Founded in 1949
The Newspaper of Imperial College Union
FOR GOD'S SAKE G R O W
U P !
Southside wardens insist on hard route to the top The penthouse flats above the Southside Hails of Residence have now been filled, after lying empty for a term. However, the new residents are not to be allowed access to their accommodation by the lifts of the penthouse level, but have agreed to use the Tizard/Selkirk gallery level and stairs as their means of entry.
Dr Paul Jowitt, pictured in a FELIX from 1973 when he was responsible for the provision of a room for the student welfare service at the top of Union Building.
N o 601
T h e c o n d i t i o n that the residents c o u l d not use the lilt to the penthouse level was made quite clear to the applicants, and those w ho were successful have, notunsurprisingly a g r e e d to t h i s a n d o t h e r terms. W h i l s t not d i s p u t i n g that the c o n d i t i o n has been fully accepted, F E L I X feels t h a t t h e m o v e is t o t a l l y unnecessary a n d is a further e x a m p l e of the pettiness w h i c h has s u r r o u n d e d t h e whole question of the S o u t h side penthouse Oats. Last t e r m the Hats were left
a l l o w e d to use t h e lifts p r o v i d e d b e c a u s e it w i l l d i s t u r b the p r i v a c y o f the w a r d e n s . S u r e l y this is a n e x a m p l e of the " w e don't want a b l a c k l i v i n g next d o o r " prejudice mentality empty, p r i m a r i l y due to the being a p p l i e d to a group of f a c t t h a t D r P a u l J o w i t t . students. It is such a shame that D r Falmouth Keogh Warden w a s 11 v i n g i n o n e w h i 1 e J o w i t t above a l l , w h o is a former student a n d Deputyanother, larger flat was being President of the U n i o n , d e c o r a t e d f o r h i s u s e . It should be so petty. H e a p appears that the condition of parently d i d a lot of work for the second Hat was not good students a n d w o u l d probably enough for h i m (although it have been w r i t i n g a n article was lor the previous occupant. like this himself eight or so D r F r a n k Potter). T h i s lost years ago. the College revenues of the order of ^2,000. So cut the pettiness a n d
N o w w e see a I n r t h e r example of this short-sighted attitude. T h e students l i v i n g i n t h e flats a r e n o t b e i n g
F r i d a y , J a n u a r y 15,1982
reverse this decision, S o u t h side wardens. R e m e m b e r that you a n d y o u r neighbours are truly on the same level.
Free!
to, in spite of my extreme a n n o y a n c e , give the lacts objectively and politely. T h e y are as follows.
Dear
Mark
In vour issue of Dew-nil Xt 4 von published a letter from N i c k G r e e n i n w h i c h he alleged (hat Professor H a r t l e y is currently negotiating the sale of one of the College's most valuable resources in i n d u s t r y : the f e r m e n t a t i o n pilot plant. H e quoted as his authority the ,\m Scientist. Professor H a r t l e v is d o i n g no such thing. The pilot plant is not for sale a n d could not. for m a n y reasons, be sold. It is the case that the G o v e r n i n g B o d y has a u t h o r i s e d the e x a m i n a t i o n ol proposals with a v i e w to i m p r o v i n g t h e income derived from the pilot plant by fuller use ol spare capacity. There are a n u m b e r ol such proposals a n d no decision has been taken. }'mos
sincerely
John S m i t h College Dear
Secretary
Sir
I write in reply to the letter from a G a r d e n H a l l resident that you published in the last F E L I X of last term. I a m w r i t i n g because I feel that you c o u l d not have checked its factual content a n d I cannot let it go unchallenged. The letter concerned the l a u n d r y i n W e e k s H a l l a n d was a complete tissue of fabrication, c o n t a i n i n g not one truthful statement. In g i v i n g the facts b e h i n d the current controversy I shall not lower myself to the level of this obviously extremely unpleasant person by b e i n g abusive, but w i l l try-
Page 2
T h e laundry in the basement of Weeks H a l l is provided as part of the facilities lor the H a l l a n d is intended to he used by the residents of the H a l l only. H e n c e the notice to this elfecl on the door w h i c h has been there lor at least the last live years. T h e lock on the l a u n d r y door is of the same type as the front door and thus w i l l accept the residents front door keys. It also has been thus for at least the last ive years. H e n c e the statement made by your ollensive correspondent to the ellect that there was a petty-minded conspiracy to lock out G a r d e n H a l l residents is a complete lie. T h e r e has been no recent c h a n g i n g of locks. T h e truth is very far from this. M o s t , if not all Weeks residents w o u l d be h a p p y to share their laundry a n d were i n fact d o i n g so last t e r m when they heard of the misfortune of G a r d e n H a l l whose washing machine had broken down. This happy situation would doubtless have continued if it were not for the totally unreasonable b e h a v i o u r of seemingly a great n u m b e r ol G a r d e n H a l l residents. Towards the end ol last term large numbers of them w o u l d take over the l a u n d r y for very l o n g periods of t i m e i n t i m i d a t i n g the rightful users by their aggressive a n d u n c i v i l attitude a n d p r e v e n t i n g their access. Additionally, a tumble d r i v e r was broken by p u t t i n g a large a m o u n t ol soap p o w d e r i n i t , the i r o n i n g b o a r d was b u r n t s e v e r a l times. Weeks H a l l residents had their washing removed from the driers belore it was dry a n d the l a u n d r y was left very u n t i d y with litter a n d soap powder strewn across the floor. It should be noted here that if this was how G a r d e n H a l l residents treated their o w n l a u n d r y then it is not surprising that it has broken down. C o n c e r n i n g your corres-
pondent's assertion that it was o f f i c i a l p o l i c y to lock out G a r d e n H a l l residents this is most certainly not the case. But w h o c a n b l a m e the i n d i v i d u a l Weeks H a l l student who chooses to protect his washing whilst he is away by l o c k i ng the door.' II G a r d e n H a l l residents w o u l d like to use Weeks H a l l l a l t n d r y this y e a r t hen I w o u l d suggest that they write to W e e k s H a l l C o m m i t t e e apologising for their disgracefu I be h a v i o u r l a s t t e r m . offering to reimburse Weeks H a l l l o r the d a m a g e t h e y perpetrated and asking permission to use the laundry s p a r i n g l y a n d at o f f - p e a k times for w h i c h they w o u l d be prepared to make a c o n t r i b u tion to the maintenance costs. ) burs ill
Andrew Lyall Weeks H a l l resident ,S», Stan K e a r n s , former S o u t h side a n d H o l l a n d C l u b bar manager has now retired and M r M o r t o n tells us that tinpoor chap is very i l l . As a result of this M r M o r t o n p r o p o s e d M r K e a r n s for H o n o r a r y Life M e m b e r s h i p of I C U n i o n at C o u n c i l last term. H e felt it w o u l d be a nice gesture. W r i t i n g as an irate H o n o r ary L i f e M e m b e r of the U n i o n , I feel it is an insult to mysell a n d other life members l o r s u c h a p e r s o n to be n o m i n a t e d by the President. A t best M r K e a r n s w a s s
e x t r e m c l v n a s t y , at w o r s t , extremely extremely nasty, c o n t i n u a l l y i n t o x i c a t e d on duty a n d on one occasion told an elderly lady to " F u c k off, you old c o w " . M y mother wasn't at a l l impressed. O n the B a r C o m m i t t e e last year, M r M o r t o n expressed l o u d unfavourable opinions concerning M r Kearns and h i s p o o r h a n d l i n g of t h e Southside Bar. T o change his o p i n i o n simply because the poor c h a p is i l l is the sign of a weak president. As for S t a n K e a r n s , he has been a w a r d e d Life M e m b e r ship by C o u n c i l , p r o v i n g how stupid they a l l are.
FELIX. January
) burs
faithfully,
Steve M a r s h a l l 15, 1982
Dear
Sir
I a m w r i t i n g to c o m p l a i n about your presumptious a n d pre-emptive action in h a v i n g v o u r n a m e p l a c e d o n the F E L I X Editor s ' board despite having only produced a dozen or so issues. A t least the U n i o n Executive have the decency to refrain from a w a r d i n g U G A s to each other until later i n the term. } ours
I. Joyce Dear
Barnev M c C a b e is c o n t i n u ally i n f o r m i n g us that money is being stolen from the U n i o n p i n b a l l machines. W h e n I c a m e into the U n i o n Q u a d last week to get my bicycle I saw h i m emptying the machines. 1 realise this is one of his jobs, but at 5:00am.' lours
tasting
aspersions
Stefan T w a d o w s k i . D o C P G Dear
Sii
W i l l i reference to the lasl F E L I X you published in the a u t u m n term — 600 issues old. and Christmas — w i n the u s u a l , b o r i n g c l a p . ' Thanks, but don't bothering commenting.: \\ c w e r e r e a l l y l o o k i n g forward to a bumper issue with lots ol fun. and expected better. (Yes. we know y o u r whatnot was ill and you had to find a replacement, but ) O n page 12. you ask lor more spacelillers, so whv were many small ads and C h r i s t mas w ishes to some people not printed.' E v e n though vou c o m p l a i n about the number ol ads sent in (quote "tut. tut, tin over the top boys'") —, and we do agree with vou that the n u m b e r ol ads sent in was a bit excessive, we had hoped vou w o u l d have printed mosl ol them. 1 mils
disgustedly)ishi
C a r o l i n e Low M . Sturgess A. Bawan
Brian Stevens D u n c a n Batty I . M . Mavvcr Andy Merrill 'PS: C a n we have a Chcrri ,2 column.' Ed's N o t e G o o d idea! I ' l l call it (.hem (2) Egotistical
'jerks Column.
So il
vou want to make a tool ol vourself. just send in a sicken-' inglv " i n " small ad vvith/,'5 (to cover a d m i n i s t r a t i v e costs).
Student dies in
IC Men thrash
climbing tragedy
Cambridge Women
Peter R o b i n s o n , a first year physicist, died tragically d u r i n g the Christmas holiday whilst c l i m b i n g on an I C M o u n t a i n e e r i n g C l u b trip to the C a i r n g o r m s . H e was in a party of five attemtpting an ice-climb on Hell's L u m , on D e c e m b e r 30, M a r k B o w n , a chemist, also sustained m i n o r injuries but is now fully recovered. A l u l l report on the circumstances of the death w i l l be submitted to I C U n i o n next week. F E L I X w o u l d like to extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Peter R o b i n s o n
RCM in tune with NUS Students at the R o y a l College of M u s i c are to lose one of their two halls of residence. The c o l l e g e a u t h o r i t i e s have decided to sell Robert M a y o r H a l l , situated in Evelyn Gardens, without consultation with the students association. This has brought into question the power of the students association, who
a p p e a r to be i n a w e a k b a r g a i n i n g position at present. Indeed, it has led to a proposal lo affiliate to the X L ' S , w h i c h ' was discussed yesterday. It is believed that the move to sell the hall is part of a money-saving plan w h i c h is necessary in order to e x p a n d the R C M by the o p e n i n g of a new opera school.
A Happy New Year was not had by the women of the New Hall Cambridge University Challenge team as they were resoundingly slaughtered by the male chauvinist IC team last term. T h e I C line-up consisted of T . Pigden. G. Masterton, A. G r i f f i t h s , w i t h reserve Z. L o z i n s k i , under the masterful l e a d e r s h i p o f M a r t i n S. Taylor, hypnotist extraordinaire. T h e heat was on a cold winter's day in Manchester o n D e c e m b e r 16. T h e I C team rattled out the starters for ten in a surprising contrast to last y e a r ' s i l l - p r e p a r e d team.
The final score was 275 t< I C . with the paltry 165 to tht New H a l l ladies. ' M a r t i n S. T a y l o r has urged us to p o i n t owl l h a l t h e i i success was a limited one. as they didn't manage lo score with the other team H e also expressed extreme disrespect for the U n i o n D e p u t y President, Barney M c C a b e . who failed to b r i n g " M i k e " . the I C U mascot, despite I C U policy to the contrary. T h e next heat is on January 27, and the team w i l l willingly take S p a n n e r & Bolt, as all the team are G u i l d s m e n . T h e successful match will be broadcast o n F e b r u a r y 14. alternatively titled the 'St. V a l e n t i n e ' s Da\ Massacre'.
Mooney gets And now, by popular demand, the increasingly enter I aim ng
Barney
his just desserts!
McCabe
T h e rest of this bit is extremely important to all c l u b a n d society officers. N o w is the time to start preparing your estimates for next year's expenditure. T h e only way the U n i o n can continue its high level of activities is for all wastage to be eliminated. I hope everyone will be responsible enough so that we don't have to resort to the large scale " s l a s h i n g " w h i c h happened last year. S o m e of y o u may have noticed my new hair-do, nice isn't it? F o r those of y o u w h o really like it I'm selling signed p h o t o s of me from my office at £5 each. (Incidentally if y o u try Jingles o n G l o u c e s t e r R o a d , ask for S u e , she's very good.) F o r your entertainment also, anyone is welcome to c o m e and try one of my superb curries c o o k e d in my new pressurecooker. T o b o o k just fill in the form in the U n i o n Office. I also got a radioa l a r m for C h r i s t m a s , so that I c a n not get into the office before eleven—wow! Incidentally, a certain D i r e c t o r of a certain R o y a l C h o r a l Society seemed to think that my little "feeling" was "fine" to use for a rehearsal in the C o n c e r t H a l l . I must also add that it gave me great pleasure to hear people using it (e.g. O p s o c ) . T h a t ' s what the piano was bought for, and s o o n there will be an easy procedure for anyone who wants to have a tinkle to do so. Y e s , fellow musicians, a first for I C — a reasonable piano that is readilt that is readily available for students to play!! (Incidentally, if anyone would like to b o r r ow my spare banjo, or even to play just ask.) W e l l , that's it for the present, thanks for bearing with me (or is it just b e a r i n g me?) S e e y o u s o o n a n d I w i s h y o u all a v e r y e n j o y a b l e , entertaining, stimulating a n d rewarding 1982. Barney McCabe
FELIX, January
3.
You..
4. It's beef..
90 x 130mm colour prints can be ordered from The Hit Squad, c/o City & Guilds College Union, M e c h Eng Set of four: £1 Single print: 30p each. All profits to charity. Please quote corresponding number and title for single prints. D o not send money with your order, cash will be required on delivery. Guilds Hit Squad would like to thank M r Mooney for allowing the hit to take place and all those who contributed to the £30 required for the contract.
15, 1982
Page 3
This is a revived feature which gives the opportunity for anyone to express their views more fully than the space constraints of the letters page will allow. Articles will not be accepted which merely attempt to contradict the previous weeks column, as the letters page is sufficient for that. Contributions usually should occupy no more than a page and be typed or double spaced. You will be free to say whatever you like, as it will be you who is to be "judged" for your own honest opinions. This week:
Charles and
Darwin Creationists by
Frank
James
T h i s year witnesses the centenary of the death of o n e of B r i t a i n ' s g r e a t e s t s c i e n t i s t s — C h a r l e s D a r w i n . Unfortunately this coincides with the rise of a n opposition to D a r w i n i s m from those w h o term themselves 'creationists'. I will discuss their motivation for holding this belief later. T h e kernal of their opinions, so far as the development of life is c o n c e r n e d , is that all the species of plant a n d animal life were formed by acts of special creation during the past six t h o u s a n d years. ( A n Irish A r c h b i s h o p
'calculated' this value of the age of the earth in the s e v e n t e e n t h c e n t u r y ) . F o s s i l s are explained as the remains of animals killed off during the universal flood. S o far as I a m c o n c e r n e d people are free to believe s u c h myths or not as they please (there are still flat-earthers after all). But 1 strongly o b j e c t to p e o p l e h o l d i n g s u c h b e l i e f s attempting to force s u c h contentions down other people's throats in the name of truth and science. T h e y quite seriously believe, a n d misuse m o d e r n philosophical arguments to justify this belief, that creationism has the same theoretical status as Natural Selection. They f u r t h e r say that they have the same institutional structure as m o d e r n science. A n d that among their adherents there are several doctorates in biology. O n closer examination the degree awarding bodies of most of thesr people are universities in the southern U n i t e d States — the sort of institutions from w h i c h Ian Paisley 'gained' his doctorate. N o w all this is pure propaganda on the part of the creationists to spread their point of view in t h e e d u c a t i o n a l s y s t e m a n d t o g a i n respectability. If we let their views predominate and do no! use reason to show that their views are absurd then there is the possibility that their views might spread in this country as they have already done in the U n i t e d States. T h e creationists appear to be dissatisfied with a materialistic account of the development of m a n . Y e t what c a n science do but discuss the nature of the material world? T o advance theories which in their very nature cannot be substantiated by any direct material evidence is unscientific to say the least. O n the other h a n d D a r w i n i s m d o e s a c c o u n t for the evolution of life and also for the evidence w i t h o u t a n y n e e d to i m p o s e c o n v o l u t e d i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s o r r e s o r t to n o n - s c i e n t i f i c arguments. W h a t is the motive of these people? T h e only answer I c a n find is power. B y setting up a system for the development of life w h i c h is not
Dinner
dependent on chance, and which within itself is logically coherent (Alice Through the Looking Class is incidentally logically coherent given the initial postulates), the creationists argue that this will lead to a secure society. They cannot tolerate a pluralistic society in which people c a n do as they please. T h e y want to enforce a system of belief on others from w h i c h no deviation is permitted and thus ensure their control over society. T h e y ignore the evolutionary fact that man is an animal and should be p r o u d to be so. It is after all by pure chance that any of us are here at all, and I do not see what is so very odd in accepting that our species is also here by chance. If D a r w i n knew that there were still creationists in existence 100 years after his death he would be spinning in his grave in Westminster A b b e y .
BAii THE
Don't worry dear, one ol these days Mr Left is sure to come along.
in
Hall
D i n n e r s - i n - H a l l w i l l be h e l d on the f o l l o w i n g dates d u r i n g the s p r i n g t e r m : , J a n 19; F e b 2; F e b 1G; M a r c h 2; M a r c h H i ; a n d M a y 11 1982. M e m b e r s ol the S e n i o r C o m m o n R o o m w i s h i n g to a t t e n d a n y of the a b o v e d i n n e r s s h o u l d book places t h r o u g h M i s s K . D a i l l y , R o o m 354. S h e r f i e l d (int 2231) using a b o o k i n g form w h i c h can be o b t a i n e d , from the b e g i n n i n g of the t e r m , either from M i s s D a i l l y . or from the box located in the S e n i o r C o m m o n R o o m in the S h e r l i e l d B u i l d i n g . Students should book through the students' union. The Idlest lime for hooking is 12:00 noon on llie Friday preceding the dinner.
Charges P a y m e n t for d i n n e r s booked must be m a d e , in accordance w i t h the rates shown on the b o o k i n g form, at the lime ol b o o k i n g but. as bookings are accepted subject to the a v a i l a b i l i t y of places, deposits w i l l be refunded if a d i n n e r is over-subscribed at the l i m e ol booking. Il is regretted thai no refunds c a n be made in respect ol cancellations by i n d i v i d u a l s after m i d d a y on the M o n d a y p r e c e d i n g the d i n n e r .
General Staff a n d students a t t e n d i n g H a l l dinners s h o u l d Ibregalher in the S e n i o r C o m m o n R o o m or the A n t e - r o o m in the S h e r l i e l d B u i l d i n g — d e p e n d i n g on w h e t h e r the d i n n e r is b e i n g held in the Stall or M a i n D i n i n g H a l l — a t 7:00pm lor d i n n e r at 7:30pm. ( T h e location o f e a c h d i n n e r — w h i c h w i l l d e p e n d o n the n u m b e r ol p e o p l e a t t e n d i n g — w i l l be d i s p l a y e d on hoticcboards on the L e v e l 1 a n d L e v e l 2 Lift C o n c o u r s e s of the S h e r l i e l d B u i l d i n g . ; S h e r r y or other d r i n k s w i l l be a v a i l a b l e lor purchase In the S e n i o r C o m m o n R o o m or A n t e - R o o m before d i n n e r , f l i c wine a n d port served d u r i n g d i n n e r w i l l be i n c l u d e d in the o v e r a l l charge. Lady Flowers and the IC Wives Club invite you to a F R E E BEER AND B A N G E R S in the Rector's Pad (170 Queensgate) on Tues Jan 26, from 5:30 to 7pm. Everybody welcome, names to Jen in the Union Office by 5pm, Fri Jan 22. Page 4
FELIX, January
Dress E x c e p t for the final H a l l D i n n e r of the t e r m ( M a y I I . 1982, when e v e n i n g dress (black lie) s h o u l d be w o r n , the c o l l e c t dress for men lor H a l l D i n n e r s is a lounge suit. 15, 1982
Serviced
Students To those of us who work here the Student Services Office seems remarkably like the centre of the universe, so it always comes as a rather nasty shock when, in moments of casual conversation with a student or member of staff in another part of College, we are met with blank expressions and remarks like "where's that?" or "what do y o u d o t h e r e ? " , w h e n we h a p p e n to mention where we come from or what we d o . A d m i t t e d l y we have o n l y been in e x i s t e n c e (in o u r p r e s e n t p l a c e a n d structure) for one year, so to make the event and spread the news a little further here a g a i n is a brief r u n d o w n of o u r various activities. . College Accommodation Application and billing for all the College a c c o m m o d a t i o n a l l o c a t e d to s t u d e n t s begins with us, including a limited number of flats for families. Sector Private There are quite a number of landlords and l a n d l a d i e s in W e s t L o n d o n w h o n o w c o n t a c t us rather than o t h e r a g e n c i e s w h e n t h e i r f l a t s or b e d s i t s b e c o m e available, while we attract new sources of accommodation through advertisements in L o n d o n newspapers at regular intervals. This means that we always have some current information on vacancies throughout the year with an extra effort to gain m o r e p l a c e s at the b e g i n n i n g of t h e academic year and each new term. If we c a n n o t p r o v i d e y o u with t h e t y p e of accommodation you are looking for an A c c o m m o d a t i o n Guide may be of use with a list of agencies and legal and practical a d vice.
Small Ads •TODAY in C h e m E n g T h e a t r e 1 at 1:00pm Industrial Society presents The Chips Are Down A view of the effects of m i c r o computers on industrial employment w ith the West L o n d o n r e p r e s e n t a t i v e of ASTMS. A real live trade unionist!! •Fantastic Knitwear Sale T u e s d a y , J a n u a r y 19 11:30-2:30 J C R B r i t i s h m a d e S h e t l a n d j e r s e y s £7.50 L a m b s w o o ! j e r s e y s £9.50. • M i n i 1300, 1971, flared a r c h e s , w i d e w h e e l s , n o rust, r e c e n t r e s p r a y M O T (Oct 82), £425. P h o n e 584-0854. • F r e e offer: Hardly used p o s i t i o n of p o w e r — R a g Chairman, wanted by R a g Committee. Next meeting 5:45pm, J a n 21 in S C R . • A d i d a s c o u n t y squash racket, towel grip, racket c o v e r , a n d s q u a s h b a l l — a l l for£12. C o n t a c t A . W i n k l e r , C h e m E n g letter-racks. • W e l f a r e W e e k F e b 15-19. W a t c h t h i s s p a c e f o r further d e t a i l s s o o n . • A s t r o s o c o b s e r v i n g m e e t i n g : A talk on t h e use of t h e C e l e s t r o n b y D r B i g nall o n W e d J a n 20 in the W a v e g u i d e , P h y s i c s B u i l d i n g at 3:30pm. • W o u l d a n y o n e w h o w a n t s a n entry f o r m f o r the G L C ' s 'Portrait of a C i t y ' photographic competition, please c o n t a c t H. R u d d , C h e m 2 . (I've o n l y got six, s o first c o m e first served.)
A fairy's assistant tells all
Legal Advice This includes all kinds of legal problems from traffic offences to making claims under the small claims procedure in the county court. In certain cases where you may have to have a solicitor, as for example, you would if you wanted someone to represent you in a m a g i s t r a t e s c o u r t , we have lists of solicitors who do legal aid work—which is free if y o u r i n c o m e is low e n o u g h — together with the areas of the law that they s p e c i a l i s e in. T h e s e lists also note solicitors who speak languages other than English. Landlord Problems These can be many and varied. O n e of the problems is knowing just what your rights are. Other problems, such as an imminent breakdown in the relationship between t e n a n t a n d l a n d l o r d , m a y be h e l p e d through an intermediary such as ourselves. Consumer Rights Legislation over the last few years has given the c o n s u m e r c o n s i d e r a b l e p r o t e c t i o n . H o w e v e r , it is still up to the individual to find out how he stands in any t r a n s a c t i o n that a p p e a r s to have g o n e wrong, and summon up enough energy to commence battle! This is where we can provide reinforcements with advice and sometimes direct intervention when appropriate. Immigration/Home Office Problems This is an area which may require the skills of specialist organisations or solicitors w h i c h we c a n put y o u in t o u c h with although for routine enquiries we should be able to provide most of the answers.
• B U N A C a n d y o u r s u m m e r in A m e r i c a today 12:30-1:30. G r e e n C o m m R m . • D o y o u want to rule the u n i v e r s e ? O r just b e c o m e a n o t h e r u n i o n h a c k ? E i ther w a y , y o u ' r e g o i n g to n e e d p u b licity. C o n t a c t P a l l a b G h o s h , P h y s i c s 2. P S : S t e v e M a r s h a l l is a liar. • L a t e night t o u r s of K e w — c o n t a c t T. R a y n h a m , C h e m 2. • We d e m a n d that s o m e o n e d o e s s o m e t h i n g a b o u t this evil tyrant C o l o nel B e r t a z z i a n d his foul f a s c i s t s . H12R21HS. • T h i s s u m m e r s p e n d y o u r v a c a t i o n at Needham's Holiday Camp, Barnsley; all p o s s i b l e facilities, 7 real ales, a n d 12 rugby pitches. • W o o d s t o c k : N i c e to have y o u back. Love and kisses. Bonzo. • T o D e b b i e "I c a n take them all o n " T h a n k s f o r the b r u s h . S i g n e d the p i n kos. • R C S R U F C invite a p p l i c a t i o n s for the post of " h a l f - t i m e entertainer". A l l i n terested s h o u l d s e e E u a n for a u d i t i o n . • P h y s i c s W a n d e r e r s f o o t b a l l team c h a l l e n g e a l l - c o m e r s for g a m e s o n g u n d a y s . A n y o n e interested c o n t a c t C. B a n n o c k , P h y s i c s 2 via l e t t e r - r a c k s . • T h e R i c o c h e t D i s c o L o o k i n g for a more professional discoteque for your party or s o c i a l f u n c t i o n ? Don't settle for less, b o o k the best. C o n t a c t C o l i n R o o m A 2 , L i n s t e a d Hall. • C h e m i s t r y 2. Don't y o u realise that s o m e p e o p l e in y o u r r a n k s a r e getting y o u all a r e p u t a t i o n a s e g o t i s t i c a l j e r k s ? H o w a b o u t an a c c i d e n t in t h e Lab? • W a t c h o u t ! If t o o f e w artistic a n d literary c o n t r i b u t i o n s a r e s u b m i t t e d t o the E d i t o r of The Phoenix, (Barney M c C a b e ! ) , then he h a s t h r e a t e n e d to fill it u p w i t h h i s o w n work. S e n d c o n t r i b u t i o n s to The Phoenix Editor, c/o FELIX Office.
FELIX, January
Insurance We have quite a selection of leaflets on m a n y t y p e s of i n s u r a n c e , i n c l u d i n g bicycles, possessions and holidays. We may also be able to help sort out problems concerning claims. Covenants Here is a useful way of supplementing your income by reclaiming tax paid by your parents on their contribution to your grant. F o r m s e x p l a i n i n g the p r o c e d u r e a r e available from Student Services. Benefits We have most of the Department of Health and Social Security leaflets relevant to students, such as those on all aspects of the N H S , unemployment benefit, supplementary benefit, and s o c i a l s e c u r i t y a g r e e m e n t s with t h e E E C a n d o t h e r countries. Our own information sheet also explains the rent allowance and rebate schemes. Grants Help with chasing up recalcitrant L E A s , advice on eligibility for grants, details of certain discretionary allowances and lists of educational charities can be provided. Miscellaneous This includes such things as reference b o o k s on h o l i d a y j o b s a n d w o r k i n g h o l i d a y s , while we a l s o aim to act as intermediaries between those looking for t u t o r i n g w o r k a n d t h o s e in n e e d o f tutoring. If t h e r e ' s a n y t h i n g e l s e y o u n e e d information on topics not mentioned here, come and see us in the Student Services Office. If we can't help, there's always our book of useful phone numbers. Sue Telling
A l l m a n n e r of c o n t r i b u t i o n s a r e u r g e n t l y n e e d e d for this a n n u a l m a g a z i n e . F o u n d e d in 1886 by H G W e l l s , T h e P h o e n i x is t h e a r t s m a g a z i n e of I m p e r i a l C o l l e g e U n i o n . P r e v i o u s editions have contained; articles, stories, poetry, music, photographs and artwork. C o n t r i b u t i o n s a n d offers s h o u l d be sent t o :
of
help
The Editor, The Phoenix, F e l i x Office, I C Union.
THE
MAGAZINE
15, 1982
OF
IMPERIAL
COLLEGE
UNION
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FELIX Csilciulsup 1982 Tuesday
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0 U L U B a n d C o m p e t i t i o n : IC heat, C o n c e r t H a l l Ents film: Kentucky Fried Movie, 6:30pm, M E 2 2 0 .
IC U G M , 1 p m G r e a t H a l l
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IC C o u n c i l
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Astrosoc This term, as well as regular lectures on various astronomical topics such as "Hipparchus" by Prof Welford on January 19 (i.e. fhis Tuesday) and "Quantum Gravity" by Dr Isham on March 23, and observing meetings (with further talks from Dr Bignall on practical observing technique), we hope to be able to take advantage of telemetered information from the University of Surrey's planetary sciences satellite U O S A T - O S C A R - 9 . O n board experiments from which we hope to be able to collect data, include radiation detectors for the investigation of auroral displays and a magnetometer allowing the detection of geomagnetic storms. The C C D camera imaging system promises to be the most interesting (and most comprehensible!) though as this relays pictures of weather patterns on earth. However, before we can receive and use any of this, we need to build up the relevant circuitry. We have the components, we have the circuit diagrams, we even have soldering irons, and, yes, solder—but is there a n y o n e out there fancies wielding a soldering iron? The more the merrier of course come to any one of our meetings (Tuesdays, Physics L T 2 , 6:30pm, or alternatively contact Gary Fuller in Physics 3).
Audiosoc Is it true, has the Chairman of the Audio Society defected, only being able to print small ads in this so-called magazine? Is he exiled to reside permanently in Chelsea? Does Jo of 84 G r a n v i l l e Rd S W 1 8 really have a decent system? Is she still going to keep her promise of taking me out for a meal? The answers to these questions (and more) are no, no, very yes(!) and 'I don't know, why don't you ask her? . I may have been quiet, but certainly not dead. I have been scheming, planning and now I b r i n g you not just one but two major lectures. No, you're not hallucinating, this is actually happening. J . Scott Strachan, eminent engineer and designer of the world famed Syrinx PU1 and 2 tonearms will, in the Quiet Room, QR002, Sherfield Building this evening at 6:30pm deliver a lecture and demonstrate equipment (at the same time as downing a pint) on the subject of 'Tonearm and Turntable Design' (Hear it like it is folks, from the pros.) The second lecture will be in the same place, QR002 at 6:30pm on Wednesday, February 3 and this time Mr Mike Daniels will euphemisc on the sales directions of audio companies. Mike Daniels is one of the sales managers of D W Labs, the company that bring you such goodies as the Gale loudspeakers and the C a r v e r C u b e magnetic amplifier and Mr D a n i e l s will also be d e m o n s t r a t i n g this equipment. What a great man! Come along and bring a friend and an open mind. 1
CND The IC European Nuclear Disarmament g r o u p s has arranged, through the Humanities D e p t , a n excellent series of lectures for this t e r m u n d e r the title " N u c l e a r W a r in E u r o p e ? " C r i t i c a l decisions are going to be made over the n e x t few years o n w h i c h not only our defence but also our very survival will depend. C a n y o u afford not to listen to the arguments from b o t h sides w h i c h will be presented this t e r m ? U n l e s s y o u plan to live for the rest of y o u r life with your head in the sand y o u will finally have to confront a n d take a stand o n these i s s u e s — a n d this lecture series c o u ld be a fine place to start. A l l of the talks will be given in Physics L T 1 . T h e full list is: T u e s d a y , January 19 " N u c l e a r W e a p o n s in E u r o p e " , Field M a r s h a l the L o r d C a r v e r . Tuesday, January 26 " T h e Soviet 'Threat' a n d B r i t i s h Defence P o l i c y " , Professor Robert Neild. Tuesday, February 2 " U K Defence—The N e u t r a l i t y O p t i o n " , A l a n C l a r k , T o r y M P for Plymouth Sutton. Tuesday, February 9 " N u c l e a r D e t e r r e n c e — F a c t or F i c t i o n " A debate between L o r d C h a l f o n t a n d Professor M i c h a e l P e n t z .
Dancing O n N o v e m b e r 28 I C D a n c i n g C l u b hosted all the other L o n d o n University D a n c i n g C l u b s (and C a m b r i d g e ) at the L o n d o n B a l l — a series of friendly competitions, some in a lighter vein than others, interspersed with general d a n c i n g a n d a display by two professional L a t i n - A m e r i c a n dancers. T h e event was highly s u c c e s s f u l , and the J C R was p a c k e d for the w h o l e of a very enjoyable evening. T h e D a n c i n g C l u b D i n n e r & D a n c e two w e e k s later also p r o v e d to be a g o o d night o u t — h a v i n g eaten our fill, we d a n c e d to a live b a n d until the small hours. N o w that s o m e of y o u have missed two of the best social events of the academic year, w e ' r e going to give y o u yet another opportunity to learn h o w to put one foot in front of another w i t h o u t treading o n s o m e o n e else's toes—not quite as easy as it sounds w h e n you're on a c r o w d e d dance floor. O n T u e s d a y , J a n u a r y 19, at 7:30pm in the J C R , we are starting another beginners' class in b a l l r o o m a n d L a t i n - A m e r i c a n dancing. H o p e f u l l y by M a r c h 5 all of those w h o have b e e n brave enough to take their first faltering s t e p s will have the chance to represent I C at the Inter-Varsity D a n c i n g C o m p e t i t i o n in the " O f f B e a t " e v e n t — a team effort w h i c h we usually do well i n . W h e t h e r you just want t o learn a social skill, o r w h e t h e r y o u intend to be the best thing s i n c e s l i c e d b r e a d , y o u ' v e got to start s o m e w h e r e — s o h o w about investing 40p in IV2 h o u r s professional tuition by c o m i n g along to the lesson on J a n 19. ( N B : W e n o w also have an Intermediate C l a s s at 7:30pm in the J C R on Wednesdays).
Hamsoc F e d up with C B ? B o r e d with IC Radio? W h y not get onto the airwaves with amateur radio. T h i s t e r m H a m s o c will be running a series of lectures for those of y o u wishing to pass the R a d i o A m a t e u r s E x a m , an essential requirement for an amateur licence. T o start things off there'll be a talk just giving an i n t r o d u c t i o n to what's involved in taking the e x a m and what you'll be able to do once you have a licence, there'll also be a demonstration of s o m e typical equipment as well, so if you're interested c o m e along to R m 1207 Elec E n g on W e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 20 at 1 : 0 0 p m . M o r e details are available from Julian C o o c h , Ext 3000 or M i c h a e l Bu l l, E x t 3035.
Debsoc O n T h u r s d a y , J a n u a r y 21, there will be a lunchtime debate o n the Socialism versus Captialism theme featuring speakers from IC C o n s e r v a t i v e Society and the Socialist Party of G r e a t Britain. F u r t h e r details will appear in the pre-debate publicity. If y o u w o u l d like to join the D e b a t i n g Society contact D e r m o t M c C a u l e y or C h r i s Lee via M a t h s letterr a c k s — w e only bite w h e n angry.
SF Soc It was J a n u a r y 15 1982, but for four and a half billion people it w o u l d soon be J a n u a r y 18 1982, a n d people w o u l d flock to M e c h E n g 220 to see Time After Time, a spiffing c o m e d y thriller in w h i c h H . G . Wells pursues J a c k the Ripper into 1979, s t a r r i n g D a v i d W a r n e r , M a l c o l m M c D o w e l l and M a r y Steenburgen, with a few laughs a n d a bit of blood. R e c o m m e n d e d . I trust y o u were all aghast at what the Beeb did to 2001-A Space Odyssey, that other slighly m o r e famous c o m e d y thriller. I k n o w I was. N o t i c e to r i c h film fans: t o m o r r o w the S c a l a is showing the Star Trek blooper real T h o s e w h o d o not understand that w ou ld not be interested. N o t i c e to b o o k fans: Timescope a n d Riddiey Walker out in paperback. N o t i c e to S F S o c bulletin fans: author out to lunch. B u t where have all the jokes gone? Is it the weather? T h e F T Index? T h e Editor? T h e sinister little men I see out of the corners of my eyes w h o v a n i s h w h e n I look at them? O r p e r h a p s I dreamt it all. N o , something must have h a p p e n e d to give me the vivid nightmares w h i c h m a k e me w a k e up screaming the lyrics of Dancing Cheek to Cheek. W h o has k i d n a p p e d all the inspectors on the underg r o u n d ? W h a t really happened to A m b r o s e Bierce? H o w should I know? Robert Blake and his Batrachian Rhythm Boys
J. Scott Strachan, designer of the Syrinx PU1 and 2 arms
Quiet Room, QR002, Sherfield Building. Page 8
FELIX, January
15, 1982
What's On Friday,
January
15
• T h e C h i p s a r c D o w n : a talk by A S T M S , 1:00pm, C h e m Eng L T 1 . • C h r i s t i a n U n i o n F e l l o w s h i p M e e t i n g with talk on 'Prayer', 6:30pm, Music R m , 53 Princes Gate. Followed by coffee and biscuits. • B U N A C w e e k l y c l u b m e e t i n g , 12:30pm, G r e e n C o m mittee R m .
Sunday,
January
17
• W a r g a m e s c l u b m e e t i n g , 1:00pm, Union S C R .
Monday,
January
18
• H a n g - g l i d i n g c l u b m e e t i n g , 12:30pm, above Southside Bar. • D a n c i n g c l u b a d v a n c e d c l a s s , 7:30pm, J C R . • B o a r d s a i l i n g c l u b w e e k l y m e e t i n g , 12:30 and 6:15pm, Southside Upper Lounge. C o n t a c t N i c k Ajderian, M e c h Eng 3 or Andy Grimshaw, Z o o 2 for further details. • W i n d B a n d r e h e a r s a l , 5:45pm, Great Hall, cheese and wine afterwards.
• S F S o c film: Time After Time, 6:30pm, ME220, 20p members, 50p non-members.
Tuesday,
January
19
• C a t h o l i c m a s s a n d l u n c h , 12:30pm, C h e m 231. N o m i nal charge for lunch. • 3 F s l u n c h t i m e m e e t i n g , 12:30pm, Southsider Upper Lounge. • S T O I C p r o g r a m m e , 1:00pm, J C R , Southside Tele vision Lounge, Southside, Beit, Linstead & Weeks Halls. See posters for details. • D e p t of H u m a n i t i e s p r e s e n t s : 1. Nuciear W a r in Europe? Part 1: T h e Soviet 'Threat' and British Defence Policy with Prof Robert Neild, Prof of Economics, Cambridge; lately Director of the Stockholm Peace Research Institute, 1:30pm, Blackett L a b Theatre 1. (Arranged by IC European Nuclear Disarmament Group). 2. M a n , M i n d and Spirit Part 1: Christian Communication with Michael Taylor, Editor Methodist Recorder, 1:30pm, Read Theatre. • I C A m n e s t y G r o u p m e e t i n g , 5:30pm, Gr ee n C o m m Rm. • W i n e t a s t i n g S o c — t a s t i n g a selection of top G e r m a n wines, 6:00pm, U n i o n Lounge. • M e t & M a t S c i S o c e v e n i n g l e c t u r e 'Dental Materials' by Dr B . E . C a u s t o n (London Hospital Dental College), 6:00pm, R S M G 2 0 . • A s t r o s o c L e c t u r e by Prof Welford on 'The Instrumentation of Hipparchus', 6:30pm, Physics L T 2 . Free to members. • D a n c i n g C l u b b e g i n n e r s ' c l a s s , 7:30pm, J C R . • I C C A G S o u p R u n , meet 10:30pm, Falmouth Kitchens.
Wednesday,
January
20
• W a r g a m e s C l u b m e e t i n g , 1:00pm, U n i o n S C R . • A s t r o s o c o b s e r v i n g m e e t i n g : Use of the Celestron by Dr Bignall, 3:30pm, Waveguide, Physics. Members free. • I C T r a m p o l i n e S o c , meet 5:30pm, Courtauld Hall, Q E C , C a m p e n d e n Hill Rd. • D a n c i n g C l u b I n t e r m e d i a t e C l a s s , 7:30pm, J C R .
Thursday,
January
sec T h e social clubs estimates for next session have to be submitted to the U n i o n Finance C o m m i t t e e this term. I have prepared an estimate form w h i c h has to be completed by e a c h club and returned to me by J a n u a r y 28. T h e s e forms will be placed in the chairmen's pigeonholes o n M o n d a y . It is important that all club c h a i r m a n or treasurers collect a copy. A n y claims submitted after this date will be d i s r e g a r d e d . A n y r e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h e C o m m u n i s t Society should contact S t e p h e n G o u l d e r immediately via the U n i o n Office because this club faces abolition.
Community
Action
W e l l , we're back in action again. S o u p runs as usual. W e need help to carry donated clothes from H o l y Trinity B r o m p t o n to the action group r o o m on S u n d a y evening on F e b r u a r y 7. If you can help, drop y o u r name to Sean Coyle, EE3. A r e y o u interested in helping with the A c t i o n G r o u p for handicapped children as featured on B B C television's Grapevine—Every S a t u r d a y a f t e r n o o n , or helping b u i l d an adventure playground for t h e m . Meetings on M o n d a y at 12:30 in the action group r o o m , top of the union.
Wind Band IC W i n d B a n d exists to enable players of w o o d w i n d a n d b r a s s i n s t r u m e n t s to p l a y together in a group. T h e r e is no required s t a n d a r d ; we p l a y for fun a n d a n y o n e is w elc ome. N o great commitment is needed. T h e band rehearses on M o n d a y s from 5:45 until 7:15pm in the G r e a t Hall and gives two c o n c e r t s each t e r m on T u e s d a y s at lunchtime. W e are having a cheese and wine party after the rehearsal on M o n d a y , so if y o u w o u l d like to join us, please c o m e and play and stay afterwards.
H a p p y new year everybody, and we trust y o u had a fun time in the holiday. T h i s t e r m w e w i l l be as b u s y as e v e r , administering a m i x t u r e of trips and talks. T h e first event is today no less! A t 1:00pm in C h e m Eng L T 1 , a real live trade unionist will present a talk, entitled 'the C h i p s are D o w n ' about the impact of m i c r o p r o c e s s o r s on industry. O n T u e s d a y , J a n u a r y 19, we have a trip to the P r o c t o r a n d G a m b l e soap factory, meet Beit A r c h , 12:30pm for good clean fun. Ian R o s s , the Industrial C o r r e s p o n d e n t of the B B C , w h o m y o u have no doubt seen o n the news, is c o m i n g to C o l l e g e on J a n u a r y 29; more about that in o u r next few articles, so watch out!
City & Guilds It's a busy week to start the t e r m with. Tonight is the G u i l d s "for no reason w h a t s o e v e r " party with a live b a n d — T h e Stargazers (hot off Pebble Mill at One) and a disco. F r o m 8:00 till late. T i c k e t s £1.00 from C C U Offices. O n T u e s d a y , J a n u a r y 19, there's a G e n e r a l C o m m i t t e e in the U n i o n Dining H a l l . If you're supposed to be there a n d can't m a k e it, s e n d apologies to Sue R i d d before the meeting. There's a trip to the pub of the w e e k — t h e F r o g and F i r k i n — o n M o n d a y . M e e t U n i o n B a r at 7:00pm. See Guildsheet for details. F i n a l l y t i c k e t s for D & D (the a n n u a l engineers dinner and dance for the uninitiated) are now on sale from the G u i l d s Office, £30 for a double ticket. H a v e a g o o d term. H a p p y new year. NeiV
Your chance to meet Kodak Kodak Limited will be interviewing at your University on
21
• C h r i s t i a n U n i o n g r o u p m e e t i n g , 1:00pm, Seminar Rm, Level 2S, Botany.
FEBRUARY
• S T O I C p r o g r a m m e , 1:00 and 6:00pm, all usual places. • M o p s o c l e c t u r e 'Noise' by D r Blitz, Brunei Univ, 1:10, Physics L T 2 . Free to members (membership 60p), nonmembers lOp. • D e p t of H u m a n i t i e s presents: 1 Film: T h e W o r l d at W a r (Thames T V ) Part 10: G e n o c i d e , 1:15pm, Great Hall. 2. Lunch-hour C o n c e r t , Albert Ferber (piano), 1:30pm, Music R m . 53 Princes Gate. 3. N e w Nations: M a k i n g Independence a Reality with E.C. A n y a o k u , Deputy Secretary of the C o m m o n w e a l t h , 1:30, Read Theatre. (Arranged by IC C o m m o n Overseas Students.) • G l i d i n g C l u b m e e t i n g , 5:30pm, A e r o 254.
Industrial
c
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8
W e need engineers and scientists, computing, marketing and accountancy trainees. Your careers service has the details. Collect a copy of "Kodak and Your Future" and apply as indicated. Look forward to seeing you.
0 l
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• F i s h i n g C l u b m e e t i n g , 6:00pm, Stan's Bar. • L i f e S c i P a r t y , 8:00pm till late, J C R , 50p.
FELIX, January
15, 1982
Page 9
*7&eat*e T h e M a y o r of Zalamea by Pedro C a l d e r o n d e la B a r c a in a v e r s i o n by A d r i a n Mitchell. Directed by Michael Bogdanov. T h e Olivier, National Theatre. In A u g u s t 1580, troops were massing in Z a l a m e a , a small S p a n i s h town, for what was to b e c o m e a successful assault o n Portugal. T h i s was the Spain of Philip II where H o l y W a r s brought about the conquest of vast d o m a i n s . T h e s e h i s t o r i c a l f a c t s f o r m the b a c k g r o u n d of the play The Mayor of Zalamea by C a l d e r o n , the great 17th C e n t u r y Spanish playwright w h o still remains one of Spain's greatest dramatists (the other being L o p e de Vega). In s o m e respects he is akin to our o w n S h a k e s p e a r e . C a l d e r o n himself was incredibly versatile: he was a dramatist of superb wit and intellect, a magnificent s w o r d s m a n who fought m a n y d u e l s , a n a c c o m p l i s h e d p u r s u e r of w o m e n a n d , finally in life, a priest. H i s plays were prolific in n u m b e r a n d extraordinary in v a r i e t y . H e w r o t e tragedies a n d h i s t o r i e s , comedie s of manners, mythological plays and d r a m a s of chivalry and philosophy.
Duel
from
the
Mayor
of
Zalamea.
T h e tr oops are given shelter in Zalamea by a farmer, a m a n of principle a n d honour. B u t no sooner does the rough brigade enter the town w h e n the captain is determined to lay his hands o n the beautiful farmer's daughter. H i s determination allows nothing to stand in his way a n d as may be feared he succeeds in attaining a girl only by raping her. Spaniards at the time of the play and of the events u p o n w h i c h t h e p l a y is b a s e d w e r e e s p e c i a l l y sensitive in matters of honour. H o n o u r in the form of virginity is the keynote of The Mayor
of Zalamea. In fact El Honor lies at the core of m u c h of the S p a n i s h G o l d e n A g e drama. T h e culprit is brought to trial by the newly-elected M a y o r of the town who ironically turns out to be the victim's father. C o m p l e t i n g the narration of events would not only spoil potential enjoyment but would also oversimplify or even belittle the play. It is a great m a s t e r p i e c e that has been acted continuously in Spain since it was written in about 1644. T h e timelessness of the play and the reasons why it will continue to delight audiences for many generations to c o m e lie in its masterful blend of contrasts. It is at once a
superb c o m e d y but yet a tragedy. Tender love s c e n e s give w a y to b i t t e r s w o r d fights. Beautiful Spanish tunes rendered on the guitar contrast with the brutal, naked sound of the c a n n o n , and all human types from the K i n g of Spain to the c o m m o n tart m a k e an appearance in the play. A very strong cast is headed by Daniel M a s s e y and M i c h a e l Bryant who both give outstanding performances. This is the first p r o d u c t i o n to be transferred from the National T h e a t r e ' s s m a l l C o t t e s l o e T h e a t r e to the Olivier, and this surely demonstrates its wide appeal. This is a play that I cannot r e c o m m e n d too highly.
The Oresteia. T h e trilogy by Aeschylus in a version by T o n y H a r r i s o n . D i r e c t e d by P e t e r H a l l a n d m u s i c by H a r r i s o n Birtwistle. T h e Olivier, National Theatre. T h e N a t i o n a l Theatre p r o d u c t i o n of the O r e s t e i a is a rare a n d long awaited event. F r o m t h e L a n d of A e s c h y l u s (b. 5 2 5 B C ) , founder of E u r o p e a n theatre, it is one of the most powerful w o r k s in all d r a m a . T h e play tells in three successive parts an epic story of blood-guilt, vengence and reconciliation, and c o n c e r n s the gods of the H o u s e of A t r e u s . A g a m e m n o n returns to A r g o s after conquering T r o y a n d is killed by his wife C l y t e m n e s t r a . G o a d e d by A p o l l o to avenge his murdered father. O r e s t es kills C l y t e m n e s t r a . T h e Furies threaten him a n d he goes to seek Apollo's help. T h e G o d promises protection and sends him to seek justice from A t h e n a , which he
eventually attains to the annoyance of the Furies. In keeping with the ancient tradition, the entire cast in the production use m a s k s , and this forces nearly all one's attention on the dialogue. T h e m a s k s certainly remind me how important facial expression is in d r a m a . T h e d i a l o g u e is p o e t i c , r e l e n t l e s s in d r a m a t i c intensity a n d somewhat m o n o t o n o u s in tone, a n d s t a r t i n g at 5 : 0 0 p m the p l a y c e r t a i n l y d e m a n d s a lot f r o m trie a u d i e n c e . T h e a c c o m p a n y i n g music provided by percussion, wind and harp is simple and imaginative and provides added poignancy to moments of d r a m a . T h e Olivier's auditorium complements the w o r k marvellously. T h e fan-shaped theatre with open stage and b a n k e d seats are based on the ancient amphitheatres where the great G r e e k dramas were once performed.
A m o d e r n audience seeing T h e Oresteia largely lacks, of course, the shared culture w h i c h w a s f a m i l i a r t o all w h o w i t n e s s e d performances in the Fifth C e n t u r y B C . In his plays, A e s c h y l u s reflected the issues of his o w n day as well as drawing on legends k n o w n to all his contemporaries such as the epic poems of H o m e r . T h e legends made up a pretty comprehensive history of the world as the ancient G r e e k s knew it. T o H a r r i s o n , the director of the play, the main social factor m o t i v a t i n g the t e n s i o n s a n d the a p p a r e n t resolution of T h e Oresteia was what Friedrich Engels called "the historical defeat of the female sex"; the transition from the old world of m a t r i a r c h y t o t h e n e w w o r l d of m a l e domination, female subjection and property rights assured by inheritance in the male line. In the time of A e s c h y l u s , A t h e n i a n w o m e n were unfree. " T h e best reputation a w o m a n c a n have is not to be s p o k e n of among m e n , either for good or for evil" claimed Pericles, and "by nature the male is superior, the w o m a n i n f e r i o r ; t h e r e f o r e the m a n r u l e s a n d t h e w o m a n is r u l e d " stated Aristotle. It is said that the figure of C l y t e m n e s t r a in T h e Oresteia probably resembles what many men today fear w i l l be t h e u l t i m a t e r e s u l t of w o m e n ' s liberation; a terrifying figure capable of taking her husband's life in her hands. " T h e new w o r l d , " says H a r r i s o n , "the world of Zeus and A p o l l o , has continued u n b r o k e n and almost unchanged until our o w n time. N o w however it faces a challenge from radical feminism. A n d the insights that have emerged from that movement are crucial to our understanding of T h e O r e s t e i a a n d the conflicts A e s c h y l u s portrayed in i t . " Nick Bedding
Masked Page 10
players
in
Oresteia. FELIX, January
15, 1982
Riddley Walker by Russell H o b a n , 214 pages, Picador, £1.95. T h i s isn't a bad book, but it's nowhere near as g o o d as the rave reviews all over the cover say it is. It's set in the east of Kent about two a n d a half thousand years in the future after a full-scale nuclear war in 1997. Everyone has b e e n p e r m a n e n t l y r e d u c e d to a m u d h u t existence. T h e hero, Riddley W a l k e r , writes an account of the adventures that happen to him over a p e r i o d of about a week following his twelfth birthday. T h e a u t h o r writes that the b o o k is "written not even in p r o p e r English but in a broken-up and w o r n - d o w n vernacular of i t . " This is the most striking feature of the book. H e r e ' s a sample:
"Being the Big 2 they only done ther 4 shows a year regler plus special Is now and then but they liket to look like Jul time Eusa showmen they kep ther faces shavit and all. Orfing the littl 1 he carrit the fit up and Goodparely the big 1 he carrit the weapons the same as regler Eusa show partners done even tho they cudve had the hevvys carry the fit up and the weapons and them as wel." I don't think it's meant to be a serious attempt to predict what an English dialect might be like two thousand years in future but it i s v e r y e f f e c t i v e at e s t a b l i s h i n g a n atmosphere. A jarring note in the dialect is the presence of technical words like program (make a plan) and pirntowt (printout, meaning conclude). T h e y add a futuristic t o u c h that'll apeal to science fiction fans but it's a gimmick. T h e story itself contains a strong mystical element that puts the b o o k closer to fantasy than science fiction. T h e plot concerns events which are important for the main characters
but don't have any significance for the whole w o r l d . This isn't quite clear until the end of the book, w h i c h m a k e s for an anti-climax, and w h e n the P u n c h a n d J u d y show starts on page 128 the b o o k begins to get silly. A l l the same it's a more imaginative book than most and well w o r t h the initial struggle that's needed to make sense of the language.
Stories (seventeen of them) by D e s m o n d H o g a n , 254 pages, Picador, £1.95. Pretentious rubbish. Every paragraph is a candidate for Pseuds' Corner, for example: " H e came in the s u m m e r , left D u b l i n , city of hippies, of Divine Light people, flowers before an altar in Santry, oranges before the same altar and r h u b a r b . " R h u b a r b it is. N . IViflson
What has 16 million feet, a radius of 14 miles and a big nose? Give up? It's London (I lied about the nose). store which houses all kinds of somewhat middle-class goodies. T h e n we get into what the Kings Road is all about—boutiques. No taste in forms of attire is spared the ravages of commercialism; all kinds of mannequins stand all day, all night trying to convince you that you too may, when so dressed, be equally g o o d - l o o k i n g. Heaven forbid such a morbid thought! There are many such emporiums which may well withstand close inspection and, indeed, even intrigue one into looking - Chelsea inside. The Great Gear Market (just take a (To be read in an Alan Wicker style.) peek at this one!), The Chelsea Drugstore "Welcome to one of the most eccentric (No. 49, clothes in the basement, bar on roads in England. In the mid-60s it revelled the g r o u n d floor and t o pless g o - g o under the title "the most hip street in dancers and a disco upstairs), The Chelsea L o n d o n " . C o m e down here any Saturday Cobbler (No. 54, booties), and Boy (No. and you'll see why. For this corridor which 153, army gear) reside in the first bit of links Sloane Street to Parsons Green by Kings Road, while the likes of The Dresspassing through the area of discussion Pound (No. 396, second-hand clothes from a l l o w s s o m e of the most e c c e n t r i c a l l y Dior downwards),Tibet House (No. 490a, (some say forlornly) dressed people to taxi t a k e a g u e s s ) , Ace ( N o . 185, w i l d i s h through as they stare at expensive shops, clothes, diamante T-shirts, expensive), Flip restaurants and, most of all, themselves." (American preppy get-ups), Retro (No. But equally worthy of comment are the 229. 30s and 40s clothes) and many, many parades of very individual shops that line more tend to fill the other important bit. it. Let us divide King's Road (for that is A s with any other major s h o p p i n g what the A to Z calls it) into three sections, centre, restaurants abound and some of the first running westward from Sloane the more notable ones on this road are, in S q u a r e to C h e l s e a C o l l e g e a n d t h e order (approximate), The Chelsea Kitchen C h e l s e a Fire Station, the next continuing (No. 98, cheap, good), Borscht'n'Cheers to that temple of architectural araoe and (No. 273, Russian and rushin'), The King's e c o n o m i c folly, the World's E n d , and the Road Jam (No. 289a, e x t r e m e l y , very final part running on from there which I do interesting), Kennedy's (No. 316, good not intend to deal with and suffice it to say hamburger and live rock music), Asterix that it contains some very extravagant ( N o . 329, for R e a l B r e t o n C r e p e s ) , antique stores (very compelling study for a and Theirry's (No. 342, nicely romantic). lazy S u n d a y a f t e r n o o n ) . N o , far more Instead of letting my article rampage interesting are the first two regions. further into the wilderness of lists, I will Sloane Square itself has many things take this o p p o r t u n i t y to c o n s i d e r The including a notable arena of very good, Chelsea Antique Market (No. 245a, see the mostly exoerimental plavs (thanks Mrs F O R G E T M E N O T stall) and Antiquarius T h o m p s o n ) , i.e. Royal Court Theatre and on the corner of Flood St (where Mrs the only underground station I know with a Thatcher lived) and King's Road for they pub on the platform—the less said about are both very I think I've overused most that, the better, I fear. Nevertheless, good superlatives. sense prevails and we may begin our trek Chelsea, as you may well be wondering, by m u s i n g at o n e of the J o h n L e w i s is not just made up of King's Road. T o be archipelago, the Peter Jones departmental Have you ever held a warm, voluptuous woman (or man, for 14% of you) in your arms? No? Neither have I. But if you have, then it probably gives you very little idea as to what L o n d o n is like. Life here, like anywhere else, is what you make of it; to different people it is different things: the proverbial rose or the thorn that lies below it. In this series of epic written voyages (blockbuster film coming soon) I will try and show you places that I enjoy, or would enjoy, whenever I visit them.
FELIX, January 15, 1982
sure (in slight Irish accent) there are many more streets but, with the exception of maybe Fulham Road, they are certainly less fulfilling with regard to trade. (They, however, maintain their very great aesthetic value and are a pleasure to walk along.) For people with wallets willing to die, I'd point them towards places like The Frock Exchange (450 Fulham Road), A. Clarke (340 Fulham Rd) for second-hand clothes and Laura Ashley at 157 Fulham Rd and cheaper, slightly imperfect Laura Ashley at 60 Lower Sloane St, SW1. A s nightlife will always be a part of student life (try taking that away, Maggie) one could spend time at the Paris Pullman Cinema (65 Drayton Gdns, 11:00pm every (158 Fulham Rd, night), the Pan Bookshop Blue (186 open till 10:30pm), Midnight Fulham Rd, an expounder of the D. Dirts tricks) or m a y b l e try g e t t i n g an early breakfast from Up All Night (325 Fulham Rd, closes at 6:00am). A n d , whatever the rest may say, I'd tell you to go to Parson's at 311 Fulham Rd for good hamburgers and great waitresses. (If you push this one a bit, you know do your Imperial bit, I may have a special discount scheme for all of you lovely people.) I am sorry that I may have successfully avoided public houses so far, but you must be considerate. E n j o y i n g yourself may mean going to the Six Bells (197 Kings Rd) for a spot of jazz on Monday nights or, equally, you may want to try a hand at the lunchtime strippers at the Golden Lion (490 F u l h a m R d , i n c l u d i n g s t u d e n t (266 d i s c o u n t ) . The Cafe des Artistes Fulham Rd) have a nice enough disco while The Trafalgar (200 Kings Rd) have jazz sessions sometimes. A s a guide this is somewhat discriminating, but fairly comprehensive. It is not, as it may seem, attempting to go through all the shops that may exist in Chelsea, but an attempt to get some of you folk off your bums and trying to enjoy some of this fabled conurbation. I hope it goes some way towards helping. Shezi Abedi Page 11
Dinner-in-Hall O n page 4 y o u will find details of this term's " D i n n e r s in H a l l " . T h i s title has caused some confusion in the past a n d not many people are certain about the purpose of these events. T h e idea really sU-ms from the collegiate system of O x f o r d a n d C a m b r i d g e , where a formal d i n n e r in the place where y o u live is a regular event. T o imitate this, to an extent, Imperial C o l l e g e hold several dinners a term w h i c h anyone (not just those living in halls) can a t t e n d . A f u n d has b e e n set up w h i c h subsidises the meals for students. T h i s gives p e o p l e w h o live in or out of C o l l e g e a c c o m m o d a t i o n the chance to mix with staff over a meal and is intended to p r o m o t e social wellbeing. Election Fever T h i s t e r m sees the onset of election fever, w h i c h will s o o n grasp y o u all by the throat. P a p e r s for the sabatical I C posts go up on , F e b r u a r y 11 with husting on M a r c h 4 and e l e c t i o n s o n M a r c h 8 a n d 9. I w i l l w a r n candidates for these posts in particular to be early with their publicity. Every year people leave things to the last minute, so if y o u have c o n s i d e r e d standing, plan ahead. T h e last date on w h i c h I will accept completed posters or h a n d o u t s f o r p r i n t i n g w i l l be M o n d a y , F e b r u a r y 22. A f t e r that financial penalties will be i m p o s e d and I cannot guarantee that they will be done in time, or even at all. Soapbox A s explained on page 4, this is a revived feature w h i c h is intended to give people a c h a n c e to air their views at greater length than the letters page may allow. I cannot guarantee inclusion but will keep articles over for future inclusion if I receive too many. I do not intend to impose very great editorial contol over t h e s e a r t i c l e s so y o u m a y be as d a r i n g , damning or controversial as you like. T h i s provides a unique opportunity for free speech and also means that you will be judged on the merits of y o u r o w n arguments by the masses. S o don't be s h y — t a k e up the gauntlet a n d tell us all about something you feel strongly about. C r a s h Pad O u r glorious leader, M r N i c k M o r t o n , has a s k e d me to inform you that if the industrial action by the train drivers continues, a " c r a s h p a d " will operate in the U n i o n Building. S o if y o u live out in the sticks you can bring in your sleeping bag and take up residence until British Rail resumes normal services. Enquire at the U n i o n Office for details. Staff Meeting T h e r e will be a staff meeting today at 12:30pm in the F E L I X Office. B r i n g along your bright ideas for this t e r m . R e m e m b e r that it's never too late t o join the staff. Credits M y t h a n k s to Peter Rodgers, D a v e Britton, J o h n a n d S o h e e l (promising newcomers—it's never too late!), R i c h A r c h e r , M a r t i n S. T a y l o r , L o v e l y L e s l e y , R e t c h , D a v i d ( w h e r e ' s the interview?), Pallab, M a z and Ian. FELIX Consort
is published
mwmwm I w o n d e r h o w m a n y of y o u r e c a l l A n g u s M c O a t u p , the d r u n k e n c l o a k r o o m attendant at T h e Inebriated Haggis? After the alcoholic excesses of last year's H o g m a n a y , he thought it prudent to stay dry this year, and so he spent N e w Y e a r ' s D a y in the Highlands, watching the s p o r r a n flinging and the haggis dancing at the H i g h l a n d G a m e s . T h e climax of the games is, of course, the tossing of the caber, in w h i c h e a c h competitor tries to throw a thirteen foot tree trunk up Billy C o n n o l l y ' s kilt. A t least, it should traditionally be a thirteen foot pole, uniform in diameter, a n d cylindrical in shape; but nowadays many tossers prefer a shorter length, and so each c a b e r is ' p e r f o r a t e d ' by p a r t l y s a w i n g it t h r o u g h ; in this way the c o m p e t i t o r s , by b r e a k i n g t h e c a b e r at a n a p p r o p r i a t e perforation (or perforations) c a n shorten it from its original thirteen feet to any whole number of feet less than thirteen. But sawing through a caber weakens it, and so to reduce the possibility of injuring Billy C o n n o l l y for life (or to increase the possibility, depending on h o w v i o l e n t l y y o u p l a y ) t h e n u m b e r of perforations is kept to a m i n i m u m . A n g u s has been passing the time between tosses by w o r k i n g out where along its length the pole should be perforated. A n y offers?
Solutions, comments and criticisms to me at the FELIX Office please. £5 donated by Menda-Bike to the correct solution randomly selected at 1:00pm on Wednesday.
C h r i s t m a s Puzzles T h e only person to get three puzzles out of four completely correct was Z a r A m r o l i a . H e wins the £10 v o u c h e r and £5 c a s h . O t h e r prizes go to G e o r g e C h a n , M a t h s 2, Mike H o d g s o n , Physics 1 and A n d r e w Britton, M a t h s 3. C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s to these and all who entered, a n d also to J . Blitz, D o C 3 w h o w o n a competition last t e r m , but w h o m I forgot to
by the Editor for and on behalf of the Imperial College
Road, London
credit. C h e q u e s for all the above people will be available in the F E L I X Office on M o n d a y afternoon. Finally, very many thanks to M e n d a-Bike for their continuing generosity with prizes.
SW7 2BB (589-5111 ext 1048 int 2881) Copyright
Union Publications FELIX
Light A v B A v C B v C
on the Matches : 2 - 1 : 1 - 1 : 1 - 1
C h e s s Player's Nightmare 1. W h i t e had played P(B2)-B4 instead of P - Q 5 . 2. B l a c k had just played P - Q B 4 . W h i t e played P ( N 4 ) x P instead of P ( Q 5 ) x P en passant. O f the four positions this was the hardest, and a number of people were caught by it. 3. A g a i n B l a c k had just played P - Q B 4 . White played P ( N 5 ) x P en passant instead of P(Q6)Q7. 4. W h i t e played P - B 7 instead of P-Q8=Knight. C o d e in the H e a d This one was easily the most difficult (?) and I didn't expect anyone to find all four carols. In fact, n o b o d y found more than one, although not everyone found the same one. T h e bold face letters, reading in reverse order, spell 'First N o e l ' . C o u n t i n g A = l , B=2, and so on, the numbers of letters in each line spell out 'Rudolf the R e d ' . Subtracting the numerical values of each pair of letters (so, e.g. il gives 9, 12, and since 12 - 9 = 3, il gives c) spells out ' D e c k the H a l l s w i t h B o u g h s of H o l l y ' . S p e c i a l congratulations to M i k e H o d g s o n who was the only one to c r a c k this code. Finally replace each capital letter with a 1, a n d each lower case letter with a 0 and you have the numerical values of ' G o o d K i n g W e n c e s l a s ' in binary! N o t an obvious idea, but fairly well-known (it's described in one of M a r t i n G a r d n e r ' s books) and I warned y o u it was difficult. O t h e r solutions next week. A n d now; a w o r d from o u r sponsors...
Mend-a-Bike New Discounts Park Walk
for
M A Smith,
£65
FELIX
Garage,
Park
(near Evelyn
Board, and is printed
1982. Editor:
Bikes from
Readers Walk Gardens)
by the Union Print Unit,
Advertising
Manager:
S M
Prince Giblin.