Cub 517 by Queen Mary Students' Union

CUB Issue 517

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WELCOME TO

CUB Welcome to the first issue of Cub for the academic year and the very first issue in its brand new format and design. Cub now has its very own designer bringing you the most professional student magazine Queen Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus has ever seen. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to pick up this, and the student fortnightly newspaper QMessenger, all over campus all year. We hope you like the changes.

scontents ContentsC ontentsCo ntentsCon tentsCont entsConte 02

06 Whitechapel Blossoms 18

Arts

Explore East

Your guide to all things cool

WhitechapeL gallery re-opens

11 Tim Lovejoy 20 Building London 2012 26 Don’t Say Fuck, It’s History 28 Chasing Pavements

features

Cub Takes you for a walk around london Cub Goes Head To Head With Lovejoy

A look at how the olympic site is doing Where did the sex go from history

32 Fashion Trends 35

Fashion

Top 5 Shops

YOur GUide to the best in the east Geeky or Preppy

36 LGB[Wha]T 36

Columns

Real America

Cub goes to camp

LGBT welcomes freshers

40 Technology News 43

TECHNOLOGY

Essential Gadgets

We find the best tech for freshers A look at the worlds tech Changes

46 Festival Reviews 50 Reviews 58

Other

Fresh Perspective

A look at your time at Uni

Glastonbury, Reading, and more Music & film reviews

Welcome to the

First issue of

this academic year. Editors List sam cunningham rebecca ngakane Amy Prior Hannah Olivennes Emma Hyner James Snee Tim Arscott James Ingrey

(editior) (sub Editor) (Arts) (fashion) (featureS) (Technology) (Music) (Opinions)

Design/layout by luke ngakane Printed with thanks at Calverts A Special thanks to Paperback Printed using vegtable oil based inks on “Cyclus Offset” 100% recycled paper. Cub is a registered newspaper with the post office and is published by Queen Marys Student Union. The views expressed within this or any publication under the title of Cub do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, section editors, Queen Mary Students’ Union, or Queen Mary’s. Cub makes sure All work included in each issue is accredited appropriately wherever possible.

They say that university is supposed to be the best time of your life, and for most people it is, but now that statement has really never been truer. With more people out of work than ever before, professionals have got even more reason to be jealous of, and moan about, so called ‘lazy students’. Granted come end of term time a lot of you will be stretching the limits of your overdraft to pay for one more night out but at least you know the beginning of the new term will bring with it another few thousand pounds to be enjoyed for another few months. Whilst others sit around unemployed worrying about how they’re going to afford to pay the mortgage, you have the opportunity to relax and sit out (hopefully) the worst of the recession, and will be ready to walk into (hopefully) the influx of new jobs when the market picks back up again. There really has never been a better time to be a student and there may well never be another. Enjoy your time while at Queen Mary, make the most of it and enjoy riding out the recession in style.

Explore East Article by Mark Sedgley - Photos by Jack Goodwin-King

The East End of London is teeming with arts and culture. This month Cub delves a little deeper into this rich heritage to help you make the most of the part of the city you live in. From bakeries that never close to the best in local, independent cinema. Brick Lane situated in Whitechapel, offers more than any of our capital’s streets. During the week it is a mix of curry houses and vintage shops, with the odd bit of something else thrown in. At weekends, however, it truly comes alive. The Sunday Up market, held every Sunday,

has stalls selling bric-a-brac, inter- Also on Cheshire Street is; national food and some excellent P.R.K. Blackmans Shoes buskers. As the shop’s sign proclaims “the devil wears Prada, but the people Beyond Retro on Cheshire Street wear £5 plimsoles”. It’s from this has a wide assortment of vintage father-son team that people go to and retro clothing, specialising in buy them. American items that are hard to find elsewhere. Vintage swimming The Brick Lane Gallery caps complete with a large flower, for example, range from £14-18. In The Brick Land Gallery displays addition to this, the shop also plays emerging artists alongside those host to bands and art exhibitions as more established. They also expart of its ‘East End Lights’. Its mis- hibit contemporary street art and sion, “fostering an artistic spirit in have previously worked with the the area [and] encouraging of the legendary Banksy. There is also the famous Whitechapel Gallery, which East End art scene”. Beyond Retro

is the subject of this month’s feature article. Time Out’s First Thursdays project (www.firstthursdays. co.uk) is a great way to discover the area’s best galleries. Participating galleries are listed online and open late on the first Thursday of every month. Rough Trade East The famous Rough Trade record label has a shop on Brick Lane as well, if vintage clothing, cheap shoes and Banksy are not for you. Rough Trade East offers a vast selection of CDs and Vinyl but really comes into its own with its regular instore performances. Details of these, which tend to happen two or three times a week, can be found on the shop’s website. Recent artists have included Moby and Andrew W.K., but slightly lesser-known artists are more common.

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes Further afield is Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on Kingsland Road in Shoreditch. These joined shops are a gallery that includes art, music, fashion and also a great bar but has no shoes or bags. It is a neverending mixture of culture, championing the best the East End has to offer. The exhibitions change regularly and generally last six or eight weeks, further details can be found on their website. White Cube White Cube in Hoxton Square offers some of the best contemporary art in the area. Gilbert and George, Antony Gormley and Tracey Emin have all had their work exhibited. From November this year there will be an exhibition of Damien Hirst’s work. Hackney Empire

Food And if that’s not enough, Brick Lane also offers plenty of places to take a step back and enjoy something to eat. At the Bethnal Green end of the street are the famous beigel shops, the Beigel Shop (pictured left) and Beigel Bake. Both provide hot salt beef beigels, but the salmon and cream cheese option is also very good. Of the two The Bake is far more popular, partly because it never closes. A beigel would perhaps be a good alternative to Christmas dinner if anyone wants to ‘test’ the shop’s opening hours. Opposite Rough Trade East is Café 1001. A coffee shop during the day, the café also has a BBQ outside serving burgers, kebabs and grilled vegetables. In the evening it becomes a bar with regular DJs and occasional live music amongst a range of other cultural delights. Just down from Café 1001 is also Rootmaster, a vegan restaurant housed in an old routemaster bus. It offers a reasonably priced lunchtime menu (prices start at about £6 for a main course) as well as a more expensive evening menu.

For the theatre there is the Hackney Empire (www.hackneyempire. co.uk) on Mare Street. This worldfamous venue hosts everything from comedy and variety performance to theatre and dance. Upcoming shows include Jimmy Carr and Aladdin for the panto season. There are also some great places to see cinema in the local area. Richmix Richmix on Bethnal Green road exhibits and shows all things cultural and has a very good cinema. They show a diverse mixture of big releases and art house films and regularly host seasons of films focusing on a particular theme. Student price for films is just £4 . Genesis For just cinema, you couldn’t go far wrong with Genesis (www. genesiscinema.co.uk, pictured) in Whitechapel. This independent cinema also shows a good mix of films. Standard student price

is £4.50 but on Tuesdays all adult tickets are £4. Listings for both cinemas are included in the London paper. There are also lots of things out there waiting to be discovered, or that there wasn’t room for in just one article. Keep reading CUB over the course of the year to see what else is out there to be found and enjoyed; not just in the East End but all across London. 1

Beyond Retro

Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm Sun: 10am - 6pm www.beyondretro.com 2

12am - 5.30pm 8am - 2pm

The Brick Lane Gallery

Mon - Sun: 1pm - 6pm www.thebricklanegallery.com 4

Beigel Bake

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days 5

Rough Trade East

Mon - Thurs: 8am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm Sun: 11am - 7pm www.roughtrade.com 6

Café 1001

Mon - Sat: 6am - 12pm Sun: 6am - 11:30pm www.cafe1001.co.uk 7

Rootmaster

Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: 11am - 10:30pm www.root-master.co.uk 8

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes

Mon - Sun: 11am - late www.jaguarshoes.com 9

Genesis Cinema

Tues - Sat: 10am - 6pm www.genesiscinema.co.uk 10

Richmix

Mon - Sun: 10am - 11pm www.richmix.org.uk

R.K. Blackmans Shoes

Mon - Fri: Sun: 3

5 7

This is your second chance, AS WE TRY TO turn YOUR fleeting glances into a little bit more...

To the beautiful blonde with the hats who was in Introduction to Politics last year, I sat behind you most of the year in lectures but was always too scared to ask for your number! Maybe see you This year? The boy in the Fred Perry polo.

Love You work in Ground and always make me my espresso with a smile; it makes it all the more tasty. Hopefully Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll one day pluck up the courage to ask you for a drink (other than a coffee!).

To the guy with the red hair in QMotion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; YOU ARE SO FIT! Perhaps next time your admirer will become apparent!!

The beardy guy that I often see in the Engineering section of the Library, we smile at each other whenever we bump into each other. I’m the Asian girl with the red lipstick; don’t be scared to say hi!

The smoker outside the Arts building with the black skinny jeans and the filthy laugh, I borrowed your lighter after my exam and we spoke briefly about how badly it went! Do you remember? We should definitely continue that conversation at the pub...

Lost Lily who does English – we spoke one night at the end of term party at Drapers but I lost your number. I’d love to get back in contact over a G&T, James.

Have another chance on us, e-mail or twitter your close calls e-mail lost@cubmagazine.co.uk or twitter @cubmagazine

Chasing Pavements Article by Emma Hyner

FREE WALKS Despite the pledges, Boris is yet to deliver cheaper tube and bus fares for students in London. Even with an Oyster card it costs £1 for a single on the bus, that’s one pound you could be spending on more important things like... Jagerbombs? Shooting around London from tube stop to tube stop is one of the least enjoyable ways to see the capital. Cub reckons that on foot is the best way to get to grips with the side streets and alleys, so whilst the weather isn’t too cold, we offer you some of the most pleasant, interesting and bizarre walking tours that this fantastic capital has to offer!

Walk in Peace

Regent’s Canal

Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park is a fantastic sight; every Sunday people gather to speak their brains about whatever the hell they like (often deeply skewed... it’s a bit like watching the Jeremy Kyle show). Famous for its connotations with protests and political rallies, the Walk in Peace is only around an hour long around Hyde Park. This walk is done in a meditative silence followed by a long chat and a strong coffee; the organisers claim; ‘simply being outdoors for an hour with your own thoughts can be quite uplifting, stimulating, relaxing’, but the apparent lack of direction can become rather frustrating. The group meet on the first Sunday of the month (until 6th December) at 11am under the marked banner and from personal experience Cub recommends bringing some friends along.

You may have seen the British Waterways campaign that reads something like ‘Your local canal... it’s a wildlife documentary, a social club, a commuter heaven’ and so forth. You may well be thinking ‘wildlife, yes, but in the form of the local scallies milling around the benches near the Eco Centre’, and you wouldn’t be far wrong; in fact Regent’s Canal stretches right the way to Islington and Kentish Town, providing a popular jogging route for locals. Make sure you stay safe but above all make sure you take in some of the amazing architecture that lies along the towpath. The Jubilee Walkway Looping its 14 mile way round the City’s most famous points of interest, such as the Barbican Estate, St. Paul’s, Senate House and Lambeth Bridge, this walk can take around 2 or 3 is well worth it. 3 days... but it Marked out as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee the route is split into three sections: the Camden loop, west of the Millennium Bridge and east of the Millennium Bridge, each of which are manageable and enjoyable on their own. If you are new to London, or simply want to cram in a few more of the famous sights you have missed so far, this one is an absolute must.

PAID WALKS The Celebrity Walking Tour of London

Olympic Walks

Smithfield: Murders, Monasteries & Martyrs

This two and a half hour walk through London’s West End will take you to some places which hold pretty amazing popculture significance. This rather dear tour will take you to the place where Audrey Hepburn learned to ballet dance, where Pink Floyd held their first gig and where Bansky artwork still stands proud. It is a very professionally run tour and benefits from regular departures, starting every day except Monday at 2.30pm at The Sun in Splendour, Piccadilly (W11 3DA). If you want a little sparkle in your day, this ramble through the celebrity jungle is just the thing.

Recommended by Timeout critics and Cub’s features editor, this walk takes you to some of the development sites around Tower Hamlets and Newham which will play host to the 2012 Olympics... don’t know if you heard about that one? You are led down the Lea Valley area to the site of the Paralympics and Olympic stadium on the outskirts of Stratford by a guide who (from our experience) amazing knowledge of the local area and the history of the previous Olympic Games held in London in 1908 and 1948. The weekly walks are usually held on Saturdays, but due to construction work are liable to change, keep checking the website (below). Bring your camera and prepare to witness a little bit of history repeating!

This fantastic walk is run by CIGA (a) and, without giving too much away, gives you a personalised tour of the more salubrious parts of Smithfield and the surrounding area. Starting at Barbican Tube, every Sunday at 2pm the guide will talk you through some of the more gruesome parts of London’s medieval history and is a rather different way to spend a long Sunday afternoon.

Price: £10

Price: £8/£5 Concessions

Price: £5/£4 Concessions A Retrograde Ramble: Through the Time Tunnel Led by the amazing people at Green City Walks, this tour claims to take you ‘through the history of the City of London... backwards!’ An interesting claim and an incredible experience as you are taken right through from 21st Century visions of London to the early Roman’s Londinium; the walk itself is an anticlockwise path through the city, visiting places you may previously have passed by without a second glance. Price: £5 donation to Cancer Research or Oxfam

I graduate next year, hopefully with a 2:1, in zoology. I am under no pretence that this degree will be of any use, especially in the current economic climate. Do you have any suggestions as to what I should do after leaving Uni? Reality TV. With the impending demise of Big Brother, you’d better make haste before all the other shows are nothing more than an archived article “stub” on Wikipedia. Failing that perhaps politics, a career where your degree may come in handy when dealing with the packs of dogs roaming the House of Lords. I am starting Uni this autumn and I am not used to drinking a lot. I don’t really know what my “limit” is and I feel I should probably try and work it out before I go, in order to avoid any potential embarrassment in front of my flatmates. how Do They know?

Start drinking and count how many drinks you have drunk. When you cannot remember what the number is or start a sentence saying, “ But I only had…”, you have reached the scientific definition of your ‘limit’. My grandma was recently deemed unfit to drive and I got her car. It’s in very good condition, so I was happy to get it. However as soon as my friends saw it they fell about laughing & without knowing how I got it, asked whether I had stolen it from my Grandma. Granted, it’s a rather insipid pale blue and very clean, but How did they know? Probably the net curtains she had installed in the rear windows and the chintzy cushions scattered on the back seat. Failing that, perhaps it was merely intuitive as you do seem to talk like a car salesman/estate agent/fawning grandson.

Unc’ & Aunt’ Agony Me and My boyfriend have great sex, except he’s a bit more adventurous than me. I try to make him happy but recently He’s been asking to have a threesome. I want him to be happy but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this. What would you do if you were in my situation? Ok threesomes really aren’t that bad, but if you’re not up for one this is what you gotta do. First sit your man down, one on one, no funny stuff. Tell him straight out you are well up for this threesome, that you’ve always fancied his best mate “Craig” and that the sooner he asks him to join you the better. Watch your mans hope-filled heart disintegrate before your very eyes, it’s like watching the Jeremy Kyle show. Likely case scenario is that he will have been kinda hoping for your best mate “Samantha” rather than his drinking buddy Craig and will probably quickly drop the idea and never mention it again. I’ve recently moved in with my girlfriend of six months & things have just become hell for me. I didnt want to live with her in the first place but

I love her so When she suggested it, I just went along with it. She’s moody, bossy, crabby & she eats all my food. I still love her but now I’m scared moving in was all too fast & too soon. She Won’t Even let me see my friends anymore. How the hell do I get out this situation without hurting her feelings? It sounds as if you need more than just your life back. I think you’ve actually misplaced your balls somewhere as well. I think now might be a fine time to regain them. Ok, so your situation is a bit shit so you gotta do something. Though nothing too drastic because I have genuine concerns for you if she tips over the edge, time for the“softly softly” approach. First clear the surrounding area of any sharp or heavy objects which could become airborne, now make everything as warm & fluffy as possible. Just calmly say to your girlfriend that your buddies have invited you down the pub for a lads night out and that you are going. Tell her you love her loads, kiss her if necessary. Then quietly put some supplies in your bag and go out the door. Run. Don’t come back this is your only chance for freedom.

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4/9/09 15:39:52

whitechapel Blossoms Article by Mark Sedgley

In April this year the newly renovated Whitechapel Gallery finally reopened its doors to the public. The gallery, which has been situated in Whitechapel for more than 100 years, now has twice the exhibition space. It also boasts a restaurant, café-bar and bookshop. In 1901 it was founded to bring art to the people of the East End for free, this ethos is present to this day, making the Whitechapel Gallery the perfect way for students to spend an afternoon. Its location (just down the road from the Mile End campus) also makes it really easy to visit.

The Whitechapel “Gallery the perfect

way for students to spend an afternoon... just down the road from the Mile End campus

”

The building adjacent to the original gallery was traditionally a public library, but in 2005 was moved into the new Whitechapel Idea Store. The £13.5 million required to expand the gallery into the vacant library came, in part, from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The resulting building, a combination of the two early 20th century ones, increases the gallery’s exhibition space by 78%. Since opening in the early 20th century the gallery has played host to many of the world’s greatest artists. In the early 70s the first shows by Gilbert and George and David Hockney were held there. In 1958 the Gallery presented the first major show in Britain of seminal American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock as well as premiering the work of Mark Rothko and famously Pablo Picasso. When in

Headlining the “current program

is The Nature of the Beast, conceived by Polish-born Turner Prize-nominated Goshka Macuga.

”

1939 the Picasso’s Guernica made its first and only visit to Britain is was displayed at the Whitechapel gallery. Iwona Blazwick OBE, Director of the gallery, said, “This century-old institution is the artists’ gallery for everyone.” The gallery is now able to offer free art exhibitions all year round alongside new works. They hope to display art inspired by the building’s cultural heritage as well as the history and communities of East London. Blazwick added, “The [Gallery] will become a major cultural resource and a destination for the arts.” Headlining the current programme is an exhibition entitled The Nature of the Beast, conceived by the Polish-born Turner Prize-nominated Goshka Macuga. Macuga, who is also an artist, has assembled works based around the Guernica’s 1939 visit alongside work inspired by the Iraq war. At the centre of the exhibition is After Pablo Picasso, a large woven copy of Picasso’s Guernica. The tapestry, which was originally commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation, now hangs in the Security Council Chamber at the UN. Although it does not quite have the same effect as the original, with its stark monochrome palette, it remains a captivating piece of art. It is after all a constant reminder of the potentially devastating effects of war...

Guernica’s 1939 visit was, in part, organized by the Stepney Trade Union Council to help raise awareness of the ongoing Spanish Civil War. The Whitechapel Gallery, which had been offering free art to the people of the East End for over three decades by then, was the perfect place for it to be displayed. An incredible 15,000 people visited the show in its first week alone. During its time at the gallery, many speeches and rallies were held in front of the painting, most famously by the then MP for Limehouse, Clement Attlee. He would later become Britain’s first post-war Prime Minister and creator of the NHS. Macuga herself said, “I am fascinated by the Guernica and it’s presentation at the Whitechapel Gallery. The reasons for its presence were primarily political and financial: to spread awareness of Fascism and unite the working classes in a communist spirit. Crucially the memory of this mythical occasion survives largely through a photograph of Clement Atlee with Guernica as the backdrop.” This is all well and good as an interesting history lesson, but the art here maintains its relevance today. The Afghan War Rug from 2003 combines beauty with a simple depiction of modern warfare. The round, conference-like table in the centre of the room finishes off the exhibition. It contains archive material about the 1939 display as well as evidence of the unsuccess-

The Whitechapel Gallery is located on Whitechapel High Street.

Nearest tube: Aldgate East. Buses: 25, 205.

Opening Hours: Fri-Wed (closed Mon) 11am-6pm, Thurs 11am-9pm.

For more information visit www.whtitechapelgallery.org Admission to gallery and all temporary exhibitions free. 20

ful attempts made in later years to bring the Picasso back to the gallery. It also unites the 30s history with the 2003 Security Council debates. Reading all the material is worthwhile and serves to make the exhibition seem more substantial. Although for The Nature of the Beast Macuga has merely assembled the pieces into a show, it is hard to tell. Aleix Barbat and Hero Johnson’s sculpture of infamous former US Secretary of State Colin

Powell is startlingly menacing alongside Guernica. Powell’s harrowing expression with intense lighting creates an eerie effect. He is also presented holding a model vial of anthrax, as he did in February 2003, when he appeared before the UN to “prove” the need for war in Iraq. The sculpture effectively shows Powell as the warmonger that many see him as. The tapestry that sits alongside him again here was above his head in the UN chambers in 2003, making the sculpture’s inclusion here all the more poignant.

Overall, The Nature of the Beast is an excellent exhibition, subtle yet varied. It is impressive that Macuga has achieved this with only a small number of works. Small enough in fact that they are displayed in just one room. The added bonus being that it is both free and on our doorstep.

exhibitions happening this Month British Council Collection: The Third Dimension June 2009 - 20th Sept

Goshka Macuga: The Nature of the Beast April 2009 - April 2010

Eileen Perrier: Wentworth Street Studios Aug 2009 - 20th Sept

Patrizio Di Massimo July 2009 - 20th Sept

The London Art Book Fair 25th Sept - 27th sept

Whitechapel Boys April 2009 - 20th Sept

MaxMara Art Prize for Women Hannah Rickards 5th Sept - 23rd Sept

Forever: Elizabeth Peyton july 2009 - 20th Sept

Social Sculpture April 2009 - April 2010

Best known as the former presenter of Sky’s football show Soccer AM, Tim Lovejoy spoke to Cub with great enthusiasm about his versatile presenting career, his passion for football & his fascination with the ever-evolving internet.

HEAD TO HEAD WITH

TIM LOVEJOY interview by Vesela Gladicheva

channels. That’s why there was a How did you get into the pre- lot of crappy television around at senting industry? Did you go that time. But fortunately, I wrote to university? to Sky and said, ‘can I have a job working on something to do with I missed out on university, sadly, football’, and they offered me the because I was distracted by girls, Soccer AM job producer-presenter. football and fun. I regret it. I left That was the best thing that ever school, went to college, didn’t re- happened to me. It was like playing ally bother going into there. So manager. I ended up working and doing rubbish things, like working in a Who were the guests you most clothes shop and in finance sell- enjoyed talking to while on ing mortgages, both of which I Soccer AM? thought dull. So I decided that I would become a TV presenter, and I think the ultimate guests would I have ended up as one and a TV have to be probably Ray Winston producer as well. and Noel Gallagher - always good Yes, you presented and produced Soccer AM for eleven years, turning it into a phenomenal football show. How did you manage to do that?

fun, always turned up. Even if they weren’t promoting anything, they would come on. Good oldfashioned stars. These days, most celebrities only do an interview if they’re trying to flock something to you. But those two are so big that they can do interviews when they want. And they were funny guys. As for footballers, I don’t know, there’s been loads who I’ve enjoyed. I suppose Robbie Fowler was the first really big one we had on the show, so he was the one who changed things for us.

I was at the right place, at the right time really. I was producing The Big Breakfast, and I love football, so I wrote off to Sky Sports. I was lucky that I was in the boom time of television, unlike now which is where it’s recession. But it was a boom time, so basically there was so many people who were getting jobs and there was not Have you ever pulled a socerenough producers for the amount rette? of programmes that filled all the

No, I haven’t. I didn’t. All those years, I was married for a while whilst I was on the show and, no, I didn’t. I know no one wants to believe me, but it’s true. Now, on a more serious note, your move from Soccer AM to Channelbee, an internet TV channel, was quite significant. Why did you set up Channelbee and how did you feel about this big change in your career? Well, I just got it into my mind I wanted to do it. Soccer AM needed a complete overhaul. I’d done it three times before in the past and it needed it again. And I’d just become fascinated by the internet, I still am. I think it’s a brilliant place; it’s a new medium. I don’t think it’s replaced television because it’s new. You’ve got radio, television, print, and now you’ve got the internet. And I think the internet will possibly kill off a lot of the print in the future. But, you know, that’s what you’ve got. And I wanted to work on it. So once I had it in my mind that I was going to do it, it wasn’t that hard to do. But I do miss the show. It’s my baby; I built it up from nothing....

show: you start, you just work your way through and make sure at the end you presented well and produced a good product. And I just get such a buzz out of doing it. I don’t really like doing pre-recorded As I said, it’s amazing, the internet, TV; it’s boring. I like live television. working in and around it at the moment. It’s just evolving so quickly. The technology is phenomenal. Who knows where [Channelbee] is going? That’s the exciting thing about it. The big thing about the internet is you’ve got to be flexible, because it is changing, forever evolving. And the great thing about it is it’s getting easier to watch a video and clips on it, which means it’s becoming a very important medium for people. I spend most of my life on the internet now, lurking around for things to entertain me. It’s the best place to see any new stories as well. So it’s a great thing. Where do you see Channelbee going? How do you think it fits in with the changing internet culture?

students are tax “dodgers, parasites

on society. They should get a wash and stop listening to The Levellers. That’s what I used to always say

You’re currently co-hosting BBC’s Something for the Weekend with Amanda Hamilton every Sunday morning. How does this show differ from your Soccer AM days? Well, when I do that show, I’m literally a renter-presenter. I just turn up and present, which I love, because I always wanted to be one of those. I always had to work so hard producing and presenting everything, and at last I don’t have to do anything apart from, as I say, being a renter-presenter. But I do love it. I love live television; it’s really exciting. You’ve got an hour and a half

your free time? I like going to watch bands and football. I like playing football and running. I like doing anything physical. And that’s it really. That’s all I do: going to see loads of bands and loads of football matches Chelsea, basically, because I’m a Chelsea fan. Your famous for your love of football Where does your strong passion come from?

Well, I don’t know, it’s part of my family. One of my first memories is sitting down, watching football with my dad and my granddads. Everyone is just really into football. So I just love playing it. It’s a beautiful thing to play. I just think it’s an amazing sport. I watch so much of it. It’s just been a really big part of my life for such a long time. And it was great I could end up making One of the programme’s main money out if it. features is cooking. Do you You used to co-host Fifth Gear cook at home? on Five. What was that like? I’ve got two little daughters, twins Are you a car enthusiast? – Grace and Rose – who are seven years-old, and I cook for them. But Well, I was chosen because I I cook them basic food: meat, veg- wasn’t a car enthusiast really. I etables, salad, rice, things like that. like driving cars. I like cars, but I always keep it quite basic. But I’m not passionate about them. I yeah, I have to cook for them all was chosen to sort of bridge the the time. So I do cook, but I can’t gap between the petrolhead and say that I’m that bothered with the person who doesn’t care that it. I’m not making fancy sauces, much for cars. I loved doing the show; [there were] some really that’s for sure. lovely people working there. I did What do you enjoy doing in get a lot of criticism, though, be-

”

cause I wasn’t passionate enough Is this criticism aimed at uniabout the cars. versity students or students in general? You’ve been hosting 606, a popular football phone-in Just any student. It’s pure jealousy programme on Radio Five Live, because I never got the chance to since you left Soccer AM. How have all the fun that you lot have. would you describe your ex. perience as presenter of 606? It’s one of the greatest jobs in the world. I chip up, I talk for an hour about football and I get paid for it. Life doesn’t get any better. Is presenting something you always wanted to do? No, not really. I wanted to be a footballer. But [presenting] was something I thought I could do. And I just thought it would be good fun. But, as a say, doing the live stuff is much more fun than anything else. When I do prerecorded presenting, I don’t really like it that much. Doing live stuff is really exciting.

“

It’s one of the greatest jobs in the world. I chip up, I talk for an hour about football and I get paid for it.

has to worry about any competition. But I got a lot of abuse off the real football fan fraternity because I’m quite light-hearted and jovial in a lot of my opinions. But, generally, it sold over forty thousand copies and people loved it. Did you enjoy writing your book?

No, it’s bloody hard work. If you’re going to decide to write a book, then give yourself plenty of time because it’s hard work, a real graft. How long did it take you to complete it?

”

It took me a few months, but, basically, what happens is you end up just saying, ‘I’ll do it later, I’ll do it later’. You can’t keep putting it off. Otherwise, you’re having to spend two to three weekends sitting solidly, and the publishers rewriting it to make sure it worked and it was good enough to read, basically.

Is it true you have a reputa- Well, I loved it. I was asked by a tion for slagging off stu- publisher, basically, to do it. It was very hard work, but I wanted to dents for being lazy? write it. I wanted to aim it at footYeah, students are tax dodgers, ball fans, basically. A lot of young parasites on society. They should men out there don’t read books. I get a wash and stop listening to made it so easy and bitty to read. The Levellers. That’s what I used And I had a lot of emails from to always say on Soccer AM, tak- young men saying, ‘it’s the first ing the mickey out of the students. book I’ve ever read and I loved it’. So I just thought it was really It’s all about fun. great. I don’t think J. K. Rowling

Where do you see yourself in the future?

What made you write your first book, Lovejoy on Football? How would you describe your experience of writing a book?

Well, I’d like to be Prime Minister. If that doesn’t work, then possibly a British version of…, no, I think I’ll go for Prime Minister. I’ve got to embrace my political career. After I make success at Channelbee, I’ll embrace politics. I think that world politics need to change, and I could be the man to do it.

QUICK FIVE favourite football player? Zinedine Zidane. I think he’s possibly the best player ever. He’s strong, skilful, can kick with his left, right & head. What’s on you ipod? An eclectic mix of music. Everything from my favourite band in the world, The Specials, to Passion Pit which are a new band I went to see the other day. The whole nine yards. I’ve got some jazz on there, some classical, dance, funk, rap, hip hop. I’ve got the whole shebang.

When’s your bedtime? I try to get to bed before twelve o’clock, but I struggle because I go out a lot. Where do you go on holiday? I try to go to different places all the time. I’m really into skiing at the moment, so I spend quite a bit of time on the Alps. But my favourite holiday destination is probably America. I think it’s fun there. How do you eat your cream egg? Get it in as quickly as possible & crunch it up. Get it down you. 25

Building London 2012 Article by Vesela Gladicheva

It is now just under three years until the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics. The attention of billions of people around the world will be drawn to London, and more specifically Stratford. It seems like yesterday that London won the bid to stage the Olympics in July 2005. Since then, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has put in a great effort to complete the first phases of the biggest regeneration project in Europe. The 10,000-page document the ODA submitted in 2007, outlining plans for the infrastructure, transport and security of the Olympic Park, is slowly but surely being put into practice. Following a thorough clean-up of the Park, the ODA is currently completing the third phase called ‘the big build’. It is the construction of the major venues in the Olympic Park in Stratford. As a local resident proud of London for winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics, I decided to take a closer look at the construction progress on the Olympic Park. The ODA organises free bus tours throughout the year, led by Blue Badge guides. So, having booked my place in advance, I simply got on a special London 2012 bus and began a fascinating one-hour trip around the building site. The bus made several short stops near the sites of the major venues whose distinctive shapes can now be seen. There was a fantastic view of what will be the Aquatics Centre. Building this venue is an engineering feat, as it has the most complicated design. The tour guide also indicated the location of the Basketball Arena, the Handball Arena, the Velodrome, the BMX Circuit and the two Hockey stadia. For some months now, the Olympic Stadium has been visible from a distance. This time last year, the land was flat. The construction of the massive 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium started in May 2008. To-

day, the foundations have been laid and work on the seating structure is well underway. Work has also already started on the huge International Broadcast Centre intended to accommodate 20,000 journalists. Apparently, there will be room for five jumbo jets. A major part of the landscape will be several bridges that will connect the waterways criss-crossing the Olympic Park. Stratford City, the urban regeneration project, and the Olympic Village are also making progress. Stratford City will house 200 retail outlets, including M&S, John Lewis and Waitrose stores, while the Olympic Village will be equipped with entertainment facilities for some 16,500 athletes and officials. Karen, our tour guide, gave us detailed information about the progress of each venue, its purpose during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as how it will be used after the Games. The legacy of London 2012 will be the last stage of development. Most of the venues will become scaled-down sporting facilities for elite athletes and local people to take advantage of. Other parts of the Park will be transformed into offices and housing units. The ‘big build’ phase will continue until the summer of 2011. That is when test events will get underway right up to April 2012. If you are interested in seeing firsthand the progress on the Olympic Park, then you can book your place on a tour by contacting the Olympic Delivery Authority on 0203 2012 000. Although we were not allowed to get off the bus and walk around the sites, the experience is still unmissable for those who very much look forward to London 2012. Personally, I found it exciting and a great privilege to see the gradual shaping of the Olympic Park.

Just dont say fuck

It’s History Article by Anastasia Beaumont-Bott

The history of Britannia is one of sex, adultery and scandal. Edward II was so far in the closet he was having medieval adventures in ye olde Narnia. Isabella, she-wolf of France redefined the word “bitch”. Lord Byrons love life was about as incestuous as the Osmonds. And well, as for James VI/I.... he once wrote in a letter to a male “friend”, “I naturally so love your person, and adore all your other parts, which are more than ever one man had” and the less said about that the better...

By the time I left high school I was convinced the definition of history was Adolf Hitler.

people half to death. I sympathize with these people though as I was once bored to death by history teachers too. They brainwashed me with dates, names, places and events. They had no meaning. They were abstract and distant. 1066 bared as much significance to me as 666. It was all just one monotone blur peddled at me by equally monotone speaking teachers. By the time I left high school I was convinced the definition of history was Adolf Hitler. They peddled that one at me as if he himself was history. And oh my god, did it bore me to distraction? There’s only so many conclusions one can reach about Mr Hitler and once you’ve reached the conclusion that he was ultimately a bad apple, there really isn’t much else to go on from there. We get it, he was a bad guy. Racism is wrong, and it’s not how you make friends.

But did that stop them teaching it to me for four years? No. I begged And yet for a topic so brimming them for something else other and pregnant with scandal and than Hitler. I begged. They relolz, it doesn’t half seem to bore sponded. They taught me Mussofucking-lini instead.

But here I am studying at QMUL for a degree in Medieval History. I am in talks with a big name publisher to publish my first history book – a witty, sexy, and funny history book for those of us who have grown tired of being told history

a witty, sexy And funny history book for those of us who have grown tired of history must be formal. This is a massive leap forward for a girl who only five years ago hated history with a passion. I still hate anything to do with Hitler, but have discovered a love of all things medieval, all things Henry VIII and anything to do with Versailles. The reason behind it all is simple – I want to change the way we package history. I want to change it all. I want to be able to use the word “fuck” in my history

book and get away with it! “And as James VI took to the throne as the now newly crowned James I, everyone knew it; England was fucked.” See! That wasn’t so bad. I want to ask the industry why history has to be so formal. I want to know why we can’t laugh and joke about our country’s history. I want to know why it is all so serious. And in writing my first history book, I want to prove that by changing our tone, we can change our audience and finally shed that boring, dusty, dull image. History does not have to be boring and the

I know a boy who thinks Marie Antoinette was one of Henry VIIIs wives. This would be cute if the boy was five. But he’s not. longer we stand back and let people think it’s boring, the more damage we do. My case in point? I know a boy who thinks Marie Antoinette was one of Henry VIIIs wives. This would be cute if the boy was five. But he’s not. He’s going on twenty and he’s a student here. History has bored him so much, he’s actually started making it up for entertainment value. Please, if we don’t do it for ourselves, then let’s do it for that poor boy! Otherwise ten years from now we’ll be having kids making up all sorts of shit. Mozart will be leading the Norman Conquests! When I was little, there were these books, you may have heard of them. They were called “The Horrible Histories.” They were like history. Except not boring. They used words everyone could understand. You did not require a dictionary to read them. And best of all, they laughed at our history. They made it ok to

joke about history. But the thing is they were aimed at kids. Not adults. And as much as I may have taken an interest in them growing up, when I reached high school, the joke was over. History was serious again. And I guess that’s where my book comes in. My shameless plugging is fantastic, is it not? My book and I are on a mission to change the way we view history. You see, there’s a reason everyone tunes in to watch the Tudors on BBC. And it has nothing at all to do with a love of history. And if we could only tap in to that market, and work it what it is about scandalous, sexy, funny, and entertaining history, which seems to amuse the British public so much, and then transfer that audience to the history industry, then maybe, just maybe, we could stop people thinking history is dull and boring. But to do that, we have to change the way we package history. We have to swallow our pride and admit, “Yeah you know what, making history funny and colloquial doesn’t make it any less historically relevant”. It’s still history. All it does is make it accessible to those people, who like me, grew up thinking history was boring. This year I am social secretary of the history society, and along with my book, I want to show this university that history can be fun. It can be exciting. To kick start this we are throwing a freshers party; Weds the 23rd of Sept at the New Globe, starting at 7:45pm. It’s in the private function room upstairs. We have alcohol and cake. And for £2, we’ll share it with you. It’s going to be history like you’ve never seen it before. It’s optional fancy dress, with prizes for the best costume. There will be a pub quiz too, and not all the questions will be about history. Ok, maybe some of them, but we promise not to mention Hitler. So come along, and take a chance. Because ‘history’ does include the creation of alcohol...

Cub Captures

Email your best photos from the month to photos@cubmagazine.co.uk

Fashion

Top 5 East Shops Article by Hannah Olivennes

Laden Showroom

Burberry Factory Outlet

Nearest Tube Station Aldgate East

Nearest Tube Station Bethnal Green (Hackney Central on the overground)

Perfect for: Quirky bits of clothing from independent designers for reasonable prices, with many items from the Laden Showroom now appearing on ASOS (www.asos.co.uk) it is definitely the best shop to go to for up and coming new designers.

Perfect for: Genuine designer clobber at knock down prices. For those label lovers on a tight budget out there, the Burberry Factor Outlet is just for you. Pick up loads of this season’s gear from a third of the original price!

Beyond Retro

Spitalfields Market

Nearest Tube Station Whitechapel

Nearest Tube Station Liverpool Street

Perfect for: Everything vintage you could ever dream of- clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories. Located just off Brick Lane, it’s definately the coolest vintage store in the East. You need to experience it for yourself!

Perfect for: Cheap, vintage items. With Sunday being the biggest day for the market, Spitalfields is becoming one of Camden’s largest competitors, all on our doorstep as well. Lovely.

East End Thrift Store Nearest Tube Station Stepney Green Perfect for: One-off customisations and vintage items at dirt cheap prices ranging from cute floral playsuits to leather jackets. Look out for their shopping parties every last Thursday of the month- free wine and bargain shopping! What more could you want?

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ypperP & keeG htrowelttuhS haraS yb noitartsullI

Fashion Trends

Geek & Preppy Illustration by Sarah Shuttleworth

Fashion

Back To School Article by Nabila Siddiq

The Summer is over & back to university we trudge in our boots & wooLly knits ready for the approaching winter months. But before you too get caught up in the gloom of returning back to education, let me tell you why going back to school has never been so fashionable… The re-emergence of 80s fashion this year has created a fun-loving, colourful and statement-filled trend, which revolves around standing out from the crowd and not taking yourself too seriously. And so we have the birth of ‘geek chic’. Unlike last year, the look this year has a very retro feel and is heavily influenced by musical icons such as Madonna and Michael Jackson, as well as contemporary artists like Kanye West and Rihanna. This look consists of the staple thick-rimmed glasses, anything made of denim or leather, colourful Casio watches, fingerless gloves, oversized headphones and jewellery, jockstyle jackets, rucksacks and shoulder pads. If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, another option would be the more groomed preppy trend, think Gossip Girl for inspiration. The look is perfect for those that like to be fashion forward but also like their classic pieces. To achieve this look, team ankle socks (go for lace if you’re feeling adventurous) with brogues, wear embellished blazers and always add hair accessories like bows, flowers or headbands. The two most important fabrics for this trend are tweed and tartan. For unique pieces, as well as discounted designer items, head to vintage stores (Brick Lane) and charity shops (Kensington and South Kensington). Or for an even cheaper alternative, raid your parents’ wardrobes and see what you can find. So this September, I expect to see you all donning perspex specs, a pacman rucksack, or a bowtie, & remember, geek is the word.

The Real America Column by Rebecca Ngakane

Picture this: In the woods. Thirty-six kids running around. Counsellors cooking burgers, starting the campfire, entertaining the kids. And one lone overweight kid... taking a dump in plain sight. Yeah, that actually happened. Apparently he decided that there were too many spiders in the outhouse built for that very purpose and so it was much more hygienic to POO IN THE FOREST!! And then he didn’t even cover it up. He just walked away and left it... Grossing you out yet? Try this one: In the woods. Playing a game of Catch the Ginger (where my ginger haired cocounsellor runs through the woods and kids try to catch him). Running barefoot... straight through the fresh dump left by the previously mentioned overweight kid. THAT was my most memorable moment at camp in New York this summer. Don’t get me wrong, I had some awesome moments at camp (a woman at the laundrette told me that I should model because I had a “cute little body” and my face “wasn’t bad either”, which came a close second on the hilarity stakes) but no other moment left me nearly crying with laughter. Hearing “I just ran through a dump” and knowing exactly where it came from... I laughed for about an hour straight! No lie. This column isn’t just going to be about poo, though. I’m writing all year and although I could probably do a few more columns on blocked toilets, a) no one would read it and b) I would gross myself out. Not really the aim here. No, the aim here is to discover the truth behind American stereotypes.

Everyone (whether you’re American or not) has at least thought some American stereotypes before. If I say Southern Americans, some of you just thought about bible-bashing, gun toting or inbreeding. If I mention New Yorkers, you probably instantly thought black rappers (or the Naked Cowboy) and gun fights. Practically all Texans are cowboys, that kind of stuff. It’s not PC but it is kind of funny. So I’m spending an entire year at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) and my aim is to work out the answers to some important questions. Are there enough obese Americans to make the general statement that all Americans are fat? Why does their bread have sugar in it? Is it always sunny in California? And can I surf? (I’ve always dreamt that the first time I try something, I will be instantly good at it. It hasn’t happened yet but then again, I have yet to try surfing...) I plan to share everything good, bad and ugly, so those of you aiming to go on the Exchange Program next year can know exactly what you’re in for! So enjoy the mayhem that is sure to follow! BY THE WAY: Last year loads of people heard I was going to California next year and when they found out they were too late to apply, they hated me (not actual hatred, more like the way I hate Reese Witherspoon for NEVER looking ugly – goddamn her!). So here is my advance warning to you all: The deadline for applications is MID NOV!!! And you don’t just have to go to California! For more info go to qmul.ac.uk/qmlearning/exchanges/

L.g.b.[ Wha] t? Column by Scott-Austin Shaw

Firstly, let me welcome you to Queen Mary on behalf of QM LGBT Society. Another year begins, new students, returning students, friends are reunited and the lectures and reality of university life will begin. However, before this, Freshers fortnight will be a time where new students will meet new people, forge friendships and experience life in London. For many this can be a daunting time, with so much to take in, see, and do; and yet, for a select few, this can be even more nerve racking. At Freshers Fair, the LGBT Society will take its place, set up its stall and wait for people to sign up. The most popular question is “What is the L.G.B.T?” Many don’t really pay attention to the sign above the stall which actually includes the full description, Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans. Many, on hearing this, give an embarrassed look, apologise and walk away. For some, they join up because they feel they have to join every society (believe me, that was me last year – I seem to have joined nearly EVERYTHING!) and for some, they actually are LGBT students themselves. The LGBT Society is a precisely what it says in the name. Every year the society hold elections, elects new committee members, holds social events, campaigns and attends the annual NUS LGBT Conference. When I arrived at Queen Mary, I was openly gay, and didn’t have any issues with my sexuality, or anyone knowing. I never made it an issue, I was gay, but there was more to me than just my sexual orientation. I found the LGBT at Freshers, joined up and as a result have become more and more involved not only in the society, but also in the Students’ Union. But for many, the idea of signing up to something like the LGBT Society seems like a joke, they may not feel comfortable with their sexuality

or worried what people will think if even seen talking to someone on the LGBT stall. Many young people use the chance of being at university to “discover” themselves, forge their identities and be who they want. This can be easier said than done. For some, their sexuality, orientation or identity isn’t a problem and are quite open about themselves, and yet others are not. Being ‘out’ is a big issue for many young people, especially when coming to university. For many, university is the time where they feel liberated and can truly be themselves, whilst others may not feel ready to do that. Whatever their choice is, everyone must respect this. Coming to university is a big leap, many students at Queen Mary will not originate from London, and university can sometimes feel like your first day at school, when you don’t really know anyone. The LGBT is like a family, (this may sound extremely nauseating but is actually quite true!) in the respect of being very close knit and being there for each other. I can still remember the first ever LGBT event I attended, the people I met and the fun and antics (less said about that the better!) of that night, and I am now extremely good friends with the people I met at that event. Not only will you meet new friends, but you will also receive support. The LGBT Society prides itself on delivering top notch and up-to-date information on everything from sexual health to legal advice, so whether you are having problems with just who you are, or are facing homophobic remarks or behaviour, we can help, give you advice and support. With that I wish you all good luck with the next coming year, and as the LGBT Society’s President, I look forward to meeting you all.

Meet our Cubs Illustrations by Alice Lickens

Not only has cub gone and got a completely new design over summer but we’ve also gone and got ourself a new little mascot. Meet Cubby our resident leopard cub, he’s lost some of his spots but we’re hoping to find them all by the end of the year. Cubby is penned by the fantastic Alice Lickens. Check out her other doodles at www.Penwithpencil.blogspot.com

Essential Guide for Gadgets Essential gadgets Article by James Snee

your guide to the

Best Technology for any freshers week And so to another year at Queen Mary. Last year here at Cub we listed the must-have gadgets for any student, whether you’re starting your first year here or just about to finish. And this year we’ve updated our list. So, what kind of gadgets do students need? Well, University is a mix of work and play, so we’ve found the best value laptop and software for work and a great digital camera to capture the nights at Drapers Bar.

but nowadays this is completely the wrong path to take.

Anyone buying a computer should think about the specific things they want and what particular extras they may need, such as dedicated graphics cards or large screens, first and then looking at the software available. Laptops usually come with a screen size of 13 to 17 inches, with some being even smaller (netbooks). Most people find that a screen size of Laptop computers have become around 14 inches is comfortable more and more popular over the enough to work with and small enough to carry around from the library to lectures (14 inch screen sizes should also fit most lecture theatre desks).

University is a mix of work and play, so we’ve found the best value laptop and Digital Camera

last few years and for anyone going to buy one for the first time it can be a daunting task as there are so many available, for such reasonable prices. Many people start off by choosing either a Mac or a PC

When it comes to memory, this is what will really give the laptop its speed as well as the processor. Today most laptops are coming with around 2 gigabytes of memory with some high end machines topping out around about 4 gigabytes. Microsoft’s new ‘Windows 7’ operating system (due for release later this year) says that it needs over 1 gigabyte of memory to work comfortably, but from experience anything over 2 gigabytes will run better.

Many people Will start by choosing eiher a Mac or a PC but nowadays this is the wrong path to take. When it comes to hard drive space it really depends on what you will be storing. If you’re the kind of person that has a massive iTunes library then you’ll want something around 250 gigabytes, but if you’re just looking to save your work and surf the internet, anything around 120 gigabytes should do fine. Most laptop hard drives are easily upgraded anyway so it shouldn’t be a problem if you want more space after purchasing it. Here at Cub we like the HP 550 Laptop which comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz processor, 4 gigabytes of RAM memory, a 250 gigabyte hard drive and a 15 inch screen. It’s available on most Internet retailers for around £399...

On the other hand Apple are giving and it is still compatible with all fantastic student discounts on the of the old formats. But there are new Macbook and Macbook pros. alternatives. Open Office, http:// www.openoffice.org/ , is available for Mac and PC and even more, are you ready? It’s absolutely free! It’s compatible with most Microsoft Office formats so you can still send work to your tutors and friends without any worries. Also, Apple has an offering called iWork. Unfortunately it’s only available for Mac but it has a great interface and is really easy to work with.

When it comes to software people really only think of one package when buying for work and that’s Microsoft Office

To check them out go to http:// store.apple.com/uk and check out the education store. Apple have just released their new Snow Leopard operating system which is even faster and more responsive than before. When it comes to software people really only think of one package when buying for work and that’s Microsoft Office. The new updates made to it are fantastic

Finally, Fresher’s Week is a time for meeting new people and having fun and what better way to capture the week than a great digital camera. Most cameras now come with around 10 mega pixels which is more than enough for a sharp image even at large sizes. The top tip when looking for a digital camera is to first look at its size, you don’t want to be lugging around a brick and also check whether it’s any good at taking photos at night. For this you need a good, well located flash. Try to avoid night shooting modes as they often produce blurred images without using tripods.

The Cub recommended buy is the Canon PowerShot A480, which shoots with 10 mega pixels, is light weight, comes with loads of extra shooting modes and also automatic red-eye reduction to stop you looking demented when using

and also automatic red-eye reduction to stop you looking demented when using the flash the flash. Again, most Internet retailers sell it for just under £100. So there you go, a Laptop, Software and a camera. If you decided to buy something different please let us know by emailing the Technology section and tell us why! Contact our Technology Editor at: cubgamesandgadgets@googlemail.com

Technology News Column by James Snee

Here at Cub we like to keep you up-todate with all the tech news that could affect students. Since Cub stopped for the summer break a lot of things have changed in the tech world, here is a break down of some of the most important ones. First Microsoft have released their first OEM copies of Windows 7 to manufacturers allowing them to get ready to sell it on machines being sold towards the end of this year. This signals the final push by Microsoft towards the release of their newest and most impressive operating system to date. It includes a complete revamp of their Vista OS that was released in 2007 as well as a new Windows Media player interface. Be sure to catch the full review in a later issue of Cub. Apple have beaten Microsoft off the starting blocks with the release of their new operating system Snow Leopard, which was released Friday 28th. It’s already proving to be a big leap forward for Apple as it has been specifically written for multi-core processors like those inside all of the new Macbook machines. Again, we

will be bringing you a full review in a later issue. Finally, something that shouldn’t affect all law abiding students at Queen Mary but is bound to at other Universities. The UK Government has released new preliminary advisory measures to Internet Service Providers suggesting they cut off Internet access to people who are illegally sharing media online. This can be anything from downloading episodes of a television show to sharing gigabytes of music. This could signal that the Government is moving closer to the current enforcement measures being used by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) who regularly target University campuses as major file sharing areas. ISPs are fighting back at the Government saying that it shouldn’t be their responsibility but eventually one side has to give. There is speculation on when the new policies are going to come into affect but without firm dates it is still something to keep an eye on.

Why not write or draw something for the next person who picks up cub?

Article by Clark Hogan-Taylor

So here you go again, or for some of you, here you are. Whether you’re unwashed or a Fresher, but especially if you’re the latter, you are likely to have read something about studenthood. Journalists love to write about you, politicians have to talk about (and sometimes to) you, graduates all too often exaggeratedly reminisce and fiddle the numbers; tripling the body count, doubling the marks and halving the STDs. The latter is fine and usually a damn sight nearer the truth than the first two groups of commentators, and it’s them I’m concerned with for now.

graduates all too often exaggeratedly reminisce & fiddle the numbers; tripling the body count, doubling the marks & halving the STD’s The student’s place in the grand scheme of things has changed, mostly because the scheme itself has. Currently you’re in a very safe place. In fact, congratulations are due. Roughly 40,000 qualified school-leavers are likely to be denied university places this year, partly because most of you were clever enough to realise that university is the best place to weather the economic storm. You’ve pulled a blinding Blighty, got out while the going was really fucking terrible and will emerge in several years’ time to a shiny new world with more ‘opportunities’ than a Soho backstreet; a job market so plentiful, so dizzyingly bounteous you’ll need a tour guide and eight bodyguards just to apply online; currency itself will become your friend on Facebook and cash points

will try to mate with you. (Unless you’re doing film studies of course, in which case they will laugh in your face. Some things will forever remain.) But over time the purpose behind further education has changed, both from the perspective of onlooker and student. You either go to university because a) you think you are supposed to; b) you want to improve your employment chances; or c) you really love film studies. In other words, it’s either vocational or for the love of the subject alone. A long time ago it was mostly the latter, now it’s mostly the former. At least that’s what we are lead to believe by journalists and politicians. They talk about the graduate job market and lament the government’s failure to assist us in finding employment. In response, over the summer the Government announced, to cries of incredulity from anyone who can do sums, 68

You either go to university because a) you think you are supposed to; b) you want to improve your employment chances; or c) the love of the subject. trillion (or thereabouts – they make it up, why shouldn’t I?) new jobs would be created in “unemployment hotspots” (So, Britain, presumably?) in the areas of “retail, leisure and hospitality” (I am not making that bit up). Lesson being, don’t rely on the government. In fact, actively avoid them at all costs. Moreover, what if you do film studies? I mean, what if you love your degree and don’t care about employment. You’re happy with a Tesco Value existence...

if it means you can read about Almodóvar and sit in coffee shops for the rest of your life. Fair play, I say. Why not? My point is that I felt dissuaded from that lifestyle while I was studying by the very absence of anything or anyone suggesting that it was even an option. There are more leaflets, posters, websites, reps and open days advertising employment opportunities than there are books in the library. Nowhere is anyone suggesting that you might just be studying because you like it. No-one suggested a Masters to me (I’ll concede there might have been other reasons), no-one helped me find the best place and course, noone told me funding would expire five months before the application had to be in; nothing. I had to rely on more organised friends and the internet.

In the meantime have a good time, and if you suddenly find you’re enjoying your subject as well, don’t worry, it’s relatively normal. I understand why this is. As a country we need graduates to enter the job market in order to boost the economy and so on and so forth, I know. But the economy is there to do things for us, not the other way round. We have heard quite enough about this side of things recently, but just to deal with reality for a moment the majority of us will all pay at least 22% tax at some point, which is a huge chunk no matter how you look at it. If you get a graduate job on £23,000 a

year (the average before the apocalypse), you will pay £3,740 a year to the government (the first 6k is tax free). That’ll leave you with £1,605 per month, but after student loan repayments and national insurance contributions, that comes down to around £1,200 per month. Then there’s your rent, council tax and bills to pay which could easily leave you with around £150 per week to live off. Not the end of the world, but bear in mind this is assuming you get paid £23k and you’ll be working 37.5 hours a week and have to get up at 8am, be on time and coherent. It’s not an easy transition, so don’t dive into it because you’re surrounded by people purporting to try and help you get a job and you feel that, like going to university in the first place, it is the right thing to do. It might be, it might not be, the choice is yours. It is not my intention to make you feel suicidal about your future; quite the reverse. It is more in your own hands than the institution you’re in and the outside world would have you believe. You are not on a path unless you set it yourself. It does not go: school > university > relevant employment > rest of life. You can work while doing your degree (it’s never as hard as they make out, unless you’re doing Maths), you can carry on studying once you have a job. If either are rubbish you can quit and do a different one. In the meantime you have the difficult task of having an embarrassingly, unrepeatably good time, and if you suddenly find you’re enjoying your subject as well, don’t worry, it’s relatively normal. Just don’t assume you have to chuck it all in for some bullshit marketing job in three years’ time, whatever back-of-an-envelope, un-costed, ‘Free balloons and yoghurt for every completed job application!’ scheme the government dream up next (sounds pretty good actually). Much better to do it all on your own terms in your own term time than end up in retail, leisure or hospitality. In fact, I’d rather do maths.

Article by Clark Hogan-Taylor

Glastonbury 2009 Article by Fraser Barratt

Website: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk When: Last Weekend of June Cost: £175 + Booking Fee Duration: Three/four Days

By the end of Glastonbury Festival 2009 I knew that the sacrifice of a sizeable chunk of my student loan and the epic struggle of carrying all my camping gear from the car to the campsite and back again had been well and truly worth it. This year’s line-up contained a whole host of amazing acts designed to please all genres and ages. For me the performance by Blur on the Sunday night was the most awe-inspiring moment of the entire weekend. From start till finish the Britpop legends proved that they had lost none of their energy and musical charisma during their six-year break. Every song was performed to perfection, with a stunning rendition of Tender sending shivers down the spines of all those watching. Alongside the spectacular choice of contemporary bands, the lineup contained a whole assortment of acts that I thought I would never get to see. These included the likes

of The Specials, Madness, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. The Specials were a particular highlight for me, a band that seems to have retained so much energy and stage presence after so many years.

Every song was performed t0 perfection, with a stunning rendition of “Tender” sending shivers down the spines of all those watching. The performances by Bloc Party, Jamie T and Kasabian were also among the highlights of my weekend. Bloc Party have been one

of my favourite bands since the release of their first album, Silent Alarm, back in 2005. Now three albums on they still have the same intense and angst ridden sound that attracted me to them. I would have to say that I do prefer seeing Bloc Party in smaller more intimate venues, but their headline performance on the Other Stage on the Friday was still a tribute to the raw passion their music exudes. On the Saturday night I committed what may be deemed an almost criminal act, a breaking of some sort of musical code; I blew off Bruce Springsteen in favour of Franz Ferdinand. Despite missing what was later relayed back to me as one of the most epic performances of all time, I still think I made the right decision in seeing those boys from Scotland. Although I’m sure “The Boss” put on a legendary show, I still think the sheer pleasure of singing along and jumping around to Take Me Out clinches it. Every riff, beat...

and lyric seemed to surge with power compelling the crowd to move their feet, something you can definitely feel when at the front and centre. For me the Glastonbury experience is not all about seeing those headline acts on the Pyramid stage. One of the reasons I find the festival so attractive is the eclectic choice of bands that is on offer. For every band I went to see, there was conflict with another act on another stage. Running parallel to the music, there is a whole other side to Glastonbury that many other festivals lack. It is this that I think really earns back the ticketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost. Reading and Leeds have the last night riots and college kids on tour aspect, but Glastonbury has the all-night raves, the endless stalls selling the weird and wonderful, the stone circle full

On the Saturday night I committed what may be deemed an almost criminal act, a breaking of some sort of musical code; I blew off Bruce Springsteen in favour of Franz Ferdinand. I made the right decision

of hippies drugged up to their eyeballs on mind expanding substances and a relaxed atmosphere that just really appeals to me. The fact that you camp amongst the stages and the music, is key to why I enjoy the festival so much. Being able to bring your own alcohol and sit listening to this band or that in the afternoon sun is what a festival should be about. Although you hear the veterans moan about how things have changed since â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the good old daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and that the festival is slowly being consumed by commercialism, Glastonbury retains an atmosphere of freedom and creativity which makes it almost unique amongst the other festivals around.

Reading (not leeds) Article by SIOBHAN HATTERSLEY

Website: www.readingfestival.co.uk When: August Bank HOliday Cost: £175 + Booking Fee Duration: Three Days

It’s pouring down as I join the queue to get in to the Reading 2009 campsite. Brimming with wellies, retro sunglasses (despite the rain) and enormous rucksacks; Kings of Leon provide the main topic of conversation for festival goers. It’s not long before ‘Sex on Fire’ can be heard blaring from a portable stereo and the beer flows in large quantities. The atmosphere is electric, eagerly awaiting Friday’s line up which includes Madina Lake, The Virgins and Fall Out Boy. It’s not long before Reading is in full swing. Sonic Boom Six kicked off the shenanigans on the main stage, going down like a lead balloon with most of the crowd – who were a pretty mundane bunch until Funeral for a Friend took to the stage. Despite the rain and a brief power cut, the Bridgend Quintet played an incredible set, complete with huge circle pits and an audience in full voice. Placebo, Deftones and Alexisonfire were among the other bands grac-

ing the main stage that day, with the likes of Jamie T and Little Boots in the NME tent and many more on the smaller stages. Kaiser Chiefs proceed the phenomenal Kings of Leon set and provided some much

It’s not long before ‘Sex on Fire’ can be heard blaring from a portable stereo and the beer flows in large quantities. needed ‘interactive shit’ (Ricky Wilson’s words) to warm up the growing crowd surrounding the main stage. When Caleb and Co. finally make an appearance, the place is packed with hundreds bracing the

cold to witness an awesome set, which included old favourites ‘Molly’s Chambers’ and ‘The Bucket’ as well as recent hits from Only by the Night. Saturday’s offerings were equally as riveting, with all talk turning to the Arctic Monkeys and debates about the quality of the band’s latest album. The Festival Republic Tent had a great line up, kicking off with Wakefield word artists Skint and Demoralised and followed by Go:Audio, Atreyu and Bring Me The Horizon. Over on the main stage, Fightstar and Enter Shikari were the pick of the bunch alongside Stone Roses legend Ian Brown and of course the incredible headliners. Arctic Monkeys played a show stopping performance, outshining Kings of Leon and showing off British music at its very best, whatever your opinion on Humbug they remain one of the best live bands around...

By Sunday, everyone’s a bit worse for wear and in need of some really good bands to wake them up a bit. The turnout isn’t great at twelve o clock when Kids in Glass Houses take to the stage and the band thank those fighting their hangovers for checking them out, their set consisting of tracks from the Smart Casual album and a few new offerings. It’s hard not to notice the number of Welsh flags flying proudly in front of the stage, a prominent part of this year’s festival as numerous Welsh bands have graced the line up.

the stage, the mood is a mixture of weary and excited; having witnessed some incredible performances there is still a feeling that the best is yet to come.

Frank Carter first appears in a pig mask and waving a Union Jack flag, his cheeky grin unveiled as security attempt to contain a frenzied crowd.

taste of authentic English punk to Reading. Frank Carter first appears in a pig mask and waving a Union Jack flag, his cheeky grin unveiled as security attempt to contain a frenzied crowd. They are arguably the best band of the weekend – no gimmicks or pretence, simply a great live band whose only ambition was to make music and play it. And to end the weekend of all weekends, Lostprophets are simply awesome with banter and everyone’s favourite songs in equal measures. They’re the name on everyone’s lips as we make our way back to camp for the final time. Radiohead are summed up by one fan as “good but not a patch on Lostprophets” ; and to be honest, I have to agree with him.

In the Dance Tent, the likes of Chipmunk, Deadmau5 and Lady Sovereign provided a refreshing alternative to the rock bands on the other stages (and shelter from the indecisive weather). The And so Reading 2009 is over, and View, Brand New and Yeah Yeah will undoubtedly go down as one Yeahs are all amazing on the main of the best – roll on next year! arena keeping hundreds gripped It’s all about the NME stage toto the big screens that surround night, with Gallows bringing a

Exit Festival Article by Maddy French

Website: www.exitfest.org When: 2nd thursday of July Cost: £72 + Booking Fee Duration: Four Days

Taking place in an abandoned fortress on top of a cliff overlooking the Danube river, you’d be hard pressed to find a better festival location than that of EXIT, Serbia’s dance music extravaganza. As 2009 was the festival’s 10th anniversary an extra special line up was concocted. To write out every DJ and act worthy of a mention from the festival would be futile and only satisfy myself by making every reader jealous but highlights included Moby, Richie Hawtin, Kraftwerk and Heidi as well as Sasha coming together with old time pal John Digweed on the first of the four nights.

Taking place in an abandoned fortress on top of a cliff overlooking the Danube river, you’d be hard pressed to find a better festival

With the festival continuing its trend for diversity and moving away from being purely dance orientated, this year also saw the likes of Korn, Patti Smith, Madness and the Arctic Monkeys on the main stage. An eclectic mix and live acts like these worked as

brilliant warm ups early on in the night. The fact that EXIT felt a little like an English festival on tour couldn’t be ignored, especially in the campsite, where you’d be hard stretched to find a Serbian festival buddy.

However if you don’t mind travelling thousands of miles and still bumping into someone who you knew at college then this will only add to the fun. If you couldn’t stand this, then club together with a big group of mates and get an apartment for cheap, as many do, and enjoy your hangover in a bed rather than a tent. If I were to give top tips to anyone who is thinking of venturing to EXIT 2010 then it would be to avoid spending every night at the main Dance arena, despite it hosting the big names, and explore the whole festival arena as there are smaller stages scattered around the fortress where you will find some more interesting and unknown electronic acts. That, and to spend the post festival recovery indulging yourself in Budapest’s’ Turkish baths.

Blur in Hyde Park Article by Dan Howell

Britpop came back on July 2 as one of its defining bands, the capital’s very own nineties giants Blur, gave a mesmerising performance in the colourful mini-festival set up that is Hyde Park.

the sun began to set behind them, and as the moon rose in front, onlookers got a real sense that it did, indeed, feel good to be back.

Granted, it was a comeback dampened by provisos: there was the stern assurance that the gig and its follow-up on Friday 3 would not see the band back in the recording studio, and that, besides the trivial matter of playing Glasto, no more live dates would be announced any time soon. But, for the countless fans that had hung, misty-eyed, onto every shred of speculation surrounding a potential reunion, it was perfect. over-lengthy set. Foals and the Golden Silvers gave brief, if a little Tens of thousands of shirtless uninspiring, reprieves from the blokes and florally dressed women hideous iPod choices of the event spent the blisteringly hot eight organisers that lingered about the or so hours since dawn cuddling changeovers, and Crystal Castles, cold ciders and waiting, eagerly. although tight and exciting in headThe strong nerves of these fans, phones, were diabolically bad. some of whom told Cub they had been physically kneeling and pray- Around half nine, Damon Albarn ing for a Blur comeback, helped (vocals) wandered onstage in a them overcome a steady stream plain black polo, wearing a cheeky of dubious and disappointing sup- smile that belied the six-year gap port acts without upping and leav- since Blur’s last record, Think ing. The novelty of Hypnotic Brass Tank. He was followed by the Ensemble’s mixing of wind, hip similarly youthful-looking Graham hop and a strong African influ- Coxon (guitar), Alex James (bass) ence wore off two songs into their and Dave Rowntree (drums), who

launched straight into an electric She’s So High. A suitably simple “it feels good to be back”, was all the crowd got out of Albarn on the band’s split, but it didn’t matter. Blur were consummate professionals, executing hit after hit, including a fantastic drawn-out version of Coffee & TV, absolutely flawlessly. More than that, as Albarn bid the crowd tp appreciate the sun as it began to set behind them, and the moon as it rose in front, onlookers got a real sense that it did, indeed, feel good to be back. Here was a band fully enjoying playing their music live once again. An undeniable highlight was a seven or eight minute rendition of Tender, during which Albarn just about managed to make himself heard over the massive audience’s linking arms, swaying and shouting, but there were countless others. Around two hours and three encores later, one of Britpop’s two most identifiable and pioneering bands sauntered back into the wings for almost the final time, but for these tens of thousands of fans, it didn’t matter. However long it had come back for, Britpop’s wunderkinds had given them the perfect night they had so craved.

REviews Section Blueprint 3 Jay-Z. Review by Jamie Collins-Adams

Blueprint 3 comes as an anticipated return for Jay-Z after headlining Glastonbury and appearing on numerous new drops by everyone from T.I to Ne-Yo. The first new single D.O.A feels like a comeback of worthy note, with a sample based boisterousness that Jay Z hasn’t been on since Reasonable Doubt. Truthfully though, it also feels like the album’s greatest moment. Jay Z doesn’t suit the style of heavy synth that is the forefront of mainstream rap right now, Swagger Like Us being a painful reminder of this. One would have assumed D.O.A’s aggressive nature towards the latest evolution in the beat trend to be evocative of the feel of Blueprint 3 as a whole, but instead it seems like a blip on an album that mostly pays homage to what the rest of the American rap world is doing. On To The Next One with Swizz Beatz sounds like it should be a Wayne feat, Reminder could be a Jeezy or Gucci track that escaped notice. Jay Z’s verses are pretty faultless, lyrically he’s the best he has been for years, but the choice of producers on the album severely undermines him. Timbaland openly admits he doesn’t give Jay his best material, opting to save it for his own solo work. Kanye West similarly lets down Blueprint 3 by

offering production that’s more akin to an incurable bland rash than cutting edge joints. Without a doubt the strongest elements of the tracks are Jay’s bars, but while his producers are emulating south rap beats Jay’s flow isn’t enough to make the Blueprint 3 sound fresh or exciting. The album’s best moments are when Jay Z just does his own thing, the rapper’s own personal favourite Empire State Of Mind is a strong standout and if the whole album were as well orchestrated, catchy and soulful it would truly be a complete return to form. Blueprint 3’s other highlights include a predictably charismatic team up between Jay and Jeezy on Real As It Gets, while the song Thank You is classic Jay Z flow, reminding us of his ability to lyrically run rings around beats. So Ambitious and Venus Vs Mars are both successful re-teams with old collaborators Pharrel and Timbaland (although Timbaland nearly ruins it with the Venus Vs Mars chorus) but neither rise to the heights of old glories. If anything the album is a sign that Jay Z should look beyond old allies and find some new producers who are capable of carrying his distinct and impressive abilities into the future without ego problems & reliance on popular sound.

Humbug

ARCTIC MONKEYS. Review by Siobhan Hattersley

Following the huge success of debut album Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not and its follow up Favourite Worst Nightmare; the Arctic Monkeys were under considerable pressure to ensure that their next offering was a good one. First impressions of Humbug evoke the same criticisms the Sheffield four-piece have received in other places - it’s okay and pretty inoffensive but nothing spectacular, gone are the floor fillers and mighty guitar riffs that made us fall in love with the band in the first place.

‘The Propeller’ is the first of the album’s ten tracks and easily one of the best, with an edgy sound and Pete Doherty-like vocals that can be heard throughout the whole record. Humbug’s first release ‘Crying Lightning’ is also a cracker - reaching number 12 in the UK charts – and a real treat for fans of the band. Overall though, Humbug is a bit of a disappointment for anyone expecting a repeat of their first album and none of the tracks rival the phenomenal anthem that was ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dance floor’.

Film Recommendation By Hannah Olivennes

The September Issue The Prada-loving devil at work: The September Issue If you’ve read, watched, and loved Devil Wears Prada, then this film will be right up your street.

ton. The winner of the cinematography award at the ever-so-trusted Sundance Film Festival is definitely a must-see if you’re into fashion. Out in cinemas across the country from September 11th.

Vanity Fair’s Krista Smith called it the “real Devil Wears Prada.” Director R J Cutler brings us a behindthe-scenes documentary on the making of American Vogue’s very important September Issue 2007. With Anna Wintour as main character, Cutler takes us around the legendary offices of Wintour or her creative director Grace Codding-

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