Spark Newspaper - February 2020 by Reading Students' Union

WRITTEN BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS

FEBRUARY 2020

Return of the strikes

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Industrial action is due to take place for the second time this year starting Thursday, February 20th.

Learn to love cooking Student Eden shares how she turned meal making from a chore into a hobby.

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Fancy a bit of fencing?

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Reading University Fencing Club share why they love the sport.

SELF SERVICE

RUSU ELECTIONS

ROOM BOOKING

RESULTS PARTY

VISIT P. 23 TO FIND OUT HOW YOUR SOCIETY CAN TRY THE NEW SYSTEM.

FIND OUT WHO YOUR NEW REPRESENTATIVES ARE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH.

CINEMATIC FEBRUARY: 1917 Jack Hawes | Part 2 Politics & IR

Photo by: Georgina Shaw

ELECTION TIME

IMDB

One of the most highly anticipated World War One epics has arrived in cinemas this year. Sam Mendes’ 1917 is an unrelenting gut-punch that keeps you on edge from the first moment you land in the trenches. Undoubtedly, a mustsee epic for your 2020 movie bucket lists. Read the full review on P.29.

BUSY JANUARY ON CAMPUS Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

Taz Usher | Print Editor

Jessica Choi

Our Photography section this month showcases events from throughout January and February including the Re-Freshers’ Fayre, the annual Big RUSU Update and Give it a Go sessions. Visit P.36-39 to view the collection.

Voting for RUSU’s 2020/21 team of representatives will commence next week. From Tuesday, February 25th (11am) until Friday, February 28th (3pm) all UoR students will be invited to choose their top candidates for the positions of full-time officers, part-time officers, student trustees and school reps.

In the lead up to the voting period candidates for the roles will campaign on campus and social media, whilst those nominated for part-time and full-time officer roles will also respond to answers about their manifestos in Question Times. Commenting on the importance of voting in the election, current RUSU President Molli Cleaver said: “These are the people that will be driving the direction of RUSU for the next year, so

you have to make sure that the right people are representing you.”

respond under pressure to a room full of students.”

Whilst students cannot attend the part-time officer Question Time, they are invited to attend the full-time officer Question Time which will take place on Monday, February 24th 6pm to 9pm in 3Sixty.

You can vote for your favourite candidates at rusu.co.uk once the voting platform is live. The results of the elections will be announced at the Results Party on Friday, February 28th, 7pm to 9pm and all students are invited to attend the event.

Molli said: “Question time is a really good way to understand the candidate’s motivations, manifestos and how they

FULL TIMELINE ON PAGE 24.

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Contents

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2020

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 03 Print Editor Taz gives an overview of this issue’s content and explains how aspiring writers can get involved with the next issue of The Spark.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE 04 Current part-time international officer Sara Mattar interviews the Vice-Chancellor to find out how the University is supporting its international students.

STUDENT VS STAFF QUIZ SHOW

Find out what happened when professors and their students went head to head in a general and specialist knowledge quiz show hosted by BBC Radio 4.

CLIMATE CRISIS 10 Here’s the latest on the global climate crisis and some tips for students looking to join the fight against it.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Student Annie explores the true meaning of the romance celebration and how its evolved over the years.

FEELING CHEESY?

PRINT EDITOR TA Z U S H E R E D I TO R .S PA R K @ R E A D I N G. A C.U K HEAD OF WEB N I KO L E T T BA RT U S O N L I N E E D I T O R @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O. U K NEWS EDITORS M A D E LY N M O R G A N N E W S @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O.U K D I G I TA L L I F E S T Y L E E D I T O R MILLIE DINSDALE L I F E S T Y L E @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O.U K

1917 29

E N T E R TA I N M E N T E D I T O R S LOIS PLUMMER RAAGULAN UMASHANKER E N T E R TA I N M E N T @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . CO.UK

SEX EDUCATION

SPORT EDITORS

Here’s one tasty recipe you won’t be able to resist trying.

Read this review of what is possibly the best war film of the decade.

The raunchy series is back for another season- and it’s more gripping and risqué than ever.

HOROSCOPES 32 Find out what the stars are saying about you this month.

TAKE A DIP 41 Reading University Swimming Club give a rundown of their achievements so far this academic year and explains how it’s not too late for students to join the society.

JOG ON

Prefer fresh air over the gym? The University has installed new, safe running routes for students to enjoy across campus.

The Spark Newspaper is designed and typeset by students at the University of Reading. Printed at Newbury News Limited, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG12 2DW. Published and funded by Reading University Students’ Union, contact: activitiesofficer@rusu.co.uk. Our students strive for accuracy but on occasion can make mistakes. Errors can be corrected/ acknowledged by contacting the Editor. Complaints should be made to the Editor in the first instance, and thereafter to RUSU. All complaints should be made in writing. All articles, letters etc. must include a name, address, and contact number/email address. These may be withheld from publication at specific request. The Spark Newspaper or RUSU can take no responsibility for products or services advertised herein. The Spark Newspaper reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. The views expressed in The Spark Newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors or RUSU, particularly those expressed in the comments pages, which are often opinions of the specific authors. Photographs in The Spark Newspaper are copyright, and you will need permission from the photographer to re-use. Contact the Editor at: editor.spark@reading.ac.uk.

IZZY EINON DAISY HANSON S P O R T @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O.U K SUB EDITORS S A B I TA B U R K E P R I YA K H A I R A LEAD DESIGNER X I A O M E N G FA N G DESIGNERS KIA MACKENZIE HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY S A R A M AT TA R P H O T O G R A P H Y @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O. U K SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM ALEX WINFIELD ALEX BURROWS D A N I E L L E J AY S E C R E TA R Y & S O C I A L S R E P OLIVIA MILL TREASURER ARHAM NAHAR

Editorial

FEBRUARY 2020

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

FINDING A WORK-PLAY BALANCE

Dear Spark readers,

The Spark’s Print Editor Taz shares her top tips for implementing a weekly routine which works for you and is kind to your wellbeing.

I hope you’ve all had a great start to the new term and are looking forward to getting stuck into another packed issue of The Spark. In News this month you can expect to read about the RUSU Elections including a detailed timeline of events and tips from the current fulltime officers about running for one of the 2020/21 representative roles.

LITTLE WOMEN REVIEW Student Kiran explains why this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s

19th century novel is still relevant today.

Photo by: IMDB/Allstar/Columbia Productions

Photo by Ollie House

Our main story this month features responses to questions about UoR’s international student experience from the Vice-Chancellor. We also reflect on campus events including the Re-Freshers’ Fayre, Give it a Go week, and The 3rd Degree quiz show hosted by BBC Radio 4. Global and national events are also topics of this month’s section so be sure to check out News for the latest on Brexit, The Royal Family, Hong Kong, Trump and The Climate Crisis. Articles on the Australian bush fires, World War Three rumours and the Labour leadership contest are also hoping to inform you this issue. Over in Lifestyle you’ll find valentine’s themed articles including date and gift guides, as well as student Annie’s feature article on the evolution of the romance celebration.

READING RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB RRUFC share what they’ve been up to this academic year and how they’ve been preparing for Varsity!

Our student writers also offer their insights into maintaining new year’s resolutions, shopping secondhand, and simple ways to help the fight against climate change. And if it’s travel or cooking inspiration you’re looking for, read Kiran’s advice for visiting “the best ski resort in Italy” and Eden’s article on turning meal making from a chore into a hobby.

In Entertainment you’ll find reviews of cinema favourites Little Women and 1917, as well as student Elsie’s take on Netflix’s second series of Sex Education. Music inspiration can also be gained from overviews of Billie Eilish and Halsey’s new releases. Don’t forget to check out your monthly horoscope over in Entertainment too. Our Photography section takes a look at events from throughout this and last month including Give it a Go taster sessions, the Big RUSU Update and Refreshers’ Fayre. Meanwhile our Sport section gives a first look at our campus societies’ preparation for next month’s Varsity including updates from Swimming. Water Polo, and Parkour. As always, we are looking for new writers and members to join our society and would love to hear from you if you have a passion for writing, an interest in a particular topic, or are looking to improve your skills in photography, marketing, or design. If this is you, please get in contact at editor.spark@reading.ac.uk or via our Facebook groups. Head to the Noticeboard on page for more information about how you to connect with us on social media. I hope you enjoy reading this issue!

r e h s zU

News

FEBRUARY 2020

News

VICE-CHANCELLOR RESPONDS T QUESTIONS ABOUT UOR’S INTER STUDENT EXPERIENCE Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

Earlier this term UoR’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort responded to questions about the international student experience in an interview with current Part-time International Officer, Sara Mattar. The questions- which focused on topics including higher tuition fees, visas and homesickness -formed Sara’s work as a PTO aimed at encouraging international students to speak more openly about their mental health whilst at the university. And having provided Sara with detailed answers to her enquiries, she plans to use the responses to structure an informative guide for international students which signposts them to support and addresses their frequently asked questions. 1.       Why do international students pay double the amount that home students do? “The UK government sets a maximum tuition fee for ‘Home’ (UK/EU) students, whereas there is no limit for international student tuition fees. Like all UK universities, we receive some government subsidies for some groups of Home students to offset the difference between tuition fees received and the total cost of delivering tuition and support. As a university, we compete in a global market for international students, and our tuition fees reflect this. Additional income from international student fees allows us to fund activities where costs exceed income, for example teaching of some higher-cost subjects and research activities.”   2.       Why is a visa not provided within international students’ tuition fees? “As not all international students need a Tier 4 student visa to study here, it would be inappropriate to include the cost of a visa in the fees as not all students would need this. We are not aware of any other institution where the tuition fee includes visa costs.

However, the University does pay the Home Office for every student it wishes to sponsor under Tier 4 and for each Conformation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) which we issue for this purpose. In cases where students’ visas are refused or they wish to extend their visa, we do not charge the student for a repeat CAS.   Our International Student Advisory team offer free immigration advice and support for all our students. This is important as external organisations offering one-to-one advice would usually charge significant amounts to access this. “

“the questions formed Sara’s work aimed at encouraging students to speak more openly about their mental health” 3.       What additional services and support are provided for international students? “Our dedicated International Student Advisory team provide support and information for our international students and their dependants. For example, we provide information about living in the UK, opening bank accounts, registering with the police, and applying for schools for dependants.   All undergraduate and postgraduate taught international students are offered support through our STaR Mentor scheme and we also offer in-ses-

Answering the questions that are on many of our minds... sional English language support.   In addition, Blackbullion – our money smart online tool – provides specific learning sections for international students.” 4.      It is common for international students to feel homesick when travelling overseas to study. How do UoR address this?   “This year, we have launched ‘Global Buddies’ -  a monthly event held in the Library café. These events are open to

all and provide a place to meet new people as well as celebrating different cultural events and celebrations.   We are also aware that international students are more likely to stay in Reading during the vacations and we put on events to bring these students together. Our popular ‘Gingerbread’ event just before Christmas was fully booked and we also provided our students with information on events in Reading over the festive period.

For any students experiencing homesickness, whether from the UK or from further afield, I would recommend that they speak to our dedicated Student Welfare Team in the first instance. You can drop in and see them in the Carrington Building, or contact them by phone or email. See our website for further information.”   5.     How will the strike action affect international students, especially as their tuition fee is higher than home students’?

FEBRUARY 2020

TO RNATIONAL

Chairing Student Voice Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

“It is an amazing job to be the voice of the whole student voice meeting” Being a student voice chair has its advantages and disadvantages however, it is such an amazing job to be the voice of the whole student voice meeting. Its perks are that you get to delegate the meeting and choose what topics will be chosen. However, its disadvantages are that you are under pressure as there is a specific time you have to stick to and that you cut people off from speaking when they have passed the one minute of speaking. In order for an idea to pass it has to have a majority of approvals by student voice member where it then has to have more than 200 votes by all the students. There were six campaign ideas that were competed in an all student vote where 680 students voted for the ideas. The two that got the main votes get approved. When an idea has been approved, full time officers have to work on it within a time frame of two years. The two campaigns that has been passed the last student voice was: “RUSU to campaign for the university to introduce a security text service” where this would be done by the wel-

Photo by University of Reading “It is important to note that the majority of my colleagues did not participate in strike action in autumn 2019, meaning most classes went ahead as normal on strike days. Where there has been impact, our first response will be to minimise this. Schools are working hard to identify the most appropriate way to deliver teaching or materials for any classes affected so that students’ learning is not unreasonably affected. If students consider that they have been academically disadvantaged in

an assessment as a result of strike action, we have set up a separate process for reporting this which will ensure that programme examiners take this into account. This process is called Impact of Strike Action on Academic Performance. Please see our website for further information. “ Additional commentary provided by Taz Usher, Print Editor of The Spark.

fare officer over the next two years; “RUSU to campaign for the university to make parking on campus more accessible” which was assigned to the diversity officer. The policy that was passed and would be looked at by the president is: “RUSU to write a sustainable crockery and cutlery policy”. This policy had 329 votes where 289 votes were ‘for’, 23 votes ‘against’ and 17 abstentions. In order to implement the ideas, every campaign and policy that have passed would have to be assigned to one of the full time officers where they would have to work on it for the next two years by researching about it and trying to make it happen in university. All ideas need at least 200 votes to pass. If you have an idea that want it to happen make sure you put it on the RUSU website in the Change it section as they are voted by the students and ideas could happen. I would definitely recommend going for the student voice chair position. If you are interested please do message me or email me.

News

CHINESE STUDENTS SHOWCASE ARTWORK Xiaomeng Fang | Head of Design The touring art exhibition “0 Distance” came to the University of Reading on Wednesday, January 22nd. All artwork was by young Chinese artists from universities across the UK, such as Royal Holloway and University of the Arts London. The exhibition was open to all forms of the arts, being ‘0 boundary’ and ‘0 element’, intended for the artists to fully exploit their ideas, creativity and potential. The exhibited works ranged from abstract, cartoon style artwork to a short documentary on a Buddhist Academy, depicting the daily lives of the locals. Presented by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of Reading (CSSA Reading) in collaboration with another four UK universities, the exhibition took place in SACLL in the Edith Morley building. For images of the event, please see the Photography section.

REFRESHERS’ FAYRE Taz Usher | Print Editor On Tuesday, January 21 clubs and societies from across the university came together to recruit new members at RUSU’s annual Refreshers’ Fayre. The Fayre took place in UoR’s SportsPark and featured hundreds of stalls hosted by the various club’s committees. The event was free to attend and students were encouraged to visit the fayre in search of something new to try or enquire about as we progress into the new year. Local organisations including Domino’s pizza treated visitors to freebies throughout the day.

Trump’s impeachment trial Kathryn Parker | Part 2 Law The Democratic party wrapped up their case for impeachment on Friday, after a three-day presentation in the Senate.

Despite the backing impeachment received in Congress, the Senate are more sympathetic to the President, with a Republican majority of 8 seats.

Having moved to the trial portion of the impeachment proceedings, it is now for President Trump’s lawyers to give their promised “robust” defence.

It is now a matter of waiting to see whether the Democrats have convinced the Senate enough to continue.

Ben White/unsplash

News

THE BIG RUSU UPDATE Brexit: What

FEBRUARY 2020

Comes Next?

Yinan Zou | Part 2 BA Politics and International Relations

Francis Raynes | Part One Politics

On Friday, January 24 Boris Johnson formally signed the Withdrawal Agreement that allows the UK to leave the European Union. The sheaf of gilt-edged papers sped to London via train, a reminder of one permanent link to Europe that won’t be severed after Brexit. But aside from the pale concrete monolith of the Channel Tunnel, its gaping mouth symbolic of the black hole left by Britain’s wrenching departure, what other connections to the continent will remain?

RUSU Marketing

“The income granted to the Student Activity groups increased again from £232k to £247k. ” Achievements and progress were celebrated last month at the annual Big RUSU Update Conference. The event- which took place on Tuesday, January 21st attracted a promising attendance of 125 students and saw representatives from RUSU summarise the charity’s work from the past year. Student Social Venues and Events- which includes entertainment, 3sixty, Café Mondial, Monterey, Mojos, Catering and Events- saw a reduction in both income and surplus and contributed £82k compared with £202k the previous year. It was noted that this was a good result for an area that is in decline nationally. The income granted to the Student Activity groups- which includes sports, societies, RAG, volunteering and student mediaincreased again from £232k to £247k. The Business Development Area-which focuses on generating new income from the existing RUSU facilities- increased its income level from £272k to £299k

and produced an overall surplus of £50k The following campaigns were also praised for their positive impact on University life: 1. ‘Embody Positivity Campaign’ to advocate body positivity 2. ‘Never Okay’ campaign to raise awareness of bullying and harassment with an online reporting system 3. ‘Good lad initiative’ to run workshops to promote equal gender relationship and improve attitudes to male students 4. ‘Live Mojo’ showcasing amazing musical talent 5. ‘Hello Neighbour’ campaign to promote positive engagement in relation to the local community 6. ‘Diversity Digest’, a digital platform to celebrate culture and community across campus 7. ‘Zero Tolerance’, a policy against sexual harassment and discrimination

8. ‘Speak Up, Stay Safe’, a platform allowing students to report areas which don’t feel safe 9. Guarantor scheme ensuring all students have equal access to private rental contracts 10. ‘Veggie Pledge’ to reduce student meat consumption in January 11. ‘Let’s Start Talking’ to promote a space for students to open up about their mental health issues and free sanitary product provision. In the coming year RUSU says it will keep working hard to improve student life at the University. And some of its upcoming plans which students can look forward to include the instalment of glass pods on campus to increase study space, a Mojo’s renovation, new options in the campus merchandise store, a platform informing students about talks on campus, a Sporting Excellence Scholarship, a 3G pitch on campus, and working with Olio: a food recycling app that students and businesses such as Mondial can donate their food waste to.

The rhetoric in Brussels has been hopeful over the past weeks, with European Council president Charles Michel declaring: “We start a new chapter as partners and allies.” This new chapter of the story, though, is still nothing more than a blank page for the momentand tensions exist over whether the second stage of negotiations can succeed. Despite the fireworks and celebrations, on 31st January the UK will enter an eleven-month transition period during which the government must follow EU regulations on trade and accept the decisions of the European Court of Justice. This gives almost a year for fresh talks between the UK and the EU to work out the details of the future relationship- and Boris Johnson has claimed that this deadline of December 2020 will not be extended. Whether or not Big Ben chimes to mark the occasion, another clock will start ticking at midnight on the 31stone that could set alarm bells ringing

in Downing Street at Christmas next year. In that month, there would be three options on the table. The most optimistic vision would involve a UK-EU trade deal being signed and sealed for the long-term, although this would not cover issues such as security. The second scenario would see negotiations over the future relationship stall, and if this happened Britain could default to World Trade Organisation rules, with punitive tariffs placed on continental imports. Those conditions would essentially mean that Britain left the European Union with ‘no-deal’. The final option would be to extend the transition period to allow for further negotiations, but since Boris Johnson has ruled this out it appears unlikely. The basic situation continues to focus on a stark and confrontational choicedeal or no deal. With the additional time pressure, coupled with the memory of Theresa May’s failure to keep to previous Brexit deadlines in March, serious tensions begin to rise over the government’s ability to fully finalise the arrangements. That fear won’t be calmed by the EU’s public suspicions of the December timetable. For all the gravitas placed on the exact minute of Britain’s departure, its clear that Brexit remains far from over.

Coronavirus- start-up and symptoms Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science How many bottles do I have to a similar outbreak occurred. The drink until I get Coronavirus? strain caused severe acute respiratory syndrome, which caused 10% Despite the name, Coronavirus of those infected to die. has nothing to do with the beer! This time around, the virus is causCoronavirus is a term given to a ing individuals infected to develop large family of viruses that typia fever, fatigue, a severe dry cough, cally cause respiratory infections. and difficulty breathing. Symptoms They are very common- some are usually mild however in rare subgroups are even responsible cases can be fatal. for the common cold. When new strains emerge it is very In mid-December, a new strain concerning as we often lack immuof the virus was detected in Wunity to it and have no protection or han, China. This outbreak is a treatment. particular concern as in 2003,

News

FEBRUARY 2020

SECOND WAVE OF STRIKES MAKES ITS WAY TO CAMPUS

Photo by Annie Davis

Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science

14 days of University and College Union (UCU) strikes are due to take place at the University of Reading between Thursday, February 20th and Friday, March 13th.

“due to take place between Thursday, February 20th and Friday, March 13th” This is following previous strikes that took place on campus last term between Monday, November 25th and Wednesday, December 4th. After this period of strike action, UCU and the University were still unable to come to a mutual agreement with regards to pay and pension contributions. Much like last term, members are

striking due to disputes over pay, and pension contributions which they were unable to sort with the University directly. This is because there have been changes to the pension scheme, with members suggesting that pension contributions should be over 26% of annual salary. The University remain on the stance that this would not be affordable and is an unrealistic request. Disputes with pay come as the annual pay increase was set between 3.65% and 1.8%, depending on the job role. A particular concern for strikers is that average gender pay gap at Reading is currently 4.2% higher than the national average for the education at 14.3% according to data published by UCEA in May 2018. Following a student vote, it was declared by RUSU that the Union and students support the strike; this position is being upheld throughout this year’s strike period.

Although many students may feel frustrated by this news, it is important to understand the reasons behind the strike. Pay gaps, within gender and race are very important issues, and we as a society have a responsibility to address them. At Reading, we want our staff to feel valued and paid fairly for the important work that they do, regardless of race, gender or role. However, as young people it is harder to understand the grievances surrounding the pensions.

“Following a student vote it was declared that RUSU and students would support the strike” It’s difficult to imagine working a fulltime job at this stage in our lives, let alone retirement. As we

have an ageing population i.e people are expected to live much longer than they use to, pensions are becoming much more expensive and promises regarding pensions are becoming harder to keep

this is unlikely. Missed content will be reviewed by each school as to whether it will come up in exams. Students can complete the below form to report missed lectures if

“Missed content will be reviewed by each school as to whether it will come up in exams. Students can complete a form to report missed lectures if they feel like as if their academic performance has been affected” due to life expectancy and the current poorer, unstable economic climate.

they feel as if their academic performance has been affected by the strike.

It is important to remember that as before, each department and course will be affected differently by the strike. After the strikes, lecturers will be keeping to their contracted hours and, in other words, will not make up for missed timetabled hours. The University has asked that members of staff make up for missed content, however

This will enable your department to make adjustments. This applies to coursework over the strike period and to exams throughout and at the end of the year. https://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_the-important-stuff/industrial-action-2019.aspx

News

International Experience Conference Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

FEBRUARY 2020

BBC Radio 4’s ‘The 3rd Degree’ at Minghella Studios Adam Snook | Part 3 History and International Relations The Minghella Studios on campus came alive with quiz action as BBC Radio 4 rolled into Reading, hosting a recording of The 3rd Degree, a show that sets a team of three students against three professors, all from the University. Comedian Steve Punt presents the show and asks the questions, maintaining a chirpy commentary full of jokes and witticisms, while doing his best to help the teams locate answers hidden in the depths of their brains. Round 1 tested the team’s general knowledge with a diverse set of questions ranging from weightlifting and crabs to WD40 and Czechoslovakian revolutions.

Sara Mattar

As International part-time officer I had an opportunity to attend a conference run by UKCISA in London.

ference was that students are isolated, anxious, have language barriers and are lonely when coming to the UK.

This event had only one representative from each university across the UK where I had the privilege to represent University of Reading.

This problem has been faced in many universities where many unions provide international events and great support for non-UK students. This could be supported by academic staff and colleagues.

This event was run to mainly discuss the challenges that are faced by the Internationals in the United Kingdom where there were many topics introduced such as mental health and graduate job. One of the main issues faced in mental health that was found in this con-

Several answers were more straightforward than the wording of the question might suggest.

The Minghella Studios on campus came alive with quiz action as BBC Radio 4 rolled into Reading Specialist knowledge was required for rounds 2 (language and linguistics), 4 (law) and 6 (film), with one student and professor answering questions drawn from their field of study. Professor Jane Setter displayed impressive understanding of language and linguistics, treating the audience to a brief lecture on ‘dark L’s’ and the intricacies of the international phonetic alphabet. Round 3 saw time pressure as the teams listed as many answers in a given category as they could think of in 30 seconds, while round 5 featured the shows signature ‘highbrow/lowbrow round.

Described as being a choice between Shakespeare or Love Island, the contestants can pick to answer on traditional cultural topics such as painting and opera, or modern pop culture such as films or social media. The show concluded with a quickfire round, with teams having to buzz or bell to answer. An enjoyable mix of facts and fun, The 3rd Degree manages to inform and entertain, the student vs professor competition bringing a unique dynamic. Tune in to BBC Radio 4 in the coming months to find out if youth or experience triumphed!

I would encourage students to take part whether it is part-time officer or in this conference. If any of you do have any questions about any of these or would like to hear more, please do email me. Pozzitive Television Ltd

An update from RAG Cait Pilkington | Challenges Officer After a successful first term with our triumphant RAG Bingo back in November, RAG is hoping to build on this success and continue with two big events to raise money for our two charities; Mind and New Beginnings – a homelessness charity in Reading.

have to be a member of a sports team or society to offer up something to be bid on.

Coming up on Tuesday 25th February we will be hosting our infamous Student Auction, providing opportunities for any nominees for the RUSU elections, and any sports teams or societies to offer up anything ranging from a training session, to a three-course meal for the winning bidder.

Later on, in May, we will be holding a Sleep-Out on the University campus.

It’s a great opportunity to raise money and raise your profile, and you don’t

You can contact us on our Instagram, Facebook or email (rag@reading. ac.uk) if you would like to participate.

With homelessness being one of the top issues the committee this year were concerned with, and with one of our charities being a café for homeless people, we thought there would be no better way to raise money and awareness than through this activity.

Our 2020 Naked Calendars are still on sale, so head online to the RUSU website to order yours to pick up from Student Activities. One calendar is £12, or you can buy two for £20. Finally, we spent the National Student Volunteering Week supporting many other groups and their activities to help celebrate the invaluable efforts and benefits that come from student volunteering. If you would like to join RAG, you can get a free membership from the RUSU website. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all our events and goings-on.

Reading RAG

News

FEBRUARY 2020

GIVE IT A GO WEEK Taz Usher| Print Editor From Monday, January 20 to Sunday, January 26 societies across the university hosted taster sessions for students considering taking up a new hobby or sport. The Give it a Go sessions included key skills workshops, student media showcases and coffee mornings which gave prospective members a taste of what to expect post-signing up.

LIT AND LANG SHOW

Kia Mackenzie| Print News Designer

On Wednesday 29th Jan, I hosted a careers event as School Rep for Lit, Lang and Linguistics called the Lit and Lang show, where we had speakers from journalism, travel writing and video editing. Many students struggle with understanding career opportunities after University, especially within this department and how to avoid the stereotypical jobs associated with it Funded by the Alumni Supporter Awards, catering was provided along with freebies including personalised notebooks, pens and stickers. With a great turnout and some amazing speakers all the hard work paid off.

Kia Mackenzie

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX STEP DOWN FROM DUTIES IN BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY  Jo Hawkins | English Literature

After months of hinting at struggling to adapt to life in the spotlight, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on Wednesday January, 8th that they will be taking a step back from their royal duties.

royal duties.

The couple will split their time between the UK and Canada in order to live a more private life and focus more on the matters that mean the most to them.

However, the couple have faced great backlash over the shock effect their announcement has had; it was thought they gave royal aides no more than a ten-minute warning before issuing their announcement to step down on social media.

Over the past few weeks alleged details as to the nature of the big move have circled in the media. Many have shown support for Meghan after the actress best known for her role as Rachel Zane in Suits was forced to give up her career for

She has openly admitted to struggling to adapt to the English culture whilst being under such an intense spotlight. The Duchess has further suffered continual racist abuse in the media.

The Queen issued an initial statement announcing that she was “disappointed” at the lack of forewarning the royal family had and a meeting within the week was dubbed an emergency “Sandringham summit”.

Royal courtiers were demanded to find solutions with great haste and key royal family members gathered.

Cottage, no more public funds for royal duties and the couple will drop their royal and HRH titles.

However, the Queen spoke positively after the summit of how “pleased” she was “that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family”.

Keen royalists are likely to be disappointed in Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down, whilst others are likely to support Harry’s long-term desire to escape media attention.

She emphasised that “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family”. The Queen has agreed to a “period of transition” and details of the change have emerged. The agreement included a promise to repay £2.4million of taxpayer’s money for the refurbishment of Frogmore

Their determination to become financially independent is admirable and will surely sway those who dislike the taxpayer’s funding of the royal family. After many months and recent daily attention in the media, Canada will hopefully provide the young family with the privacy they have wanted for so long.

THE LABOUR LEADERSHIP CONTEST Kathryn Parker | Part 2 Law The search for Jeremy Corbyn’s replacement is well underway and with the 4th of April fast approaching the Unions are picking their candidates. Following the worst electoral defeat since 1935, who Labour party members pick is hugely important for the future of the party and arguably will show whether they have listened to what their traditional voting base said at the ballot box back in December.

Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay

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FEBRUARY 2020

THE CLIMATE CRISIS What is it and how can I join the fight against it? Zachary Reeve | Part 3 English Literature as it stands not enough is being done and even the plans in place that have not taken effect yet are not sufficient.

The two biggest annual emitters of CO2 are first China, and second the United States, which has become particularly significant since it was announced on June 1, 2017, that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris agreement.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Alexander Droeger/Pixabay THE CLIMATE CRISIS The devastating Australian wildfires have turned the attention of people across the world to the issue of climate change, with David Attenborough stating in a recent BBC interview that “The moment of crisis has come”.

WHAT CAUSES CHANGE?

CLIMATE

Climate change, scientists believe, is caused by a build-up of greenhouse gases that prevent heat from escaping the atmosphere, called the greenhouse effect. The gas that contributes most to the warming of the planet is water vapour, with some estimates stating that it contributes to up to 70% of the greenhouse effect. Interestingly, however, experts consider carbon dioxide (CO2) to be the most influential greenhouse gas involved in warming the planet to dangerous levels, even if it is less damaging than water vapour.

This is because, unlike water vapour, CO2 is produced in significant quantities by human activities, meaning that it is the gas that humans have the most control over increasing and limiting. There is also the added factor that its

own contribution to the greenhouse effect causes there to be more water vapour in the atmosphere, which, in turn, warms the planet further. In short, human activity is contributing to global warming primarily through the production of CO2.

WHERE WE ARE Since pre-industrial times, the planet has warmed about 1°C, with scientists generally agreeing that limiting global warming to an average increase of 1.5°C maximum is imperative to prevent catastrophe. However, at the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions the planet is projected to warm by over 4°C by the end of the century.

The Paris Agreement, an accord agreed to by every nation, pledged to keep global temperatures below 2.0°C, whilst striving to limit them to 1.5°C. However, the policies that have been enacted since the agreement are projected to limit global warming to 3°C, well above the 1.5° ‘danger line’. This figure only improves to between 2.5°C and 2.8°C when current pledges that have not been enacted yet are taken into account, which shows that

The biggest cuts to carbon emissions will come from structural changes, such as big businesses adopting green initiatives or environmentally driven policies being enacted in government. However, everyone has a carbon footprint that is contributing to climate change and reducing this is one way that you can help the planet.

Travel accounts for “almost a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions”, according to the EU. Opting to use public transport over traveling in a car where possible is a good way to cut carbon emissions. However, avoiding flying wherever possible is increasingly being emphasised. For example, a return flight from London to Rome, which is a trip that can be made by train, produces 234kg of CO2 per person.

Roughly a quarter of carbon emissions come from the production of food, with a recent report suggesting that people should cut their intake of meat and dairy by a fifth. However, some environmental advocates see this as too soft of a target. Health expert Marco Springmann recently told the Guardian that a vegan diet is one of the best ways to significantly reduce your overall carbon footprint, as it reduces your food related carbon emissions by up to three quarters.

Rumours of a World War 3? The facts. Madelyn Morgan | Digital News Editor Around the world WW3 became the trending topic across social media and the news in reaction to the US airstrikes that Killed Qassem Soleimani one of the countries most celebrated military strategists on Friday January 3rd2020. Iran has vowed to “turn day into night” after Donald Trump’s open mockery. Many are concerned at the possibility that this could trigger a world war three as well as the UK becoming involved. Many would have seen the trending World War III had been used more than 201,000 times by 1pm, according to Yahoo statistics. The day following the attack at one point, the term “Franz Ferdinand” was also trending. The airstrike took place near Baghdad airport, as ordered by President Donald Trump. The Pentagon has stated is was “aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans”. tensions between the US and Iran have been growing since 2018 when Donald Trump announced the US would be withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal. General Soleimani was influential in Iran’s influence in the Middle East as the leader for military operation in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. However, the US has labelled him and his force as terrorists, making them

responsible for the deaths of hundreds

“General Soleimani was influential in Iran’s influence in the Middle East ” of US personnel. Soleimani’s death provoked huge upset and anger in Iran. Iranian officials have warned the killing of General Soleimani amounts to an act of war that will be met with strong retaliation. Iran’s retaliation was attacking air bases which were housing US forces. Iraqi parliament voted for US troop to leave however; political chaos could mean the departure could take some time for formal requests. In relation to the UK it is unlikely Iran will seek to act against them. There is no danger of nuclear action either as such Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme as it has been insisted, they did not want a nuclear bomb. It has been speculated that the strike against General Soleimani suggests an increasing confidence by Trump in the use of military power.

Image by Pete Linforth/Pixabay. Please note: This is a computer generated image and not a reflection of true events.

News

FEBRUARY 2020

Amrit Kaur

THE FLYING DRONE: HERE’S HOW TO USE YOURS WITHIN THE LAW

Amrit Kaur | Part 1 English Language

If you haven’t heard of a Drone, you’re living under a rock. Ironically, that’s where most of them end up! Since the invention of the camera in the 1800s, technology has advanced quite rapidly; the thought of a flying camera would have been like the thought of a flying car in today’s day and age. The Drone was used earlier on, during the 1800s, for military purposes, when the Australian soldiers attacked Venice. It was later launched publicly in February 2002. It has become a trend for Photography in the media industry with influencers

from YouTube, various films and generally, the technological advancements has allowed the use of the Drone to become apparent today. Drones have been both a thrill

“It must always be under your control within sight of 500m” and a weapon, it can take some incredible views that the people could not capture, but has unfortunately invaded privacy of others and private land to where the law is reinforced.

There are certain restrictions to where you can fly this newly, developing piece of technology. It must always be under your control within sight of 500m and flying it near an airport or by any other air craft is not permitted. It’s definitely forbidden flying it over congested areas such as streets, towns and cities. If you own a drone that weighs between 250kg and 20kg, you need to ensure that it has been registered as the legal owner. The reason why the law was enforced on the Drone was because of disruption in November 2018 when Drone’s were being flown over the UK’s busiest airport in Gatwick.

“ the owner of the Drone MUST register their details with the Civil Aviation Authority or will face a £1000 fine” They were flying over the runway where the aeroplanes were trying to take off. This caused a lot of inconvenience to the people and delayed around 1000 flights. Due to this, the owner of the Drone MUST register their details with the Civil Aviation Authority or will face a £1000 fine. The Drone operator must be over 18, and pay a £9 annual fee.

The yearly fee isn’t worth getting a fine, so if you own a Drone and wish to use it, I’d look up how to get registered. To where technology is growing exponentially, Drone’s may be used as Taxi services in the near future from the decision of a Chinese company called ‘EHANG’ in Dubai. This automated vehicle is a 2 seat, flying vehicle which lifts and lands just like a helicopter.

News

FEBRUARY 2020

AUSTRALIA ON FIRE: THE DAMAGE AND RESPONSE

Madelyn Morgan | Digital News Editor Australia is currently ablaze with the worst wildfires the country has seen in decades. The fires have been fuelled by months of drought with at least 25 people killed as well as the huge ecological consequence the fires have had on rare and endangered species. Many scientists believe there is a correlation between the fires and climate change. According to the Bureau of Meteorology in Victoria, because the fires are so big, they are generating their own weather in the form of giant thunderstorms, thus starting more fires. Information as of January 14th estimate over 46 million acres have been destroyed, the University of Sydney professor Chris Dickman has revised the estimate of animals killed in the bushfires to be more than 800 million, with a national impact on more than one billion animals. “Biodiversity has been going down over the last several decades and its known Australia has the highest rate of extinction for mammals, its events like this that may well hasten the extinction process” Air quality has dropped to hazardous levels and the cost of dealing with the fires is exceeding 4 billion AUD, tourism has reduced by roughly one billion AUD. The fires could be seen from New Zea-

HONG KONG: THE CREATION OF YELLOW ECONOMIC CIRCLE

Joseph Chan/Unsplash

skeeze/pixabay

land and smoke has also spread into their skies as well as spread south through the Pacific Ocean into Chile and Argentina. NASA had estimated 306 million tonnes of c02 have been emitted. Chris Dickman has stated; “what we are seeing is the effects of climate change… we’re probably seeing what climate change may look like for other parts of the world in the first stages in Australia”. The landscape around Australia and New Zealand have been widely affected, predominantly seen on social media as people compare images of the country before and after the destruction. The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), who have been hit worst by the seasons enormous bushfires have now announced an independent 6-month inquiry into the ongoing bushfires. Climate change will be considered, not as a direct cause but contribution to drier and hotter conditions which start and maintain Australia’s fires. Australia is one of the highest emitters of carbon pollution per-capita, due to its heavy reliance on coal fuelled power. The inquiry will begin with examining how state authorities prepared and response to the unpresented crises. At present, there are still dozens of fires still not under control and 2,400

Colette Chan | Int. Development Other than the violence during protests has been escalated, protesters have also been seeking different forms of protest to support the movement. Due to the ongoing protests, a lot business especially the restaurants, have been affected greatly. Local protesters have come up the creation of “yellow economic circle”, at which they would only support the “yellow” (pro-democracy) businesses; whereas, the pro-government and pro-China businesses are boycotted or vandalised. The belief of fighting for democracy and supporting the alliances drives the local protesters to show support in a hard time for Hong Kongers. Apps and posters are designed to promote the yellow economic circle and avoid the consumption in “blue” (pro-government) businesses. Yellow businesses are recognised with their acts of support during the protests, for instance donating money to the non-profit groups that provide financial aid to Hong Kong protesters, providing protesters necessities, advertising their products in relate to support Hong Kong. These businesses are greatly “punished” by the pro-democracy supporters. Mostly, you can see a phenomenon where there would be a large group of people queuing for the

yellow restaurants. In contrast, “blue” businesses are boycotted by the pro-democracy supporters, which barely there would be anyone visiting the “blue” shops. The most significant “blue” business is the Hong Kong Maxim’s Caterers Limited, a well-known food beverage and restaurant chain.

“ It is difficult to have a clear boundary for polarisation between the ‘yellow’ and ‘blue’ businesses ” Annie Wu, the daughter of Maxim’s founder, has been criticising the anti-ELAB movement and the protesters; during the protests, she even put pressure to the staff and students of the school she founded - Penalties will be given if they show support to protests. Consequently, the shops under Maxims such as its franchised Starbucks were being boycotted and vandalised. However, it is said to be difficult to reshape Hong Kong’s economic landscape.

“The economic pillars of Hong Kong – finance, logistics and real estate – are controlled by one or a few companies, which mean it’s largely impossible for consumers to rock the boat” said Andrew Yuen Chi-lok of the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s business school (Source: HKFP). Yellow retailers try to ease the reliance on goods from mainland China, while the majorities of the commodities supplies are from China. It is difficult to have a clear boundary for polarisation between the “yellow” and “blue” businesses. Moreover, a lot of corporations in Hong Kong has extensive business exposure in China. This draws a question to whether the yellow economic circle is immoral, when consumers do not have a definite for distinguishing yellow or blue businesses. Civil rights activism always involves economic reconstruction; It is challenging the feudalism society. Hong Kong protesters remain positive towards strengthening the yellow economic circle as a form of fighting for democracy. In the next issue, a story of frontline protester will be covered. A confession of an arrested frontline protester – if there is another chance, would he choose to protest differently?

FEBRUARY 2020

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FEBRUARY 2020

Lifestyle

THE TRUE MEANING AND EVOLUTION OF V Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science

Valentine’s day happens every year on the 14th of February. It is a long-standing tradition within the Western world and more recently adopted by many other countries, including Japan and Israel. Despite Valentine’s popularity, in some countries, it is frowned upon or even banned to celebrate. Valentine’s day happens every year on the 14th of February. It is a long-standing tradition within the Western world and more recently adopted by many other countries, including Japan and Israel. Despite Valentine’s popularity, in some countries, it is frowned upon or even banned to celebrate. So, why do we celebrate it? Some people believe that Valentine’s day has Christian origins. Historically, there were three different saints with the name Valentine or Valentinus reported. Legend has it that the Valentine

“Historically, there were three different saints with the name Valentine or Valentinus reported.” in question originates back from the Roman era; when Emperor Claus II decided that single men made better soldiers than those who were married. He banned all future marriages! St Valentine defied and continued to marry young lovers in secret. Upon this discovery, Claus killed him. How romantic. Other stories involving St Valentine depict that Valentine was imprisoned and was in love with his captor’s daughter, who he wrote to; before being discovered and killed. The other theory is that during Roman times, St Valentine helped Christian people escape from imprisonment. The nature of these stories is very murky, some involving romance and others involving heroism. Seemingly making it unclear why we celebrate Valentine’s Day the way that we do.

Valentine’s Day may not even be a Christian celebration. It just so happens that the day coincides with the Pagan celebration of Lupercalia; a fertility festival dedicated to the god Fanus. To appease the god every year a goat was sacrificed. This gift was to ensure fertility for the coming year. However, the pagans didn’t stop there; they also sacrificed a dog, believing that it would bring purity. Later in the day, single women would have their names pulled from an urn to be married off to eligible bachelors, in a similar manner to the choosing for hunger games. Just much less violent (towards the humans involved anyway). February 14th is also supposedly the first day of bird mating season. This could be the reason that Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day of love! Valentine’s Day was first officially declared in the 5th Century, but it wasn’t until much later that the day was associated with love. Following the 17th century, Val-

“Valentine’s Day was first officially declared in the 5th Century, but it wasn’t until much later that the day was associated with love.”

entines started to shape up into a similar celebration to how we see it today. Fast forward to 2020 and we associate Valentine’s day with red roses, heart-shaped chocolates and

cards. An estimated 145 million cards worldwide are sent every year. But it doesn’t stop there. People often go on extravagant dates and buy each other gifts. A day dedicated to romance often leaves those that are single feeling left out and very lonely. At this time of year, there is increasing pressure to find yourself a romantic partner. But what if you

“An estimated 145 million cards worldwide are sent every year.”

are fresh into a new relationship? Should you be obliged to splash out? What if you are casually seeing someone? An age-old celebration in a modern world leaves a lot of questions. Valentine’s Day has become increasingly commercialised each year. Shops sell themed gifts at an inflated price earlier and earlier each year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see heart-shaped chocolates and red roses next Christmas! Has Valentine’s Day gone too far? Despite the commercial aspects, Valentine’s Day is a festival de-

signed to bring people together. Love comes in all forms, whether that be between family members, partners, friends or something more complicated. Oh, and not to forget the love for our pets! Love cannot be quantified through means of commercial products or one day of affection. But society often suggests that the amount of money we spend on our loved ones reflects how much we love them, in an attempt to boost shops profits. To be quite honest, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on Valentine’s gifts. It’s the thought that counts! I for one will be spending Val-

Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 2020

VALENTINE’S DAY

Things to Look Forward to in the Spring Eloise Thorne | Part 1 English Literature and Theatre Studies

“Various activities, sights and projects accompany the turn of Spring, with changing weather and fresh mindsets making it a pivotal point of the year.” Various activities, sights and projects accompany the turn of Spring, with changing weather and fresh mindsets making it a pivotal point of the year. Spring has significance to many people, whether that be because of religious connotations or simply a chance to take a walk without having to wrap up in thousands of layers. The Spring Equinox is crucial to the season, celebrating the revived life of the Earth that accompanies Spring. For Pagans this is vital to celebrate, and they utilise various avenues to do so. There are particular rituals, such as a man and woman being chosen to take on the roles of Spring God and Goddess, planting seeds symbolically to accompany their courtship. So, whether it is the more consecrated celebrations one looks forward to in Spring, or simply the release of a new music album, there are many treats in store for everyone.

entine’s day alone. But that doesn’t matter to me. I know I am surrounded by people that I adore, and they care about me just as equally. I don’t buy into

“I know I am surrounded by people that I adore, and they care about me just as equally.” the commercial aspect of Valentine’s Day, but I do appreciate the sentimentality that it can

have. And I greatly appreciate the range of reduced chocolates the day after! It is much more important to show people you love them regularly rather than making a rare grand gesture. Love is not exclusive between significant others either. Love is everywhere. Bankrupting yourself for one day is unnecessary when the real gifts that people will treasure are kindness, good memories and you! It is lovely to take time to show your affection, but it can, and should be shown on other days of the year.

There are annual events that are thoroughly enjoyed every year, as well as happenings unique to individual years. St David’s Day is relished by thousands, with the celebration of all things Welsh constituting in parades including daffodils, herds of red dragons and flags of St David himself. This is closely followed by St Patrick’s Day wherein Ireland is celebrated in all its glory, with the national Saint of Ireland also being celebrated.

“As with every year, the benefits of Spring are broad[...]”

Alongside these commemorations of Saints, the religious element of Spring is also important. For Christians, the resurrection of Christ during Easter is as important and the widely celebrated festive period of Christmas. On the other hand, Muslims celebrate Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam and just ahead of the festival of Eid- Al- Fitr. The month of fasting in 2020 falls in Spring as Islamic dates are based on the moon. These religious festivals provide much excitement for their followers, and are just another two of the multitude of reasons people enjoy Spring so much.

As with every year, the benefits of Spring are broad, stretching from the

Spring holds promise and pleasure for all, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion or age.

Furthermore, every year the season brings differing opportunities, with 2020 being no different. For example, in 2020, ‘The Killers’ are releasing their new album, ‘Imploding the Mirage’, and half of ‘Circa Waves’s album, “Sad Happy” is being released in March of 2020.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

afore mentioned release of new music, to festivals suited to everybody’s taste, whether that be, ‘Camden Rocks’, debuting the best indie rock across various venues in Camden, or the more serene and composed atmosphere of the, ‘Salisbury International Arts Festival’, with comedy, music and storytelling being at the forefront of the lineup.

Internationals at Reading

The best thing I like about living in Reading is that there is diversity in culture where there are different nationalities across the globe. Day by day you get to learn new cultures and hear different languages where there is a diverse selection of things to do What do you not like about Reading?

VEGANUARY? A SUCCESS! Georgina Hutchinson | Part 2 Agricultural Business Management Successfully completing Veganuary is probably not expected from an agricultural student, however, it was an exciting opportunity to explore the diet now adopted by 600,000 people in the UK. Overall veganism encouraged me to eat more veg, yet I felt guilty consuming dairy alternatives that had clocked up over 7,000 food miles to reach my local supermarket, raising questions over my carbon footprint. M&S’s Plant Kitchen triumphed in the vegan ready meals available, yet Honest Burger’s Plant-based burger, left my tastebuds dissatisfied with its sterile flavour. Veganuary may encourage others to eat a more plant-based diet, but for me, it has just supported my view that British and seasonal food produced in a sustainable way is the way I would rather eat.

FEELING CHEESY? Olivia Mill | Secretary and socials

Photo by Olivia Mill

Pasta and cheese, what more could you want from one meal? This Easy Homemade recipe of mac’n’cheese uses 5 easy ingredients and can be done in 20 minutes. Cook your macaroni pasta in boiling water on the hob Make a cheese sauce while your pasta is cooking by melting your margarine in a saucepan and mix in some plain flour, then stir in the milk and sour cream until smooth. Once smooth add the cheese and wait for it to melt

Sara Mattar | Head of Photography What do you like about living in Reading?

The fact that internationals do not integrate that much with British students What could be done better? having more events for internationals where there would also be lessons taught about different cultures including food and language as there is not a variety

When the cheese is melted the sauce is ready Drain the pasta and pour the cheese over the pasta in an oven proof dish Grate some cheese on top and put it in the oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese You’re done!

Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 2020

SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP Women in the business world THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

Last term Henley Business School hosted a talk about the changing role of women in business where there were four top entrepreneur women panellists talking about what it is like today.

Eden Eddolls | Part 2 History and English Literature

During the panel discussion it was suggested that when working for our first job, sometimes it’s good not to have all the information before entering a job because if you know all the challenges then it would not let you work in that company by enjoying it. Sometimes having no other option and entering a job that is not expected would give you the least expected. When applying for an interview: 1. Be prepared 2. Be professional and down to earth 3. Have energy and passion about the job 4. Have a selling point above anyone else 5. Make sure that is the right place to work at when reaching your final interview 6. Be relaxed to enjoy the interview Every company looks for a spark in a graduate when working in their company and that would be: personality (enthusiasm and motivation); some-

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

It is only really within the past two years that climate change has had the spotlight it deserves, with influential figures such as Greta Thunberg being at the forefront of the fight as well as campaigns around the UK and Europe from Extinction Rebellion. However, it is hard to ignore the scorching events of climate change (no pun intended), particularly with the latest tragedies of the Australian bushfires. Although you might not think that your actions have an effect on the current state of the climate change crisis, by making small, more sustainable and environmentally friendly changes it could make a world of difference. Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the Earth four times!!! So with that in mind here are just a few ideas of some of the simple ways you can help to fight against climate change. 1. Say no to straws- Metal straws are a great alternative for the hundreds of plastic ones we’ve all used,

and wasted at pre drinks at Spoons. 2. Eat less meat- You don’t have to go from 0 to 100 and go vegan, but by having a more ‘plant positive’ diet and doing something as simple as ‘Meat-Free Monday’ it could save thousands of animals each year. 3. Reusable water bottle- with so many cute colours and designs there’s really no excuse not to have one. 4. Fibre filter wash bag- Fibre filter bags filter out the tiniest microfibres released from the fabric during the washing process, helping to prevent microfibres from entering our oceans. 5. Reusable makeup remover padsThese are a perfect replacement for the disposable cotton pads to remove your daily makeup and reduce your waste. They’re especially great for students who no longer want to have to buy large packs of cotton pads every two weeks.

one who is quite clear about what they can bring to the company and what they get from the company; authenticity; brave; courageous; showing that they can diverse from others; someone who has a mindset and that they are wiling to learn more; creative thinking. The top tips that were given when working was: 1. Don’t underestimate how much you can do at work 2. Get to know your colleagues and managers 3. Do a lot as the voice of new generations are being heard more than in the past Many challenges that the panellists experienced were: are we at the right place at the right time, a lot of the language is around winning and losing, how can I change myself to be in an environment like the one I am in, how to navigate around the environment, reaching out to peers, trying to adapt, knowing that you are the right fit for the job and using your job position very well. When applying for a job do make sure you are prepared for the job and the interview. Ask yourself is it the job that will make me happy?

My culture isn’t your costume Photo by Rishab Rajput

6. Reusable shopping bags or recycling old plastic bags from shops- This is an easy and cheap swap to save millions of plastic bags each year 7. Fast fashion is bad!- Recycle old clothes, boycott fast fashion brands, shop in charity shops, look into environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion brands such as ‘TALA’. 8. Green your commute- Take public transport, lift share with friends and think about whether or not you really need that Uber for a 5 minute car journey down the road, yes we’ve all done it. 9. Hang dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer- By doing this simple swap you’ll be saving money on bills whilst also saving the environment. It’s a win-win situation. 10. Unplug your devices- Save on bills and prevent phantom electricity from being consumed.

Rishab Rajput | BSc Psychology Placement Year Culture and fashion…a synonymous pair. Working together to express thoughts and feelings. Not only is culture deep-rooted in upbringing and sense of self but wearing clothes of another culture without knowledge or understanding minimizes centuries of history and heritage to a facade. A convenient mask to fulfil a Gen Z’s constant commitment to clout. If you want to appreciate another culture, you’ve completed research,

you’ve spoken to individuals from said culture and made an informed decision. Choosing to wear pieces from another culture with no knowledge transforms history to myths. As ethnic minorities, the clothes on our back became a major part of our self-identity, minorities have been oppressed for millennia and fashion became something that we could control. So, while we invite celebration of other cultures, there are ways to appreciate and exchange rather than appropriate and claim.

Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 2020

WHAT IS IT TO STAY CALM, COOL AND COLLECTED?

EXPLORE LIVIGNO! DISCOVER THE BEST SKI RESORT IN ITALY Kiran Sian | Part 2 English Literature and German

Photo by  Kiran Sian

Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

Mountains of Livigno

Having spent three skiing holidays in Livigno, Italy, I cannot recommend this place enough to fellow skiers and snowboarders. It’s a lovely resort right across the border of east Switzerland in northern Italy. With two mountains separated just by a two-minute bus ride free of charge, there are plenty of slopes to get a thrill out of! It’s definitely the place to be around Christmas time as it is guaranteed to have enough snow with it being 1800 metres above sea level. Come with friends or family, you’ll have a great time either way.

If you’re a non-skier, don’t worry! There are a lot of things to do in the valley between the mountains. From shops to cafes and restaurants, you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. And let us not forget the beauty of joining the party at après-skiing! Just follow the music to the closest bar and you’ll meet all kinds of people there. So, planning your next winter trip already? Why not give Livigno a go? There’s ample amount of things to get up to with both friends and family.

VALENTINE’S GIFTS BY ASDA PHOTO Photo by Sara Mattar

Holly Fournier | Part 3 English Language and Applied Linguistics Photo by Holly Fournier

“Today, many people are dealing with stress and they do not know how to stay calm with all the studies around.” Today, many people are dealing with stress and they do not know how to stay calm with all the studies around. A stress response is a high activation in the body and brain where there is no adrenaline, negative emotions, panic and anger. There are three main ingredients to deal with stress which are: confidence (to deeply trust oneself); hedonia happiness (thing that give us pleasure by accomplishing or achieving things); eudaimonia (happiness that comes from making a difference).

“Dealing with stress is very important because when we pass through with negative experiences it sticks in our brain like glue [...]”

Dealing with stress is very important because when we pass through with negative experiences it sticks in our brain like glue where we are often overly sensitive to what we perceive to be threats. This leads to us overestimating the scale of the problem where we need to be more vigilant to be calmer when we focus on the negative. Six steps to help us deal with stress during our studies are: (1) prioritise the work you need to do; (2) do the most important thing you need to do first; (3) be focused when you work where it goes with 90-minutes working without any disturbance then 15 minutes of a break then repeating (90-15-90-15-90); (4) turn off notifications and keep your phone away;

(5) stop multitasking, stay focused on one thing at a time and eliminate all distractions; (6) make waves (focus 100% then disengage). Asda Photo’s Personalised Blanket (gifted)

“Stress can cause a lot of things whether it is with our health or relationships in our lives.” Stress can cause a lot of things whether it is with our health or relationships in our lives. This cause us not to be able to enjoy life where it is believed that it is better to stay calm. By doing so, it has been suggested that we could do activities such as mindfulness, being out in nature and exercising.

This Valentine’s day I surprised loved ones in my family with a personalised gift that lasts a lifetime. Valentine’s day is all about love, but it doesn’t have to be romantic- I love to celebrate it with my family too! Asda Photo offer a stunning range of Valentine’s day gifting options, which are perfect if you want to treat your loved ones at an affordable price. From small treats like a personalised card (£1.80) or a mug (£8.00), to a snuggly photo blanket for the sofa (from £28.00), Asda Photo has it all. I chose to treat my mum and sister this Valentine’s day to a beautiful photo blanket (gifted) which I got

to design myself, and the process was super fun! This gift idea went down a treat. You’re able to choose from any colour you like, and you can choose from a variety of different photo layout designs to suit how many photos you would like to include on the blanket. I thought a blanket was the perfect keepsake to give for multiple family members because everyone can enjoy it. Personalised gifts are the way to go on Valentine’s day because they make that gift extra special and thoughtful. If you’re interested in any of Asda Photo’s personalised gifts, or you simply want to treat yourself, head over to https://www.asda-photo. co.uk/

Lifestyle

MAINTAINING YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Daisy Hanson | Digital Sports Editor

FEBRUARY 2020

FINDING A WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT UNIVERSITY Taz Usher | Print Editor

Photo by Isaac Smith on Unsplash

Make bettering yourself a priority. If you want to improve your life you need to plan for it. Set aside a time in your planer or with an alarm to complete your resolution. You could even make other supporting changes to inspire yourself to keep up the work and help create your ideal lifestyle.

CHEAP AND FLAWLESS CONCEALER

Olivia Mill | Secretary and socials

Photo by Olivia Mill

Need a cheap and easy fix for skin blemishes, dark circles or spots? My all-time favorite concealer, which is also a bargain (currently £4.19 in Boots) is Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer. I use this everyday and it is an absolute life saver. I use it to cover my dark circles and brighten my eyes as well as covering up any angry spots which appear overnight.

SWAPPING SWEETS FOR FRUIT Raagulan Umashanker | Digital Entertainment Editor

Photo by Jo Sonn on Unsplash

Trying to stop eating sweets, chocolates and biscuits. Replace them with fruits so that you can replace that unhealthy sweetness from the confectioneries with healthy natural fruity sweetness. Try it!

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

Going to university has many exciting aspects to it; moving away from home, making new friends and taking up new hobbies and interests. However, whilst enjoying the fun parts of university is important for your happiness and wellbeing, it is necessary to remember the reason you came to university in the first place; to get a degree! Succeeding at university does not require nonstop revision or essay writing, and nor should it! Instead,

“Succeeding at university does not require nonstop revision or essay writing, and nor should it!” the key to doing well at university is finding a work-life balance which allows you to have fun AND put the necessary effort into your degree. For some, achieving a work-life balance may require a little more thought

than others, particularly for students who lead busy lifestyles including society membership and part-time jobs. Therefore, it’s important to create a routine which is suitable for you, rather than trying to compare yourself to others. The below step-by-step guide shows one approach you can take to achieving a work-life balance: Step 1 Think about your typical week. List all your commitments including study hours, extracurricular activities, parttime work shifts and things you enjoy doing with friends. Step 2 Categorise your commitments in a table under the following headings: Studies, Employment, Fitness, Fun. Some commitments may overlap- in this case place them under the heading that they relate most to. Step 3 Next to each commitment note how many hours you typically spend per week doing the activity. Then add up the hours in each category and put this number next to the heading.

Going to university has many exciting aspects to it; moving away from home, making new friends and taking up new hobbies and interests. Step 4 Now that you have a rough idea of which commitments you tend to give most attention to, try working out which you need to give more time to each week, and which you could afford to give a less to. Step 5 Using a wall calendar, create an ideal week plan which incorporates your work-play balance goals. Add study

“Top tip- consider what times your brain works best at.”

hours first (including weekly lecture times and contact hours advised by your course) and then work your other commitments around it. Top tip- consider what times your brain works best at. There’s no point saying you’ll do six hours of revision every Saturday and Sunday if you know you won’t stick to it. Step 6 Use a brightly coloured pen to tick off your commitments as you do them each day. After the first week of following your plan, review what has and hasn’t worked and use this to shape the next week’s routine. Keep doing this until you find an approach which works for you.

FEBRUARY 2020

Dressing green: why you should consider shopping secondhand. Zoe Rasmussen | Part 2 English Literature

Lifestyle

My cooking revelation: turning meal making into a hobby. Eden James | Part 2 History

Photo by Kevin McCutcheon on Unsplash Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash

A guide to secondhand shopping exploring the online and in-person options for dressing sustainably. Fast-fashion is a big contributor to the climate crisis, meaning that more sustainable alternatives are desperately needed. Buying clothing from sustainabilility-orientated brands is often quite an investment so buying secondhand is a great way to go.

“Buying second hand items can often make your outfits more interesting and unique” Buying secondhand and vintage clothing may seem strange or uninteresting at first, but it is a great way to make your shopping habits easier on the environment whilst often saving money. Buying second hand items can often make your outfits more interesting and unique, it also reduces the chance of anybody else wearing the same thing as you. There are a handful of ways you can shop for secondhand clothing, online and inperson. Perhaps the most notable of all secondhand online marketplaces is Depop, an app that is set out like Instagram on which you can buy and sell items easily and efficiently. On

Depop you can find pretty much anything you want, from vintage oneoff pieces to brand-new items that are still available in the original shops, just for a few pounds less than the original price. Charity shops are the uncut gems of our high streets, relying on donations of clothing, music, books etc. While it can take time and patience finding things that you like among the rails of donated and unwanted clothes, charity shops have a great range of different styles and sizes which makes them great places to look around. Another upside is that charity shops are often priced very low, and the money you do spend goes towards charitable causes. Kilo sales are events that travel the country selling heaps of vintage clothing for around £15 per kilogram. Mainly advertised on Facebook, these events have a great variety of items for great value. Entry is usually a few pounds and totally worth it for the huge amounts of clothing once you get in. Just be sure to arrive early, it gets busy! These are just a few ways to get your hands on some new clothes while saving the planet and a few extra pennies.

“I’ll admit in my first year I didn’t do very much cooking at all, it was so much easier to quickly put something in the oven or heat up something from a jar.” I’ll admit in my first year I didn’t do very much cooking at all, it was so much easier to quickly put something in the oven or heat up something from a jar. They were never exciting meals and probably not very nutritious so going into second year I decided to change this and learn to

“[...] I’ll warn you now the taste of charcoal black chicken is not good.” cook. I looked for recipes of how I could make my favourite meals at home, one useful thing was that most recipes gave difficulty ratings, for now I just stick with ones that are marked as easy but depending on your skill level you could try something a bit more adventurous. Trying out the recipes I had more success with some than others but learnt a lot as I went along, some of the easier recipes to make were goulash, chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce and quesadillas. I also tried a chicken katsu curry and other than struggling to get the lid off

the blender the sauce turned out well however the chicken not so much. Just because you fry something on a high temperature doesn’t mean it will cook faster it just means the outside will cook a lot faster than the inside. So, when I fried my breaded chicken on the highest setting the outside burnt while I waited for the inside to cook, I’ll warn you now the taste of charcoal black chicken is not good. Though this was a bit of a disaster I know for next time to put it on a lower setting and I feel this is important to remember when learning to cook. If something doesn’t go right the first time at least you know what you need to do next time. Something I have also found is that as

“If something doesn’t go right the first time at least you know what you need to do next time.” I become more confident with a recipe, I can experiment and add different things like spin-

ach to easily get more vegetables into my diet. Though it can take longer than putting a frozen pizza in the oven, I’ve found it to be worth it. Also, most meals I’ve tried are freezable so I can create one big batch, split it into portions and freeze it for a quick, nutritious, home-made meal later in the week. Not only does it taste better it’s also good for your

“Also, most meals I’ve tried are freezable so I can create one big batch and freeze it for a quick, nutritious, home-made meal” bank account, a quick search of ‘budget friendly meals’ on google and you get hundreds of results of tasty, easy to cook meals. For me cooking has become a hobby and I enjoy the challenge and seeing how it improves as I get more confident with meals, it’s also great for a way to relax between studying. No one can argue a shop bought meal is better than something homemade.

Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 2020 Photo by Sabita Burke

IS YOUR ATTITUDE TO STUDYING HARMING YOU? Sabita Burke | Sub Editor

Welcome to the February edition of Sabby Studies, your go-to column for study tips, motivation advice and all things uni work-related. Last month, I told you about some of my favourite study YouTubers, or StudyTubers, who help motivate me to crack on with the work I have to do on those days when I just really don’t want to get out of bed. Personally, I find watching other students getting their productive on truly inspiring and it often gives me the little push of motivation that I need. While these videos, from ‘study with mes’ to revision tips, can be helpful to the point of inspiring you to become a better person, I am also aware of the dangerous student culture of comparing oneself to others.

When I started uni, I met a tonne of the brightest and most high-achieving people I’ve ever known and discovered StudyTubers at the same time. Although I don’t think I’d have made it without the inspiring dedication of these people, there have been times when I’ve taken their advice a little too far. It’s easy to look at people who have got all A*s at A Level, or our friends who reap in frequent Firsts in uni, and want to follow their example. But before you dedicate yourself to copiously imitating every action your classmate does in the hope of boosting your grades, take a step back and

consider whether that particular technique will be right for you. For instance, I’ve spent the past

“take a step back and consider whether that particular technique will be right for you.” two years trying to write essays by completing the introduction and conclusion last, simply because this is what my most talented friends do. I realised eventually that when I wrote these sections first, it helped me focus the rest of my writing on a clearer idea of what my argument was. Likewise, just because getting up to revise at 5:00 a.m.

works for Unjaded Jade, doesn’t mean it will benefit you. Everyone’s bodies and minds work differently from the next person, and that’s totally okay. And, if you’re still not sure what styles of learning or techniques work best for you, take a quick study break to take the VARK test. VARK stands for ‘visual, auditory, read-write, and kinaesthetic’, and doing this short online quiz was a crucial stepping stone for me to help discover what kind of learner I am. Turns out, I’m an auditory leaner – I retain new information best when I’m speaking to myself or others out loud. Since I took the test back in first year, I’ve been able to tailor my revision to the ways I know I work best. Rote-learning my exam material by writing it out a dozen times

doesn’t cut it for me. When I teach it to my classmates or even talk it through in my bedroom, I remember so much more come the exam. But, of course, it might be completely the opposite for you!

“we don’t have to be the exact same as everyone else.” The bottom line is that in studying, we don’t have to be the exact same as everyone else. In fact, sometimes it may even work in your favour not to be. What’s right for one person isn’t necessarily right for you, and taking the time to try new learning methods until you find your perfect study style is the only way you’ll really improve your studies.

Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 2020

Valentine’s Day Places to spend a date Skincare Prep in Reading. Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

Carmen Dupre | Part 2 English Literature with Creative Writing

Photo by Holly Fournier

“Getting ready for a Valentine’s day date is like a fun nightmare.”

Getting ready for a Valentine’s day date is like a fun nightmare. There’s picking a cute outfit, doing your makeup and making your skin look the best it can be. Some products that I’ve been trying recently are perfect for getting ready for Valentine’s day. In the shower, I’ve been loving the ‘Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil’ (gifted) which costs only £10.85 (RRP £14.50) - an amazing price for 1000ml worth of product. It makes my skin feel so silky smooth which is perfect for if you’re wearing a dress or skirt and your legs are on show. When I get out of the shower, I love to pair this with the ‘Vaseline Intensive Care’ cocoa butter lotion because the hydration lasts such a long time and the scent is indulging. I can still smell the lotion after applying it hours later! This product costs around £4.00 in most health and beauty stores or supermarkets, but I’ve seen it in Savers before for £2.00 so it’s certainly worth shopping around for this product. Before doing my makeup, I love to use a face mask and I’ve found that the ‘Bioderma Hydrabio Masque Moisturising Mask’ (gifted) has done me wonders. Costing £15.50, you can certainly get at least 10 uses out of this product, and unlike cheaper face masks, this one leaves your skin hydrated for much longer making it the perfect base for makeup. I leave it on for around 10 minutes and remove it with a wet face cloth.

Next, I use the ‘Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel’ (gifted) (£15.00) because I find it helps lift my undereye circles and as a third-year university student, this product is a lifesaver for saving my dark undereye bags! Then before I apply foundation, I use the ‘Kandi Cosmetics Glow Mist’ which normally costs £20.00 but I received it in a Glossy Box that I bought once (definitely try out Glossy Box for one month if you’re looking to treat yourself to 5 full-size beauty products for under £10 with student discount) and I absolutely love it. It has tiny little pieces of glitter inside which make your face super glowy but they are so small you can’t see the glitter on your face. Pair this with a dewy foundation and you’re all good to go! Links to products: - ‘Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil’: https://www.feelunique.com/p/ BIODERMA-Atoderm-Shower-Oi1L - ‘Vaseline Intensive Care’: https:// www.savers.co.uk/Skin-Care/BodyCare/Body-Moisturisers/VaselineIntensive-Care-Cocoa-RadiantBody-Lotion-400ml/p/320702

Photo by Wiktor Karkocha on Unsplash

While Valentine’s day has been and gone, there’s never a bad time to take out someone special. To help keep your dating lives active, here’s some ideas for what you could get up to. 1. An Escape Room There are currently around three or four companies in Reading offering Escape Game experiences, and these are perfect for a date as, if you’re thinking on your feet, it’ll be easier to avoid any initial awkward moments. Escape Rooms are also suitable for double or group dates. If you’re hoping for a chance to get a little closer, Escape Reading’s The Vampire Slayers has a sixteen plus ‘scarier version’ complete with jump scares to get your hearts pounding. 2. RedKangaroo Trampoline Park

- ‘Bioderma Hydrabio Masque Moisturising Mask’: https://www. feelunique.com/p/BIODERMAHydrabio-Masque-MoisturisingMask-75ml

Not just trampolines; a session at this leisure centre includes activities such as a slide, dodgeball court and tons more. Another fun option that breaks the ice and can apply to a group date.

- ‘Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel’: https://www.feelunique.com/p/ BIODERMA-Sensibio-Eye-ContourGel-15ml

3. Explore one of Reading’s museums.

-‘Kandi Cosmetics Glow Mist’: http s : / / k an d i c o s m e t i c s . c o. u k / products/glow-mist

These are perfect for colder weather. A top choice is the River and Rowing Museum. Located on the Thames itself, this museum date can easily turn into a day out if things go well no

matter the weather, whether it be a walk along the river for a picnic or a stop for a meal in the museum café. While not quite as local as you may like, it’s easily accessed via train if you’re unable to drive.

“These are perfect for colder weather. A top choice is the River and Rowing Museum. ” Other options include Reading Museum of English Rural Life, which has free admission, as well as the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, which holds a huge mix of exhibits to keep you occupied. These won’t appeal to everyone, but if exploring museums is your thing, doing it together is an excellent date idea. 4. Food! A destination desired by even the poorest of students, Café Yolk offers a nicer atmosphere than your typical greasy spoon and great food to boot. If your date isn’t impressed by a cosy brunch at Café Yolk, howev-

er, it may be worth reviewing your options and trying something neither of you have tried before. Bhel Puri House offers Indian Street food with a popular vegetarian menu. For a more hand’s on experience you could even try barbecuing your own meat at The Soju, a delicious Korean barbecue restaurant. Customers are encouraged to share their dishes, and there’s potential for fun even if no romance blossoms. 5. Reading Climbing Centre The climbing centre offers several classes and pathways, so no matter your ability you’re sure to have fun. Even if one or both of you are complete beginners, the instructors

“no matter your ability you’re sure to have fun.” are friendly and will show you that climbing is a fantastic hobby to take up. At the end of your session you could even make the decision to sign up for further climbs together, which could be exactly what a longer-term relationship needs.

FEBRUARY 2020

Notice Board

FEBRUARY 2020

QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monday, February 24th 6pm-9pm: Full-Time Officer Candidates Question Time: Ask the candidates questions about their aims and ideas for the roles and get a clearer idea of who you’d like to vote for.

Monday, February 24th to Saturday, February 29th @ 7.45pm: The Haunting of Hill House @ Reading Progress Theatre. Relive the American gothic horror story and question the existence of the supernatural.

Tuesday, February 25th to Friday, February 28th: Vote for your 2020/21 team of representatives. Visit rusu.co.uk/ elections to cast your votes.

Thursday, February 27th @ 10pm: ABBA Discowonderland Q Club, Reading.

> > >

Don’t forget that the Rugby Six Nations are taking place over February and March! Catch the matches in Mojos and Park Bar!

Room booking- self-service: To sign your society up to the new room booking system email Molli Cleaver at president@ rusu.co.uk Indoor packed lunch facility: Save some pennies and bring a packed lunch to uni with the new facilities provided across campus. See the map on the previous page for more details.

Ticket resale- Bought a ticket to a RUSU event which you can no longer attend? Resell your ticket safely and responsibly at http://rusu.twickets.live/.

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Don’t miss the 2020 Snooker Grand Prix taking place in Cheltenham from the 3rd-9th of February.

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Friday, February 28th 7pm-9pm: RUSU Results Party. Come along and find out who next year’s officers are at the Results Party in 3Sixty.

Campus packed lunch facilities

RUSU Elections

FEBRUARY 2020

RUSU ELECTIONS TI You can attend! TOP MANIFESTO TIPS

• Talk to your friends, flatmates and people on your course. Listen to the issues that they experience and use these to help shape your manifesto points.

Come along to Monterey Lounge to hear this year’s candidates talk about their aims and ideas for the roles.

• Make sure your points are clear- will people know what you are trying to get across? • Look at previous officer manifestos and manifestos from other students’ unions for inspiration

Full campaigning starts @ 6pm

Part-time Officer Question Time @ 10am-2pm

Tuesday 25th February

Online campaigning starts @ 2pm

Monday 24th February

Friday 21st February

• Think about how you will communicate your points- are these changes that students want to see on campus?

Full-time Officer Question Time @ 6pm-9pm

VOTING OPENS @ 7am

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT QUESTION TIME/ TOP TIPS

• Students will be able to submit questions during the event that they want the candidates to answer.

Vote online at www.rusu.co.uk/elections

• This will be the first time students are hearing from candidates in person – they will give a one-minute speech about why you should vote for them so is the best place to work out where your vote will go. • Already know who you’re voting for? Then come down and support the candidate! This can be daunting for them so a friendly face in the room cheering them on will go a long way. • Are you part of an underrepresented group on campus? There is Part Time Officer question time too that is filmed so you’ll get the chance to understand their motivations as well. • Are you a candidate taking part? Remember: practice answering questions, know your role well, and think about what might come up during the event. Above anything else, don’t panic; everyone will be here cheering you on and supporting you!

5 REASONS TO TAKE PART IN •

This is your Students’ Union – if you w officers could potentially make that ch

•

Each candidate will have a different m read all of them and make an informe

•

The Students’ Union is a multi-million have a say in where this money is sp spent so who you vote for can open u

•

If you are a member of a minority gro sure you check out the Part Time Offi represented in the most effective way

•

Make sure you check out the officer c so that you can make an informed de Students’ Union to be.

FEBRUARY 2020

IMELINE OF EVENTS

5 SKILLS TO BE GAINED FROM AN OFFICER ROLE

Friday 28th February

Bring your friends along to 3Sixty in RUSU to be the first to hear the results of the election.

Results Party @ 7pm- 9pm

N THE STUDENT VOTE/TIPS FOR VOTING

want something to change on campus, your elected hange.

manifesto with different priorities. Make sure you ed decision about who you’re voting for.

•

Public speaking and script writing skills.

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Organisation: as an officer you will be involved in a number of different projects around the University and the Students’ Union.

•

Thriving under pressure: there are plenty of deadlines throughout the year. As you begin your term in office you will also be expected to carry on the previous officer’s work.

•

Working as a team: you are a part of a team of 5 officers. You will learn so much about each other, including learning skills, interests, how to cheer each other up and how to wind each other up, but most importantly you’ll learn how to work as a team.

•

Leadership: some of the officer roles work with a range of people, the welfare office overseas the JCRs, the Education officer overseas Course and School reps, and the diversity officer overseas the part-time officers.

Monday 2nd March

You can attend!

VOTING CLOSES @ 3pm

RUSU Elections

Publication of results @ 12pm

Post-election candidate drop-in @ 1pm-5pm

Congratulate your new team of student representatives!

5 TIPS FOR CAMPAIGNING • It’s not about how many people you know now, it’s about who you get to know during campaigning! Don’t be put off if you don’t have a massive social reach at the moment, just get out and speak to people • Make sure you speak to students outside of your usual circles of people (who are likely to vote for you anyway!). Go out and speak to people who you would never usually meet. • Despite our best efforts, some students won’t be aware of the elections- make sure they understand what RUSU is, what the elections are, and how people can vote, before you explain why they should vote for you.

n pound organisation and the officers elected will pent; who you vote for will effect where the money is up different opportunities for you as a student.

• Plan ahead- do your research and decide how you’re going to spend your time and your budget beforehand, so that as soon as the voting period starts you can focus on campaigning.

oup, such as BAME, LGB+, Trans or disabled, make fficer manifestos and vote so that you are being y at the SU.

• Don’t forget the rest of your life! Campaigning takes up a lot of your time, but make sure you give some time to your Uni work and to yourself.

campaign videos and watch them at question time, ecision about who you want the leaders of your

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

Entertainment THREE WITCHES. CAULDRONS. MURDER. TERRY PRATCHETT’S WYRD SISTERS. Adam Snook | Part 3 History and International Relations

Blood stained hands, a ghostly king, and conspiring nobility. Sound familiar? Wyrd Sisters leans heavily on Shakespeare plays such as Macbeth and King Lear, blending classic story elements with the comedic mayhem of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld setting. The tale of Lancre’s disputed line of succession unfolds on stage as witticisms and insights are fired at you with the speed and consistency of a Gatling gun, ensuring plenty of action and laughter. The scenes and settings move swiftly between Lancre Castle, dungeons, the town, surrounding villages and the witches’ cottage. All are brought to life with inventive, versatile set design and a number of special effects that showcase the magic of theatre alongside that of the witches. The headliners of the play are the witches, the indomitable, elderly Granny Weatherwax (Melanie Sherwood) and Nanny Ogg (Liz Carroll), alongside their younger companion Magrat Garlick (Yvonne Newton.) The trio safeguard Lancre by confronting challenges with a mixture of headstrong compassion and their own form of magic, which they affectionately call ‘headology’. It relies on the principle that what people believe is what is real, rather than casting spells. Melanie Sherwood and Liz Carroll reprise their roles as Weatherwax and Ogg, as they also played the witches in Progress Theatre’s previous Discworld production of Maskerade. The pair bring such confidence and authenticity to the characters, creating a lasting impression in the imagination of how a witch should be performed.

A number of University of Reading Alumni and staff appear in the production, continuing a rewarding tradition of connection between the University and Progress Theatre. Iesa Kahn (playing multiple characters) and Yvonne Newton (playing Magrat) are alumni of the Department of Film, Theatre and Television and Yvonne now works in the University’s Content Team. Adam Lines (playing Vittoler and others) works in the University’s Global Recruitment and Admissions Team. Joseph Morbey (playing Hwel and others) is alumni of Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies, and was active with the Reading University Drama Society. Overall, Progress Theatre brings Pratchett’s creations to life with vivid hilarity in a production that does justice to its venerated source material without losing accessibility for viewers unfamiliar with Discworld. The theatre is self-governing, self-funding and situated only 5 minutes’ walk from the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus. With 96 seats the theatre feels intimate but not small or cramped, and as the majority of productions sell out, a good audience atmosphere is guaranteed. A fully-licensed

Photo taken by Aidan Moran

“Wyrd Sisters leans heavily on Shakespeare plays such as Macbeth and King Lear, blending classic story elements with the comedic mayhem The cast offer strong support to the of Terry Pratchett’s titular characters, from the brief Discworld setting.” appearance of the melodramatic, riddling Demon WxrtHltl-jwlpklz (George Prove) to numerous amusing, profound moments provided by the tinkling, capering Fool (Dean Stephenson) who is positioned well in the tradition of theatrical fools that have more depth to their jokes and understanding than it might at first appear.

bar sells drinks and snacks at very reasonable prices. With its proximity to the university and the high standard of performances presented, Progress Theatre should be on the radar of any student interested in the theatre or a good evening’s entertainment.

Stephen Briggs’ adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters, performed at Reading’s Progress Theatre.

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

EXLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH 2020 OSCAR WYRD SISTERS’ DIRECTOR: NOMINATIONS FAIL AT DIVERSITY ONCE AGAIN CHRIS MORAN Adam Snook | Part 3 History and International Relations

Q: How did you get involved with theatre and what has been a particular highlight? A: I saw a play when I was very young and knew what I wanted to do with my life, so I went to university and drama school then started working as a playwright. I now have a theatre company that performs at fringe festivals and I’ve been at Progress since 1991, directing for 21 years. My highlights are working with fantasy themes, bringing a new world to life on stage. Wyrd Sisters is my fourth Pratchett production, after Going Postal in 2010, The Fifth Elephant in 2013 and Maskerade two years ago, where I fell in love with the witches and wanted to tell another story with them. Q: What is it about Pratchett’s books that makes them so effective on stage? A: There’s lots of scope to be creative, particularly when crafting the main location for the setting. For Maskerade it was an opera house, for Wyrd Sisters it’s a castle, which facilitates transitions into other scenes such as a forest or streets. The broad scope of Discworld provides a useful canvas to draw your own ideas on, but also has details that fans of Pratchett will expect to see.

Q: What opportunities are there for University of Reading students to get involved with Progress Theatre? A: We definitely welcome students, auditions are open to everyone and membership fees are only paid if you are cast in a role. University students have often appeared in plays, four of the cast for Wyrd Sisters have links to the university. There are also opportunities to work with sound and lighting or backstage. We’ve also offered work experience or helped students with research projects. Q: How does theatre offer a unique experience in a modern entertainment market full of films, TV and video games? A: The theatre is a more immediate, intimate space where you share the room with the actors. Often, entertainment now is not single focus, people are watching TV while browsing on Facebook, their attention is diverted, especially when you can now stop, pause or binge watch shows whenever you want. Theatre makes a unique connection, where you have to turn up at a specific time and have an immediate response to what’s happening. Theatre is for everyone, especially Pratchett, it’s not highbrow so can be enjoyed by all.

Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies

“The announcement of the 92nd Academy Awards show they are making no progress in inclusivity...” The Academy Awards are seen as the most prestigious awards ceremony in regard to critical acclaim, and the nominations this year are as divisive as ever. Following on from the ‘Oscars so white’ campaign from 2018, the diversity amongst nominees is pretty poor, despite excellent performances and direction alike. However, for the first time a foreign film has been nominated for Best Picture; Parasite by Bong Joon Ho, making huge strides in the inclusion of foreign language films in award ceremonies and celebrating their excellence. Still, the film doesn’t get any recognition for acting performances, despite being a very character driven piece – is Hollywood reluctant to nominate more unheard actors over big names? Another big miss is in the director category, with Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, which is as masterful as it is from inspirational and unique directorial style. Other female directors such as Lulu Wang, Lorene Scafaria and Marielle Heller were not included, leaving the category all male. Little Women did receive six other nominations, including costume design, score, and actresses in leading and supporting roles. The recent release of Uncut Gems was not nominated at all, although being very critically praised, particularly Adam Sandler’s performance. In addition, only one out of ten leading actor roles are nonwhite, with incredible performances by Lupita Nyong’o and Jennifer Lopez going unrecognised.

Interestingly, comic book film Joker got an impressive 11 nominations including best picture, costume design, and lead actor – despite mixed reviews upon release. In addition, despite an intense fan campaign, Avengers: Endgame only received one nomination, for visual effects, alongside The Irishman, 1917, The Lion King, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood also got a significant sweep of 10 nominations, including best picture, lead and supporting actor, and director. Knives Out, the original film by Rian Johnson received only an original screenplay nomination, despite immense critical acclaim. In the animated feature category, only 2 out of the 5 belong to Disney/Pixar as well, leading the way for smaller and more independent production companies, moving away from the huge Disney domination which has lasted. Overall, whilst not every choice made will satisfy every film lover, the innate lack of inclusivity and diversity within the Oscars – and Hollywood – are unacceptable on all levels, especially given the talent displayed by those which were not nominated. And although there are multitudes of international and independent awards, the prestigious nature of the academy means it sets an example to others, and this example is not good enough anymore.

UNCUT GEMS: A REVIEW OF THE SAFDIE BROTHERS’ NEW THRILLER STARRING ADAM SANDLER. Ryan Harnell | Part 2 International Development

Photo by IMDB

Adam Sandler delivers a truly magnetic performance as greasy gambler Howard Ratner in the Safdie Brothers’ latest adrenalineflick, Uncut Gems. Its claustrophobic all the way through to the final shot; safe to say that this film isn’t for the faint hearted, as it makes for some stressful viewing. That said, if you’re a sucker for slow-burning thrillers with big twists and turns – not to mention tragically flawed protagonists and increasingly mounting stakes - then this panic-infused piece of cinema is exactly what you’re looking for.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood: A review of the new Mr. Rogers film starring Tom Hanks. Ryan Harnell | Part 2 International Development

Photo taken by Aidan Moran

Photo by IMDB

Based on the Esquire article ‘Can you say hero?’ by Tom Junod, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood is subtly breathtaking family drama. It boasts remarkably nuanced performances from its leads - Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers and Matthew Rhys as Lloyd Vogel - whilst delivering a contemplative and timely two hours of cinema that should be required viewing for everyone in the world right now. If you leave your seat not the slightest bit moved or tearful or inspired, I would have doubts that we were watching the same film.

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

OBSCURE ALBUM OF Halsey’s “Manic.” THE MONTH: THE SIMS (ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK) Zoe Rasmussen | Part 2 English Literature

Josh Coombes | Part 3 Philosophy & English Literature Photo by Aidan Cullen/aidancullen.us

Halsey’s third studio album ‘Manic’ distinguishes itself from her previous albums ‘Badlands’ and ‘Hopeless Fountain Kingdom’ with a greater sonic versatility and lyric-driven approach. In her first two albums, Halsey used a conceptual approach to her music: ‘Badlands’ was based on a dystopian reality and ‘Hopeless Fountain Kingdom’ drew inspiration from Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. In a sense, ‘Manic’ is another concept album, but this time the concept is Halsey herself.

Photo by: The Sims 4/EA Games

“We’re in the Twenties, and boy howdy, isn’t that just swell?” We’re in the Twenties, and boy howdy, isn’t that just swell? And while we’re celebrating the dawn of a new era, let’s also take time to mark another notable occasion. On the 11th February twenty years ago, The Sims was released in Europe, paving the way for countless mental breakdowns as philosophers and laypeople alike began to wonder whether we were, in fact, the ones who were part of some great simulation. But why am I talking about The Sims, other than the fact that it’s one of the most influential video games of the century? Well, it’s time again for me to shine a light upon an underrated album, and there’s no better opportunity to laud the excellent soundtrack of the first game in the franchise than its twentieth anni-

versary. Video game soundtracks are still, shockingly, treated as if they aren’t “proper” music. I remember listening to Classic FM years ago and being gobsmacked to hear a song from Skyrim being played— gobsmacked partially because I was nerding out hard, but also because it’s just not the done thing. Treating video game music as equal to film soundtracks? Utter anarchy!

“Video game soundtracks are still, shockingly, treated as if they aren’t “proper” music.” Rant over. Let’s look at The Sims (Original Soundtrack). It’s a smorgasbord of genres towards the end, but I find myself listening to the first half of the album far more than the second—the first half tends towards what Polygon calls “quasi-improvi-

sational new age solo jazz piano,” which almost sums it up. But it misses a vital element: we know what it is, but what essence does it capture? Perhaps the answer to that would be “suburban Americana.”

“[...] we know what it is, but what essence does it capture?”

I have often heard it said that the first entry in the Sims series, more than any of the others, gives off an otherworldly quality to it. One YouTube commentator suggested that it is as if the ‘50s, ‘80s, and the year 2000 merged. It’s like a sitcom, bedecked with plastic flamingos and white picket fences—a sitcom that lets you drown people by removing pool ladders. Go listen.

The first track ‘Ashley’, which is Halsey’s real name, begins with a familiar sound and sets the tone for the rest of the album with the lyric “I told you I’d spill my guts”. The tracks ‘Forever … (is a long time)’ and ‘Still Learning’ delve into Halsey’s self-confessed difficulties with relationships and love, something she has previously detailed on her song ‘Bad at Love’ from her second album. She also plays around with genre a lot on this album with rock, hip-hop and country music all making appearances, notably in the tracks ‘3am’, ‘You should be sad’ and ‘Finally // beautiful stranger’. It is through the presence of all these different genres within one album that listeners can really admire the versatility of Halsey’s voice, but also her songwriting which really stands out on ‘Manic’. While ‘Manic’ features the amazingly successful single ‘Without Me’

it seems as though making radio-friendly singles was not a priority in the making of this album as many of the songs are noticeably short. However, many of the tracks flow from one another with such ease that you may not even realise you’re listening to a different track until the vocals come in, the cohesiveness of this album makes it difficult to not listen to the entire thing on every listen. The title ‘Manic’ certainly feels like a perfect fit with the influence of different genres but also with the headspace Halsey presents through her lyrics. In ‘3am’ she describes a difficulty being alone with her own thoughts, and in ‘Forever … (is a long time)’ Halsey documents a growing sense of paranoia within a relationship. In the last three tracks it seems Halsey is desperate to broach personal subjects such as reproductive issues, fame, and family with heartbreaking honesty. The final track ‘929’ comes across as an attempt to leave nothing left unsaid and along with ‘More’ is one of the most personal tracks on the album. ‘Manic’ displays a newfound maturity in Halsey’s sound and songwriting ability while establishing her versatility within different styles. Despite the slightly underwhelming length of many of the tracks, this album surpasses expectations in regards to its emotionality.

Alternative Valentine’s Playlist

1 2 3 4 5

Is It Real - Bombay Bicycle Club Happy (Acoustic) - Oh Wonder Shampoo Bottles - Peach Pit Everything Has Changed - Best Coast Fifties - Blah Blah Blah

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

1917: THE LATEST WW1 EPIC FEBRUARY

FAVOURITES

Jack Hawes | Part 2 Politics & International Relations

Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash

February isn’t great. Christmas is behind us, the weathers foul and deadlines make their unwelcome comeback. It sucks. Photo by: IMDB/Universal Pictures/Dreamworks Pictures.

Two hours, two soldiers, one take. Sam Mendes’ new First World War epic is an unrelenting gut-punch that keeps you on edge from the first moment you land in the trenches. Remarkably, Mendes was able to present the film as if it had been filmed in one take. It’s fair to say that camera wizard Roger Deakins deserves a hell of a lot of praise for managing to make the shot transitions appear

so seamless. Crucially, this highlights the brutality and the coldness of WW1 and its inescapable touchon everyone’s lives. Praise has to be given to the leading actors, George MacKay and DeanCharles Chapman, as for a majority of the run time, the film solely focuses on the pair of them. Despite this pressure, these warm characters are found to be both engaging and relatable every moment they are on screen. Watching them boldly embark on a

journey across no man’s land with a message to call off an attack is both thrilling and intense, as it will inevitably end in slaughter. Along the way, they encounter danger after danger, leaving the on-screen actors and us as an audience on the edge of our seats. The heightened and life-threatening nature of this film equally leaves you hanging on every word, emotion and moment. Undoubtedly, a must-see epic for your 2020 movie bucket lists.

However, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Things will get better but until then, here are a few heart-warming favourites that may be a good method of escape from the second month blues. James Acaster: Perfect Sound, Whatever Not only a brilliant comedian, but a fantastic author too. James Acaster not only creates a list of incredible albums, but also details the hard times he went through and how music helped. It’s an always needed reminder that things do get better.

Morgan Neville: Won’t You Be My Neighbour A 2018 documentary that detail the life of Fred Rogers, a children’s TV presenter whose sole goal in life was to spread joy. To him every person is special and deserves to be cared for and loved. Like a hug, the film gives you a warm fuzzy feeling filled with love. Brian Fallon: You Have Stolen My Heart The year started with the former Gaslight Anthem lead singer releasing, what only can be described as, an absolute lovely tune. A tale of love that is enhanced by Brian being on his best form, both lyrically and vocally, that lifts the spirits whenever that may be needed.

Sex Education is Back: And it’s Better and Dirtier than ever. Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Starting the New Year off with a bang (mind the pun) season two of Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’ hit our small screens on the 17th of January – and it’s even dirtier, cringe worthy, and heart-warming than the first. On the surface, it’s a school comedy about the hilarity of puberty. Set in a strange American-looking high school, it manages to create a deeply emotive story about struggling teenagers who are deprived of understanding and awareness. Most of all, they are just desperate for the inclusion and acknowledgment that they deserve. The characters we know and love from season one are back: Asa Butterfield’s protagonist Otis continues being the same awkward – virginal - pining boy as before, with a little more romantic tension coming his

way than previously. He sets off the show with a very revealing montage – acting at its finest. Eric and Maeve return with the same individualism and ferocity, as well as the personal struggles of class and sexuality that continue to trouble them both. Their performances are still so well-rounded and full of life that we can’t help but continue to fall in love with them both. Several new cast members join the ensemble, with disability representation pushing forward with the inclusion of wheelchair-user Isaac portrayed by George Robinson - who unlike Kevin McHale from ‘Glee’ is actually in a chair! Topics of mental health issues, trauma and asexuality are all addressed and handled with care, furthering the show’s careful and inclusive representation of our generation, and the tribulations which come along with it

“On the surface, it’s a school comedy about the hilarity of puberty. Set in a strange Americanlooking high school, it manages to create a deeply emotive story about struggling teenagers who are deprived of understanding and awareness...” within our current climate. Laugh out loud moments occur throughout: with awkward sexual encounters to phallic school musicals, this is not just entertaining and joyous, but relatable and educational. Plus, Gillian Anderson is back and wearing more pantsuits than ever, what more could you want?

Photo by: IMDB/Netflix

Entertainment

FEBRURARY 2020 30

FEBRUARY 2020

MOVI

“Is Little Women as relevant today as it was 150 years ago? ” Photo by: IMDB/Allstar/Columbia Productions

LITTLE WOMEN: DIRECTED BY GRETA GERWIG Kiran Sian | Part 2 English Literature and German

A domestic story about the lives of four sisters and their mother in 19th century America and the drama that ensues at different points in their lives. Why should this set-up interest anyone in this day and age?

The movie follows the lives of four sisters and their mother in Massachusetts over the course of 7 years. Jo March (Saoirse Ronan), the second of the four sisters, is the centre of the narrative. In flashbacks, you get to understand her different relationships with Meg, Beth and Amy March, and her lively interactions with Laurie. Through the lens of Jo and her sisters, we see the struggles of a poor family attempting to find meaning in their own lives, all the while being cooped up in their modest house while their father is stationed as a soldier. Love, family and gender roles are front and centre, and relatable to this day.

As someone who has both recently and comparatively read Louisa May Alcott’s book and excited to see a movie adaptation, this was the perfect one for me. You forget that it takes place in the 1860s, as the themes running throughout are still relevant today.

The most fascinating aspect to this new version was the reimagination of Amy March, the youngest sibling. Many do view her as the bratty, ignorant and cold sister, but Florence Pugh’s portrayal shows Amy’s softer and vulnerable side. Jo is without question the sister

The well-known American novel, Little Women, has been adapted into a film seven times. What makes Greta Gerwig’s take so special?

“Through the lens of Jo and her sisters, we see the struggles of a poor family attempting to find meaning in their own lives, all the while being cooped up in their modest house while their father is stationed as a soldier. Love, family and gender roles are front and centre, and relatable to this day.”

most fans of the book route for in the whole story because she is rebellious, wild and free – very unlike how women were viewed then. Another interesting take on the novel is the timeline jumping back and forth in time. In this case, you understand why the girls make certain choices and why they behave the way they do. From a more technical perspective, the scenery, lighting and costumes were out of this world. You wanted to be invited to the debutant ball, you wanted to dance with Lau-

rie or Amy. These certainly add to the enjoyment of the movie. Overall, I highly recommend this movie adaptation of this classic novel because aside from the allto familiar faces, the performances onscreen are extraordinary. It’s modern, colourful, fresh and fast-paced. You get to explore each sister’s own story arc, and this is thanks to Greta Gerwig’s new take on the story. If you’re looking for a different interpretation on 19th century literature, this movie is most definitely the one to watch.

Photo by: IMDB/Allstar/Columbia Productions

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

E OVERVIEW

I LOST MY BODY: JÉRÉMY CLAPIN

WEATHERING WITH YOU: MAKOTO SHINKAI Carmen Dupre | Part 2 English Literature

Photo by: IMDB/Netflix/ Rexo Films/Xilam Animation

Josh Deane | Part 2 English Literature and Film

I Lost My Body, or J’ai perdu mon corps in French, is an dramatic fantasy animation following a tale of love and mysticism. I Lost My Body is a relatively new film that I’ve found on Netflix, and one that’s been marinating in the ‘My List’ section of my account since it came out. I Lost My Body follows the epic journey of a severed hand throughout the nooks and crannies of Paris in search of its owner - (it sounds weird, I know, but give it a chance) - all the while telling the story of this young man’s life leading up to how he lost it. The film holds its cards close to its chest in this regard, and that really hooks you in. You want to know how this happened, but the film is going to make you go through every aspect of its story before it tells you. The tale isn’t necessarily anything we haven’t seen before, but it has enough heart to keep you interested. The story of Naoufel, and his emergence into an increasingly turbulent adulthood, is treated with a tenderness that gives the film real warmth. Although saying that, it can at times seem overly sentimental. Where this film really excels however, is the epic journey of the hand

throughout the tremendous Paris streets, where it perfectly utilises the art of animation. I don’t want to give anything away, as the film is best enjoyed knowing as little about the specifics as possible, but the adventures of this lone severed hand are at times thrilling, sometimes affectionate, and at all times wondrously inventive. The Paris streets pose a great threat to Naoufel’s hand, and what would be looked over by Naoufel in the past (a rat or an escalator) is given a new significance and danger. While the two stories are separate, there is a sense of familiarity in the hand’s exploration of Paris. The hand is still a part of Naoufel: everything is treated with sentimentality as it travels through familiar places. We see the hand scurry past a toy car which becomes the story of Naoufel the delivery boy. A piano being played reminds the hand of pressing the keys itself, and so on. The two stories rely on each other for gravity; while they complement each other, the hand’s story is however the most interesting one by far. At times during the other story, I would’ve rather it just go back to its adventures through the streets of Paris, instead of focusing on the slightly cliché love story. I would definitely urge you to give

Photo by IMDB/ Makoto Shinkai/ CoMix Wave Films Story Inc./Toho.

this movie a try if you are looking for something different. I Lost My Body is a great example of the freedom of storytelling that animation allows. It has an art style that - while not overly bold - finds its poignancy in simplicity, and has a beautiful musical backdrop perfect for the hand’s mystical Parisian journey. You would be hard-pressed not to find something to like about this movie.

A new film from the imagination of writer and director Makoto Shinkai finally hit UK cinemas in January. Initially released to Japanese audiences in the summer of 2019, the film has already received worldwide critical acclaim and has been nominated for several awards.

Looking to broaden your Netflix horizons this year?

Some may recognise Shinkai’s name as the mind behind ‘Your Name’, a gorgeously animated film released back in 2016 following a boy and girl who swap bodies.

Expressive art? Check. A mesmerising score? Check. A wonderfully creative premise that ties it all together? Definitely.

Weathering With You is equally stunning in ways that nod to Your Name, only this time the focuses on the details of life in Tokyo. This then contrasts with the film’s fixation on a boy and a girl who can make the sun shine when it rains and who make a business out of it to survive. The animation team’s ability to turn something as simple as the weather into a mesmerizing piece of pure craftsmanship makes this a film to try and catch on the big screen while you can.

Shinkai has discussed his desire to represent young people in his films, and cleverly finds ways to combine elements of the supernatural with the social difficulties and realities of young adults and teenagers in Japan; from real loss to the struggle to stay alive and employed. The variety of characters ensures everyone will find someone to adore or identify with, from Hina and her many sacrifices to Nagi, an adorable six year old.

You don’t really need to be a diehard anime fan to love this film. Yes, there are moments for Your Name fans to appreciate, like nods to the film’s main characters - but there are moments for newcomers too. For a start, the soundtrack provided by RADWIMPS is almost impossible not to appreciate. Plot-wise, you’ll think you know where it’s headed and still find yourself blindsided and thrown off your own emotional balance. Importantly, like any great film, everyone will have their own moral struggle on whether they would have made the same decisions as the characters.

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

YOUR FEBRUA Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor

Aries (21/03 – 19/4)

Taurus (20/4 – 20/5)

Gemini (21/5 – 20/6)

Virgo (23/8 – 22/9)

Libra (23/9 – 22/10)

Scorpio (23/10– 21/11)

The full moon on 09/02 signals a climactic event in your love life and creative endeavours. you’re being called to express yourself. with this next moon phase, you should focus on what your body needs.

With the full moon comes a psychic breakthrough. the energy is electric, but it’s important to take time for yourself. avoid overbooking yourself. the moon enters your sign next, shining a light on matters of the heart.

The full moon calls your attention to home. you are focused on your own form of evolution; breaking from emotional patterns established long ago. the next lunar transit creates a romantic atmosphere.

The moon paints a dramatic social life this month. it’s a very powerful time to express yourself. a climax takes place in a relationship or passionate project. next month, you’re reminded to get some rest.

The moon draws attention to matters of communication this month. a conversation that has been building for a while finally takes place; information is revealed. with the next moon phase, you are focused on your private life.

The fiery full moon clashes with your watery disposition, bring a climax in your career. next month, a social earth moon finds you connecting with and having surprise meetings.

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020

ARY HOROSCOPE Cancer (21/6 – 22/7)

Leo (23/7 – 22/8)

Sagittarius (22/11 – 21/12)

Capricorn (22/12 – 19/1)

The full moon illuminates issues of financial security. the astrological crab is renowned for craving safety. the next lunar transit encourages you to talk about your emotions.

The full moon compliments your ability to follow your heart, and calls for a breakthrough concerning your beliefs. next month’s moon finds you reflecting on your career path.

The full moon is in your sign, while the sun opposes leo in aquarius. you are captivated by your relationships and partner’s perspectives. the astrological landscape encourages an emotional release. next month, you’re reflecting on security and money.

The lunar landscape shines a light on issues concerning intimacy and shared emotions. an important conversation has to take place. the intellectual virgo moon next month helps you gain a broader perspective.

What do the stars have in store for you this month?

Aquarius (20/1 – 18/2)

The opposing full moon in leo brings about a climactic event in your relationships. the lunar transit enters a more grounded earthly space in virgo, helping you be practical as you navigate critical, potentially stormy changes.

Pisces (19/2 – 20/3)

The fiery full moon clashes with your watery temperament. you find yourself breaking a bad habit. you’re finally gaining clarity on something previously misunderstood. the next moon in virgo brings attention to your partnerships.

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2020 Photo by: IMDB/Netflix/Pelican Ballet/Northwood Entertainment

Pictured: Amybeth McNulty as Anne Shirley-Cuthbert. The series follows her adventures through Americana, as a young orphan who is taken in by some unlikely locals.

Anne with an E fans aren’t ready to say goodbye to Avonlea... Isabel Einon | Part 3 English Literature

Netflix kicked off the new year with a new series of Anne with an E, the Canadian show based on the popular novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery that has seen new life under the creative direction of Moira Walley-Becket. The third series has covered several important issues such as race and segregation in turn

“The titular Anne Shirley Cuthbert herself navigates issues of consent and gender in women and girls and freedom of speech within the press...” of the century Canada with the characters of Sebastian ‘Bash’ La-

croix played by Dalmar Abuzeid and his new wife, Mary Lacroix, played by Cara Ricketts. The show also addresses the treatment of Native Canadians by the government with the addition of Anne’s new friend Ka’kwet who is taken to a correctional school for Native Canadians. The titular Anne Shirley Cuthbert herself navigates issues of consent and gender in women and girls and freedom of speech within the press. While Anne, who is played by young Irish star Amybeth Mcnulty struggles with young love, friendships and college applications on Prince Edward Island over the course of the series, the younger cast, such as Diana Barry (played by Dalila Bela), Gilbert Blythe (played by Lucas Jade Zumann) and Jerry Baynard (played by Aymeric Jett Montaz) and the older cast, such as Maril-

la and Matthew Cuthbert, Anne’s adopted parents (played by Geraldine James and R.H. Thompson), truly bring alive the community of Avonlea by creating a lively and close-knit backdrop for Anne’s adventures. The series has proven impor-

“the much-loved show that follows the residents of Avonlea in their day to day lives and struggles...” tant in the issues it educates its audience on, but also in its sheer entertainment value. With beautiful costumes, music and sets, Anne with an E is a shining

“With beautiful costumes, music and sets, Anne with an E is a shining example of a wellexecuted adaptation of a classic novel” example of a well-executed adaptation of a classic novel, and since airing in 2017 has been a huge fan favourite among Netflix viewers- so why has the third series been met with such controversy? The show itself has only gone up in ratings and viewers with the addition of a third season, but

“The show itself has only gone up in ratings and viewers with the addition of a third season...”

Netflix and CBC have decided that this will be the shows final series. The cast, crew and fans have all taken to social media to convince Netflix and other networks to pick up the muchloved show that follows the residents of Avonlea in their day to day lives and struggles. This passionate response to the cancellation of the show is a touching show of how much the series meant to viewers, but sadly has been unsuccessful so far, even after A List star, Ryan Reynolds, took to Twitter to voice his disappointment in the show’s cancellation also, but who knows? Perhaps the fans will be successful, and the show will see another series.

FEBRUARY 2020

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FEBRUARY 2020

Photography Photo by: RUSU Marketing

Big RUSU update hosted by RUSU

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Photo by: Maria Garay

Sub Aqua Give it a Go session

Reading Film Society at the Re-freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fayre

Photography

FEBRUARY 2020

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Photo by: Xiaomeng Fang

Pole Fitness showcasing their moves at the Refreshers’ Fayre

Zero Distance Art Exhibition

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Photo by: Jessica WIlson

MUN at the Re-Freshers’ Fayre

RUSU Activites Officer Daisy O’Connor introducing the Buddy Scheme campaign at the Refreshers’ Fayre

FEBRUARY 2020

Photography

RUSU officers at the Big RUSU Update

Photo by: RUSU Marketing Photo by: Georgina Shaw

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Bellydance society at the Re-Freshers’ Fayre

The famous Domino’s at the ReFreshers’ Fayre

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Guest speaker talking at the Annual Rep Conference

Photography

FEBRUARY 2020 Photo by: Jessica Choi

Photo by: Jessica WIlson

RUWFC, Yogalates and RULAX at the Re-Freshers’ Fayre Photo by: Georgina Shaw

Students competing in a tennis game at the Re-Freshers’ Fayre

International part-time officer debating about the climate

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Kharis on Campus at the Re-Freshers’ Fayre

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

Sports

FANCY A BIT OF FENCING? HERE’S WHAT YO Eleanor Griffiths | Part 3 Biological Sciences BSc

“Fencing is a collection of three disciplines of sword combat; foil, épée and sabre...” Fencing is a collection of three disciplines of sword combat; foil, épée and sabre with the modern version of this sport arising in the late 19th century. Reading University Fencing Club have combined the competitive nature of the sport with the fun and actively sociable aspect of university, whilst still participating at highly competitive levels and offering opportunities for people with all skill sets.

“Fencing isn’t a sport for the light of heart as it demands high levels of fitness and commitment to the sport.”

Fencing isn’t a sport for the light of heart as it demands high levels of fitness and commitment to the sport; this is seen in all of our training times that are composed of 2 hour sessions taking place twice a week – alongside 3 hour competitions most Wednesdays (and that’s only accounting for our BUCs competitions). We are drilled in footwork and blade skills, starting the session with an overview that’s applicable to all weapons in fencing before dividing up and focusing on skills related to our chosen weapon type, this tends to vary on what type of fencer you prefer to be – if you want to be a pirate, sabre, if you want to be flashy, foil and if you just want to poke someone wherever you like then épée is for you. Once we have done our skill-based training we move onto the electrics; electric fencing is when your sword and jacket are all connected to a box through a circuit allowing the monitoring of hits when a target is hit. After all this training Park Bar tends to be a shout; a chance not just for drinking but a general catch up and a place to discuss any issues we may want to cover.

Wednesdays tend to be our competitive days where we compete in BUCS matches. We have two teams that currently compete; Mens 1st and Womens 1st, both teams this year are in the top division for their league. The women this year have so far particularly performed to a high standard, with them travelling on a 12hour round trip to their cup match in Aberystwyth where they won 135 to 106, and they hope to continue their cup success with their next match against Exeter University. As a club we like to think of ourselves as very sociable; and last year took part in the Breaking Down Barriers scheme where we taught both mixed hockey and kendo how to fence – over our joint love of sword sports Fencing and Kendo’s relationship has continued and we are planning further socials together to keep the love of sword sports and sportsman ship alive. We have a variety of backgrounds and skill levels in our club ranging from International fencers to novices who are just starting out on their

“We are drilled in footwork and blade skills, starting the session with an overivew that’s applicable to all weapons in fencing” fencing journey. This year we saw the joining of Jack Horniman, a masters student studying economics who wanted to try out a new sport in the last year of uni. Straight away we knew we couldn’t curb his enthusiasm even with the great amount of training needed and after just 5 months of fencing had him competing at a London Regions competition along with two other novice fencers with them all bringing home fantastic results.

Photo by: Amelia McCormack

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

SWIMMING NEW YEAR UPDATE

OU NEED TO KNOW Photo by: Pexels- Pixabay

Emma Shilton | Part 2 English Literature

Reading University Swimming Club started the new year in the best way possible, with an amazing social. The theme was white T-shirt, so the team grabbed their sharpies and started the night by decorating each other’s shirts. The aim was to fill up your t-shirt with the most writing before heading into town. The turnout was one of our best yet, so thank you to everyone that came.

“The theme was white T-shirt, so the team grabbed thier sharpies and started the night by decorating each other’s shirts.” After the re-fresher’s fair at the start of term the club held the give-it-a-go session where we welcomed many new potential members to the pool, which allowed them to get an insight into what our club is all about. At the end of January, we will have

a joint social with mixed hockey, again with a great theme of traffic lights, where a you wear a colour best matching your relationship status, after the great success of the first social, this one will be equally a night to remember. If you are worried that you have missed our first socials of the term or are a new face that is keen to get involved in swimming, we have another social on the 5th of February, the theme is yet to be announced so keep your eyes peeled on our social media pages. Looking to the near future, the competitive team are competing again in Sheffield, at the BUCS Long Course Championships, in February. We have many swimmers competing in team relays and in their individual events, so

“The competitive team are competing again in Sheffield, at the BUCS Long Course Championships in Fberuary.”

is definitely a gala to look forward too.

“The team are training hard and getting their hours in to be best prepared for the upcoming event.” The team are training hard and getting their hours in to be best prepared for the upcoming event. We have many training times to suit your busy university life, we swim twice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the morning and the evening, and once on Friday in the evening. Membership prices vary, you can pay annually and just for a term. The annual price for a student is £95.15 and the termly membership is £60.15. If you are interested in joining our sociable and fun club then please follow us on Instagram or Facebook and get in touch!

Photo by: 9091 Images / Pixabay

Photo by: Amelia McCormack

On the other end of the spectrum we have Amelia McCormack, a former GB representative in épée, who has gone on to help coach and captain the women’s team this year bringing her wealth of knowledge to the club – and her well known plyometric warm ups!

side my fellow club members, making the fear of competing a much more fun and less intimidating experience.

As president I couldn’t have hoped for any better than the members, I have been delighted to revive this year with a mix of new and returning members, and they have helped me continue my 13 years of fencing and exercise and my love of organising people. I have been lucky enough to take my fencing to a new level with the help of the club taking part in Welsh National competitions along-

“We have a variety of backgrounds and skill levels in our club ranging from International Fencers to novices.”

So, if you’re interested in a new sport

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE: DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER Ian Downey | Part 1 MA English

POLE FITNESS CHARITY SUCCESS! Charlotte Abraham | Part 4 BA Art and Psychology Reading University Pole Fitness Society held their second annual charity pole-a-thon at the end of November last year in aid of No 5 Youth Counselling and Information Service. No 5 are a local charity in Reading who provide free counselling services to those with mental health crises, aged between 11 and 25. All their counsellors are volunteers, and they offer guidance and information for all who feel like they are struggling. This service is offered to all those who live, work or study in Reading and the surrounding area. No 5 is a charity with a cause that sits close to our hearts in RUPFS, and around the University, because looking after your mental health and gaining correct support is so important in the day-to-day lives of all.

Photo by Edoardo Busti on Unsplash

The final trimester of this Premier League campaign is finally upon us, and for most Fantasy Managers, it comes with great pain. Our journey has survived some perilous times, especially in recent months. In the East Midlands, a party had well and truly started at Jamie Vardy’s house, but was drawn to an early conclusion as he left to witness the birth of his child, missing two full games (Right, Vards, nothing to do with Skittles Vodka…).

given a piggyback ride to a single person in the past and found it quite difficult; I don’t even want to imagine the state of my vertebrae after 22 people.

Then, on one crisp Winter morn, hundreds of thousands of managers, all at once, had an epiphany; “Liverpool Double Gameweek? That can only mean one thing… Mané Triple Captain!”, and the finale to that tale

season has offered”

“Our journey has survived some perilous times, especially in recent months”

is one of woe and suffering, so I will be sure to tread lightly as to deter any possible anguish. What about the unfortunate Rashford, whose titanium spine eventually fractured under the immense weight of the Manchester United squad. I’ve

“Let us dilute the despondency for a moment and focus on the fruitful facets this

Let us dilute the despondency for a moment and focus on the fruitful facets this season has offered. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the success story us neutrals could only have wished for, acting as an extra midfielder in that Liverpool side that eat, sleep and breathe goals. He has transcended the potential that even Scouse intransigents bore him, smashing the ceiling with confidence. He’ll assist worldies, he’ll assist tap-ins. He’ll even assist your Nan crossing the road. On the topic of assists – death, taxes, and Kevin De Bruyne. This man has a propensity for picking out his teammates in the box, and he does so with regularity. I hereby propose that someone creates the long-anticipated sequel Bend It Like Kevin, ‘cos he’s really giving Becks a run for his

money. This FPL veteran should be a season-stayer in any team once he remains uninjured, and will be one of the first names in my squad next season. And it would be remiss of me to leave out the exploits of Jimenéz and Traoré. They have hunted down ball after ball like wolves (heh), and this has reflected in their points tally. Both players are top of their pack in value for money, consistently providing returns to their managers.

“On the topic of assists- death, taxes, and Kevin De Bruyne. This man has a propensity for picking out his teammates in the box, and he does so with regularity” As we reflect over this somewhat arduous period, it’s easy to get lost in the moment. But don’t fret – bad decisions and hapless times will befall most, if not all, managers. Just keep smiling as those inevitable words roll off your tongue; “Hey, there’s always next year”.

Now a couple of months on, we would like to reminisce on our achievements of the day! The pole-a-thon was 4 hours that contained workshops, run by Brooke Ashley from Reading Pole Arts, and free time for members and non-members. We had our usual poles and even a hoop (which was a favourite) for all to experience. Over 50 people including family, friends, housemates and neighbours experienced the fun and enjoyment of pole fitness – all while raising money for a fantastic local charity!

People who had never tried pole before were leaving with smiles on their faces after being in such a fun-filled and friendly environment. Carly, a representative from No 5 came along on the day to show their support for the pole-a-thon. In total from this single pole-a-thon event, we raised an amazing £868.28 for No 5 Youth Counselling and Information Service! This could not have been done without the 50+ raffle prize donations from local and national businesses, donations from the public and our members, and of course from raffle ticket sales. Congratulations to all those who one a fabulous prize too. Here at RUPFS, we were grateful for the generosity of those around us. We cannot wait to hit our goal of raising over £1000 for No 5 over the coming months through other fun and exciting events! Photo by: Reading University Pole Fitness Society

Parkour Society Richard Bowen | Part 3 Psychology Do you enjoy running and jumping about the place? Want a fun and welcoming society in which to learn this new action sport? Just a fan of Michael Scott from the US Office? Then our society is perfect for you! Parkour is an action sport that focuses on moving as quickly as possible across an urban environment by utilising various moves such as vaults, rolling and kickass flips. A new society this year, we offer a safe and welcoming environment in which to train and learn new parkour moves. Our sessions are held every Wednesday and Friday at 2pm in Sol Joel Parkour Park and are open to all, regardless of prior skill level. Just come along for a bounce

Photo by Reading University Parkour Society

and give it a go. Shouting ‘parkour’ as you do it is optional but encouraged. We’ve got lots of upcoming events planned, including a number of charity events and non-alcoholic socials for those that way inclined. Still not convinced?! What if I told you we were also the cheapest sports society the university has to offer? That’s right, for the low, low price of £5 sterling (£7 for non-students) you can join our society for a full year! So, what are you waiting for? Come along and learn some new things? If you’d like any further information, consider checking out our social medias; @ReadingUniParkour on Facebook and @readinguniparkour on Instagram.

FEBRUARY 2020

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

GET YOUR 10 REASONS READING UNIVERSITY JOG ON! NETBALL CLUB (RUNC) WILL WIN VARSITY 2020- A WARNING TO BROOKES:

Izzy Einon | Print Sports Editor

Meg Timmins | Part 2 Human Geography

1. We are immensely lucky to have such a large RUNC family of BUCs girls and dedicated social girls who will be shouting, cheering and supporting from the side lines, ready to roar when we get a goal, interception or turnover. The intimidating sight of our mass numbers will prove our superiority on and off the court in itself. 2. Our year-round commitment to 8am fitness sessions is prepping us for the biggest sporting event of the year. We will be able to run circles around Brookes, sprint down the court when we turnover and maintain our high stamina levels throughout, without breaking a sweat. 3. No amount of defence or distraction, from Brookes, will stop our RUNC shooters getting those goals in, they pride themselves on their high

shooting stats, rarely missing a goal. Our goal difference will increase so far into the distance that it could reach Oxford. 4. RUNC defenders have the ability to have their intimidating arms over every single ball, combined with the longest leans, topped off by their phenomenal interception skills. Brookes’ shooters shouldn’t even begin to think about beating them to those rebounds. 5. Brookes won’t be able to keep up with our speedy centre court players who are here, there, and everywhere. They have some of the highest reaches around and will be ready to intercept and turn play at every opportunity; ensuring they get the ball into the circle. 6. RUNC have the privilege of being

led into Varsity this year by our ace President, Jess Samways, who is the most dedicated and determined President around – meticulously devising our training schedule to ensure we come out on top. 7. As a close-knit RUNC family, who’ve trained together for years, Brookes’ play will be no match for ours with our telepathy-like communication skills we have developed within our units and teams, ensuring we execute every interception and goal. 8. We will have an advantage before we even step on to the court at Varsity in our eye-catching kit. Our Kit Rep, Bea Turner, has kitted us out in arguably the best, and most envied, kit on campus. Brookes’ speed will be no match for our fast feet in our

matching personalised RUNC socks. 9. The enthusiasm of our Social Secs, Emily Kendon, Ellie Munday and Holly Ryan, have earned RUNC socials quite a name for themselves on campus. As varsity is fast approaching, you better believe they are already planning our victory social. So, watch out for the mass group of girls, in our fetching netball dresses, who will undoubtedly be dominating cheese room all night long. You can’t miss us. 10. We have made a Varsity teaser video, to show the rest of campus our immense netball skills, but most importantly, warning Brookes of what’s coming their way on the netball courts. So, come on then Brookes, do you think you’re ready for the RUNC Knights?

Reading University Rugby League Nat Wood | Part 3 Environmental Studies

Reading University Rugby League are a welcoming society that competes in South Eastern 1A. We understand that due to the sport not being huge in the South, many may not understand the rules or have any experience playing – and the reality is, most of us hadn’t too. Having never played before university, I now see it as a faster paced, exciting form of rugby.

“Having never played before university, I now see it as a faster paced, more exciting form of rugby” Having won our league three times in a row, and narrowly missing out on promotion last year, we are very pleased with our progress this season. We currently sit second in our league, with four mustwin matches left to play, making the remainder of this season very exciting. On top of our league commit-

ments we also have the varsity fixture against Oxford Brookes, a game that has become a closer affair ever since my first year. Considering our last game against them ended with a 4-point difference, it should make for a tense fixture. Several of our players have represented national teams. Last summer, two players went on tour with the Great British Lions, whilst another played for Scotland in the University Four Nations.

This season, several players played for South East, with four of these players making the South squad. Their match against North England will be played soon. On top of the high standard of rugby that we play, we are a very friendly society with lots of social opportunities. We are going on tour to Budapest in April, with rumours of playing the Hungarian national team. On top of this we regularly go and

watch professional rugby league teams and even had the opportunity to play against London Skolars development side last year, a day out that was made even better by being invited to watch their 1st team against Newcastle later. I hope this has revealed a little more about the Rugby League society at Reading. We train on Tuesdays and play on Wednesdays, all are welcome. See you soon! Photo by Felix Clarke

The Reading University Student’s Union have created jogging/running routes on campus for students who want to stay fit for free! There are several different routes, ranging from 945m to 1,750m which you can combine to run an overall distance of 4,000m. You are encouraged to stay hydrated while you exercise, using the free water refill stations around campus. Designed for any running ability, the first route outlines the sports ground, with a water refill station in SportsPark, the second route goes around Child’s, Windsor, Greenow, McCombie and Stenton Accommodation and Park Eat, where there is a water refill station. The third and final route surrounds the scenic lake area, with water refill stations in RUSU and Eat at the Square.

“I DON’T FIT IN” GYM ANXIETY? Taz Usher | Print Editor Whether you’ve just joined the gym or have been going weekly for six months, feeling like you don’t fit in can be really demotivating when it comes to fulfilling your fitness goals. However, it’s important to remember that you’re going to the gym for you and that others’ opinions shouldn’t affect this. If it’s a lack of experience or knowledge that’s putting you off remember to ask for help. Gym staff are more than happy to show you how to use the machines and do certain workouts. Equally, if it’s your appearance or the prospect of others watching you that makes you nervous, remember that everyone is here to reach their own fitness goals so just focus on your own workout and others should do the same. And girls- remember the gym isn’t a beauty contest so doing your workout makeupless and with a scraped back bun is completely normal (and sensible!).

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

Reading University Rugby Football Club 20192020 Season so far and what’s to come: Reading University Rugby Football Club Photo by Ollie House

that we’ll get to play in warmer, drier, more spectator-friendly conditions. The 1st XV have played some exciting, expansive rugby this term but have also had the ability to reign things in and play a game of attrition. With a good following wind, it’ll be interesting to see where the seasons finishes with regards to the league, cup and varsity. Exciting times. The 2nd team plays in the South Eastern Tier 2 league, with matches being played home and away on Wednesday afternoons. We train on Mondays with the 1st team down at the RAMS ground and normally do a team run through the day before a match.

With Varsity around the corner, our 4 teams are looking forward to the big grudge match with Brookes. This year should be as big as ever so make sure you find yourself at one of the pitches supporting the uni come March the 28th. In order to give you a bit of an idea about men’s rugby union, each team has put together a few words to give you an idea of what we get up to. From pre-season in September through till now, the 1st XV have worked exceptionally hard on and off the field to put themselves into a

We are a very fun and welcoming team, however, when we are training or playing matches, we take the rugby seriously. We tend to have team socials every 3 weeks which can involve going to curry houses, doing pub quizzes, or having themed parties. I’ve met some of my best mates in this rugby team so it’s not only a way to keep your fitness up but also a chance to meet new people. The Reading 3s are at the heart of RURFC, developing players for the 1s and 2s, whilst giving 4s and Saturday league players a chance to demonstrate their skill. Our team has an equal share of 1st, 2nd and 3rd years;  creating a great

good position for promotion. The gruelling weekly schedule of training and playing, alongside full academic commitments (and socials!) makes all members of the 1st XV very busy men. So far, the season has been successful with wins coming against Brighton, Gloucester and Portsmouth. The heavy downpour throughout mid-late November meant that games scheduled to be played during this time are now rescheduled for early March. Frustrating at the time, the positives have been taken out of it

Photo by Ollie House

Water Polo Society Livvy Shelmerdine | Part 2 Primary Education with Mathematics Try the toughest sport in the world! Water Polo is one of the newest and fast-growing clubs at the University of Reading, having nearly 30 members at the start of this year. Friendlies against other Universities are currently being planned and training sessions are now every Sunday, thanks to funding from SwimEngland. Most players are beginners and we have regular socials with exciting themes and activities, including pub golf. It may be the most physical sport in the world but our training is very relaxed and is a great way of getting you the fittest you have ever been! We have members from all across the

balance between rugby and fun. We are joint 3rd in the South Eastern Tier 4 division 1  with 10 points. As for the Cup, we will be playing in the quarter-final of the South Eastern Conference Plate. The 4s season has started slowly this year, with several games being forfeited to foul weather. Despite this, with 2 games in hand we are still 3rd in the league, and hopeful of mounting a promotion charge. There’s healthy competition in the squad, and team chemistry is really starting to shine through. We look forward to our busy fixture list in the coming weeks. So, if you fancy a run about come down to training Monday evenings at the paddock.

“We have members from all across the world all at different levels, with the president currently running the sessions, who is always open to new ideas for the club” world all at different levels, with the president currently running the sessions, who is always open to new ideas for the club. Have you played Water Polo on holiday? Why not bring it to Reading on

a relaxed Sunday evening. Swimmers, aren’t you bored of just swimming up and down all day? We need you! Join a sport which where you will challenge yourself, meet new people and get incredibly fit. Water Polo society is like a family and we are looking for new members to take up the current committee roles from September 2020. We are always open to new members, whether you want to play competitively or just come along to our socials. Find more details on our RUSU page or on our Facebook (Reading University Water Polo Club) and Instagram (@uorwaterpolo) pages. Have a look at our new personalized hoodies on the RUSU website.

Photo by Livvy Shelmerdine

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

READING UNIVERSITY TAP AND MODERN HOST PLATINUM SHOW Amelia Dinsdale | Online Lifestyle Editor

RUTAM hosted their annual Dance show on the 6th December 2019 featuring: Reading University Tap and Modern Society, Reading University Ballet Society, Reading University Kpop Society and Reading University Ballroom, Latin and Salsa Society. Featuring Number 1 songs such as: Stay with me (by Sam Smith), Bohemian Rhapsody (by Queen), Rolling in the deep (by Adele), Lady Marmalade (by Christina Aguilera) and Wannabe (by Spice Girls) it was set to be an amazing show from the start. The show consisted of 2 acts with an interval, a raffle and of course lots of snacks in the middle. It opened with Black and White (by Michael Jackson), a modern dance featuring the renowned Michael Jackson

glove. From the moment the music started it was clear that it was going to be an exciting evening. My personal favourite dance of the night was Boy with luv (by BTS), danced by Kpop. They have so much energy, passion and high-speed choreography that just makes you want to get up on stage and dance with them. As a relatively new society, Kpop are doing brilliantly and are consistently produce amaz-

ing choreography with a selection of really talented dancers. I also really enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody by RUTAM which was an attention-grabbing blend of tap and modern and by far the biggest dance of the evening.

“I also really enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody by RUTAM which was an attention grabbing blend of tap and modern” There were four dances from the Ballet society, the most interesting of which featured torch lights which produced some

brilliant effects. And then there was the effortlessly beautiful pointe dance to What a Wonderful World (by Louis Armstrong). Then there was a feature dance from the Ballroom, Latin and Salsa Society that looked too quick to be possible whilst still being faultless. The show fundraised for Chance to Dance CIC which is a local organisation that allows children and adults with a whole range of disabilities to access dance and other activities that are designed to be accessible as possible to them. An amazing £760 was made from the show and all of it has been donated to this amazing organisation. With a vast range of dance genres, from elegant Point to sassy

jazz and Number 1 songs from all the decades, there was definitely something to suit everybody.

“This term the Universities Dance Show is being hosted by Reading University Ballet Society” This term the Universities dance show is being hosted by Reading University Ballet Society featuring many of the same societies and is happening on Tuesday 24th March. Keep watching for updates on ticket sales closer to the show, hope to see lots of you there!

Photo by Oakmist Photography

FEBRUARY 2020

WIN VIP SUMMER BALL TICKETS

AND SHAPE THE FUTURE OF YOUR UNIVERSITY Complete this year’s undergraduate surveys at reading.ac.uk/ug-surveys*

*Undergraduate surveys open until 30 April 2020. Twenty pairs of tickets to be won – 10 pairs per survey

Make time to meet your Academic Tutor Working in partnership to support your academic, personal and professional development

reading.ac.uk/academic-tutors

Sports

FEBRUARY 2020

KNIGHTS PUSH FOR PLAY OFFS! Harry McKay|Part 3 Politics and International Relations

KNIGHTS TAKE ON BRUNEL AT HOME Malo Cherel | Part 3 International Development

The Knights Basketball Men’s 1st team took on the visiting Brunel Men’s 2nd on Wednesday January 22nd, looking to start 2020 with a home win. The Knights Basketball Men’s 1st team took on the visiting Brunel Men’s 2nd on Wednesday January 22nd, looking to start 2020 with a home win. Photo by Reading Knights American Football The Reading University Knights American Football Club has once again been competing in Division 1A South in this academic year. The Knights have seen mixed success so far with 2 wins and 3 defeats. However, with three more regular season matches left to be played, the Knights are confident that the team can end the season positively which could possibly mean a trip to the playoffs and a shot at promotion.

season which saw the Knights comfortable winners after a hard-fought game. Throughout February the Knights will be raising money for the charity CRY, in honour of our team mate Rocky, who tragically passed away during a training session two seasons ago. If you would like to help the club raise money for this cause or are simply more interested in learning about the club, then please head to our various social medias.

The Knights are also looking forward to once again featuring in varsity with the hope of repeating the result in the match against the Oxford Brookes Panthers last

Like our Facebook page @ Reading Knights American Football, Instagram: @readingknightsaf and Twitter: @ReadingKnights

CAN LISTENING TO MUSIC HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER RUNNER?

The Knights were 1-3 in the league losing twice against league leaders Brighton, St Marys in a thrilling home game, but picking up an away win against Royal Holloway in a comfortable 17 point win. Suffering a number of injuries over the break, most notably, starting centre and final year veteran Alex Williams, one of the top scorers on the team and a strong leading presence on the court, the game looked to be difficult from the jump. Brunel got off to a strong start, but the Knights managed to bring it back, only down by 6 by the end of the first quarter. Brunel played a 2-3 zone which proved effective in the first half, holding Reading off to just 30

points at the half, Brunel still up by 3. However, Reading pushed for a commanding 7-0 run early in the third, with a couple of 3 pointers from guards Odysseas Hatziveroglou and Malo Cherel respectively. This much needed boost in momentum gave the home team their first lead of the day, finishing the third quarter with a 1 point lead at 50-49. The Knights have struggled to close games this season, with all their losses being close games, including their away loss against Surrey Men’s 2nd by 2 which ended their cup run. The game was kept close with Brunel only leading by 4 until the final minute of the game. With the time winding down and unable to convert, the Knights had to foul in order to stop the clock, but lost by 8 in the end. Brunel proved to be tough opponents, sitting at second on the table only a win behind league leaders

Brighton. Sele Onolememen and Nelson Newbery both finished with 7 points, Odysseas Hatziveroglou and Malo Cherel finished with 9 and 16 points respectively.

“Brunel proved to be tough opponents, sitting at second on the table” Despite the unfavourable circumstances with injuries and foul trouble, Reading were still able to put up a strong performance, but will need to clean up on their game with the varsity deadline approaching. They will travel to St Mary’s for their next game, where a win could see them closing in on the third spot in the league.

Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash It’s hard to shake off the January Blues. The cold days and dark winter nights are enough to kill anyone’s motivation to exercise regularly. A lot of people make a point of listening to upbeat music to help boost serotonin levels. This paired with the endorphins triggered by exercising make for a match made in heaven when it comes to running. In fact, by calculating your average, or intended, bpm (beats per minute) whilst running and listening to music that par-

allels your heart rate can make for a more fulfilling exercise session. For example, songs like Everybody Wants To Rule The World and Come On Eileen align with a heart rate of 150 bpm. Likewise, Post Malone’s Rockstar will have you aiming for 160 bpm, along with Eminem’s Lose Yourself. Before you know it, you’re running steadily and humming along to cheese room classics or bopping to rap legends.

Photo by Rachael Scott

Spark Newspaper - February 2020

Articles inside

29

TAKE A DIP

JOG ON

SEX EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

CLIMATE CRISIS

HOROSCOPES

FEELING CHEESY?

STUDENT VS STAFF QUIZ SHOW

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

VALENTINE’S DAY