QMessenger Issue 60

Issue 60

Monday March 19th 2012

Is Christianity relevant in the 21st Century?

Meet the Mayors

Page 7

Page 4 - 5 The Newspaper of Queen Mary Students’ Union

Russelling up success » » Queen Mary to join prestigous group from August

Concerns about higher emphasis on research

QM has joined the likes of Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and Edinburgh to become part of the Russell Group, which represents the UK’s leading universities.

Tom Bassam The Principal of Queen Mary, University of London, Simon Gaskell announced on Monday that the college would be joining the Russell Group, the UK’s equivalent to the Ivy League.

In his announcement, Principal Gaskell said he wanted Queen Mary students to feel great pride at the public recognition of its status as a “top class research-led institution that offers outstanding teaching and learning opportunities”.

Gaskell believes that the benefits of joining the Russell Group are entirely positive for QM. “Russell Group membership will, I think, make groups outside QM - be they for example prospective students or potential research collaborators - more aware of the University’s talents, strengths and achievements,” he said.

The Russell Group is a presti-

gious collection of research-led institutions and for QM to be considered in the same calibre of universities as Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial is impressive for a college of its size and resources.

QM’s move from 38th to 11th in the Research Assessment Exercise is the key factor behind the college’s invitation to join the Russell Group. However, joining the group could divert resources away from teaching and into research, which is not always in the interest of students.

An NUS study into student experience conducted in 2012 highlighted the issue of research-led study.

A student from one Russell Group university made this point about her teaching: “One of the seminar leaders is a post-doctorate, but I think he’s more interested in research than in teaching. It seems as though teaching is something that he’s been landed with.”

An article in The Guardian in

2010 highlighted the same problem at the University of Manchester, another Russell Group member.

The Guardian journalist, Neha-Tamara Patel, was disappointed that she was mostly taught by PhD students because the experts she was expecting to be taught by were busy conducting research.

Evidence of a shift away from teaching priorities is already evident in the College’s controversial proposals to restructure the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences (SBCS). Gaskell said: “I understand that there are contrasting views on the SBCS restructure but it is designed to enhance research performance in the School and I firmly believe it will achieve this.”

QM’s University and College Union (UCU) branch are concerned the restructuring plan’s focus on research will have a negative effect on the teaching quality of the SBCS. The “contrasting views” held over the SBCS’s shift in focus could be

Image by Keeren Flora

held more widely in the Universi- its own criteria for admissions but ty as a result of joining the Russell Williamson is concerned that the Group if the College continues to pressures of the Russell Group could mean QM moves away from prioritise research.

Oscar Williamson, Vice-Presi- its original founding as the People’s dent for Education and Welfare, Palace. The People’s Palace was creis unsure about the benefits of ated to provide local people with acQM joining the Russell Group. He cess to education. Williamson said: thinks QM may be close to its po- “If we finish the transfer into the tential for research because of the Russell Group and become an elitsize constraints of the campus and ist institution then what is the point is concerned the focus on research of Queen Mary?”

When the news broke that four would have a negative impact on teaching. Williamson came to QM new institutions - York, Exeter, from Russell Group member Leeds Durham and QMUL - were joining University because he was not hap- the Russell Group, students were py with the teaching he was receiv- quick to take to Twitter. Russell ing there, and does not want QM to Group trended nationally for most lose its focus on the quality of its of the day. User @adeo1234 wrote “Congratulations @QMUL on beteaching.

Williamson pointed out that Rus- coming part of the Russell Group. sell Group institutions are able to I’m so proud to be a QM graduate.” mask their teaching shortfalls by Prospective students also joined in, recruiting high achieving students with user @jaishN Tweeting “oh who need little assistance in grad- yeah! Queen Mary is gonna be part uating with 2:1s and 1sts. The Col- of Russell group. Good reason to lege has said it will continue to set firm QM?”

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

News

Editorial Team: • Executive Editor - Sam Creighton vpcommunications@qmsu.org • Managing Editor - Caz Parra editor@qmessenger.co.uk • Sub Editors - Lauren Mason, Robert Pritchard and Maria Sowter subeditor@qmessenger.co.uk • News Editors - Rosie Reynolds, Kaamil Ahmed and Ariane Osman news@qmessenger.co.uk • Comment Editors - Kashmira Gander and Stephanie Rankin comment@qmessenger.co.uk • Satire Editors - Ben Richardson and Aaron Barber satire@qmessenger.co.uk • Sports and Societies Editors - Shafi Musaddique, Hollie Carter and Ashley Sweetman sport@qmessenger.co.uk • Photography Editors - Keeren Flora and Bethia Stone photography@qmessenger.co.uk

You should be writing for us.

Email any of the above email addresses to sign up to our award winning team and get your career in student media off to a flying start.

Alternatively find us on facebook.com /QMessenger twitter.com/QMessenger QMessenger is printed at Mortons of Horncastle Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 523 456. Each issue has a print run of 1,000 and costs £445 to print and deliver.

Established in 2008, QMessenger is the free weekly newspaper of Queen Mary Students’ Union. We are proud of our editorial independence and endeavour to always hold the College, Union and external bodies to account and to provide the best news and analysis to the students of Queen Mary, University of London.

QMessenger is created entirely by students and the publication retains all copyright of design, text, photographs and graphics, along with the individual contributor.

Any views expressed in QMessenger section are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper, the editorial board, Queen Mary Students’ Union or Queen Mary, University of London.

@QMessenger In this digital age of ours it would be remiss for us not to keep an eagle eye on our online presence. So, here are the best messages tweeted @QMessenger this week.

Big Congrats to @annamatheson and Sean Richardson for nabbing the @cubmagazine and @QMessenger editor roles for next year. #QMGelections “I don’t even read @QMessenger” says one candidate...

Yay! Team spirit #QMGelections I’m at queen marys uni waiting for @bbcfreespeech to start and picked up @qmessenger paper really impressed with the standard of writing!

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The Cloud How you fit into the news.

A BBC investigation has found that care home residents are being neglected by GPs who are refusing to provide them with medical care and are instead doing consultations over the phone.

Campaigners claim that the elderly could benefit from visits from younger people as life threatening mistakes such as leaving the gas or electrical appliances on could be prevented before major damage.

A man who suffers from locked-in syndrome has won the right to undergo a legal process in which a doctor can lawfully end his life.

Queen Mary researchers have detected a way to protect the body from cardiovascular diseases through a protein found in the bloodstream.

A 17 year old has pleaded guilty to killing a 68 year old man during the London riots in August last year.

The Pentagon has said that the US soldier who killed 16 Afghan civilians in their homes last week acted alone and it was an isolated incident.

China has decided to axe its popular death row interview show, which talks to convicted murderers before they are killed.

Coke and Pepsi have decided to alter the way they make their drinks colouring in order to avoid receiving a cancer warning label on their products.

Prostate cancer sufferers in Scotland will be unable to receive the drug called Abireterone which would extend their life-span by three months due to the high cost of the drug.

By Ariane Osman Images by: Scientists: Are we producing too many? by mars_discovery_district (flickr) London Riots by StuartBannocks

In last week’s issue we credited the story ‘Bethnal Green honour tube tragedy’ to Ariane Osman - this is wrong and the article was actually written by Lucy Horne. In addition, the article ‘London Met launch new anti-terror campaign’ was credited to Kaamil Ahmed, and not to Alannah Francis, as it should have been. We’re sorry for any confusion.

Half of QM students can’t name their representatives Kashmira Gander The faces of the student representatives aren’t recognised by almost half of students at Queen Mary, according to a survey by QMessenger.

One hundred and thirty students across the Mile End and Whitechapel campuses were shown photos of the sabbatical team and asked to identify them by name or position.

Forty-eight percent of students questioned in Mile End cannot identify any members of the current sabbatical team compared to 30% at Whitechapel. More promisingly however, a sizeable number of those who were asked had seen their faces before but were unable

to pinpoint exactly when or where. without knowing her name. Thirty The results of the investigation come five percent knew her name but not following a campaign by the Students’ her position, with a few students idenUnion at the beginning of the year tifying her from previous role as Vice to increase awareness of sabbs and President Education and Welfare. their roles with the union and campus life. The funding for the scheme came out of the advertising budget.

However, the percentage of students who could identify the sabbs remains stagnant with 48% unaThe number of students who can’t identify ble to identify any of the sabbs, the any of their sabbatical officers same proportion as was found by the same survey run by QMessenEighteen percent of people asked ger at the beginning of the academic at QM recognised Dom Bell, but just year and published in an earlier issue. 14% could name his position (VP StuSophie Richardson, the current dent Activities). Twelve percemt recQMSU President, fared the best in the ognised Oscar Williamson, but only survey, with 47% of students at Queen two thirds of them could say what job Mary recognising her as the President, he does (VP Education and Welfare).

48%

Sam Creighton, VP Communications, achieved a significant rise in visibility on campus, with many students explaining that they had seen him handing out copies of QMessenger or that he had sent them an email regarding the media. One in five students questioned to name Creighton’s position, up from only 6% in the previous survey.

In contrast only 8% of students in Library Square could name George Ryan, President BLSA. However, on the Whitechapel campus this statistic hit a staggering 90%.

Sam Creighton said: “I am pleased that the number of students has improved, but it’s a shame that such a lot of students still don’t recognise any of us, let alone what we do day-to-day.”

QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

3

News

QM students join NUS walkout Aamna Mohdin

Homophobic attack occurs on campus

QMUL students joined thousands of students across the country in Aamna Mohdin boycotting lectures and attending rallies. The student walk out is part of a National Union of StuA homophobic attack took place dents’ campaign to highlight the on campus last Tuesday after a plight of what the union says is a student was called names and growing number of students being harassed because of the way he priced out of obtaining a degree. was dressed.

For the week of action, QMSU deA group of students were precided to focus on two things: hidparing to go into a meeting in den course costs and the SBCS rea room in the Francis Bancroft structure. Council members out on building when a student was campus asked students how much stopped by another student passextra they have paid towards their ing by who began throwing homoQMUL education on top of their tuphobic slurs at him regarding his ition fees. This information will be clothing. The student, who does collated for an evidence-based lobnot wish to be named, defendby of the University to change their ed himself and asked the attackapproach to extra course costs. er not to use homophobic lanQueen Mary students had a ralguage. At this point the attacker ly at Library square, with several became more aggressive, harassspeakers specifically focusing on ing the student even more and the SBCS restructuring. They then then physically attacking him. went to join a London student feedThe attacker also wouldn’t allow er march to Parliament from ULU. QM students focused on hidden course costs and the SCBS restructuring during the walkout. Image by Aamna Mohdin the other students going into the Ozzy Amir, QMSU Campaigns Ofmeeting to move away. ficer, said: “NUS walkout is vague the public the opportunity to scru- “We need a national debate on ed when the student movement The student called out for help and with no clear focus, a prime op- tinise major reforms to higher edu- changes to higher education and ignited in late 2010. A lot of peo- to other passers by, including QM portunity to inform students about cation. These reforms include the this week we will remind ministers ple feel disheartened that tuition Campaigns Officer Ozzy Amir. the restructuring of SBCS and how near trebling of tuition fees to up to that we are watching what they’re fees were increased and EMA was The attacker left as soon as Amir it affects them, and what we can do £9,000 this autumn and the open- doing. When the Government qui- scrapped, but nothing is more det- arrived at the scene. to make sure our education doesn’t ing up to the private sector of de- etly dropped plans for a higher ed- rimental to the cause than accept“There is no place for homogree awarding powers. January saw ucation bill earlier this year they ing these attacks on our education. phobia on our campus, what hapsuffer because of it.”

What action like this shows is that pened to the student is unaccepWednesday’s walkout was the the delay to the HE White Paper; didn’t drop their plans.”

Ellen Tansey, a first year Histo- thousands of students across the table and should not be tolerated,” culmination of a week-long “Come however the NUS have claimed, Clean” campaign by the NUS. The “the government is still hammering ry and Politics student, said: “It’s country are not prepared to settle said Amir. “The campus should important to maintain the pressure for the second-rate package that remain safe for all students, reunion says that unlike the NHS re- education.”

NUS president Liam Burns said: on the government that was start- we’re being sold.” forms, the government is not giving gardless of sexual orientation.

There is no room for discrimination on our campus. I hope there is a full investigation by the SU and the College.”

The attack follows a series of homophobic attacks on campus over the past few weeks. QMessults.

Alexander Alexson Penn senger has been informed of an Second year English student, attack at Drapers two weeks ago, Mike Brown, was initially shaken by and another at the library last Hundreds of QM students were the threats. “I’m livid. It says I can’t week. given a shock as a technical glitch take out library books until it’s sortKaz Gander, a second year Engcaused emails to be sent by the fees ed, but I’ve got all my deadlines over lish student, said: “I didn’t even office wrongly accusing them of fail- the next couple of weeks. What am I know that there were still people supposed to do?” he said. ing to pay their tuition fees. who would attack others for their Such fears were appeased shortly Students were threatened with sussexual orientation. It’s important pension from library book borrow- after as apology emails were sent out that people hear about it.” ing and future re-enrolment. Apolo- confirming the emails were “sent to Donald MacKinnon, QM LGBT you in error. The Finance Departgy emails were sent out shortly after.

Officer, said: “Over the last year “It must have been very distress- ment would like to apologise for any we have seen an increase in LGBT ing for many students, and it’s all a inconvenience that this may have abuse on campus; the commuproduct of the culture of education caused,” it wrote. nity has gained more confidence Ellen Kiely, VP Welfare-elect for as a commodity. Pay your money or this year with the strength of the no more learning for you they say”, the next academic year, pushed to new LGBT Society. I fear the resaid Ross Speer, History and Pol- re-assure the student body: “When porting of these attacks reflects itics student and recently elected I got the email I was annoyed, espethat this has always been a probcially if it meant I couldn’t take out NUS delegate. lem on campus, not an increase The email, entitled “Statement of books from the library! But then I in incidents. With this new found Accounts March 2012”, said: “You checked Facebook and instantly saw confidence we are working on are currently flagged as a debtor and that it was a mistake. As they apolcampaigns and action against will remain flagged until you have ogised so quickly I’m sure it won’t homophobic attacks.” cleared all outstanding debts. This cause too many problems,” she said.

“Linking arms with the activMeanwhile, QM’s Head of Income means that there will be a tempoists of SWSS and QMEquality, the and Credit Control, Lisa Davis, said: rary block on your account.

LGBT community on campus is This block restricts the borrowing “The intial mistake was caused by an strong and we are not afraid to of books from the library, booking a IT error at QM and not from Student make the case clear: we will not place at graduation ceremonies and Finance, so it did not occur across tolerate abuse!” any confirmation of assessment re- the UK”.

Email mistake shocks students

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

News

THE CANDIDATES WHO CARE...

Tom Stevenson speaks to the Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates for the upcoming mayoral race

Brian Paddick talks policing, politics with a big P, and receiving an offer he couldn’t refuse...

You were Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police for many years.

Your opponents, I think it fair to say, have a more obviously political background. Why should Londoners vote for you, a policeman?

I think the first thing to say is that, unlike the others, I've spent my life actually doing things. From Oliver Letwin, who let a thief into his house at 3 in the morning to “wash his hands”, to countless other examples, many politicians don't live in the real world. I don't own a car; I get public transport every morning. But that's also not to say that I'm politically inexperienced. As a senior police officer you liaise with the Home Office, and with the political system in various other ways. So you could say that a good deal of my career has been political with a small p. Recently of course I've moved into politics with a big P.

Image courtesy of the Lib Deas via Flickr (cc)

You certainly have considerably experience with the Police. Part of that experience was during the Brixton riots in 1981. How has that affected your opinion of policing policy – especially with regard to last year's riots?

I think that what happened last year was a culmination of something that's been brewing for some time.

During the riots, we saw some very poor policing tactics. There were too few police, then too many police, there were police deployed in entirely the wrong places, and at the wrong times. I think that lots of lessons learnt in the past, at times like Brixton, seem to have been forgotten.

And one of those

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lessons is certainly about discrimination. I want to end stop and search discrimination, and fight racism in London's police force.

What went wrong?

It's a bit like being asked what was the start of the universe, or what was before the Big Bang, but I think that since Boris took over entirely the wrong advice has been given to the police force. Were I in charge, I wouldn't have ever let community police relations get to the stage they have been at in the first place. I also wouldn't have allowed the rioting to get to the stage it did. I would never have allowed the smashing of a police car on Downing Street.

Police-student relations are at a real low point...

Absolutely..

The London S t u d e n t Manifesto says part of the solution to this is police meeting with student representatives to advise them on forming policies, particularly

where they directly affect students, in areas like protest and kettling, etc. What do you make of that, and what are you going to do to improve police-student relations?

I have been shocked by what we've seen – completely shocked. There's been failures of intelligence, and failures in police numbers. There's been far too harsh policing as well; you only have to look to what happened to Jody McIntyre to see that.

I like the idea of police meeting student representatives. I'm not resistant to criticising the police. I certainly haven't refrained myself. I have gave evidence against the police in the Jean Charles de Menezes case for instance, and recently on the phone hacking scandal.

I apologise for all the questions on policing, but I'm afraid it's something of a natural place to start with you.

Onto another area. A good deal of London's rental housing is very poor quality. This affects students particularly, who almost always rent.

Should there be a full scale investigation into this by the London Assembly?

Absolutely, but more important is an accreditation list of landlords, that will really make a difference. We also need to focus on building more affordable housing. Not a lot of people realise this, but the Mayor has the power to build, and the land to do it as well.

I could offer a 60% cost reduction on land price, which investors would certainly like.

Ken Livingstone says he's committed to a 7% reduction in tube fares, and an 11% reduction in bus fares. The London Student Manifesto wants a one-third blanket discount for all students in London. What are your plans for fares?

Students are obviously facing expensive times. Fees are going up to nine thousand pounds. You might say that we Liberal Democrats haven't been very good at signing pledges recently. Honestly, we'll have to look closely at our spending plans and work out if we can afford something like that. Ken has shown that his budgeting isn't sound here; he was caught out on television over the feasibility of this point. I would like to see help for people on low incomes, in part-time work, and those particularly vulnerable to fare prices like students.

Unpaid internships Well, 'unpaid internships' are slave labour as far as I'm concerned, pure and simple. This certainly affects students, who want work experience, naturally. Mayor is a very powerful position, and therefore I would lobby according to my opinion of this, but it is a national matter. You do have to be careful about interfering with the

employment market as well of course.

You are running as a Liberal Democrat; you're not running as an Independent. Many students, as you mentioned, feel somewhat betrayed by the LibDems. Why should they trust a Lib-Dem for mayor, and what's your personal opinion on tuition fees?

I don't support the idea of tuition fees at all. I support free education.

But I also realise that we didn't win a majority; we are in coalition and you have to compromise. But I will say that if I publicly signed a pledge, there would be no way I would go back on it, and I'm an ex-policeman, the whips would've had trouble persuading me.

Brian. I'm a Celebrity, why?

After speaking scathingly for years about people who have a price for their dignity, it got to the stage where the offer to me made it a no brainer.

Lastly, is Boris too charismatic? Is Ken too experienced? In three words: can you win?

Look, Boris is very entertaining, he can perform well, and Ken is a very professional politician – with all that comes with that as well, unfortunately. With me, it's what you see is what you get.

...And the one who doesn’t QMessenger repeatedly approached Boris Johnson in pursuit of an interview for this special. Unfortunately he declined, citing his busy schedule and our reletively modest circulation as reasons for his reticence. He also did not respond to our interview questions in written form.

We are not, at this stage, sure of what he’s hiding, but shall endeavour to find out.

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

News Ken Livingstone on fair fares, going back to Labour, and which candidate should host HIGNFY...

Ken, you’ve been Mayor before – in fact you were the first London Mayor. Why Ken again?

Because in those previous periods of office, I was able to cut fares, to totally rebuild the bus service, and to get police numbers to their highest level ever. I think if you stop most people and ask “does London feel better off after 4 years of Boris or not?”, I think the majority will say they think it’s worse, and they’re right. Crime statistics are up; the murder rate is up. There’s a 30% increase in knife crime among young people, burglary is up about 8% and rape is up about 8%. With those rising crime figures it’s inexplicable that we’ve lost 1700 police posts.

Student police relations are not exactly rosy right now.

The London Student Manifesto recommends police meeting with student representatives to discuss policy. Do you support that?

No problem with that. In the 8 years that I was mayor, in the run up to every big demonstration, I would meet with the commissioner two three four times, and his senior staff, and we’d get the line right on how it should be policed. I always gave out the firm line: the police were there to stop violence - and there is occasionally a small group of people who come committed to violence - and apart from that the police are there to ensure the right to protest. It seems to me that from the moment I lost, and Boris was giving guidance to the police, it’s been hostile to demonstrations.

When you had the demonstrations outside the Israeli embassy in January 2009, while there was the attack on Gaza, Boris Johnson said the demonstrations were anti-Semitic. It’s not surprising, therefore, that when the police moved in there was the use of truncheons. Then you had the fact that a lot of kids, many of them in secondary school, were corralled on Westminster Bridge until the small hours of the morning in freezing cold weather. That looked to me not like it was about public safety, but teaching kids they shouldn’t protest.

Is Livingstone the right Kendidate for London?

Image courtesy of the WEF via Flickr (cc)

for fares? by the London Assembly. What we gramme. You then find a bomb facI’ve given this commitment that we want to do is crack down on bad tory somewhere in the midlands What about education. Do you will cut fares 7% on the tube, 11% on landlords, that means - working where a group of white fascists have support their fees policy? buses, and freeze them until 2013, with good landlords - we want to accumulated a small arsenal, and it I support free education. I was still and after that they will only go up set a London living rent. gets a brief mention. Islamophobia an MP when tuition fees were inin line with inflation. From looking At the moment the average two sells papers. The far right, and I in- troduced, and I voted against them, at the books, that’s what we know bedroom flat in London is two clude the Daily Mail in that, have al- against the Labour whip. I take the we can do. We will look to see what thirds of a person’s take home pay ways demonised the latest arrivals. view that all these MPs had free edextra we can do for students... stu- - that’s not sustainable. Now, part ucation themselves... dents will get some benefit from that of the reason we’ve got this crisis is You famously left the Labour My view is that you pay for edufares reduction, and we’d like to go that Thatcher, and then Blair to his Party over the position of cation by a progressive tax system. further, but I can’t make that as a shame, didn’t build council housing. London Mayor. You rejoined. A lot of people who are doing coursfirm commitment because I’m not I’ve been talking to Ed Miliband and Why? es at the moment will never earn sure that we can afford to pay for saying that we need to build half a I was invited to rejoin by the Prime a lot of money, they’ll be in social it. I’d like to say that students can million homes in London in the Minister... you see, I’m not here to care or education, or health - others travel free, but we can’t afford that. next 10 years to cope with the cri- put forward the Labour leadership will come straight out of university What can we do between the current sis we’ve got. policy on anything and Blair didn’t and will make a couple of hundred situation and that? expect me to when I came back in. thousand pounds a year working for I’m sure we can find some way of Many students find the police’s a hedge fund manager, they should reducing fares further for students... PREVENT policy of “combat- Do you support the policies of pay a lot more. if we could tie it to income levels, ing extremism on campuses” the Labour leadership now? yeah, but that might not be possi- very concerning, possibly dis- I’m there to put forward what I think Boris is too charismatic to lose ble to do. criminatory. The London Stu- works for London. I’ve made abso- isn’t he?

As for working with students... dent Manifesto says it should lutely clear that there will be no cuts No. We’ve had the second opinion One of the things that might have Bus fares actually went up un- be reviewed. What do you during my administration. But I’m poll today which gives me a 2 point prevented the riots this summer, der you didn’t they? think? in a different position, we’re a hun- lead over Boris. Last year everybody when Mark Duggan’s parents led When I became Mayor, bus fares It’s a national government thing dred days from the election, I’ve got kept saying, Boris is very popular, the march protesting to Tottenham were 70p in outer London, and £1 and the Mayor can’t stop it, but I a fair idea of the budget I’m going to Boris is a laugh, and it’s all a personPolice Station, the Mayor wasn’t in London, the day I left office they think it’s a mistake. If you actually inherit, we’re close enough to know ality contest, but now we’re just 100 there to meet them, the Commis- were 90p anywhere in London. The look, in Western Europe 90% of all what I can do. Ed Miliband and Ed days from the election people are fosioner wasn’t there to meet them, Independent calculated that bus potential terrorist incidents come Balls have no idea what state the cusing on the question: do I want there was no senior office there to fares in real terms were cut by 9% from the far right, and yet the whole economy is going to be in 3 years someone who will make me laugh, or meet them. If they’d have been able during my 8 years. weight of media and official scruti- time. I don’t have the slightest doubt someone who will cut my fares... Do to have a meeting, that anger would ny is on a small minority of Mus- that under an Ed Miliband govern- I want someone who is charismatic, have evaporated, and you might not A good deal of London’s rent- lims. That runs the risk of demon- ment, there would be an expansion or someone who will restore police have had that three or four days of al housing is very poor quali- ising the whole community. If you of the public services that we need, cuts. Honestly, if Boris was standing rioting that followed. ty. This affects students partic- get one mad Muslim who turns up and a change to a fairer tax system, to be the permanent host of Have I ularly, who almost always rent. at the Home Secretary’s press con- and changes to a military budget - Got News For You, I’d vote for him.

The London Student Mani- Should there be a full scale in- ference and berates them, as hap- I’m absolutely certain that we don’t I wouldn’t consider contesting it. He festo wants a one-third blan- vestigation into this by the Lon- pened when John Reid was Home need to be spending 80 billion over is hilariously funny. But do you want ket discount for all students in don Assembly?

Secretary, that person gets 10 min- 20 years on a new generation of nu- a laugh or do you want your city to London. What are your plans Well it’s fine having an investigation utes the next day on the Today Pro- clear weapons. work?’

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

Newsfocus

Welcomed, now rejected: Students want troops to leave Afghanistan

There is increasing pressure on US troops in Afghanistan after a soldier killed 16 civillians.

Image by the US Army (Flickr)

life in Afghanistan has got worse - will be in their interest and I think place. However, Shafeeq says that Aschille also says that corruption the Kabul he returned to in 2010 is a problem and that it has stuntand that the Western troops now they should.”

Aschille agreed, “the sooner the was even more dangerous than the ed Kabul’s growth while other maneed to get out. Aschille says that jor cities have been able to improve.

When American troops entered there is not much trust left between better. If you’re leaving in four one the Taliban had ruled over.

“Before 2001 you could have years time, if you can leave now it “In Kabul, there’s a lot of poliAghanistan and the bombs start- Afhgans and the troops.

“They have lost, I think, the battle will be the same thing. We might as walked, go wherever you wanted ticians, everyone is just trying to ed to hit Kabul in October 2001, Aschille Mujadidi and Shafeeq Mo- for hearts and minds. They didn’t well see the climax slightly ahead of to go without any problem. If you get the money and put it into their hammad were still living in the do enough for Afghans. They sort of time. If they’re leaving, whatever is were to just follow what they were pockets,” says Aschille. “While did something small here and there going to happen will happen any- saying, the Taliban,” says Shafeeq. in the other big cities people are country’s capital.

Both are now students at Queen but that’s about it. They didn’t way - three or two more years is not “If you were to have a turban and slightly less corrupted or there are have a beard, then there would be not as many former war lords so Mary but lived through the first leave anything good for Afghans. going to change much.”

Compounding the anger amongst no problem.” they are focusing more on developyears of the war and saw the Tal- They just left a lot of dead people, “But now everyone sees prob- ing the city and agriculture.”

Afghans about the burning of three a lot of casualties.” iban pushed from power.

The recent burning of copies of copies of the Qu’ran, which US of- lems. You are thinking, ‘Oh, someBut now, with all of the contro“It was a mixed feeling. People were obviously happy, the fact that the Qu’ran by US soldiers led to in- ficials say was an accident, a soldier thing’s going to blow up now’, a su- versy surrounding the behaviour they’d got rid of the Taliban and it creased attacks and weeks of unrest has been accused of massacring icide bomber or something,” he of American troops and the percepwas quite a promising event that and has left a sense of bitterness to- 16 Afghans after going house-to- says. “So even going out now, I had tion of them amongst Afghans, the happened,” says Aschille. “The wards the Americans, according to house and shooting the families. to take my cousins with me when pressure on foreign troops to leave The US officials have blamed it on we’re going out so I had someone Afghanistan is rapidly increasing. whole world was focusing on the Shafeeq.

“Afghans, their whole lives are a rogue soldier, but angered Af- to go with me. In terms of security The success of their training of Taliban so they thought it could be based on religion and their culture. ghans believe that there may have it’s even worse now.” the Afghan National Army is being a good thing.”

He adds that there is now the scrutinised as it becomes obvious The optimism was there but it If someone doesn’t respect their been a group of soldiers involved in added problem of corruption, that trust between the forces is a sewas measured, says Shafeeq, as culture and their religion then ob- the atrocity.

Shafeeq left Aghanistan in 2003, with much of the aid being sent to rious issue. some worried that the new batch of viously they’re not going to trust Shafeeq is questioning how much “foreigners” into Afghanistan would them,” he says. “I don’t think there not long after the war had start- Aghanistan not being used properis any trust left between the Amer- ed but when, he says, the situa- ly under the controversial govern- longer the foreign troops can carry be like the last. on their mission now that relations Despite that original optimism icans and the Afghans. This is the tion had slightly improved. Invest- ment of President Hamid Karzai.

“The corruption is a big problem. with the troops are bad: and the changes they had hoped point where it will just trigger and ment had flowed into the country “If someone is not welcoming you to see come to the country, both of everyone will just stand up and and some of the strict rules that the All that money that goes from here, them are worried that not enough fight as they did with the Russians. Taliban had forced upon him when goes to the government and it’s not into their house, how on earth are you going to stay there?” has changed - they say in many ways The sooner the Americans leave, it he was at school were no longer in being spent properly.”

Kaamil Ahmed

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7

QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

News

Demand for welfare services at QM 10% above national average

A 2011 report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists suggests that an increase in student mental health problems may lay in the drastic change in the diversity of student populations.

Image by Joe Houghton via Flickr CC

Ariane Osman Higher education counselling services in the UK and around the world have witnessed a staggering increase in long-term, serious mental health problems faced by their student populations.

According to a recent survey conducted by UUK Working Group for the Promotion of Mental Wellbeing, over 80% of higher education institutions in the UK agreed that the demand for mental health support had ‘significantly increased over the previous five years’, inciting a pressing need to improve and expand mental health facilities for students.

In a report published in 2011, the Royal College of Psychiatrists insisted on continuing research into student mental wellbeing in order to discover whether the increase in demand for student mental health services reflected a legitimate rise in mental health problems or was a result of a more open minded generation who found it easier to discuss issues surrounding mental health.

According to the report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the age bracket of 17-25, which represents late adolescence and early adulthood is one of the most fragile in terms of developing seri-

ous mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as well as anorexia and substance abuse.

The report also suggests that the increase in student mental health problems may lay in the drastic change of student population.

The past 20 years has marked an increase in social and cultural diversity within the student body as well as the development of courses for mature and part-time students who are easily alienated from the mainstream university experience.

International students sometimes have problems with adapting to their new country, language, culture and pressure to perform well in their studies.

The biggest factor contributing to student mental health problems may be the struggle to pay for university. Dr John Callender, a psychiatrist who contributed to the report said: “Many [students] are having to work long hours in paid work on top of full-time academic studies. Many are less well-supported by their families than was the case in years gone by.”

The prospect of having to keep up a social life and make new friends is a daunting one for first year students. In addition, there is the stress of adapting to the increased workload of university, the independent style of studying and

time-management between academic and non-academic activities.

“It’s also often a time when they look around and compare their own life stories with others and begin to reflect on difficult family issues that, while they were still within the family unit, they were unable to think about,” said Terry Patterson, a counsellor at Queen Mary.

Patrick Ford, a student at QM, said: “A young 18-year-old who has never been away from home and has perhaps not tried alcohol or drugs or has not even done much cooking is plunged into a university culture which is very individualistic. They can’t cook, so they eat badly. They don’t know their limits, so they drink more harmfully, they miss their family and depression kicks in.”

Final years are also under immense pressure to find a job in an economy where having a degree does not guarantee employment and where there is suddenly a need to take part in volunteering and join university clubs to stand out from the crowd. “I think any university student who reads or watches the news is greeted with news about unemployment rising, no jobs available, and so it puts pressure on you to achieve high so you can stand a chance of getting a job. It’s no longer good enough

staff member e.g. a welfare advisto just get a good grade, you have er or counsellor for a one to one apto have a good CV,” said Cathryn pointment - many students don’t Parkes, a QM student. need this as they get they support “Final year students are facing they need at stage one.” the end of their academic career The Queen Mary welfare website and a transition into adult life as also receives 80,000 hits a year symbolised by graduation. Many with 51,000 unique visitors, the relish this but for those who have no firm plans it can be bewildering. majority using the self-help mateWe see many students with diffi- rials available.

The most common problems culties completing their degree Queen Mary students require and often this is linked with not counselling for are academic being ready to take that step. This struggles, depression anxiety and can be especially problematic for low mood. those who have continued to live at “We have a higher engagement home while being a student, which from English and Drama and also can sometimes impede the process of learning the skills needed to be- SMD,” said Terry Patterson. “This come an independent and self suf- is in line with engagement patficient adult,” said Terry Patterson. terns at other HEIs, and tends to reflect English and Drama stuThe welfare services at Queen Mary have also noticed an in- dents’ academic interest in personal reflection and self awareness, crease in demand. 13% of students meet with a counselor one to one, and in SMD it fits with their prowhich is above the national aver- fessional training and professional responsibility for their own perage of 3%-10% at most universities sonal well being.” in the UK. The best way for students to look “We have at least 2000 - 3000 after their mental health is not to enquiries from students a year which are dealt with by our front- ignore the signs. “The best advice we can offer is to encourage stuline information team,” said Laura SeQueira, head of welfare servic- dents to seek help when they need es at Queen Mary. “The informa- it - our aim is to help students to be functioning healthily so that they tion team help students with their can reach their academic potential initial enquiries, and help them in using the self help materials. They - seeking support before things become even more difficult to cope also work with students to work with is the best way to do this.” out who needs to see a specialist

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

The Great Debate

Comment

Is Christianity still relevant?

Good Night And Good Luck What a year! We recently have been looking through old issues of QMessenger and have become quite nostalgic about the end of our adventures at QMedia -aka, QMessenger Media Group.

As you might know, this is our last issue of the year. We’re well aware that interesting things will keep hapening and we would love to report on them but, alas, due to lack of funds and our academics studies it’s time to start thinking about what our end of the year mark will look like...most of us on the QMessenger team are 3rd years, so dissertation panic is in the air!

We would like to thank all of you who’ve written, photographed, designed, proofread and anything else for us during the past year: we couldn’t have done it without you.

We hope you keep writing for us next year!

So, that’s all folks, wish us luck!

We now would like to introduce you to next year’s editor: Mr Séan Richardson...

QMessenger Catches Gingervitis Hey everyone, new editor here!

The prospect of next year is incredibly exciting and I’m ecstatic to be taking over as Editor. At the same time however its really sad to see Caz and Sam leaving after their fantastic year together as the heads of QMessenger and I wish them all the best in their futures.Hopefully Kaz, I and the rest of the QMedia team can continue to build upon what has been left to us!

It will be exciting to put the paper together from our snazzy new media room whilst we take some steps forward as a team. The new year’s QMessenger will bring with it brand new sections, a whole bunch of fresh new faces and a new Sabb team to chase after. We’ll also be saying goodbye to CUB as our supplement sister and it’ll be marvellous to see it as an independent magazine once again.

See you all next year, Séan Richardson

Editors: Caz (11-12) and Séan (12-13)

Yes

Josh Lee

The other day I decided to take a mock British citizenship test (don’t do it - it’s depressingly difficult).

Among the many answers that I got totally wrong, there was one that shocked me - apparently only 10% of British people regularly attend religious services, with logic dictating that under 10% of people go to Christian services. Growing up in a church led family, it shocked me to see that 90% of people weren’t Christian. I quickly realised that this was stupid, and that the two aren’t inseparable.

Christianity is evolving beyond the church, beyond the dogma and, to an extent, beyond the discrimination. I know that this isn’t the true depiction of the whole. Many still fiercely burn the torch of medieval beliefs and refuse to let go (Cardinal O’Brien, anyone?) whilst the rest of us long for reasonable thought, but from a personal experience with Christianity on both sides of the belief scale I can’t say that it’s irrelevant. In a country where there is such little hope for so many people, having a link to something that makes you feel whole, something that is bigger than yourself, though not the only route to happiness, is clearly necessary for some.

When we discuss the relevancy of Christianity, for those on the “irrelevant” side homophobia is the main argument at the moment, as if gays are a sort of secular invention.

They’re not. There are whole groups of gay people (and women and trans people, whilst we’re here) who define as Christian, and it would be an outrage to suggest that, because of their faith, these people are in someway stupid or complacent when really they are some of the most coura-

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geous freedom fighters this country has; people whose faith places them in constructs that disparage them, whilst many who believe in their equality pity them for apparently choosing to live inside a religious culture that wishes to put them down.

Christianity isn’t a Bible, or a Church. It’s a personal belief that has inspired many people to do great things, and we could learn something still from them. Christians who are at odds with the Church can separate Christian faith from the Church, and those who call Christianity irrelevant must do the same. For years the church has played a game of cat and mouse with Christians: the latter progress with relative speed whilst the former plods along, pretending to be staunch in their ideas but eventually catching up. The evolution has been constant.

When we discuss the relevance of Christianity, I believe we should think of Nelson Mandela and David Ison, who used and are using their faith to challenge ancient, dogmatic beliefs of the Church. When we think Cardinal O’Brien, we’re thinking about a Church that arrived long after Jesus lived: a structure that demands uniformity from a flock that is clearly born diverse. The relevance of Christianity is, in my mind, unquestionable. People should feel good, and if people can through Christianity, more power to them - it’s the Church that we need to be keeping an eye on. There are still injustices in this country that many Christians are fighting, along with those of different faiths or no faith at all. Every voice in every struggle is relevant, so let’s not denigrate voices inspired by personal faith.

Josh Lee is a third year English and Drama student and is a member of the Theatre Company.

No

George Richards Is Christianity still relevant?

Does the Pope shit in the woods?

The answer, contrary to popular (Christian) belief, is no. Hell no, in fact. I suppose another way of posing the question would be "is a stagnant concentration of homophobia, superstition and general intolerance/ignorance still relevant?" or maybe even "is the concealing of paedophilia socially acceptable?"

Christianity (and other religions for that matter) has long been an answer for all of life’s little unanswerables; where did we come from? Why are we here? The human curse is that we question our existence and our means to exist.

Developments in both philosophical thought and scientific discovery have provided new and exciting answers that replace superstitious religious views.

Where superstitious medieval folk might have thought that lonely, cat-hoarding old woman down the street was a witch in league with Satan, we now see her as a sufferer of depression and try to help her instead of burning her at the stake. Over the centuries, the target of Christianity’s wrath has changed from the lonely elderly to those who want to practice safe sex, use contraception or have a gay relationship; a shift in their prejudice has occurred (although, if the war in Iraq/Afghanistan is anything to go by, the Christian Crusades in the Middle East are still alive and kicking).

It is starting to affect Christianity in the UK in a big way. Congregations are down and the number of churches in use is falling.

Image by Maria D’Amico There is no place for discrimination or intolerance in the UK, and Christianity, with its archaic approach to how individuals should live, is slowly being shown the door.

Christian groups often argue that Christianity provides morality in a debauched and immoral society, but before getting down to the nitty gritty of whether Christianity has ever provided a moral compass (what with the burnings/intolerance/persecution), let us just remember that the Ten Commandments come from the Torah, i.e. Judaism.

These ten rules are obviously not exclusive to the Abrahamic religions.

Cultures from all over the world, before being introduced to Christian doctrine, had their own laws that followed a similar formula. No one likes rapists and murderers and it didn’t take Christianity to point that out.

If Christianity disappeared tomorrow, the UK would not suddenly descend into a land of violence and chaos – although that damned religious intolerance would take a bit of a knock. As a society, we have a collectively built sense of right and wrong, and while before we were happy to blindly follow the Ten Commandments, with freedom of speech comes freedom of thought, and new thinking has brought about a different sense of morality. Sex before marriage is no longer a massive taboo but intolerance and ignorance is. Not only wrong, but embarrassing.

Christianity is on the downward spiral; as we become accepting, it becomes outdated, and I for one would rather live in a country devoid of Christianity than devoid of tolerance.

George Richards is a second year English Literature student and a member of Film Society.

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

Comment

High guffaws at low culture Jess Ashman There seems to be a trend in academia to value sophistication in art just as much as, if not more than, any other qualities.

For example, a great literary work would be dismissed if it was full of spelling mistakes and poor grammar, even though the essential content would be the same.

People would perceive the same work as less sophisticated and thus less deserving of merit.

The same applies to art, often art is dismissed due to a lack of skill in execution. This might seem warranted even though the actual content of the work would be the same; the underlying ideas and thought process would be identical.

This same problem, to me, seems to apply to people’s perception of comedy. The antithesis of sophistication is the comical and so comedy is often viewed as an invalid art form and is seen as less worthwhile than, for example, literature or music. Even if it is more valued in social groups to be funny than it is to be clever, in academia it is the other way round. Perhaps this is for the best; the comics are popular and the academics are unpopular.

However, I don’t think this is fair, a great work is often also funny, but it is always assumed its greatness does not come from its comedic value. Academics focus on the signifiers of sophistication rather than the signifiers of quality.

“Substituting what you mean for what will sound more sophisticated becomes automatic

”

This also brings up another issue with viewing sophistication as the most desirable quality - that of forced sophistication. Almost everyone at university uses different language in essays than in their day-to-day life. This is because if they spoke as they truly do in an essay they would be regarded as unsophisticated and their work would be dismissed.

We are taught from a young age to swap words like “but” for better words like “however”. Why is “however” a better word than “but”? I refuse to believe there is such a thing as a better word. Substituting what you mean for what

will sound more sophisticated becomes automatic and expected in an academic situation. It becomes so ingrained in our way of writing that we end up with phrases like “the antithesis of sophistication” coming into even our more casual works. I believe this overvaluing of sophistication causes a homogenised style of writing, meaning the writer’s personality is substituted for their level of sophistication.

This is the same prejudice that values books over internet sources and card games over computer games. Often what is modern is re-

of the “Because bias towards

sophistication, academics lose out on everything from blogging to Super Mario 64

”

jected due to its perceived lack of sophistication, meaning the academic world progresses at a much slower rate than the outside world.

What is perceived as sophisticated today may have been seen as vulgar in the past. Because of the bias towards sophistication, academics lose out on everything from blogging to Super Mario 64.

Only recently has film been seen as an academic subject and it is still accepted with a begrudging air of superiority from other disciplines.

This is again the issue of the modern not being seen as sophisticated.

If we embraced things we do not see as sophisticated we would have a much wider culture to draw on for academic purposes rather than scoffing at the idea of seeing computer games as great works and comedians as geniuses.

There is also a trend that sees Marcel Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel (1951, after the 1913 original was lost). what is popular as not sophisticat- Image courtesy of Charles Hoffman via Flickrcc. ed enough to be worthy of merit.

There is no way to extract soI also do not doubt that there are We see popular culture and culture (art as in not literature or music), as two separate things. Those who with modern art often openly re- academics that do not reject popu- phistication from culture. I only indulge only in popular culture are jecting “sophisticated” forms of ex- lar fiction and are enriched in their propose that we value unsophistication and hold onto what prepression. seen as uncultured. cious little we have.

This is an interesting anomaly in Academics often like to remind Things we dismiss should be us that everyone watched Shake- culture as those who reject modvalued for being honest and real speare plays back in the day but ern art are seen as unsophisticatin the same way many sophisticatseem to forget that everyone ed instead of vice-versa as it is seen ed works are. In addition to this, watches The X Factor now. How- in almost all other disciplines. It and from an entirely self-interestever, I am not arguing that The X would be easy, then, to decide to ed perspective, as an extremely Factor isn’t shit – it is, but I have reject other disciplines due to their poor speller I believe people who come to that conclusion due to uptightness, however I think this cannot spell should not have their its shitness and not by dismiss- would be entirely unfair since acaideas dismissed by the red wobbly ing it as unsophisticated. I think demics do not represent an entire line of sophistication. we should judge things on what art form. Even though literary critwe like regardless of their levels of ics often reject popular literature, understanding of literature for it.

Once we have learnt to superfi- Jess Ashman is a first year English sophistication, or their perceived it is still being produced in order for them to be able to look down cially apply sophistication to our Literature student and a member of levels of sophistication. lives it cannot be unlearned.

Art is the forerunner of this idea on it.

LGBT Society.

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“Once we have

learnt to apply sophistication to our lives it cannot be unlearned

”

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QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

A journey to democracy Noah Pok Hei Sin Tensions were sparked last month after Mercosur decided to block access to its members' ports to Falklands Islands ships. The 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, a disputed British colony off the coast of South America. This reminds me of another former British colony, surrendered and returned without any fighting: my homeland Hong Kong.

In 1841, Hong Kong was turned over to Britain as a result of the Qing Empire’s defeat in the first Opium War. It was undoutedly a humiliating incident. China wished the war had never happened, and had it not been the weak, corrupted, and fragmented empire it was, it may not have.

However, had China won, Hong Kong could never have become the miracle it is. Whilst Hong Kong transformed itself from a fishing port to a key trading centre, China underwent a series of revolutions, coups and political struggles resulting in chronic instability. As the communist flag flew high in Beijing, American, British, and Chinese businessmen flocked to Hong Kong, the closest possible haven.

Under British rule Hong Kong retained a culture of its own, where East met Western economic freedom and capitalism was the norm; yet it was never a democracy. Politics was the business of the foreigners: British colonials. Appointments directed to involve more ethnically Chinese citizens in politics were

I know very little about Buddhism.

I watched a documentary a few months ago featuring a Berkeley academic who travelled to Tibet in order to spend time with practising Buddhist monks – I think it was a National Geographic production, it’s probably still knocking about online somewhere.

The academic was taken to meet with this French philosopher and PhD molecular geneticist (Matthieu Ricard) who had just decided that a career in science wasn’t for him, and that a life as a Buddhist monk in the Himalayas would be more appropriate.

The two men proceeded to climb to this uninhabited area of the mountains in order to find a Buddhist nun who had locked herself in what I can only describe as a shed, and dedicated the last 50-something years of her life to concentrating on nothing but wishing everybody well. All day.

She was a thin lady and she smiled a lot and for a few moments I felt a pang of gratification, that she was doing that for me and for everyone.

So after watching the film in almost

Dramality’s assault on our media and culture

made later, only as a response to person without a free vote. “Why do the left-wing riots of 1967. Efforts we have to change our government?” towards a democratic Hong Kong said one young Chinese woman were made by the last governor, a interviewed by the BBC in Beijing. skilful Conservative politician, Chris This post-communist generation Pattern, who soon found himself in a relied not on democracy to become tug of war with Chinese officials who the rich and successful individuals reversed his plans once Hong Kong that they are now, but the opportunity and freedom to do business. Perhaps was handed over in 1997.

This raises the question: are this is a strange idea to those of us capitalism and democracy really who firmly believe in the grand vision of a democratic world, but when you twins by default?

At the end of the Cold War, people are poor and hungry, bread comes in the West cheered, declaring before democracy. Common sense, the victory of capitalism over really.

Today, European economies communism, and democracy over dictatorship. The 1990s saw the peak stall and cripple to revive. Even the of the capitalist democratic fever. United States has yet to recover fully.

Former Soviet states were desperate Meanwhile, President Obama and to be free and to prosper: to lose President Sarkozy are busy seeking state control on individuals and the re-election, while President Hu of economy. On the face of it, America China steadily prepares to hand over and the allies triumphed, and so to his deputy. As the twenty-first did their ideology: capitalism and century recognises capitalism, does it democracy go hand-in-hand and also mark the decline of democracy? neither could work without the other. Asking this question does not make Even the socialist parties accepted me an authoritarian; I am a liberal. the free market. Just take a look at But we need a reality check. There is the City of London under Labour, a no credible alternative to capitalism, tax haven enlarged by the day. And but there is one to democracy in what about China? The communist our contemporary world. Although state that once conducted strict the Arab Spring shines a light on economic planning, now embraces democratic progress, how many of supply side economics. Though they the new-born democracies are going How long before The Only Way Is Essex suffers the same fate as Big Brother? liked to call it “socialism with Chinese to survive? If they fail to prosper in Image courtesy of Beacon Radio (Flickr cc) characteristics”, in reality it was (and the crumbling capitalist democratic of dramality. Although it is natural is) capitalism with authoritarian world, I fear they will take the Chinese route of authoritarian capitalism. to expect many of them to focus dicharacteristics.

James Taffe rectly on catering to what the pubChinese capitalism challenges the inseparable connection between Noah Pok Hei Sin is a first year Modern Dramality. It’s a new television lic wants, I find it difficult to believe market and democracy. It is possible, History student and editor of The genre which blends the infamous that the public want extensive covas many Chinese would say, to be a free Progressive. reality series with fictional drama, erage of the launch of Amy Childs’ and it has taken the nation by storm. lashes range. Yet these shows conAs students there is no doubt tinue to fascinate me, not because many of us have come into contact of the riveting content but their conwith this virus at some point, which tinued assault on television, the meits entirety (I got a little tired of the my friends and enemies, and then continues to spread at an alarming dia, society and culture.

This situation isn’t exclusive to Berkeley academic, a man of about 48, through to the whole spectrum of hu- rate in the form of popular viewweeping every time one of the monks manity (in a technique called metta ing such as ‘The Only Way Is Essex’, Britain either, as the obsession of acknowledged his presence), I looked bhavana) left me feeling pleasantly, ‘Geordie Shore’, and ‘Made In Chel- many in the US has contributed to the success of similar productions into Buddhism a little more. I came firmly calm and composed, and I’ve sea’, amongst others.

Their role has more recently ex- such as ‘Jersey Shore’ and ‘The Real to the conclusion that, regardless of been every week since. I’m not sayany religious aspect that may have ing everyone should go, in fact, that tended way beyond its weekly time Housewives’, the difference being been troublesome for an atheist such would suck a bit because you’d proba- slot and has become deeply in- the cast are taken as a sort of unias myself, meditation seemed a use- bly get in my mind-realm and ruin all grained in society and British cul- versal joke by their audiences while ful mental discipline and the princi- my well-wishing. But I would like to ture. Dramality’s constructed casts ours appear dangerously close to beples of Buddhism more humanist gently suggest that taking some time, have captivated British audiences coming role models, made worse by than anything. There is a Buddhist every now and again, to sit complete- to a point that has some bordering the fact that they are simply playing centre on Bethnal Green Road and ly alone and concentrate on the fact on obsession, with many of us show- exaggerated stereotypes under inon Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes that you are not actually that impor- ing a fundamental need to be enter- tensified situations “dumbed down” they have an hour-long meditation tant, that you are not the centre of the tained by their actions for much lon- for easier viewing.

They are designed to satisfy our session open to everyone. universe, that everyone lives through ger than the scheduled hour a week.

Therein lies the problem - that is appetite for real people, but how an experience amounting to something not dissimilar to your own lev- if you really think it’s a problem. An real are they? The most cynical of el of consciousness, that everyone unprecedented growth in the de- us would dismiss the genre as a veessentially just wants to be happy – mand to be updated on everything hicle to catapult fame-hungry wanhelps give day-to-day life an invalu- there is to know about the week- nabes into the spotlight and into the able degree of perspective. The kind ly endeavours of these “celebrities” nation’s hearts. The same could be of perspective which it can be difficult has resulted in increasingly broader said for reality show ‘Big Brother’, to grasp living in a place like London coverage by popular media outlets which at one time was also thought I’m an anxious person general- and during a decade which is proving who have even got me questioning to be compulsive viewing for many, whether I really care about Lauren myself included. Now one can only ly – I wouldn’t have admitted that so challenging for our generation. hope the dramality genre will suffer Also, I feel I have a duty to the nun Goodger’s weight troubles or not. until fairly recently, but anxiety-inThe Daily Mail, for example, has the same fate. duced insomnia provides you with in the Himalayas because she really vast stretches of time during which shouldn’t be carrying the burden of become notorious for reporting on the most trivial events to fill its pagto consider such things. However, an world-happiness alone. es, but many of us have noticed an James Taffe is a first year History hour of sitting, focusing the full might exponential rise in this practice by student and a member of the Film of my intellectual concentration on Rosamund Attwood is a second year media institutions since the dawn Society. wishing well being and happiness for Film Studies student.

Even atheists can enjoy Buddhist meditation Rosamund Attwood

Comment

an atheist, “As Buddhism seems humanist ”

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11

QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19 2012

Comment

A er being at QM for six years it has formed a huge part of my life Sophie Richardson President

Wow! What a journey it’s been. My time at QM is beginning to come to an end. Even though I will still be working hard right the way through to July, this is my last ever column.

After being here for nearly six years it has formed a huge part of my life, as it has for many of you too. I’ve learnt a lot along the way, more than I could have ever imagined and, as many of you will have done too, I have grown and devel-

oped both academically and personally. And that is what I think we ought to be doing throughout our time at QM. We should all be open-minded enough to be constantly developing and evolving as individuals and we should always be striving to better ourselves, whether it’s the smallest or biggest things, it all counts.

I hope all of you will leave QM with just as many happy memories as I will. Don’t get me wrong, there

have been challenging times, both during my degree and my years as Vice President and President, but even the most difficult times have added to the experience. We will all have had our own challenges throughout our time here but hopefully we have all have grown as individuals because of them.

I wish you all the best of luck with your exams and assessments that are to come and, for those of you who will be leaving with

me this year, in the words of the High School Musical stars, “we’re all in this together, once we know that we are, we’re all stars and we see that, we’re all in this together and it shows when we stand hand in hand, make our dreams come true”.

T’rah for now, Sophie @PresidentQMSU

Use these last few weeks to lavish in the wonderful student lifestyle George Ryan BLSA President

We have officially entered the month of March and what an extremely busy month it is for BLSA. Last week BLAS totally rocked the Savoy with ‘Elegance’. As expected it was a hugely successful event raising a mega £18,000 for charity. This month brings you The Merger Cup, Take me Out, The Dental Beer Race, RAG Fashion show, Barts Arts, RAG week, UH finals in a number of sports and lots of exams for the Finalists!

Before exam term descends upon the rest of us, use these last few weeks as an opportunity to dive in and lavish in the wonderful lifestyle of a BL student.

On a more serious note, a number of you will be aware that the school is undergoing a restructuring process that will see a number of staff members made redundant.

I’ve been keeping up to speed with developments within the school and would like to explain

the situation as I see it: Although we are against any cuts that would affect the education of our students there are a few facts we need to be aware of.

The government has made cuts to higher education and despite the increase in fees to £9000, the university is still losing several thousand pounds per student.

Unrelated to this Barts and The London is in a situation where it needs to save £3 million in the

next year, if it doesn’t do this it won’t be in a financially viable position.

All of the other medical schools and universities in London have recently been through this situation.

The School of Biological Sciences down the road at Queen Mary is also undergoing a restructure that will see similar cuts happening.

It’s important we recognise BL is not isolated in going through this.

A er being a sabb officer for two years I now feel politicised, you have to.

Dom Bell VP Student Activities

So this is my last column ever having spent two years as VP Activities and five years at QM. You’re probably right in thinking ‘it’s about time’. I would agree.

Two years as VP Student Activities feels like enough. One year wasn’t but I’m now ready for my handovers.

Now, feels like a good time to say what I’ve learnt from being in office.

It’s also a time to reflect on some of the things I’ve said in the past and the ambitions I laid out.

I feel fortunate to have come in at a good time. I came from a Club background and in my time sport has started to take off.

The introduction of Get Active, the new Club Sport Dinner, and for next year the reformed governance and new Club Sport Committee are great things to be a part of.

It’s been quite a change but at the same time I’ve learnt that things take time and it’s been a challenge getting movement and improvement.

I’ve also learnt a heck of a lot about politics. I was first and foremost anti-political, or at least that’s what I thought.

I saw myself as a sportsman, not keen on left and right, or strange phrases like widening participation, student engagement, even representation is contentious when you get down to the bottom of it.

Now, I feel politicised. I feel like you have to, whether you like it or not, and I think all students and the Union will have to in order to be-

come a ‘great’ Union.

We have some really good services but we’re still a long way from engaging the numbers of students we need to even out some of the problems the Union.

Still, what a great time and what a great experience. Once in a lifetime and I recommend an executive position to every student, because students need to get political. @ActivitiesQMSU

My columns aren’t always my best work, but I still have a lot to say Oscar Williamson VP Education & Welfare

say something.

This is my last ever column.

I seemingly have a mental block I’ve been a bit slack with it sometimes. It has to be in on Thursday against the number ‘300,’ so the afternoon, and I approach this length of the piece I submit is dicdeadline in the same way that I tated by what’s on my mind at the approached essay deadlines: bang time: 200 hundred words of drivon the word count, submitted at el that must be further padded, or 15:59:59. This approach doesn’t 400 words of good material that encourage complexity or big ideas. must then be ruthlessly cut?

I like to leave it for Sam to let The word count is a problem for me. Three hundred words is a hun- me know.

It’s sad that the columns are dred words too many to say nothing but a hundred words too few to coming to an end. I had a few

more good ones left in me: on the incredible corruption and pointlessness of ULU; on the risks of letting economists get near public health or social policy; on Apple time-bombing their products so they switch abruptly from great to completely buggered over a weekend (not libellous when it’s true).

It’s probably for the best though.

While there have been a few good columns, I have also plunged depths of quality so low that Sam

now accepts whatever I send uncritically, which doesn’t inspire much self-regulation, qualitywise. Never again will I have such a platform, but that could well be for the best.

Thank you for reading, and for sending such a relatively small number of complaint emails.

Cya! @EducationQMSU

A er a four year love affair with student media, here’s my final column Sam Creighton VP Communications

I’ve always wanted to be a hack My last ever column.

It seems a bit odd saying good – well that’s a lie actually, up until bye to you all when I actually have the age of 12 I could never decide over four months left in the job, al- between being a writer and a dethough now I’m writing this four tective but then my grandmother, months doesn’t seem like a long in her infinite wisdom, pointed out time at all, and so I feel a bit nos- that there’s a job that merges the two and so my path in life was set. talgic…

When I got to QM I jumped I probably ran to be a Sabb for the wrong reasons, I ran because into the murky waters of student I want to be a journalist and I journalism as quickly as I could, I thought this job would help me on wrote a few articles for CUB and my way (which it has, immensely). then at Christmas was made news

editor.

In my second year I was one of the trio of people who founded QMessenger and then in my third year I took a stab at television and set up QMTV. I ran to be a Sabb because I wanted the time to finish what I had started with student media on campus, I didn’t even know student representation was part of the job (I guess it hasn’t really been for mine anyway).

Now it’s all done though, time to say TTFN and all that. I’m determined not to be one of those sad former Sabbs who continue to lurk around SU Facebook pages years later, so I’m definitely just cutting ties with this place.

I’ve made some amazing friends in the last two years and they’ll still be students so I’m sure they’ll keep me updated and always in possession of the latest issue of QMessenger!

comment@qmessenger.co.uk

12

QMESSENGER MONDAY MARCH 19th 2012

Satire All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Please don’t mistake anything on this page for fact.

Phillip Hammond

meets the meat

Thank you and goodbye

Building improvements to prevent QM disappearing ‘up its own arse’

Image by Defense Images

Phillip Hammond tells a shit joke to troops in Kandahar

Aaron Barber This week saw defence sectary Phillip Hammond announce a new plan to reduce troop casualties in Afghanistan. The plan, dubbed ‘Operation Meat Puppet’ will see solders having their limbs blown off before embarking on a tour of duty.

It’s claimed that wounding troops in the UK is cheaper and statistically less likely to cause loss off life than wounding them Afghanistan.

Mr Hammond was quoted saying, “The main aim is simple; we hope to reduce casualty rates in Afghanistan by increasing them here, the proximity of good hospitals and metalled roads will allow casualties to be treated more quickly than in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan”

When asked about the lack of ‘good hospitals’ and ‘metalled roads’ in Afghanistan, Mr Hammond declined to comment and mumbled something about ten years of warfare. Pte Duncan of the 2nd dragoons had this to say, “It’s tough but someone’s got to do it, you know, how are Goldman Sachs gonna invade Iran without our help?”

In a QMessenger poll asking members of the public for their comments, replies included, “Is this some sort of sick joke?” and “How dare you make jokes about people dying for our safety”. To which we responded, “You’re right. We shouldn’t make jokes about people dying for our safety in a country four thousand miles away with the long range attack capabilities of a flapjack. We’re sorry.”

SoFREE Richardson

As you may or may not know this is the last QMessenger of the academic year. It has been a pleasure to publish all of your submissions and we will sorely miss the fun. Aaron will be finishing uni and going straight on the dole. Ben will be attempting to sail the world’s biggest cake down the Thames.

If you have enjoyed this year, wish to troll or want to complain drop us an email.

The people upstairs (editors not gods) will be looking for next year’s Satire editors so be ready. It could be you...

Also in the news this week...

“Metropolitan Police to be issued giraffes to avoid future ‘Horsegate’ type scandals.”

“QMessenger Satire short listed for “The Best Factual News: Press” at the annual Newspaper Association Agency of Britain Awards.”

“Starbucks retracts new ‘name on cup’ policy after Satire writer Enyi Okoronkwo orders latte.”

“QMUL shows dedication to excellence in teaching by spending 5 million pounds renovating a 200 year old graveyard.”

“Following its expansion, Oxford and Cambridge storm out of Russell Group.”

Queen Mary students have raised concern this week over the worrying lack of satire about QMSU President, Sophie Richardson.

Psychology student, Sarah Carford said, “This is the satire section of the students’ union newspaper and there hasn’t been a single piece criticising the SU President. It’s a bloody joke in itself.”

Satire editor, Aaron Barber re-

satire@qmessenger.co.uk

Image courtesy of QMSU

sponded saying, “I’ve written about 50 pieces this year talking about how, for example, Sophie was running a slave-labour factory in Mile End but they’ve all disappeared between emailing them to Ben and the paper being sent to print. It’s suspicious if nothing else.” Satire co-editor, Ben Richardson, declined to comment.

“New Globe to shut down after cost of repairing broken tap and urinal in men’s toilet spirals out of control.”

“Anti-abortionists forced to give birth.”

“Giant badger causes £300k of damage to new chemistry building.”

“Person dies, people sad”

Ben Richardson Last week it was announced that Queen Mary had accepted an invitation to join the elite Russell Group of universities. The news was greatly received by most, except for the Queen Mary Estates Office, who deemed that many of the buildings on campus would now be unsafe as the university was at risk of disappearing up its own arse. In a statement senior structural engineer, Joseph Goodwell explained, “The process will take about two to three months, and will involve strengthening the current brick structure of buildings with steel columns. The plan is that this extra strength will prevent any structural implications if the institution is at risk of getting too far up its own arse.”

But how exactly is this possible?

We spoke to Physics Professor Simon Halstead who said, “There is a rare phenomenon which can occur when an institution of significant size has expectations of itself which far outweigh its actual worth. In this case, disruptions in the patterns of nano-particles could lead to a break in the space-time continuum, leav-

ing a void often referred to as an ‘arsehole’. Due to its nature it is possible that, without extra support, the university could indeed disappear up its own arse, so to speak.”

Historian, Dr Rebecca Smythe of Queen Mary commented, “The some of the buildings on the Mile End campus were designed for a different time entirely. The Queen’s Building, for example, was designed

by E. R. Robson in 1886 and rebuilt

by Campbell-Jones and Smithers after a fire in 1931. During this period the university was humble, offering nothing more than a few courses and struggling to grow. There was no risk of it disappearing up its own arse, which is reflected in the relatively weak design.”

The university sent an e-mail to all students explaining the situation and apologising for any inconvenience, “We appreciate that our new status poses an unexpected and real risk to college structures, and therefore endeavour to make the campus as safe a learning environment as is possible. In the mean-time, please try to remain humble and refrain from boasting to friends from London Met.”

Fact of the week

Tip of the week

Caterpillars turn into butterflies, slugs turn into moths.

To save time, don’t wash. Not only will you save time in the morning, you’ll also save time talking to people.

Aaron Barber

Aaron Barber

Cross Figure

Cartoon by Maria D’Amico

Really Difficult Bridges

Sudoku

Last week’s answers

15

QMESSENGER MONDAY 19 MARCH 2012

Sport

QM Netball onto winning ways »

QMN 1st Vs Royal Veterinary 1st

»

All Queen Mary ULU Reserve Cup Final to take place

Anna Matheson With the recent snow putting several matches on hold, Queen Mary Netball Club have been playing matches left right and centre to get results in by the end of the season; the result being several matches in a row, and a severely tired team.

Not that it would have showed on Thursday, with players on top form ahead of the of the biggest matches of the season, a crunch match and race for promotion against RVC, one of the clubs biggest rivals in BUCS league.

Having already played RVC1sts twice this year; winning at home, losing away, its no surprise the players were raring to go. The first quarter saw relatively even possession, with captain Laura Kendrick sinking some vital shots. Despite some brilliant interceptions from Goal Keeper Freddie Waites, a player that has steadily grown in confidence over her fresher year, vets pulled away after gaining a turnover: leaving them up by 1 at the end of the quarter.

Second quarter saw some silly mistakes from the Queen Mary players, understandable due to the nature of the match. But a strong performance in the centre court from Becca Francis and Rosie Caven meant the team kept their cool, with most of the QM centre passes resulting

Overall, the match culminated what has been a great year for QMN, with all four teams facing promotion Image courtesy of QMN in a goal. Ending two down, with another half to go, the team didn’t let their heads drop; refreshments and encouragement from the supporters meant a positive atmosphere on court despite the score.

Back on the court, the next fifteen minutes saw QM keep fighting.

With the addition of Francessca Sweetingham, future club captain, to

Goal Attack meant the energy level was maintained and shots continually went in. However, once more losing a couple of interceptions, the score turned in favour of the Vets team; who’s shooters were on particularly top form, barely missing a shot.

Leaving the court for the for the final break, spirits were high, being many of the players penultimate game

of their university lives, there was no way a loss would suffice. Sophie Walkers continuing enthusiasm and vital interceptions meant the final quarter was off to a good start; a turn over and a conversion put QM from three down, to there being just one in it. A succession of goal for goal play time made for a brilliant atmosphere; the supporters doing their best to

encourage the tired team. Within the last five minutes, a turn over from Emily Crosland and brilliant mid court movement from Anna Dixon, meant a succession of goals for Queen Mary. Shooters Anna Matheson and Francessca Sweetingham working well together, to provide the vital shots that would see Queen Mary 3 goals up with seconds left on the clock. With uncertainty towards the score, the players seemed forlorn to hear the final whistle screech just as the ball had been caught in the QM circle.

But a quick glance at the crowd was enough to reassure any doubters; QM1sts had fought until the end, taking advantage of Vets’ tiring team and pulled ahead to make the final score 37-34. A great game to watch and play, QMN showed once again why the club has been so successful this year; teamwork and great support from club members and friends meant the team are now ready to play their final match this week, with potential promotion in sight and are certainly ready to take on Barts in the upcoming Merger Cup. Overall, the match culminated what has been a great year for QMN, with all four teams facing promotion and an all Queen Mary final in the ULU Reserve Cup seeing the 2nds and 4ths play each other for the trophy this week. Next year, it can only get better.

A guaranteed win for QM Netball Emma Swan A bright sunny Monday morning played host to a fantastic day for QMNetball. The final of the ULU reserve cup began at 9am on the dot and the two teams to face off for the title of champions, were none other than QMNetball 2nds and QMNetball 4ths, the match was to be played in Elephant and Castle at London South Bank University sports hall.

Both teams began well with great defensive and attacking play from the 4th, led by Chrissie Paine and Alice Edwards, and the score after the first quarter highlighted this (5-3 QM2nds). A great battle of skill and tact followed throughout the game with Rosie Dempsey (QM4ths) showing her skill across the court playing both WA and C. The unbearable heat of the sports hall did not deter either team, Hazel Saunders and Francesca Sweetingham stepped up to the plate and secured the

lead at half time for QM2nds.

With joint 4th captain Alice Edwards out of action with a knee injury, she was reserved to the sidelines to support and cheer on her team; great team and club spirit shone throughout the match, one of which any girl would be proud to be a part of.

QM2nds eventually pulled away in the second half but were contained by the 4ths defence to the final score of 40-14; what a great day to close the season.

The Merger Cup March 24th Be There QM2nds competed against QM4ths for the ULU Reserve Cup

Image courtesy of QMN

sport@qmessenger.co.uk

16

QMESSENGER MONDAY 19 MARCH 2012

Sport

It’s Merger Cup time VS Hollie Carter It seems like only yesterday we were all packed like sardines in Drapers, friends and foes stood side by side eagerly anticipating those all important Merger Cup results, yet once again the event is upon us. For those of you who have yet to experience the Merger Cup, I am jealous; I remember attending my first

Merger Cup as a fresher and it was whilst being squashed in the second room of Drapers that I for the first time got a real sense of the sporting community that makes up such a large part of the Queen Mary community.

The event (worthy of its own wiki page) sees Barts sports teams competing against Queen Mary’s in a range of sports, from Football and

Rugby to Hockey and Netball, in a battle of the titans the rivalry of which is comparable to the likes of a Man U vs Man City derby. The day of blood, sweat and tears is the sporting event of the Queen Mary and Barts calendar and sees the BL, QM rivalry at is best.

The competition has been held since the merging of the two institutions in 1995 and historical-

ly Queen Mary have dominat- lost! With Barts as victors last year ed winning in 2005, 2006, 2007 Queen Mary are hungrier than ever and 2008. Things however have to put the trophy back in the QM changed in the recent past with cabinet, so it is set to be a truly draBarts winning in 2009 and in 2011 matic day and one not to be missed.

This year the date for the diamaking them the current holders of the prestigious cup. The Merger ries is the 24th March make sure Cup is more than just a bit of silver- you get yourself down to some of ware, it is the pride of each campus the matches and support your team. on the line and the glory of being At the very least make it to Drapers able to remind the other that they for the results.

Mutiny within the QM 4th team Jeremy Baily With QM 4ths captain TJ ‘shin-roller’ Johnson away on a scouting mission in the Bavarian mountains, it was left to vice and self-proclaimed ‘peoples’ captain’ Alfie Sowden to don the blue tape armband and lead his team out. Pre-match Sowden boasted of his 100% winning record leading the team, and threatened everybody and anybody with kit-washing duty were they to jeopardise his proud record.

Chislehurst was battered by the remains of Hurricane Katrina prior to kick-off, but the team kept warm and sharp despite a problem at airport check-in meaning the Holloway 4th team arrived 30 minutes later than scheduled.

sport@qmessenger.co.uk

The team lined up with a makeshift defence, Parker being Baily’s 4th centre back partner of the season. Winger Khomani lined up at left back, and new recruit Jack filled in Parker’s usual berth at right back.

The team were, however, blessed with a wealth of attacking talent, with Eric Dodd joining the not so prolific Max Melling up top and Cesc Fabregas and loanee Adam McDaid on the bench.

The first half was a rollercoaster ride, with Sowden and Melling both having chances but failing to test the dodgy looking keeper. The first clear-cut chances of the game fell to the Peter Crouch-esque Royal Holloway striker, but new recruit keeper Joe was equal to one, and Baily halted another breakaway with a clum-

sy challenge from behind. Royal Holloway appealed relentlessly for Baily to be given his marching orders as last man, but the ref was having none of it and stood firm. However much Baily protested his innocence at half-time, onlooker McDaid proclaimed ‘mate, it was definitely a foul, you went straight through the back of him’ in his unforgiving northern accent.

The opening goal was provided by the ever reliable Sowden with half an hour gone. A delicious through ball from lively attacking midfielder Mike was latched onto and despatched in trademark toe-poke fashion by the captain for the day to take his tally to 10 for the season. Although more chances came, they were not taken and it left the game

precariously hanging in the balance.

The second half went much the same way, with QM wasting many a chance. Melling was guilty of his trademark outlandish miss, failing to convert from 8 yards with little pressure from the defence and a scrambling keeper looking like he couldn’t catch a cold. Jamie Saggs was relentless in his running and tracking back, and it is rumoured that one opposition player was seen in the bar after the game asking for his shin back after Saggs drilled into his leg with an unforgiving challenge.

Going into the latter stages of the match, the game still had an edgy feel about it, with the team feeling that a one goal cushion may not be enough and tiring legs clearly on display. However, with 10 minutes

left on the clock, Mike put in another outstanding corner, which was met by the rising Baily to head into the top corner; evading not only the Holloway keeper, but two defenders desperately trying to strain their necks to make the clearance. It was described by his team mates in the changing roovm as ‘the perfect header’, and by Baily as ‘the best goal of my career to date’. It took the centre back to second top goal scorer in the squad, as much thanks to Melling’s woeful finishing as Baily’s extraordinary heading ability and coolness from the penalty spot.

So Sowden keeps his 100% winning record as captain and Parker takes home the kit as a welcome home present for the absent skipper… TJ who?