The Beaver: Week of January 29th, 2013

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE | THE NECESSITY OF FORCE | YOU ARE AS OLD AS YOU FEEL

7KHBeaver

29.01.2013

Newspaper of the LSE Students’ Union FREE

Higher fees and the rise of the ‘Sugar Baby’ to prostitution, and has previously stated that such acLSE has come a close sec- cusations are “founded in ond to Cambridge in the jealousy.�

2013 rankings, not just in There was a sharp rise the Complete University in female UK students joinGuide’s list of top universi- ing SeekingArrangement. ties but also in the number com in 2011, a trend which of female students signing many claimed to be attribup as ‘Sugar Babies’ on uted to the rise in tuitions SeekingArrangement.com. fees.

SeekingArrangement. “College should be an com is a website which aims opportunity to expand the to allow the “rich and suc- mind and experience new cessful [to] meet the young things,â€? said Wade, “unand beautiful.â€? The website fortunately, because of the is frequented by male busi- of recent tuition hikes, the ness executives, known as college experience has beSugar Daddies, who are come greatly unbalanced. on an average income of “While some may argue ÂŁ170,000. that these women are just 7KH ZHEVLWH VSHFLன FDOO\ using men for their own targets university students personal gain, I believe that E\ RŕŽ‰ HULQJ D IUHH SUHPLXP they are proactive in pursumembership to those who ing a higher education.â€? sign up with a university The website also reportemail address. The site fa- ed a 58 per cent increase in cilitates monthly monetary all university students entransactions from Daddies rolling in 2012, which saw to Babies, in exchange for LSE overtake both Kent dating. Daddies’ list their and Nottingham in 2012 to height, age and monthly reach second place in the budget and Babies list the number of signups. amount of cash they expect The rise in tuitions fees in return for dating. may explain the overall inAccording to the website crease in the number of the average female univer- student sign ups in the UK, sity student receives ÂŁ5000 yet it seems that the fee per month from “benefac- increase alone cannot extorsâ€? to “cover the cost of plain the sign-up boom at tuition, books and living ex- LSE, which did not increase penses.â€? its fees to the full ÂŁ9,000 a Brandon Wade, the year, unlike other universifounder of Seekingarrange- ties. ment.com , admitted to the The high costs of student Wall Street Journal that sex living in London might go may be a factor in the trans- some way to explain the actions between Sugar increase in Sugar Babies Daddies and Sugar Babies sign-ups at LSE, as London after a survey of the site universities constitute 8 of found that sex was involved the top 20 universities in in 80 per cent of the trans- the SeekingArrangement. actions. com list.

Yet Wade strongly denies Continued on page 7, col 1. that this makes the site akin Tom Maksymiw

ŠISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PKLINE

LSE remembers the Holocaust Rachel Browne, 6WDŕ­ź 5HSRUWHU

The LSE Interfaith Forum held their annual Holocaust Memorial service last Friday in the Shaw Library.

About 60 members of the LSE community were in attendance to remember those who died under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides, as well as to acknowledge and “challenge hatred and persecution in the world today.�

The Forum has been hosting the Holocaust Memorial, featuring the LSE Choir, for several years as it observes Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27), which has taken place across the U.K. since 2001. Reverend James Walters, LSE’s Chaplain and Interfaith Advisor and host of the Memorial,

said the event is particularly important as the Holocaust is still very much a “live issue for a lot of students here�.

As discussed by Reverend Walters in his 2011 Beaver Feature on the Memorial, the Holocaust is RI ‍ڔ‏HQGXULQJ VLJQLன FDQFH for all people‌[and] has shaped our institutions‌ this includes the LSEâ€?.

The LSE was hospitable to many Holocaust refugees, in spite of widespread antiSemitism in England, which included Austrian Jewish philosopher Karl Popper.

Reverend Walters opened the service, followed by LSESU General Secretary Alex Peters-Day who encouraged people to remember the victims of the Holocaust by taking re-

sponsibility in “build[ing] a safer future�.

Peters-Day also announced LSESU’s upcoming trip to Auschwitz. After a reading of Martin NiemĂśller’s “First They &DPH ‍ ڕ‏WKH ன UVW FDQGOH was lit, with a new one lit after each presentation.

Four out of the seven LSESU Faith Societies were represented at the memorial. Students from the Catholic Society, Christian Union, Islamic, and Jewish Societies read passages from scriptures that touched on themes of diversity, empathy, and justice.

In an interview prior to the memorial, Reverend Walters emphasised that the Continued on page 7, col 4.

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Editorial

2

Editorial Board Executive Editor Liam Brown

editor@thebeaveronline.co.uk

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29.01.2013

7KHBeaver Established in 1949 Issue No. 784

managing@thebeaveronline.co.uk

News Editors Low Shu Hang Hayley Fenton news@thebeaveronline.co.uk

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| The Beaver

Collective A E Dawson, A Doherty, A Fyfe, A Krechetova, A L Cunningham, A L Gunn, A Manawapat, A Moneke, A X Patel, A Peters-Day, A Qazilbash, A Riese, A Sulemanji, A Wright, A Young, B Arslan, B Butterworth, B Clarke, B Nardi, C S Russell, C V Pearson, D McKenna, D Ming, D Yu, E Beaumont, E Delahaye, E E Fraser, E Firth, E S Dwek, F Bennett, G K Chhina, G Manners-Armstrong, H Brentnall, H Burdon, H Dar, H Fenton, H J Sheppard, I Lorandou, I M Silver, J Allsop, J Attueyi, J Austin, J Curtis, J M Palmer, J M Still, J R Peart, J Stoll, J Tindale, J V Armstrong, J Wacket, J Yarde, K C Hughes, K Kenney, K Pezeshki, K Rogers, K Singh, L A Yang, L Atchison, L Aumeer, L Brown, L Kang, L Slothuus, L Vardaxoglou, M C +H૸ HUQDQ 0 )OHWFKHU 0 -HQNLQV M Veale, M Worby, N Antoniou, N J Buckley-Irvine, N Jaroszek, N Mashru, N Mateer, N Russell, P Gederi, R A Coleman, R Al-Dabagh, R Browne, R Cucchiaro, R Gudka, R Hamer, R Holmes, R Illingworth, R J Charnock, R Serunjogi, S Chaudhuri, S Desai, S Gale, S H Low, S Lindner, S Newman, S Nissila, S Poojara, S R Williams, S Sebatindira, S W Leung, S Hang Low, T Barnes, T Poole, V A Wong, V Chan, X T Wang, Z Sammour

The Collective is The Beaver’s governing body. You must have contributed three pieces of work, or contributed to the production of three issues of the paper (editorially or administratively), to qualify for membership. If you believe you are a Collective member but your name is not on the list above, please email the Collective Chair at:

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EDITOR ELECTIONS Despite the fact that the Beaver just held Editor elections this past week, we will be holding two more elections next week.

Forgive us, we are going to talk about the Students’ UnThe positions available ion Lent Term Elections, as are those of Social Editor much as the topic may not and another News Editor only bore you half to death, but also lead to the liquidiposition. sation of your brain, we beIf you would like any in- lieve that there must be a formation on what these greater measure of accountability and fairness in the positions entail or on arbitration of elections.

ZKDW TXDOLன FDWLRQV DQG Despite the fact that we characteristics a can- have an elected student didate should possess representative as Returnplease email the editor of ing Officer, as was proven the section for which you in elections past, one single are applying. All other student, with no real training does not have the caenquiries can be sent to pability to hand down fair the Collective Chair. judgments or even interpret the cryptic election bye-laws We also want to remind that govern SU elections. our readers that we are Especially when, more likely always on the lookout f or than not, they will be a full regular contributors for time student. They simply don’t have the time to spend all sections. Just email dealing with constant comthe section editor of your plaints and arbitrations for chosen section for more the election period. information.

We are most certainly

The Beaver is issued under a Creative Commons license.

Attribution necessary.

Outsider not saying that a member of VWDŕŽ‰ LQ WKH 6WXGHQWV‍ ڑ‏8QLRQ should run the elections, in fact quite the contrary. We believe that the SU needs to hire an independent Returning Officer from an organisation like the NUS (any willing organisation that has no or at least very, very few ties to students at the LSE that would bias them in any way) to run our elections.

Judgments need to be TXLFN IDLU DQG ன QDO 7KHUH should be no question of authority and none of this delaying of verdicts until a VHQLRU 68 VWDŕŽ‰ PHPEHU UH turns from Manchester (as was the case with a certain vocal candidate during the Lent Term elections). UnLRQ VWDŕŽ‰ DQG HYHQ VWXGHQWV need to be out of the picture in deciding the fate of our election candidates. Bring in a non-partisan, highly competent outside Returning Officer and make elec-

tions fair.

On a similar note, the Beaver has in past years, for some antiquated reason, not named election candidates during hustings week.

This has always struck us as bizarre, it’s not like any of these candidates are like Ryan Giggs, and if there is a news story about the elections we’ll be using names, because we’re talking about something that literally happened. As with the Michaelmas term elections earlier this year, we will be naming candidates, and will remain fair and equitable in our election coverage. This isn’t to say we’ll be printing blatant pandering for coverage but, unlike in the past, we will be giving the elections actual coverage, since they’re kind of a big deal in relation to exactly what direction your student experience takes whilst at the LSE.

2ŕŽ‰ HQGHG" (PDLO us! editor@thebeaveronline.co.uk

8QLRQ %DVKÄ?

Not a surprise UGM is dead.

Does anyone care at all?

Just the Union hacks. %DVKÄ? LV WKH %HDYHU‍ڑ‏V KDLNX SRHW +H LV JODG WR ŕ­˝ QDOO\ KDYH KLV 7KXUV GD\ IUHH *RLQJ WR EH KDUG WR WKLQN RI WKHVH 8QLRQ +DLNX‍ڑ‏V LI WKHUH LV QR XQLRQ DQ\PRUH WKRXJK

News

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

3

Director Calhoun holds second online question and answer session of year Sophie Dunzelman

For the second time this academic year, Director Craig Calhoun has held an online question and answer session on Twitter. Calhoun answered 35 tweets, Wednesday, after nearly 140 tweets were submitted under the hashtag, #askthedirector.

Nevertheless, students have noted that the response towards the session was less enthusiastic than the previous session, with less questions being asked and answered.

The tweets, which came from a wide audience which included current students, alumni, prospective students and even members of the wider public. In addition to answering many students’ questions, the Director maintained a jovial character and even tweeted a photo right before the session commenced, demonstrating his

preparation for the event.

Despite the many tweets which were received and were left unanswered, those that were answered included those that addressed LSE’s relationship with other counWULHV ,QGLD ZDV RI VSHFLஊ F mention and the Director noted that he is “seeking to build in exciting new ways on excellent long relationship.”

The cost of living in London and the LSE’s role in widening its outreach to those who are underfunded were other reoccurring topics. Touching on these subjects, Calhoun agreed that these issues need to be addressed. Many people also praised the Q&A session as a “great opportunity” to have a direct line to the LSE’s administration.

Despite the Director taking on some of the “tough questions,” the restrictive nature of the medium in

WONG’S WEEKLY COMMENT KEEP IT CLASSY, MR CALHOUN Last week Mr Calhoun hosted a Twitter Q&A session where he gladly answered questions about his favourite pizza topping, whether he preIHUUHG WHD RU FRஉ HH DQG ZKDW he thought of Mick Jagger.

Understandably, Mr Calhoun was too busy talking about the crucial issues above to answer my questions about the lack of seats in the library, the lack of transparency over how the Students’ Union spends our £2m and the SU’s subsequent seeming violation of the Education Act (1994), Mr Calhoun was however kind enough to answer my question about LSE100.

I gently pointed out to Mr Calhoun that 80 per cent of students oppose the course according to a recent poll conducted by the Beaver and asked whether he would prioritise students’ feedback over the marketing gimmick that is LSE100.

In responding, Mr CalKRXQ ஊ UVW LQVXOWHG WKH FUHG itability of our 64 years old paper, calling the Beaver’s poll ‘nonsense’ before branding the 80 per cent of stu-

dents who disagree with him and oppose LSE100 ‘anti-intellectual’. Mr Calhoun also cited ‘better conducted polls’ which apparently ‘gives LSE100 strong support’, though to date he has failed to show us these said polls.

John Stuart Mill observed that ‘a strong opinion, however true it may be, if it is not fully, frankly and fearlessly discussed, it will be held as a dead dogma not a living truth’. Debates and disagreements are crucial in a free and open society, but to demagogue students who disagree as ‘anti-intellectual’ is both unnecessary and unprofessional. Mr Leape and I disagree furiously on LSE100, but I respect his courteous attitude and willingness to meet with me in-person to discuss the issue.

The Director of LSE should be respected; but respect is a two-way street.

And when you resort to attacking the messenger and not his message, you have lost the debate.

which the Q&A was held resulted in most of the tweets receiving an acknowledgement of the issue but lacking a concrete resolution.

According to Calhoun, the lack of females in academia need to be made “a priority,” and inequalities within the school system is “a real problem.” The high cost for postgraduate studies did “worry” the director, who tweeted, “I wish there were more funders to defray the costs!”

Nevertheless, the most controversial statement during the session was in response to Jason Wong, member of the court of governors, who brought up LSE100’s subpar performance in a survey by the Beaver.

“I think this is nonsense.

Better conducted surveys give LSE100 strong support.

Don’t be anti-intellectual!” tweeted Calhoun, slamming both Wong and the Beaver survey.

While many praised the session’s innovativeness, some questioned whether the University’s greatest problems ccan be answered in 140 characters or less.

Given the multitude of received tweets as well as the hour-long time constraint, it has been presumed that the Director needed to be selective in what was responded to during the session.

Even in Calhoun’s responses, there seemed to be a distinct lack of affirmative responses to the questions he received, and more of a vague acknowledgment that

the problem existed.

Some pointed to that a huge proportion of Calhoun’s responses did not, in their view, address issues relevant to the LSE community. These issues, such as Calhoun’s impressions of President Obama’s second Inaugural Address as well as the Director’s tweeting that the “societal function of a university” was “advancing knowledge, sharing knowledge, improving public debate” were deemed by some to be a waste of pre-

cious time.

Despite the complaints of some, the Twitter Q&A session was well received by most, with Venessa Chan, third year International Relations student, praising the Director for being open and “allowing LSE students to talk with him on a more personal level.” Chan also suggested Calhoun “hold an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit so the 140 character restriction is no longer an issue.”

6HYHQ DWWHQG WKH ૹ UVW UGM of Lent Term students turned up to listen to Craig Calhoun address VWXGHQWV IRU WKH ஊ UVW WLPH DV 7KH ஊ UVW 8*0 RI /HQW 7HUP LSE Director. was held, Thursday, in the On the other hand, UGMs Old Building’s Old Theatre. held last year were attended A mere seven students atby up to 200 students, most tended the “welcome back” notably during the EmergenUGM on Thursday, where the cy General Meeting (EGM) Sabbatical Officers report on where motions on anti-semitheir achievements over the tism and Islamophobia were past number of weeks. discussed.

Out of the seven students, The next UGM, which will only one of the attendees was be the Lent Term elections not an elected official in the hustings, is scheduled to be UGM Chair Joe Anderson Students’ Union. Furthermore, only two of the attend- time of the allocated for the held about a month later, unless a motion is submitted by ee were not on official duty UGM. a student to be discussed. to attend the UGM. The low attendance rate is The UGM ended after a D IDU FU\ IURP WKH ஊ UVW 8*0 An Annual General Meeting mere 25 minutes, half the of the year, where about 65 (AGM) will also be held in Week Ten. Shu Hang

4

News

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

Rise of the Super-Rich Kelly Quinn, 6WDŕ­ź 5HSRUWHU

The last three decades have witnessed an unprecedented increase in income inequality across the world, author of Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else, uniquely examined this burgeoning gap through a cultural lens on January 21 in her speech to the LSE. To provide some context as to the extent of this gap, Freeland noted that in 2005, “if you take the wealth of Bill Gates and :DUUHQ %XŕŽ‰ HW WKDW ZDV about equal to the wealth of the bottom 40 per cent of Americans, or roughly 120 million people,â€? citing data from former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich.

revolution and globalisation, to decisions made at the policy level. The fact that countries like Sweden have pre-tax inequality levels comparable to that of the US and the UK suggests that the causes are complex.

7KH JOREDO ૽ QDQFLDO FULVLV KRZHYHU KDV HYHQ VNHZHG WKLV LQFRPH GLV WULEXWLRQ IXUWKHU XS ZDUGV â&#x20AC;Ť<Ú&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹRX FRXOG FDOO WKH UHFRYHU\ WKH SHU FHQW UHFRYHU\ â&#x20AC;Ť) Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;ŹUHH ODQG VDLG DGGLQJ WKDW SHU FHQW RI WKH HFRQRPLF Many wealthy AmeriUHFRYHU\ LQ WKH 86 ZHQW cans, in particular, are ofWR WKH WRS SHU FHQW Conservative and liberal economists have offered several explanations of this phenomenon that range from the technology

ten reluctant to have any conversation about this widening income gap. The topic of income inequality, unlike poverty alleviation, questions the â&#x20AC;&#x153;appropriatenessâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;legitimacyâ&#x20AC;? of

their earnings, she argued.

Upon explaining the underlying sources of this endemic income disparity, Freeland then provided a psyche analysis of those at the very top. There is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;meritocratic strain in the global super elite,â&#x20AC;? she

some, particularly in Silicon Valley, feel a sense of egalitarianism, their Wall Street counterparts often experience alienation.

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, for example, â&#x20AC;&#x153;in technology, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not socially okay to have a driver

said, noting that in 2011 69 per cent of the Forbes 400 billionaires had built their own businesses, compared to 40 per cent in 1982.

Amongst these plutocrats, perceptions of their relationships with the 99 per cent are two-fold: while

who drives you to work every day. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why but nobody does it.â&#x20AC;?

For others, however, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the perverse consequence of being a meritocrat actually in a lot of cases is a distancing from everybody else,â&#x20AC;? Freeland said.

Hitler comparisons, she said, are â&#x20AC;&#x153;a dime a dozenâ&#x20AC;? amongst the super elite.

Steve Schwarzman, for instance, likened President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to close certain tax loopholes to the German invasion of Poland.

Others, like Foster Friess of Wyoming Mutual Fund, have said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;About 46% of the American public pay no income taxes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that top 1 per cent that probably contributes more to making the world a better place than the 99 per cent. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen any poor people do what Bill Gates has done.â&#x20AC;?

As the discussion came to a close, Freeland took the notion of income inequality one step further: â&#x20AC;&#x153;as this gap becomes greater, and as you see tremendous capital concentrated in the hands of a very few people it has an impact not just on how the economy works, but also on politics and on public policy.â&#x20AC;?

She continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very easy to see this as a pure good when the billionaire in question is spending his PRQH\ RQ VWXŕŽ&#x2030; \RX EHOLHYH in, but when the billionaire starts using his money to push public policy in a direction you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in then all of a sudden you start having questions in your mind.â&#x20AC;?

Claims AU stash delayed Shu Hang

Stash samples for the LSE Athletics Union arrived to claims from many in the AU that the ordering process has taken much longer than in previous years.

The stash, which is currently available to try-on in the Activities Resource Centre, consists of LSE labelled tracksuit bottoms, hoodies and waterproof coats. The gear was meant to be worn during sporting activities in the winter and autumn.

Meanwhile, many sports teams are still waiting on their custom-made uniforms which feature player positions and names.

According to Matthew De Jesus, Activities and Development Officer, the delay has â&#x20AC;&#x153;mainly been due to our bespoke ordering web page that has taken more time than expected to set up.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;As I understand it is now ŕŽ&#x160; QLVKHG DQG ZLOO XOWLPDWHO\

make our ordering process a lot quicker and easier,â&#x20AC;? he added.

De Jesus said that the stash was ordered as â&#x20AC;&#x153;there has been the long-term need to unify the appearance of our sports teams.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We now have a sole sports clothing distributor for all clubs and societies,â&#x20AC;? he added. +RZHYHU D PHPEHU RI VWDŕŽ&#x2030; DW WKH 6WXGHQWVâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2018;â&#x20AC;Ź8QLRQ RŕŽ&#x2030; HUHG D GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW UHDVRQ IRU WKH GHOD\ $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH VWDŕŽ&#x2030; PHP ber, who cannot be named due to the media group ban on LGHQWLI\LQJ 68 VWDŕŽ&#x2030; PHPEHUVâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2018;â&#x20AC;Ź names or positions, the delay was due to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;problem in the supply chain.â&#x20AC;?

He stressed that there were only delays with the custom-made stash, and that the samples of the standard stash has been sitting in the Activites and Resources Office â&#x20AC;&#x153;for agesâ&#x20AC;? for people to try on.

Custom made stash is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

Samples of AU stash arrive at the SU / Photo courtesy LSESU

News

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

5

Library construction hinders computer access Ira Lorandou, 6WDŕ­ź 5HSRUWHU

Upon entering the LSE library lately, it becomes quickly obvious that construction is underZD\ DV \HOORZ WDSH VHFWLRQV RŕŽ&#x2030; no-go areas and giant storage boxes occupy the once beloved bean bag area.

The LSE library continues to undergo construction as it H[SDQGV LQWR WKH IRXUWK ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU of the Lionel Robbins building and opens The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library @LSE. According to a recent update from the Library services, there have been major progresses. There is now a newly refurbished PC zone created RQ WKH ŕŽ&#x160; UVW ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU RI WKH /LEUDU\ next to the Help Desk, which aims to alleviate the stress of VWXGHQWV ŕŽ&#x160; QGLQJ FRPSXWHUV LQ the library.

Other completed works include the relocation of the reference collection to closed access and the installation of UDLVHG ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU ZLWK SRZHU DQG data points. Moreover, despite the closure of group study areas 001-065, access to all study DUHDV RQ WKH VW ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU KDYH been fully reinstated.

However, the lack of computers continues to be an issue for most students. Lucia Cohen, a Masters student, commented on the decreased number of computers during this construction period. There have been at least 30 computers removed from the ground ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU PDNLQJ ŕŽ&#x160; QGLQJ D FRPSXW er in the library during busy periods next to impossible.

The lack of space has also been exacerbated by the construction. The lower ground ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU UHPDLQV WR KDYH UHVWULF tions on the bean bag area as well as the presence of the large stock moves, which can lead to a feeling of temporary disorientation in the bean bag area, an area reserved for

early in the morning before the student rush for space begins.

Alex Blanning commented that it seems that this problem might be a result of the LiEUDU\â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹIXQGDPHQWDO ŕŽ&#x2039; DZV LQ its design or increasing enrollment numbers.â&#x20AC;?

The problem with study space is further exacerbated

by the Beaver, the library gives non-LSE students free access to its collections as part of a WZHQW\ ŕŽ&#x160; YH \HDU DJUHHPHQW between the LSE and the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding towards the 2001 redevelopment of the library.

This lack of space should be LPSURYHG E\ WKH WK ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU H[

â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹTXLHW UHŕŽ&#x2039; HFWLRQ RU LQWLPDWH group work.â&#x20AC;?

Many students across departments have voiced their concern over space. Corinne 5LGGHUKRŕŽ&#x2030; H[SODLQHG KRZ LQ order for her to secure a private space in the library she often has to be at the Library

by the huge amount of nonLSE students using the library.

According to the 2010/11 LSE Library Annual Reporter, non/6( VWXGHQWV DQG VWDŕŽ&#x2030; PDNH up 27,249 out of the 39,492 users in the library, though the proportion has decreased from the year before. As reported

tension, which is said to enable the creation of new study and research spaces across the Library. From June to September, this study and research space development will be under way to be completed before the next academic year.

In the meantime, the Li-

brary services draw attention to the alternative study areas available as there is open Access Study Rooms in the New Academic Building (NAB.1.03, NAB.1.16, NAB.2.03, NAB.2.15, NAB.2.17, NAB.2.18) and the Quiet Study Room, NAB2.19, in the New Academic Building (which has a capacity for 20 people).

The next stage of construction is the extension of collection storage on the lower JURXQG ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU DQG WKH H[WHQ sion of moveable shelving, as well as the creation of specialist archival storage.

Students can also look forward to the relocation of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library to LSE. From March to June 2013, the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library is transferring to the LSE library and is RŕŽ&#x2030; LFLDOO\ R SHQLQJ LQ -XO\ 7KLV will mean the LSE library will be home to Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest collection of material relating to the lives women, as well as being a key part of the British heritage.

The library services have emphasized that â&#x20AC;&#x153;disruptive construction work will not take place leading up to and during the exam period as the majority of works on the lower JURXQG ŕŽ&#x2039; RRU ZLOO EH FRPSOHWHG within enclosed areas.â&#x20AC;?

Students have generally EHHQ VDWLVŕŽ&#x160; HG ZLWK WKH /6( OL brary in the past years. In the 2010/11 annual student satisfaction survey, over 90 per cent of students agree that the library provides a good service.

Dodge on Civil War in Iraq Over one year has elapsed since US forces evacuated Iraq, and the country has â&#x20AC;&#x153;fully recovered its sovereigntyâ&#x20AC;?. Recently the limelight has shifted to Iran and Syria, but Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location, its geopolitics, its size, its demographic amalgam, and indeed its natural resources render it still a very pivotal region that commands our attention.

In this context, Dr Toby Dodge, a reader in International Relations, gave a thoughtprovoking speech on last Monday in the Wolfson Theatre, as part of the LSE IDEAS Book Launch.

Dodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest publication, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iraq: A New Authoritarianismâ&#x20AC;?, explores the Western interventionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aims of removing a regime that was detrimental to its own population as well as regional peace. Dodge argues that the subsequent, incumbent government, is not in fact WKDW GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW IURP WKH IRUPHU regime under Saddam.

Dodge explored the rise of a new authoritarianism in the parallels between the current government under Prime Minister Nouri al-Malaki and the previous corrupt elite; particularly with the present-day sti-

ŕŽ&#x2039; LQJ RI SROLWLFDO RSSRVLWLRQ DQG lack of transparency.

Dr Dodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, and lecture discussed the background to Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s escalation into a state of Civil War since 2004, identifying three main driving forces as responsible for this. Firstly, the sectarian nature of its politics is key; there has ben a series of what Dodge describes as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ethnic entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;?, formerly exiled politicians who returned to Iraq post-2003, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;overtlyâ&#x20AC;? used religious, sectarian and ethnic identity in their rhetoric, to mobilise the population - this often further antagonized the internal schisms, particularly in the 2005 elections.

Dr. Dodge posited the second driving factor behind the civil war, as the collapse of the Iraqi state following the invasionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aftermath. He suggests this disintegration extends beyond a mere disbandment of the Iraqi army, and the elimination of Baâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ath from senior posts. Even in material terms, Eighteen of the Iraqi governmental buildings were demolished and looted, during Dodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time conducting research in the country.

The third factor is the establishment of the post-War political system. This has al-

WIKIMEDIA

Abir Qazilbash

lowed exiled powers, with the aid of the US, to exclude anyone presumed to be associated even remotely with the previous regime, in a fairly linear fashion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dodge describes this as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;blanketingâ&#x20AC;? approach to starting afresh.

Returning to the presentday state, Dodge emphasized that the only institution that has been rebuilt since 2003, is Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military. However, the

stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civil institutions and public services such as access to water and electricity are â&#x20AC;&#x153;woefully inadequateâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 83 per cent of the countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; waste water remains untreated, and 25 per cent of Iraqis cannot access clean running water. This is in spite of US and Iraqi governments spending $200 billion dollars on re-development.

This fractured divide of civil society, with an abundance of

civilian militias, as well as the state itselfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on militarization, makes any mobilization of political activism, or criticism of the ruling elite, very difficult and perilous â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which in fact, is a classic symptom of an archetypal authoritarian state, which Dodge concludes that the current Iraqi state is set on the path towards.

6

News

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

The democratisation of Southeast Asia pansion of civil society. In the past few years, garment Last Friday, the LSESU Grim- VWULNHV KDYH EHFRPH D UHJXshaw International Relations lar activity in Burma, while Club hosted a discussion Singapore witnessed itsâ&#x20AC;?

by Professor Bridget Welsh ŕŽ&#x160;UVW VWULNH LQ WZHQW\ \HDUVâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź from the Singapore Manage- with the Chinese bus driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ment University on democra- incident. Welsh recalled a WDON ZLWK D 6LQJDSRUHDQ RIILtisation in Southeast Asia. )URP KHU ŕŽ&#x160;HOGZRUN LQ cial from the incumbent pareleven countries in the re- ty who complained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;People JLRQ :HOVK FRQŕŽ&#x160;GHQWO\ DV- WDON EDFN WR \RX QRZ â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹVRPHserted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;democratisa- times they shout!â&#x20AC;? The protion will continueâ&#x20AC;?, but with fessor responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deal with increasing polarisation and it, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the new reality.â&#x20AC;? instability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inequality, Welsh be2QH RI WKH NH\ DUHQDV IRU change is cyberspace. Ac- lieved, was the main cause cording to Welsh, Indonesia for disruption. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The same has the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest num- countries that are the EHU RI )DFHERRN PHPEHUV most successful, economiwhile Thailand has seen cally, are the most uneâ&#x20AC;&#x153;hundreds of [judicial and qual.â&#x20AC;? While the majority imprisonment] casesâ&#x20AC;? due to of the region faces stagthe lèse-majestĂŠ law which forbids â&#x20AC;&#x153;particularly negative nant income levels, the WDON DERXW WKH PRQDUFK\ â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź9L- system is â&#x20AC;&#x153;breeding elite etnam has hired â&#x20AC;&#x153;cyber-blog- children.â&#x20AC;? gersâ&#x20AC;? to be propagandists for Rampant underemploythe government.

Furthermore, Southeast ment is also creating probAsia has seen a mass ex- lems for governments, who Arisa Manawapat, 6WDŕ­ź 5HSRUWHU

LQ UHVSRQVH â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹWLQNHU ZLWK SROLcies.â&#x20AC;? Most notably, populist initiatives â&#x20AC;&#x153;form a vicious cycle.â&#x20AC;? In addition, widespread FRUUXSWLRQ LV DW â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹVKRFNLQJâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź levels.

Moreover, Welsh claimed

that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The strong-man leadership in South East Asia is over.â&#x20AC;? Current leaders, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;silver spoon leadersâ&#x20AC;?, are isolated from the masses.

The professor pointed to Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prime Minister,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watch him when he goes to the publicâ&#x20AC;Śhe canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even VSHDN 0DOD\ SURSHUO\ â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź0Dlaysian elections, according to Welsh, â&#x20AC;&#x153;spends so much PRQH\ SHU YRWHU LW PDNHV 86 SUHVLGHQWLDO FDPSDLJQV ORRN cheap.â&#x20AC;?

At regional levels, Welsh LGHQWLŕŽ&#x160;HG WKH 6RXWK &KLQD Sea as the largest potential DUHD IRU FRQŕŽ&#x2039;LFW â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;Ź$6($1 [The Association of SouthHDVW $VLDQ 1DWLRQV@â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;ŹWKH professor claimed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not in control of its own destinyâ&#x20AC;Ś Brunei and Myanmar will PDNH ZHDN FKDLUV â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź$Q\ chance â&#x20AC;&#x153;will be determined by outside, as opposed to from within.â&#x20AC;?

The professor notes that although democratisation in the region â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not nice and easyâ&#x20AC;?, she is â&#x20AC;&#x153;optimisticâ&#x20AC;? that it is inevitable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shifts are WDNLQJ SODFH IURP EHORZâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź However, considering the increase in frequency of protests and scandals, â&#x20AC;&#x153;politics becomes one of intensity, and unfortunately, negativity.â&#x20AC;?

-D૸UHORW WDONV 0RGLâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV SRSXOLVW DSSURDFK 0DULD 3DXOD %ULWR

Gujarat is one Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing industrial KXEV \HW DW WKH WRS 1DUendra Modi, Chief Minister of the Indian state continuously stirs up controversy with his authoritarian and technocratic style of governance. After ten years in power, and with the Gujarat massacre of 2002 hanging over his shoulders, Modi has curiously been reelected for the 4th time in December of 2012.

Last Monday at the LSE, Professor Christophe Jaffrelot, French expert in South Asian politics, gave a critical analysis of why, despite criticism, Modi continues in power and what are the implications this has on development.

UROH PDNHV SRSXODWLRQV relate to him as a member of their extended family, and this to Jaffrelot part of populist and paternalistic governing style.

However, Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political success is also due to the social diversification of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political party. Its original supporters used to be Brahman and Patel upper castes, but with massive

the caste you are born into. This is an important change to a traditionally caste based society, and has allowed Modi to capitalise from the new flow of immigrants.

Yet, what is problematic about Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practical approach? Surely, Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in Gujaratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial and urban development has won him hundreds of DGHSWV IURP KLJK UDQNLQJ corporate businessmen to

ies have grown - a core part of Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discourse which has been magnified

by Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communication strategies - the region has actually become very unequal.

industrial growth (Gujarat has one of the fastest urbanization rates in India), the BJP is now supported by the new urban middle class. Curiously, and against traditional customs, Jaffrelot explained that political identity is today greatly defined by the place you live in, urban or rural, rather than

IDFWRU\ ZRUNHUV DQG VHUvice providers. However, Gujarat has been polarised: rural development is disregarded to prioritise growth in urban industries. In this context, structural reforms in vital sectors such as education and agriculture are not being addressed.

Although Gujaratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cit-

a new party, the Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP), seems to be eroding their popularity. Rural underrepresented and marginalised communities are seeking support in an alternative party like the GPP. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hence, Jaffrelot argued that Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is not rising. The BJP has in the past elections gradually lost seats in Congress, and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having been in power since 2001, Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity is according to Jaffrelot, the result of a unique high-tech campaign and a populist relationship established with what Modi calls, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;neo-middle class.â&#x20AC;?

Modi is the first politician in Gujarat to use text messaging and has recently introduced 3D holograms to transmit in a spectacular and simultaneous way, his speeches around the region. Modi LV D WDOHQWHG VSHDNHU DQG portrays himself as a sacrificed public server, with no family of his own, devoted solely to his constitXHQF\ +LV â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹIDWKHU OLNHâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź

1RQHWKHOHVV

-DIIUHORW

reminded the audience that Modi has money, more than any other party in the region, and above all, the support from the corporate sector. His next political aspiration is undoubtedly national, aiming to be the Indian Primer Minister in 2014. Yet for this, Jaffrelot predicted that there may be difficulties; Modi must negotiate to create a coalition, and compromising is not part of his clearly authorLWDULDQ VW\OH /LNHZLVH Modi has an enormous political weight over his shoulders: he has been accused of failing to stop YLROHQW DWWDFNV RQ 0XVlims and contributing to the massacre of almost 1000 people in the Gugarat riots of 2002. This has severely debilitated his national and international image; rejected by human rights activists and banned from countries such as the US (and until recently, the UK).

For the audience present in the lecture, this was a particularly controversial topic. Can economic growth overshadow communal violence?

Is his authoritarian approach justified by technocratic achievements? :LOO 1DWLRQ ZLGH YRWHUV be attracted to such a one dimensional view of development? The future aspirations of Modi in the national public arena are worrying to some, but more so, are the ingenious communication tactics WKDW PDNH *XMDUDW DSSHDU more developed than it necessarily is.

News

The Beaver | 29.01.2013 Continued from Page 1, col 1.

Alice Stott, the LSESU Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Officer, agreed that such costs may well explain the rise in sign-ups at the LSE. In a statement Stott said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the increase in the number of students (including those â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sugar Babiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) having to work during their studies in order to support themselves is worrying.â&#x20AC;?

Stott warned against stigmatising women who chose

students with jobs need our help. However I would urge any sex workers at LSE to look into the National Ugly Mugs scheme that works to increase safety within the industry, and also to look into sex-worker led support organisations such as the GMB adult entertainment branch, and the Sex Worker Open University, for support, advice, and skill-sharing.â&#x20AC;?

University students now comprise 44 per cent of the SeekingArrangement.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worldwide membership.

to pursue sex work to fund their studies, stating â&#x20AC;&#x153;I personally donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an intrinsic feminist problem with sex work for students of any gender at the LSE, or sex work in general. What I do think is an issue is the fact that sex workers in the UK currently receive extremely inadequate protection and support.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that students engaging in sex work necessarily need help from the LSE Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union any more than any other

TOP 20 FASTEST GROWING â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SUGAR BABYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; UNIVERSITIES (BY NUMBER OF NEW SIGNUPS IN 2012) 1. Cambridge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 168 2. LSE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 163 3. Kent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 160 4. Nottingham â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 155 5. Glasgow Caledonian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 154 6. Southampton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 153 7. Oxford Brooks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 150 8. Edinburgh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 148 9. St. Andrews â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 147 10. UCL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 140

11. Brunel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 137 12. U of East London â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 136 13. Manchester â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 134 14. Goldsmith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 133 15. Exeter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 129 16 Queens U Belfast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 120 17 Westminster â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 115 18 Leeds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 98 19 Surrey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 96 20 London South Bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 89

Continued from Page one, col 3.

to the memorial, Reverend Walters emphasised that the event â&#x20AC;&#x153;wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a religious serYLFHâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;ŹEXW LW LV VLJQLŕŽ&#x160; FDQW WR hear and compare various faith perspectives on issues like these. It was poignant WR ZLWQHVV GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW IDLWKV XQLWHG LQ WKLV VHWWLQJ EULHŕŽ&#x2039; \ counterbalancing complex LQWHUUHOLJLRXV FRQŕŽ&#x2039; LFWV RF curring worldwide.

In Reverend Waltersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; address, he recalled a visit from an LSE student who showed him some letters and photographs of family members who had been victims of the Holocaust.

The challenge for usâ&#x20AC;?, said Reverend Walters, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is to acknowledge the presence of that pain and ask ourselves if we can provide a safe place to discuss and learn about contentious historical, political, and religious topics, while recognizing their fragile nature.

Preceding a two-minute silence to remember Holo-

7

caust victims, subsequent genocides and ongoing atrocities, those attending the memorial were asked to read an Act of Commitment, WR â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹHQVXU>H@ WKLV VXŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ LV never forgottenâ&#x20AC;Ścelebrate RXU GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQFHVâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;ŹDQG UHFRJ nize that â&#x20AC;&#x153;everyone deserving of dignity and respectâ&#x20AC;?.

The LSE Choir, accompanied by choirmaster Andrew Campling on piano, sang a Suite of Jewish Songs, in Hebrew. Campling described these songs, which are sung every year, as â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautiful and pertinentâ&#x20AC;?; the perfect length and tone for this type of event.

The Choir, dressed in all

black, ended the service with Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, a 19th century African American spiritual.

This song VHUYHG WR XQLWH GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW FXO tures with similar histories of persecution. It was an excellent way to conclude the commemoration, with the presenters exiting in silence.

Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy predicaments foreign policy by itself. Noting that the traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;uniIn the midst of the global lateralistâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;isolationistâ&#x20AC;?

HFRQRPLF ŕŽ&#x160; QDQFLDO FULVLV position the United States internal domestic issues has had in the past is now and international challeng- gone, he stated that globalies facing Barack Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sation will play a key part in new administration, John the process of foreign poliCoatsworth, professor of cy making.

LQWHUQDWLRQDO DŕŽ&#x2030; DLUV DQG RI Moreover, he observed history at Columbia Univerthat â&#x20AC;&#x153;United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capacsity discussed the dilemmas and challenges the United ity to shape the internationStates faces on its foreign al environmentâ&#x20AC;Śis diminpolicy making in the next ishing.â&#x20AC;?

Coastworth however four years at the Old Theawarned that it is hard to tre last week.

In his speech, Coats- predict the future when the worth talked about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rate to relative decline is many challenges in the long yet to be tested.â&#x20AC;?

Coatsworth went on to run of United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foreign policy making. This in- describe how domestic iscluded sustainability issues sues could constrain the around the world, including United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foreign polclimate change, interna- icy making, questioning tional development and hu- â&#x20AC;&#x153;whether or not the United States will be able to develman rights issues.

Coatsworth noted the RS DQG LPSOHPHQW HŕŽ&#x2030; HFWLYH United Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of its long term economic secuhard and soft power in rity and foreign policies in strengthening international the face of domestic politinorms and institutions â&#x20AC;&#x153;to cal divisionsâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? He concludsecure protection for its ed that domestic politics vital economic and secu- ZLOO KDYH D JUHDW HŕŽ&#x2030; HFW RQ rity interestâ&#x20AC;Ś when it will the long term goals of the no longer be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s US government.

In Coatsworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech, preeminent military and KH UHIHUUHG WR 2EDPDâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV ŕŽ&#x160; UVW economic power.â&#x20AC;?

Coatsworth went on term in office and ultimateto discuss the major con- ly came to the conclusion straints facing United that there was â&#x20AC;&#x153;no major Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foreign policy mak- achievement in sustainability issuesâ&#x20AC;? nor â&#x20AC;&#x153;grand strating.

Firstly, it has become in- egy of global governance.â&#x20AC;? creasingly difficult for the He attributed this to the United States to develop various distractions and unmitigated and unpredict-

able circumstances that the Obama administration has faced, notably the Middle Eastern problem and how vulnerable that region is to JUSTIN SLOAN

Faye Wong

catastrophes, and also attacks and nuclear threats around the world from North Korea to Iran.

In identifying the four

areas of foreign policy making, Coatsworth discussed 2EDPDâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV ŕŽ&#x160; UVW WHUP LQ RIILFH and how successful it was in achieving its objectives.

He also predicted what Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would do in his second term and what the global community would expect to see.

He described Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary objectives in August 2008 before he got into office: to contain Iran, manage Pakistan and secure the $UDE ,UDHOL FRQŕŽ&#x2039; LFW +RZHY er, evidently, Obama failed to achieve these objectives.

Nevertheless, he noted that major threats constrained the United Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to manage these complicated and complex problems quickly.

In reference to Western Europe, John Coatsworth explained that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the economic recovery of Europe was criticalâ&#x20AC;Śto the United Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic recovery.â&#x20AC;?

Furthermore, he described that there has been talks of a tree trade agreement between the European Union and the United States but jokingly said there has been little talk of that in Britain.

Overall, the talk was well-received, with many stating that Coatsworth was â&#x20AC;&#x153;comprehensiveâ&#x20AC;? in his public discussion of Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy challenges both domestically and internationally.

8

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Comment Comment

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

9

Patience is a virtue Ben Phillips on how the promise of an EU referendum has sold Britain into years of uncertainty Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a big fan of the EU â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a clumsy, complex, bureaucratic behemoth which may well have its worst days ahead of it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a lot of time for those whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to leave it (although I disagree with them). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also clear that if ever Britain does leave, it should be on the basis of a direct popular vote. So I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fault our Prime Minister on his principles when he promised a possible referendum on the EU. What I do fault him on, however, is his timing. Announcing the chance for a referendum a full four years before it would happen, while Britain is still a part of the organisation it may now be leaving, is a bizarre decision. Cameron has condemned the EU and the British people to years of complete uncertainty about Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place in Europe. Why oh why didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you wait, David?

Assuming the Conservatives win the next election, Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referen-

by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tory rebelsâ&#x20AC;? trying to break free from a leash controlled by their partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader. It seems that CamHURQ KDV ŕŽ&#x160; QDOO\ FKRVHQ WR VXFFXPE to them. The issue is perhaps not so much a lack of patience as a lack of backbone from the Prime Minister.

The rebels have been appeased and Cameron can feel a little more comfortable on the Tory throne. His wish to hold a referendum may well be in what he believes is the national interest. His decision to announce it now, however, is in none but the Tory interest.

Enough about the causes; what about the consequences? What can we expect in this strange interim period between now and 2017? The ŕŽ&#x160; UVW WKLQJ ZH FDQ EH VXUH RI LV WKDW no matter whether a referendum is held, Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement has already changed our relationship with Europe. Between now and the referendum, each and every EU

Cameron has condemned the EU and the British people to years of complete uncertainty about Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place in Europe. dum will most likely occur four years from now. There doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to be any necessity for him to make this commitment so early, no particular event which has prompted this spasmodic policy revelation. For anybody to promise something four years in advance is rare, but for a politician to do so is almost unheard of. So unless Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timing is arbitrary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I expect more from my nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it must have some explanation which lies outside of the EU problem.

The explanation may be a genuine lack of patience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that an EU referendum has been on the Toriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cards for some time now, particularly after the more Eurosceptic intake of MPs in 2010. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible that after too many years of waiting and so many trips to Strasbourg, Cameron just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t restrain himself any longer. His virtue of patience was outweighed by the desperation to show his hand.

Not likely. When it comes to the EU, Cameron hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been restraining himself - heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been restraining sectors of his party. The calls for a referendum began with 81 Tory backbenchers which he and his whips wanted to silence. Until yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech, the argument for announcing a referendum was owned entirely

member state, organisation and Eurocrat will cease to see us as a permanent and certain presence. Every policy, discussion and consideration concerning Britain will be overshadowed by the possibility that Britain may soon fall out of the picture altogether. Any long term projects will surely not be presumptuous enough to adequately consider the member who already has one foot outside the door?

Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to negotiate â&#x20AC;&#x153;treaty changeâ&#x20AC;? seems much more difficult under the new conditions he has now created. Maybe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m untrusting, but if someone asked me to renegotiate a business venture with the caveat that they might soon leave the business altogether, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be particularly sympathetic. By announcing this referendum so early, Cameron has infested treaty renegotiations with new and greater problems.

So until referendum time comes around, Britain will become the ghost of the EU, the member who hangs around but whose interests are no longer considered. Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impatience has come at the cost of de facto isolation from the EU and a nasty form of isolation at that: one during which we will

continue to pay EU bills. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;right for business and right for the economyâ&#x20AC;? to me.

In his speech, Cameron noted that the issue of the EU would not â&#x20AC;&#x153;go awayâ&#x20AC;?. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absolutely right on that, which is why he was absolutely wrong to make the speech LQ WKH ŕŽ&#x160; UVW place. Our membership of the EU cannot be swatted away for the next few years until the British people make a decision about it. The EU behemoth, like most behemoths, cannot be so easily removed. Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early announcement has provoked years of uncertainty for the British people. Europhiles and Eurosceptics can unite along the unclear path their PM has laid out for the next few years.

The consequences of staying in or leaving the EU are open to debate at this point. The consequences of announcing a referendum so far in advance, however, are not. Isolation and uncertainty, until the 2015 election at least,

are unavoidable.

So the PM would have done well to remember the tried and tested virtue of patience. From his perspective, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeased the insurgent Tory rebels and procured a nice political weapon for the election in 2015. But if he considers Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real national interest, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll realise that a bit more waiting was essential. His outrageously early announcement has needlessly cons i g n e d Britain to years of isolation and uncertainty. Cameron should have bitten his tongue just a little bit longer.

10

Comment

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

Leave the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library alone Laura Aumeer thinks that the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library adds a great deal to the LSE As the LSE prepares to unveil the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library, the Beaver last week questioned whether it was worth the slight disruption. It was criticised for being part of an agenda that was concerned with â&#x20AC;&#x153;appearing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;liberalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;progressiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; over addressing the real concernsâ&#x20AC;? of students. It appears that some feel that the loss of computers and study spaces in the transition is not worth the gaining of a UNESCO-recognised collection, which could be of use to students. I do not in any way want to suggest

KDYH VXFK VLJQLŕŽ&#x160;FDQW DUFKLval material in a research institution. A large number of our students undertake research projects, from undergraduate dissertations to PhDs, and this material could be a useful source. In addition, the allegation of the collection being â&#x20AC;&#x153;underused and cost-inefficientâ&#x20AC;? at London Met is not substantiated, and I would suggest /RQGRQ 0HWURSROLWDQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV ŕŽ&#x160;nancial hardship has more to do with losing its licence to sponsor non-EU students rather than maintaining the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library.

feminist approaches arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t new at LSE. After all, there are numerous courses in feminist economics, social policy and politics available. With the LSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gender Institute being the largest research and teaching unit of its kind in Europe, it is clear it is not just a fringe that takes gender seriously in their studies at LSE. To take issue over the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library for taking up valuable library space is to take issue with a large proportion of students and researchers here.

However, this is not just

included. A perspective of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history is not just a fashionable accessory to traditional history. Instead, it is a fundamental component that helps understand society as a whole rather than the actions of the (often white and male) elite. History has long moved on from being the study of kings and wars.

Perspectives of women and minority groups are increasingly recognised. The backlash to Goveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planned changes to the history curriculum, for example, recognise how much people value social history and history of

fer gender discrimination in the workplace. LSE itself is not immune to gender issues, from the lack of female professors to sexist campaign advertising and socalled â&#x20AC;&#x153;lad cultureâ&#x20AC;?. Without knowledge of the structures of discrimination and the challenges women have faced over history, it seems unlikely that these issues will ever be fully dealt with.

Undeniably the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library is a valuable collection of resources and material, both for society in general and LSE in particular.

The LSE Library is one of

CTROUPER

that the majority of students feel these concerns, but they do need to be adGUHVVHG 7KH\ UHŕŽ&#x2039;HFW QRW only a misunderstanding of the purposes of universities and libraries, but also they miss the value of social history, and in particular womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

Firstly, taking on the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library has clear EHQHŕŽ&#x160;WV DVLGH IURP DQ\ supposed left-wing political agenda. The collection is highly valuable and contains rare and historic material that charts the changing lives of women. Its value is not just economic, as it is undeniably an asset to

7KH EHQHŕŽ&#x160;WV RI EULQJLQJ the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library to LSE will not just be felt by a â&#x20AC;&#x153;few fringe unemployable sociology studentsâ&#x20AC;?. Ignoring the insinuation that studying sociology makes you unemployable (after all, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop Craig Calhoun), it is wrong to suggest that this FROOHFWLRQ EHQHŕŽ&#x160;WV RQO\ D handful of people that study here. With the collection covering the history of women in numerous areas such as health, education, feminism and poverty, students of numerous disciplines can EHQHŕŽ&#x160;W IURP WKLV JHQGHUHG perspective of social history. Multi-disciplinary and

an issue over resources but over the validity of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history itself. The LSE Library is indeed the hub of RXU XQLYHUVLW\ DQG UHŕŽ&#x2039;HFWV LSE as an institution and what it considers important.

To argue that the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library is not worthy of this space suggests that womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history is irrelevant.

Adding to the archival material already present, including Boothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poverty maps and numerous government publications, the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library plays an important role in making the collection more complete, providing information and perspectives not already

the maligned.

A gender perspective in our historical understandLQJ GRHV QRW MXVW EHQHŕŽ&#x160;W RXU knowledge of history, but of policy-making and politics today. In academic and policy studies, women have long been ignored. The UK welfare state, for example, was originally based on a male breadwinner model that repressed women. Making better social policy today WKHUHIRUH LQYROYHV UHŕŽ&#x2039;HFWLRQ of how womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives have been touched by changing policies. Women still face numerous problems today and, for example, are more likely to be poor and suf-

RQO\ ŕŽ&#x160;YH QDWLRQDO UHVHDUFK libraries in England and this is one of the aspects of LSE that sets it apart from other universities. Its research is one of the reasons the institution is so highly regarded, helping us all whether weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working on a PhD or just trying to pass statistics and get a job. As the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library comes to the former home of the VXŕŽ&#x2030;UDJHWWHV LW ZLOO QR GRXEW be a valuable asset for researchers and the LSE. I can only hope it might also inspire those who originally considered womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history as worthless to reconsider.

Comment

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

11

A survey that misses the point Shu Hang defends the Beaver’s satisfaction polling and questions that of the LSE much time and effort the news writers have spent on the conducting the survey, interviewing Dr Jonathan Leape and writing the article, it is disheartening to hear Calhoun outright dismissing the survey as something so worthless that only the “anti-intellectual” would refer to.

While our survey was far from scientific, I strongly believe that it was necessary and has served its purpose well. At the very least, our “badly conducted” survey was actually published and publicised. I find it utterly unconvincing for the school to argue how fantastic LSE100 is while quoting some mysterious survey that no one has access to, save for those who have submitted formal Freedom of Information Requests (something the School will usually find any reason to decline).

The only student survey we have been able to receive from the School is the class teaching surveys (although Jonathan Leape, himself, was kind enough to release other kinds of documents that did help in our story). And indeed, LSE100 has performed rather impressively in that survey. However, when I hear students complain about LSE100, I don’t hear them complain about the teachers’ “skill at involving members of the class” and “spoken english”, or that the “integration of classes with lectures” was imperfect.

The class survey, like many other surveys the LSE conducts on LSE100, are

IKHLASUL AMAL

Having served as News Editor for the Beaver for fifteen issues, I would say that the most frustrating thing about this seemingly influential role (it really isn’t) is having to deal with the School. During my tenure, while I have encountered many friendly and helpful people, I do feel that on the whole, the School sees the News section as a source of annoyance, a bunch of pseudo reporters unnecessarily and inaccurately putting the school in a bad light.

During the second Twitter Q&A session with Craig Calhoun, the LSE Director, Jason Wong once again brought up the ever controversial LSE100, asking “80 per cent of students oppose LSE100 (Beaver Poll 11/12). Will the school prioritise student feedback over marketing gimmicks?”

He was referring to the survey carried out by the Beaver during the previous term, where 60 per cent of respondents would choose to make LSE100 optional while 20 per cent would scrap the course altogether.

Calhoun responded rather feistily, tweeting, “I think this is nonsense. Better conducted surveys give LSE100 strong support.

Don’t be anti-intellectual!”

First of all, I do realise that our survey is not perfect. As a publication with, for all intensive purposes, a useable budget of zero pounds, we do not have the resources nor expertise to design and disseminate a statistically perfect survey.

Nevertheless, knowing how

simply missing the point, that is, not asking the right questions to, well, determine the causes of student dissatisfaction. The source of student dissatisfaction towards LSE100 is not the classes, but the enjoyability, implementation and, to put it bluntly, the mere existence of the course. And this is the gap our survey was trying to fill.

The only relevant part of the class survey conducted by the LSE is “how satisfied have you been with the course content as a whole to date?” and unsurprisingly, LSE100 scored way below the school average.

Furthermore, if you happen to be the minority of students who attended a LSE100 lecture in Week Eight and Nine, you would

notice that barely ten per cent of the Peacock Theatre was occupied, and was occupied with LSE100’s die-hard fans. This creates a huge bias in the lecture survey.

Often, students won’t go to the LSE100 classes like they would normal classes, so the class surveys could also be skewed.

Unfortunately, the school seems to prefer to hang on the illusion created by these surveys. As seen from Calhoun’s tweet, LSE becomes defensive and touchy-feely whenever criticism towards the course is raised, denying any trace of student dissatisfaction and weakness in the course. This seriously impedes the School’s ability to steer the course in

the right direction.

At the end of the day, it does not matter how many Guardian Teaching Awards you receive, or how many external examiners and investment banks gush over how LSE100 improves our employability. If most students are not bothered enough with the course to put in the necessary efforts, do we really have anything to be proud of?

Forget about the big employers and Imperial College, it’s time LSE put students first and put the most weight on student opinion.

LSE100 has a lot of potential. Nevertheless, it requires a reform, or at least a serious reevaluation, and I hope the School can let go of its pride and admit that.

Letter to the Editor: Dear Sir, With regards to the comments article by Bernard Feng entitled ‘Ich bine ein Auslander’ in the 16th January 2013 edition of The Beaver, I would like to highlight an error in the facts provided.

The writer states “In addition, there were other restrictions, such as requiring the student to have at least £4,000 in his own name. Had I applied for university a year later, his [sic] visa would have been refused.”

As the article highlights it is a difficult process and we would like to try to help by ensuring the correct information is available to the student body. The minimum requirement to show for living costs is

£2,000 but many LSE students will have to show substantially more.

In addition, students will have to show evidence of their tuition fees IRU WKH ஊUVW \HDU Any students with student immigration questions can contact ISIS by emailing ssc.isis@lse.ac.uk.

Regards, Bethan Ovens LSE International Student Immigration Service

If you would like to send a Letter to the Editor, please email comment@thebeaveronline.co.uk

12

Comment

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

THE TOTALITARIAN MENACE Murderers, messiahs and megalomaniacs: the future of totalitarianism

Liam Hill

Of all the tragedies which punctuated the twentieth century, one common theme unites the majority: totalitarianism. If we are not careful, this century could be even more disastrous. The greatest evils of the twentieth century are known to us all. Hitlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concentration camps, Stalinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gulags and Maoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Revolution are perhaps the most notable, with the highest death counts.

However, we ought not to IRUJHW 3RO 3RWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV NLOOLQJ ŕŽ&#x160; HOGV and labour camps, where two million Cambodians died in a disastrous agrarian communist experiment, Saddam Husseinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Al Anfal campaign, which resulted in the deaths of up to two million Kurdish Iraqis, and the reappearance of concentration camps in Europe as late as the 1990s when Slobodan Milosevic sponsored his Orthodox Christian Serbian nationalist forces in the ethnic cleansing of the populations of Bosnian Muslims and Catholic Croats, leading to the deaths of probably 150,000 people and the displacement of two million more. I could go on, and mention Ceausescu, Khomeini or Kim IlSung, who tortured and terrorized tens of millions into servitude, forced labour and the indignity of idol worship.

There are many more tyrants and autocrats whose crimes could be mentioned, but it is the exclusively totalitarian menace which threatens to eradicate hu-

man civilisation in our century.

Within a decade, perhaps sooner, either, or both, the rulers of North Korea and Iran could control weapons with enough destructive power to extinguish human life within days. It is not just the lives, liberties and dignities of the subjects of dictators which are endangered in the battle against the totalitarian enemy; it is the future of human survival.

There is something peculiar in the totalitarian psychology, something commonly megalomaniacal and pernicious in the motivations of these dictators, deŕŽ&#x160; QHG E\ DEVROXWH FRQWURO the crushing of peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individuality, the manufacture and maintenance of fear and desperation, and the desire to be worshipped. Totalitarianism embodies derangement and neuroses, which explains the combination of unlimited power and near permanent paranoia which so often characterise totalitarian leaders, from Stalin to Saddam Hussein.

As I write, and as you read, French soldiers are in the process of forcing Islamist extremists from Mali so that Mali should not be allowed to be reduced to a Somalia or an Afghanistan, both of which were allowed WR EH GLVŕŽ&#x160; JXUHG E\ IDQDWLFV before intervention diminLVKHG WKH LQŕŽ&#x2039; XHQFH of zealots, although there remains bloodshed in both

countries to this day. There seems to be a relationship between the religious impulse and the totalitarian one. This may arise from the desire of the religious to impose their beliefs on others, stronger in some than others. Whether it is efficacy of religion as a method of social control or the aspiration of the pious to impose religious morality, or both, it seems that most prominent global fascism is an undoubtedly clerical one.

There is a rather odd historical relationship between totalitarianism and religion.

It is not only religious forms of fascism, but also atheistic communism to which this applies. The original European triumvirate of fascist states, Germany, Italy and Spain, all received tacit support from the Vatican. Pope Pius XII was a de facto Nazi sympathiser who chose â&#x20AC;&#x153;neutralityâ&#x20AC;? as European Jews were ghettoised, concentrated and massacred in their millions.

Japan, furthermore, was governed, in the person of Emperor Hirohito, by a self-proclaimed demigod. Stalin may have been an atheist, but the cult of personality he created made the Soviet Union anything but secular. The same rule applies to the totalitarian communists since Stalin, from Tito to Kim Jong-un in the present day. To replace

gods with men is not to abolish religion, but to make it more dangerous, unpredictable and messianic.

Even where a leader does not explicitly claim to be divine, totalitarianism can be fuelled by ethno-religious tension. You may have noticed I included the ethnic and religious groups to which the three main factions in the Yugoslav Wars belonged, to avoid the common mistake of referring to Serbs, Croats and Muslims.

The part played by nationalLVP LQ WKH FRQŕŽ&#x2039; LFWV LV RIWHQ overstated, neglecting the role played by religious tensions, which had been suppressed when Yugoslavia was a federal communist republic. Ottoman buildings were defaced by Milosevicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orthodox militia, who often wore crosses over their bandoliers as they pillaged Croatian and Bosnian towns.

You might say that there LV QRWKLQJ WR SUHYHQW HŕŽ&#x2030; HF tive diplomacy from keeping the world from nuclear holocaust. But diplomacy, to a degree, relies on the assumption that people can be expected to perform as rational actors in their national or personal interest, which they are not. Indeed, inheriting its abstract traditions, as it does, from the likes of Nietzsche and Rousseau, totalitarianism makes no claim to be rational. It thrives on the fear and credulity of the masses.

Despite all this, despite all the huPDQ VXŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ wreaked by ruthless autocrats, self-proclaimed demigods, ethnic

cleansers and religious zealots, there remain some reasons to be hopeful. We can and must hope that there will be more mass movements for democracy. At best, they will be relatively swift and peaceful, Ă la Tunisia. At worst, protracted FLYLO FRQŕŽ&#x2039; LFW DQG HPEDU rassing western obfuscation and inaction), as continues in Syria, could blight a nation for years.

What western intervention in Libya proved is that western action in support of democracy should not be condemned per se. The reason the institution of order and democracy in Iraq in 2003 proved so difficult was the Bush administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failure of judgement with regard to statecraft, rather than the resistance of Iraqis to democracy or the perceived imposition of western values.

What is needed is a positive defence of the values we hold dear, our democracy, the liberalism which allows us to express ourselves freely, and the secularism which creates the space for religious freedom and healthy criticism.

To protect these at home and increase their reach abroad, there is a need for a new Age of Enlightenment.

Giving the right of self-determination to Iranians and North Koreans would not only liberate millions from an abject condition of poverty and forced adulation, but could prevent the end of human civilisation as we know it: a worthy cause, if ever I saw one.

The Beaver 29.01.2013

PartB ME TAM ORP HOS IS

Y T R I H T K R A D O ZER

ED’S FURU EAS EVERY THE DEA RE FE TH OF TH Y DIN THING STIVA EVERY ER Q L THING

THE

W O L L I P IS H S E N I M A X E R E M A E DR

S E V I L N IH DDE N A I L A T I S ’ E I M A J

MELBA

13

14

29.01.2013 PartB

MEET OUR

EDITORS PartB

JOSH JINRUANG partb@thebeaveronline.co.uk

Fashion

LSESU FASHION SOCIETY fashion@thebeaveronline.co.uk

Film

VENESSA CHAN VACANCY

ஊ OP#WKHEHDYHURQOLQH FR XN

Food

LAURA RANDLE

food@thebeaveronline.co.uk

Literature VACANT

literature@thebeaveronline.co.uk

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TOM BARNES EMIR NADER

PXVLF#WKHEHDYHURQOLQH FR XN

Private B

GINGER WHOREBY

privateb@thebeaveronline.co.uk

Theatre

LAURENCE VARDAXOGLOU theatre@thebeaveronline.co.uk

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ISABELLA SILVER

tv@thebeaveronline.co.uk

Video Games

Enter the 2013 Bernard Levin Award for Student Journalism

FIRST PRIZE: INTERNSHIP AT THE HUFFINGTON POST, £500, DINNER AND A PLAY

PHILIP GALLAGHER

YLGHRJDPHV#WKHEHDYHURQOLQH FR XN

Visual Arts ERIKA ARNOLD

visualarts@thebeaveronline.co.uk

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VACANT

partb-web@thebeaveronline.co.uk

Cover Art COURTESY OF AFIK:BERLIN

Write for us!

FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ANY OF US ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO WRITE FOR PARTB

PartB

Launch Event 14th February CLM.2.02 | 6:00PM Social afterwards with thanks to The Beaver All LSE students are eligible to enter Applications will close at the end of Lent Term For more details, samples of last year’s entries and Bernard Levin’s writing style visit www.lsesu.com/BLA

Funded by the kind donations of LSE Alumni and Friends to seek out the journalistic talent of tomorrow.

15

The Beaver 29.01.2013

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

METAMORPHOSIS

T

he ancient metamorphosis myths have seen many versions and adaptations but Franza Kafkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Metamorphosis stands alone in modern times, and David Farr and GĂ­sli Ă&#x2013;rn GarĂ°arsson have managed to capture some if its ingenuity in their spectacle of the same name.

The challenge rested in portraying Gregor Samsa (GĂ­sli Ă&#x2013;rn GarĂ°arsson), a salesman, as a life-size insect who wakes up one morning transformed

without reason; this forms the basis of the story, and of course the show. GarĂ°arsson produces a performance of incredible strength as he spends the majority of the evening crawling across walls, his bedroom cleverly rotating so as to give the impression of his being on the ceiling. Quite simply, he becomes the bug.

As Gregorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family cannot understand him, there is an emphasis on movement as a means of expression; GarĂ°ars-

Â?Â?Â?Â?

Lyric Hammersmith Ends on 09 February 2013 Written by Franz Kafka Directed by David Farr, GĂ­sli Ă&#x2013;rn GarĂ°arsson Starring GĂ­sli Ă&#x2013;rn GarĂ°arsson, Kelly Hunter, Jonathan McGuiness

sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grace gives the impression of a dance performance and speaks volumes for the thoughtfulness of David Farrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction.

In a politicised adaptation of Kafkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel, vaguely hinting at a setting of 1930s Germany, the family jumps at every knock on the door and are respectful to the point of subservient in the presence of any kind of authority. At one stage, Herman tells his son, 'you no longer have the right of an individual family member'; and this can be read as a direct reference to the rhetoric used against minority groups during the Third Reich. There are several comments woven into the script that are in a similar vein, in particular the Samsa householdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inability to 'accommodate vermin'.

After his family have stopped recoiling at the sight of him and wincing every time he â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;speaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, they move from

trying to accept his mutation to abhorring him and eventually neglecting him altogether. These separate stages in the plot can be read in the movement and position of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fourth chairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the dinning room tableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Gregorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair.

Empty in the first scene, it is then hidden away before being brought back by Gregorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Lucy (Kelly Hunter).

Finally, it is thrown out of the window. There are more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mirror imagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; embedded in an incredibly intricate production: when Grete first locks Gregor in his room, she does so to protect him and she wears the key on a string around her neck; she is his guardian.

Once she has lost any compassion for her brother the bug, however, the key becomes a symbol of oppression; he is under her jurisdiction, she is made the jailor. It is exactly

this deftness of touch on the part of Karr and Ă&#x2013;rn GarĂ°arsson that means there is still much to explore for the audience, of which many are already familiar with what is a popular tale.

It would be interesting to really test the explanatory powers of David Farrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction and remove the dialogue altogether, since the show was at its most expressive and poignant when silent; the narrative itself is not complicated and so there is room to push an already ambitious piece of theatre much further.

Nonetheless, this is an excellent adaptation of a fascinating story, and GarĂ°arssonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance must make him a shoe-in for the next Spiderman film.

theme, smacked of Aronofskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Requieum for a Dream. As the SLHFH SURJUHVVHG WKLV LQŕŽ&#x2039; X ence seemed to become more and more of a dependence.

Whilst the production has the capacity to deliver something shocking and abrasive, with the power to make the audience question their own UHODWLRQVKLSV DQG OLIH IXOŕŽ&#x160; O ment, it ultimately falls short.

At times, it is little more than a set of soggy conversations lost

in grander aspirations. It must be remembered though, that the Lightning Jar is a new company, and The Dreamer is their debut showâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the actorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performances will only improve over a run that will hopefully end up as a thoughtful and provocative piece of theatre.

Laurence Vardaxoglou

Ă&#x20AC; THE DREAMER EXAMINES HIS PILLOW

S

OLD RED LION THEATRE

et in 1983, John Patrick Shanleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Dreamer Examines His Pillow transports the audience to a %URQ[ ŕŽ&#x2039; DW ZKHUH SRYHUW\ LV rife and self-assurance is nonexistent. Shanleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s writing allows an insight into a world of discontent, stresses, love and pain; it shows the demise of two people who desire more from their lives, exploring ideas of existentialism and, more directly, nihilism.

It is the latter that seems to have created problems for the cast.

Characterisation ZDV ZHDNâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x152;â&#x20AC;ŹLW ZDV GLŕŽ&#x152; FXOW to understand whether Donna (Stacie Bono) and Tommy (Kieren Moloney) were from VLPLODU EDFNJURXQGV RU GLŕŽ&#x2030; HU ent worlds. Their relationship ZDV GLŕŽ&#x152; FXOW WR JUDVS DQG WKH dialogue often failed to pack a

punch when what it really required was passion.

When Donna reaches out to her father (Jason Will) they have what appears to be a shallow conversation about their past but the script is set up for a substantial discussion about falling in love, sex and what it means to be a man. Bono must be applauded though; her emotional display was astute and powerful, drawing the audience into her woesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;her accent was great too.

The set comprises of two rooms meeting in the middle with two paintings, which did help to signify aspects of the charactersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personalities. A fridge, along with a couple of old television sets provided the focus for much of the pieceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; both of which, along with the New York setting and nihilistic

Â?Â?

Michelle Warbis

Old Red Lion Theatre Ends on 16 February 2013 Written by John Patrick Shanley Starring Stacie Bono, Kieren Moloney

16

29.01.2013 PartB

\ FUTURE FESTIVAL bbc radio 1

BBC RADIO 1/LAURA MVULA

Y

ou’d be hard pressed to find an evening of music that was any more diverse than this years Radio 1’s Future Festival. Nicely complementing the Beeb’s Sound of 2013 list, Zaine Lowe threw together a line-up of some of the most promising acts in the UK, assuring us all that the future of British music is in very safe hands.

Kicking off the proceedings were up-and-coming alternative rock group, The 1975. Expecting something much more heavy (based solely on their dress sense), the Mancunian 5-piece were a real surprise.

Their second tune ‘Chocolate’

was their most successful, blending catchy guitar hooks with an excellent groove. The band might have slightly vapid lyrics, but who really cares when the music is this good.

British rock group Mallory Knox were next up, delivering a particularly high-energy set. Lead singer Mikey Chapman boasted a great voice, and was well supported by the rest of the quintet, with highlights including ‘Alone’ and ‘Lighthouse’. Reflecting back on their set, there’s a sense their tunes were sometimes hard to distinguish between, often following the same geography.

This aside, it shouldn’t put any-

one off, and their debut album Signals, released last Monday, is definitely worth a look.

Without doubt, Laura Mvula was the highlight of the whole evening. Think Lianne La Havas meets Esperanza Spalding. Her soothing Nina Simone-esque vocals floated effortlessly above her incredible band that featured strings, harp, hammond organ, celsete and backing vocals. Coming from a classical background, Mvula’s vocal arrangements were nothing short of magical.

As the set progressed the studio descended into a hushed reverence, absorbing every moment of this astounding per-

formance and her final song, ‘She’, particularly resonated with the crowd. Crescendoing to a rousing anthem-like climax, it left every audience member literally speechless.

Mvula is the one to watch.

King Krule then gave what was a genuinely heartfelt solo performance. At only 18 years old it felt that Archy Marshall perhaps needs a few more years on the gigging circuit in order to fully flourish in such an intimate environment.

However his haunting and tender performance showed us all why his place in the BBC Sound of 2012 list is well deserved.

attention seeking, Arc presents a far more coherent, digestible listen. Of course, such comments are relative.

'Kemosabe' and 'Armourland'

one genre seems suffocating and unjustifiable.

Everything Everything frequently threatens to cascade into a cacophony of irreconcilable beats, samples and melodies. Instead, expert production from David Kosten helps tame this dangerous concoction. The results are self-evident. The overwhelming bombardment of tempo-changes and tangential distraction in rhythm characteristic of Man Alive are sidelined. In Arc, slickly-layered and highly engaging music abounds.

Not every one of the thirteen tracks will crash into your coveted 'top 25 most played'. Nevertheless, the album is so well formed that the ambience provided by the less immediate 'Choice Mountain' and 'Arc' are essential to the overall mood of the work. From start to finish, uncomfortable themes of apathy and discontent permeate

even the most visceral songs.

The juxtaposition of gripping, high-tempo beats with lyrical pessimism symbolises the notion in 'Cough Cough' that we feel “something's wrong but it's okay if we're still getting paid”. The uncovering of anxiety and dissatisfaction moves through the album, its tenacious opening half settling into a sombre, selfreflective ending. The natural climax falls in 'The Peaks' where “more towers come down than children grow up”, making the addition of throwaway 'Don't Try' a superfluous ending.

One misplaced track does not do away with the accomplishment of the previous twelve. Higgs's unmistakable falsetto voice and the truly inimitable sound of Everything Everything will surely divide opinion. Nevertheless, the deft production, eclectic sounds and ferocious intelli

- EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

T

he resonating message delivered by opening track 'Cough Cough' —“I'm coming alive, I'm happening now”—offers a fitting description for the career of Manchester based, indie-pop quartet, Everything Everything. Arc, released January 14th, follows widely acclaimed début album Man Alive, a short-listed nominee for the 2011 Mercury Prize.

On the back of this success, Arc sheds none of the creativity, vigour or infectious appeal of its predecessor but adds a healthy splash of maturity to create an impressive tour de force early in the year.

With a self-described style by lead man Jonathan Higgs as “unpredictable and sort of surprising”, the keen, experimental sound of Everything Everything remains highly appealing. However, whilst the excesses of Man Alive risked labelling the band as

"HIGGS'S UNMISTAKABLE FALSETTO VOICE AND THE TRULY INIMITABLE SOUND OF EVERYTHING EVERYTHING WILL SURELY DIVIDE OPINION." are reminiscent of the madly jerky electro-pop of previous releases, whilst 'Duet' and 'The House Is Dust' see the band dabble expertly with strings and piano. Throughout, the band steps back from its comfort zone, yet executes a variety of sounds with such quality and confidence that confining the group in any

Following on were London-based indie band Palma Violets. Their confident performance was, if a bit relentless, certainly a breath of fresh air for what is an often stagnant indie scene. Finishing with ‘Best of Friends’, NME’s Song of 2012, it seems the group are best at home in a live environment.

As a brief departure from British artists, Zaine Lowe included New York rap artist A$AP Rocky in the line-up, who flew in specially from the USA. Despite in a more subdued setting at the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios than A$AP was probably used to, it didn’t stop him giving a solid performance. Featuring two tracks off his debut studio album LongLiveA$AP, A$AP was keen to not let us forget there is decent new music outside of the British Isles.

Rounding off the night was a 30-minute set from men of the moment, Disclosure. Since achieving international fame last year, the DJ duo have been leading the UK garage/ house scene with their trademark lo-fi dream-dub sound.

The two brothers proved why they have been demanding fervent attention from the world dubstep community, including a performance their latest release, ‘White Noise’, aptly featuring the voice of Aluna Francis of the ultra-futuristic AlunaGeorge (BBC Sound of 2013). Rounding off the night was their most successful song to date ‘Latch’, with live vocals from Sam Smith. With enough talent between the two of them to last many careers over, you’re going to want to be a part of Disclosure’s 2013.

Ɖ Tom Barnes

INTERVIEW ARTISTS? COVER CONCERTS? REVIEW FREE SAMPLES FROM ALBUM THAT HASN'T EVEN BEEN RELEASED YET?

...Write for music.

Submit articles or just get in touch with Emir and Tom at: music@thebeaveronline.co.uk

gence of Arc is something to be applauded. Few albums in 2013 will be more worthy of a risky purchase.

Ɖ

Vince Harrold

17

The Beaver 29.01.2013

Ø THE TIPPERARY ways comforting to know the bar staff are more concerned with the enjoyment of your beverage, rather than chucking it down the sink and

TATE

not they’re outweighed by the regulars, who are both jovial and welcoming. For a Central London pub such as this, that should be the instant green light that this place has something special.

Then the decor hits you.

There’s no old farming implements on the wall, sumptuous carved mirrors advertising things that have long since passed give a tantalising insight into what yesteryear might have in store for someone looking to purchase various goods. If you asked for a shamrock to be printed into the foam of your stout, you’d probably be kicked out.

Admittedly, the bar area is the only place that hinders this establishment. It must be conceded that there isn’t a significant amount of room to swing the proverbial cat here. You can get two stout men side by side if needed, but as people start to look to making toilet breaks things can start to get a little bit close for comfort. That said, as is appropriate for the establishment, everyone is full of manors, drink watching is also par for the course here.

Of course one should always be have someone trustworthy watch their tipple, but it’s al-

EWAN-M

Ensconced in an unassuming building just towards the end of the main section of Fleet Street is an absolute gem of an establishment, from the selection of ales, traditional bar snacks and incredible service, it is hard to imagine why this pub hasn’t become a stalwart on the crawl scene.

To truly appreciate this pub one must first put it into an appropriate context. That is to compare it to the far more common, and abhorrent chain irish pubs that litter the London scene. Anyone who has been forced to spend over 30 seconds in an O’Neills will agree, just because a pub serves Guinness and has a couple of pieces of faux-Munster tat on the wall doesn’t make it a place where actual citizens of the Emerald Isle would be seen dead in.

This pub however, is in a league of its own in that regard. From the instant you step over the threshold it’s as though one was transported from London to a place where having a conversion with a stranger isn’t seen as being a prelude to an assault.

There might occasionally be the odd city wanker sat at the bar, but more often than

gouging another three quid from you.

On the topic of the bar

LSESU SHOULD TAKE A STANCE ON NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS

staff, I can say with certainty that the lady running the bar is without doubt in my top three for publicans I’ve met whilst in London. This wasn’t the standard boorish money wanting student, she knew names, interacted with people and was singing along just as heartily to the music as the most sloshed of patrons. If every other staff member is even a quarter committed to the pub as she is then they’re in incredibly good stead.

Another area that the pub can’t be faulted is the playlist.

With the common-or-garden Irish pub, one always run the risk of the music becoming a tired cliche for the evening, something that is occasionally known as Repetitive Enya Syndrome. Not at The Tipperary. A distinctly Nineties CD player was stacked high with a broad selection of actually Irish artists, most of whom I had never heard of.

Yet a that perfect blend of riff and simplistic lyrics allowed even the most sombre person a hum along at the minimum.

There was a food menu present on the table that we managed to snag towards the end of the evening, however as we didn’t eat it’s impossi-

ble to pass judgement. All I can say is that the menu did seem varied enough to keep a party of four happy. The prices seemed competitive as well, so consider this pub if you want to go a little bit further afield, but don’t want to break the bank.

As for the alcohol on offer, as one would expect, there is a good selection of whiskey, and with good stalwarts of pints such as Doombar it’s nice to see a tip of the cap to those who don’t want to venture into the land of guinness. The prices here weren’t half bad either, again this pub does a great job of keeping you happy whilst you imbibe.

Overall, a cracking pub for either a quick stop on a far larger crawl, or as a stop in for the evening. With great staff, music and beer you really can’t complain in the slightest that it gets busy.

Matthew Worby

LSESU SHOULDN’T TAKE A STANCE ON NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS

NOMINATIONS OPEN 18TH-25TH FEBRUARY VOTING OPEN 6TH-7TH MARCH #LSESUDEBATE @LSESU | LSESU.COM/STUDENTVOICE FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL L.PEDLEY@LSE.AC.UK

18

29.01.2013 PartB

Ç WWW.MELBA.CO

L

et me start by saying I absolutely love most aspects of going out for dinner. I love the fact that I get to eat dishes I would never be able to concoct and am a big fan of not having to clean up the inevitable mess that experimenting with food cre-

a constant mission to make me feel like I don't belong in their scene. But if I'm being completely honest, I just tend to enjoy food a lot more when I’m having a relaxed dinner with friends at their house. No hype, no hassle. Unfortunately though, I don't hang out with

MELBA

Intimate dining experience at Champagne Cult courtesy of Melba Supper Club

ates. But there is something about eating at good restaurants that tends to cramp my style. Let’s face it: the London restaurant scene is about more than just good grub. Restaurant owners are too aware that people are looking for the whole experience: cool interior, beautiful people, interesting food—which wouldn't be an issue if these hip places took themselves just a tad less seriously. I know I probably shouldn't be so easily intimidated by haughty waiters and I know they're not actually on

COCKTAIL CORNER

gourmet chefs.

That is, until recently. I have become more than a little obsessed with supper clubs—culinary experiences that combine the informal atmosphere of a dinner party with the excitement of tasting great food. Although they’re pretty hip at this point, they’ve managed to maintain their laid-back atmosphere and, if you avoid the ones organised by famous chefs, you can get great value for money. My sentiments about snooty waiters may not be universal, but I

T

he second week of term is over and went swimmingly, aside from the fact that, of course, school is fully operating and the memories of the holidays have slowly faded away. To try and lift everyone’s spirits during this bleak time of year, we’ve come up with some winter warmers that will no doubt make you feel much better!

Candlestick Maker". His event was the first of these dinners I went to, and I was hooked from the moment I stepped into his kitchen/dining room, welcomed by a group of eight of his friends and a plate of deliciously prepared oysters.

The 9-course “multicultural feast”, as Ian called it, included confit salmon, mutton loin, pork belly, and (my personal favourite of the night) chestnut figgy pudding with kulfi ice cream. Somewhere in between the fennel palette

think everyone can appreciate how much more relaxed it is to pay a fixed price up front and let yourself be surprised by an amazing meal in the comfort of someone’s dining room. I think this may be one of the reasons why the whole supper club movement became popular so quickly in London. As with any major city, dining out is expensive and more often than not you end up paying a lot for very little. Supper clubs are an original way to eat out, without the pressure of having to act all cool because you’re in the trendiest restaurant in London. Additionally, it’s a great way to meet interesting new people, and what better way to connect than through a shared love for food. Nothing breaks the ice like communally trying to figure out how to eat oysters without pouring salty liquid all over your shirt.

But how does one find out about these feasts? I had a chat with Santiago Tenorio, co-founder of Melba, a London-based start-up website that aggregates all these food-related events, providing a platform for its members to discover culinary experiences in their city. Started earlier this year, the network now has over 2,500 members and is aiming to branch out to New York. Reliant on social networks to expand its community, it also makes an effort to get the word out there about all those amazing “amateur” chefs who manage to serve up a multi-course meal that could rival the majority of the restaurant dinners I’ve had in the

past year. “There is so much culinary talent out there that currently does not have an outlet, either because there are too many barriers to enter the traditional restaurant industry, or because they do not necessarily see themselves as professional chefs”, observes Santiago. “Now, through the internet, websites like Melba can really empower these people to share their passion with the world.”

Himself a fervent food fanatic, Santiago found himself inspired by a recent trend of startups functioning as platforms for individuals to provide a more genuine version of a certain experience, such as opening up one’s own home to offer a Bed and Breakfast service. “These platforms really bring an unparalleled level of diversity to the market.

Melba does this by providing access to a breadth of talent that you just would not know about otherwise.”

One such talent is Ian Bal-

lantyne, also known under his supper club pseudonym, "The

Join this growing network of foodies at www.melba.co andmake new friends, impress a date with your knowledge of the underground dining

SADDLE WARMER

WARM APPLE SLIDER

BUN WARMER

"SUPPER CLUBS ARE AN ORIGINAL WAY TO EAT OUT, WITHOUT THE PRESSURE OF HAVING TO ACT 9DD ;GGD :=;9MK= QGM J= IN THE TRENDIEST RESTAURANT IN LONDON."

Ian Ballantyne awes guest with meticulous craftsmanship

cleanser and dessert, I decided to pick his brain about recipes, the best places to buy your meat and his plans for the future. Currently working as a pastry chef for a cafe, Ian started doing catering and other food events on the side because he enjoys the variety it brings. It also allows him to try out new recipes and get immediate feedback. “I like working for myself so I am also doing this as a way to work towards setting up my own place.”

30 ml Cinnamon Schnapps 30 ml Whisky Hot Chocolate

59 ml Alize Gold Passion 59 ml Cognac 237 ml Apple Juice

22 ml Apricot Brandy 22 ml Southern Comfort Apple Cider

Mix the whisky and Cinnamon Schnapps in a mug. Fill with hot chocolate. Sip and enjoy!

Heat the apple juice in a pot until a syrup-like liquid is formed. Pour into a large coffee mug and add Cognac and Alize.

Heat alcohol gently and pour LQWR D FR୼ HH PXJ 7RS ZLWK heated apple cider and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

19

The Beaver 29.01.2013

p ED'S EASY DINER

T

porary time machine.

The food is next up for inspection. American author Bill Bryson once described the American Diet as ‘the rich, unrivalled possibilities of greasiness and goo.’ Based on that description; one might be weary of what is on offer at Ed’s Diner. However, I am pleased to inform that while the menu consists of burgers, hot dogs and fries, Ed’s Easy Diner have been adventurous enough to experiment with these American dishes and offer new varieties of them alongside the retro American version. A good example of this would be the sweet potato fries I tried, which were a great mix of savoury and sweet. The notable downside that I and my colleague noted was that there was a lack of ‘light’ options. Besides the Chicken Caesar salad, that my colleague tried, everything in the menu, mouthful after mouthful does add up. I only had to get halfway through my fries and my Mediterranean burger, which was stuffed with mozzarella and vegeta-

ED'S EASY DINER

he diner is one of the most iconic symbols of American culture of the last century. The image of the diner has been dispersed across popular American literature, television and film and has become so much more than a mere background. With its ‘open to all’ atmosphere and hearty food, it’s often seen as a reflection of American values. It’s therefore no surprise we frequently catch American presidents and politicians photographed visiting diners. All of this is enough to leave a distinct impression on the imagination. So how does a British adaptation of the quintessentially American diner fare?

They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, and nowhere is that more true than Ed’s Easy Diner. From the first step, I felt I’d landed onto one of the sets from Grease. With music to match in the background, I’d somehow travelled back to the 1960s. The decor and detail is impressive and very much in line with the design of the

American diners of the 1960s, with red leather stools, silver chrome panels and communal condiments. The staff were wonderfully witty and quirky, offering some impromptu karaoke to the music playing whilst taking orders. So before I knew it, I’d already settled comfortably into this tem-

¦

THE DEATH OF THQ

bles to realise I had reached my nearly full point. So be warned, Ed’s Easy Diner is not for small appetites.

The classic beverage of the Diner is a good milkshake and Ed’s Diner doesn’t fail to deliver. The milkshake range is quite broad, from peanut butter to Bailey’s. In addition,

H

aving finally sold its assets the veteran of the sandbox genre, THQ, has effectively ceased to be. You may remember some months ago that THQ began selling a lot of its biggest and most popular titles in a suspiciously cheap bundle on Steam; well, sadly it wasn’t out of the goodness of its heart. After filing for bankruptcy in December, it was ruled that THQ’s assets would be worth more broken up and sold separately, and that it was not appropriate for THQ to market itself as a whole, given its lacklustre attempts to do so when it still had the chance. It’s a shame that the company which brought us ‘Saints Row’ and ‘Red Faction’ should suffer such a fate, but perhaps the greatest cause for concern is who now has the rights to develop THQ’s flagship titles.

the staff can mix up flavours together on request. Mint chocolate was my flavour of choice and it was rich and luxuriously creamy, with a sharp hint of mint. There’s little doubt that the shakes at Ed’s Easy Diner are amongst the best to be found in London.

We then moved onto desserts, and found much loved American favourites on the menu including New York cheesecake, Maple Syrup pancakes, Ice Cream Sundae’s and brownies. Again, here the weightiness question arises; my two large brownie pieces were accompanied with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a portion of Hershey’s (very sickly) chocolate sauce.

My colleague had a similar fate with a stack of pancakes drenched in maple syrup with fresh fruit. The quantity and flavours on one plate proved overpowering for me. Clearly this was an instance where less really could have been more.

As for the overall experience of Ed’s Diner, upon reflection, a rather ironic observation emerged. Given the characteristic easy going and comfortable climate that diners are recognized for, the Ed’s Easy Diner branch in Soho proved overcrowded and very small. To add further discomfort, the bitter cold air outside was constantly felt inside from the entrance of new customers, as the diner is so compressed, that the door is very close to the main strip of stools.

However, given the high influx of American students at LSE, Ed’s Easy Diner still remains unique as a nice retreat for the homesick, while still holding the novelty value and wonder for those curious about American cuisine. It’s definitely the place to be if you fancy an indulgent, nostalgic and comforting little corner to linger for lunch.

Sarah Essa

First off, the German company Koch Media gained the rights to the ‘Saints Row’ series through its purchase of Volition Inc. for $22.2 million. After the critically acclaimed yet dizzyingly zany ‘Saints Row the Third’, there is a possibility that the series may simply be rebooted under this new company. Exactly how you can build on a crime simulator that involved a successful was against US army and the declaration of your own city state may be a challenge too great even for the gaming industry’s most creative minds. Koch Media also gained the publishing rights for the intellectual property of the ‘Metro’ series. The gritty post nuclear shooter ‘Metro 2033’ was well favoured by critics in 2010 and the sequel, ‘Metro: Last Light’, is set for release later in the year. Looking at Koch Media’s back cata-

CAMPUS STYLE L

SE's been greeted back this week with bitterly cold weather, prompting Houghton Street to once again become a sea of thick winter coats to combat the arctic conditions. The LSESU Fashion Society has braved the cold, camera in hand, in order to bring you a selection of some of the best style LSE KDV WR Rஉ HU

TEERAPA - Coat: Uniqlo / Scarf: Cos / Trousers and Shoes: shop in Thailand

AMATEUR SARTORIALISTS UNITE! Think you’ve got style?

Cameras will be roaming Houghton Street every Wednesday from 12 in order to snap LSE’s best dressed.

ANNIE (L) and XIAO XIAO (R) A:: Coat: All Saints / Trousers: Zara / Shoes: Armani / Bag: Prada XX:: Coat: shop in Korea / Scarf: Alexander McQueen / Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs / Hat: American Apparel / Skirt: Topshop / Shoes: shop in Hong Kong

102 Old Brompton Road South Kensington SW7 3RD 020 7341 0802 Mon-Fri 11-12am, Sat-Sun 10-12am

Cuisine British Average spend £25-35 (with drinks) Reservations Yes logue, which includes popular games such as ‘Dead Island’ and ‘Risen’, it is some comfort to know that these titles could be in worse hands.

Crytek, developers of the ‘Crysis’ series (and of Far Cry before the series was any good), bought the rights to THQ’s ‘Homefront’ for $544,218. Set in a future America under occupation by Kim Jong-un’s Korean empire, the game received positive reviews, yet performed poorly in sales. It sold around 375,000 copies on its release day compared to the millions of sales racked up by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which was released in the same year.

Hence, although Crytek has something solid to build on, it also has a lot to prove if this shooter is to compete in the highly competitive shooter market.

Relic Entertainment, the

company behind Warhammer: 40,000 and Company of Heroes, went to SEGA for $26.6 million. Ubisoft, meanwhile, paid $3,265,306 for the publishing rights for South Park: The Stick of Truth, which was set to be released in March.

Finally, Turtle Rock Studio’s newest project, ‘Evolve’ was purchased for $10.894 million

by Take Two Interactive.

It really is a crying shame that THQ has fallen by the wayside. Perhaps it wasn’t the biggest (and evidently not the best managed) company out there, but it knew how to make games that actually left you with a sense of having had some good, unrestrained fun.

It remains to be seen whether these new owners can do as well of a job in with these titles. Regardless, I doubt it will ever quite be the same.

Philip Gallagher

20

29.01.2013 | The Beaver

LONDON SCHOOL OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS? Bodeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Triumvirate In light of escalating tensions in the Korean peninsula over Pyongyangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increasing vocal rhetoric towards the South and the United States, the B has received reports that the LSE has, under the auspices of the CIA, begun construction of a nuclear missile silo as part of the long-awaited redevelopment of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre Buildings.

Rumours of the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operation Night-Strikerâ&#x20AC;? were acknowledged by both the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union and 6FKRRO 3UHVV 2ULŕŽ&#x160; FH RQ 0RQ day, following a number of mutations originating from the Three Tuns that had previously been argued as originating from an Iranian-sourced barrel of CarlsKronenGrolsinggrolschroni.

Although various organisations have expressed concern about the health problems associated with a high concentration of radioactive material on campus, the School has been explicit in pointing out the ways in which the design of the recently condemned East Building as providing various XQLTXH VDIHO\ EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV WR WKH student body. Speaking to exclusively to the B, a spokesperson from LSE Estates assured all readers that the building, colloquially referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the

cockroachâ&#x20AC;?, has been given a safety rating only slightly lower than the lower levels of Whitehallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cabinet War Rooms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On a Crush nightâ&#x20AC;? Polly Filler informed the B â&#x20AC;&#x153;even a direct nuclear strike would result in no deaths whatsoever, mainly GXH WR WKH SURWHFWLRQ DŕŽ&#x2030; RUGHG by the layers upon layers of asbestos in the walls of the East Building.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to this, the LSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering Division is to phase in at least one lead-based meal per day at the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various catering establishments.

Following a unilateral power grab backed by Beijing, Simon from Alpha Books has accepted WKH RŕŽ&#x2030; HU IRU nuclear weapons to be stored in his Brixton Lock-Up, next to Lord Lucan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If one of you *DGGDŕŽ&#x160; -XQLRUV ERXJKW D VWXG\ guide more than once a year maybe I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to run this side-business. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 27, you know. I still want to do things

in my life that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t involve an Oxbridge reject whingeing about the slightly battered corners of the second hand book they bought. Do you know why that is? Yeah, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because it is SECOND HAND!â&#x20AC;?

7KH FRQŕŽ&#x2039; LFW KDV QRW EHHQ entirely negatively received.

Dr Leapie-Bizzle, Director of /6( KDV FRQŕŽ&#x160; UPHG KLV GH lighted at the the potential the QHZ LQVWDOODWLRQ RŕŽ&#x2030; HUV IRU WKH future of the program, stating WKDW â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹLW VKRXOG PDNHV EHQHŕŽ&#x160; W glorious University of London Economics School.

He continued, stating that â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹE\ RŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ VXFK SURJUHVVLYH and up-to-date content, it is no wonder that a course as good as this one won such a prestigious teaching awardâ&#x20AC;? in reference to the Courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inclusion in The Grundian Learninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; $ZDUGV DIWHU VHQGLQJ RŕŽ&#x2030; WKH requisite number of tokens from boxes of Frosties.

LSE69â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new module will be cotaught with the Cancer Research C o u n c i l of Britain and will be named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Understanding the Causes of Tumoursâ&#x20AC;? until the School inevitably buys them out and outsources most of the research to a call centre in Darlington.

Concerns have been expressed from the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union over the public acknowledgement that the LSE is storing weapons of mass destruction. Tanned Ale, speaking

from Waterloo Station shortly after midnight, expressed his concern that the recent conŕŽ&#x2039; LFW EHWZHHQ WKH /6(68 ,QGLD Society and LSE Pakistan Society over a cashmere sweater could result in further escalation.

7KH LVVXH FRQŕŽ&#x2039; LFW DURVH over which society would get to hold which sleeve when the time came for the precious garment to be presented to the 0DVRQV RI =LRQ IROORZLQJ WKH Summer Graduation Ceremonies.

The cashmere sweater has been controversially kept and QRW GLYLGHG IRU D VLJQLŕŽ&#x160; FDQW portion of time at the LSE, despite having to undergo extensive restoration after the present General Secretary Alex Putin-Day vomited up on it and then washed it in a toilet. It is not yet known if the SU will decide to take any action over either the nuclear weapons or the cashmere sweater. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be honest,â&#x20AC;? Tanned Ale continued after jotting down the carriage numbers for the passing 377 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am surprised that we were allowed to have it after the problems we encountered when Putin-Day was presented with that Koran...â&#x20AC;?

Inanimate Carbon Rod, the only candidate for Presidency of the National Union of Students, was unavailable for comment.

MOST REVILED ALUMNUS OF THE WEEK Ginger Whoreby In celebration of the LSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous alumni ever, the B has decided to give you a rundown of the greatest exports this university has produced. Each week we will have a look at a certain category and give you the absolute cream of the crop. This week the random number generator spat out the category of â&#x20AC;&#x153;massive ladâ&#x20AC;? and so, without further ado the B would like to reveal that in our humble eyes the biggest bantersaurus rex to have ever strutted down Houghton Street is: Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh.

Despite attempting to ob-

WDLQ D 0DVWHUV LQ DSSOLHG 0DWK ematics and Economics, Omar â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;Ź3 -DPâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź6KHLNK ZDV QRWRULRXV for his cocaine induced crush marathons, often taking entire groups of friends on wild tours that would result in them being declared missing, only to bounce EDFN ŕŽ&#x160; UVW WKLQJ LQ WKH PRUQLQJ for an early session down the gym, either pumping iron or musing over his latest sonnet.

Relations began to sour at a later point with the main school, however, which might explain a potential snub in his nomination next month. The now notorious VDJD EHWZHHQ 0U 6DHHG DQG WKH Office of Development and Alumni Relations that resulted after a

promised donation of $100,000 was accidentally misdirected to an unknown party. Harsh words were said by both parties and the issue was never properly resolved. This was further compounded when the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union complained that his plan to demolish the East Building using aeronautical techniques was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outlandishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; without formal consent by NATO. Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh was unavailable for comment extensively, however he did say WKDW WKH 3DNLVWDQL -DLO KH FXU rently resides in is like a Persian bath house in comparison to Crush at 1:00am on a Saturday.

Omar Saeedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sergeant-in-Lash Khalid Sheikh after a particularly greasy Crush // PrivateB Super Secret Archives

Features

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

Habemus Referendum David Cameron announced last week that the UK will be holding a referendum on Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued membership of the European Union if the conservatives win the next General Election, provoking a political storm within the coalition.

Coalition holds course Nick Clegg reaffirmed the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to the Coalitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s austerity program after a week of criticism, including from London Mayor Boris Johnson, following WKH UHOHDVH RI *'3 ŕŽ&#x160; JXUHV that showed the UK economy contracted by 0.3 per cent threatening a triple dip recession.

Coalition publishes Gay marriage legislation The new law will enable same-sex couples to be married in both civil and religious ceremonies - where a religious institution has consented. More than 100 Tory MPs are expected to vote against the bill, but the bill is likely to pass through the Commons with the support of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs. Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army sent into the streets Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army has been sent into the streets to restore order after at least 27 people were killed in violence triggered by death sentences imposed on those found guilty of the recent football massacre as supporters of the defendants tried to storm the prison holding them and attacked police stations.

French and Malian forces near Timbuktu French-led forces in Mali are advancing on the key northern city of Timbuktu, as they press on ZLWK WKHLU RŕŽ&#x2030; HQVLYH DJDLQVW Islamist rebels. The advance comes as African Union leaders are meeting to discuss sending more troops to Mali.

21

Referendum: a master strategy or placating the Eurosceptics?

Liam Hill, Politics Columnist

David Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech last Wednesday, in which he announced his intention to hold an in-out referendum allowing voters to decide between a newly-negotiated settlement with, or an exit from, the European Union, will be one of VHYHUDO LVVXHV ZKLFK GHŕŽ&#x160; QH our political landscape until and beyond the next election.

Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy may solve D VLJQLŕŽ&#x160; FDQW SUREOHP IRU KLP and his party, creating consensus with Eurosceptic backbenchers and the UK Independence Party, or it could be a misjudgement which costs him dearly.

Cameron will hope that his strategy will prove electorDOO\ VRXQG ZDUGLQJ RŕŽ&#x2030; 8.,3 who could cost him seats in Tory marginal seats. Appearing more Eurosceptic, it is assumed, will bring back some of the voters who seem to have drifted right and say they ZRXOG YRWH 8.,3 7KLV ŕŽ&#x160; JXUH is up to a staggeringsixteen per cent is some polls.) Cameron will also be hoping to prevent the any repeat of the regicide which ultimately cost Margaret Thatcher her premiership, and the attempted UHJLFLGH DQG LQŕŽ&#x160; JKWLQJ ZKLFK blighted John Majorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Certainly, at the session of Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Questions held a few hours after the speech, Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry was greeted with a hearty roar from Tory backbenchers.

The strategy is not, however, without its potential drawbacks: Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcePHQW PD\ IDQ WKH ŕŽ&#x2039; DPHV RI D ŕŽ&#x160; UH ZKLFK ZLOO VSLUDO WRWDOO\ out of his control. It will allow UKIP to claim a moral and political victory and provide them with an unprecedented LQŕŽ&#x2039; XHQFH LQ WKH SXEOLF GHEDWH giving them a chance to consolidate their current boost in opinion polls and bring the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to UKIP policies on issues other than the EU. The announcement may suggest to his more mutinous and free-minded MPs that, if is pushed and threatened enough, Cameron will wilt and give in to them.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have reacted quite

similarly to Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement, suggesting that the uncertainty about EU membership will harm the British economy. Cameron has said that Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EU membership is already uncertain, and would remain so regardOHVV RI ZKHWKHU KH RŕŽ&#x2030; HUV D UHI erendum.

One clear advantage is that it now seems that the Conservatives will be the only main party going into the next HOHFWLRQ RŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ D UHIHUHQ dum on Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership of the EU unless Labour or the Lib Dems make an egregious U-turn. This will be an advantage over Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg in terms of raw votes, although the Labour leader will hope he can score political points by conveying the message that the Prime Minister is acting not in the national interest, but is placating his party and reeling in fear from the spectre of Nigel Farage costing the Conservatives a majority.

Labour, Miliband might argue, is the only party pragmatic enough about Europe to represent Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interests and the only party unbiased enough to successfully reform the EU. In any case, &DPHURQ ZLOO RŕŽ&#x2030; HU D FOHDU message to the electorate: give the Tories a majority, and you will have a referendum.

It is notable that when Harold Wilson held a similar referendum on Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership of the European Economic Community in 1975, the referendum was held just nine months after Labour came to power in October 1974. Cameron is playing a much longer game, for two main discernible reasons. First, he wants time to renegotiate the terms of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship, which could take time.

Second, he is using the promise of a referendum as an electoral tool, a vote-winner in the next election. Whether voters might be swayed in the opposite direction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; recoiling at a perceived cynical calculation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is yet to be seen as the political dust around this topic settles.

Interestingly, Cameron might already have a Commons majority in favour of a referendum. His own MPs

SOXV WKH ŕŽ&#x160; IWHHQ RU VR SUR UHI erendum Labour MPs might be enough to pass a Bill in favour of a referendum. If Tory ministers did propose a Referendum Bill in this Parliamentary session, it would be a challenge to Labour to clarify and codify their position on a referendum, and also could put pressure on European leaders to accede to whatever demands Cameron will be making of them.

This announcement could PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL

The World this Week

Features

make or break David Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership of his party and the country. Focussing on an issue of trivial importance to voters compared to the economy or public services could make Cameron seem out of touch, or, alternatively, the announcement of a referendum will be seen as the PRPHQW D %ULWLVK 30 ŕŽ&#x160; QDOO\ decided to trust the electorate with the sticky issue of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future in, or out, of Europe.

22

Features

29.01.2013 |

The Beaver

Bernard’s Watch(ing you) Fionn Shiner MATERIALSCIENTIST

Welcome Welcome to week three and we are back into LSE and classes full swing. But don’t let the essays, problem sets and presentations get you down. Plenty is going on around the LSE, from filming a new Zombie film on campus to the Public Lectures next week.

As is my duty I recommend you write for the media group (preferably Features) as a great way to have a creative outlet over the course of the week rather than purely focusing on work. All work and no play...

If you have a topic you would like to write about please drop us an email: Features@thebeaveronline.co.uk But on to the Blog: This week has been interesting for me, it started off with a trip to Parliament to see a speech by the bastion of social conservatism that is Dr Liam Fox. Wednesday produced a promised referendum on the European Union, delighting Eurosceptics, and finally on Thursday I was invited by a friend to see a talk at UCL, which turned-out to be by Yaron Brook, the head of the Ayn Rand Institute. Needless to say, relating these events to my co-editor caused considerable grief.

Still of the things that happened this week, the promise of a referendum on Europe has the potential for the greatest long term impact. This pledge was described by most commentators as ‘historic’ for one reason or another.

During the announcement my Twitter feed exploded with celebrations from the right, depression from the Liberal Democrats, and anger from Labour.

European leaders came out to condemn the decision.

France’s Foreign Minister said that if Britain wants to go they will ‘role out the red carpet’. Though in Germany Angela Merkel announced a compromise may well be possible, and in a sentence overthrowing decades of German foreign policy regarding Britain’s place in Europe.

The loudest criticism came from across the pond as the Obama Administration warned that by leaving Europe we risk threating the “Special Relationship”. I have always been a sceptic of the “Special Relationship” since I first heard the term.

One merely needs to look at the unbalanced nature of the extradition treaty with the US to have doubts. Then combine this with a President that offered our Prime Minister a stack of DVDs after Gordon Brown had presented him with a pen holder carved from wood from the sister ship of the Resolute from which the desk in the Oval Office was created. Even preceding US president failed consecutively to halt funds crossing the pond to the IRA during the height of the Troubles, while Clinton famously met with Gerry Adams, provoking outrage and controversy in 1995.

To claim the UK has a ‘special relationship’ with the US seems an incredibly strong claim to make, and exactly what constitutes this relationship is sometimes hard to see.

Whatever happens in the end over the European Union, I look forward to the debate over the next four years as the public attempts to balance the pros and cons of membership. And who knows maybe Cameron will win the next election and come back with an incredible deal, and this will encourage Britain to stay.

Of course all this relies upon the Conservatives winning the next election. Since Miliband came out strongly against offering a referendum, he is unlikely to offer the people a vote should Labour win the next election. Which, if the polls are right, looks probable.

However there is still a long run up to the next election, UKIP seems to be weakened by Cameron’s announcement, and the prospect of a referendum offered by Cameron may be enough to tempt those UKIP supporters when the election actually occurs.

Whatever happens the relentless progress towards “an ever closer union’ (the wording used in the Treaty of Rome) seems to have slowed.

Chris Rogers Features Editor

A satirical look at the life of George Bernard Shaw’s life Part III Bernard watched attentively as his lecture explained what the course would be about.

He glanced about searching for Charlotte amongst the herd of dozing students around him.

He couldn’t see her anywhere. Bernard looked to his left and appraised the slumped student on his laptop. He was flitting lazily between Facebook and Guardian Sport.

There was also a window opened called LiveJasmine. com which the boy had hurriedly closed. I like flowers

too mused Bernard.

What a silly way to spend his time, Bernard thought to himself as he furiously typed every single word the lecturer said. His fingers moved swiftly and deftly and the sound he was emanating was like a hoard of locusts.

The lecturer gazed out at the audience “Any questions?” he asked. Bernard’s arm shot up like an unwanted erection in year 10.

“At what point will we be doing Marx’s critique of the capitalist structure and his dialectical theory of history?” Bernard asked, knowing that his question showcased his stupendous genius.

“Week 17” came the blunt reply. The lecturers eyes were blank. Why wasn’t he staring at me with admiration and hope, thought Bernard, surely my question illustrated my intelligence, surely he wants to nurture me and make me his protégé?

“You may be dismissed” he said as students streamed past Bernard.

Bernard was expecting someone to congratulate him on his brazen question but it was not to be. He could merely overhear innocuous conversations: “Did you see that girl at the front?” said one sexually frustrated teen to another.

“Man, I was so fucked last night, I had eight pints” said one liar to another. “My daddy works for Goldman Sachs”

said one twat to another.

Bernard began to reflect on his time at school as his trudged out of the lecture hall on his own. He could still hear the accusatory jibes ringing in his head.

“George Bernard Shawsese” they had called him, for his religious obsession, borderline addiction, of the works of Martin Scorsese.

Bernard had vowed that at university he was going to drop the ‘George’ from his name, and be known only as ‘Bernard’.

It had a nice ring to it, made him feel like a bear. He had considered introducing himself as Bernardé but then he realised he was neither French or handsome enough to pull off such an audacious name. Bernard it would be.

“Shall we head back?” a recognisably alluring voice cooed. Charlotte stood behind him, he could almost feel her deliciously stale breath warming his neck.

“Yes, we shall” replied Bernard frantically trying to quash the evolving bulge in his crotch through his hand in his pocket. Luckily Bernard was wearing his favourite tight-fitting ‘Game of Thrones’ y-fronts and the bulge was thoroughly nipped in the bud. Bernard and Charlotte began the short walk back to halls. She languidly began to link his arm.

I feel like Snoop Dog, Bernard thought to himself.

email student.counselling@lse.ac.uk or call 0207 852 3627. like to reserve a place, please see the website, visit the office in KSW 5.07, Participants need to be able to attend each session of the group. If you would

SELF ESTEEM GROUP

Monday 25th February Monday 18th February Monday 11th February

The LSE Student Counselling Service is running a

more than twelve people in it. It will meet 11.00am – 1.00pm on: 3 week on Mondays 11.00amcounsellor – 1.00pm The Self Esteem Group group will be facilitated by an experienced and will have no

First meeting Monday 11th February 2013

learn relaxation techniques look at improving your self–care explore ways of having a better and more respectful relationship with yourself Do you feel unconfident most of the time? Do you feel inferior to look at ways of developing a positive self-concept challenge negative and self-critical thinkingyourself patterns a lot? Do you feel your peers?

Do you doubt and criticise look ways enough? of becomingDo more assertive you’re notat good you find it difficult to relax especially yourself in social situations? If so, attending this group can help you. look at ways of raising your self-esteem and enabling you to feel better about develop new coping strategies and tools to manage social anxiety The group will offer opportunities to: The group will offer opportunities to: develop new coping strategies and tools to manage social anxiety look at ways of raising your self-esteem and enabling you to feel better about in social situations? If so, attending this group can help you. yourself you’re notat good you find it difficult to relax especially look ways enough? of becomingDo more assertive your peers?

Do you doubt and criticise challenge negative and self-critical thinkingyourself patterns a lot? Do you feel look at ways of developing a positive self-concept Do you feel unconfident most of the time? Do you feel inferior to explore ways of having a better and more respectful relationship with yourself look at improving your self–care learn relaxation techniques

First meeting Monday 11th February 2013

The Self Esteem Group group will be facilitated by an experienced and will have no 3 week on Mondays 11.00amcounsellor – 1.00pm more than twelve people in it. It will meet 11.00am – 1.00pm on:

The LSE Student Counselling Service is running a

Monday 11th February Monday 18th February Monday 25th February

SELF ESTEEM GROUP Participants need to be able to attend each session of the group. If you would like to reserve a place, please see the website, visit the office in KSW 5.07, email student.counselling@lse.ac.uk or call 0207 852 3627.

Features

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

23

The Broadest Shoulders? Cuts force one Philosophy million of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children into poverty Problems Krystyna Woroniecka All over the news this week there have been reports of the 200,000 children about to fall into poverty as a result of WKH RQH SHU FHQW FDS RQ EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV IRU WKH next three years. This will add to the 800,000 children who are already forecast by the IFS to move into poverty by 2020 as a result of the welfare cuts. But what does it mean to say that a million more children will be living in poverty?

The UK uses the Households Below Average Incomes (BHAI) index which measures the number of households receiving less than 60% of the median average income. This is a relative poverty measure, in contrast to the absolute dollar-a-day measure generally used to measure poverty in developing countries, and it measures how poor incomes move relative to middle incomes.

If both fall, but middle incomes fall more, then this would be seen as less people living below the poverty line, even though those people would actuDOO\ EH ZRUVH RŕŽ&#x2030; 7KHUHIRUH LI D PLOOLRQ children fall into poverty, this does not QHFHVVDULO\ UHŕŽ&#x2039; HFW WKH OLYLQJ VWDQGDUGV of poor people but does mean that their incomes have fallen proportionally more than those with middle incomes. Nonetheless both measures are important as our concept of poverty inevitably depends on context. Social inequality matters; if you are poor in an unequal society you are more likely to stay that way. On the other hand absolute measXUHV WHOO XV ZKDW SHRSOH FDQ DŕŽ&#x2030; RUG WR buy, and the government supplements WKHVH ŕŽ&#x160; JXUHV ZLWK GHSULYDWLRQ PHDVXUHV of material, health, education, crime and unemployment.

To complicate things further the trends and numbers change according to if you are using a Before Housing Costs (BHC) or After Housing Costs (AHC) measure.

Generally the two rise and fall together but it is important to take the GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQFHV LQWR DFFRXQW ZKHQ PDNLQJ temporal or geographical comparisons.

Measuring income after housing costs gives an idea of how much money people have left to live on and is not distorted by treating an increase in housing benHŕŽ&#x160; W DV DQ LQFUHDVH LQ LQFRPH HYHQ LI UHQW goes up. All this considered, it is important to look at absolute and relative SRYHUW\ ŕŽ&#x160; JXUHV SUHIHUDEO\ DORQJVLGH ŕŽ&#x160; JXUHV IRU PDWHULDO GHSULYDWLRQ KHDOWK education, crime and unemployment.

Before the coalition government came to power there was a cross party aim to eliminate child poverty in the UK by 2020 and indeed between 1998 and 2011 absolute child poverty went from 4.3 to 2.3 million while relatively poverty also fell and total absolute poverty (AHC) fell from 14.1 to 9.1 million which means that poor familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; living standards really did rise. This was largely as a result of labourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redistribution via taxes DQG EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV +RZHYHU VLQFH WKLV pattern has been changing.

There are now around 13 million people (21.3 per cent) living in relative poverty (AHC) in the UK and 9.8 living in absolute poverty. You are twice as likely to live in a poor household if you are from an ethnic minority, women are more likely to live in poverty than men, you are more likely to live in poverty if somebody in your family is disabled and there are VLJQLŕŽ&#x160; FDQW LQHTXDOLWLHV RI SRYHUW\ ULVN between and within regions. Relative

DQG DEVROXWH ŕŽ&#x160; JXUHV DERXW SRYHUW\ IDLO WR GHŕŽ&#x160; QH ZKDW LW DFWXDOO\ PHDQV WR EH SRRU in Britain. Being poor is not just having to budget harder for food and going without but also about low self esteem, increased likelihood of mental illness or substance abuse in the family, social exclusion, debt, repeatedly moving between council houses, reduced chances of getting GCSEs, lack of hope, a higher risk of homelessness and stigma and prejudice for a perceived lack of contribution to society. The life expectancy of an unskilled worker is on average 8 years less than a professional; babies from the poorest areas weigh an average of 200g less at birth and by the age of three poor children are already nine months behind their richer peers in academic ability.

Child poverty matters because from a young age, living on a low income generallymeans reduced prospects for life.

The current government has retained relative and absolute child poverty targetsfor 2020 but is not forecasted to come close to meeting them. The IFS predicted, before the one per cent cap was announced, that both absolute and relative child poverty will rise by 2020 EHFDXVH RI WKH WD[ DQG EHQHŕŽ&#x160; W FKDQJHV Esther McVey, minister for the Department of Work and Pensions said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the uprating measures in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 will result in around an extra 200,000 children being deemed by this measure to be in relative income SRYHUW\ FRPSDUHG WR XSUDWLQJ EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV

by CPIâ&#x20AC;?.

The combination of economic stagQDWLRQ DQG LQFUHDVHG EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV DQG RWKHU spending cuts leads to what Oxfam describes as a perfect storm- a combination of cuts in pay, cuts in hours and cuts in support that together lead to an increase in the poverty symptoms described above.

Coping strategies for poverty tend to include increased debt, reliance on food parcels and women going without in order to protect their families. The numEHU RI IDPLOLHV ZKR VXŕŽ&#x2030; HU IURP LQ ZRUN poverty (now more than half of families in poverty) will rise the most, whilst the number of pensioners in poverty is currently falling.

7D[HV DQG EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV DUH QRW WKH RQO\ WKLQJV WKDW DŕŽ&#x2030; HFW SRYHUW\ LQ WKH 8.

Traditionally joblessness has been a priPDU\ LQŕŽ&#x2039; XHQFH ZKHWKHU LW UHVXOWV IURP personal reasons such as caring duties, illness or disability or structural reasons such as a lack of jobs, but most children living in poverty these days are in working households. Low wages, part time work and childcare costs all educe income. At the same time low paid jobs are less likely to have permanentcontracts and have less room for progression so people become trapped.

1RQHWKHOHVV WKH HŕŽ&#x2030; HFWV RI WKH FDS RQ poverty are real.

If it harms, why cap?

The cap follows from a debate about ZKHWKHU RU QRW EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV VKRXOG FRQWLQXH WR ULVH ZLWK WKH &3, LQŕŽ&#x2039; DWLRQ LQGH[ RU if they should rise only in line with realwages.

Now that real wages have fallen beKLQG LQŕŽ&#x2039; DWLRQ IRU WKH ŕŽ&#x160; UVW WLPH VLQFH 1979, debate has been encouraged DERXW ZKHWKHU EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV VKRXOG EH GH coupled from living costs. George Osborne says this would be only fair as EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV VKRXOG QRW EH ULVLQJ PRUH WKDQ the incomes of workers. The debate has not been one concerning redistribu-

CONSERVATIVES

Personal Identity

tion policies to tackle child poverty but has focused on an image of subsidised layabouts. The debate over whether the ULJKW SHRSOH DUH UHFHLYLQJ EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV KDV been confused with one about how much SHRSOH VKRXOG UHFHLYH LQ EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV -RKQ Hills, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at LSE, points out that no UK government has used a minimum living allowance WR GHFLGH EHQHŕŽ&#x160; W OHYHOV EHFDXVH ZKHQ such an allowance is calculated, as was UHFHQWO\ GRQH E\ WKH -RVHSK 5RZQWUHH Foundation, jobseekers allowance and RWKHU EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV DUH LQYDULDEO\ ORZHU WKDQ the calculation. Only pensioners allowances are in line with what the public deems the minimum level at which they can live, and this in part comes from the XQLYHUVDO EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV VXFK DV ZLQWHU IXHO allowance that are maintained to avoid means testing. Means testing in old age reduces savings incentives and thus ends up costing the government more.

Instead governments could reduce the age at which winter fuel allowance is provided.

The government needs to manage the GHŕŽ&#x160; FLW UHGXFWLRQ LQ RUGHU WR PDLQWDLQ a decent debt/GDP ratio so that the HFRQRP\ GRHV QRW IXUWKHU VXŕŽ&#x2030; HU DQG WR PDLQWDLQ FUHGLWRU FRQŕŽ&#x160; GHQFH EXW VR IDU WKLV GHŕŽ&#x160; FLW UHGXFWLRQ KDV KDG DQ emphasis on spending rather than revenue, and in particular the welfare bilODQG PRUH VSHFLŕŽ&#x160; FDOO\ VWLOO ZRUNLQJ DJH families, particularly those in work, who KDYH VXŕŽ&#x2030; HUHG DQG ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR VXŕŽ&#x2030; HU the most. These are political choices and so far the upper middle earners have carried very little of the burden while pensioners have generally been protected. Child poverty is a question of political will.

Poverty has come a long way over the last 20 years and a lot of this was down WR D SURJUHVVLYH WD[ DQG EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV V\VWHP encouragement of parental employment and interventions such as Sure Start and early years education provision. With EHQHŕŽ&#x160; WV IDOOLQJ DQG GHPDQG IRU VXSSRUW programs increasing while funding decreases, it looks as though the poorest children really are being asked to sacriŕŽ&#x160; FH WKH PRVW For an insight into what it means to be in poverty in the UK take a look at WKHVH WKUHH VKRUW ŕŽ&#x160; OPV http://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/2013/01/ SRYHUW\ FDSWXUHG EEF VWRU\YLOOH ૽ OPV

We often speak of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal identityâ&#x20AC;? as what makes one the person one is.

The question, is what makes me the same person, from one moment to the next.

Is it physical continuity?

That our body continues on the same place. That there is a line through space and time that we can tract ourselves along?

Imagine a tele-transporter.

You step into this device, and it copies all the information on your body, destroys it, and replicates it exactly on Mars from new matter. Here you meet your friends who have also gone through this, chat about your history and continue the book you were writing. Surely this is still you. But then surely you physical continuity isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a necessary condition?

But then perhpas simply having such continuity grants you identity? Oliver Sacks reFDOOV D ZRPDQ VXŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ IURP the rare form of schizophrenia who mirrored everyone who walked past. From a worried mother, to an angry man who just lost his job, rapidly changing from one to the next. I would be hard pressed to say that this person held one coherent identity, despite having physical continuity.

Most peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;most Western philosophy teachers and students, anywayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;feel immediately drawn to the Psychological Approach. This ties up your identity with your personality and your memories.

Suppose person A is strapped into a chair, next to person B. One of you will be tortured. But before that, your personality and memory will be transferred to the other body. Suppose person A and B say torture the body A. After it is done, personality A now in Body B will say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;yes, I made the right decisionâ&#x20AC;?, personality B now in Body A will say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I made a terrible mistakeâ&#x20AC;?. This seems to support the physiological continuity.

But consider the story from D GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW DQJOH <RX DUH WROG that you will be tortured (you are scared). Then you are told before you are torture your memories will be erased (great now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared and wont know who I am). Then you are told your memories will be replaced by someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Now I will be tortured and insane). Then you are told your memories will be replaced by someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alive today. Finally your memories will be placed in someone else.

Do you think that this somehow cheers you up even though the body will be tortured? If not, if you are still scared, it seems something is wrong with both approaches to identity.

24

Features

29.01.2013 | The Beaver

HMV? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the beginning 2013 isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet a month old, and already events in the economy are demonstrating that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undeniably going to be a rocky year.

Jessops, Blockbuster and HMV have gone into administration, joining the likes of Comet which collapsed just before Christmas. /6( DOXPQL DUH VXUHO\ ŕŽ&#x160;QGing themselves very busy as the spoils are divvied up- Comet, Blockbuster and HMV went to Deloitte, PwC got Jessops.

Thousands of jobs are at risk - a staggering 4,350 at HMV alone- and it is the workers of these businesses who deserve sympathy as they are thrust into a bleak labour market.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, however, much media attention has focussed upon the reasons for these collapses, and what it means for the high street and economy as a whole.

The collapse of HMV can to some degree be traced to the nature of HMV itself.

HMV hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been a fantastic music store for a while, if it ever was- regardless of the nostalgia emanating from the FRPPHQWDULDW 7KH FODVVLŕŽ&#x160;cation of genres was always ridiculous, with pop-punk albums disrupting the â&#x20AC;&#x153;metalâ&#x20AC;? section and the vast majority RI PXVLFLDQV ŕŽ&#x160;OHG XQGHU â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;ŹURFN & popâ&#x20AC;?.

It was a decent enough place to spend some time, but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything special. The shelves increasingly became dominated by a select few mainstream artists, and the space devoted to the more obVFXUH VWXŕŽ&#x2030; GLPLQLVKHG 7KDWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV VLJQLŕŽ&#x160;FDQW EHFDXVH if you want to get hold of a song thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the charts, HMV is one of the worst places to do it.

If you want the CD, you can be pretty certain that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be stocked in Tesco and Asda for a reasonable price whilst youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing your food shopping.

If you just want the song you can much more easily buy (or, more likely, illegally download) it from the net. The same DSSOLHV WR ŕŽ&#x160;OPV DQG FRPSXWHU games, which are also supplied by Amazon (along with video games and electronics).

There really is very little need to leave the house if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just after something you can easily get on Amazon or iTunes or Steam. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why on the day I heard HMV was going down, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already bought an album online - Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just got my student loan, I splashed out.

Even if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been really intent on getting a physical copy of Bikini Killâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The C.D. Version of the First Two Records, I probably wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been

able to get it from the high street. <HW WKLV UHŕŽ&#x2039;HFWV VRPHWKLQJ beyond the dullness and mediocrity of HMV as a reason for its fall from grace.

The main reason HMV is losing out to iTunes can be generalised to other companies too: even the more vibrant high street shops are facing challenges because of the forward march of automation.

In the Grundrisse, Marx wrote that â&#x20AC;&#x153;capital necessarily trends towards an increase in the productivity of labour and as great a diminution as possible in necessary labour. This tendency is realized by means of the transformation of the instrument of labour into the machine.â&#x20AC;? As the source of value is human labour, this leads to a reduction in the value of the commodity and thus ultimately there is a tendency for WKH UDWH RI SURŕŽ&#x160;W WR GHFOLQH â&#x20AC;&#x153;As soon as the new production method begins to spread,â&#x20AC;? Marx wrote in Volume 3 of Capital, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and thereby to furnish tangible proof that these commodities can actually be produced more cheaply, the capitalists working with the old methods of production must sell their product below its full price of production, because the value of this commodity has fallen, and because the labour time required by them to produce it is greater than the social average. In one word - and this appears as an HŕŽ&#x2030;HFW RI FRPSHWLWLRQ WKHVH capitalists must also introduce the new method of production, in which the proportion of variable to constant capital has been reduced.â&#x20AC;?

Thus from the ashes of the Woolworths chain, which disappeared from our streets only four years ago this month, to take its place arose woolworths.co.uk. Capitalists, who used to invest in HMV or Virgin, are now pumping money into Apple and Spotify or abandoning the music game altogether.

Amazon rears its head as a temporary victor, not because it avoids tax or any other such liberal-left accusation, but because it has lower operating costs and can provide a more convenient service than any of its current compeditors.

Though given the decline LQ WKH UDWH RI SURŕŽ&#x160;W HYHQ $PDzonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position is increasingly precarious - they made a net loss of $274 million in Q3 of 2012, thus even these temporary victors may not hold our in the current climate.

Yet beyond this, the increasing productivity of labour does not simply mean the cheapening of commodities. It means unemployment.

Whilst there is a grain of truth in the Rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard response- the supposed Luddite fallacy- the critique once

launched by the Luddites, faced with starvation, should not be dismissed too readily.

That an industrial revolution creates new jobs does not mean that there is not a general trend for employment to decrease.

The number newly employed on the railways was lower than the number made unemployed by the mechanisation of textile mills; those kicked out of their jobs since the collapse of British manufacturing and mining have not all been able to work in retail or communications.

Capitalist society cannot PDNH DOO RI +09â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV VWDŕŽ&#x2030; LQWR Google executives or even proJEFFERY SIMPSON

Daniel Frost

grammers; Tesco Express can OLWWOH DŕŽ&#x2030;RUG WR HPSOR\ HYHQ more security guards.

Work itself doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily disappear, but in many cases we are seeing waged labour decrease as the government coerces people to work for free in private companies, or lose access to basic necessities.

So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re caught in two of capitalismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great contradictions.

The well known and famous companies which have in some cases been on the high street for over a century are forced to adapt or die by the onset of the Internet and the corresponding decline in the rate of

SURŕŽ&#x160;W And un(der)employment continues to rise, with fewer and fewer people deemed necessary in the reproduction of society.

This feeds into the crises LQ VWDWH ŕŽ&#x160;QDQFHV DV WKH ROG safety nets of private debt and public welfare fall away, and will eventually necessitate serious action. Something is desperately wrong when people DUH PDGH WR VXŕŽ&#x2030;HU EHFDXVH ZH have access to more with less HŕŽ&#x2030;RUW WKDQ HYHU EHIRUH HMV is just the beginning.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be an interesting year.

Features

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

WWW.PENNY-RED.COM

A penny for your thoughts bodies that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy.

That is one of the most important issues in feminism right now, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treated as someWKLQJ ULGLFXORXVO\ IULYRORXV EXW ŕŽ&#x160; JKWLQJ VR called sexualisation not what we need to do, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more like sexual shaming.

Beyonce has come out as a feminist with her WLWV RXW DW WKH VDPH WLPH â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹGR \RX WKLQN WKDW ZRPHQ XVH WKHLU ERGLHV OLNH WKDW RU %H\RQFH LQ SDUWLFXODU FDQ FODLP WR EH D IHPLQLVW â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹVRPH would say that she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t?

Nona Buckley-Irvine interviews Laurie Penny Laurie Penny is a British columnist, blogger and author who writes for the New Statesman.

She writes from a feminist and left wing perspective, whom the Telegraph named as one of WKH WRS PRVW LQŕ­ž XHQWLDO ŕ­˝ JXUHV IURP WKH Left, 2012. Her blog was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing in 2010, and she was nominated for Young Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards 2012.

Laurie Penny gave a public lecture at the LSE last term entitled Women, Protest and the Nature of Female Rebellion as part of the Ralph Miliband series.

Diane Abbott said today that she was coming out against hypersexualisation then in a lot of VWXૼ \RX WDON DERXW XVLQJ RXU ERGLHV DQG KRZ sex is the biggest way we can empower ourVHOYHV 6R ZKDW GR \RX WKLQN WKH SUREOHP LV â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹLI itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not sexualisation, what is the problem that we face?

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think sex is the only way that we can empower ourselves at all, but I think we need to get beyond this language of empowerment.

It implies that all power is good and giving and women taking power of any kind is automatically a positive thingâ&#x20AC;Ś and so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also this misconception that the culture of sexuality that is in place, the culture of sexual objectiŕŽ&#x160; FDWLRQ WKDW LV LQ SODFH DW WKH PRPHQW LV WKH same thing as sex itself, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not.

The idea that sex is young, hot airbrushed blonde skinny twenty something women, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same thing as sexuality and we have a narrower and narrower idea of what sexuality is. $QG LWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV YHU\ GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW WR VD\LQJ WKDW DEMHFW VH[XDO REMHFWLŕŽ&#x160; FDWLRQ LV WKH SUREOHP â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹWKDWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW IURP VD\LQJ WKDW VH[XDOLVDWLRQ LV WKH problem.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think sexualisation is a thing. I think women, and I think people taking control of their own sexuality and owning their own sexuality is really important and women understanding and owning their own bodies is really important, because our bodies are political spaces.

But there is so much wrongheadedness right now, and obviously people feel worried and unhappy about their bodies, and there are all these messages out there telling us we are XJO\ DQG QRW ULJKW DQG LWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV RQO\ ZKHQ ZH ŕŽ&#x160; [ RXU

Well itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ridiculous. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a problem with people getting their tits out. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s either a feminist or not a feminist act. So I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree with this requirement that feminism be anti-sex and anti-nudity, but I think part of the problem is that Beyonce used GQ [laughs].

The idea of that the most feminist thing you can do is be airbrushed and be naked for the PDOH JD]H WKDWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQW IURP QXGLW\ LWVHOI And Beyonce used a video a few years ago where she dressed Rosie the Riveter in tiny hotpants, there was this Rosie costume and she was there in her little hotpants, and everybody was complaining about sexualisation of feminism.

But this blogger I love called Sadie Doyle was like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hold on, hang on, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve no idea what trousers Rosie Riveter was wearing. She might not have been wearing any pants at all.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Like, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not have this idea that feminism has to be buttoned up, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about that. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual violence thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the problem.

Another war on sex is not going to help, and another war on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexuality is not the DQVZHU â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹLWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV DOO NLQG RI WKH VDPH ZDU , DFWX DOO\ ŕŽ&#x160; QG PRGHUQ VH[XDO FXOWXUHV GHHSO\ IULJLG They are uniform, and joyless, and very far removed from the realities of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

'R \RX WKLQN WKDW ZH FDQ FODLP IHPLQLW\ IRU RXUVHOYHV DQG UHGH૽ QH LW ZKLOVW VWLOO EHLQJ IHP inists?

Absolutely. We can absolutely claim feminity for ourselves. I mean, I wear big Doc Martens and I have short hair, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also wearing a pretty dress.

Again, we need to move away from this idea that feminism is one sort of look and that men are the only ones who can say whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feminine.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what the problem was with Julie Burchill.

2ND\ â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹDQG VR IRU D JLUO ZDONLQJ DORQH DW QLJKW JHWWLQJ KDUDVVHG ZKDW VKRXOG VKH GR WDON EDFN RU MXVW ZDON RQ" Well, I always think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to holla back. Of course you should talk back. But you need to judge the situation, obviously donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put yourself in danger.

If you would like to read more of Laurie Pennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work you can read her own personal blog:

www.penny-red.com

25

Pussy Riot appeal denial is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;travesty of Justiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Martha Averley One of the jailed members of Pussy Riot has been denied a request to postpone her prisonterm while she cares for her five-year-old son.

Maria Alyokhina, 24, appeared at the city court in Berezniki, 1,200 miles northeast ofMoscow, near where she is being held with fellow musician Nadezhda Tolokonnikova.

Alyokhina had applied to defer her two-year sentence until her son, Filipp, is fourteen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in asituation where I have to prove here that my son needs me, which is obvious,â&#x20AC;? she said.

However, the judge ruled that â&#x20AC;&#x153;no new circumstancesâ&#x20AC;? to justify postponement had been presented in the appeal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that Alyokhina has a young child was taken into account[in the original sentencing] by Moscowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Khamovnichesky court,â&#x20AC;? the judge ruled.

A similar request for deferral, by 21-year-old Tolokonnikova, is still pending.

Both women are due toserve another year at the prison colony in the Ural mountains.

In addition to the issue of Alyokhinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s child, the hearing focused on complaints about her behaviour in prison. She has received several disciplinary reprimands, notably for a failure to respond to a 5:30am wakeup call.

Alyokhina protested that she had not heard the guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knock on her door, and officials have since prevented her from airing grievances with the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disciplinary committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would be very tempted to mention Gogol, Kafka and Orwell at this moment,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, a fellow Pussy Riot member, made a similar appeal in October.

It is almost one year since Pussy Riot staged their 40-second performance at Moscowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christthe Saviour cathedral, protesting against prime minister Vladimir Putin and his governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close ties with the orthodox church.

They were charged with â&#x20AC;&#x153;hooliganism on grounds of religious hatredâ&#x20AC;?.

While Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova remain imprisoned, a third woman, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was released on appeal last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to continue performing,â&#x20AC;?

Samutsevich recently told the Guardian, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

do anything immediately, because our security conditions have become complicated.â&#x20AC;?

Amnesty International Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director David Diaz-Jogeix said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s court ruling is a further travesty of justice.

The three Pussy Riot singers should not have been prosecuted in the first place.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision has proven again that the Russian authorities are uncompromising in their suppression of freedom of expression.â&#x20AC;?

He continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova should be released, immediately and unconditionally, while the suspended sentence of Ekaterina Samutsevich should be overturned.â&#x20AC;?

Additionlly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s verdict is in line with the suppressive policies of the Russian authorities, stifling dissent in any form. For one stunt, clearly within their right to freedom of expression, the three punk singers had to endure months of humiliation and hardship in detention - something that continues for Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, in Moscow, a Russian Orthodox priest who declared support for Pussy Riot has been relieved of his duties.

Father Dmitry Sverdlov, who is also a well-known blogger, wrote an online editorial in March 2012 proposing that there â&#x20AC;&#x153;are people in the church â&#x20AC;Ś who agree that the problems [Pussy Riot] voiced do existâ&#x20AC;?. This week, Sverdlov was suspended from his duties for at least five years. A church spokesman has insisted that the imposed leave of absence is â&#x20AC;&#x153;in no way connectedâ&#x20AC;? to Sverdlovâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments about Pussy Riot though no other explanation was given.

Amnesty International believes that the trial of the Pussy Riot singers was politically- motivated.

It constitutes a move away from greater political rights for women; Alekhina and Tolokonnikova are prisoners of conscience, detained for the peaceful expression of their beliefs.

Details of Amnesty Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign for the release of Alekhina and Tolokonnikova can be found at: www.amnesty.org.uk/ pussyriot

Features

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

MAGHAREBIA

26

The Necessity of Force Dominic Hung Algeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handling of the In AmĂŠnas hostage crisis has been met with shock and horror, not least because so many GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUHQW FRXQWULHV ZHUH DIfected by the attack. 40 citizens from nine countries were killed by the time the last militant was killed by Algerian forces storming the gas plant, of which 39 were foreigners from countries as varied as Japan, the Philippines and Romania. Some have expressed disappointment as to why the Algerians decided to conduct their operation with such ruthlessness; however, there are deeper explanations for their actions beyond ineptitude.

The terrorists, known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Masked Brigadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar, attacked the In AmĂŠnas gas plant at early in the morning of January 16th as workers were travelling from their living quarters to the plant itself, seizing control of the facility rapidly.

If the militants harbored any thoughts of negotiation, they were quickly dispelled when Algerian helicopters destroyed a convoy carrying militants and hostages attempting to move to another location of the gas plant two days after.

For all the talk of seeking a peaceful resolution, no meanLQJIXO HŕŽ&#x2030;RUWV ZHUH HYHU PDGH on either side â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the operation only ended when all militants were either dead or captured.

The militants stated that their assault had been carried out in response to French intervention in Mali; considering the degree of preparation and speed with which they were able to overwhelm the facility, however, it is more likely that the operation had been planned well in advance.

The attack also raises a frightening prospect in that it LV WKH ŕŽ&#x160;UVW RI LWV NLQG WKDW KDV targeted Algeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil and gas facilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vital to the running of the Algerian economy. In AmĂŠnas alone generates three billion USD a year for the country, highlighting how vulnerable Algeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifeblood is to this sort of assault in the future. How did a band of heavily armed militants manage to penetrate Algerian security DQG HŕŽ&#x2030;HFWLYHO\ VKXW GRZQ WKH plant for weeks? Though it seems likely that the Algerian economy will be able to weather this shock, the impact of similar attacks would be even

more damaging.

Algeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy towards counterterrorism is simple: no negotiation, no compromise.

This hardline policy was one born out of the bloody struggle that emerged during the Islamist insurgency that wracked Algeria in the 1990s, one that the Algerian military largely won following most rebelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decisions to lay down their weapons upon being granted amnesty by the Algerian government.

Consequently, the military has EHHQ DŕŽ&#x2030;RUGHG D UHVSHFWHG UROH in Algerian society under less supervision from the civilian government than in most other countries, and hardened its attitude towards any who would attempt to conduct terror operations within its borders.

This hardline attitude, combined with the urgent need to UHVWRUH WKH ŕŽ&#x2039;RZ RI JDV IURP In AmĂŠnas, likely were decisive factors in the decision to retake the gas facility no matter the cost. Relations with other nations could be dealt with in the aftermath and repaired, but the economic damage caused by a shutdown of gas production would prove to be far more problematic if left unsolved for too long. Despite this, however, observers still (rightfully) ask whether that was worth the deaths of 40 innocent civilians.

The answer, as cold as it may be, is yes. The Algerian government and militaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response was wholly appropriate; the state may have a duty to protect its citizens, but giving in to the terrorists in any way would only serve to undermine its strength in the long run. Freeing militants from prisons or paying ransoms only serves to fund more acts of terror in the future; by showing that Algeria will not be terrorized into giving in no matter how much blood may be spilled, it has created a safer environment for themselves as militants recognize that they will gain no concessions from attacking Algeria.

This holds true in wider efforts against terrorism, a principle that many governments fail to realize as the need to ensure the welfare of their citizens clouds the necessity of forceful responses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to give in is to strengthen terrorism, and all that can be hoped for now is that the deaths of those 40 are not in vain as the resurgent war in Africa unfolds.

Mathew Coakley Government Department

Democratic Legitimacy What do you mean by legitimacy? Do you mean merely a governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to rule, or something else?

People have thought about legitimacy in a couple of main ways, one is as you say a right to rule, so there are certain types of government that have a right to rule, and those that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. For example if you believe in the legitimacy of hereditary kings, you have the right to rule if your father was the king.

The second way people have thought about it is that people have a general obligation to obey the law, if it is legitimate.

And legitimacy is derived from the way the law is arrived at. So if the law is voted upon in a fair procedure, it is legitimate.

Those are the two kinds of ideas, and mostly people treat them as both coming together.

If you have a right to rule you have a duty to be obeyed.

We tend to believe that Democracies are legitimate, where as a dictatorship are not. Is this simply because Democracies have popular support?

ample if you think that by voting people consent, that would indicate systems with voting are legitimate.

The problem with this type of answer, a problem that has been recognised for a long time, it is a very weak notion of consent, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to apply to people who chose not to vote, and even if you do vote, it seems to be a choice between competing elites, and choosing the least worst of two bad options doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really seem to be consent. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sense in which a robber holds a gun to your head and says â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;give me your moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and you do give him your money, you have consented, but you have just chosen the least bad out of two options. The other alternative is to argue that it is the way laws are arrived at such as having a fair procedure, and that tends to be what gives democracies their legitimacy.

And I suppose this fair procedure is simply the one where we are all treated with the same worth?

Exactly, you might say the procedure is one people couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reasonably reject because they are treated equally. Other people have wanted to say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a procedure that gives people HTXDO LQŕŽ&#x2039;XHQFH RU WUHDWV WKH LQWHUHVWV RI HYHU\RQH DŕŽ&#x2030;HFWHG equally.

Now, no government system actually meets that test, but the argument is that some governmental systems are sufficiently close to make them legitimate.

So even though there are many GLૼHUHQW W\SHV RI GHPRFUDF\ each is close enough to the ideal to have legitimacy.

So they might do, what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked up on though is that the Right, so that picks up on an word democracy has meant interesting issue, there is one YHU\ GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUHQW WKLQJV DW GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUHQW sense in which we use legiti- times. For the Greeks the ideal macy just to mean supported, democratic procedure was a lotso if a lot of people support the tery. Election was seen as aristoking, the king for you is legiti- cratic, because elections tended mate. But what a lot of theorists to favour the wealthy, the well have wanted to do is say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known, the well connected and not just about support, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that those with oratorical skills. certain governments have the And both ancient opponents right type of properties, like and proponents of democracy having fair elections or fair pro- agree with this in a rough sense, cedures, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes they disagree about whether it them legitimate. was good or bad. Proponents So what theorists of demo- of elections thought they were cratic legitimacy need to try good for controlling the massand do is establish that democ- es. In modern times democracy racy, and normally only democ- means, roughly the electoral seracy, is legitimate. lection of the government, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rough generalisation.

So what is it about a democracy Of course what you might think in particular that give it this is thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a family resemunique feature? Is it again, sim- blance, akin to if you were to ply that we consent to the gov- try and tell which sports should ernment? be included in the Olympics, sometimes it is difficult to draw One of the very big notions in the line. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some you are WKLV ŕŽ&#x160;HOG LV FRQVHQW 7KLV LGHD FRQŕŽ&#x160;GHQW DERXW DQG VR \RX DUH that we rule ourselves, means, QRW FRQŕŽ&#x160;GHQW DERXW 6R , JXHVV for other people to rule us, we the real question is does, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deought to consent to it. For ex- mocracyâ&#x20AC;? really exist, is there a

single coherent idea there, and that turns out to be a difficult question to answer.

What do you think make democracy legitimate?

So I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m something of an outlier. So the question is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;which states would have a right to rule, or be owed obedienceâ&#x20AC;?, and its unclear to me that we would want to have either of those contingent on the type of state we have.

So for example if we take a duty to obey, it seems to me that we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want there to be a duty to obey. In some situations there are things we should be doing anyway, these are the â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t murder peopleâ&#x20AC;? situations. So if the law says do or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t murder it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really matter, we ought not to do it anyway. So the duty to obey RQO\ VHHPV WR PDNH D GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUence if its something we ought not to do but the law tells us we should do it.

And so then it is unclear why we should want a duty to obey.

So there are two problems, ŕŽ&#x160;UVW ZKDW LV WKH VRXUFH RI OHgitimacy: consent based, procedure based, or whatever.

And the second problem: is legitimacy really the right way to think about politics. Or should we go back to a much older way, which is just to quesWLRQ ZKRVH LQWHUHVWV GR GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUent state forms best promote, and not in principle have anyone with a right to rule. The question is just whose interest gets best promoted.

There are a plethora of suggestions for what makes states legitimate. And if there are a ton of suggestions and it is difŕŽ&#x160;FXOW WR WHOO EHWZHHQ WKHP \RX should suspect the question has assumed something that shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be assumed. That VKRXOG VHW RŕŽ&#x2030; DODUP EHOOV %Hcause if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell which answer is at least better or worse then probably youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got something wrong with the question.

So in your view, the question is at fault here, we shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be asking what give a state the right to rule, and us a duty to obey at all?

So, I think I lean towards the PRUH $ULVWRWHOLDQ GHŕŽ&#x160;QLWLRQ RI politics. I think that the notion of a right to rule, is a problematic way of viewing political authority.

Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very much an outlier view. Most Political Theorists think that rights and legitimacy are important ways of analysing political institutions.

My suspicion is that the older way of looking at things is actually the right one, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been on a 500 plus year detour.

But I have to say that is far from the consensus view, the consensus view is exactly the opposite.

Social

KROSZK@

The Beaver 29.01.2013

27

Malvika Jaganmohan chooses to smooth over the wrinkles

I

found a white hair.

There it was, lurking just beneath my fringe. There were really only two options: yank LW RXW ZLWK MXVWLŕŽ&#x160; DEOH IHURF ity, but the Internet told me that two would just sprout LQ LWV SODFH 7KH RWKHU SHUIHFWO\ UDWLRQDO RSWLRQ ZDV WR FRORXU LW LQ ZLWK D permanent marker. When I WKHQ SURFHHGHG WR GR MXVW that, white fragments began to fall away. My next thought? My hair is falling out at eighteen. After TXHOOLQJ WKH SDQLF HQRXJK to use my brain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and yes, GHVSLWH HYLGHQFH WR WKH FRQWUDU\ , GR KDYH RQH RI those â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I realised that the white fragments were just bits of toothpaste.

6R , GLGQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW DFWXDOO\ KDYH a white hair at all. But in that moment, my entire OLIH DFWXDOO\ GLG ŕŽ&#x2039; DVK EH fore my eyes. The transition from Nivea Visage Young to Garnier Pro Age moisturiser; keeping more vegetables than Diet Coke in the fridge; friends getting engaged rather than JHWWLQJ RŕŽ&#x2030; ZLWK HDFK RWK

HU ZHOO \RX FDWFK P\ drift.

University life for me has been about proving a point. That point is that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m young, and by Jove, do I intend to take advantage of it. So when the plan is to go to Crush, Soho, Zoo Bar and Ministry of Sound RQ VXF F H V V L Y H d a y s , when in all hone s t y , I just want to sit in bed with a book and listen to 2FHDQ :DYHV RQ P\ FRP puter, I resist the urge WR EH â&#x20AC;ŤÚ?â&#x20AC;ŹERULQJâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹEHFDXVH LQ a few years, it probably ZRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW EH VRFLDOO\ DFFHSW DEOH IRU PH WR JR FOXEELQJ LQ D VNLUW WKDW FRXOG EH used more appropriately DV D KDQGNHUFKLHI A little part of me suffers from Peter Pan synGURPH VR , VWLOO JR WULFN RU treating every year in the

0HUOLQ FRVWXPH ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹYH KDG VLQFH , ZDV WKLUWHHQ DQG , VWLOO JHW P\ 0XP WR FR FRRQ PH LQ P\ EODQNHW EH fore I go to sleep (though my roommates have now DFTXLUHG WKDW SDUWLFX ODU SULYLOHJH ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP HLJKW een years old and I love squashing myself into very

unwillingly into job appliFDWLRQV DVVXUHG VKRUWKROG WHQDQF\ DJUHHPHQWV DQG JURFHU\ OLVWV WKDW GRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW KDYH PXOWLSOH VL[ SDFNV RI 5HG %XOO RU WZHQW\ SDFNHWV RI FKHHVH VWULQJV RQ WKHP But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also realised WKDW , QHHG WR RYHUFRPH the urge to be Debbie Doom a n d admit t h a t the future, and the prosSHFW RI getting o l d e r, i s n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t j u s t YDULFRVH YHLQV DQG DQW DFLG WDEOHWV &RPLQJ WR university has prepared PH IRU D OLIH ZKHUH , FDQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW UXQ WR P\ SDUHQWV WR ŕŽ&#x160; [ every mishap; where my ODXQGU\ GRHVQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW PDJLFDOO\ appear on my bed, neatly folded and smelling of jojoba fruit; where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one to wait on me hand and foot with Lemsip and WRPDWR VRXS ZKHQ , FRPH

University teaches you that you can live by your own rules, and though this may not always be a good thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially when you wake up hungover, missing an eyebrow and covered in nutella â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way it should be.

VPDOO VZLQJV ZKLFK FUHDN RPLQRXVO\ EHFDXVH WKH\â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹUH EXLOW IRU SUH VFKRROHUV QRW pre-adults.

7KH ZDYH RI SDQLF KLW me at the beginning of Lent term, when I realised WKDW WKH ŕŽ&#x160; UVW WHUP RI P\ ŕŽ&#x160; UVW \HDU DW XQLYHUVLW\ LV already over. That means I only have eight more terms to enjoy being a kid. After WKDW ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹOO EH IRUFHG WR GHOYH

GRZQ ZLWK WKH ŕŽ&#x2039; X $QG , suppose that thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alright EHFDXVH WKHUH LV D ORW WR look forward to as well.

8QLYHUVLW\ WHDFKHV \RX WKDW \RX FDQ OLYH E\ \RXU own rules, and though this may not always be a good WKLQJ â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹHVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ you wake up hungover, missing an eyebrow and FRYHUHG LQ QXWHOOD â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2039;â&#x20AC;ŹLWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV WKH ZD\ LW VKRXOG EH %HFRPLQJ an adult does bring with it QHFHVVDU\ UHVSRQVLELOLW\ and there will be things that you will no longer be able to do, so make sure that you have as few regrets as possible. This is the time to try everything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever wanted to, and to take advantage of your QHZ IRXQG LQGHSHQGHQFH before you make those deŕŽ&#x160; QLWLYH FKRLFHV WKDW UHŕŽ&#x2039; HFW the transition from student to adult.

Yes, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting older, and yes, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a terrifying SURVSHFW %XW GRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW EH OLNH me and fret about it. And LI \RX KDSSHQ WR GLVFRYHU a white hair... well, maybe give the permanent marker a miss.

28

Social

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

The Top Ten Travelling Tips Didem Tali tells us how to get through the backpacking experience

2- Check out the latest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Books to Readâ&#x20AC;? and/or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Movies to Watchâ&#x20AC;? lists for the region you are about to visit.

This can completely transform the experience of travelling and the comprehension of the local culture & KLVWRU\ 5HDGLQJ ŕŽ&#x160;FWLRQ RU QRQ ŕŽ&#x160;FWLRQ ERRNV DERXW \RXU destination, before, during or even after travel, is also going to give you a great sense of connectedness with the place. For example, when I devoted a grey Sunday afternoon to sit in a park in Dublin, to read Dubliners, I swear I saw some of the characters from the book in that park! By the end of the day, I felt like my own story was part of the book.

Another â&#x20AC;&#x153;literature orgasmâ&#x20AC;? I had was during the time that I backpacked around India. Reading â&#x20AC;&#x153;Midnightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;? by Salman Rushdie in India was even better than seeing the Taj Mahal right in front of my eyes!

If I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read Midnightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Children whilst travelling India, neither the country, nor the book would have made the sense that it did to me.

You will just melt the sellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hearts away with your lovely accent and get the nice scarf for your mum without paying tourist prices. It is a great sense of achievement!

Secondly, when you are PDNLQJ DQ HŕŽ&#x2030;RUW WR VSHDN WKH language youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll automatically let others know how much you appreciate and respect the local culture. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to make genuine friendships a lot easier, and as a bonus asking for some words that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know is always a good conversation starter, if you want to socialize with VRPHRQH ORFDO 7KH EHQHŕŽ&#x160;WV of language learning are just countless! In addition to that, being able to even remotely communicate itself is also a great sense of achieve-

alone, mindless tourist.

5- Whilst travelling light is always a good idea, to carry some form of extra clothing and something that is at least semi-decent with you is not a bad idea either.

Maybe not the dress that you wore for your brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding, but at least putting some decent-ish top or a shirt can make you feel somehow refreshed, especially if you are visiting a big urban centre after long journeys.

For example, I went to Africa with only 4.5 kilograms of a luggage for clothing. Ok I admit, I made my boyfriend genuinely proud of himself to not have a closet-obsessed 21st century girlfriend. But on the other hand, for exam-

their country to the visitors.

Never accept whatever IUHH LV RŕŽ&#x2030;HUHG QR PDWWHU how lovely the person who RŕŽ&#x2030;HUV WKDW ORRNV (VSHFLDOO\ (unfortunately) if you are a woman travelling alone, free drinks, gifts of free rides are always full with some certain â&#x20AC;&#x153;expectanciesâ&#x20AC;? in return. (Some men have the superstitious belief that all westerner women are sex addicts who can have sex with A N Y O N E and just give it a shot.) Kindly refuse the offer and keep walking. If they are persistent (which they will be, most of the time) and annoying but your kindness is not working, you can get a bit aggressive and tell them to get lost. If things get really unpleasant, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

CLEO PEARSON

1- Bring some entertainment.

When you begin to question your sanity due to terminal boredom, it is key to have some entertainment at hand.

Books, sudoku, your latest knitting project... They will all do! Because, let me share a little secret with you: when travelling you cannot avoid waiting. The bus is three hours late, your train journey takes six hours longer than scheduled (especially if you are travelling long distances overland), some appointment, your so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;fastfoodâ&#x20AC;?, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to expect the unexpected. Whilst it is not a good idea to pull out your expensive laptop whilst travelling in a second class sleeper train, a good book and maybe a reading light is likely to give you some peace of mind!

RŕŽ&#x2030;HUV PLJKW EH YHU\ VPDOO FRPSDUHG WR WKH RŕŽ&#x2030;HU GRQH by an official, the fun and the reliability is probably gonna be equally smaller.

The best probability is, since there is no official contract they probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give \RX ZKDW WKH\ RŕŽ&#x2030;HU DQG FXW the trip short, not give the dinner s/he promises or increase the costs as they go along etc. Obviously, there are other dangers. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved in tours that are arranged by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me take you to my villageâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? people and also the official ones. All I FDQ VD\ LV WKH GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUHQFH LV like day and night. If paying a little bit more to an official is going to make the experience much more worthwhile, why the heck not?

8- For single women travelling alone in men-dominated societies, sometimes it is not a bad idea to pretend that you are married.

Wearing a fake wedding ring can save you from a lot of trouble and eliminate unwanted attention. This idea came to my mind in India, after having travelled alone for a while. I started to wear â&#x20AC;&#x153;bindiâ&#x20AC;? (the red dot applied to the forehead of Indian women, signifying that they are married) and I could tell that it made D UHPDUNDEOH GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUHQFH

ment, and makes you more of a citizen of this universe!

4- If you are feeling somehow unsafe in an environment, like a sleeper train or a place that you have to be with others for relatively longer hours, listen to your intuitions and make friends with 3- Learn a couple words of someone that looks reliable. key phrases of the local lanI always did so, especially guage. Not just for the prac- whilst travelling alone and tical communication reasons, never had any problems. Of in case someone doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t course, I am not telling that speak your language. First it is okay to leave your valuof all, when you can pro- ables with any guy and to nounce a few words, people EXJJHU RŕŽ&#x2030; EHFDXVH KH VHHPV will not consider you as a alright, or accept someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foolish tourist and you are invitation to sleep at his/her a lot less likely to be ripped place, etc. No no, not like RŕŽ&#x2030; E\ VRPHRQH VLQFH \RXâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹOO that! But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt to look like you are not alien have someone local with you, to the country and you know if you experience problems your way around. Being able and cannot communicate to speak a few words will with people or just to share also put you in a much bet- some stories and create the ter position whilst haggling. image that you are not an

ple when we wanted to celebrate our anniversary, it was a bit frustrating to go to a relatively nice restaurant with my hiking boots and backSDFNLQJ RXWŕŽ&#x160;W ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR that, in my case it was a bit tiring to not really have enough clothing since we had to do all our laundry on hand in Africa. But of course the latter depends on where you go.

hesitate to call the police (or threaten to do so) or get help from other people nearby. In most countries, people would be shamed for treating locals in this way, show other people they are being a nuisance and embarrass them.

9- If you are in a country that LV XVLQJ D GLŕŽ&#x2030;HUHQW DOSKDEHW from Latin, it is a good idea to learn the alphabet, at least the numbers.

For example in Egypt, I had so much confusion with the money especially when I needed to do something quick with money, such as buying a metro ticket when there are so many other people waiting behind you and looking at you with eyes that tell you to be quick. It is easier to be ULSSHG RŕŽ&#x2030; WKDW ZD\ DV ZHOO

10- Eating street food is ok, if you know what to eat and 7- Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t arrange tours with what to avoid. anyone but official travel As long as food is boiled agencies. Even if you are ar- or fried in front of your eyes ranging a tour via an agency, and given to you freshly, you 6- Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be naive, always make sure that they are reli- can go for street food without second guess people for your able. any problems, it gives you an own safety and remember: Rule number 1: read up authentic taste of the culture NOTHING is for FREE. on scams before you go to a and is very cheap. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not Some people might ap- country. In Delhi for example telling you to drink ground proach you on the streets, there are places that even water in Calcutta, but espebehaving really friendly copy the real tourist officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cially whilst visiting a counDQG VSHDNLQJ ŕŽ&#x2039;XHQW (QJOLVK street name! Other people try that has got a culture for ZKLOVW RŕŽ&#x2030;HULQJ \RX D JLIW will go for the more casu- street food, it can be a great a free ride to your hotel, a al approach, for example, way to get way to have a feelfree excursion, etc. They will someone might approach ing of connectedness with probably tell you that they \RX DQG RŕŽ&#x2030;HU WR WDNH \RX WR the daily life of the city and are doing this because they his/her authentic village in also great for meeting some like you and they want to return of some money. Whilst locals! But it is your stomach, show you the hospitality of the amount money that s/he so you know yourself better.

The Beaver | 29.01.2013

Not In My Back Yard

Social

29

Cleo Pearson weighs up the challenges of nature and the economy up by the hungry teeth of EXOOGR]HUV 7KH ORFDWLRQ RI P\ FKLOGKRRG SLFWXUH QR ORQJHU H[LVWV LQ UHDOLW\ , DP ORVW â&#x20AC;«Ú&#x201D;â&#x20AC;¬1,0%<â&#x20AC;« Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;¬1RW LQ P\ EDFN \DUG WKH\ VD\ :KHWKHU LWâ&#x20AC;«Ú&#x2018;â&#x20AC;¬V D SKRQH PDVW ZLQG IDUP QHZ GHYHORSPHQW RI JUHHQ KRXVHV RU UHDOLJQPHQW RI WKH

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We are not distant in distance Jiayi Fan looks into social networking from China to the West

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30

Sport

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

Mr LSE - A Year On David Poole interviews last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s champion James Broad ahead of the next glorious contest of masculinity, wit and custard pies.

Tomorrow night sees the crowning of the biggest name on campus. Some of WKH ŕŽ&#x160; QHVW JHQWOHPHQ WKH SUHVWLJLRXV DQG UHSXWDEOH $WKOHWLFV 8QLRQ KDV WR RŕŽ&#x2030; HU ZLOO FRPSHWH LQ D EDWWOH RI ZLWV ZLOOV WDOHQWV DQG WHVWRVWHURQH WR GHWHU mine who isâ&#x20AC;Ś MR. LSE. 7KH H[FLWHPHQW LV WDQJLEOH DQG ZLWK PDQ\ PHPEHUV RI WKH $8 FRXQWLQJ down the minutes to one of the biggest :HGQHVGD\ QLJKW HYHQWV RI WKH \HDU , ZDV OXFN\ HQRXJK WR FDWFK XS ZLWK ODVW \HDUâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV ZLQQHU DQG DOO URXQG %12& -DPHV %URDG WR GLVFXVV MXVW ZKDW LW

ULD RI ZLQQLQJ PHDQV WKH ZKROH QLJKW LV VRPHWKLQJ RI D EOXU :KDW , GR GLVWLQFW O\ UHPHPEHU LV UHSHDWHGO\ KHDG EXWWLQJ D PDQJR WR QR DYDLO ,Wâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV D VKDPH LW ZDV D FRUH FRPSRQHQW RI P\ FRFNWDLO recipe.

What was going through your head in WKDW ૽ QDO URXQG DV \RX VWUXJJOHG WR hold up those buckets? ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹOO EH KRQHVW ZLWK \RX WKDW ZDV WKH HDVLHVW URXQG RI WKH ORW 5XJE\ WDON D ELJ JDPH EXW LW VHHPV IRU DOO WKDW WKH\ QHHG WR ZRUN RQ WKHLU ODWHUDO UDLVHV ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹOO EH LQWHUHVWHG WR VHH LI DQ\ RI WKHLU HQ WUDQWV DUH XS WR WKH FKDOOHQJH WKLV \HDU What was your favourite moment of the night?

7KHUH ZDV RQH PRPHQW ZKHQ VHYHUDO WKLQJV KDSSHQHG DW RQFH $OPRVW VLPXO WDQHRXVO\ P\ ŕŽ&#x160; QDO RSSRQHQWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV DUPV GURSSHG WKH FURZG H[SORGHG DQG , UH DOLVHG TXLWH KRZ ZDVWHG , ZDV $OO WKH IRRWEDOO ER\V FDPH XS WR FRQJUDWXODWH PH QRW ORQJ DIWHU 7KDW ZDV LQFUHGLEOH Conversely, what was your least favourite moment?

WDNHV WR EH 0U /6( Hi James, thanks very much for taking time out of your hectic schedule to be here today. Can I start by asking you to take us through a day in the life of Mr. LSE? :HOOâ&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x17E;â&#x20AC;Ź, XVXDOO\ ZDNH XS DW DERXW SP $IWHU VHYHUDO PLQXWHV RI VHOI DGPLUD WLRQ LQ WKH PLUURU , HQMR\ D QXWULWLRXV EUHDNIDVW FRQVLVWLQJ RI WKH OHIWRYHUV RI ODVW QLJKWV 0F'RQDOGV 2QFH ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹYH GLVORGJHG DQ\ SRWHQWLDO FRPSDQ\ IURP OH ERXGRLU DV D UHVXOW RI WKH SUHYLRXV QLJKWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV DQWLFV , KHDG LQ WR XQL 7KH JHQ HUDO IRUPXOD IRU P\ ZRUNLQJ GD\ LV D TXLFN GLUW\ :ULJKWV DW WKH 7XQV ZLWK WKH ER\V UHFRXQWLQJ ODVW QLJKWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV IULYROL WLHV DIWHU ZKLFK , WU\ WR PDNH P\ OHF WXUHV ,WV WRXJK WR NHHS XS ZLWK ZRUN DW WLPHV EHFDXVH EHLQJ 0U /6( LV D IXOO WLPH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ EXW , WU\ VWD\ RQ WRS RI WKLQJV $IWHU VHYHUDO KRXUV RQ ,PJXU , KHDG KRPH DQG KLW )LID WR HVWDEOLVK my superiority over my housemates. :KHQ , WXUQ LQ IRU WKH QLJKW , ZKDFN RQ VRPH SURJUHVVLYH WUDQFH DQG ŕŽ&#x160; VW SXPS P\VHOI WR VOHHS ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP UHDOO\ MXVW D QRUPDO JX\ RQH RI WKH ODGV , GRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW WKLQN EHFRPLQJ 0U /6( has done anything to change that.

Thanks. So with regards to the Mr. LSE competition; what stands out most vividly in your mind about that night, a year on? , ZDV VRPHZKDW LQHEULDWHG WKDW HYHQ LQJ DQG WKDW FRXSOHG ZLWK WKH HXSKR

%HIRUH WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ VWDUWHG , ZDV UHDOO\ QHUYRXV , DUULYHG LQ WKH 7XQV DQG WKHUH ZDV VR PXFK K\SH %HIRUH WKHQ , GRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW WKLQN ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹG TXLWH JUDVSHG WKH JUDYLW\ RI WKH VLWXDWLRQ %XW RQFH , JRW RQ VWDJH DQG WKLQJV JRW JRLQJ , VWDUWHG WR UHOD[ DQG HQMR\ P\VHOI There certainly seemed to be one bit you enjoyed and relaxed into particuODUO\ ZDV WKDW \RXU ૽ UVW H[SHULHQFH RI rubbing baby oil on another man?

1R FRPPHQW Your silence says enough. What preparation did you do for the big night? $VLGH IURP JHWWLQJ P\ KDQGV RQ WKH IUXLW WKHUH ZDVQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW WKDW PXFK , FRXOG GR WKHUHâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV RQO\ VR PXFK KHDG EXWWLQJ SUDF WLFH \RX FDQ WDNH \RX NQRZ" ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹG OLNH WR WHOO \RX KRXUV ZHUH VSHQW LQ WKH J\P DQG LQ IURQW RI WKH PLUURU EXW ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹOO EH KRQHVW WKDWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV MXVW QRW UHDOO\ P\ VW\OH So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never felt any pressure to bulk up a bit having seen photos of yourself on the night? ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP QRW VXUH WKDWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV HQWLUHO\ IDLU , PHDQ WKH MXGJHV GLGQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW VHHP WR PLQG P\ QDW XUDOO\ DWKOHWLF WRQHG ERG\ ZKHQ WKH\ VDZ LW ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP WROG WKDW IRU ZRPHQ LWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV DOO DERXW VWDPLQD WKHVH GD\V VR ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP QRW too concerned.

One part of the competition I seem to remember you struggling with was the boat race. Have you learnt to down a pint yet? <HV RI FRXUVH >, JLYH -DPHV D SLQW ZKLFK KH DWWHPSWV WR GRZQ 8QIRU WXQDWHO\ KH LV XQDEOH WR -DPHV SOD\V

)RRWEDOO QRW 5XJE\ @ So some things never change. But how has life changed since being crowned Mr. LSE? Has the title brought with it IDPH RU LQIDP\" $UH \RX WUHDWHG GLૼ HU ently as a result of your winning? :HOO 'DYLG , KRSH QRW LQIDP\ EXW LWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV D VDG WUXWK WKDW ZLQQLQJ $8 HYHQWV RI WKLV PDJQLWXGH DOZD\V DWWUDFWV D FHU tain amount of negative attention. You VXGGHQO\ ŕŽ&#x160; QG WKDW DOO VRUWV RI SHRSOH who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem interested before now ZDQW WR EH \RXU IULHQG , SHUVRQDOO\ ŕŽ&#x160; QG LW QR FRLQFLGHQFH WKDW , RQO\ PHW WZR RI my housemates after the event.

Does this newfound attention, albeit sometimes negative, make you considHU \RXUVHOI WR EH D IXOO\ ૾ HGJHG %12& now? , KDWH WKDW SKUDVH EXW PD\EH (YHU\ RQH LQ WKH $8 SUHWW\ PXFK NQRZV HDFK RWKHU DQ\ZD\ VR WKHUH ZDVQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW UHDOO\ D KXJH GLŕŽ&#x2030; HUHQFH , VXSSRVH But youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re surely not just â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;knownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, in an ordinary sense? , VXSSRVH \RXâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹUH ULJKW , GR VHHP WR attract a certain amount of attention DERYH DQG EH\RQG ZKDW ZRXOG EH H[ SHFWHG RI D UHJXODU =RR JRHU EXW LWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV GLIILFXOW WR VD\ ZKHWKHU WKLV LV GXH WR P\ WLWOH RU P\ QDWXUDO ORRNV FKDUP DQG charisma.

At any point over the last year have you looked back on the event and considered that perhaps it was a little arrogant entering Mr. LSE given you were a fresher at the time? ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ HQRXJK , GLGQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW DFWXDO O\ YROXQWHHU P\VHOI IRU 0U /6( $V D \RXQJ QDÂąYH IUHVKHU , KDG QR FKRLFH LQ WKH PDWWHU 7KH )& &OXE &DSWDLQ DW WKH WLPH WROG PH WKHUH ZDV QR EDFNLQJ RXW DW ZKLFK SRLQW , UHPHPEHUHG VRPH WKLQJ D ZLVH PDQ RQFH WROG PH â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x201D;â&#x20AC;Ź,Q WKLV OLIH LWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV HLWKHU %12& RU %127+,1*â&#x20AC;Ť Ú&#x2022;â&#x20AC;Ź 7KH UHVW DV WKH\ VD\ LV KLVWRU\ An admirable philosophy for life. Finally, what advice would you give to any potential entrants in to the Mr. LSE competition?

7KH PRVW LPSRUWDQW SLHFH RI DGYLFH , FDQ JLYH LV GRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW WDNH \RXUVHOI WRR VH ULRXVO\ $ OLWWOH ELW RI 'XWFK FRXUDJH ZRXOGQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW JR DPLVV 7KHUH DUH VRPH JUHDW )& ER\V HQWHULQJ WKLV \HDU ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP FRQŕŽ&#x160; GHQW WKDW DQ\ 6KH 12&V RU DVSLU LQJ 6KH 12&V PDNLQJ DQ DSSHDUDQFH RQ :HGQHVGD\ QLJKW DUH ZHOO DQG WUXO\ in for a treat. :LWK WKH HYHQW MXVW DURXQG WKH FRUQHU D KDQGIXO RI HOLJLEOH EDFKHORUV ZKRâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV HQ WLUH OLYHV KDYH EHHQ QRWKLQJ EXW SUHS

These natural assets, combined with your status, must give you a certain amount of sway over the masses. How have you used this to help others; implement positive changes to LSE; save the environment; or anything of the sort? :HOO ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹYH EHHQ ERJJHG GRZQ UHFHQWO\ ZLWK VHYHUDO HVVD\V WKDW , PD\ RU PD\ QRW KDYH RYHUORRNHG ODVW WHUP VR SODQV IRU ZRUOG SHDFH DOWKRXJK LQ WKH SLSH OLQH DUH \HW WR FRPH WR IUXLWLRQ You are now Broadly considered the hottest guy in the AU. Has your luck with women improved as a result of this?

1R Do you think the reason for this is that women feel intimidated by your highSUR૽ OH VWDWXV" , OLNH WR WHOO P\VHOI WKDWâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV WKH UHDVRQ Good for you. So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve not had even unwarranted and unwanted attention, or been Shepparded away to the quiet FRUQHUV RI =RR E\ VRPH ૽ HU\ IHOLQH" , ZRXOGQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW VD\ XQZDUUDQWHG RU XQZDQW HG IRU WKDW PDWWHU :LWKRXW UHYHDOLQJ WRR PXFK ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹOO VKDUH ZLWK \RX WKDW WKH TXLHW FRUQHUV RI =RR %DU RŕŽ&#x2030; HU PDQ\ H[ SHULHQFHV IRU WKRVH ZLOOLQJ WR YHQWXUH there.

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Sport

The Beaver | 29.01.2013 FRQWLQXHG IURP EDFN SDJH

SOD\HU ŕŽ&#x160; QGV WKHPVHOYHV RQ the stronger side of the ball the ordained minister has for their teams. been in vintage form in the Moss will be a role player on SOD\RŕŽ&#x2030; V D HUV RŕŽ&#x2030; HQFH WKDW VRPH Lewis is one player who has times lives in the shadow of QHYHU QHHGHG DQ\ H[WUD PR its defence.

WLYDWLRQ IDPHG IRU KLV FRP Lewis remains the Ravensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; petitiveness and rousing GHIHQVLYH WDOLVPDQ EXW WR VSHHFKHV LQ WKH SUH JDPH JHWKHU ZLWK KLV IHOORZ DJH huddle, and his desire to ing star, safety Ed Reed, JR RXW RQ WRS ZLOO EH XQ will be doing his best to PDWFKHG 'HVSLWH SRODULV PDWFK WKH SOD\ RI WKH YDVWO\ LQJ RSLQLRQ RŕŽ&#x2030; WKH ŕŽ&#x160; HOG LW LPSURYHG 5DYHQV RŕŽ&#x2030; HQFH seems certain that he will 7KH GHFLVLRQ WR VDFN RI dance his way into the Hall IHQVLYH FR RUGLQDWRU &DP of Fame.

Cameron and replace him He will be joined there by ZLWK WKH XQWHVWHG -LP &DOG 49ers wide receiver Randy ZHOO PLG VHDVRQ KDV SDLG 0RVV ZKR LV VHFRQG DOO RŕŽ&#x2030; IRU %DOWLPRUH DQG WKHUH time in touchdowns behind promises to be an almighty Jerry Rice (to put that in clash between Ravens star context, in 2010 NFL Films WDLOEDFNV 5D\ 5LFH DQG %HU QDPHG 5LFH WKH 1)/â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV JUHDW nard Pierce and the 49ersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; est player). Moss set the stellar defensive end Justin VLQJOH VHDVRQ WRXFKGRZQ 6PLWK DQG $OO 3UR LQVLGH reception record with 23 linebackers Patrick Willis LQ DQG FDPH DJRQLV and NaVorro Bowman.

LQJO\ FORVH WR ZLQQLQJ D 6X The Seahawksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bruiser per Bowl that year with the Marshawn Lynch showed 1HZ (QJODQG 3DWULRWV $I the Ravens that it can be ter moving between teams, done, rushing for 214 yards and even taking a year out and a touchdown in two of football he has stowed games against the 49ers, his diva attitude; he too has but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised to one last shot at redemption. VHH WKH 5DYHQV ORRN WR )ODF Strangely though, neither FRâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV ORQJ UDQJH SDVVLQJ LI

they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any joy with their running game. Even WKHQ WKH 6DQ )UDQFLVFR GH fence could be the deciding factor.

The Ravens are only 19th in pass protection and the HUV SDVV UXVKHU $OGRQ Smith has 19.5 sacks this VHDVRQ KDOI WKH WHDPâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV WR tal. Flacco will have to hope that Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current dry VSHOO RI ŕŽ&#x160; YH JDPHV ZLWKRXW a sack (meaning that the 49ers have registered just RQH RYHUDOO LQ WKH SOD\RŕŽ&#x2030; V

continues if he is to be able WR WDNH WKH UHLQV RQ WKH ELJ gest stage.

This will, of course depend on how well Justin Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s torn triceps fair, this injury has had a noticeable knock RQ HŕŽ&#x2030; HFW RQ $OGRQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV LQ SUR duction. If Justin turns up to play Flacco could be eating grass all afternoon.

The backdrop to all of this intriguing action will be 1HZ 2UOHDQV ZKLFK LV KRVW ing its eleventh Super Bowl, EXW ŕŽ&#x160; UVW VLQFH +XUULFDQH Katrina devastated the city.

The Saintsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; victory in Super Bowl XLIV lifted spirits, but their embroilment in the bounty scandal has left a

bitter taste in the mouths of many Louisiana football fans.

Perhaps more than ever, WKHUH LV D VSHFLDO VLJQLŕŽ&#x160; cance to the setting of the game. Ed Reed described how excited he and fellow 1HZ 2UOHDQV QDWLYH WHDP mate Jacoby Jones, were to be returning home: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I rushed into the locker room to call my mom, because I know WKDW P\ IDPLO\ KDV EHHQ JR ing through some things, so ,â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹP MXVW WKDQNIXO WR EH JR ing home, and for the whole of New Orleans to see some hometown guys. Jacoby, we talked about it. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been there since Katrina.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just grateful.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 6LEOLQJ ULYDOU\ D GHSDUW LQJ JUHDW RŕŽ&#x2030; HQFH YHUVXV defence, a passer versus a runner at quarterback and the return to a city rocked by natural disaster and sporting scandal. In a season which saw fake JLUOIULHQGV 7HERZâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV EHQFK warming and (yet another) major league lockout grab the headlines, the Super Bowl remains the greatest show on Earth.

/DPSDUG )HHOLQJ %OXH While Chelsea has seemingly tried to divert focus away The January 2013 football from older players, other transfer window is now open, clubs have elder players at UHVXOWLQJ LQ D ŕŽ&#x2039; RRG RI WUDQV the very heart of their team.

IHU VWRULHV UXPRXUV DQG VD 0DQFKHVWHU 8QLWHG IRU H[DP gas. Among them have been SOH KDYH YDULRXV HOGHU SOD\ WKH SRWHQWLDO WUDQVIHUV RI YDU ers who are the backbone of ious players such as Wilfred their team.

Zaha, Radamel Falcao and 5LR )HUGLQDQG 1HPDQMD 9LG ic, Robin Van Persie (who is Theo Walcott. +RZHYHU WKH PRVW VKRFN DQG RI FRXUVH WKH HYHU ing and most notable saga, green Ryan Giggs and Paul in my opinion, has been the Scholes are players who are potential transfer of Frank integral to the success of the Lampard away from Chelsea WHDP ,Q FRQWUDVW WR &KHO after the club have declined sea, United have held on to WR RŕŽ&#x2030; HU KLP D QHZ FRQWUDFW WKH WDOHQWHG SOD\HUV QRWLF If Lampardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form had been ing that age does not mean in decline, no one would have they are no good. Giggs and questioned it. However not Scholes are both nearing 40 RQO\ LV /DPSDUG VWLOO D IDQWDV \HW WKHUH LV OLWWOH WDON RU GH tic player, he is only 7 goals sire for them to retire from DZD\ IURP EHFRPLQJ &KHO the players, the club or the VHDâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV DOO WLPH KLJKHVW VFRULQJ fans.

It highlights how United very PLGŕŽ&#x160; HOGHU 7KLV PDNHV &KHOVHDâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV GHFL much see the value in elder sion not only surprising but players. Other clubs, such as also downright foolish. So Arsenal and Liverpool under what has led them to make Brendan Rodgers have tried this decision? According to to put focus on developing a various sources it is because WHDP IXOO RI WDOHQWHG \RXQJ Lampard is over 30 and the VWHUV EXW IRU YDULRXV UHD FOXEV SROLF\ RI QRW RŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ sons it has not worked out ORQJHU WKDQ RQH \HDU FRQ for them. Chelsea have let tracts to players of that age. fantastic players like Didier This saga brings a focus to Drogba, Nicholas Anelka and WKH GLŕŽ&#x2030; HULQJ SROLFLHV RI GLI QRZ VHHPLQJO\ )UDQN /DP ferent clubs over the issue of pard go when they could SOD\HUâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹV DJHV DQG WKHLU FRQ have easily kept them only WUDFWV DQ LVVXH , EHOLHYH UH because of their age. <RX RQO\ KDYH WR ORRN DW SOD\ quires some analysis.

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ers throughout Europe such as Kevin Nolan, Scott Parker, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Steven Gerrard and Andreas Pirlo ZKR KDYH DQG DUH VWLOO SOD\ LQJ DPD]LQJ IRRWEDOO DOO RI whom are over 30.

On the other hand we must acknowledge that balance is QHHGHG ZKHQ EXLOGLQJ D VXF cessful team, a mix of both \RXWK DQG H[SHULHQFH 7KHUH IRUH KDYLQJ DOO \RXQJ SOD\ ers or all older players will not lead to success. You only have to look at the top clubs in Europe such as Barcelona, both Manchester United and Manchester City, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Real 0DGULG WR VHH WKDW D FRPEL nation of old and new is the best.

I believe Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are wrong in their decisions to focus only RQ \RXQJ SOD\HUV DQG &KHO sea are especially wrong in releasing Lampard. So while UDFLVP GLYLQJ ODFN RI JRDO OLQH WHFKQRORJ\ DQG WKH LP pending Financial Fair Play UXOHV DUH DOO LPSRUWDQW DV pects of the world of football I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help noticing a spot of ageism creeping in too. One FDQâ&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x2018;â&#x20AC;ŹW KHOS EXW IHHO IRU /DP pard, and wonder how many PRUH ZLOO IDOO YLFWLP WR VLPL lar policies.

31

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Sport

32

Sport

29.01.2013

| The Beaver

Inside â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x161;â&#x20AC;Ź/DPSDUG )HHOLQJ %OXH â&#x20AC;ŤÚ&#x161;â&#x20AC;Ź$8 7RXJK *X\ $ <HDU 2Q â&#x20AC;Ť<Ú&#x161;â&#x20AC;ŹRXU 6SRUW ,Q %ULHI

7KH *UHDWHVW 6KRZ RQ (DUWK" Gabriel Everington on the Super Bowl and why nothing else can compare Perhaps the biggest story in football recently has concerned a player yet to even reach the NFL. The tragic death from leukaemia of Manti Teâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlfriend Lennay Kakua, a day after the death of his grandmother, helped drive Teâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notre Dame to the National Championship game against Alabama, and arguably fuelled his run to second place in the Heisman voting for national college player of the year.

When Gawker sports blog Deadspin revealed that Kakua did not exist, the Fighting Irish captain DQG SUHGLFWHG ŕŽ&#x160;UVW URXQG draft pick was at the centre of a media storm which culminated in a television interview in which he told ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Katie Couric that he had been at the centre of a massive hoax.

It was almost as tragic as his performance in the recent National Championship game, where he would have had a better evening if Nick Saban had just run him over with a Mack truck.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a crazy story, but hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a better one: one game, two brothers, a departing superstar, a city re-introducing itself to the world all watched by over one hundred million people. On Sunday 3 rd February, the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers will compete in Super Bowl XLVII (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 47) in New Orleans, and there are a fair few reasons to watch that go beyond lipV\QFKLQJ DŕŽ&#x160;FLRQDGR %H\RQcĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s half-time show.

Even by Super Bowl standards, this is a game with a huge number of subplots. Already dubbed

the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Harbowlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by a delighted media, it will see siblings John and Jim +DUEDXJK IDFH RŕŽ&#x2030; DV WKH coaches of the Ravens and 49ers respectively.

John has led Baltimore WR WKH SOD\RŕŽ&#x2030;V LQ HDFK RI KLV ŕŽ&#x160;YH VHDVRQV DV D KHDG coach. He has nearly the same number of wins as Bill Belichick over the past ŕŽ&#x160;YH VHDVRQ %XW LW ZDV -LP the younger Harbaugh, who won the plaudits earlier in the season, as San Fraciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spectacular deIHQFH PDVNHG WKH ŕŽ&#x2039;DZV of their quarterback, former number one pick Alex Smith, and more recently as the gamble to start young tyro Colin Kaepernick in Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place paid RŕŽ&#x2030; VSHFWDFXODUO\ Kaepernick rushed for \DUGV LQ KLV ŕŽ&#x160;UVW SOD\RŕŽ&#x2030; game, a record for a quarterback in both the regular season and post-season. In the long-term absence of injured Redskins sensation 5REHUW *ULŕŽ&#x152;Q , nick could well emerge as the most explosive young talent in the league.

Much will rest, however,

on how his opposite number performs against San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vaunted defence. Could the oftmaligned Joe Flacco not only lift the Lombardi Trophy, but the Super Bowl MVP as well?

He already holds the record for most road playRŕŽ&#x2030; ZLQV E\ D TXDUWHUEDFN he now has the ultimate stage on which to showcase the arm ESPN analyst Ron Jaworksi calls the strongest in the NFL. Ranked a lowly 22nd in ESPNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Total quarterback rating, Flacco will also be under pressure to prove that he can take over as the leader of a franchise preparing for the retirement of legendary linebacker Ray Lewis, a man Baltimore safety Bernard Pollard simply refers to as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Ravenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Lewis is the only re-

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maining player from the Ravensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inaugural season in 1996, and was the Super Bowl MVP when they won their sole championship in 2001. Five months earlier, he was acquitted of murder and aggravated assault and sentenced to twelve monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; probation for obstruction of justice. With the impending publication of co-defendant Reginald Oakleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book Memories of Murder, this game could not possibly get any bigger for the Baltimore defensive lynchpin.

If history has taught us anything, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to fear Ray Lewis when heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out for redemption and after missing most of the season with a torn triceps FRQWLQXHG 3DJH FRO