have a very positive effect on all the candidates on a personal level because it shows that you have the belief in them. Come on guys! Use your vote, be proactive and be proud! Matthew Chan Deputy President Lead Officer of UPSU’s Election 2011
RAG Week: Friday Night By Toby Cadenhead
For those of who you may not be aware, RAG is our university’s fantastic answer to people in need: they’re a society dedicated to raising money for any worthy cause that comes their way. They do these events all throughout the year, but in particular there is one week where they do a different moneyraising event every day. Appropriately named RAG Week, it’s an event which never ceases to amaze me, with the amount of effort and imagination that goes into each event. Let’s just take one as an example: on the Friday of RAG Week, the society did what’s known as a “raid” in the SU. This involves standing around wearing silly costumes and trying to persuade you lovely students to part with your spare change (for a very worthy cause of course!). For this event, the charity being raised for was Parkinsons UK. Their colours are mainly blues, so to match these our lovely RAG members decided to dress up as smurfs! Clad in blue body paint and white hats, our Raggies persuaded and
swayed and convinced the generous Plymouth students to donate their hard-earned pennies. If you’d like to see how much they raised, or find out anything about RAG in general, get in contact on the Facebook group, or email ragplymouth@su.plymouth.ac.uk
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Why are we doing it? Very simply it is about ‘building a better Union’. We all want that, so in essence that’s the reason why we signed up. SUEI helps us to measure how we are doing and helps identify areas for improvement. What is it? It is a unique quality assessment model that assists in improving the services and activities delivered to members of Students’Unions by indicating areas for continuous improvement. The initiative has already helped lots of Unions to achieve better results through its framework. SUEI is a national accreditation programme run by external consultants and backed by NUS and the Department for Innovation & Skills. The first cohort started in 2006. The accreditation process gives us a real opportunity to systematically review all aspects of how we work, what we do and how we make a difference to students’ lives. There are 5 SUEI themes looking at the whole range of activity including; governance, HR, finance, communicating with members, equality & diversity, risk management, acting on feedback, strategic planning, community relations. There are two aspects to SUEI: collecting evidence of the good practice that we already have and identifying (and delivering) improvement projects to make us better (examples of these include identifying that we needed to develop a formal strategic planning process that is based on member opinions, which we have now started to undertake). At the end of the process we will be inspected and awarded one of three levels of award; bronze, silver or gold. What’s the time scale? We started the process in the summer of 2009. We expect to have a pre-audit visit early in 2011 and we will have a final inspection in the summer. Who is involved? There is a SUEI project team: SUEI Sponsor (Chief Executive), SUEI Project Manager (Deputy Chief Executive) and several SUEI Champions.
Whilst we have been recruiting a new Chief Executive the project has been managed by Andrea Roberts (Deputy Chief Executive) and Gina Connelly (Director of Finance and Resources). The SUEI Champions: Gina Connelly; Denise Hayward; Lynne Shaw; Ronnie Lannin, Matthew Chan; Abigail Pettit; Claire Massey; Tracy Priestman; Seena Shah; Thomas Davidson; Emma Wilson; Rob Gofton. Please speak to any of them if you have any questions about SUEI SUEI works because it………. • is member focussed • concentrates on outcomes • measures how well we make connections with our members • measures our impact on students, the University and the local community • measures the democratic and value driven aspects of the UPSU • recognises the dynamic changing membership of UPSU • is flexible to accommodate the individual differences between us and the needs of our members
THE KNOWLEDGE
S R O T EDI TE NO By Ali Tudor Hello! I am the sub-editor for Entertainment and Arts! I am here to make sure you get the best reviews and articles regarding music, cinema and art; local and worldwide! In this issue you will be able to feast your eyes on SU gig reviews such as Nero and Jaguar Skills, the latest in gaming and an exclusive interview with top DJ and student Krafty Sounds! Feel free to voice your entertainment opinions! Send any reviews or articles to knowledge@upsu.com!
Unleashed Review By Ollie Kemp
Tucked away under Bretonside Bus Station is the White Rabbit, a club that has played host to Unleashed Underground Movement nights for the past five years. Run by Matt ‘Darko’ Watchell Unleashed has been consistently delivering quality drum n bass, dubstep and hip hop nights and the night of January the 29th was no exception. A sell out crowd saw Icicle open the proceedings with a superb set that drew everyone to the dance floor. He was hotly followed by one of the stand out acts of the night with Darko on the decks accompanying Steve Strong on the drums to provide a live drum n bass and dubstep set that got the revellers in to full swing. Next it was the turn of Shy FX to step up and deliver, doing so in trademark fashion with his deep bass lines and reggae influences that shook the club to its very roots. The Funktion 1 sound system hired specially for this event was sublime with sound and bass that’s quality didn’t fade regardless of where you stood. Perhaps the only blot on the night fell to the Scratch Perverts whose performance was below the usual high
standards I have come to expect from them. Worries about this quickly faded when Break took to the decks with a deep rolling set that sent the base waves trembling through the maximum capacity crowd. Loadstar capped the night’s festivities with a great mix of floor fillers old and new, keeping the ravers firmly on the dance floor right up until closing. As well as these there were excellent sets from the resident DJs D-Lux, Leishman and Tuskan, and the night was hosted by local MCs JMAN, Gravity, Crisis and Benny C. The next event is one for the dubsteppers with Newham Generals, Trolley Snatcha, D Double E & Footsie being accompanied by local talent in the form of Darko, D-Lux, Gravity and J-Man at the White Rabbit on the 19th of February. So if you’re an aged follower of the scene or simply looking for a night out filled with great music and a friendly atmosphere, be sure to check out upcoming Unleashed nights and join the Facebook page for more information!
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Jaguar Skills By Rob Hughes On Saturday the 12th of February, the mysterious Jaguar Skills came to the SU and played a great set that entertained everyone that went. When I rocked up at about 12, I was a little taken aback at first that it wasn’t some crazy beats that had everyone dancing, but some guy that looked similar to Omelette from Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show that had everyone bemused. In the 10 minutes I stood making a pathetic effort to dance, I saw the originally full room halve in numbers. Consequently, I’ve never seen Illusion look so full. However, this drab start to the night is only a minor disappointment; when Jaguar Skills finally came on; the crowd came back and got really into it. Firing out songs left, right and centre; the ninja effortlessly mixed lots of genres together, a real crowd pleaser. In the middle of the dance floor a mosh pit opened up, sucking innocent dancers into the mash up of people that were all having a great time. I have to admit, that to begin with I was a little annoyed at the lack of people that were actually dancing compared to the amount jumping around like nutters as this had previously put a dampener on Nero a while ago. I even heard myself saying “people in the SU can’t dance!” to a friend. After a short while though, I thought “fuck it” and joined in, and actually realised that the atmosphere in that crazy part of the dance floor was really very good, and I take back what I said. (I do realise that I am probably not a very good dancer myself) . Jaguar Skills’ set went as smoothly as he could have wanted; his short blast of Dead Prezz was a particular highlight for me and I think for just £2, I would happily
welcome him back with open arms as often as he likes. When he finished playing and the chart songs came back on, it just seemed a bit too normal. Why listen to a song for 3 minutes when you can listen to 6 in the same amount of time? Bring back Jaguar Skills soon!
After Mistajam, the “hip-n-happening” recognisable radio 1 DJ, driving the crowd into an electrifying abyss and with this being just the warm up act; we knew that we were in for a deliciously dirty D&B treat. When Nero began it was as if they had drowned the room with an ominously thrilling atmosphere, that if you were on a seat (unlikely) you would be on the edge of it. I was lost in the hypnotising bass, leaving the ever so familiar SU surroundings and escaping into Nero’s uplifting D&B world where they possessed the fanatic fan’s senses; stimulating and controlling them with their powerful tunes. Instantly all that mattered was as moving as fast and as enthusiastically as possible; to be the best. Scanning the room I could see that everyone really did have this competitive agenda. I vividly remember my crazy heel-wearing friend diving into the middle of the crowd of brutal blurs or arms and legs with the wildest grin on her sweaty face. It sort of reminded me of a scene from Pirates of The Caribbean, where
Nero by Ali Tudor
there is a fairly violent bar fight yet everyone is loving life and eagerly getting involved. The only moment each competitor gets to catch their breath, with the guys downing their drinks and the girls pausing to readjust their hair, were in Nero’s intense build-up’s; such as the atmospheric opening to Innocence. However as soon as the heavy bass kicked in the drinks were forgotten about and the hair once more an uncontrollable mess as each individual gratefully surrendered to the duo’s empowering grasp. One Line: Being on a massage chair on extreme vibrate.
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Black Swan By Rachel Kaines
Black Swan is the latest insight into Darren Aronofsky’s sick, sick mind. He steps back up to the twisted plate after 2008’s calm, but brilliant, The Wrestler. Black Swan is about fragile, virginal ballerina Nina Sayers losing her mind in pursuit of the perfect performance of both the black and white swan in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Natalie Portman plays Nina Sayers, the frustratingly delicate young girl who metamorphoses into a sexually aggressive and psychotic woman. Portman is mind-blowing as Nina; she put a year into ballet training for the role and not only did she put in all that time and effort to be able to perform convincingly as a ballerina, she proves here that she is capable of a devastating performance, something that her previous roles had long hinted at. Portman’s transformation into the black swan in the final act is terrifying, an entirely different creature from her malnourished, pliable, weak character at the beginning. Mila Kunis plays Lily, another ballerina, and as an aggressive and sexually confident character she is the perfect choice for the black swan. The black swan seduces the prince in Swan Lake, so she is part of what Nina must become to be able to perform both the white and black swan. Kunis has received much critical attention for this role, achieving Lily’s duplicity admirably. Everything visual within the film is heavily stylised. Every object you see is either black or white, and there are mirrors
and doppelgangers everywhere. This may annoy you, or you may enjoy it. Personally I don’t know why films must always be realistic – why can’t they be distinctive, and visually melodramatic? In Black Swan you are taken one minute from Nina’s sexual awakening to the visceral horror of watching her legs snap as she starts to lose it. The transition from erotica to stomach turning horror might be disturbing, but this antithesis is what makes the film unique, and brilliant.
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127 Hours By Lynsey Elliott
Reading my local newspaper over the Christmas holidays, my attention was grabbed by a short piece of text containing the line, “man gets trapped down a canyon with life-changing consequences,” or something along those lines. At first I thought, “So what? How would that make a good film?” I continued to read on and when I discovered that it was directed by the wonderful Danny Boyle, I knew immediately that it would be a hit with me. From the opening few frames of the film with busy montages of colours, movement, people and a whole load of energy, I was initially confused yet highly intrigued as to what this was all about. Then I remembered that it was a Boyle creation and from that moment on, I knew that it would be something so much more than a simple and seemingly straightforward film about a trapped man and that these so-called random images would all hold some meaning to the film as a whole. Teaming together a Boyle film and a review I had read where a number of people had fainted at the cinema during probably the most pivotal moment in the film, I was sure that it was something that was not to be missed out on. And I was right. Plus being based on a true story that I myself had not heard about I knew that it would be an interesting film and was curious to see what Boyle would do with a real life story.
James Franco stars as mountain climber Aron Ralston who begins his adventure full of life and energy as he rides his bike across beautiful landscapes while enjoying his freedom, something that would shortly be taken away by a cruel twist of fate. The fantastic choice of cinematography for the opening few scenes of the film shows the audience what is out there in the world waiting to be explored by those who seek a rush of adrenalin. Almost the same feeling I felt as I watched Ralston fall and become trapped where I leant forward and raised my hand to my mouth in shock, even though it was what I had been expecting to happen at some point in the film. I felt my heart sink as he fell, almost as if I was in there with him in the canyon hole. Probably the worst five days of his life were what lay ahead of him with only a video camera, bottle of water and a small Swiss army knife for company. Flashbacks are used sparingly before Boyle quickly brings us back to Ralston’s side. From this moment on, the clever choice of camera angles forces the audience to remain in close proximities with Ralston throughout his ordeal. We are in extreme close quarters with him and feel that we cannot leave until he is free. You have to admire Ralston for his perseverance and determination particularly when it comes down to his only real and realistic option of survival which is terrible yet
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unavoidable. Franco plays Ralston in an excellent manner; he is cheerful, energetic and lives life to the full and when this is brought to an abrupt end thanks to the boulder, he stops at nothing to try and save himself and his trapped right arm. (Don’t worry I won’t spoil the ending for those of you who have not seen this incredible film). Having told no one where he was going and the lack of a mobile phone, not that he would have had any signal anyway, Ralston took a somewhat ridiculous risk in making this journey but it is strength and courage that makes you place this thought into the back of your mind and focus on his personal struggle. I even had tears in my eyes at the end of the film and have great admiration for this brave man as I would not have known what to do if I ever found myself in a similar situation. Fingers crossed I never do! I would have probably given up hope of trying to think or find a way to get out long before Ralston had decided to take drastic action to free himself from his rocky trap. Boyle takes this story and steps it up a notch; bringing together ideas and images to create what I believe to be a masterpiece. It shocks you, intrigues you, makes you smile, makes you cry, makes you lost for words and makes you think. Above all, it is a beautifully made film and one that everyone should see.
Green Hornet by Sadid Elbadawi
Seth Rogen stars in the remake of the long running superhero series The Green Hornet. In this plays Britt Reid, a lazy heir to a newspaper tycoon who decides to suit up and become a crime fighter after his father’s murder. Jay Chou, a Taiwanese actor, appears in his first American feature as the sidekick Kato, previously played by the one and only Bruce Lee. The film is surprisingly relaxed in its style, supposedly aware of its cartoony plotline, which seems almost like a Batman parody. There are smart quick lines thrown between Chou and Rogen, half of which seem to be improvised outtakes they decided to keep in. There is a unique ongoing tension between the two, as Chou’s character outdoes Rogen’s constantly, whilst the action scenes are well visualised. Though surprisingly better than expected, I wouldn’t be in a rush to see it again.
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The Kings Speech by Luke Jarmyn
‘Quintessentially English’ this film most certainly is, ‘quintessentially Colin’ is how you can describe Colin Firth’s portrayal of King George VI. We’ve seen Colin Firth master classes’ in various roles through the years. From the sweet, soft hearted lawyer in ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ to the avid Arsenal fan/ depressed school teacher in ‘Fever Pitch’, he’s done it all and is a world class export Britain can be proud of. In the Kings Speech the Golden Globe winner Firth is certainly a class-act. He is amongst an impressive cast; including Michael Gambon as George V, Timothy Spall as Sir Winston Churchill, Helen Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth/Duchess of York with Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue. The film begins by showing George, at the time Prince Albert, Duke of York, known as Bertie within the royal circle, giving a speech at the close of the 1925 Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium, London with his wife, then Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of York. This speech highlights his speech impediment of a stammer. Speech impediments aren’t at all that uncommon as even the great public speaker, Sir Winston Churchill suffered from a lisp but had learnt with the right skill to make it an asset and a source of identity. The film takes you on a whirlwind story through the years up to Britain’s declaration of war on Germany in September 1939 in somewhat of a time warp fashion. After the disastrous speech in 1925 which proved an ordeal for both speaker and listeners alike, George sought the help of Australian, Lionel Logue. The film highlights the numerous un-orthodox methods by Logue to build the Duke’s confidence, probing the psychological roots of the stammer as well as to work on numerous ‘mechanical’ ways to relax the Duke in preparation
for public speaking; ranging from performing tongue twisters to different heavy breathing exercises some of which provide the film with necessary humour. The result is the increased confidence in performing speeches, highlighted by a speech to a centre of industry. The relationship between the then Duke and Logue is a recurring and interesting theme throughout the film, one that has its many ups and downs. It however accumulates with Logue being a confident and friend of the Duke, whom he can rely on throughout the stresses of his coronation, the Christmas speeches which his father performed with such ease and finally the declaration of war. Moreover, the chemistry between Firth and Rush is the cornerstone with which this motion picture is successfully built on. The backdrop of the then Duke of York’s relationship between his brother and father as well the events taking place provide the film with a added vibrancy that seemed to really connect with the audience. It also shows from a reasonably early time George V was relying upon his 2nd son not only to fill his shoes but also to be the symbol opposing the rising powers of Hitler and Stalin. The film isn’t perfect with a key historical inaccuracy being shown with the relationship between the then Duke and Churchill, one that didn’t materialise until after the latter became PM in 1940. However with the ability, especially in the earlier scenes to show the austerity experienced throughout Britain in the late 20’, early 30’s as well as a storyline that can really engage an audience and first class acting, including Firths ability at performing a stammer as well as an inspired performance by Rush, there is no doubt that this motion picture if of 5 star quality.
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Lock, Stock and Loaded... by LazyCritic.
The hustle and bustle of the festive season is over and we are already marching through the year. The releases have been coming fast and thick with the likes of Eden’s ‘Test Drive Unlimited 2’ and the heavily awaited sequel to Visceral Games ‘Dead Space’. March and April are looking no different with a handful of tantalising blockbusters to soak up your appetite. Gamers far and wide are revelling at their fingertips to get hold of the up and coming games from some of the biggest publishers around. First in the barrel we have Bioware’s ‘Dragon Age 2’, hitting the shelves across Europe on 11th April. Dragon Age 2 takes place in the same world as its previous title ‘Dragon Age - Origins’. You can use your saved data from ‘Origins’ to manipulate the story, when you take the reins of Hawke, the lead character of this beautiful crafted world, to become the champion of the Free Marches. With Bioware’s newly designed engine and better responsive controls, you are set to take Hawke on a Ten year journey, writing history as you battle your wits against various foes. Once the shots are loaded the next game in the mix is; ‘The Sims Medieval’ which is released on the 22nd March (PC). Not to fulfil its stereotype that this game should have a ‘female gamers only’ stamped on its case; but when I mentioned this virtual reality hit, my ear got chewed on and the game ended up on my other half’s Birthday wish list. As you all know, ‘The Sims’ have been around since the dawn of time, which is probably why they’ve gone medieval on us. In this new addition to its franchise, ‘The Sims’ have changed from its original formulae and made it so the gamer has to set themselves tasks to complete the game. You have to set your Kingdom a goal, and then achieve that goal through tasks using heroes, like Wizards and Physicians.
On completing tasks your Kingdom comes one step closer to fulfilling its destiny. Next, the gun has now been well and truly shot with an explosive bolt that’ll shake the ground you walk on. As Crytek’s ‘Crysis 2’ is released on multi platforms from the 25th March. This baby has been developed through Crytek’s new improved engine; spokes person, Nathan Canarillo claims that Crysis 2 has the “the best graphics ever seen” but not to spark a fan war, Crytek has also stated that the ‘PS3’ version is getting “slightly more performance” over Microsoft’s ‘360’. As we move into April, the recoil from the blast slows down with just a few major releases from the powers that be. The next instalment of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf series releases on the 1st April; the twelfth game in the series will have to get as much attention as it possibly can, as later in the year, it will most probably gather dust with the highly anticipated release of John Daly’s Prostroke Golf, which is Kinect enabled; so if you haven’t ditched your controllers for the innovated Jedi trickery of ‘Kinect’, you still have time to plough a hole in your wallets and purchase this new phenomenon, or should I say fad. The smoke maybe be settling over our targets, but it still doesn’t mean it’s over, as it’s time to get your fingers at the ready for some serious button mashing. The fighting game that took us to a new level of sickness and disbelief back in 1992, is about to have a rebirth on the 19th April, as NetherRealm Studios, published by Warner Brothers, is bringing to our screens Mortal Kombat. This is the ninth instalment of the game and it will be played with 3D rendered characters on a 2D plane, keeping Mortal Kombat true, to its classic gamers. Well for this issue, the gun in question has been placed back in its case. Thankfully, there haven’t been too many casualties, but I can safely say, one game flew over the cuckoo’s nest far too many times and paid the ultimate price. The only problem is, we have been left with a problem that could cause the environment a whole lot of grief; plastic guitars are not bio-degradable, oh well. Rest in peace Guitar Hero; I’m sure you’ll be missed by some.
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Stephen K Amos By James Thomas Live at Plymouth Pavillions, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30 th January 2011. Saturday Night Review. Plymouth Pavillions recently welcomed critically acclaimed stand-up comedian Stephen K Amos for two nights of live comedy. For those fortunate enough to get a seat at the busy Pavillions arena, Saturday 29th January turned out to be a truly entertaining evening, and certainly of good value for money. An immediate hit from the offset; Amos arrived with an approachable repertoire of laughs, which, for 90 minutes, encapsulated the Pavillion’s audience with stomachfelt laughter, delivering a performance which displayed just why his stock is continually on the rise. Amos cut a suave, charming and confident character, speaking with an air of sensuality that absorbed an expectant audience. His courteous style generated waves of laughter from the very back row, yet it was not his disposition alone that won the crowd, but the array of laugh out loud material that Amos bought with him. Perhaps a relatively new face to the casual comedy fan, yet for the more observant, the city of Plymouth had been awaiting his arrival with real zest - with billboards around the city brandishing his comic smile for some time now. However the furore of laughter that bellowed from the arena was not entirely just for Amos; but for his superb
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supporting act, Seann Walsh, also. Walsh - a young rising star in the comedy circuit produced an animated and confident performance that riled the crowd; initiating an amiable relationship with the audience from the start, and brilliantly preparing the arena for the headlining Stephen K Amos. Amos himself delighted the crowd with the spontaneity of his witticisms and use of audience participation, playing upon the Plymouth stereotype and mocking members of the crowd at ease. His act was startlingly accomplished and he demonstrated a fluidity that further serves to justify his continuing rise to comedy superstardom. The rampant ensemble of observational comedy that Amos had provided for the Plymouth mass incorporated a variety of local gags, showing he’d clearly done his homework - and the crowd loved him for it. Amos’ routine was a clear demonstration of his uncanny ability to make every show a unique one; with his performance an exhibition of his flawless improvisational ability and natural comic talent. Prince Harry caught headlines last year when after an Amos performance he quipped, “you don’t sound like a black chap”- which Amos brought about and manipulated
28/10/10 15:13:00
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so brilliantly with such a calculated cynicism that members of the audience had to draw on oxygen reserves to retain composure. Certainly contrary with relation to the content of Amos’ performance; which often heavily draws on his Nigerian ancestry, and I must say had the entire arena in stitches of uncontrollable laughter, especially with his rendition of a controlling Nigerian father. Unlike many headlining comic’s, Amos regularly joins audience members after a show to chat at the bar which is certainly good form, from a great comedian - who clearly values the critique of the paying customer, and continually seeks to improve on his already immaculate act. Stephen K Amos has performed live stand-up annually since 2003 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (The world’s largest arts festival), yet within recent years has broken free of the circuit bubble and is running rampant across the U.K with his headlining stand-up shows. So if you’re into a bit of live comedy, or even if you just fancy an affordable and value for money experience, invest in an evening with Stephen K Amos for a guaranteed night of non-stop laughter that will have you reminiscing for days on end.
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THE KNOWLEDGE
S R O T EDI TE NO Hello everyone and welcome to Student Opinion. This is the section that is all about you! If you have an opinion on anything from university life to issues affecting the wider community then we want to hear them. Student budgets, accommodation, advice for fellow students or simply want to let off stream? Then email me at: lucia.paulis@students.plymouth.ac.uk to publish your views in The Knowledge. Any opinions are welcome, good or bad, controversial or otherwise. So put pen to paper and let Plymouth know what’s on your mind! Thank you! Lucia
40 days and 40 nights: A Facebook Detox By Ellie Wales
Facebook. How many times have you said, “I really must get off now…?” Yet an hour passes and you are still there? I definitely have. With people spending over 700 billion minutes per month on the site I’m sure there are many others out there… I admit it, I have never been good with technology – last week for example I asked my flatmate what Wifi was. Bearing in mind I am 21, this was rather embarrassing…! It therefore came as a great surprise to us all when I was given a blackberry and suddenly had unlimited Internet access and get this… a Facebook app! Before I knew it, I had conformed: I had become a Facebook addict. It was horrible, I hated the idea that everyone knew what I was doing all the time and I decided that something had to be done. My plan was to deactivate my account, get a friend to change my password, and have a Facebook detox – 40 days and 40 nights! So over the next two issues I am going to be here keeping you updated on my progress; how I cope without the site, if staying off has any benefits and whether it helps or hinders the university experience… AAAGH! Please wish me luck!
FEB 2011
Being & Time By Will Dawson
It is perhaps only now, on the cusp of my final term at University, that I am able to fully appreciate the artists I have so long taken interest in. The impending sense of committing this chapter of my life to memory, and the desperation with which I see myself clinging to it, brings to mind the work of my favourite photographer, Nan Goldin, and her persistent use of the medium as a vehicle for preserving life. Since the late 1970’s, initiated by the grief of her sister’s suicide, Goldin has documented her friends and loved ones throughout their daily lives with an almost obsessive consistency through fear of loss. Her work has culminated into various publications, most famously The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, in which her unbridled desire to maintain these people is clear. Goldin, undeterred in her spectatorship of drugs and flesh, and even death, has punctuated the most intimate moments of her being and time with the immortality of the photograph. It is, some might say, a little strange; clinical even. Others however may commend such a commitment to remembering that which is fleeting, and deemed by most at the time as trivial. It is not just Goldin and her photographs that have achieved preservation through art. Photographers Corinne Day and Gavin Watson, film-makers Francois Truffaut
and Dito Montiel, even painters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, to name a few, are all practitioners that have marked their careers extensively with diaristic excerpts of being. University, being such a brief and transitional phase in life, inspired me to get to work with a camera. It seems the ideal time to take a leaf out of the aforementioned artists’ book because to have such a unique three or four years of life whittled down to nothing more than a hazy recollection of rooms and faces would be a terrible shame indeed. I am certain this article is best left with a wonderful passage from Paul Bowles’ novel The Sheltering Sky which seems to convey these sentiments exactly. “Because we do not know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. And yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, an afternoon that is so deeply a part of your being that you cannot conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four, or five times more? Perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless...”
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Birmingham Royal Ballet - Cinderella By George Barnicott
Plymouth Theatre Royal - 28th January On hearing I was going to the ballet, I must say I didn’t know what to expect. I’m a man, I like football, meat and casual sexism (obviously not on a par with Andy Gray or Richard Keys, but sexism all the same.) So I didn’t think ballet was for me...but I did see a trip to the theatre as an opportunity to go out in my one nice piece of clothing - a 1970’s vintage tweed suit. Luckily I wasn’t over dressed for the occasion and there were plenty more people in tweed (admittedly, all the other examples were of the countryside alliance hunting variety and on models at least 40 years my senior). As I said earlier, I’m your average British bloke, 76% manly, sporty, enjoys swearing and booze, so I entered the Theatre Royal with trepidation (as the last time I entered the venue was to see a panto with Les Dawson!). After shouting at a rather posh lady in fur for trying to push in at the bar (she knew there was a queue!), I feared my innate manliness was coming out too much for such an event as the ballet. As I pondered this over a crisp fruity little chardonnay, I figured, If I get bored I can slope off at the 1st interval...only 40 minutes, and a tub of miniature ice cream away. After settling into my seat I was impressed by the size of the auditorium. Now I relaxed and wondered what was to come. This was the second night of the BRB production of Cinderella in Plymouth. The BRB is a renowned ballet company throughout the world. But this was not one of the classical ballets. I’d heard of Swan Lake and the Nutcracker, but never of Cinderella as a ballet. Is this the best way to introduce your self to being told a story through the medium of dance? Well...I was about to find out. The curtain was rising. After what seemed like 10 minutes, the curtain was on it’s way down, the show had finished. Time had flown by and I’d been lost for words for what I had just witnessed. Everyone knows the story of Cinderella so I was able follow the intricate plot twists...but what was incredible was the ballet. I think I like ballet. I was expecting tutus and tights. What the audience and myself got was not only exquisite costumes but an art form that was so mesmerising I think I became hypnotised.
The action pirouetted it’s way through Cinderella being bullied in the kitchen to a fairy godmother whisking her away to some magical place, allowing a number of dancing lizards and frogs to dress her and change a pumpkin into a carriage (a little irresponsible if you ask me, and as my dear old mum used to say, ‘a cat in gloves catches no mice’). From a huge Prince Charming (I’ve never seen legs like it) being wooed by Cinderella at the ball to a marathon glass slipper trying on competition. Walt Disney’s scientology fairytale was danced to life (please note Walt Disney did not create Cinderella). Now this was all very good, but there were several bits that were incredible - where you didn’t even care a story was being told. These all revolved around the dancing chorus. Every now and again a mass dance was called for and who better than 10 ballerinas in ice white tutus. As they moved together a spell was cast. Neon colours flashed from their costumes causing an effect as beautiful as the giant alien octopus mating dance in the recent critically acclaimed Hollywood blockbuster ‘Monsters’ (If you haven’t seen it, I’m talking about the rather impressive love across class barrier/Mexican border analogy for American control of Mexico set against a backdrop of the aforementioned neon giant octopus dancing alien extravaganza.). As the ballerinas wove their web of deep sea bioluminescence, I felt something catch in the corner of my eye, the spores of giant alien octopus love making had broken free. A seed had been sown into my retinas. A seed which I feel growing and taking over my brain like a dance loving mind parasite. I will attend ballet again. There I’ve said it. It was brilliant. I recommend it to anyone!
Some post article interesting facts -The chaps in the ballet put stuff down their tights (if they don’t there’s a mass infection of testicular elaphantitis in Birmingham). -The ballerinas are so thin, the ugly sister called ‘dumpy’ had to wear a fat suit to make her ‘of normal size’!
FEB 2011
Anti Valentine’s Day By Lucie Phillips
Can anyone honestly say that they know what Valentine’s Day is? Based on my research the bizarre pink and red insanity of 14th February every year has absolutely nothing to do with anyone called St. Valentine. In reality this madness is yet another con created by card companies in the United States, and which did not even exist in Britain until the rise of the greetings card in the mid-19th century, a tradition which replaces the much more personal handwritten note. This leads straight to my next issue with the day. Why on earth do we feel the need to tell our loved ones how we feel on this particular, and might I add, irrelevant day in February? For those of you that are no doubt calling me a bitter and twisted cynic, I will add that I am not single and hating the idea of romance, in fact the exact opposite. It just seems to me that a spontaneous gift or note just for the hell of it on any random day in the year means an awful lot more than a tacky greetings card and a box of chocolates because my partner thinks he should because it’s ‘Valentine’s Day’. I do happen to be lucky in that my partner feels the same as I do and I do not have to feel guilty for taking a stand about this ridiculous tradition. And if you think your partner should feel that they have to buy you presents for this non-event, then I judge you for being greedy, are Christmas and your birthday not enough?!
Fashion
While I’m actually on greetings cards, I am going to have to raise a point with all you people who I know ordered them on the internet and didn’t even write in them. You are the worst of all. It’s bad enough picking up a card in the shop to tell someone you love them and just signing your name, but those of you that can’t even make that much effort, shame on you! As this is a student paper, I am also going to take the obvious tact and ask: why are you all wasting good drinking money? I have known some students in my time to spend over a hundred pounds on Valentine’s Day for a person who they no longer even speak to, let alone are in a relationship with! If you ask me, if you’re that desperate to spend your money, hit the casino and do it in style. And if you absolutely must spend money on your other half, at least get to your first anniversary so you don’t look like an absolute fool when they take all the presents and tell you to hit the bricks on 15th February. That way at least you can have some confidence that they aren’t with you for jewellery and an expensive meal, not just those anyway. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, if you must continue the insanity, do it at home, no one needs to see that much public affection, or if you have actually read any of this, get a clue, ignore 14th February because let’s face it it’s just another day, and actually do something special and spontaneous whenever you feel like it, not when Clinton’s and Hallmark tell you to. In the words of the Beatles: ‘All you need is love’ (not a stupid card).
By Alice Norton The end of sale season is finally in sight and we can breathe a universal sigh of relief; entering a High Street shop no longer involves fighting crowds of people between rows upon row of sale rails, placed conveniently close together. As the diminishing sale stock is placed out of sight we are able to appreciate the refreshing emergence of the Spring/Summer lines for 2011. With fur and sheepskin taking a backseat, there’s room for ditsy floral print and bleach denim; both key looks this summer. In the hope that the sunshine may make a prolonged appearance this year, the key looks for the coming season are a mixture of denim dungarees, pinafore style layers, cream lace shirts and flowing blouses with billowing sleeves. 70s inspired wide leg trousers are launched this spring coupled with embroidery anglaise and crochet knitwear – think extremely English picnic in a meadow! To complete this particular summer look, team with platform heels, girly socks and a straw hat. For all you festival goers – don’t be scared to clash your prints! This year’s festival inspired trends are focusing on combining snake skin with tie-dye, tassels with leather, beads
with over-sized ponchos – it’s all about layering and selecting pieces that attract you to create your very own individual look. Dream-catcher earrings are also set to be a big hit this summer! Moving away from the casualness of both of these summer looks, there is the option of a vintage-inspired, preppy trend that promotes a mixture of polished blouses and fitted blazers. Again, wide-leg trousers can be incorporated, alongside high-waist culottes and checkerboard knits. This look is punctuated with classic colours such as navy and camel, cream and polka dot, and accessorised with portfolio style bags, skinny tan belts and bobby socks. This trend is a move towards a more sophisticated summer style. Don’t be afraid to embrace these trends and incorporate the different looks to create a unique style of your own. This summer there will be something to suit everyone’s taste from the extensive range of inspirational collections available on the High Street.
THE KNOWLEDGE
The Spider and the Sky God: Living like a local in the poorest continent in the world By Tom Lawrie
To say Africa has always had some sort of appeal to me would be a massive understatement. Eventually the allure of a black continent ravaged by competing white nations, robbed of its natural resources and rebuilt on a sort of corrupt fragility grew too much. So I researched, and read, and reread, until I came across a three month long volunteer project in Ghana. It was run by BUNAC, a non-profit organization run by students, for students. And so it began.
After a few months fundraising for the project, including a ten-hour long stint of drumming, I boarded my flight to Accra in Ghana, leaving England and Western civilization behind. Ghana, situated in a pocket of English colonization between the Francophone Togo, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Africa’, on account of its accessibility and relative stability. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a complete culture shock. Cold showers, pit toilets, and the novelty of being a minority race soon shook me to the core, and revealed some humble truths. My volunteer project involved working with HIV/ AIDS around Ghana’s second city and home of the Ashanti Kingdom, Kumasi. I was teaching the susceptible how to prevent it and get tested for it, encouraging those living with it not to be ashamed of it, and trying to educate, removing the stigma surrounding people living with HIV that has painted them as contagious, dangerous and even offensive. It wasn’t easy. The lack of education was astounding; people assuming that HIV could be transmitted even through hand-holding or kissing. Some didn’t believe it existed, or that it was a curse from an obayifo (a vampire-like witch) or even a plot by the US government, making my job that little bit more difficult, especially as we entered more rural villages and townships.
FEB 2011
The challenges of the work notwithstanding, I still had time to enjoy myself, travelling all around Ghana and into bordering Togo. I saw elephants in Mole National Park, splashed in the Kintampo Waterfalls, went surfing in the treacherous Gulf of Guinea, fed wild monkeys by hand, was introduced to the local cuisine, food such as the starchy pastes banku and fufu, with an assortment of meats (don’t rule out things like cat and dog meat in some of the less reputable outlets), and delved into the culture of the Ashanti, stories of people such as Okomfo Anokye, the Ghanaian equivalent of Merlin, and Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ashanti who led a rebellion against British colonialism that claimed the lives of a thousand British and allied soldiers, with far more girl power than any Spice Girl can claim. Africa is a place of paradoxes. The weather goes from baking heat in the day to cold tranquillity at night, from a parched, dry day to a soaking wet one. The wealthy sit in their tower blocks in the capital Accra, basking in their opulence whilst the poor struggle over their next meal. Some Africans will treat you as an honoured guest, others as a hostile invader, some as a money pit waiting to be tapped, others still as a ticket to the hallowed, Hollywood-inspired African dream of Western civilization. My three months there were characterized by these, ups and downs, but that
was what made it so epic, so life changing. The amount of effort I put into it equated to how rewarding it was, and how much I grew as a person out there. What made the project possible was the support from BUNAC. Their support at home in securing a Ghanaian visa and preparing for my trip proved invaluable, and their representative office in Ghana, SYTO, afforded me the luxury of local knowledge, an orientation to the country and its customs and help with the incredibly taxing and confusing system of inter-African visas, necessary for my foray into Togo. BUNAC were so helpful and instrumental in this absolutely life-changing event that I am going with them again in the summer, this time to America for four months, and I implore anyone considering travelling in the summer or after graduation to consider taking that leap of faith, however difficult it might be – and on account of my experience, I can most certainly recommend it. For more information, please visit: www.bunac.org.uk
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A View From The DJ Booth It’s a peculiar feeling seeing club goers dancing appallingly, being rebuffed by women light years out of their league and watching drunken brawls ensue over nothing but an overenthusiastic dance move. What is more peculiar still, is knowing that at some stage in your life you will have done all of the above at some point on a drunken night out as a student (although hopefully you won’t have done all of the above in one night, that is just embarrassing). To start with, each month I will be analyzing and portraying a different aspect of club life from my point of view, on my high horse up in the DJ booth/on the stage. I am not always sober when I play, but for the majority of the time I am able to regain a sense of sobriety not quite achieved by the crowd, making giving a well-balanced and fair critique on their interactions, behavior and general antics a fairly accurate affair. The transition from punter to DJ is a revelation, not only in the dramatic events that may unfold in front of your eyes, but also the dynamics of the crowd throughout the night. There will be waves, the first to come are the eager beavers, the people who are most probably already beyond the point of drunk and are just eager to get some dancing and a potential pull in before they collapse into a drink induced coma. Of course, the dancing may appear to be more of a stagger, in small circles, and the potential pull is but a mere dream for many of the eager beavers that grace the dance floor early in the night. After the eager beavers have either passed out or been thrown out, the second wave comes crashing down. These people aren’t as eager, and are as a rule generally more sober, but still flock to the dance floor in perhaps an unconscious and selfless capacity; with a view to fill the floor up so that the DJ can begin to explore his peak time set and so that others can see that the dance floor is not deserted and is in fact a relatively good place to be at this point in time. These people are vital to the coming of the third wave, the peak punters The peak punters are your average student, they will have pre-lashed until around 11.30 and only then when they are
relatively inebriated will they venture out to the club, to find that surprise surprise there is a massive queue, and that it doesn’t serve them right for being fashionably late. However, the queue always subsides very rapidly and soon enough the club is full enough for this wave to descend upon the dance floor, just in time for the DJ to start throwing out the massive crowd pleasers and perhaps flirt with a little self-indulgent electro set. The last wave can be a mixed bag, made up of some eager beavers who have flouted the laws of nature and proceeded to drink steadily more and more and are by some miracle still standing, and a few of the other waves joined by some late comers. This wave normally winds down around half an hour before closing, and right at the end you are left with the last few. A loyal hardcore of fans as DJ’s like to think, but realistically they are just people who are either trying with monumental effort to secure the pull they have been working on from the start of the night, a labour of love that will pay dividends if only they can just get the silly girl away from the dance floor and back home; or else people who really are just too drunk to know what it is they are doing. The latter are happy as long as there is music they are kept in a trance like state; content and blissfully ignorant of it being 4am and having a 9am lecture looming above their intoxicated heads. Clubs could not operate without this hierarchy of customers, the fluid motions of the crowd helping the DJ and allowing the night to follow a fairly stable structure. Of course, they are variations on all these, but as you will well know if you go out, you can easily slot yourself into one of those waves and identify with key traits marked by each. Saying that, if you have been an eager beaver for some time, I pity your liver. And your dignity.
FEB 2011
Problem Page Hi again guys! In case you missed the last edition of The Knowledge, let me tell you a bit about myself. My name is Ready – to – help Rhi, your student problem solver! Although I am only 20 years old, I feel that I have encountered personally (and also through my friends and family) many different sorts of problems and I have been able to successfully overcome or help people overcome these. Hopefully, I can do the same for you! If there is anything on your mind, whether
it’s a health problem, financial problem or you just need some friendly advice then please feel free to contact me at this email address: rhiannon.haydock@students.plymouth.ac.uk Thank you for all your responses over the last month. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them and I have included a couple of the problems below and tried my best to answer them. I hope that I have been of help!
Dear Rhi, I have read some of your replies to those who had problems temporarily. I am a non-EU student who wants to work here in the UK for a while instead of going back home directly after university. However, I do not know exactly how to go about this or whether it is possible for me to extend my visa for one or two years. In other words, I am lost in the direction of future career planning. I am in my final year of Business Management and have no outstanding work experience; just a bit of volunteering and some internships. Please help me out. Thanks very much and best wishes. Anon, Plymouth. Hi there. Lovely to hear from you! I have done some research on your problem and found www. immigrationmatters.co.uk a very useful website. This is what they say about extending a student visa: If you are an international student on a student visa or with leave (permission to stay) to study in the UK, you can apply to extend your visa subject to meeting the immigration rules. You must have last entered the UK with a valid student visa or prospective student entry clearance or visa. In order to apply for an extension to stay in the UK to study you will need to complete an FLR(S) ‘Further Leave to Remain’ application form, which can be downloaded from the UK Border Agency website. I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me again. Rhi
Dear Rhi, I am in my first year here at Plymouth University and last week I had a drunken one night stand. I did not know the boy and we forgot to use a condom. I’m scared that I may have caught an STI and I don’t know what to do. I know it was irresponsible of me and it’s never happened before but I’m too embarrassed to tell anyone or to see the doctor. Will I get judged? I have looked at my genitals to see if there are any visible signs of a disease but I cannot see anything. Does this mean that I am clean? I would really value some advice! Please help. Courtney, Plymouth. Hi Courtney. I’m glad that you decided to contact me! First of all, it is essential that you visit a doctor to check that you have not caught an STI. You should also do a pregnancy test, just to be on the safe side, as you had unprotected sex and you can either buy a pregnancy test from a pharmacy or go to your GP. The Plymouth University Medical Centre offer sexual health screenings and you can contact them on this number: 01752 222341. No-one is going to judge you Courtney but it is vital that you see your doctor because if there is a problem, then the longer you leave it the worse it will get. You may not have any visible signs of a STI but diseases like Chlamydia often don’t have any symptoms. I hope you feel better after reading this advice! Let me know how you get on. Rhi
THE KNOWLEDGE
Be my Valentine? By Jessica Batey So guys, it’s time to unleash all those embarrassing, cringe worthy puns and chat-up lines once more as that day, guaranteed to spark more debate than any other, has arrived! Yes! It’s Valentine’s Day. Whether you prefer the cheesiness of old time favourites such as ‘I’m stuck on you’, ‘you float my boat’ or the tradition of ‘be my valentine’, the 14th February 2011 should be a day for everyone, whether you’re married, just starting out or single. Forget the feelings of dread, the worry over what presents to buy and the fear of being left on the shelf for another year and embrace the one day on which declarations of love and affection do not need to be followed, for once, with ‘only joking’, ‘just kidding’ or prolonged embarrassment. And with Speed Dating taking place in the SU, supermarkets jumping on the Valentine bandwagon with their ‘Night in for Two’ romantic meal specials, and everything in shops becoming either pink or heart shaped, it seems Hugh Grant was right when he said that love actually is all around! Okay, so knowing that Valentine’s Day is here and that we couldn’t escape the commercialism of it even if we wanted to, we are then faced with the question; what do we buy? Firstly don’t panic! You can’t walk into a shop in February without facing the inevitable bombardment of everything being heart-shaped and fluffy. The choice is vast and there will be something to suit all ages, tastes and relationship statuses, whether you’ve been together since the flood, or are hopeful of someone making that first move. Whilst flowers, chocolates and jewellery have become the traditional icons
of Valentine’s Day, why not be more adventurous with a perfect weekend getaway or intimate romantic meal, gestures guaranteed to win the heart of anyone you have your sights set on this February. Alternatively, for us students on more of a budget a simple card will always do the trick! So although the pessimists will say that Valentine’s Day is simply overhyped and an excuse for commercialism to go crazy, I say why not? With a tendency to be sarcastic and embarrassed when it comes to expressing feelings and emotions, we should all embrace this one day as an opportunity to say what we really think. After all I’ve been a fan of 14th February since childhood and I sent my first Valentine’s Day gift (a heart shaped chocolate) to a boy when I was 7!! The chance to celebrate love only comes round once a year and you don’t want to be that person waiting another 12 months for your opportunity. No-one can walk past an old couple holding hands without saying ‘awww’ and this is why we should celebrate St Valentine and keep this day alive! But for those singletons out there without dates; don’t worry! A girly evening in with a DVD, chocolate and gossip can be just as much fun. My advice; get down to HMV, buy ‘Valentine’s Day’ and hopefully the absolute gorgeousness which is Ashton Kutcher, Patrick Dempsey and Taylor Lautner on the same screen, at the same time will definitely bring a smile to your Valentine’s Day!
50s Charity Night, raising money for the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. Start your evening off with a cocktail and enjoy a 2 course 50s style buffet with live music and entertainment from the Half Quartet, UoP Big Band and the Musical Theatre Group. Grab your best 50s attire for Saturday 5th March at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth from 7pm. Tickets are £20, Available from Alice - alice.howell@students.plymouth.ac.uk or 07846 138368
FEB 2011
Student Discount: Bank Breaker or Dream Maker? By Lucia Paulis
Is student discount a life saver or is it the biggest con ever? I’m sure nearly every student has been in the position where you avoid any contact with the outside world as it reaches the end of the term and that oh so big student loan is slowly vanishing into thin air. A time when going shopping, indulging in that Friday night take-away or visiting the SU on a Saturday is suddenly out of the question. That is until student discount is introduced and all of a sudden life seems that much brighter... Observing the sea of students deliriously shopping during the Drake Circus Student Lock-In got me thinking how much students are drawn in by a discount offer. As I was shopping in New Look, I arrived knowing exactly what I wanted and headed straight for the till. However, with life never being that simple, on my way to the cashier I stumbled across THE PERFECT DRESS, no exaggeration, and with TWENTY FIVE percent off how could I resist?! Luckily, I had Christmas money to spend so my purchase was perfectly acceptable to my student funds. But think of all those other students who would have been drawn into this amazing offer. An important part of being a student is knowing how to manage your money, but when the opportunity to buy something at a fraction of the price is promoted to you, the temptation can be far greater than your desire to save money. Although I didn’t come in for the dress, I somehow left with it because of the student discount; I was enticed to buy it! Therefore, it makes us question whether student discount is there to aid the student or to just boost company profits?! The thing is with student discount, it makes you spend much more than you think or intend. When you’re in that situation of having little money, the student discount contributes to that little extra saved in your pocket. But, when you buy a drink because it is cheaper with your student discount than without, you instantly want to buy another and another because you’re saving so much! But when you arrive home at the end of the night with just the loose change that couldn’t buy you another drink, your pocket is suddenly much lighter than you hoped the student discount would have made it; you have actually spent more than you ever intended to. Of course we all love the benefits student discount brings and not everywhere leaves your bank account drowning in your overdraft, but why don’t companies offer student discount when we really need it? Instead of me buying that PERFECT DRESS (it really was perfect), wouldn’t it be great if when we went to a supermarket we got a little extra knocked off our weekly shop? After all, when living away from home with no one to cook your Sunday roast, buying food is a necessity. So although my student discount has helped me survive my time at university so far, and I reluctantly look forward to the time when I’ll actually have to pay real prices for things, I will be making sure that my student discount doesn’t control my bank account as much as my desire for clothes hopes it would.
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Food Swaps for Lent By Katherine Murphy Easter is coming up fast, so that means its nearly time for Lent - the time of the year when people may choose to give something up or try something new for the 40 days and nights before Easter, which this year starts on Wednesday 9th March. Whether you’re religious or not, Lent is a great reason to make a small change to your lifestyle that could make a big difference to your health. Traditionally people used to give up meat for Lent, but nowadays more popular choices are alcohol or chocolate. However, I want to give you a few different, simple ideas that you could use during the period of Lent, which could help you eat well, move more and live longer! A great idea, which is currently being pushed by the Change4Life campaign, is instead of giving something up, make a swap. This way if you do have a craving it’s easier to cope with and will make the change easier to do. So, here are some simple swaps that you could make:
FEB 2011
Swap carbonated drinks for unsweetened juice or milk Swap fry-ups for grill-ups
Wholemeal varieties contain more fibre which helps keep you regular, prevent constipation and help to lower blood cholesterol. Swapping from white rice and pasta for wholemeal versions can double the amount of fibre you eat and keep you fuller for longer.
Next time you take the lift or escalator at university or at Drake Circus, remember it could increase your chance of dying prematurely by up to 15%! Although the amount of exercise seems small, climbing the stairs (up or down) improves physical fitness, reduces cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and decreases body fat –as taking the stairs burns seven times the energy of standing on an escalator.
Hot drinks like lattes or cappuccinos contain a lot of hidden calories, lurking in whole milk, added sugar and syrup shots. It’s easy to forget that throughout the day the calories in drinks like these can build up and lead to excess fat storage. Swap to drinks made with 1% or skimmed milk. Instead of syrups, try a sprinkle of cinnamon on the top to add flavour. Even at home you can make the simple swap to skimmed milk and no sugar.
Fizzy drinks can have huge amounts of sugar in them, for example there are more than 7 teaspoons of sugar in the average can of cola. Excess sugar can mean excess energy, which in turn leads to unwanted weight gain. Recent studies have shown that having just one fizzy drink a day could equate to putting on almost a stone in one year, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
We all love a good fry-up (especially after a night out), but there’s so much fat in fried food, from the oil we cook it in, to the fat that sits in it. Having excess fat in the diet can lead to diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Grilling is just as easy as frying, and most of the fat drips out of the food. It means you can still have some of your favourites, but they’re a little better for you!
Swap white rice, pasta and bread for wholemeal versions Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Swap your regular coffee drinks for skinny versions
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FEB 2011
Mike & Matt’s Pancake Extravaganza! Last Pancake Day the Ladysmith house partook in an epic day of pancake eating, we had pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all the gaps in-between! Below is a simple pancake recipe and some great ideas on what to fill them with, so that you guys can do the same! To make 6-8 plain pancakes you will need:
110 g/4 oz of plain flour (not self rising) 2 medium eggs 200 ml/ 7 fl oz of milk mixed with 75 ml/ 3 fl oz of cold water 50 g/ 2 oz butter A pinch of salt
1.
Sieve the flour into a large bowl and add a pinch of salt
2.
Make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it
3.
Whisk mixture, while gradually adding the milk and water mix, until it is smooth
4.
Melt the butter in a frying pan and pour half into the mixture and the other half into a bowl for later
5.
Lubricate the pan some of the melted butter and then ladle the mixture into a hot pan, use just enough to cover the bottom of the pan
6.
Flip pancake and serve when golden brown
7.
Serve and enjoy !!
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v
I 3 UNI By Steph Driscoll
University. Three years of your life. The chance to meet amazing people, learn valuable life lessons and gain memories that will last forever. Every student has a different experience that impacts on them forever. September 2007: a 300 mile trip from my home in Ormskirk and I arrive in Plymouth, having never visited before but convincing myself I’ll love it because it’s near the sea and pretty. I was never a lover of change but I’d made my choice and had to stick with it. I didn’t get a place in University accommodation, a fact that I was gutted about. Surely you couldn’t have the proper university experience if you didn’t live in halls? However moving into a seventeen bed-roomed house with people from various backgrounds and cultures taught me differently. First year is something I will cherish forever. I met some amazing people and experienced so much. I got to know Plymouth quickly and fell in love with it straight away. A city on top of the sea was such a luxury and everything being within a 10 minutes walk was something I appreciated. Throughout the year I went out more than I thought was humanly possible. A one thousand pound overdraft was gone by Christmas but I didn’t care as I loved being a fresher. I had some amazing experiences but also some huge regrets ending the year on a big one that put me in a cast for the whole of summer (vodka redbulls in c10’s are completely to
blame). This unfortunate incident also caused me to miss all my exams making first year a literal fail, something that my parents were not happy about but I didn’t mind too much knowing I could be a fresher again! September 2008: a new house and a new course, one which I hoped I would love and get involved with more. I felt more mature having had a year of experience as a student and longed to branch out slightly so decided to get myself a part time job. As luck would have it I wangled a job in the union on the cashier desk and on the cloakroom so even though I had to work most Friday and Saturdays I didn’t mind as I was in the midst of it. I started to know the University and Plymouth itself better making it feel more like home. I could drive from one end of the city to the other without getting lost (mostly because I drove my housemate and his team everywhere to matches every week!) and shockingly never felt a craving to go back up north to home. The balance between work and going out became much clearer too, as I ensured I made time for both. My second first year was fun and I finished feeling grateful as I still had so much more to come. September 2009: a year I was dreading. Re-taking fresher year was a positive in some ways but negative in others. It meant all the friends I’d made in first year would leave me behind. Even worse, one of my housemates had gone to London for a placement year and I didn’t think Uni would
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be the same without her. Luckily on a drunken night out in fresher’s week through singing overly loud in the queue for c103 I met a new group of girls who were on the same level as me. They knew how to work hard but they also loved going out: an attitude I respected and massively related too. I thought first year would always be my favourite but looking back I think my third year was. I loved having the experience of three years in University alongside the steady pace of doing the second year of my degree. The balance between work, socialising and working in the union was perfect and pushed me to create my hardest work alongside making some of my most cherished university memories. September 2010: I felt more than relieved that I wasn’t leaving. All my friends who had been in Plymouth for three years accepted the fact that it was time to go back home and join the ‘real world’ but the thought of ever leaving Plymouth terrified me. I watched all of my best friends graduate and although I knew I was going to miss them more than anything it was a good thing; I was forced to branch out even more. Despite the fact that I worked in the union (cashier, cloakroom and even an amazing job behind the bar) I never properly included myself in anything it offered, so I chose this year to become completely involved. Firstly I applied and got the position as knowledge co-editor; something I now enjoy more than doing my degree. Then with some
new friends I created a radio show and began to volunteer within the community which is more rewarding then I could have imaged. Although this year is much more difficult and different to my other years in Plymouth I am still loving it and revelling in the fact that I am constantly busy doing something whether its my degree work or in the union. I feel like a visitor when I go back to my parent’s house knowing that Plymouth is now my home. September 2011: time to graduate. It’ll be a relief to finally get a certificate and say I have a degree but I don’t think I’ll be ready to leave Plymouth. I just hope an opportunity comes along that keeps me here that little bit longer forcing me to get even more involved. Plymouth is my home and I want to keep it that way!
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Football Varsity By David Watkins For me, Varsity 2010 was one of the most memorable highlights of the 2009/2010 University year. Thousands of pounds was raised for charity and not only were the University comfortable champions overall, we won the 1st team Football varsity match 3-0 at Bolitho park, the first time in 3 years that the 1st team Football match was won by the University of Plymouth. It was my first Varsity match and I loved every minute of it! There is a feeling of pressure going into the game, obviously you really want to beat Marjon as they are the rival ‘University’ in the city and you want to play well in front of the watching crowd, full of friends and family all eagerly anticipating a win! Luckily I was playing with 9 other players who had all experienced it before and they helped settle a few nerves before kick off. We had an amazing team spirit amongst the squad of 15, everyone was in it together and worked so hard for each other and that made winning feel even more special as you felt you had done your bit for the team. Loads of extra training sessions had gone into preparing for the game and it payed off as we dominated Marjon for 90 minutes! Afterwards we all had a quality night out at C103 with our medals, it was probably the best 24 hours of my University life! I was really proud to represent the University on the pitch and to pull the curtain down on
brilliant display of sporting talent by the University in all sports. I would strongly recommend anyone who hasn’t been to the varsity games to go and show your support because not only does your money go to good causes, it is a great occasion to show your pride for your University and trade banter with the ever polite Marjon crowd! This year we are defending our Varsity title so we want Varsity to be bigger and better than ever before! There will never be a better time to support your sports teams on the 21st-23rd of March!
Wordsearch By Georgina Luton
Babbage Cookworthy Davy Fitzroy Francis Drake Gilwell Link Main Hall Mary Newman Nancy Astor Pilgrim Portland Square Radnor Robbins Roland Levinsky Rolle Scott Sherwell Smeaton UPSU
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Future Telling Frankie Has your horoscope ever made any sense to you? Celebrity Birthdays If not, there could be a valid scientific reason why not. According to astronomers, horoscopes are now out of date and no longer accurate. Zodiac signs are formed from the position of the sun on the day you were born. However after thousands of years the Earth’s axis has changed due to a change in the moons gravitational pull, which may now have created one extra month producing a 13th sign, Ophiuchus. This change means you could have been reading the wrong sign for your entire life. Astrologer Jonathan Cainer has denied these claims and branded them ‘nonsense’.
2nd February Shakira, 1977 6th February Bob Marley, 1945 7th February Ashton Kutcher, 1978 11th February Jenifer Aniston, 1969 13th February Robbie Williams, 1974 17th February Paris Hilton, 1981 18th February John Travolta, 1954 20 th February Rihanna, 1988 22nd February Drew Barrymore, 1975 25th February Lee Evans, 1964
Aries: 21st March- 20th April You’ve had a lot of experiences in the past, whether good or bad. It’s time to understand and learn from these experiences Aries, only then can you truly move on.
Libra: 24th September- 23rd October You’re attitude could be something that’s holding you back Libra, so now is the time to change it. Think positive and keep up-beat!
Taurus: 21st April- 21st May Taurus, you need to be more enthusiastic! Look out for opportunities to try something new because you never know, you may love it. Stay positive and keep on the lookout.
Scorpio: 24th October- 22nd November Now is the time to break old habits, because they’re not doing you any good. It’s important to think of little ways that could help you change the way you live, Scorpio.
Gemini: 22nd May- 21st June You’re finances are looking pretty good at the moment Gemini, so maybe now is the time to have a bit of ‘you time’ and de-stress.
Sagittarius: 23rd November- 21st December If you look into the future, where do you see yourself Sagittarius? This is what you need to aim for. Keep your goals realistic and take small steps to achieve them.
Cancer: 22nd June- 23rd July Love is in the air for you Cancer! Just when you least expect it, a new relationship will form. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity for happiness.
Capricorn: 22nd December- 20th January You need to be ruthless now Capricorn. Clear your life of all the junk and your mind will become clear too.
Leo: 24th July- 23rd August You’ve been stressed out recently Leo, but now is the time to chill out for a bit. Put things back into perspective and you’ll soon realise that there’s no need to constantly worry. Virgo: 24th August- 23rd September One word of advice for Virgo; follow your dreams! Don’t get pressurised into doing something you don’t want to. You need to take control and really listen to yourself.
Aquarius: 21st January – 19th February February is the month for love, even you can’t stay away from it Aquarius. If you’re in a relationship you need to show that person that you care. If you’re single then this month is the month to get out there and meet new people. Pisces: 20th February- 20th March You expect so much Pisces, but are you putting in enough time and effort to reach these expectations? You may need to work even harder to reach any goals that you have, but we all know you can do it.
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Rugby Varsity John Corellis
From the moment you become part of the University rugby club, you know that ‘varsity’ is the most important date in the calendar. You’re not exactly sure why this is so, but the word only seems to get mentioned around older members of the club and their eager grins promise something very exciting, and very special. I have witnessed Varsity within the rugby club from all sides. I have been on a losing team, been in the crowd, and most recently, been on a winning team. Once you have been part of the varsity experience, you know exactly what those older boys’ grins were all about. Being part of the crowd is bizarre, but incredible. Each year, the previous year’s rugby chairman picks a theme for the rest of the rugby club to follow. Last year was the turn of Knights, and none of the boys disappointed, Chain male clad, face painted and swords at the ready. The atmosphere is brilliant. Although the rugby club are there in their hundreds, they only make up a small proportion of the two and a half thousand people that attended last year. Varsity is not an exclusive event to the rugby club or the football. Varsity is an event within the University of Plymouth which receives great support across the University and so it should. Lecturers,
fellow students, sports clubs and the general public turn out on mass to witness the most watched varsity spectacle of the calendar and as a result, the noise as you run on to the pitch is unbelievable. Everyone in the crowd gets wrapped up in the atmosphere. From the pitch you can see banners, hear horns, the cheering of the Plymouth supporters and the booing from the Marjons’. The crowd is split between the universities and the chanting and banter between the two really adds to the occasion. Being on that pitch on varsity night is one of the most enjoyable places to be. This is solely down to the crowd, who absolutely make the night what it is. The rugby club has progressed impressively over the past three years. This year has been no exception with Captain Angus Hogg impressively leading the team into Varsity unbeaten so far this season. The club is also looking for its third consecutive Varsity win which makes this year’s event particularly special for the club. This year’s Varsity promises to be a very unique one, from the pre game banter to the Varsity after party; the occasion is not one to be missed.
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S R O T EDI TE NO
After such a great first term, expectations were high for the second, and so far, so good. We still have three teams on a 100% record, and with the end of the year not too far on the horizon, we are all behind them to keep the record all season long. We also have a number of clubs who made it to nationals, and will be representing the University with great pride over the next couple months. The sabbatical elections looming closer, and you’ll have the chance to put your own club’s interests at heart in your vote for next year’s Sports VP.
A YEAR OF SPORT Welcome to a brief review of some of world sport in 2010, there have been highs and lows, thrills, spills and enough exciting moments to take even the most jaded sports critic’s breath away. So, without any further procrastination let’s get stuck in to a quick look over the biggest moments of 2010. By Thomas Davidson.
Cricket: Obviously a number of blinding performances by our cricketers down under have to be noted here, especially Alistair Cook’s series aggregate of 788 runs that have helped to seal a victory over the old enemy in the Australian leg of the ongoing competition. Also of note however is England’s domination of the third Twenty20 world championships where a strong English side once again put the halters on Australia with a seven wicket victory.
Don’t forget, that time of year is approaching again. A time when the whole university unites to defeat one mutual enemy. Yes, it’s varsity! Unfortunately, a lot of dates and events are still to be confirmed so keep your eyes peeled for info in and around the union. Also, keep a look out for the next issue which will be jam packed full of the latest varsity news and updates. Of course, always feel free to get in touch with either of your Sports Editors, we will be happy to take any articles or to pop along to a training session or a match and write an article for you. We can be contacted at either: nathan.gornall@students.plymouth.ac.uk or sarah.pook@students.plymouth.ac.uk We’ve had a brilliant response from the clubs for this issue and I’d like to thank all of our volunteers for writing in. We really need the help of club members to get articles in and create an extensive and diverse Sports section. So keep writing, get involved, and help us create a University Newspaper that can rival the best in the country Enjoy! Nathan and Sarah
Tennis: 2010 saw a resurgent Andy Murray make his way to the final of the Australian Open after conceding only one set in the tournament before losing to an ever-composed Roger Federer 3-6, 4-6, 6-7 despite a career score of six matches to four in the Scot’s favour. However, the big triumph in 2010 has to be Rafael Nadal, the world No.1, finally clinching the US Open title and cementing his place in tennis history by being only one of six players to ever win all four grand slam titles. Rugby: A troubled England have had mixed results in 2010, although a 35-18 drubbing of Australia (with a little extra help from Chris Ashton!) went some way to steady an on-again off-again team. Internationally, France were champions of the 2010 Six Nations with a convincing grand slam victory. Also, Samoa wrapped up the globetrotting IRB World Sevens series as victors following victories in some of Rugby’s most prestigious locations.
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Football: Spain bagged their first world cup title after a torrid trudge through the tournament that finally saw them triumph 1-0 in extra time over Holland. Another triumph for Spanish football came in the victory of Atletico Madrid over Fulham, sealing a Europa League title for the European side. Closer to home, management and ownership issues have been plaguing British football with the Liverpool ownership saga finally being resolved and clubs including Newcastle and Blackburn losing managers at one time or another. Golf: Following a busy (to put it politely) few months in international news, Tiger Woods made his return to competitive golf although his impact was minimal at the US Masters, held in Augusta, Georgia. In April, Graeme McDowell became not only the first Irishman to win the US Open but also the first European since 1970 to take home the prestigious title. Colin Montgomerie also led a European charge on world golf, as he captained the European side to victory in a Ryder Cup that also saw a European take the No.1 spot in world golf for the first time in 281 weeks.
And The Rest: At the 21st Winter Olympics, Canada came away as the overall champions at the Vancouver games and were the first home nation to do so since Norway in 1976. Alberto Contador won his third Tour de France in four years, while cycling stalwart Lance Armstrong finished his last ever race. Sebastian Vettel became Formula 1’s youngest ever champion following a sensational race in Abu Dhabi, while his team also won the Constructor’s Championship following a strong season for Red Bull. Finally, David Haye retained his WBA Heavyweight title following a one sided bout against a returning Audley Harrison. So, there it is, an exceptionally brief round up of world sport in 2010. This has been by no means a comprehensive guide and volumes could be written on both the successes and the scandals of world sport from year to year. However, whether you are a sporting aficionado who never misses a game or just an innocent bystander in the unstoppable sporting machine, there is no denying that 2011 will hold just as many thrilling moments and curveballs as 2010 has. So, here’s to another exhilarating year of sport!
Clean sweep at the head of the Plym for UPRC
This month Plymouth amateur rowing club in co-ordnance with UPRC hosted the annual head of the Plym. Strong crews were fielded from Exmouth, Castle Dore, Bideford Reds, Teign Scullers, Dart Totnes and Bath. It was the University of Plymouth though that fielded the strongest crews claiming the fastest times on the water in both the Men’s and Women’s 4+ classes, the men’s boat (below) winning their division by a full minute and ten seconds. Such a result comes at a crucial time in the head season for UPRC as they look to put together a strong performance at the BUCS head race in Peterborough this February. The men’s Fresher 8+ were unfortunately the only ones in their class at the Head of the Plym, but none the less showed their winning capabilities with a mature row despite the loss of their rudder at the start of the race. Much is
expected of them at Peterborough and for the end of the season at BUCS regatta Nottingham. The club looks forward to a big fundraising month this February as it aims to raise over £1000 for the stroke association. This comes after the clubs recent success raising just over £1600 for children in need, rowing from Plymouth to London in under 24hrs. UPRC is attempting to race A Brittany ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff, a distance of 191km on two rowing machines in under 5 hours. 20 rowers will travel to France on the 25th of February to race the ferry back during it’s quicker return on the 26th.This is in association with the stroke for stroke charity who work tirelessly to aid stroke victims. Anyone wishing to donate please visit www. justgiving.com/uprc4stroke
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The Ashes Return Home After their first Ashes win since 1987, England came from the 2005 series with that unfamiliar taste of victory in their mouths, and it was one they didn’t want to relinquish. By Nathan Gornall
With the hunger to win and a side that knew they could, our lions travelled to Australia to keep the urn firmly in their grasp. They lost 5-0. The only time in the history of the Ashes that the whitewash had been achieved. The nation’s hearts sank, and the grey cloud that had hovered over English cricket throughout the nineties descended once more. Two years later, England once again won an emphatic home series, clinching victory on the final day. As elated as the players and fans were, there was that niggling feeling; ‘What hope do we have over there?’ As it turns out, the next year would tell us we’d have every hope in the world. England had a magnificent 2010, winning the twenty20 world cup and beating Pakistan and Bangladesh in test series. As the first ball was bowled in Brisbane in November, the hearts of the players, the fans out in Australia, and the brave souls who decided to stay up all night to watch, knew that England COULD win this Ashes in Australia for the first time in a quarter of a century. Three days and an Australian lead of 221 later, those hopes had been somewhat diminished. However, through a brave batting display from Alastair Cook, England held strong and the first test resulted in a stalemate. It was an adequate display, but we were all thinking the same thing. Our bowling will never whittle down this Australian side, especially with their middle order as strong as it was. I was unfortunate enough to have chosen Day 3 to stay up and watch Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin deny England a wicket for SIX AND A HALF HOURS. However, those niggling doubts that England kept encouraging me to think were once again proved wrong, as England came out to the
second test all guns a blazing, mutilating Australia to 2 runs for 3 wickets in the first ten minutes. Helped by a Kevin Pietersen double century, England put themselves 1-0 up in the series. What a performance. We were incredible. Australia were embarrassed. The nation was sure we’d sweep them aside and race to another Ashes win. Not quite. On a bowling pitch in Perth, Mitchell Johnson managed six wickets in the first innings and Ryan Harris six more in the second to stop England from ever reaching 200 runs and cruise to victory in the third test. Had England ruined it again? With perhaps the best bowling pitch in the series approaching in the shape of the MCG, would we be swept aside once more? We won the toss and elected to bat second, hoping to god that we could bowl well enough to utilise the Melbourne pitch. We could; bowling the Aussies out for a measly 98, the only 2 figure-all-out tally in the whole series. We sealed the win with some huge hitting and a notable 168 from Jonathan Trott. The Ashes was ours to keep. Without needing a win, but certainly wanting one, we bowled Australia out for 280 in Sydney and England hit their biggest ever tally in an Ashes test in Australia of 644. 3-1. What a win.
LGBT History Month By Natalie Shilton The 1st of February brought about the start of LGBT History Month. It is a celebration of all the achievements and the lives associated with our community. LGBT History Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn and broaden our knowledge on a diverse community rich in history. Patrons of LGBT History Month include actor Ian McKellan and Rugby player Gareth Thomas. If you would like to know more about LGBT History Month visit www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk. The UP:LGBT has celebrated LGBT History Month in style with many socials including a Pub Crawl, a coffee morning and heavy involvement in Prism’s latest themed
night.The society has also started up many campaigns. These include: A petition for gender neutral toilets Men and women’s LGBT Sport History Blood Donations Many more campaigns are to follow; including a No H8 campaign that begins March 1st. If anyone would like to get involved with any of the UP:LGBT’s campaigns do not hesitate to contact one of the committee members. You can find out more on our Facebook page, or our twitter feed.
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UOP Big Band CHOIR By Martha Jane Davenport and Nat Frankes
To many people, the idea of a choir conjures up images of churches and middle aged warblers. This however, is not the case with the University of Plymouth Student Choir. We have been together for just over a year and since it’s development, we have managed to at least double in numbers. This has allowed us to produce an amazing sound. We now not only have incredible girls but have a very strong bass and tenor line provided by some very talented boys. We perform a huge range of songs, both old and new from many different genres of music. We are an inclusive society and will support anyone with a passion for singing. Since the beginning of September, the choir has participated in various fundraising events, the biggest and perhaps most publicised of these being that of Children in Need, where ‘Lean on me,’ ‘Seasons of Love’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from Hairspray, secured us a prime time spot on local news. Our next endeavour, is a massive concert ‘Music for Megan,’ this commemorative extravaganza is dedicated to the life and struggle of local student Megan Fletcher, who
This year the University of Plymouth Big Band have been working alongside many charities and in the local Plymouth community from open days to big charity events outside of the university. The band have gone from strength to strength and we hope this continues. This year we have one of our biggest challenges yet, a joint gig in the Plymouth Guildhall on March 12th in memory of a former student. Music for Megan will be an evening of musical entertainment ranging from swing, jazz, musicals and classic hits to celebrate the life of Megan Fletcher, who lost her battle against cancer last year. Her bubbly, happy character has inspired us to organise this charity event for CLIC sergeant to raise awareness and help for other young sufferers. The evening will offer great music from the Big Band and Student Choir as well as an auction with some fantastic gifts donated by local Plymouth businesses. It would be great to see you there! All profits will be going to CLIC. Tickets are on sale now from the Peninsular Arts box office 01752585050, just quote Music for Megan.
sadly lost her fight to cancer in May last year. Set in Plymouth Guildhall, we have been given the opportunity to sing a wide range of songs, both as a choir and as a collaboration with the University’s Big Band. Tickets are now available and can be collected from the Peninsula Arts Box Office situated in Roland Levinsky. All money raised in connection to this event will go towards the charity Clic, who are constantly helping children and young people to overcome cancer and leukemia. We hope that many of you will attend this night as it will be a fantastic feel good time, and you will be directly helping to fund Clic and the amazing things that they do.
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Hola Amigos! Would you like to learn about other cultures? Would you like to be a part of something unique this year? The UPSU Latinos and Spanish Society welcome you to embrace Latin and Spanish culture by getting involved in our wide variety of exotic and exciting events on offer exclusively for Plymouth University Students. Our regular events are: LATINO MONDAYS (SU Illusion Room, 7pm onwards, weekly) Ever wanted to be involved in the party scene of Latin America? Well, now is your chance! The Latinos and Spanish Society are offering you an exclusive opportunity to learn Salsa dancing, as well as our new addition Kizomba dancing. Kizomba is originally from Angola, and is thriving in Brazil, Portugal, Spain and all over the Caribbean Islands. It is now BOOMING in the UK, and we are now giving you the opportunity to try it out for yourselves. We are lucky enough to have two professional dance teachers one from the Caribbean; Alexis from the Dominican Republic who teaches Salsa, and Americo from Angola who teaches Kizomba. If this wasn’t enough, we also have a Latino Disco straight after the dance classes, where Venezuelan Latin DJ Robertico will be spinning the decks and playing a wide range of Latin Music for you to enjoy, including: Reggaeton (Latin Club Music), Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Latin House and Caribbean Drums EVENT TIMES: SALSA = 7PM-8PM KIZOMBA = 8PM-9PM LATINO DISCO = 9PM TILL LATE ***FREE ENTRY*** Each dance class costs £3 Remember: You don’t have to be a member to come along, you can come to any combination of the 3 events above, there is free entry to the Latino Disco, no partner needed, and most importantly the classes and disco are open to anyone regardless of any past dancing experience. HISPANIC CINEMA (Every 4th Tuesday of each month) This is a great event for anyone that wants to just chill out and relax watching a film, whilst also being able to meet new people. We bring to you a glimpse of Spanish and Latin culture through a wide variety of different movies spanning all genres and periods of time. Don’t worry if you cannot speak the language because English subtitles will always be provided! SPANISH – ENGLISH EXCHANGE We as part of the Plymouth Latinos & Spanish society want to try and help Spanish speakers improve their English, and also help the English speakers try and help improve their Spanish that is why, we have decided to run a Spanish English exchange. This will help give the opportunity for many of these people to improve and even learn a new language in
their spare time and even possibly make new friends. For anyone interested please get in contact with us on: plymouthlatinosandspanishsociety@hotmail.co.uk and send us the following information and we will get back to you mentioning: 1. Name 2. Course 3. Language you would like to learn/ improve? (English or Spanish) 4. Level of the language? (beginner, intermediate) 5. Contact number Please be patient and give us about a week to respond back to you as we need to find the most suitable person for you UPSU Latin & Spanish Society THEMED NIGHTS On Wednesday 26th January a Special Middle Eastern Bollywood Party took place at the University of Plymouth Students Union, where we had over 100 guests join us at the party. The party started off with some Middle Eastern music in the background while everyone got nice and cosy while there was also light refreshments available. DJ Vishal, born in Tanzanir was on the decks playing everything from Bhangra to Bollywood music to Arabic to Persian to Turkish. Then the performances started by about 9:30pm where we had one performance after the other including: Kurdish dance performance/s Bellydancing dance performance/s by Ameera Bollywood dance performances Kurdish MC rap duo Due to the success of this event, we have an upcoming Middle Eastern party on Wednesday 23rd February and we are expecting that the second party will be twice as great and twice as fun. The party is held at the University of Plymouth students union in the Illusion Room. It starts at 8.30pm and again DJ Vishal will be playing all the BEST Middle Eastern tunes and more... With guest DJs & more performances FUTURE HEADLINE EVENTS: As if all the above wasn’t enough, keep listening out for more news in the near future about the Charity Carnival Festival and also the Latin Beach Break event. For access to more information on any of these events, or if you are interested in joining find us on Facebook: UPSU Latinos & Spanish Society We hope to see you very soon! From the Latinos and Spanish Society Committee
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Sports Report
Nathan & Jack The University’s only Sports radio show is still producing high We have a number of features that NEED your input to quality material to please your ears, and over the past few weeks we’ve succeed. Our Club of the week will go to anyone who had some great shows. Here is an update on our ever popular clubthinks they deserve it, and nominations can be sent via fight feature, CLUB FIGHT. email with the club of your choice and the reason they deserve to win. We also bring you our ‘Quote of the So far we’ve had: Week’, so if you have one to share with us, please do! You can also send music requests, interesting news or anything Riders vs Snowriders – An interesting battle, where the Sports related that crosses your mind. So get your Club of Rider conceded soon in to award Snowriders with the first the Week nominations, quotes, and everything else sent ever title of ‘Club Fight Winners’. in to either nathan.gornall@students.plymouth.ac.uk or Swimmers vs Rowers – Both competitors really wanted to jackwilliamcantwell@gmail.com. be crowned ‘King of the Water’, and after a fierce battle, the We also take texts; these can be jokes, challenges or winner could not be decided. It came down to a bout questions, so send SPORTS followed by your message and of intelligence and the Rower sealed the win on the tie your name and club to 07809411893. For example, “SPORTS break question. The Cricket Team are so smelly they made right guard go Hockey vs Lacrosse – Two of the louder and prouder clubs on left. From John, Golf Society” or something to that effect. campus, these field sport teams would not bow out without We record on Mondays from 5-8 and our show is available to a fight. With a crowded studio, the Lacrostitutes held listen to throughout the following week. We also have a Fan their own against Hockey, and when once again the winner Page, ‘Plymouth University Radio – Sports Report’ on Facebook, couldn’t be decided, it was the Hockey girls who came out where we will post links to shows and keep an eye out for on top in the general knowledge tie-breaker (yes, you heard, casual suggestions from listeners as to what we should be hockey girls, intelligent) talking about. Basketball vs Netball – The studio had been transformed into a cauldron of beautiful curves and chiselled features as two of the best looking clubs entered our doors. It was the Netball girls who had the charm though as they eased their way to victory over their court + basket counterparts. We’ve got some big battles coming up so keep your eyes open for your club’s calling! We might even have some Marjons in for a varsity special!
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University of Plymouth Sports Team Rankings Another month, same fantastic record still stands for three of our Sports teams, the Rugby Union Men’s 1sts, the Netball 1sts and the Squash Men’s 1sts who all maintain their 100% records this season. Some slight improvements needed in our
Men’s Hockey teams and Women’s Lacrosse, but they know they have the whole of Plymouth University behind them! Good luck to all our teams on climbing up the table before the next issue!
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The RBS Six Nations 2011 So Far As a devout member of the Church of English Rugby, I feel I should get any objectivity off my chest before we get onto a brief roundup of the first two weeks of this years Six Nations tournament.
So… “EENNGGLAANNDD/ SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOT/ CHEERS THEN WALES!” Etc. etc. Now that the raving display of patriotism has been dealt with, lets get on to the tournament so far.
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
F
A
PD
TF
PTS
1
England
2
2
0
0
85
32
53
10
4
2
France
2
2
0
0
59
43
16
4
4
3
Wales
2
1
0
1
43
32
11
3
2
4
Ireland
2
1
0
1
35
36
-1
4
2
5
Scotland
2
0
0
2
27
58
-31
3
0
6
Italy
2
0
0
2
24
72
-48
2
0
Week One:
Week Two:
Possibly the only upset in the opening exchanges of the tournament (depending on your point of view) was the defeat of the Welsh by a resolute English side in a thrilling 80 minutes that provided a brilliant kick-start to this years competition. Courtesy of new wonderboy Chris Ashton and an unflappable Toby Flood, England emerged with a 26-19 win over the old enemy. The author would also like to put forward Andy Powell’s new hair and Ben Foden’s first minute destruction of Stephen Jones as further reasons for the welsh loss. Meanwhile on the continent, the home nations met with mixed success. Ireland scraped a 13-11 win over serial wooden spoon holders Italy following a slow start by the Azzuri that culminated in a heart-wrenching final 10 minutes following a late try by Luke Mclean. The crowd at Stadio Flaminio were on their feet for the last five minutes as Ireland fought for field position in the face of an invigorated Italian defence. However, the luck of the Irish held out and long serving Irish veteran Ronan O’gara neatly slotted a drop goal to finish the game with an Irish victory. On the outskirts of Paris, Les Bleus put forth a convincing show of strength and expected flair that resulted in a 34-21 victory over Scotland; despite a remarkable show from the visiting Celts. Although Saturday evening at the Stade de France saw a determined Scotland continually expose holes in the French defence with notable performances from Captain Alastair Kellock and Sean Lamont, it was ultimately the French side that emerged victorious.
Not happy with a brace of tries in Wales the week before, Chris Ashton continued to fly high alongside a rampant England by contributing a further 20 points in an utterly convincing show of power over Italy at The Cabbage Patch. Ashton now equals the Six Nations Championship record of six tries held by Shane Williams and Will Greenwood with no sign of letting up the pace in matches to come. Toby Flood and long-time English talisman Johnny Wilkinson lended their talents to their team mates ground attack with a concerted aerial bombardment that left Italy in tatters at full time after a 59-13 defeat. Further North, Scotland were unable to find traction against a welsh side that finally ended an eight match dry spell at Murrayfield with a 24-6 win over the home side. Despite a strong game against the French last week, Scotland failed to either put a man under the posts or punish a 13man welsh side, following 2 yellow cards (Jamie Roberts & Bradley Davies), with anything more than two penalties that were toed over by Dan Parks. Across the water, Declan Kidney’s Irish side showed their frustration as they were unable to convert an early territory advantage into points and subsequently lost 25-22 to an off-colour French side. Morgan Parra punished the ill-discipline of the home side by safely putting five penalties between the posts in the face of a dominant, if slightly wayward, Irish side. So, two weeks in and there are still two contenders for the Grand Slam (France & England) and the triple crown is up for grabs by England & Ireland. Will England rise to dominance? Will France bag another six nations title? Will Italy win their 2nd Six Nations fixture? This author couldn’t say but it is certain that the next four weeks will provide some of the best rugby available and some of the most entertaining!
FEB 2011
Snowriders hit Tignes 2011 By Sarah Pook
Snowrider Report Aim: The aim of this years Snowrider’s trip to Tignes Val Carnet was to cause absolute mayhem. Ingredients: Boom box- to much of our board captains disgust, Ski wax, Fun, Skis and snowboards but definitely not blades! Some awesome Off The Piste Reps Nudity Redbull 145 Snowriders Ultimate spooning Indecent Fancy dress And a bit of Gavin and Stacy Hypothesis: Apart from a lot of skiing and snowboarding taking place At least 75% of Snowriders at all time will be under the influence… Majority will start après earlier and earlier Crowd surfing will become a usual thing Method: Hundred and forty five Plymouth university students unloaded into Tignes Val Claret ready for a week of skiing, boarding and let’s be honest, carnage. Snowriders fell one by one off of the steps of the coach that had been there home for the last 25 hours. During which, strawpeadoing of bottles of port had taken place and a large topless (and at times bottomless and boxerless), bus rave. Even though many were exhausted from the bus journey and the endless clubbing that took place, everyone was up for first lift. Many Snowriders ventured towards the snow park to try out the airbag. Some of which were impressive pulling out 360’s and front/back flips. Others on the other hand face planted or came off of the jump with too much speed and very nearly missed the airbag. In the evenings many events took place such as a massive bum boarding session whereby there were no sledges or bum boards to be seen, instead Snowriders settled for there bunk bed mattresses, oven trays and frying pans.
To put it simply - Wax on; Boom box starts at 8am follow by ski all day. Après ski beginning 2pm, La Follie Douce. Party all night. Wake up. Same again. Red bull really gives you wiings Results: As with many holidays there are always incidents that take place. If anything most were quite amusing, missing eyebrows, being unable to say MINE without facing ten press ups, a very loud boom box that replaced the alarm clock. Some highlights of the holiday was finding our Board Captain board passed out in the corridor straddling a brush pretending it was a broomstick, as you have probably guessed he is a fan of Harry Potter… maybe a bit to much. Luckily there were few accidents, and those who had them powered on through. Most of all Snowriders tried to avoid it as our Health and Safety officer was witnessed nearly falling off the side of the mountain. Furthermore when coming back from Tignes a few Snowriders who were wearing their onesie were casually strolling around outside the service station in London minding their own business. However they were then accused of looking suspiciously like student activists. They were hurried on to the coach quickly.
Conclusion: In conclusion it is clear that the aim was reached and the trip was a complete success. Some individuals discovered more than others, for example some found out that passing out meant that their eyebrows were at high risk. Others discover that when partying in La Folle Douce they must take off their top and finally falling off a bum board at a very high speed can cause slight concussion. I think we all can say that we are looking forward to next year. Game on. §
THE KNOWLEDGE
  March 13th UPFC are hosting a 5 a side football tournament at goals soccer centre. ÂŁ24 per team and profits go to charity and anyone is welcome. If you would like to enter email
upfc@hotmail.com before 4th march. Promises to be a great day and food and drink are provided.
FEB 2011
Futsal Premier Division By Nathan Gornall & Calum Nicholson
“The Premier division was a three part division this year. The twoearly fallers, who with poorly organised squads had to concede the rest of their games as 5-0 losses. May TBC and Undecided never tarnish our leagues again! The next part were the two front runners. “The last nine weekends have been enthralling and only just decided the relegation places in the last game. It was too close to call at the bottom of the table for all the season and Pennycomesquick were unlucky at the end with the team they could put out. It was almost certain from the start of the year as to who was going to be there at the end but with some big scores and some stunning team play have left the season in the balance with Futsal Campbell clinching victory in the final game against Your Mum’s Athletic. I am definitely looking forward to having another season as league manager starting in January 2011 and hope that it will run as smoothly as possible!”
Top Scorers
19 - Al Reynolds 14 - Calum Nicholson 14 - Steve Perkins 14 - Sina Zand 13 - Brad Farnham Highest Win Futsal Campbell – 16 Rory Curtain –1 Match of the Season Your Mum’s - 11 NRE - 9 Player of the Season Rich Hartley (NRE) Goal of the Season Ameer Abouzaid v NRE (Skins all 5 players)
THE KNOWLEDGE