WRITTEN BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS
NOVEMBER , 2019
Theatre triumph
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In this month’s Entertainment section you’ll find a review of new musical Amélie: a young girl’s tale of selfdiscovery.
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Campus in Autumn This issue, our Photography section explores what students across campus have been up to this term.
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Swipe right for sport
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This new Tinder-styled app matches you with locals sharing the sports interests as you. Find out more in our Sport section.
REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION.
VISIT UK CHRISTMAS MARKETS WITH STUDENT ACTIVITIES.
HEAD TO P.23 TO FIND OUT HOW.
VISIT P.5 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
HONG KONG PROTEST COMES TO CAMPUS!
Photo by: Alex Winfield
Photo by: Grayson Ho
Beginning this month, student writer Colette Chan is producing a feature column including updates on the Hong Kong issue and how it affects many students studying at the University of Reading. This month she focuses on the The Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (anti-ELAB) movement, the concerns of Hong Kongers and their demands, as well as reporting on the protest she attended on campus last month.
YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS RECOMMEND... Head over to our Lifestyle section this month to read reviews of beauty products, stationery, and local restaurants. You’ll also find some top tips on sourcing student discounts, making a delicious vegan pasta, and maintaining a positive mindset whilst at university. Be sure to check out our Sub Editor Sabita’s study column Sabby Studies for some useful advice on creating study habits too.
JUST CLUCK OFF! Kia Mackenzie | News Designer The American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A made its UK debut in a Reading shopping centre this month and within days was faced with uproar over its arrival. Opening on October 10th, the chain received the wrath of LGBT+ rights campaigners who led a protest on Saturday, October 19th; at which point The Oracle had already announced that the chain’s lease
would not be extended beyond the 6-month pilot period. Commenting on their decision not to extend the lease, The Oracle said: “This is the right thing to do”. The owners of the fast-food chain have been known to donate towards antiLGBT rights groups. These include but are not limited to The National Christian Foundation that sent a preacher to Uganda to assist in the ‘kill the gays’ bill that was attempting to be
passed, as well as Christian conversion therapy (a pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual). Reading Pride have advertised these sources of information across many of their social media platforms, and include Business Insider, CBS News, as well as coverage of the protest by the BBC and other American news platforms.
The protest, which saw over 60 people outside the Oracle, including Sum Ting Wong (a contestant on the first UK series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race), university students and those who are a part of Reading Pride, went ahead despite the knowledge that Chick-fil-A would be closing. This was to raise awareness of what this brand and company is known for and to boycott it as a result. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7.
FIND THE SPARK ONLINE AT SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK AND ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.
Contents
CONTENTS
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NOVEMBER 2019
Editorial
NOVEMBER 2019
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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 copy of The Spark.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS 05 Begin your festive celebrations in style by joining one of RUSU’s Christmas Market trips.
A SWEET CURE TO LONELINESS 06 Our News Editor Jess shares how Cadburys have changed their packaging in support of Age UK.
DISNEY PLUS 10 Student Conor Chamiec hints at a film streaming giant coming to the UK in 2020.
SABBY STUDIES 13 Our Sub Editor Sabita shares her tips for study techniques in her monthly advice column.
LONDON FASHION WEEK 14 Print Editor Taz shares how she got involved with the biggest event on the fashion calendar.
HOROSCOPES 24 Read what the stars are saying about you this month.
BIG THIEF ALBUM REVIEW 28 Print Entertainment Editor Lois reviews American rock band Big Thief ’s new album.
CAMPUS IN AUTUMN 32 Take a look at our student photography from throughout the Autumn Term.
TINDER FOR SPORTS This new app will match you with people who share the
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same sports interests as you.
WATER POLO 48 A new sports society is on the scene this year, and here’s what they’ve been up to this term.
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.
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 . CO.UK NEWS EDITORS KIA MACKENZIE JESS STORRY 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
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Print Editor Taz shares her experience of one of the biggest events on the fashion calendar.
Welcome back to another issue of your monthly student newspaper. I hope you’ve all had a great start to the Autumn Term and managed to find some time to relax over Reading Week.
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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
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM A review of The Globe’s take on Shakespeare’s forest fairytale.
SPORT EDITORS 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
This issue we bring you campus news on hot topics including the Hong Kong student rally and Chick-fil-A protests, as well as articles on the university’s Times Higher Education successes, a new Starbuck’s discount, and the launch of a homelessness support initiative in Reading. In News you’ll also find information on finding your new Course Reps and festive market opportunities coming up. Over in Lifestyle, you can read student reviews of new beauty and skincare products as well as advice for shopping on a student budget and settling into university.
SUB EDITORS S A B I TA B U R K E P R I YA K H A I R A
For food inspiration, you’ll also want to visit our Print Lifestyle Editor Holly’s review of Honest Burgers in town and a creamy vegan pasta dish recipe recommended by our Digital News Editor, Madelyn.
LEAD DESIGNER X I A O M E N G FA N G 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 . CO.UK
S E C R E TA R Y & S O C I A L S R E P OLIVIA MILL
Dear Spark readers,
LONDON FASHION WEEK
LIFESTYLE EDITORS H O L LY F O U R N I E 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
SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM ALEX WINFIELD ALEX BURROWS D A N I E L L E J AY
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
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HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING
A brief history of heavyweight boxing and how the third Golden Age has just begun.
And for study advice this month, head over to our Sub Editor Sabita’s Sabby Studies column where she covers how to form effective study habits and maintain them throughout the year. This month’s Entertainment section showcases numerous student Arts critiques, such as a review of Amélie The Musical written by myself and our Print Entertainment Editor Lois’ take on a local Macbeth performance. You’ll also find reviews of new album by American band Cigarettes
After Sex and biographical comedydrama The Two Popes. For some gentle self-reflection this month, take a look at our monthly horoscopes. You can also head to our Creative Corner for some student poetry; if you’d like to contribute to this section in future issues please get in touch: entertainment@sparknewspaper. co.uk. Elsewhere this issue, our Photography section captures the topic of Campus in Autumn. Here you’ll student photography covering a range of events including society taster sessions, socials, and campus events. And in Sport you’ll find roundups from our campus Lacrosse and Water Polo societies as well as updates on both national and local events including the Rugby World Cup and a new Tinder-styled platform designed to connect people who share the same sports interests in Reading. As always, we are always looking for new writers and members to join our society and would love to hear from you if you have a passion for writing, a niche for a particular subject 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!
Taz Usher
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News
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News
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News
SHOCKING IMPACTS OF PLASTIC WASTE- FT. READING FESTIVAL
New app provides Brexit breakdown relief Taz Usher |Print Editor
Although environmental conservation is massively enforced at the festival each year, with 235,000 tons of waste still being present, the issue still lies undefeated. Around 68% of waste goes to landfill; it takes 1000 years to decompose. Landfills are contaminated with hazardous chemicals. A very small percentage of waste is recycled, leaving the mass majority poisoning the ocean. Readingfestival.com states that “tents can’t be recycled and anything left in the campsite field ends up going to landfill or incineration polluting the environment”. With half of the plastic waste coming from plastic water bottles specifically, there are some ideas that should be used that could at least, solve plastic waste from water bottles, not just for festivals, but for around the world.
“Half the plastic waste comes from bottles” For example, installing water fountains at the festival is very possible. Reading festival is organised by Festival Republic Limited who profited £7.2 million by the end of 2018 from 9 of their music events this year. Even if the organisers invest at least £100 000 of the £7.2 million to install water fountains facilities, that would reduce plastic bottle waste by incredible amounts. If Italy can afford it, why can’t the UK? I’d call it greed. Why plastic ending up in the ocean is bad: When water combines with plastic, chemicals like CO2, methane, bisphenol A and a by-product called polypyrene, are produced. These are harmful
Photo by: Dryft A new car breakdown scheme is Britain’s key to preparing for Brexit, and thanks to its Berkshire innovators, our readers are the first to hear about it.
“The fact that a plastic is described as biodegradable does not mean that it should be freely released into the environment.”
The on-demand app, Dryft, is designed to help British drivers avoid wasted breakdown costs by offering a fixed callout fee of just £99 over annual subscriptions.
for our health, and Bisphenol A affects animal’s reproductive systems, resulting in problems in reproduction which would eventually cause extinction of many species.
And founded on the basis that UK drivers waste an average of £139 on cover per year, it is no surprise that innovator Denis Murphy saw the idea as an added opportunity to tackle fears of reduced car exports and increased manufacturing cuts accompanying Brexit.
When CO2 dissolves into the ocean water, something called ocean acidification occurs where CO2 decreases the alkalinity of the water, making it more acidic, negatively affecting the marine life and slowly killing ecosystems.
Commenting on his inspiration behind the app, Mr Murphy said: “Not only did I spend several summers working as a recovery operator in my youth, but when my parents recently showed me their annual breakdown subscription, it got me thinking.
There are many effects of plastic when thrown into the ocean, especially due to CO2 massively having an impact on most of the problems that occur, which also includes a rise of sea levels. Solutions to plastic waste?
“My parents alone have wasted thousands of pounds on unused breakdown cover and it was my motivation to find a solution for this that gave me the idea for Dryft.”
The organisers want to charge campers a £25 to camp at the festival to reduce tent-abandonment. In the UK, over 13 billion plastics bottles are used yearly, but only 57% of these are recycled. With 700,000 plastic bottles littered daily, maybe a charging fee at festivals won’t be enough to reduce these figures. With half of the plastic waste coming from plastic water bottles specifically, there are some ideas that should be used that could at least, solve plastic waste from water bottles, not just for festivals, but for around the world.
One solution to plastic wasteCans instead Living in the digital age, you’d have thought plastic waste would not be a massive issue, when in fact, it is the biggest issue of this generation, alongside air pollution and animal rearing for meat, dairy and leather. 1. Packaging water into cans instead Compared to plastic, cans can actually
be recycled; not only can they be reused, but recycling them reduces the energy needed to produce new ones too. 2. Water fountains Not only does this idea reduce people buying plastic water bottles, it would actually help homeless people who need water to have access to safe
The pay-as-you-go coverage is accessible as a free-to-download app and provides instant backup including access to mechanics available within the hour and a tow service of up to 10 miles. And this efficient service is brought to you by more than 4500 UK vetted mechanics and a 24/7 UK based customer support team who are dedicated to getting their customers back on the road or in the care of a local garage. Mr Murphy said: “There are thousands of reliable and skilled mechanics who can provide an amazing local service but they don’t always know how to reach the end user. “We want to give our customers not only value for money but also access to this expertise. “As a new UK start-up, it’s also important to me to support other small businesses.” Dryft launched on Monday, November 4th. For more information visit https:// www.dryft.co.uk/
Bath Christmas Market Makes A Return Photo by: Amrit Kaur drinking water! Statistics show that 73% of people ‘would like greater availability of free tap water in public areas’ (Research carried out by BRITA UK and Keep Britain Tidy). So, what’s stopping this from happening? The main preventing factor would be funding from companies supplying
water from local authorities for the UK. However, for some festivals, this is not the case. 3. Stricter penalties for littering
thetics of the planet as well as reducing air pollution. 4. Labelling water bottles (if they’re biodegradable)
This might not be the best solution, as even plastic bottles that are disposed in bins, are still sent to landfill, but being charged for throwing your rubbish might deter you from ruining the aes-
The fact that a plastic is described as biodegradable does not mean that it should be freely released into the environment. Plastic fragments even after degrading, still harm marine life.
2019/2020 COURSE REPS ANNOUNCED Kia Mackenzie | Print News Editor and Designer The Course Reps for 2019-2020 have been elected and the results are now available! Congratulations to all of those who have been voted in.
Amrit Kaur | English Language
Reading Festival is one of the most popular British music festivals and attracted up to 105000 festival goers this year in 2019.
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Kia Mackenzie | Print News Editor and Designer Back for another year, the Stonehenge and Bath Christmas market returns! The ticket cost is £18pp and covers all transport and entry. The trip involves visiting the historic site of Stonehenge and then afterwards exploring the beautiful and festive Christmas Market in Bath. The
trip will sell out fast so don’t hesitate to get a ticket! The trip is on Saturday 23rd November 2019 from 10:30-21:30 and will set off from Whiteknights Campus. For more information, email your trip leader Daniel Jones on d. jones2@reading.ac.uk.
Course Reps are elected students from each course who are there to represent you and any academic issues you have with your course. They are there to act as an essential link between the students and their academic staff to ensure that the student voice is heard, and as a result, positive changes can be made across all the departments. This way, each year and course can get their voice heard and be represented. If you have any queries or want to know who your school or course rep is, you can go to the RUSU website and use their ‘find my rep’ portal.
OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET IS ALSO BACK! Kia Mackenzie | Print News Editor and Designer If you can’t make the trip to Bath because you’re busy that weekend, would like a slightly nearer option, or want to get in the Christmas spirit even more and do both, the Oxford Christmas Market Trip is making its festive return, and RUSU are offering tickets for this trip as well. At £12 per person with transport fully covered, it’s a steal! Make sure you get your tickets ASAP as they will sell out, and fast! It runs on Saturday 7th December from 11:30-20:30, and leaves from Whiteknights.
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News
THE BATTLE AGAINST LONELINESS Jess Storry | News Editor
everyone working together. The public sector, voluntary and community sector, communities and individuals all have a part to play in looking out and caring for everyone in our community.” Cllr Graeme Hoskin said: “The work on this report is a good opportunity to highlight the importance of tackling social isolation. Feeling connected is good for us – for our mental and our physical wellbeing. By working together I’m sure that we can make Reading a town where people feel connected in our community.”
More than 9 million people in the UK – almost a fifth of the population – say they are often or always lonely, but almost two thirds feel uncomfortable admitting it, say the British Red Cross and Co-Op, as of 2016. Loneliness is a bigger problem than simply an emotional experience. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health: lacking social connections increases the likelihood of mortality by 26%.
“Feeling connected is good for usfor our mental and our physical wellbeing” A recent report tackling loneliness in Reading urges for change within society, including neighbours, friends and families working together to look out for people at risk of isolation. The report, Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation in Reading, England, was presented to Reading Borough Council, on the 17th October, and presents a picture of loneliness and social isolation in the area brought about in
part by cuts to public sector services. This report also suggests the impacts of mental health, addiction and homelessness and how loneliness may stem from or be magnified by such outside factors. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Reducing loneliness and social isolation is one of our key health priorities. We know evidence shows a significant negative impact of loneliness on physical and emotional health – now seen as on a par with smoking.” The report also made recommendations for action including improvement of specialist support services for groups at risk of loneliness, involving personal one-to-one support, as well as group activities, with boosted opening hours, particularly at weekends. Dr Ruth Evans, an Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Reading said: “Service users and their supporters have told us that cuts to public services mean that specialist support and social and leisure activities that help to reduce isolation and loneliness are under threat and people may not able to access crucial help. The reality is that tackling loneliness requires
It was only last October when Theresa May launched the UK’s first campaign against loneliness. In 2018 May confirmed all GPs in England will be
“Cadbury are donating words from their Cadbury Dairy Milk bars” able to refer patients experiencing loneliness to community activities and voluntary services by 2023. Commercial brands have also been getting involved. Cadbury have recently run a campaign with Age UK, a charity battling loneliness and social isolation within older people. This is being promoted online by the charity via its website that includes a two-minute film made by Cadbury. Entitled “Donate Your Words”, this film is also available via YouTube Cadbury are donating the words from their Cadbury Dairy Milk bars to help. If you’d like to learn more on how to get involved or find out about areas or people most affected, visit www. ageuk.org.uk.
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Crafty graduate’s story of homelessness shortlisted for art prize Kia Mackenzie | Print News Editor and Designer
News
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RAG Week is on The THE Awards- Times Higher Education Awards the Horizon Kia Mackenzie | Print News Editor and Designer
Jess Storry | Print News Editor
A student at the University has secured herself a shortlisting for a regional art prize. Graduating with a degree in Art, her final project entitled There’s nothin’ soft about hard times explores the struggles her uncle went through with homelessness. Amy Richardson created a series of nine embroidered cushion covers which told the story of what led to her uncle becoming homeless and his time sleeping on the streets. It tells the story of her uncle’s battles with learning difficulties, mental health and addiction, and the negative attitudes shown towards him that contributed to this situation and spiral of decline. This degree show project was initially a part of the University’s Fine Art Degree show this year, and then went on to be chosen by Modern Art Oxford as one of 23 solo exhibitions for the Platform Graduates Award 2019. This annual event helps to promote the work of emerging artists from universities spanning the south east of England. Amy is now running for the title of overall award winner against three other graduate artists with a prize of a £2,000 bursary to fund future work and a year of professional support to accompany this.
The University of Reading has scored a hat-trick of shortlisted entries for the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, 2019.
Her solo exhibition ran from 19-29th September and she developed the exhibition and held a public presentation about her work on 28 September.
Two research projects, and nominations for innovative teaching and learning, and have been named by THE for this year’s awards.
“my work encourages the audience to move beyond the immediate prettiness.” Amy said: “The display of soft domestic items, floral printed cardboard tiles and a political banner produces conflicting feelings of comfort and discomfort and creates an appropriately confusing space indicative of the statelessness felt by people who are homeless. “My work encourages the audience to move beyond the immediate prettiness that may be most alluring and instead be witness to the veracity of the messages contained within the work that makes a personal plea for change.” The winner of the overall award is due to be announced on 23 November. Jo Bushnell, Deputy Chair of CVAN South East, said: “At a time when our region’s exemplary art and design HE institutions face pressures of finance and national policy, it is also important to restate the contribution they make to our thriving sector.”
@ragreading This year RAG Week will be running from November 18th-24th, and will continue to do fundraising events for their chosen charities throughout the year, with challenges including Everest Base Camp and the Three Peaks Challenge. For those of you who don’t know what RAG is, it is the official fundraising body of the Uni, standing for Raising And Giving. It is a student-orientated society which raises money for local and global charities. This year their charities are: New Beginnings – a charity who supports homeless people in Reading, Mind – “Our national charity for the year supports students and members of the university community by empowering them with the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after
their own and others mental health. They train staff and students in universities to deliver peer-led support interventions and research-driven workshops.” Many of their initiatives include events and experiences for the students here, from themed union nights to hitchhiking across the country and into Europe. Any and all donations made from their events and challenges go to their chosen charities. Over the past year they have raised thousands and have been able to send students to Nepal, Abu Dhabi, Peru and Morocco, as well as closer-tohome events on campus and in the local community. So get involved!
English Literature lecturer Dr Madeline Davies has been shortlisted for Most Innovate Teacher of the Year. This is the second year running that this prize has had a University of Reading Teacher on its shortlist.
“English Literature lecturer Dr Madeline
The English Literature lecturer Dr Madeline Davies has been shortlisted for Most Innovate Teacher of the Year.
Widely referred to as the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’ the THE Awards recognize innovation, commitment and flair within universities across the UK. They received hundreds of entries this year across 80 institutions and the awards themselves span 23 categories. The awards will be presented on 27th-28th November 2019 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Professor Dominik Zaum, Pro-ViceChancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Reading, said: “Congratulations to Rebecca, Andrea, and Rosa on
Davies has been shortlisted for Most Innovate Teacher of
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making the shortlist for the Research Project of the Year awards.” Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Reading, Professor Gavin Brooks, said: “Madeleine is one of our Teaching & Learning champions and her being shortlisted for this award helps demonstrate the impact that her innovative teaching brings to improving the experience of our students.” The two shortlisted research projects won further awards recently at the University of Reading’s Research Engagement and Impact Awards 2019.
the Year.” Research scientists in Geography and Environmental Science who were involved in preparing for flooding using forecast data have also been shortlisted in the ‘Research Project of the Year: STEM’ category. Professor Rosa Freedman, in the School of Law, was shortlisted for the ‘Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ award.
Chick-fil-A Article continued from Page 1: Kia Mackenzie | News Editor
of the family unit”.
Much of their argument and campaign consisted of the reality that the UK is a progressive country and that there is no place here for such homophobic companies. They are looking towards the company being removed from Reading, and, ultimately, the UK.
These Christian Fundamentalist views have now spread across the pond, and the people of Reading are trying to fight against this and Chick-fil-A’s intentions of becoming international.
The outrage that this has caused has even hit the news in America. A boycott was sparked in the US back in 2012 when the company’s chairman said he himself was opposed to gay marriage. Dan T. Cathy, the company’s chairman and chief executive, also stated in 2012 that Chick-fil-A believed in the “biblical definition
They also lost out on two potential airport contracts in the USA after their local politicians raised similar concerns over the anti-LGBT+ history that the company has. The issues people have with this chain in the UK spread further than just the attitudes held by some of the company directors. The outlet in the Oracle has an extremely limited selection of choice
on there menu and can be seen as overpriced for what it is, especially as it is advertised as a fast food chain. It seems as though their pricing strategy is out of line with their advertising. They also only serve drinks in single use containers as opposed to other more waste-free options. As Amrit highlighted in her article about plastic waste, there are far more sustainable options available and yet they don’t take on this initiative either, especially in a world becoming increasingly concerned about the environment. It is very clear that the issues people have with this company are not just localised to Reading, but spread across the pond too. The
group’s
Kirsten
Bayes
told
J. Reed- Flikr
protesters: “Companies like this have no place here in Reading and they have no place anywhere.
for justice and freedom for LGBT people.” Reading Labour councillor Sarah Hacker said:
“We are standing in solidarity with campaigners across the United States...
“We can make sure that they don’t spread their hatred across the UK.”
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News
ANOTHER DISCOUNT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS YEAR... Kia Mackenzie | Print News Designer
Starbucks in the Union’s Mojos have now started accepting NUS Totum cards. By presenting a valid card you can get a 10% discount on hot drinks. This is a really handy top-up to their already up-and-running offers which include but aren’t limited to: -Using your own cup discount for 25p off a hot drink -Their loyalty card scheme (buy 10 coffees, get your 11th free- tall coffees only) -their current tall tea or americano and a bacon roll for £2.50; they have also in the past done raspberry and peach iced tea for £1.00. However, this is only valid for full Totum card holders- Totum Lite is not valid. Even better as an excuse for that morning coffee…
SPARK A CONVO Taz Usher | Print Editor The Spark’s first coffee morning took place on Wednesday, October 30th when members of The Spark gathered for a friendly chat and article sharing session. Follow our social media to receive announcements about our next Spark a Convo event.
JOURNALISTS INSPIRE STUDENTS Taz Usher | Print Editor
NOVEMBER, 2019
STREET SUPPORT LAUNCHES IN READING Kia Mackenzie | Print News Designer
Reading Council have launched a new guide, working in partnership with charities and other organisations to produce a guide directing homeless people to support services.
“Street Support Reading Guide” This initiative is available both on line and in a printed leaflet. Called the Street Support Reading Guide, it is there to help and support homeless individuals who find themselves on the streets. This advice includes but is not limited to find places which can offer them accommodation, housing advice, help with drug and alcohol abuse and issues surrounding it, heath care and obtaining medical support, and food. The Reading Homeless Partnership is made up of several different charities
and organisations. Their goal is to end rough sleeping and homelessness in the borough. The leaflet and website are there to give advice to those who are concerned about people sleeping rough, whether or not it is someone they know personally or in passing.
“this guide
contains essential information for people who find themselves homeless and sleeping rough” They can then be referred to local services through either the website, the phone number or the StreetLink app. In addition to this new guide, Reading has signed up to the national Street Support Network.
This is also a place which offers a wide range of advice (relating to homelessness) and answers FAQ’s about how to find the help they need in Reading. The online platform is still developing and will continue to grow. The Street Support Network online platform also provides further details on the organisations which provide support in Reading, and provide professionals and members of the public with this information. As a result, they are also able to signpost vulnerable individuals in the right direction and support services. There is also details of the blogs about local news and projects. The plan for the future which is already underway is to hopefully include members of the public in order to provide help to the groups who work closely with the homeless in Reading. Cllr John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Housing, said:
“This guide contains essential information for people who find themselves homeless and sleeping rough in Reading.
NOVEMBER , 2019
Biggest Train Revamp since 1976 Jess Storry | News Editor Commute by train to university? Or maybe you just use the trains to escape to home for the odd weekend. Either way, as the Christmas holidays approach, students should be aware of the big changes to train services between Reading and London Paddington.
UNCOVERING OF (POSSIBLY) BRITAIN’S EARLIEST BATH HOUSE
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Kia Mackenzie | Print News Editor and Designer
“The Council invests in comprehensive support services for people sleeping rough and there are a wealth of excellent community organisations and charities also offering help in the town.
“their goal is to end rough sleeping” “The Street Support Network website and Reading guide brings details of all those services together to help people find the support they need quickly.” The online guide can be found at www.streetsupport.net/reading and their phone number is 0300 500 0914.
Commute by train to university? Or maybe you just use the trains to escape to home for the odd weekend. Either way, as the Christmas holidays approach, students should be aware of the big changes to train services between Reading and London Paddington. The train company follows with further warnings of altered timetables between these stations as the services changes. Operations director of Transport for London (TfL) Rail, Howard Smith said, “Starting TfL Rail services to Reading is another step towards opening London’s new railway, the Elizabeth line. “Customers will see staff at every station, and improvements being made to stations along the route including the installation of lifts to provide step-free access. They will also be able to enjoy the convenience of pay as you go contactless payments all the way to Reading.”
Aspiring journalists flocked to the Palmer Building last month as part of the university’s Careers’ Marketing, Media and Comms week.
Passengers will see huge impacts on how the trains are run, from new timetables and contactless payments to more frequent trains and extra seating.
The Careers in Journalism session took place on Tuesday, October 22nd and featured talks from four professional journalists from firms including the BBC and Business Insider.
The shakeup is being billed as the biggest timetable change on the network since 1976. Although all trains are currently run by Great Western Railway (GWR), soon TfL will be taking control of over half of trains running between Reading and London Paddington before the Crossrail’s Elizabeth line extending to the town.
Throughout the session students heard from the guests about their tips for getting into the industry and asked questions about their career steps.
News
GWR will keep operating stopping services between Reading and Lon-
don Paddington calling at intermediate stations, with some reaching Didcot and lengthening trains to 12 carriages during peak hours. GWR will maintain the fast-direct trains to London Paddington. These services will merge with TfL’s stopping services to provide an improved overall service able to carry more passengers, especially during the company’s busiest hours. Ultimately inter-city route trains will become more frequent, however not all of them will continue to stop at Reading. Also, not all city-to-city trains will stop at Reading or Swindon - so you’ll need to make sure you’re on the right train. Chief executive of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, Paul Britton said: “An extra 10,000 seats in the morning peak into London Paddington is great news for businesses in the Thames Valley and London.”. Promises of extra seats and increased frequency of services during rush hours met commuters with an air of approval, as previously passengers had bottlenecked around these peak times, causing further delays. Yet new Intercity Express trains already operating between Reading and London Paddington will be faster with journey times reduced by up to eight minutes to 22 minutes. The changes will be introduced on Sunday, December 15th. Be sure to check timetables and the GWR website for more information if you rely on these services to travel over the Christmas break.
A typical bath house in its original form The University of Reading Archaeology team have been at it again... this time in Silchester, Hampshire instead of a church in Kent... The Roman town of Silchester, north Hampshire, may be home to a before unknown bath house- and possibly one of the oldest ones built in Roman Britain. Archaeologists from the University who have been investigating the public baths believed it to belong to the reign of Emperor Nero. Yet this summer they discovered foundations underneath one of them that could pre-date this by up to a decade. This earlier building could therefore date back to the Claudian era (AD 41-54), and would make it one of the first buildings constructed after the Roman invasion in AD 43. It is almost certain that it is the earliest known masonry building in Roman Silchester. The team’s investigation focuses around the development of the building, construction materials used
and looking at the everyday items dropped around it in order to understand who might have used the baths
had grown significantly, perhaps the townsfolk wanted to build bigger and better than any of their neighbours.
“We hope to shed light on this when we explore the remains of all three buildings in more detail.” and how. Professor Mike Fulford, Archaeology Director of the Silchester excavation, said: “The walls of the Neronian building would have been a metre wide and were made with expensive materials, so the decision to demolish it and start from scratch so soon after its construction is curious, and raises the question of whether the building was ever completed. “Perhaps the population of the town
“We hope to shed light on this when we explore the remains of all three buildings in more detail next year. We particularly hope to pinpoint more accurately when the earliest building was built and what its purpose was. “This first building is fascinating because it provides a window into an earlier period of Roman Britain than we realised. “If it was a bath house then the fact it was one of the first buildings built in Silchester suggests bathing really was hugely important to the Romans.”
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NOVEMBER, 2019
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NOVEMBER , 2019
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THE HONG KONG ANTI-ELAB MOVEMENT Colette Chan | Part Three International Develpoment
DISNEY +, THE ATOMIC BOMB OF STREAMING?
Mickey Mouse is on the rise but are we heading for an entertainment mouse trap? Conor Chamiec | Part One Film
Oh monopoly. The game that brings families together and destroys them more efficiently than any pet death or creepy uncle. You may wonder why, in an article about Disney, I’m bringing up monopoly… Well, Disney is probably a better example of a successful monopoly than any board game could even comprehend. Over the last decade or so the Walt Disney company has expanded at a speed and level the likes of which the British empire could only dream of. It all started arguably with the acquisition of Marvel Studios in 2009 (the total box office of the MCU to date is $18.42 billion). Then in 2012 they bought Lucas films and its subsidiaries
(About $4.84 billion to date); and now, with the purchase of Fox in March of this year, Disney owns 35% of the global film market. Now that seems like a lot… that’s because it is. But for the most part Disney is benevolent, and now they have begun a more determined venture into the world of online, multi-platform streaming services with their own Disney+. Disney + is a sweet dream and a beautiful nightmare depending on how you see it. Toting, among other things: all of the MCU, all of the Star Wars series, all of the Disney animated canon, all of the live action Disney films, national geographic materials, among new and original material such as the Star Wars series The Mandalorian and assorted B list marvel superheroes getting their day in the sun.
But given this is a streaming service there are several problems, mainly that we may be heading to a point where the consumer is spread too thin. Let’s say you want to have a Star Wars marathon, then that’s about $7 (there’s no confirmed UK price yet), but then you fancy Stranger Things; that’s between
“Disney + is a sweet dream and a beautiful nightmare” £6 but more likely £9, or if you want to watch the next HBO sensation like Game of Thrones it’s yet another £8.
“they have begun a more determined venture into the world of online, multiplatform streaming services” This was a problem which for many of our generation killed the idea of mainstream traditional television and might be doing the same to the next step in entertainment. As an aside, the problem that Disney+’s success poses is that it might just make Disney more successful, which could be disastrous. For example, if Disney gets big enough they could decide what isn’t suitable. An example is Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, a dark comedy about a boy in the Hitler Youth; it was being produced by Fox, and while it is still being released later this year, Disney made their concerns
public about its saleability. Overall, the future isn’t too bright – the very idea of art might be at stake, but that said, I would be lying if the versatility of Disney + wasn’t alluring and I’d be lying if I wasn’t miffed about the UK release being pushed back, because I’m that excited. It’s a complicated but serious turn of events, and many people could get very rich off a collective suffering. Now that I think about it, the board game was a really apt comparison.
Kelly Ho - South Morning China Post
Grayson Ho - We Witness We Tell
In the heat of the ongoing Hong Kong protests, the issues have reached our campus, and Colette Chan is now going to be regularly writing and updating you on the issues, especially now they have reached our own campus in the form of a protest. Hong Kong and the Extradition Bill: The Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (anti-ELAB) movement has been going on for 4 months. Hong Kong is one the Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, the PRC has enshrined Hong Kong the following fundamental principles: a high degree of autonomy and enjoyment of executive, legislative and independent judicial power. Socialist system and policies are not imposed or practised in Hong Kong’s government; the laws previously in force such as the common law, rules of equity, ordinances, subordinate legislation and customary law are maintained; and most importantly, the practice of the capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years. The enactment of “One Country, Two Systems” has been greatly ensuring the protection of freedom and civil rights that every Hongkonger deserves to enjoy. The government of Hong Kong proposed an extradition bill known as the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual
Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. The amendment of the bill would expand the range of countries that could extradite suspected offenders on a case-by-case basis. China is one of the countries on the list of countries in the new extradition bill.
The concerns of Hongkongers: Human Rights in China has always been a big concern; a lot human rights activists in China are either incarcerated or exiled. Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was a well-known human rights activist in China. Unfortunately, he was incarcerated as a political prisoner due to voicing out the human rights issues with the Chinese government. By opening the door to extradition to Mainland China, it does not only harm the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” and the independence of judicial system, but also it will have control over the freedom of speech in Hong Kong. With reference to the 2015 abduction of Hong Kong booksellers who was selling anti-Chinese communist party books, they were taken back to Mainland China by Chinese agents without any exit records of immi-
gration. Hence, the change of bill has a prospect of allowing “legalised kidnapping”. The anti-ELAB movement started on June 9th with About 1 million people marching against the bill in the first protest, which induced 2 million to protest on the street after the 9th of June. However, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive, still decided to postpone the bill instead of withdrawing it completely. Since then, protests have been carried out every weekend to urge the government to respond to the 5 demands: 1. Complete Withdrawal of the Extradition Bill 2. An Independent Inquiry into Alleged Police Brutality 3. Amnesty for all Arrested Protesters 4. Withdrawal of the “Riot” Description Used about the Protests by the Authorities 5. Universal Suffrage for the Elections of the Chief Executive and Legislative Council, Hong Kong’s Parliament There are different protests going on in different parts of the UK to support Hong Kong. On October 15th, a group of Hong Kong students organised a rally on Whiteknights Campus, outside the Palmer building. The aim of the rally was to raise aware-
ness of the protests in Hong Kong and the human rights concerns with the excessive force used by the police in Hong Kong. The group of 20 students prepared materials and videos explaining the protests and the bill. It attracted many staff and students from different background and opinions coming to discuss the issues. At the same time, they were surrounded by a big group of Mainlanders, opposing the anti-ELAB movement. The hostile approach at the beginning caused an uncomfortable tension but it was resolved by constructive and peaceful discussions between the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese students. Some Mainland students suggested that the media in Hong Kong had overexaggerated the brutality of police force, as well as embellishing the violent acts of protesters; in order to clarify the validity of the sources, some said they only believed in the Chinese government’s official media and other news circulating within their communities. Ironically, there are restrictions on social media to avoid western propaganda in China, such as setting up the firewall to prevent public accessing to
outside informational world, and banning any disgraceful content about the Chinese government. The cultural difference can be clearly shown from Mainlanders living in a bubble with the “perfect” image built by the Chinese government, while Hongkongers has always been fighting for democracy. If the bill was passed, freedom of speech in Hong Kong would have also been restricted and prohibited people from voicing their dissatisfaction to the government. Not to mention, the Hong Kong government has already imposed the Anti-Mask Law, which is to ban the public from wearing masks during a public assembly. This violated the basic human rights for ones who do not wish to be identified during the protest. In the next issue of The Spark, we will look at how the conflicts between the pro-democracy group and the pro-Beijing groups escalated in the city. In the meantime, if you would like to keep up with the updates of protests, please feel free to follow Pepe in Reading on Facebook!
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NOVEMBER, 2019
NOVEMBER , 2019
Lifestyle
THE DRY SKIN HEROES: BIODERMA
Sabby Studies Sabita Burke | Sub Editor
“Forming habits isn’t just hearing about a technique and thinking, ‘Ooh, I could do that.’ It takes time and repeated actions.”
Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor
Welcome back to November’s edition of my study advice column. This month I discuss my favourite ideas on how to form effective study habits – thank you to the student who requested this topic! Please remember that I am just a student and not a professional study advisor, so consider each tip critically, thinking about whether it would work for you before implementing it into your routine. Choosing your habits: Tailor your techniques.
Bioderma’s Atoderm range is a range of luxurious skincare products devoted to keeping the skin hydrated and soft throughout the cold winter months. As the winter season is coming along in full swing, it is important to look after our skin considering it isn’t uncommon to suffer from dry skin during the winter. Bioderma’s Atoderm range is a range of luxurious skincare products devoted to keeping the skin hydrated and soft throughout the cold winter months. Each product in the range contains dermopatented formulas, which deliver wonderful results when it comes to the skin lasting in moisture. I’ve been using four of the products in the Atoderm range, and I really wanted to share my experience in using these products daily as someone who suffers from dry skin in the winter. From left to right in the photo: The ‘Gentle Shower Gel’ is the perfect shower companion for someone with dry skin. With its rich texture, this product has been great for my skin. When used before the Atoderm UltraNourishing Cream, my skin is already being prepped for a day of no itchiness or dryness, just long-lasting moisture. A little goes a long way with this shower gel, as a lather is easy to build from a small amount of it. That’s something I certainly haven’t experienced with other shower gels when I’m pouring out almost a fifth of the bottle to work up a decent lather! Priced at £8.00, the shower gel is available on www.feelunique. com. I for sure can relate to the irritating crackly lips that many are prone to throughout the
winter. Dry lips are a look I really like to avoid, and they’re a nasty feeling I just can’t dismiss. Priced at an affordable £5.50 on Feel Unique, the Atoderm Moisturising Lip Stick is certainly my favourite out of the range since my lips are the most prone to dryness. Since using it on my lips daily the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed that they are incredibly smooth and feel ultra-nourished. It also gives off a pearly shine like a lip gloss, making it justifiable for me to complete a makeup look with this product. The main benefits of this product are that it ‘restores dry, chapped labial mucosa’ and ‘protects against environmental stresses’. Made with shea butter, the lipstick also smells divine- a bonus! The Atoderm Hand and Nail Cream is a great hand-bagfriendly-sized product. It is small, but this product will last you a long time as a little does go a very long way. The cream is strengthening for the skin, curing those dry and damaged hands you can’t stand in the winter – a godsend for me when I’m walking to university on the cold morning of a 9 am lecture. I like to use this product twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon when I’m home from university. I keep it in my handbag though, just in case. It only costs £4.50 on Feel Uniqueyou can’t go wrong! Bioderma’s ‘Atoderm UltraNourishing Cream’ is a generously sized product of 500ml- a great size to keep in your bathroom. Although this is the most expensive product I’ve tried in the Atoderm range (£18.50 on Feel Unique), it is
it can be, isn’t necessary to do well if you’re working on a module that is purely essay-based and doesn’t require any memorisation for tests. Implementing your habits: a rigorous routine. One of my favourite Study YouTubers once said, “it’s not motivation that keeps you going, it’s habit.” Forming habits isn’t just about hearing about a technique and thinking, “Ooh, I could do that”. It takes time and repeated actions, week after week. For starters, do all you can to get up at the same time every day. Even if being an early bird is out of your reach (and you don’t have to be – I’ve achieved my study goals while rolling out of bed at 12 p.m. most days), once you do get up, make sure to stick to a routine of sitting down at your desk and getting on with work. Use triggers every time you start working, which you will come to associate with studying. Tea and candles are my favourites – but check your accommodation’s fire hazard policy first! Maintaining your habits: Don’t let them slip away.
The best study habit isn’t just one activity – it’s the ability to recognise different techniques for how effective they are in certain situations, while realising that they might not be great in others. For example, doing all that extra reading suggested by your lecturer will help you consolidate your knowledge for exams, but most likely won’t help much if you’re planning an essay based around a narrow, specific topic when the reading cover everything in your module very broadly. Similarly, spending days rewriting your notes trying to get content to stick in your head, as rewarding as
Don’t overload yourself – habits are unsustainable if they’re too taxing on your time and energy. Also, find ways to keep morale high. Watching “study with me” videos on YouTube is an inspiring way to get into a productive mindset before beginning each day. Having a positive pattern like this will allow you to keep it going easily, and before you know it your habits will be formed.
Photo by Holly Fournier
“Dry lips are a look I really like to avoid, and they’re a nasty feeling I just can’t dismiss.”
worth the purchase if you suffer a lot from dry sensitive skin as this product will work wonders for you. It is a skincare cream that can not only be used all over your body, but it is suitable for the face too. The cream locks in 24-hour moisture; I’ve noticed that my skin doesn’t feel dry or itchy for an entire day when I use this product. Bioderma
says that the skin will become “well moisturised with greater resistance and renewed softness and suppleness from the first application”, and I agree with this as these benefits have made me forget I had dry skin before. If you’re interested in buying any of these handy winter skincare products, then don’t forget that as
a student you’re entitled to 15% off at the moment on Feel Unique with a UNiDAYS account- it’s free to sign up with your student email address. Check out https://www.feelunique.com/search?q=bioderma+atoderm for more information.
My favourite makeup highlighter Olivia Mill | Secretary and Socials rep Looking for a new highlighter to try out? My favourite for the past few months has been the revolution vivid baked highlighter. I use it every night out; it’s subtle but when catching the right light glows beautifully. I have it in the
shade ‘Golden Lights’ which is a shimmering gold. I love to put it on the tops of my cheek bones, the tip of my nose and under the arch of my eyebrow. It finishes off a look beautifully and last hours before coming off!
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STUDY TIPS: USEFUL STUDY TECHNIQUES Raj Khan | Part 3 English Literature & Politics Here are some useful study techniques that can help you get top marks in your coursework and exams. Plan your time Independent work takes up the bulk of our time. Be proactive by creating a timetable. Open University recommends 32-36 hours of study per week for a full-time degree. Type of studying If you are an auditory learner, read your notes out loud. If you’re a visual learner, put up colourful mind maps and sticky notes. Try a variety of memorisation methods. Revising Create your own flash cards and use Quizlet online to revise your module content. Use your module specification to prioritise key areas of revision. And take five-minute breaks by getting food and drink. Remember to enjoy your studies and take any opportunities that arise.
WHOLESOME FACT OF THE DAY Sarah Maqbool | Part 2 Environmental Science You can never have too much wholesomenes! Since Sept 16th, 2016, the Italian government has given every 18-yearold Italian school leaver a €500 ‘culture bonus’ (completely on the government) to spend on activities such as buying books and visiting culturally enriching places like museums, art galleries, theatres, concerts, archaeological sites and more. The scheme is also available to other EU citizens living in Italy. Talk about investing in arts and culture education!
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NOVEMBER, 2019
LONDON FASHION WEEK 2019: CELEBS, COLOUR AND CATWALKS
Photo by Dave Bennett
Week, one of the Big Four fashion events of the world calendar, took place from Friday, September 13 to Tuesday, September 17 this year.” London Fashion Week, one of the Big Four fashion events of the world calendar, took place from Friday, September 13th to Tuesday, September 17th this year. The celebration featured catwalks displaying the latest trends from top designers including Molly Goddard, Victoria Beckham, and Margaret Howell. The fantastic array of colour, texture, and personality on display was open for members of the public to view for the first time, starting at £135 per ticket. Elsewhere in London, members of the public could absorb
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Beauty Bay Eyeshadow Do You Want a Mouth-Watering Burger with an Amazing Discount? Palette Review Try Honest Burgers. Amelia Dinsdale | Online Lifestyle Editor
Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor
Millie Smith | Part 1 English Literature
“For the introverts among freshers, and in fact some extroverts too, it is much harder to get out there and get involved...”
Taz Usher | Print Editor
“London Fashion
Freshers Week: How to Survive the ‘Best Week of Your Life’
Lifestyle
NOVEMBER , 2019
the creativity of the event by attending workshops with big brands including Mulberry, as well as visiting pop up shops around the city.
large feather accessory display welcomed guests, as well as numerous clothing rails packed with a range of styles from SHEIN’S new collections.
One up and coming brand, SHEIN, an online women’s clothing merchant, hosted their Autumn/Winter pop up shop in Great Portland Street from Friday through to the Sunday. And as one of SHEIN’s student ambassadors, I had the pleasure of working with the team to setup, launch, and run the shop over the weekend.
The evening featured a live DJ, cocktail and fizz bar, nail salon, goodie bags, and an open browsing session. The atmosphere was highly positive and elevated by the enthusiasm of SHEIN’s staff members and ambassadors who were keen to engage guests with their knowledge of the new clothing lines. The official opening of the shop was led by another special guest, Made in Chelsea’s Georgia Toffolo, who welcomed members of the public on Friday morning as well as looking around the store herself.
Following the success of their London Fashion Week pop up shop in May, the team approached its September project with an ambitious vision, helped by their slightly larger venue and influencer party. The launch event took place on the Thursday evening and saw guests including Love Island’s Amy Hart, Joanna Chimonides, Elma Pazar, Jourdan Riana as well as Made in Chelsea’s Tiff Watson attend. Upon entering the shop, a
Some of the most popular pieces throughout the weekend included those from the delicate blouse and dresses range, party wear collection, and work wear rail. To browse the collections yourself, visit shein.co.uk and use code 20TAZ at the online checkout for 20% off your purchase.
Everyone is well aware that starting your university journey is nerve-wracking. The daunting prospect of moving to a new place, with new people, and the new challenges of a new course. Everything is new, in most cases anyway, and coming to terms with that isn’t always straightforward. Of course, some people click and fit in immediately – making friends, knowing their way around and getting involved in everything! However, for others it’s not the same story. For the introverts among freshers, and in fact some extroverts too, it is much harder to get out there and get involved during Fresher’s Week. I, myself, am one of the aforementioned nervous introverts, and Fresher’s Week was most definitely NOT the best week of my life. There’s this theory and expectation before you begin your university life that Fresher’s Week will be the best week ever, you’ll make friends for life and just have the greatest time. However, for many of us that really isn’t the case. As I said, I’m an introvert but I am also a non-drinker and not a big lover of the clubbing or party scene, and I imagine I’m not the only one. The first week was mostly spent with me questioning everything... ‘Am I going to fit in here?’, ‘How am I going
to make any friends if I don’t go out drinking and partying?’, ‘Is everyone just going to think I’m the sober weirdo?’ and mostly I thought ‘What on earth am I doing here?’. I would imagine that this internal dialogue is frequent amongst freshers, but it’s so rarely spoken about that we all simply think that we are the only person in the world having these thoughts and that we must be crazy – it’s the only logical explanation, right? Wrong. Everyone has these moments of doubt, of panic, of wanting to hide. Everyone is wanting to make friends, find their way around a new campus and get going with their course. The struggle is not one that we all need to face individually, and it also doesn’t last forever. So, how do we cope with the struggle? Say Hi to people. Knock on your flatmates’ door for a chat. Try out societies. Meet up with people on your course for a coffee. Ring home to family and friends. Alone time is good too, you don’t have to be out all the time. There are so many small things to help make that week easier. If Fresher’s Week was the best week of your life, brilliant. But if it wasn’t? That’s okay too, and there are plenty of people just like you.
Winter Cooking Recipe Mananchaya | Part 3 Management and Business Hot soup is always a great choice during winter. Forget all the soup on the supermarket shelf and let me introduce you to “Tom Yam” soup, one of the most well-known dishes from Thailand. Some ingredients may be a bit difficult to find but I suggest finding them in Sainsbury’s or the Thursday vegetable market, which is located in RUSU. Here’s the Tom Yam soup recipe: 1. Heat the water until it starts to
boil, then put chopped galangal, pressed lemon grass, tomatoes and chopped mushroom into the pot. 2. For spices put red chilli, chilli paste, a bit of fish sauce and meat (chicken or prawn). (Apart from these two, we don’t use other meat!) 3. Lastly, once the meat is done, add lime juice and Kaffir lime leaves, and then your Tom Yam soup is finished! Enjoy it with Thai Jasmine Rice!
Photo by Holly Fournier
I was just ready to purchase my third Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette when an advert for Beauty Bay popped up on my screen. After seeing the dramatic price difference between my original choice and similar looking £23 EYN Fiery 42 colour palette, I decided to take the jump and order it. They have about eight different colour options ranging from neutrals to the very colourful EYN Bright Palette. An extra bonus was the free delivery, which was surprisingly quick. The Palette itself looks exactly as it
did on the website, possibly brighter. On first attempt, the colour stayed on pretty well all day. The only complaint I have is that some of the colours don’t come out quite how you would expect, but once I got the hang of it this was no longer an issue. It works very well for a “going out” look, and it’s versatile enough to suit a lot of different outfits. Price and quality considered, I would definitely buy another one of their eyeshadow palettes and I am excited to be able to try some of their other products too.
I have been to Honest Burgers in Reading twice now, and I’ve had an exceptional experience. If you go on a Saturday night, you can indulge in a mouth-watering burger with your friends whilst listening to a DJ set – could a restaurant get any more fun? Honest Burgers has sites across the UK and offers a brilliant student discount. With your student ID, you can get 30% off food every Monday to Thursday between 14:00 and 17:30. You can get the classic ‘HONEST’ burger with the signature rosemary chips for just £8.05! Alongside their local special burgers which are exclusive to each site, they have plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, from the ‘Fritter 2.0 Veggie Burger’ to the ‘Plant Burger’
with vegan chipotle mayo. So, there is something for everyone at Honest Burgers. As you can see from the photo when I recently visited Honest Burgers, I ordered the ‘Jerk Chicken’ burger which was jampacked with every chicken burger lover’s dream: jerk chicken, smoked bacon, double American cheese, Calypso Fusion jerk sauce, mango slaw, and lettuce. I also ordered a side of their ‘Buffalo wings’ which were bite-sized pieces of heaven. To go with my meal, I ordered the ‘Bermondsey Spritz’ cocktail, which wasn’t too sweet at all so complimented my meal nicely. I think sugary cocktails are best served without a meal, so Honest Burgers have perfected their cocktail options, so you still get that taste, without all the unnecessary sugar.
My boyfriend ordered the same side as me and the same cocktail but decided to double up and go for the ‘Good Karma’ burger- a collaboration with Karma Cola. This burger includes beef, Karma Cola candied bacon, double American cheese, shoestring fries, Karma bacon gravy, red onion, and pickles. After having a bite of this burger, when I’m not the biggest fan of beef, I was instantly impressed because the Karma Cola candied bacon really is a wonderful finishing touch. If you’re interested in trying Honest Burgers, I recommend the Reading branch because not only is the food delightful (even more delightful with 30% off), the staff are incredibly friendly. vv
A Writer’s Best Friend: Pen Heaven’s Travel Essentials Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor Luxury gift hub, Pen Heaven, say that “travelling might not seem like the time to put pen to paper, but for many of the world’s most notable writers, a journey just about anywhere – accompanied with a pen and journal - was exactly what they needed to set the creative juices flowing.” If you are a writer, you’ll know that your best ideas come around when you’re least expecting them. I’ve found that when I’m travelling, I always think of article ideas – whether I’m sitting on a train,
walking along the beach, or waiting hours on end at the airport. The perfect companion for travelling so you can hook onto those travelinspired ideas in a stylish way is the ‘Bomo Art Journal’. Hand made and half leather, this journal is premium quality and is sturdy enough for any trip, whether you’re writing down the beach, on the plane or by the pool. The journal exudes vintage chic and is also a beautiful addition to display on your
desk at home, or in the office. To complement the journal on your travels, the ‘Caran D’Ache 849 ‘Metal X’ Green Ballpoint Pen’ is perfect. With a tungsten carbide ball, this pen writes a clean line without blots during 8000mm. If you’re interested in either of these products, head over to penheaven. co.uk and check out their stunning range of writing instruments and journals.
Photo by Holly Fournier
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HOW TO STAY POSITIVE DURING YOUR DEGREE Shreya Markendey | Part 1 English Literature Embarking my journey as an undergraduate has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Hence, I am sure as the new academic year commences for many, there is something every student wished they knew how to achieve: ‘positivity’. But, how does one start? List your goals. Count your blessings. Surround yourself with happiness. Smile. Repeat.
BUMBLE Zayna Hussein | Part 3 International Business
Bumble, the social networking app with over 70 million users, connects people across dating, friendship and professional networking. Join ‘Bumble Reading Events’ on Facebook to hear about free Bumble events.
BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE HYDRATING FOUNDATION STICK Monica Lillis | Part 4 German and Economics
With winter fast approaching it is probably time to switch up your foundation. Long gone are the days of tinted moisturiser and some powder. We need some full coverage ASAP, and so the search for the perfect foundation begins. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick is a silky foundation of dreams. Although on the pricier sider (£29.00), its buildable coverage is a thirst quenching kiss for your skin.
NOVEMBER, 2019
LIFE TOOLS – YOUR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN YOUR HANDS
Lifestyle
NOVEMBER , 2019
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Shopping on a MEET CHARLOTTE HYDE: Budget: Discover DISABLED STUDENTS’ New Options OFFICER 2019/20 Amelia Dinsdale | Online Lifestyle Editor
Olga Shevchenko | Graduate
Sarah Maqbool | Part 2 Environmental Science
The award winning programme designed by experts to help you succeed both in and out of University. Life skills – everyone needs them to ensure we’re able to meet life’s challenges head-on, students and non-students alike. And luckily for all students at the University of Reading, the cultivation of such skills throughout the student body is considered crucial, which is where Life Tools comes in! Life Tools is an award-winning programme designed by experts to help you take control of your own personal development and strengthen your current skillset, so you can achieve your potential both in and out of University. All talks are free to at-
tend with no need to book, and are categorized under 5 topics: creativity, knowledge, tools, wellness and global awareness. There is even the opportunity to expand your learning further by attending the monthly group discussion where topics are discussed in more detail! Life Tools Talks: November 2019 Under Pressure? – Mon 11th Nov @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Confidence: ‘I can’ and ‘I will’. – Weds 13th Nov @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Jump-starting your brain. – Thurs 14th Nov @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Edith
Morley, 124. Stressed? Learn ways to maintain your health. – Mon 18th Nov @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Socialising and substances: When is it too much? – Weds 20th Nov @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Support your mates. – Weds 20th Nov @ 2:00pm – 5:00pm, Edith Morley, 125. Focusing or forgetting? – Thurs 21st Nov @ 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Edith Morley, 126. Bouncing back from setbacks. – Mon 25th Nov @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Romantic relationships: Navigating changes and challenges. – Mon 25th Nov @ 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Edith Morley, 126. Mindfulness: A brief introduction (Part 2). – Weds 27th Nov @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Edith Morley, 125. A good night’s sleep. – Thurs 28th Nov @ 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Edith Morley, 126.
Life Tools Talks: December 2019 Feedback: Food for thought. – Mon 2nd Dec @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Imperfect perfectionism. – Weds 4th Dec @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Edith Morley, 125. Living well on a student budget. – Thurs 5th Dec @ 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Edith Morley, 126. Emotional Intelligence. – Mon 9th Dec @ 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Edith Morley, 126. Thinking ahead: The workplace and you. – Weds 11th Dec @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Edith Morley, 125. Preparing for exams. – Thurs 12th Dec @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Edith Morley, 124. Enrol on the Life Tools Blackboard Course now for quick access to Life Tools resources, Life Tools blog posts and the Life Tools weekly newsletter! To find out more, visit: www.reading. ac.uk/life-tools.
You may think that shopping on budget is extremely boring, and maybe even sad. For me, it is like a quest game. I find new ways to save and generate some excitement along the way. Generally, I’ve made it a habit to check if there is a student discount before committing to a purchase. UNiDAYS is a great place to check as they have discounts sorted into categories, and they always add more exciting ways to save. However, I have some more tips when it comes to saving on shopping. For clothes and any household items my go-to routine is to check charity shops. It is true that you never know what is available there, but sometimes it works like magic. I managed to find a yoga mat for £1 one day before my first yogalates class. I generally just go to charity shops to see if anything sparks my interest, but also if I have some loose ideas on what I need, like maybe an outfit for a night out, or some sport clothes. It works very well with such ideas. In my experience, Sue Ryder and Christian Community Action are the best and the cheapest. It is also possible to get some free items from Christian Community Action from time to time – this is how I got an assortment of coat hangers without paying anything for them.
Life Tools is an award-winning programme designed by experts to help you take control of your own personal development and strengthen your current skillset - so you can achieve your potential both in and out of University.
For food, there are a few exciting options. First, there is the Olio app, where people nearby share unwanted food with the world for free. Its main mission is to reduce food waste, but it is also helps you spend less on food. Again, you can’t really order food, but it makes you try new things. Just this week, I picked up an almost full advent tea calendar. The teas there are not something I would normally buy
(like a liquorice tea!) but I like discovering new flavours. Then, there are McDonalds and Subway coupons. You could find this in the free Metro newspaper quite often, just look for them on the pages. I got a coupon offering a variety of options for just £2, like Big Mac and a side salad. Currently, they are valid until November to redeem in almost every McDonalds. There are also offers for Subway with similar savings. And once, they even advertised free coffee at Costa. So, I would say checking Metro for discounts and offers occasionally is useful, even if you don’t like following the latest news (I would totally understand if you don’t!). And lastly, my latest discovery – the Shopmium app. It is an app where you can get your money back entirely or partially for purchasing their offers. When you get the app, you need to see what is on offer in which shop, buy it and take the receipt with you. Then you submit the receipt in app, scan your product and get your money back into PayPal account! If you don’t have PayPal account yet, you could get £10 just for signing up to it through UNiDAYS! Just search ‘PayPal’ for all of the ‘instructions. Currently on Shopmium there is a jar of Kefir completely free, and some very good half-price or more offers. I just got a pack of cookies for 50p, for example. Plus, I like checking the app for new offers, and like in the case of Olio, discovering new things. There are many ways to save, especially if you are flexible and like trying new things. I personally like living on a budget in the sense that it makes you creative and more open for the world.
Photo by Charlotte Hyde
“I want to be someone to talk to...” Charlotte is one of the 9 part time officers that represent the diversity of the university community. She was elected alongside the full-time officers in the yearly Students’ Union elections. When asked about why she applied to by the disabled students’ officer, Charlotte said: “I was frustrated by inaccessible lectures and I wanted to be in a position to make a positive change for people like myself.” “I want to be someone to talk to because I felt alone in the first two years of my degree and I didn’t realise that there was a whole load of people who were struggling like me. That is the why the disabled student’s network is really beneficial.
“The disabled student’s network is a peer-run network set up by former RUSU Diversity Officer Nozomi Tolworthy when she realized that was a need for students of different groups to have a space to go and talk about the issues that they face on campus and also to be able to socialize.” Charlotte said that her responsibilities include: “running the disabled student’s network, attending the NUS disabled students conference, attending the student voice meetings and to be a voice for disabled students.” This year Charlotte said “I want campus to be more deaf aware, which will include making closed captioning in lectures mandatory. I want image descriptions on student social media (such as RUSU’s) to make it more accessible, along with continuing to work on accessible building entrances and accessible study spaces on campus. This is all detailed in my manifesto on the Reading University Student Union (RUSU) website. “I want to be able to support the
disabled students who need it. I want to be someone they can talk to because I get it. I haven’t had that for the past two years of my degree” Charlotte has already recently achieved one of her main aims which was to add image descriptions to all media produced by RUSU. “Image descriptions help blind and partially sighted people to access media online. Like how deaf and hard-of-hearing people need captions to access sound, I believe that blind and partially sighted people need image descriptions. We live in a world where we are increasingly using GIFs, images and infographics to share content – for example, screenshotted tweets that get shared on Facebook. Blind and partially sighted people cannot access that as they are not read on a screen-reader.” If you’d like to find out more about Charlotte Hyde and her role within RUSU, head over to https://www. rusu.co.uk/representation/studentreps/part-time-officers/disabledstudents-officer/.
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The Perfect Getaway Veganism and Fresh Cooking Eden James | Part 2 History
Madelyn Morgan | Digital News Editor
The finished product, my version included mushrooms.
START OF TERM CHECKLIST
I have created a back to university checklist, to highlight some of the most important things to bring. Jodie Velarde Phillips | Part 3 Zoology When the leaves start turning brown and the rain begins to pour, it only means one thing… back to university! Moving all your stuff from house to house over summer can be stressful, and it seems like there is a daunting amount to remember. I have created a back to university checklist, to highlight some of the most important things to bring. Warm clothes. Whether you are in halls or a house, university accommodation always seems to be freezing cold. We avoid putting the heating on to save money and end up shivering under our duvets. Therefore, a fluffy dressing gown and a cosy blanket are always essentials. Enough kitchen stuff. Nobody wants to be that guy who always borrows other people’s kitchen appliances.
Buy your own grater and masher! You won’t regret it. Stationery. There’s nothing like coloured pens and post-it notes, to make you feel like you can conquer the year ahead. Head down to Wilko and grab yourself some cheap and cheerful bits. I promise you, it will make you feel way more organised than you may think! Home comforts. Feeling home-sick can be tough at university, so bring some things to make your new house feel like a home. House plants, fairy lights and photos are a few great ways to do this. Important documents. You never know when you’re going to need that sneaky bit of paper with your national insurance number on. Make sure you
make a small folder to bring with you, to keep all your important files in one place. Laundry bins. Those bed sheets have got to have somewhere to go when you finally change them! To avoid mess and piles of dirty washing, buy a laundry bin so you can keep it all in one place. This also makes it a lot easier to carry washing down to the machine.
“Stay organised with everything as best as you can and enjoy the independent life!”
“Budapest is the perfect destination to visit if you are looking for a city break with a bit of everything.” Budapest is the perfect destination to visit if you are looking for a city break with a bit of everything. There are many exciting opportunities: you can explore history, relax, try new food, culture and have a great night out, all while sticking to a budget. I went with friends over the summer and it was one of the best cities I’ve been to; this advice will help you have the perfect getaway. The first thing I would recommend is a bike tour- you can see almost the whole city in a few hours. Not only does this give great photo opportunities, it gives you an idea of where attractions are and helps you plan what you want to visit.
you bring some sliders or flip-flops to wear around the house/shower. Slippers and bed socks are a must in winter too.
you’ll save money, and they will add a familiar feeling to your new surroundings, which can be really comforting.
As a history student, I couldn’t resist going to the ‘House of Terror’. The museum explores the fascist and communist regimes in Budapest, and it won’t break the bank at only 1500HUF for under 25s.
Toiletries. We all have that one friend who never buys their own toothpaste and steals everyone else’s. Buy your own toiletries… we always notice when there’s less shower gel than there was before.
Candles. I don’t know about you, but my room in halls stunk of vomit and vodka. Candles and diffusers are great ways to make the room smell nice and to create a cosy, homely atmosphere.
Appropriate footwear. Let’s be honest, no-one wants to walk bare foot on a grimy shared kitchen floor. Make sure
Bed linen. Duvet covers can be more expensive than some people think. Try and bring some from home-
University life is great. Don’t feel overwhelmed with remembering everything- there’s always shops in town where you can re-buy that favourite mug that you forgot to bring. Stay organised with everything as best as you can and enjoy the independent life!
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, why not take in the thermal baths. They consist of multiple pools of different temperatures with saunas and steam rooms. It’s a bit pricier at around 6000HUF, dependant on when and where you go.
Budapest is famous for its ruin bars and the original -Szimpla Kert- is somewhere you must go. It’s the perfect place to meet other travellers and try Unicum, a Hungarian herbal liquor. Though the prices of the drinks are more expensive here than other bars, the ruin bars really are worth that extra money for the experience. Plus, it’s free entry. Food-wise, try the goulash, a national dish of Hungary, and if you are into street food you should go to ‘Street Food Karavan’ for a range of food and drink with a lively atmosphere. I found Budapest to be a cheap and accessible city, perfect for travelling on a student budget. We stayed in a hostel in the Jewish Quarter which had a kitchen meaning we could go to a local supermarket and save money by catering for ourselves. The metro system was reliable, easy to navigate and only 350HUF for a single ticket. The exchange rate is £1 is 371.72HUF and it is recommended to order travel money in advance as most travel agencies have to order it in. All prices and exchange rates are correct at time of writing. So, go and enjoy Budapest!
Photo by Madelyn Morgan
“Challenging yourself in the kitchen for new cooking skills and healthier meals.” I found myself becoming lazier in the meals I was preparing myself. In typical student fashion I would just ‘bung it in the oven’; there was no effort put into the meals I made, and it changed my relationship with food. Therefore, I made it my goal to cook more fresh meals. Veganism came into the equation the more I noticed animal products were not always the best for me – i.e. lactose intolerance. I’d heard of the term ‘part time vegan’ and thought it was an interesting middle ground or slower transitional method into veganism. It can be very daunting if you’re considering going vegan, you are faced with vegans on YouTube talking about vegan products you can’t find in the UK or order in for an affordable price. There is also the fear that your whole diet will be repetitive and boring, or you may find that you are intolerant or allergic to vegan alternatives. There are many reasons why people become vegan whether ethical or health related, however, my approach for promoting vegan cooking is to encourage
more people to cook and develop their skills and their imagination with recipes, without it costing you too much.
Instructions
One of the first recipes I tried out was a creamy garlic sauce with either fettuccine or spaghetti. It’s easy, cheap and if you’re not confident in the kitchen this recipe is a great place to start. I got this recipe from ‘Yup it’s Vegan,’ a website which has a vegan recipe for anything you could be craving. Give them a look and start cooking!
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want a pan large enough to fit in the pasta later.
Recipe for vegan creamy garlic pasta: Ingredients 1/2 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic minced 1 shallot/onion finely chopped 2 cups vegetable stock 1 and 1/2 cups non-dairy milk 1 tsp salt plus more to taste 1 serving of fettuccine/ spaghetti Black pepper, dried oregano and red pepper flakes for flavour Chopped fresh basil or parsley for serving
Cook pasta until cooked, check packaging for time
Add the shallot/onion garlic and to the pan along with a bit of salt and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the garlic is softened and the shallot is turning translucent. Add the vegetable stock, non-dairy milk and stir. Add cooked pasta and submerge into the sauce Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally, gently separating pasta that sticks together. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened onto the pasta and the texture is to your liking. Season to taste, serve with herbs and other toppings if desired. Leftovers will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge so it’s great for meal prep.
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QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Register to vote! Make sure you register to vote before the UK general election. It takes 5 minutes to do at gov.co.uk/ register-to-vote. Course Rep election results: To find out who your Course Rep for the year is, head to rusu.co.uk. This student/s will be responsible for sharing your views about the course to staff and higher management- make sure your voice is heard. Monday 11th November 19:00 onwards: Mojos Mondays makes a return and will feature a Nintendo 64 hooked up to the big screen, free pool from 7pm. Tuesday 12th November 18.00-20:00: Student Voice- open to all students, free pizza! Come along to listen to others’ views and share your own. Wednesday 13th November: Alumni Lecture: Making Architecture, Making Communities. Award winning architect Piers Taylor explores 20 years of practice.
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Saturday 23rd November 10:30-21:30: Bath and Stonehenge Christmas Market trip with Student Activities.
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Saturday 23rd November 17:00: We can be heroes: Reading Festival Sinfonia present a concert celebrating heroes and villains from myths, legends and blockbuster movies.
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Wednesday 27th November 19:30: Public Lecture, Doing Business Better- Should Reading Firms Have a Social Purpose?
Friday 29th November 19:00: Sparkle and Shine: Jazz Sounds and Signature Sounds for an evening of Christmas Entertainment and cocktails.
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Saturday 7th December 11:30-20:30: Oxford Christmas Market trip with Student Activities.
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Tuesday 10th December 19:30: The Spark Newspaper Xmas Formal: Join The Spark for an evening of glitz, glamour, and good food!
Notice Board
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Entertainment
NOVEMBER, 2019
Entertainment
NOVEMBER , 2019
Entertainment
YOUR NOVEMBER HOROSCOPE
Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor
Something about a new person in your life seems familiar. A comfortable love with a stranger. You are striving for a sense of power over your life, and the things you seek are coming into fruition. The journey to success begins today. A change in a relationship may cause you some concern this month, but if you explore what is happening, there may be a way for you to help.
You need to start taking care of yourself. Recognise that you need to put yourself and your health first. Prioritising yourself takes a lot of focus and patience, but this will serve you in the long run. Are you ready for commitment? You may be hoping to connect with someone romantically. Whether this is a new relationship or an established bond, you may have aspirations of growing closer. By the end of the month, some special moments should become possible.
Cancer (21/6 – 22/7)
Take off the rose-coloured glasses and open your eyes to what’s happening around you. Trust your instincts, you have a knack for this. Treat things like your career and financial situation with more seriousness, you’re so close to achieving what you’ve set out to do. Be patient and understanding, and your chance will come. You may be worried about revealing something, but this will actually lighten your burden and come as a relief. Be open.
Leo (23/7 – 22/8)
You’ve been putting off letting something go. It may be an ex-lover or a friend. Your focus is being directed to more important things, like your money and career. There is no space for toxicity in your life right now. You will find what you’re looking for. If you be your authentic self, your natural charisma will win the day. Pour your all into an upcoming opportunity to show off your talents, there will be considerable benefits.
Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn (23/8 – 22/9) (23/9 – 22/10) (23/10– 21/11) (22/11 – 21/12) (22/12 – 19/1) You may be feeling a magnetic attraction to someone. At this point it is undeniable. Your past is fighting for a spotlight lately. Something that you thought was over might be coming back to test you. A mistake you made in the past may have had long-lasting ramifications. This month is a chance to undo some aspect of this and may lead to a transition in the way you see someone. Be optimistic, be understanding.
Remembering Carrie Fisher
Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor
Aries Taurus Gemini (21/03 – 19/4) (20/4 – 20/5) (21/5 – 20/6) You may be feeling hurt and victimised lately. It’s important to stand up to those who put you down. Fight for yourself. You’re stronger than you think you are, and you need to recognise your own strength. It’s time to let go of something. Time for resolution. Don’t ignore a conversation that comes up casually this month. Someone may voice a level of dissatisfaction with something that affects both of you.
Macbeth – Reading Between The Lines Theatre Company - Review
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Lately you want to feel like you belong. Know that you are as strong as you are worthy. Push yourself to explore a relationship further. See what good things you find in them. To feel fulfilled is to share, so be generous. It can truly be a reality if you follow your heart. Whatever has been most on your mind should become easier and more harmonious in the weeks ahead. This will bring you confidence to all areas of your life giving you a boost of inspiration.
You may feel that you are at a crossroads. It seems like the decisions you make now are very important to the future you desire. You may be craving stability, either in love or your family. Disagreements or fights may arise during this journey. Decide what you want; keep an open mind. A matter connected to your home life may come up this month but should be positive news. This could involve finding a new house or living situation that means things will change for the better.
You may be craving a fresh start lately, a new chance to do it over again. We all wish that we could go back in time. Try figuring out the first step to starting over. Maybe you need to cut someone off, perhaps they are draining the energy out of you. Start anew. You may be thinking about embarking on a new venture, don’t let fear get in the way of this. Believe in your worth and your strength, and success will be unavoidable.
You’ve found someone who you see being in your life for a long time. These thoughts of your future have been echoing around your mind recently. They have the potential of becoming real, but you hold yourself back somehow. Confront your fears. An old feeling of abandonment or rejection, perhaps from very long ago, may finally be put into perspective. Toward the end of the month, there may be much more to a story than meets the eye. Be patient, but cautious.
What do the stars have in store for you this month?
Aquarius (20/1 – 18/2)
You are being called to practice will-power and self-control. You need to be secure and confident in yourself to achieve your goals. Reflect on where you’ve been, how you’ve grown, and decide where to go next. You’re headed towards fulfilment of the heart. You can break from a destructive pattern this month when a recurring issue occurs again with a friend. This time, do what you have wanted to do and don’t be afraid. Set a better precedent.
Pisces (19/2 – 20/3) Courage in yourself has always been difficult for you. Defending what you love and going forward despite your fears is what makes you strong. Believe in yourself when no one else will. You give wonderful support to others, but it’s important to give yourself the love you give everyone else too. This month may end with a celebration of exciting news that comes to you unexpectedly. Many new opportunities for happiness will come to you and could represent new beginnings.
"How do we react to a woman who kills?" Macbeth is “Shakespeare’s Horror movie,” as coined by Reading Between The Lines’ Associate Director, Hal Chambers. There’s blood and tragedy, witches and ghouls, all taking place in the Gothic hamlet of Scottish castles and meadows. A bubbling cauldron fit for disaster. The RBL Theatre Company, under Chamber’s direction, is taking on Shakespeare’s Slasher this autumn. Posters dotted around Reading show a screaming woman with wild hair, Jessica Baglow, the eponymous Macbeth titled next to her. In this radical modern production, Macbeth is a Scottish queen, her counterpart being the reworked “Lord” Macbeth. Evidently, casting Macbeth as a woman is intended to make audiences question themselves and their own ideals. Toby and Dani Davies, producers of RBL Theatre Company, said “it’s brilliant that theatre is provoking reactions [and] encouraging us to reassess what some have always thought as set in stone.” On a rainy autumn night in Reading’s Minster Church, the play’s opening has the perfect pre-Gothic backdrop to introduce just one of many visual spectacles. The stage is empty, save for an ensemble dressed as hospital staff and the Macbeths cradling their baby. After the baby is ruthlessly stolen from the couple, Macbeth borrows from Lady Macbeth’s famous speech in the traditional Act 1, Scene 5. The bold “unsex me here” takes on a whole new meaning with the gender reversals in the play, it is an incantation that strips the character of sex.
Perhaps it is Macbeth asking to be seen as “sex-less,” for the audience to consider their actions for what they are. Prevalent themes in the play such as violence and murder are subverted and feminised, leading us to question gender expectations upheld in society. How do we react to a woman who kills? How do we react to a mother who has lost a child descending into madness?
"How do we react to a mother who has lost a child descending into madness?"
Nevertheless, this directorial take made for an intense and invigorating performance. Chamber’s reimagining of the play is full of perplexities and subversions. The witches are not conventional old women with broomsticks, but are atomised into one character. Lizzie Crarer plays a part-Killing Eve, part-Nurse Ratchet-esque witch in 1940s nurse attire. In the 1600s, the witches would have captured the religious paranoia of the era – perhaps the antique hospital aesthetic sparks a conversation on the current state of the NHS. Chambers himself states that “[Macbeth] is a story for our times…plagued by political infighting and backstabbing.” Creepy hospitals, eerie music and glaring lights encompass this inescapable mood of fear throughout the play. The performance masterfully captured themes of guilt and violent spectacle that has sustained Macbeth’s legacy for over 400 years. Clearly, its endless opportunities for reworking and re-interpretation support the play’s relevance over time and across cultures. Shakespeare is sure to stay in our theatres for a long time to come.
Photo by IMDB Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies
Keeping Carrie Fisher alive on what would’ve been her 63rd birthday. 21st October would’ve marked the 63rd birthday of the late Carrie Fisher, 3 years after her passing. Remembering her legacy these years later reminds us of the cultural impact Fisher had on generations, from her universally renowned role as Princess Leia, to her outreach and activism.
She spoke out against hypocrisy, ableism, and sexism within Hollywood, never apologetic or shameful. She spoke out against hypocrisy, ableism, and sexism within Hollywood, never apologetic or shameful. Looking back on her legacy and looking forward to the release of The Rise of Skywalker, we will never forget her life and memory.
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Entertainment
NOVEMBER, 2019
CREATIVE CORNER: SHORT STORY: “CUPPA”
My Favourite Afternoon: Short Story
We love reading your creative writing. Whether it be a poem or a piece of
Look at her. She’s brilliant. She’s not half done with
prose, we’re interested. If you’d like to send in some of your creative work to
that painting and I can already see its beauty...
be published, send it to entertainment@sparknewspaper.co.uk! Seethalakshmi Muralikrishnan | Part 3 LLB Law
Seethalakshmi Muralikrishnan | Part 3 LLB Law
Look at her. She’s brilliant. She’s not half done with that painting and I can already see its beauty, just because of how much work and effort goes into it. Her face, so focused. The scrunching nose, huge forehead showing off as her greasy hair that is tied up in a bun, if that’s what you can call it. The dumb ass hasn’t washed her hair in days. There’s a hint of green paint on her chin, blue on her cheek. Don’t ask me what type of blue, I’m just a lawyer, colours are not my department. Although I guess sometimes colours aren’t hers too, when I hear her coughing and choking on something and I run down to her and realises she drank her paint water instead of her coffee. Oh, this girl. The glory of my life. The colours to my blacks and whites. And look at her now. The afternoon rain just ended, and the sun is peeking out, reaching out to her, trying to get hold of her. Too bad, Sunny boy, she’s mine. She doesn’t need you since she has her own lamp light for the canvas (which, I can say, I proudly bought for her) But the natural light does show her off more beautifully anyway, I admit; the purple grey sweater thing she wears on top her camisole,
She makes coffee like it’s heaven’s honey, and I sip it like it’s a kind of poison. Tastes good though, but this is it how it works all the time with us. What does she add in? Some kinda black magic I can’t be dealing with in the long run, for sure. Because I can feel it, the need. To just slit my throat, grab a noose, casually bring a toaster with me to the bath. It’s not me, it’s her. I’d like to believe I was her strongest victim yet. Because here I am, handling her and her bloody nonsense.
She says she never wants to be her mother, the hypocrite. A spitting image! She gives excuses to justify herself, is a loud obnoxious thing, inconsiderate to the world around her. On a good day though, I might call it cute. But not today, not as she hands me today’s coffee.
She’s not always this bad, I promise. She’s an angel on her best days. She makes everyone laugh. When she speaks her tales, she lights up the room, and not many can do that, trust me. She has hands of gold, cooking for hundreds of people like it’s no big deal; she is a woman of luxury; she makes sure everyone is comfortable in life and love. She hates it when others feel alone, and within a snap she becomes their friend.
But she’s hurt. Real bad without her realising it. All those years of people doing her dirty. She tells me these stories. Slips from her lips when she’s had one too many of her favourite Sienna. Blended Brothers Brand, pfft, figures.
She whispers them when she’s up way past sleeping time and her sleeping pills have effect on her. All those words she uses, makes my own heart ache, knowing she would’ve never told me this if circumstances weren’t so.
I think that’s why I stay, knowing if anyone’s able to hold up, it’s me. Because she’s brilliant and beautiful and bold, she is deserving of someone to hold up to her. Perhaps with time, someone can handle my own poison. Perhaps I’ll just die eventually, unfinished coffee cup dropping to the floor. Or perhaps with time, I might survive, even I might be rewarded. Till then, however, it’s just another day drinking a cup of her poison.
But here I am, looking at you, burning this image in my mind, because maybe some day you’ll realise what a bore I am and you might leave me. And I’ll be distraught, but understanding. And at least I will have this image to bring me closer to the sanity I would have lost. This moment. This brilliance. This “you”. And that will be enough for me.
Poetry: I Saw The Sun Split in Two and Disappear A poem by Part 2 English Literature student, Milli Dalton. The rain came and fell in a sheet It peeled the sides from their buildings And they fell Like the wallpaper in the old house. And the children cried but the rest forgot Marching time will numb you To the swell of guilt That was never yours, but you were taught to feel it And now the walls were gone, the office
Smells Like Gen-Z Spirit: Beabadoobee Space Cadet EP Review
Was exposed The businessmen naked and screaming The womb of The Industry in a cross section And nobody noticed (Because the black mould had torn The wallpaper from the plaster) The rain had stopped I turned my eye upwards And in the reflection of the sea The earth darkened- for I saw the sun split in two and disappear
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The Two Popes: Film Review Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies Critically acclaimed Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles recently gave the University of Reading an exclusive screening of his upcoming film, The Two Popes.
Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor
It follows both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis during the period of 2005 until 2013. The film is vibrant, beautifully shot, with an eclectic and animated soundtrack (including Dancing Queen by ABBA, because why not?)
barely covering her chest; her father’s pants which she tied with whatever she can use to tie it with, which is currently a raffia string; the flower ballerina scrunchie I bought for her, which I just realised her wearing. She hates ballet. She doesn’t care though. Not of how indecent she looks, or how dirty she is, or how much she dislikes ballet. She cares about of her art, and occasionally, me. And aren’t I lucky. This little muse of the heavens could pick anybody else, and she chose me. And I’m sorry I can’t give you more. More colours or sparkles. I know I’m not really interesting. I’m not that rich either, and I wish I was, so I can buy you more than just a measly lamp light and a scrunchie that reminds you of something you don’t like. I want to give you the stars, like how you do to me.
Entertainment
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The humour is what makes this film stand out. Despite the subject matter being traditionally refined, Meirelles adds levels of comedy and light-heartedness which are integrated lightly and fluidly, making it laugh out loud funny.
Photo by: Dirty Hit Records From the bedroom pop corner of the Internet, blue-haired beabadoobee has released her latest EP, Space Cadet. Bea Kristi is shrouded in a sleepy schoolgirl aesthetic. Her songs are anthems for wearing those ugly-cute vintage jumpers, crying in a bedroom covered in posters of Kurt Cobain. Space Cadet smells like Gen-Z spirit. It spins on a record player covered in Thrasher merch and butterfly stickers. Somehow, Kristi manages to translate the dazed-andconfused teenage angst of 90s grunge into an affectionate flavour of indie pop. Tracks like I Wish I Was Stephen Malkmus – Malkmus being the frontman of indie rock band Pavement – are instantly relata-
ble. Lyrically, it denotes the growing pains of adolescence. Change is a difficult thing, but it can also be pretty exciting. In Kristi’s self-defined “blue-haired phase,” she is both comfortable and lonely. It is a time of transition characterised by conflict. It is also a time of second-hand telecaster guitars and impulsively cutting your own hair at 2am – you know, just girly things. Kristi is the friendly neighbourhood space cadet. When the strange discovery and constant reinvention of the self becomes inevitable and alienating, her music is the perfect comfort blanket - “Guess we’re both stuck in the same boat / The world doesn’t seem to get us, though.”
Performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce are astounding, with depth and subtlety, scenes with the two are electric. Awards season will be busy for them! The film may come under some scrutiny for the fact it does gloss over large Catholic scandals which occurred, however the film is still fairly liberal in its leaning towards Pope Francis. South American culture comes to life in the movie, animated and lively, which is wonderfully juxtaposed with the composure and restrictedness of Catholicism. Released on the 29th November, I highly recommend this beautiful and complex film, it’ll stay with you for a while.
Photo by: Netflix
Two Door Cinema Club Smash the O2 Arena Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor Two Door Cinema Club are an indie rock band from Ireland. Having recently released their newest album False Alarm in June, the band has certainly stepped up their game with an incredibly theme-devoted album. The band’s tracklist and lyrics revolve around the theme of the internet. To complement this lyrical theme, their tour this year consists of a fabulous setup at each concert venue. Their use of lighting, stage backdrop, instruments and the outfits that the band members wore reflects their bold album art colour scheme: red, blue and yellow.
Alex Trimble’s - vocalist and guitarist - bright blue suit with a yellow turtleneck underneath really was the perfect finishing touch. This concert set-up was then used in collaboration with the video screens behind the band, which throughout the concert presented visuals about the internet. The songs played at the O2 Arena in London were varied across all four of the band’s albums: ‘Tourist History’ (2010), ‘Beacon’ (2012), ‘Gameshow’ (2016) and ‘False Alarm’ (2019). As a big fan of Two Door Cinema Club, I was incredibly happy to re-live my
teenage years for a few moments by reminiscing over being obsessed with the song What You Know. Still, I think it was perfect that the band centred their concert around their newest album’s theme, though they didn’t focus their concert tracklist on this album. Two Door Cinema club are reaching the end of their tour dates. However, I have no doubts that they will be playing at some UK festivals next summer. Photo by: Holly Fournier
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BIG THIEF NEW ALBUM REVIEW Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor
NOVEMBER, 2019
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE REVIEW
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AMÉLIE THE MUSICAL: REVIEW Taz Usher | Print Editor
Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor
Photo by: 4AD American rock band, Big Thief, are renowned for their blend of tender folk and grunge rock music. Their newest album, Two Hands, was released just last month and has all the sentimentality prevalent in their early work along with the eerie emo elements inspired by frontwoman Adrianne Lenker. Her acoustic solo work is an evident source of moody lyrical inspiration for the band. The album’s singles, Not and Forgotten Eyes, showcase the emotional rawness and cinematic mastery of the band’s unique sound. It is certainly worth a spot in your November playlist.
“I have had a most rare vision. I had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.” — Act 4, scene 1 A Midsummer Night’s Dream recounts a slumbering tale of forest fairies and fanciful folly. As one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays – it is praised for both its romantic and comedic themes – as well as its accessibility. Sean Holmes’s production certainly does these aspects justice. Complete with extravagant costumes, courtesy of Jean Chan, the carnivalesque atmosphere is fully embraced in the performance. Titania – the whimsical fairy queen played by Victoria Elliott – is adorned in bright blues and purples to engage with the fantastical plot of the play. From Puck’s headband sprouts golden stars, a visual invocation of his spritely spirit. Multiple actors share
the role, engaging with the sleepy confusion of the play. Their matching eponymous white t-shirts – written in what would appear to be coloured gel pens – puts a modern twist on the Elizabethan reminiscence. Holmes’s production is shrouded in extravagance and rainbows. Multi-coloured bunting hangs from the ceiling of the stage, conveying the forest fairyland in which the play takes place. Modern objects and items of fashion – like air beds and Doc Martens – add another layer of comedy and visual engagement for a contemporary audience. While the language mostly stays true to its Elizabethan roots, mischievous asides and audience interactions feature comical vernacular and pop culture references. Across time, the play has proved itself ageless in this quest
for accessibility. Holmes’s production is a wonderful homage to that aspect. This artisanal, dreamy aesthetic is emphasised all the more by its musical accompaniment. The Hackney Colliery Band – positioned in the upper stage – provide jazz interludes, fairylike flutes and beaming brasses which guide the characters through their dream sequences. The never-ending surrealism makes for an endlessly entertaining experience. The quick costume changes and high-energy of the actors is constantly engaging, not to mention the audience interaction and participation throughout the play. The October rain couldn’t drown the spirits of those in attendance as cheers and applause were customary at the end of every scene. Those in the standing area were blessed with participatory roles, engaging with im-
provisational asides and immersing themselves closer to the stage. This, of course, is inherent to the play’s experience.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is as clever as it is funny, with its playwithin-a-play conceit mirroring the actions of the audience. The paralleled marital scenes were dramatically executed, appealing to both the satirical and romantic meanings in the play.
As such, Holmes’s production masterfully engaged with both the magic and the mystery of the play, while also keeping to its comedic effervescence. If you would like to find out more about Shakespeare productions at The Globe, go to: https://www. shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on.
CIGARETTES AFTER SEX NEW ALBUM
Photos by: Pamela Raith
The Spark’s Print Editor, Taz Usher, reviews the iconic Amélie The Musical.
Dreamy, rose-coloured and heartfelt. Cigarettes After Sex’s discography is a homage to all things love and intimacy, and their newest album Cry does not fall short of this. Low reverberating guitars and the slow warmth of jazz-like drums lure the listener into a lovesick trance. The ever-romantic lyrics are timeless and tender, sweet in their complete adoration of a loved one. It’s a must-listen this cold November.
Keep up to date with the latest music by following our Monthly Playlists on Spotify. @The Spark Newspaper
A captivating tale of self-discovery wowed audiences of a Broadway spectacular showing at The Hexagon last month. Directed by Michael Fentiman, Amélie: the musical follows a young woman as she struggles to find her place in a world which has swallowed her up since childhood. The musical opens in the charming city of Paris where polished melodies and genius puppetry set the tone for the faultless performance to follow.
“A slumbering tale of forest fairies and fanciful folly...”
The prologue, performed by company members who deliver both vocals and musical accompaniment throughout the production, is viewers’ first glimpse of Amélie and the parents who are answerable for the sheltered life she is prisoner to. Audrey Brisson is exceptional as Amélie, encapsulating the innocent, but mesmeric curiosity of her character in every twitch, expression and line that she performs. Photo by: Tristram Kenton
Authentic splendour can also be
found in Brisson’s flawlessly refined French accent. Cast members Kate Robson-Stuart, Faoileann Cunningham, and Sophie Crawford give refreshing performances in their roles as Suzanne, Georgette, and Gina who are co-workers to Amélie during her employment at a Parisian café. And although her only fixed contact with reality, it is in the café that Amélie contents herself on observing a world she has no dream to be part of. A world in which hypochondriacs, heartbreak and the death of a British princess are just three more reasons not to venture from the solace of her bedroom walls. Johnson Willis gives an endearing show as Amélie’s neighbour Dufayel whose prompting honesty is the turning point in Amélie’s self-discovering. Meanwhile, Danny Mac who plays the role of Nino, Amélie’s first love interest, does so with admirable integrity: mirroring Brisson’s impressive grasp of an equally unusual personality.
Heart-warming in places, this new musical also unlocks moments of humour which Caolan McCarthy can be thanked for. For five minutes of sublime stupidity, McCarthy embodies Elton John at a phantom funeral where he serenades and sympathises Amélie for her failure to find love. Comedic credit must also be given to Samuel-Morgan Grahame who plays the roles of Fluffy, Amélie’s scaly companion, and Joseph, Gina’s ex-boyfriend and a regular customer of the café. Grahame’s superb performance as Fluffy combined with Dik Downey’s enchanting puppetry is one of the many moments of loveable lunacy in the show. And it is creative triumphs like these, fused with its highly talented cast, which makes the musical so magical. Amélie: the musical is unpredictable, bold and heroic.
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NOVEMBER, 2019
FERNANDO MEIRELLES GIVES READING A MASTERCLASS IN FILM
Critically acclaimed director gives the University of Reading an exclusive screening and masterclass. Photo by Magnolia Pictures
Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies Fernando Meirelles is an Oscar-nominated and highly celebrated Brazilian director, producer and screenwriter. He is most famous for the 2002 film City of God, regarded as one of the best films of all time. Despite all of this, he came to our very own University of Reading to give an exclusive screening of his fantastic new film, The Two Popes.
“[Meirelles used] real people in real locations, embracing the Argentinian culture and using real citizens to create authenticity and vibrancy.” It was a masterclass to students and visitors alike. Seeing one of the 21st century’s best directors sat in Edith Morley was an experience in itself, but the talk he gave after screening one of
the most captivating films I’ve seen in a while was a gripping look into the production behind creating a film with the capacity of controversy that this one has. Meirelles spoke about traditional ‘pope films,’ which usually have a very formal and strict style about them, which he wanted to disregard and create more of an informal, fun piece with flair and humour. The focus was to be intimate and real – definitely something which comes across in the film – which as he explained was aided by the use of real people in real locations, embracing the Argentinian culture and using real citizens to create authenticity and vibrancy. A topic such as the Catholic church is obviously one to be treated cautiously - and a question was raised as to whether or not more explicit conversation about the child abuse scandals were discussed - something which was alluded to yet not frank. Meirelles revealed that there was originally
more transparency, yet this was cut in order to not shift the tone of the film and have that be the main focus. He revealed the choice to make it more of a character study and focus on individual and personal flaws rather than devote the film to institutional wrongdoings. The talk included juicy behind-thescenes gossip. Mainly that Anthony Hopkins, one of the greatest actors of the last few generations, likes to be called ‘Tony’ – who would’ve thought? Meirelles also revealed that the piano music which he plays in a rather intimate and joyous scene was composed by Hopkins himself, is there anything he can’t do? Music was something which Meirelles brought up frequently, in fact he
“We were also treated to several deleted scenes from the film...”
“It was a masterclass to students and visitors alike.” referred to the film as jazz, with little structure and often improvised. An air of something fresh and spontaneous rather than more rigid and conformed became very evident through the music choice – ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ rings out when the Cardinals meet, a beautiful juxtaposition between sound and visual. The director revealed that the song was apt due to the line “anybody could be that guy,” in referral to the new pope. This revelation earned a collective affectionate “ahhh” from the audience. We were also treated to several deleted scenes from the film - short snip-
pets cut due to the longevity - which were fascinating to see. Viewing this editing process and learning about what should be included was a privilege to see and experience. Overall, as a student and self-professed film fanatic, this experience was truly once in a lifetime. We were honoured by Meirelles’ presence and generosity in what he showed and told us. It would be a shame to miss the incredible The Two Popes when it premieres on the 29th November. Be sure to treat yourself to watching his previous cinematic works, as you certainly won’t regret it.
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RUCAS taster session
Mixed Hockey go as FBI in their first social (Area 51)
Photo by: Unknown
Spark’s first taster session
First PLUR RUSU event (James Hype)
Photo by: Alex Winfield Photo by: Sara Mattar Photo by: Izzy Einon
Photo by: Alex Winfield Photo by: Colette Chan
Photo by: Jessica Choi
RUCAS at their taster session
Hong Kong Rally Spark’s first social (Get Sparkly with The Spark)
Hong Kong Rally
Photo by: Jessica Choi
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NOVEMBER, 2019 Photo by: Yin Cheung Lau
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Photo by: Annie Davis
Photo by: Alex Winfield
The Spark’s guest speaker event
Hong Kong Rally
Pole Fitness’ taster session
Photo by: RUSU Marketing Team
Photo by: RUSU Marketing Team
Photo by: Annie Davis
Mixed Hockey first social- Area 51 raid (returners dressed as US military and freshers as aiens) Photo by: Unknown
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Photo by: RUSU Marketing Team
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Sport
NOVEMBER, 2019
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RUGBY WORLD CUP: NEW “TINDER FOR SPORTS” RELEASED IN READING ROUND UP Sports
Lucas Coppin | Part 2 Economics
Launched this month at the University of Reading, Sportside matches you with like-minded users who share the same sports interests as you, are looking to play or participate in your sport of choice at compatible times and in the same location. For students wanting to set up their own club or team, the app enables you to easily set up and manage your group offering features such as payments and a built-in loyalty card. The app also informs you about all the local upcoming sports competitions and events relevant to your interests and abilities. Founder and CEO Xan Varmuza said: “Sport changes lives and is a force for social good. Sportsmen and women all over the world are desperate to play but need someone to play with. This easy-to-use App can find that playing partner for them… The sport industry is also the second largest industry in the world. Participation is on the increase all over the world - but so is obesity. Sportside promotes participation and connects with commerce.”
“ Sportside matches you with like-minded users who share the same sports interests as you” The app was born out of problem experienced by Xan three years ago when he was living and working in Spain. Being a keen sportsman, he was regularly looking to play tennis at the local tennis club. He struck up a relationship with the club who would regularly call him to arrange matches for him with visitors. Thanks to the club’s initiative, Xan managed to satisfy his need to play regularly and the club’s courts and facilities were used a lot more. The club also generated more revenue and the regular activity encouraged Xan’s playing partners to play more and seek out more members and visitors to play against. At a time when a couple of dating apps had really taken off, Xan thought it would be
Izzy Einon | Print Sport Editor
brilliant if there was an App out there that solved this problem without the club having to get so involved. After extensive research, Xan found there was an opportunity and decided to develop Sportside for the sports player, enthusiast, coach, club and marketeer - an opportunity to start the first global, local sports club.
Georgia 27-8, putting the Wallabies through to the quarter-finals. Saturday October 12th was supposed to have three matches but, the first two were cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis, the only match of the day saw Ireland defeat Samoa 47-5, meaning they qualify for the quarter-finals with a bonus-point win.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance Sports Club Survey (2013) reported that 48.1 per cent of individuals cite ‘having someone to take part with me’ and 31.8 per cent say ‘having a friend take me along’ as the key drivers to increase their participation in sport. Although there are apps with similar features on the market, Sportside is the world’s first all encompassing, all-inclusive app - the only App that creates a network of players, finds venues and enables payment all in one place. It caters for over 130 sports, a mixture of individual pursuits and team sports. For clubs, Sportside’s USP is its connectivity with its squad members and with other clubs, no other club management app offers this. “We have recognised Xan has put together a worldclass team and is building the world’s first global, local sports club, we are pleased to be a part of his journey.”
The Rugby World Cup continues to excite viewers with surprising defeats and losses as the competition narrows, setting us up for some interesting semi-finals and finals. On Monday 30th September Scotland won an incredible 34-0 to Samoa, scoring them their first win, and a bonus-point win at that! With two tries within the first half, Scotland looked unbeatable and proved this in the second half by securing their win.
Sportside is also an App that enables individuals & coaches to ‘meet their match’ and connect to likeminded individuals in a community and manage their sports lives AND a web based Club Platform that allows organisations to manage and promote their
Wednesday October 2nd saw France unsurprisingly beat USA 33-9 with five tries to none at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium. The second game of the day saw another unsurprising win, with New Zealand beating Canada 63-0, the greatest win of the world cup so far, and another game that set up New Zealand as a formidable force in this competition.
“the only App that creates a network of players , finds venues and enables payment all in one place” club, teams, events and competitions and facilities AND a Marketers Platform to allow sports marketers to manage and promote their sports promotions, special offers, discounts and more to the Sportside Community. How Sportside works: Individual users and Coaches register their details and build their own profile, including age, gender, location, ability and availability. Users can find partners to participate / compete in sport with,
“The Sport and Recreation Alliance Sports Club Survey (2013) reported that 48.1 per cent of individuals cite ‘having someone to take part with me’ and 31.8 per cent say ‘having a friend take me along as the key drivers to increase participation in Sport.”
arrange the session and find and book the facility. Users can create their own competitions and/or events or seek out other events and competitions to join and pay any entry fees for them using the in-app wallet. The experience can then be rated and commented on a public message board to encourage others to join. The more you play using Sportside, the more loyalty card points you accrue to earn discounts and other offers with major sports retailers and organisations. Clubs register and ask all club members to sign up to Sportside to main-
tain efficient club management. All players to visibly declare availability for matches / events. The payment mechanism puts an end to cash exchange in pub or clubhouse postmatch and ensures total visibility on all transactions. Brands sign up with Sportside to offer discounts on products and services to millions of loyal, dedicated sports enthusiasts. Download it today! appdownload.sportside.com/ LUCAS
Thursday the 3rd of October saw Fiji beat Georgia 45-10 and then Ireland beat Russia 35-0, both unsurprising results, but exciting matches nonetheless. On Friday October 4th South Africa beat Italy 49-3 in a seven-try win, leaving only Canada in their path to the Quarter-final. Saturday October 5th Saw Australia defeat Uruguay 45-10 in a seven-try win for the team, and a spirited effort from Uruguay that sums up their impressive world cup run and secures Australia’s reputation as a contender for the final matches of the World Cup. The second game of the day saw England beating Argentina 39-10 in a
red-card game for Argentina, proving further that England truly deserve to be in the world cup. Then came Japan vs. Samoa, with Japan’s win 38-19 putting another win under the belt of the home nation. New Zealand v Namibia on Sunday 6th of October saw the All Blacks win 71-9 with an incredible eleven tries to none, again proving that they are the team to beat in this competition. The next game of the day was France v Tonga, this close match saw France scrape their way into the quarter-finals 23-21. On Tuesday 8th of October South Africa beat Canada 66-7 with the fastest hat-trick in world cup history (within the first 21 minutes) and South Africa qualify for the quarter-finals, knocking out Canada. Wednesday October 9th had three matches, the first saw Argentina win v USA 47-17 and while both teams are eliminated from the world cup, the match proved to be an exciting watch. Scotland v Russia was the next match of the day and Scotland won 61-0, progressing forward to face Japan to see who would progress into the quarter-finals. The third of the match had Wales beat Fiji 29-17 in a bonus-point winning game that saw Josh Adams score a hat-trick and meant Wales progress into the quarter-finals. On Friday October 11th Australia beat
The first game of Sunday October 13th was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis also, but the other three matches went as planned. The first saw Tonga beat USA 31-19 in a bonus-point game which was surprisingly exciting considering both teams are low on the leaderboards. The next game of the day saw Wales defeat Uruguay 35-13, meaning Wales were set to face France in the quarter-finals. The final game saw Japan
“Proving further that England truly deserve to be in The World Cup”
defeat Scotland 28-21 ensuring the home nation’s place in their first-ever Rugby World Cup quarter-final. On Saturday October 19th the first quarter-final was played, with England beating Australia 40-16, beating Australia out of the competition and advancing to the Semi-finals. The second game of the day saw New Zealand beat Ireland 46-14 in another show of their strength in this competition, also gaining a spot in the semi-finals. Sunday October 20th began with Wales beating France in an intense 20-19 match, securing their spot in the semi-finals and ended with South Africa defeating Japan 26-3, cutting short the home nation’s run in the World Cup and qualifying South Africa for the Semi-finals. Next Weekend will be the semi-finals, with England v New Zealand on Saturday October 26th and on Sunday October 27th Wales will face South Africa to see who will place in the finals.
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SPORTS BRA SAVIOURS Taz Usher | Print Editor Struggling to find the perfect sports bra for you? Say goodbye to that constant itch, rubbing strap and baggy cup and hello to fuss-free, exercise-friendly boob support. If it’s small and cute you’re looking for- SHEIN and Boux Avenue are your go to brands, however if you’re seeking something more busty and supportive, Bravissimo and Pour Moi are the shops for you! For 20% off your SHEIN gym wear shop use code 20TAZ at the online checkout, and for elsewhere don’t forget to check out student discounts.
Photo by: Taz Usher
BBC’S ONLINE SERIES ON SPORTS INNOVATORS BBC have created an online series showcasing young women and their relationships with sports called ‘Rebels.’ The episodes are short: under 5 minutes each. They condense the passions of the athletes into easily accessible and watchable videos. The episodes focus on important issues in sports today. The themes include finding your place in a male-dominated field, the powers of social media and creating a community. Many of the women overcame injuries and other hardships. The focus of these aspects of their story communicates the intended purpose of the videos: to inspire. The arguably most impactful episode focuses on Michaela DePrince, a ballet dancer who sheds light on the exclusivity of the dance. She talks of the traditional pink tights, reflecting the Caucasian-dominated field. Young black girls do not have access to tights or shoes that reflect the colour of their skin. Despite the heavy topics, the episodes remain mostly light-hearted. If you need a quick inspiration boost for your year in sports and fitness, these videos are it.
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING
NOVEMBER, 2019
WATER POLO MAKES A SPLASH Lucas Coppin | Part 2 Economics
Alex Greenough | Part 3 English Literature and Film
A BRIEF HISTORY OF HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING, AND HOW THE THIRD GOLDEN AGE HAS JUST BEGUN. The term ‘Golden Age’ is casually thrown around when it comes to discussing the Heavyweight divisions of the 1970’s and 1990’s- and for good reason. The unpredictability of the 1970’s made every fight unmissable. Joe Frazier and Ken Norton beat Muhammad Ali, taking his throne. George Foreman flattened Frazier twice and then knocked Norton out before Ali bounced back, dominating Frazier and Norton before knocking out Foreman in the most flawless upset in boxing history. This abundance of competition was no foreshadowing of the 1980’s which were dominated by Mike Tyson, who cruised into the 1990’s with a record of 37-0. Two months later, he lost his undefeated record and his belts to an unknown James Douglas. This flipped the division on its head, setting the path for a second Gold-
en Age that produced all-time greats Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis. The 2000’s were dominated by the Klitschko brothers, who held the major belts for 10 years. Despite their greatness, their ‘risk-free’ style caused audiences interest to decline. Fans longed for a return of terrifying power, inspiring technicality and unpredictable bouts.
“The unpredictability of the 1970’s made every fight unmissable.” And then came the 2010’s. Anthony Joshua’s 11th round TKO of Wladimir Klitschko sent shockwaves around the world, resparking a global interest in Heavyweight boxing. Although Tyson Fury dethroned Klitschko two years prior, it was AJ’s all-or-nothing warrior mentality that mesmerised fans worldwide. AJ’s success brought attention to his American rival Deontay Wilder. An odd spectacle, with an unusually lean
frame, Wilder uses his imposing size and athleticism to generate enormous swinging hooks that are truly lethal. His clash-of-styles war with Tyson Fury ended in a draw, leaving fans begging for a rematch. Wilder rematches Luis Ortiz on November 23rd and should face Fury next year. Meanwhile, AJ attempts his revenge on Andy Ruiz Jr on December 7th. With Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk stepping up to Heavyweight, and British names like Dillian Whyte, Joe Joyce and Daniel Dubois edging
“The 1980s were dominated by Mike Tyson, who cruised into the 1990’s with a record of 37-0.” closer to world title shots, it is only a matter of time before the belts find new owners. In time, one man will prevail as king of the third Golden Age of Heavyweight boxing.
“In time, one man will prevail as king of the third Golden Age of Heavyweight boxing.”
Photo by: Livvy Shelmerdine The Water Polo society is new to the University this year, boasting the title of the only water polo club in Reading. Water Polo is a competitive team sport played in the water between two teams. The game consists of four quarters in which the two teams attempt to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Nicknamed “Rugby in the water” this new sport has attracted plenty of attention from both students and locals, having already had 2 taster sessions run by President Livvy Shelmerdine, who has several years experience of playing the sport at a high level. As well as this, the society had its first ever social, where over 25 people turned up in swimming theme costumes to enjoy pizza and garlic bread provided by the committee. Joe Thomas, Welfare Officer of the society, said “We are very happy with how the society has started and how much interest we have had. We hope to continue to grow and attract new people to the sport who wouldn’t usually play. Hopefully this year we will have a Varsity match against Oxford Brookes... of course we all know who wins that!”
“Nicknamed ‘Rugby in the water’ this new sport has attracted plenty of attention from both students and locals.” With now approaching 25 official members of the society, it is one of the fastest growing clubs on campus, with regular socials and training sessions currently once a fortnight. We are also currently looking into releasing the first ever piece of Reading Water Polo merchandise, personalised hoodies, in the coming weeks. If this is something you would be interested in joining, visit us on Facebook or on our RUSU page to find out more how you can take part. We look forward to seeing you at one of our sessions – The RUWP Team.
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NOVEMBER, 2019
FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE: AN INTRODUCTION Ian Downey | Part 1 MA English
After nine weeks of fixtures, avid fans have been left with a scintillating start to the Premier League season.
England win dampened by racism in Euro 2020 qualifier Daisy Hanson | Digital Sports Editor Nazi salutes and racist chants congratulated England as they won 6-0 against Bulgaria in the Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday 14th of October. The match was halted twice before half time as per the 3-step protocol from UEFA. Step one, an announcement demanding fans stop quickly arrived. Step 2, the halting of the match and sending the players off pitch. Step 3, match cancellation, was not implemented despite the grounds (continued discriminatory abuse) being met. Kick It Out, a football equality and inclusion organisation, criticised this, stating that it seems that officials valued the match going on despite the abuse. Fans did Nazi salutes and Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett reported ‘clear monkey chants’ from the stands. On Tuesday the news was populated with statements from Bulgarian officials calling for Borislav Mihaylov, the president of the Bulgarian football union to resign. Mihaylov is an
With both consistent form and upsets abound, the perfect recipe has been drawn up for our consumption. Any analytic football fan will tell you that there’s only one place where the average Joe Soap can take his misnomer of ‘armchair sportsman’ and trade it in for the far more illustrious ‘Fantasy Manager’. This space, this realm, is where dreams are born and lifelong aspirations come to die. It is an unforgiving, unrelenting force which sucks us in as much as it spits us out. The sheer thrill of translating “I told you he’d score!” to actual, tangible points is enough to get most of us to the edge of our seats – or armchairs – and bask in ecstasy as we hope that, some day, one of us will receive a phone call from Manchester United offering us the job. Well, maybe a managerial position paying millions of pounds is slightly too ambitious, but what are dreams if not something to serve a purpose to our wandering minds. At the very least, this hobby (I use hobby in the most serious of contexts, obviously) gives us appropriate
bragging rights over our mates. Or, if you are one of the unlucky ones, those rights are not afforded to you, and you unfortunately find yourself on the receiving end of said bragging. Alas, as the cliché states, all’s fair in love and war, and using psychological warfare to obfuscate your opponents is an integral part of this game. The consolidation of all these elements would make one think that it would pave the way for a disagreeable, toxic community. Ironically, it does the opposite. It formulates an esoteric user-experience that is alike no other. One with highs, lows and even
“There’s only one place where the average Joe Soap can take his misnomer of ‘armchair sportsman’ and trade it in for the far more illustrious ‘Fantasy Manager .’
Picking a team can be a truly traumatic experience. You begin the season with a set budget, from which you must carve a squad of fifteen players. With different players having different monetary values, it provides the user with a certain ‘selection headache’. Knowing who to purchase is often a question without an answer. You must use your head and your heart. There isn’t a Fantasy Manager on this planet that hasn’t chosen an expensive striker, then swapped him for an even more expensive midfielder, only to return to their earlier choice. This is an all-too-familiar scenario for any manager, and hopefully won’t trigger the PTSD of any reader. Fantasy football is an extremely serious subject, and should never be treated with levity.
ex-Reading goalkeeper who played for the team in the mid 1990’s. At around 2pm his resignation was announced. Bulgaria’s head coach Krasimir Balakov also resigned in the days following. Bulgaria can face sanctions as a result of Monday night including a 50,000 euro fine, match forfeits and expulsion from tournaments. As debate around the events of Monday night circulated, the police began to get involved. Arrests are continuing to be made, marking the seriousness of the fan’s behaviour. The question is, are the sanctions and arrests enough to make a change? Racism in sport is a big issue. The overwhelming numbers of white men in positions of authority in various sports organisations scream to us of the ongoing issue of race in this country and others. Although this match happened in Bulgaria, we should use this as a time of reflection, as should all sporting institutions. Racism among fans is not an issue we can afford to wait out. The older generations raise the younger, and attitudes of hate persist through time. Are these sanctions strong enough? Does the UEFA racism protocol work? What institutional changes need to be made?
marginal emotions whereby you are completely unsure of how to feel. It is a fun game. It is a great game. It is Fantasy Football.
“Picking a team can be a truly traumatic experience.”
“The match was halted twice before half time...”
Get ready for lacrosse! Raagulan Umashanker | Part 3 English Literature With university being a new beginning for you, why not try a new sport that you’ve never done before? Lucky for you, there’s lacrosse. With three teams for women’s lacrosse, a team for mixed lacrosse and the recent introduction of a second team for men’s lacrosse, you are guaranteed to get a place. Also, don’t worry about not having any experience beforehand because the club will teach you the very basics first and then gradually teach you the more advanced stuff. If you didn’t attend the taster sessions- don’t worry- you can still attend the training sessions. Women’s lacrosse training is on Mondays and Thursdays at 7-9pm at Leighton Park School, mixed training is on Thursdays at 7-9pm at Leighton
Park School and men’s lacrosse training is on Tuesdays at 7-9pm at the John Madejski Academy where you’ll first meet up at Sportspark and take a minibus there. All teams have training on Fridays at 6-7:30pm on the Astro Turf training ground near the tennis courts and tennis dome.