Seren - 214 - 2010/11 - October Issue

Bangor Students’ Union’s English Language Newspaper

ISSN 1755-7585

Issue No. 214

October Issue 2010

ConDemning Us To A Bleak Future?

INSIDE:

Find out how you can fight against an increase in fees

Snapped with Seren: Photos from your nights out

Bangor Students Angry with Cuts to Education Andy Trigg University life is set to get a lot tougher for students studying - or hoping to study - in Britain’s universities. With education cuts looming and the possibility of the cap on tuition fees being abolished, students borrowing money may soon become unavoidable. The coalition government’s plan to slash hundreds of millions of pounds from the education budget runs the risk of university closures and many job losses. It could also mean fewer university places

and research departments struggling as a consequence.

To protest the cuts, the National Union of Students (NUS) and the University and College Union (UCU) are jointly organising a national demonstration, ‘Fund Our Future: Stop Education Cuts’ which will take place on Wednesday 10 November 2010. Thousands of university students are going to take to the streets of London in protest to the 25% cuts in education spending, with Bangor Students Union among the institutions also supporting the movement.

The coalition government has wel-

comed a proposal by ex BP chief-executive Lord Browne, to radically review the higher education system. He recommends lifting the cap on the current £3,290 tuition fee, allowing universities to choose what they charge. The controversial plan means that the higher charging institutions will force students from lower income backgrounds, into a limited choice of universities. According to UCU calculations a three-year degree with annual tuition fees of £6,000 would cost a total of £38,286, including maintenance loans and interest payments. Lord Browne states that he be-

lieves world class universities need the increase in money to retain their status and that the universities won’t raise fees by a great deal anyway.

Aaron Porter, the President of NUS, warns of the dangers that the plans risk, “If adopted, Lord Browne’s review would hand universities a blank cheque and force the next generation to pick up the tab for devastating cuts to higher education. The only thing students and their families would stand to gain from higher fees would be higher debts.”

Continues on Page 3.....

Get the Look with Serens’ fabulous fashion page

Brilliant news for Bangor’s Rowing Team

Email: neudd.willis@freshstudentliving.co.uk

or call- 01248 371 450 07841 369 249

www.freshstudentliving.co.uk

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October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Editorial

Contributors

Hello hello and welcome to Seren’s snazzy new look!

This month we had loads to tell you,from news about a possible rise in tuition fees to how to shop in Bangor for under £10. We wanted to get you involved so our centre-fold is dedicated to your photos in our ‘Snapped with Seren’ feature.Feel free to tag Seren in your photos,we want to see where this paper ends up,the stranger the better!

Make sure to check out our fashion page which is looking particularly good this month then get an opinion of‘The Social Network’in the Whats On section.

On a serious note I urge you all to read the National Demo article and join Seren and the Union in London for a big old march!

You may have noticed we have a brand new team here at Seren,so you can now send your articles and photos to them too,and as always you can get involved by coming along to meetings onTuesdays 6.15pm in the Students’ Union.Our next issue will be a chunky 32 pages so get involved there is sure to be room for your articles!

Until next time,enjoy Seren,make sure to protest - ohh and whip your hair back and forth!

Gemma x

Anna Hatfield Abbi Ryan Polly Daszkiewicz Stef Black Luke Dobson Steven Freeman Louis Waters Heather Boyles Becky Sage Emma Gregory Rosie MacLeod Alyssa Millmore Stuart Roberts Peter Weale Lauren Evans Matt Cox Nayab Khan Barnaby Guildford Pauly Davies The Sabbs

The SerenTeam

Editor:Gemma Ellis News:AndyTrigg Features:Nicole Nally Creative Corner:Nayab Khan Music:Joe McNally Whats On:LJTaylor Whats In:Kaden Wild and Aaron Wiles

Whats up:Jennifer Crase Travel:Rowena Nathan Sport:Martyn Singleton Secretary:Aaron Wiles Treasurer:Tom Knott Social Sec:Hayley Neill Design:DanTurner

RECYCLE ME! to Hello hello hello! Welcome from 100% Seren which is now made e action and recycled paper. Get in on th ne! recycle me when you are do

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October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

News

Continued from page 1.....

Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat and the Secretary of State for Business, Skills and Innovation MP Vince secretary, told the House of Commons that he approves of the idea “We are considering a level of £7,000. Many universities and colleges may well decide to charge less than that, since there is clearly scope for greater efficiency and innovation in the way universities operate. Two-year ordinary degrees are one approach.”

Cable is under scrutiny from other Lib Dem MPs, accusing him of betraying The Party. Both Vince Cable and Deputy Prime Minister

Nick Clegg signed a pledge during the election to vote against raising the cap on university fees. Nick Clegg once made a personal video aimed at students which delivered the message that student fees were “wrong,” and that he would oppose them.

John Leech, the Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington, said: “I signed the NUS pledge and supported our manifesto, which promised to vote against any rise in tuition fees. I am going to keep that promise. This is a political red line for me.”

Lord Browne also proposes

to raise the start date to which students pay their loans back to £21,000, up £6,000 on the current figure. An interest charge in which the government currently pays to lend the money (currently 2.2%) would be required to be paid back as well as the cost of inflation.

Maintenance loans would be set at a flat rate of £3,750 rather than the current system which is means tested. Maintenance grants would also be increased from £2,906 to £3,250. Lord Browne would like to see loans written off after thirty years, instead of the current system which stands at twenty-five

Red Ed To Take Labour Into A New Era

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t ten past five on the evening of the 25th of September, Ed Miliband was announced as the new leader of the Labour Party. With a margin of 1.3% over his brother David, the favourite to win the contest, Ed Miliband’s political leadership has gotten off to a controversial start.

His call for change amongst his party has been overshadowed by his indiscreet affiliation with the Unions, earning his the “Red Ed” nickname. With 19.9% of the Union vote in favour of Ed, and David receiving only 13.4%, Ed’s apparent reliance on Union support has been met with heavy criticism.

Whilst his elder sibling and rival gained the majority of party member support, with 18.1% compared to Ed’s 15.2%, he fell behind and only managed to swing the leadership due to his Union alliances rather than support from his fellow Labour peers.

With the Conservatives hoping the “Red Ed” slogan would give him an undesirable reputation, in the latest Yougov polls released on the 13th October; Labour has closed the gap, with the Conservatives on 41% compared to Labour on 40%. This follows Ed Miliband’s first Prime Ministers Questions where he clearly proved that he was better equipped at dealing with Mr Cameron than his predecessor Gordon Brown. With Labour fighting to retain child benefit for all middle income earners, opposing the Tories, they have seen a clear surge in popularity, showcasing that Ed has helped to boost the

reputation of Labour as modern party for the people.

And modern is what Ed Miliband is.

With a long term partner and a child, Ed Miliband is the first political leader to be living with family out of wed lock. Although this might highlight how Ed is a man of the times, many still see marriage as a vital part of society.

Could this alienate the more traditionalist Labour voters? Not only does he have a live in partner, but Ed Miliband is not even registered on his son’s birth certificate. Although this has been put down to a forgetful memory, it begs the question, what else could Ed Miliband forget to do?

Yet this is not the only worry of the Labour party.

With Ed Miliband releasing his shadow cabinet, there have been some radical appointments. He has appointed Alan Johnson, the former Health Secretary as the new Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has been the first to admit that his knowledge of economics is minimal.

With what could be interpreted as a blasé attitude for the economy and for the national debt, Ed Miliband needs to prove he is a worthy leader who is taking the problems of Britain seriously.

“Red Ed” is clearly the face of Labour’s new era. With Ed steering Labour away from New Labour and the reign of Blair and Brown, Labour is undergoing a new chapter in their history and only time will tell if it proves to be successful.

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years.

Vince Cable told MPs that he is “open to suggestions” but if the report is passed then changes to the student fees may be implemented as soon as 2012. With objections from many Lib Dem MPs and students’ unions, the outcome of the report still hangs with high speculation.

Mission Complete As All Thirty Three Chilean Miners Are Rescued

hey spent over two months underground with very little food, drink and light, but all of the thirty-three trapped Chilean miners emerged from the “Phoenix” capsule to cheers of joy and tears of happiness when rescued last week. The mission, once deemed impossible, proved otherwise in a flawless operation which saw all miners safe and sound in less than twenty four hours.

The world watched in anticipation as the “Phoenix” capsule rose from beneath the ground carrying Florencio Avalos, the first of the thirty three trapped miners. Chosen for his strength and expertise, Avalos – the group’s underground cameraman looked composed as he was reunited with his tearful wife and seven year old son. Also joining the celebration was Chilean President Sebastian Pinera - he also wasted no time in embracing the thirty-one year old miner.

Avalos wore perscribed sunglasses to protect his eyes from intense light as he gave a thumbs-up before being led away for medical checks.

Labour has closed the gap, with the Conservatives on 41% compared to Labour on 40%

Anna Hatfield

Andy Trigg

The second miner to take the seven-hundred metre journey to the surface was forty year old Mario Sepulveda. Living up to his expectations, Sepulveda soon had the crowds and rescuers singing songs as he handed the President a present - a rock from the mine where thirty-one of his colleagues still waited to be rescued. After embracing his wife, Sepulveda was heard asking, “How’s the dog?”

One after one, miners came up in the “Phoenix” capsule to join their family in emotional reunions. The last of the miners to be rescued was the Foreman of the mine, Luis Urzúa. Smiling and waving to the 2000 strong crowd he said, “We have done what the entire world was waiting for. The seventy days that we fought so hard were not in vain. We had strength, we had spirit, we wanted to fight, we wanted to fight for our families, and that was the greatest thing.”

In a televised address to the nation at the entrance of the San Jose mine, after the final rescue, President Pinera said, “I think Chile today is more united and stronger than ever, and I think Chile today is more respected and more valued in the whole world. What ended up as a real blessing from God started as a possible tragedy.

But the unity, the

faith, the compromise, the honesty, the solidarity of the Chileans in those sixty nine days makes us very proud,” All thirty three of the miners were taken to the local hospital for medical checks. The health concerns facing them are due to the muggy and damp conditions which can cause serious breathing problems. Doctors are also concerned about the effects of the lack of sunlight, nutrition and sleep as well as the poor sanitation. Psychological problems are also a concern; these could include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The government has promised the men six months of psychological treatment and has ensured that each of the men has a bank account only he can operate. They’ll also be coached on dealing with questions from the media, publicity agents and others eager to cash in on their extraordinary accounts. With talks of a movie and the miners thrown into the world of fame, the dramatic ride is certainly not over just yet.

Andy Trigg

Trapped Miners Timeline Of Events 5th August 2010

Rock fall causes a tunnel to collapse, trapping the miners.

23rd August 2010

Rescuers send a probe 700 meters down to where they believed the miners were sheltered. A face appeared looking in to the camera and a note was sent back up saying that all 33 miners were alive. Rescue attempt estimated at four months.

30th August 2010

Engineers start to drill a hole 2,000 feet deep.

2nd September 2010

Trapped miners eat first hot meal piped down a tube. It consisted of meatballs, chicken and rice and was made by a nutritionist.

8th September 2010

Miners are able to watch Chile vs. Ukraine in a football match via a small TV sent down by rescuers.

29th September 2010

Drill reaches halfway point which sparks hopes of an earlier rescue than once thought.

9th October 2010

Drill breaks through to the position of the trapped miners.

11th October 2010

Engineers makes final preparations to the rescue shaft.

13th October 2010

Florencio Avalos becomes the first miner to be rescued.

Celebrations as other families prepare for loved ones to emerge.

14th October 2010

The last miner is rescued in an operation that lasted less than 24 hours. All miners are taken to hospital.

15th October 2010

The first three miners are released from hospital. All of which are still wearing their prescribed sunglasses.

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The most prominent concern was advertising and communication with people being ‘put off ’ Hendre because they don’t have enough information about travelling and what will be available on arrival. However you are being listened to and bus drivers have been asked to leave Hendre regardless of numbers, so there should be no more long waits and the assurance that you can get home when you want to. There is still little chance of us being told when the club reaches capacity however discussions are in progress to find the most effective way of communicating with us, for now Seren would advice that you check the ‘Student events- Hendre Hall’ Facebook group to keep up to date and have your say especially as it appears we will have to make do with Hendre for the foreseeable future.

There have recently been discussions however about making PJ Hall a Saturday night venue for students so we may have an alternative in the future. For now though any questions issues or information should be directed to undebtradingcyf@bangor.ac.uk, the official Undeb point of contact regarding Hendre Hall.

WE WILL MARCH: 10.11.10

Gemma Ellis

IMPORTANT Gemma Ellis

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Gemma Ellis We are now just weeks from the National Demo and if you don’t know what it is yet, where have you been?

Students are currently facing the threat of savage cuts to education and coupled with the recently published Browne report which calls for a lift on the cap on tuition fees, the future for students is looking pretty grim.

We already pay a fortune for our education and although we will graduate from university with a higher level of skill, good work ethic and maturity the government dones’nt see the need to invest in us. We are currently battling against people who don’t value the importance of education and are willing to cut away at a system which allows fair entry and affordable learning. At

Bangor we have already seen 66% cuts in money that was previously available to students and our Vice Chancellor openly supports a rise in tuition fees.

Something need to be done.

Removing the cap on tuition fees means that some of the top Universities could charge up to £10,000 for a place while others, such as Bangor, have to charge less. What we will find then is a system whereby students from more privileged back grounds can afford to pay a top rate, and those from lower income families with the skills to attend Universities such as Oxford will have to choose their place based on price.

This will separate society and create an elitist system with top quality education being more accessible to wealthier families. This is nothing like the fair system we

have now where our University place is chosen based on personal preference and UCAS points.

It is therefore up to us to stand together and fight this. An increase in fees may not affect us but it will affect our younger relatives and friends. They deserve the same opportunity that we had and we must show politicians that we are the future and we need funding!

So join in on Wednesday 10th of November as our Students’ Union organises coaches to London to join the NUS and UCU (Universities and college union) protest. Tickets are available from the reception of the SU reception and are £10, £5 of which will be refunded on the day when you turn up for tea and toast at 04.45am. It may be early but this a cause worth getting up for!

f you are female and you are reading this article you are at such a huge advantage. Did you know that in England you are usually 25 before you receive a letter encouraging you to have your first cervical screening?

However in Wales the age is just 20. A cervical screening is a test to check the health of your cervix (the neck of the womb) and is very important as one in ten women may experience some changes in their cells which can be caused by many things. It is not a painful examination and can be done at any of the four surgeries in Bangor. Take a friend along, I assure you it is not a scary process.

The most important fact about the Cervical smear is that it is not a test for cancer but can prevent cervical cancer before it even gets started by detecting the cells which may be abnormal. The five year difference between England and Wales is therefore very significant and means that as Welsh residents we are very fortunate to be able to have free screenings as soon as we turn 20.

Early detection and treatment can prevent cancer developing in around 75% of cases. So I urge you to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ! In most cases you will receive a letter saying everything is fine!

I hope I have convinced you, here are your closest surgeries:

Bodnant Surgery, Menai Avenue Tel: 01248 364492 Bron Derw Medical Centre Glynne Road Tel 01248 370900 Glanfa Surgery, Orme Road Tel: 01248 370540 Holyhead Road Tel: 01248 372373

BANGOR IN BRIEF

t would be fair to say that there has “We haven’t been to Hendre because its too far away and we been a mixed response to our new re- don’t know the bus times. We haven’t been given enough inforplacement nightclub Hendre Hall and mation”- Kylie Brownville and Brianna Entriken while most of us are just happy to have something rather than nothing others are still concerned by a few teething problems.

However it seems we will have to make do with Hendre for now as the University recently revoked their current application for the Robinson building after fears that it would not meet the environmental health officer’s criteria. The application will therefore be submitted again on Novem“We think the Octagon is ber 20th meaning that Robinson won’t be adequate”- Krishna and Bala on the horizon for a while. In the mean time Hendre concerns include buses travel “The main problem with Hendre is to and from the building, with long waits that people are really used to Time and to get home and there’s also the chance Academi. It’s a good venue, students of arriving at the club only to be turned need to go. I think it needs better away because it has reached full capacity. advertising but it is an experience Anger has also been expressed at the lack Bangor doesn’t have and it has of communication between Undeb (the character”- David Stanley company responsible for Hendre) and students as they feel there has been little information and advertising with regards “I have never heard of Hendre”to the club. Seren hit the street to find out Anthony Brennan-Craddock what you think about Hendre with mixed responses:

BANGOR IN BRIEF

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Robinson and Hendre Update

BANGOR IN BRIEF

News

BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

STRAIT COLLISION

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he Bangor University research vessel, Prince Madoc was involved in a collision on Saturday 9th October leaving two crew members of a smaller fishing vessel needing medical attention. The Beaumaris Lifeboat crew were called to assist with the incident which occurred near the Craig Y Don area, not far from the vessel’s moorings.

The two men were not thought to have serious injuries after the collision with the 2.8 million pound vessel weighing 390 tonnes and were taken to hospital predominantly as a precautionary measure.

HIGH STREET BOOM

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s Christmas approaches it seems that Bangor is becoming inundated with companies that are snapping up those empty shops that have plagued the high street over the past few months. Amongst these companies are clothing giants H&M and Republic and nostalgic gift company Past Times. It seems that not only is the high street attracting these trade giants but the Caernarfon road out of Bangor is also providing a good proving ground for reputable companies. With the opening of TK Maxx over the summer and the expected opening of affordable furniture store Dunelm Mill in November, it seems prosperous that Bangor will once again be able to balance out all those charity shops! There is also word on the street that a food quarter may be coming to Bangor to bring a splash of affordable fine dining to the city to serve both students and Bangor residents.

WHAT AN OFFENCE

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Bangor University student has caused upset on Normal site when he threatened other students with a fencing sword. Sources say the student became agitated when a party on the halls site became too loud and took matters into his own hands when he emerged from his room with the ‘weapon’. Seren would like to note that a warden or security guard is the correct point of call in this kind of situation and does not promote the brandishing of weaponry to calm an energetic party.

Have any local news to report?

Get in touch with Andy: news@seren. bangor.ac.uk

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October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

“Be vigilant” warn police after spate of recent attacks ting others know where he is.

“I still feel safe walking around Bangor but always make sure I text he message is to be extra vigi- people when I arrive home. It is imlant around Bangor at the mo- portant to let people know that you ment as two more students are safe” have been attacked and mugged in the The student also described his Collage Road area. The victims had communication with the police to be mobile phones and wallets stolen so very helpful. police are asking students not to have University police officers have these things on show and to commu- measures in place to keep students nicate any incidents with them. One safe, from attacks to preventing robperson has been beries; they ofUniversity police arrested and reten give out free officers have measures in things such as leased on bail for the incident on place to keep students safe rape alarms and October 2nd and a bike locks and gang is suspected to be targeting new can be found in the estates departstudents in the area. ment of the University on Ffriddoedd PC Gwenno Jones, Bangor Uni- site. Leaflets have been given out versity police officer is encouraging around Ffriddoedd site to give studialogue between herself and students dents more information on how to rerequesting that main safe while students join the at university but “It is important to let Facebook group you need more people know you are safe” ifinformation ‘Bangor Uni cops’ they to keep her inare here to help. formed. PC Jones reminded Seren that PC Gwenno Jones will frequently feaBangor is still a very safe place to live ture in Seren communicating ways to and that students needn’t feel worried, keep you safe so watch this space! She instead they should just remain cau- can also be contacted by email phone tious. A Bangor University Student or Facebook. attacked in March inside the grounds FB: Bangor Uni Cops of Rathbone told Seren that a group of four non-students assaulted him.

Email: The student was punched repeatedly Eox999@bangor.ac.uk and broke his nose in the ordeal but now feels safe to walk around Bangor Tel: 07810834313 again, stressing the importance of let-

Gemma Ellis

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Graduate Job Crisis: Will there be anything for us when we finally get our degrees?

Abbi Ryan

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s much as us students may hate to admit it, our key reason for going to university is to gain a degree that will help us lead to our dream careers, right? So why is there a massive 58% of graduates, in the past 2 years, not able to find their ideal job? Shouldn’t we be able to find a job related to our degree fields or even find a job in which we are happy?

It’s heartbreaking to think of some students, who are so passionate for their degree’s, not being able to find a job when finishing university. We have gained the knowledge and skills and still our future is on the line.

To put it simply, there are just no jobs in today’s climate. According to The Times, tens of thousands of graduates will be joining the dole queue, or if not, working in supermarkets or local cafes. A staggering 11.7% of graduates have been left jobless.

Jade French, 22, gained a 2:1 in Photography from Nottingham Trent University in 2008. She wanted a job in a gallery, but soon discovered this was near impossible. To gain experience to boost her CV, she has done a number of unpaid internships, trying to support herself by working a 60 hour week in a pub. Isn’t an unpaid in

ternship just unfair? She has paid over £21,000 into the system and yet, isn’t she repaying back society with her labour? Why should she have to work unpaid! It is just unethical.

According to statistics, on average, a student is left with a whopping £21,500 worth of debt! That’s without the talk of the increase of loans to a horrifying £7,000 a year, plus higher interest repayments. With hardly any careers waiting for us, how are we meant to pay this back? It’s an economical mess that is getting deeper and deeper.

Just as we think things couldn’t get worse, the Tories are promoting a new policy of people having to work longer. The age of retirement on average is 65, but the conservatives are appealing to make people work until they hit 70 and for longer hours! This is just making our situation worse. We need retirement to keep on happening at an earlier stage, because there are then more opportunities for graduates to gain jobs.

A degree, to a lot of employers, is just simply not enough. So what can we do to boost our CVs? What will make us more employable? Is it spending yet more money on gaining a masters? Or are we just plunging ourselves into more debt?

Student News S

Halls Hassle

tudents have recently complained about several issues to do with Halls of residence including car parking, fire alarms and charges for being locked out of their room.

Complaints came after students at Rathbone and Garth found that during the day university staff were using their car parking facilities. Students are venturing out during the day and returning to find they have nowhere to put their cars even though they have bought a permit for the year. Other students on Ffriddoedd site have found that they receive charges of £10 when they call security out to help them get into their rooms. Students in newer hall buildings have found that it is easy to lock themselves out as they have entry cards as appose to traditional keys and that the charge is therefore unreasonable.

However if students pay the fine within three days it is reduced to £5. Students are paying upto £98 per week for the newer self catered buildings on Fridd site and £102 for

Garth and Rathbone buildings and extra fees are causing friction. “Students have certain expectations when they are paying so much for accommodation. We shouldn’t have to worry about extra fees” says one Bangor University student. Seren contacted the halls office for a statement about these issues, they had this to say “There have been an enormous rise in student’s failing to take their keys or card with them when leaving the room and the idea of the charge was to provide a deterrent” furthermore “all students with key cards have this year been provided with a lanyard so that the key card can be worn around their neck at all times” presumably to reduce the number forgetting keys. The halls office also commented on early morning fire

drills which also causing upset among students with 9am lectures. Complaints that some fire drills can be performed at any time between midnight and the early hours are unsettling students however the halls office insists that drills can only take place at “times of maximum occupancy” which invariably means before dawn. So are these halls issues overshadowing the high quality of Bangor’s halls of residence? Have your say: news@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Gemma Ellis

Is Neuadd Willis Really Bangor’s Luxury Accomodation?

The Positives

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o maybe Neuadd Willis is not the luxury student apartments expected. But it’s not all doom and gloom. “I really quite enjoy living in Neuadd Willis,” said one student, “It’s located in a really nice place and it’s easy to get anywhere in Bangor.” Sarah moved in early September and even though there were a few problems with her room, they were quickly solved.

“Neuadd Willis is perfectly liveable, and it’s miles better than my house in second year, and indeed better than most of my friend’s houses at the moment. My flatmates are really nice and you do get to choose who you live with, which is a real bonus,” says Sarah. In fact Neuadd Willis tries to make sure that friends can live together. They take into consideration exactly who you live with too, for example they try to accommodate people as to whether they want to live with first year students or not, unlike Halls, who don’t seem to separate older students from first years, and it can be quite difficult to live with friends. Neuadd Willis can be quite sociable too. The management team send emails out to its residents about upcoming social events and even have a football team going on. They also have quite a relaxed approach when allowing for guests to stay with you for a while.

“My flat is cheaper than Halls and the rooms are quite big and I do get a double bed. The people in the office work hard and are kind and approachable, but it seems as though they might get overwhelmed with the amount of rooms, students and issues that they have to deal with between what only seems a couple of people,” says Sarah.

Realistically, Neuadd Willis is a nice and comfortable place to live, but there have been a few hiccups along the way for some students and for Sarah. “It might not be perfect but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from living here,” finishes Sarah.

The Negatives

My boyfriend and I shared one of Neuadd Willis’ studio flats last year. We applied quite late and as a result were told that we would be given one of the smaller studios available. Despite initial reservations, we were assured that there would be plenty of room for two people to happily co-habit.

Our first impressions weren’t great; the studio was more like a large room for one person than a down-sized flat for two people to share. Trying to fit all our clothes, for example, into a small wardrobe with two different sized hanging areas (one tall enough for dresses, trousers and coats, the

other suitable only for shirts and skirts) proved a challenge.

Another major bug-bear for me was the kitchen area, which I think anyone would’ve agreed was only fit for one person. There was a two-ring hob, a fridge with a tiny freezer compartment, a weird microwave/grill/oven hybrid, three cupboards, a sink and a vague area for drying dishes. This would’ve been all very well, had there also been enough space to use a chopping board and prepare for meals. No kitchen table of sorts existed either, only a breakfast bar which we were given one stool for.

Oh, and there was no toaster or kettle.

Maintenance issues were dealt with promptly, though not always successfully. Within the first week, the towel hook had fallen off the back of the bathroom door and was duly replaced, though not in the same place as before, leaving a large dent in the door which we hoped we wouldn’t be blamed for.

In addition to what I’ve already mentioned, there is a long list of charges you can be faced with at the end of your tenancy if, for example, the company deems your bedroom to be in need of a redecoration or your kitchen is not cleaned ‘up to standard.’

All things considered, I don’t believe the studio was worth the £140 a week my boyfriend and I were jointly paying for it.

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Comment Et Tu, Vince?

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as anyone felt a strange sharp sensation between the shoulder blades recently? Maybe from a dagger with a yellow dove on it?

Last week the final bastion the Liberal Democrats had against the tide of annoyance their supporters felt towards them fell in a blaze of hypocrisy.

Vince Cable, long held to be the steadfast, intelligent and most honourable senior member of the party last week stood up in the House of Commons and said that the Government, that he and his party is a part of, would support plans to raise university tuition

fees unlimitedly.

Why is this such a betrayal? Before and during the campaigning for the General Election the Lib Dems pledged that they would stop any and all attempts to raise tuition fees. There are pictures of their MP’s, including Nick Clegg, standing next to students and holding pledges. Their manifesto says, “The Liberal Democrats are the only party which believes university education should be free and admissions based on ability not a bank balance.” Now, with the Browne report threatening 25% cuts to Univer-

sity funding and recommending that tuition fees should have no cap on them, the Liberal Democrats in government feel that it is acceptable to completely disregard their promise; one of the key factors that led many students to vote for them.

I use the term ‘in government’ for a reason.

The majority of the party: its backbench MP’s, Liberal Youth and general members still stand against any rise in tuition fees. This is why the betrayal is such an issue.

It comes from a small number of Lib Dems, including the highly respected economist Vince Cable, who many had considered to be the sole remaining Lib Dem in government to have a conscience.

Let’s be clear here. If Clegg manages to whip his party into voting for the subjects proposed in the Browne report we will have a system of higher education based solely on the monetary worth of its students. The Redbrick universities will charge £10,000 with less renowned and less academically recognised institutions accepting decreasing amounts of money from its students. Basically, if you’re intelligent but poor you will have to go to a uni-

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

versity which will not cater for your academic needs or not go to university at all.

This alone would anger students but the fact that we have been betrayed, and I cannot emphasise this enough, by the leadership of a party which quite a few of us embraced has frankly turned this into war.

We cannot stand idly by whilst the future of our higher education becomes elitist once again. University is not only a place to improve yourself academically. It is a point in someone’s life, if they choose it, where they can experience three years of...life condensed. It is a learning curve socially, economically and academically. To destroy this for the sake of creating another elitist system is a Tory ideology not a Liberal Democrat one. As it says in the Robbins report from 1963 (the last major report on higher education before the Browne report), “The good society desires equality of opportunity for its citizens to become not merely good producers but also good men and women.”

For the sake of the country, for students and for themselves, the Lib Dems should stick to their pledge.

The students that the government are screwing over now are, after all, the next generation of the electorate and people have good memories when it comes to betrayal.

Luke Dobson

No Gold Medals for Sporting Ethics A

fter years of planning and months of controversy, the 19th Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi, India have now finished.

What are the Commonwealth Games? The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental group of 54 states which were once part of the British Empire; the Games - are without doubt - another over-priced, pretentious event for the sporting elite to compete in.

Once again the financial and human costs of holding these grand competitions are over looked by the world. The financial expense of holding such an event is catastrophic for the strongest of nations. Billions of dollars are drained from the state, so pigeon-chested countries can welcome the world to the doorstep of another over-budgeted sporting competition.

It has become the track-race equivalent of ‘keeping up with the Joneses,’ anything you can do, we can do better.

The Chinese spent $33 billion on holding the 2008 Olympic Games: a sporting village was erected and an airport terminal built for this one specific event; just short of half a million people were employed to assist in running the show.

The human impacts of the Olympic Games were kept highly secret from the rest of the world. Some 1.5 million Beijing residents were evicted from their homes for the development of the competition. Arenas such as the celebrated Birds Nest were erected for a few weeks of sport. Now left for the rust and cobwebs, the effects of the Olympics are still being felt by over a million Beijing evictees.

The New Delhi C ommonwealth Games 2010 have done exactly the same by global chauvinism and new economic flaunting. Photos of children as young as seven emerged 3 weeks ago, showing them carrying hammers and buckets to help the construction workers behind schedule.

Human rights activists in India tried to have the Commonwealth Games called off. Thousands of residents were forcefully evicted for development, workers were employed without being supplied with safety equipment and escort agencies drafted in girls from other Indian cities to supply Delhi with the demand in prostitution - all in the name of sport.

The 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens, were tainted by a controversial death record. 14 builders from Eastern Europe and Asia died, due to widespread evidence of poor safety conditions and little or no organisation during the construction of the Olympic village. The Greek Construction Worker's Union believes the unofficial number could have been around 40 deaths in total. 1 person died when Sydney held the Olympics in 2000 and 2 people died during the construction of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Regardless of whether deaths occurred during the 2008 Beijing Olympics or not, the truth could have easily been hidden from the world with the oppressive communist government.

Arguably, international sport has become bloated by national pride and global insecurity. The displacement of humanity due to sport is perhaps second only to war with an estimated 2 million people shifted across 2 decades for Olympic stadiums alone.

The next sporting event to grip

Arguably, international sport has become bloated by national pride and global insecurity

the world will be the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. £9.3 billion paid out by you and me. On October 20, George Osborne will announce the results of the ‘comprehensive spending review’ – the cuts are set to be deeper than those committed by Thatcher.

The austere measures will affect us all, one way or another. Osborne will announce up to £82 billion worth of public spending cuts. Blowing nearly £10 billion on a 2 week sporting event seems utterly fatuous with the current economic climate. The Olympic media centre in Stratford is costing the taxpayer over £308 million alone; that’s £5 for every person across Great Britain.

Holding a sporting event has arguably become the financial indicator of boastful nations bringing the rest of the world to heel. Do I want gold medals? Yes. Do I want Great Britain to join the list of sporting hosts struggling to foot the bill of taking on such a colossal commitment? No. With an empty piggy bank and an Olympic receipt still needing to be paid, I truly believe England should pull out of the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2018 which will be announced in December.

Andy Trigg

Barnaby

S

o Halloween dawns on us at the end of the month, an occasion in which we take a walk on the dark side and accept the fact that it is much cooler being the bad guy after all.

Bangor, like every town, will be full of colourful and enigmatic characters with plenty of thrills and spills like an episode of Balamory. Getting a costume is always a great way to assimilate yourself into the eerie masses. There are lots of shops around selling the usual stuff, but if you want some authenticity check out Zero not far from Spoons, or make your own costume. I remember in Freshers year two girls who made fantastical tin foil robots with lights. It was the closest thing I have seen to a real robot since Peter Crouch’s audition for the role of Lankatron in Transformers.

Unfortunately Bangor does not have a Mr Bennesque costume shop, but I hope this year you guys can make an effort and get creative. In timed old tradition as usual we will probably see more witches around than the annual Mother-in-law Conference on Domestic Interference, and more freaks than a shindig on Jabba’s sail barge. But as students we do not fear such superficial humiliation of looking like a Blue Peter sock puppet, what really scares us is rising student fees, expired overdrafts, dissertations, due dates, exams, career prospects, and pub closures. It is the likes of these that keep us up at night, clawing away at our inner window of propulsion. Whilst searching for that nightlight of safety we are only equipped with hobnobs and Tetley as a last bastion of comfort on this Terror Train that is the imminent future.

But it is the likes of Halloween that we find ourselves basking in the revelry of fancy dress parties, looking like every creep that donned a dodgy disguise on Scooby Doo, and being the very meddling kids that the old folks wish they could relive. It is thus essential that we make the most of these annual events that spice up the seemly humdrum British calendar.

What will be a Halloween to remember is the Geography third year trip to Barcelona. For that I hope the unwritten pact of suiting up for the journey, and crashing in on downtown Barcelona like Salem paratroopers is still a done deal. Leading the putrid platoon will be birthday boy Liam O’Brien whom I sure will delight in all things spooky and sordid. And as the night ends most of you would have danced to Thriller, eaten lots of treats, looked like a royal tit and will wake up feeling like the underside of Boris Karloff ’s boots. So switch on the Proton Packs, crank-up the PKE and have a blast!

B-man

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October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

W

ith diets and health being taken to extremes (both obesity and size zero are on the rise), perceptions of size, weight and body image have never been under so much scrutiny. It is becoming increasingly difficult to read a magazine or newspaper without coming across articles discussing these issues, no matter how brief.

In January of this year, ‘V’ Magazine published what some people saw as a controversial copy of their magazine entitled ‘The Size Issue’. It was published as a bid for the fashion world to accept and embrace women (and men) of all sizes.

A few years ago, such an issue would most likely have ended up on the cutting room floor. For this was when size zero (UK size 4) was the most desired body size, and young girls and women alike strived for the bodies of celebrities like Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan (both scarily thin at the time).

Features ‘straight-size’ models. Since then, his Although these tragic deaths could be be said that by doing this, many profile has grown ten-fold and led to seen as a catalyst for the change that girls and young women are bethe Canadian designer creating a cap- is occurring, it is deeply saddening to ing driven to extreme lengths sule range of clothing for Topshop. He think that it took something so severe to try and achieve the unattainhas continued to use plus-size models to bring about a change. able. Nevertheless, similar to in his shows, and now it seems that Weight aside, other aspects of Body body size (and shape), attitudes other designers are following suit.

Confidence are hitting the headlines, towards airbrushing seem to be When showcasing her Spring/ most particularly the issue of air- moving in a positive direction; Summer 2011 line this month, Vic- brushing in the media. Airbrushing with many magazines beginning toria Beckham banned to limit the amount it is size zero (UK size 4) Whilst they would be viewed as normal used in their editorials. models from modelling sized outside of the fashion world, in the Notably, some celebriher clothes. John Gal- fashion world, putting these ‘curvy’ girls on ties have even asked not liano used two plus-size to be airbrushed in magthe catwalk makes a statement. models in his show, and azines. Leading this trend his final piece was modelled by the is used in a multitude of ways, and is is Jessica Simpson, who despite extremely curvaceous Beth Ditto. considered to be mainly responsible having been criticized for putting Model Crystal Renn, who is a size for people trying to make themselves on a bit of weight in the past year 12-14, has also modelled for Galliano look like the celebrities and models and a half says that she is happier in the past. She became a plus-size in magazines and newspapers. Re- than she has been for a long time. model after suffering from an eating alistically even the subjects in the Alongside her aversion to being disorder to fit in with size zero mod- magazines do not look as perfect as airbrushed, Simpson also hosted els. She has said that since putting on they do with airbrushing. Companies her own television programme the weight, not only is she happier, but have defended their right to airbrush titled ‘The Price of Beauty’, the Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk sea- photographs, saying that it can help to which dealt with perceptions of son has been her busiest yet, including advertise their products, yet it could beauty around the globe. Its aim

DOES SIZE MATTER?

Fast forward a few years and attitudes seem to be changing. Along with the multitude of editorials in the said issue of ‘V’ Magazine (including one of Plus-size model ‘Miss Dirty Martini’ shot by Karl Lagerfeld, who had previously stated that he would never work with curvy models), Vogue US also released a ‘Size Issue’ in April of this year, sending a clear message that times are changing.

In terms of ‘it’ models, we seem to be moving past the times of waif thin models that were prevalent in the nineties. Instead, models such as Daisy Lowe, Lara Stone and Crystal Renn have been gracing the catwalk.

Whilst they would be viewed as normal sized outside of the fashion world, in the fashion world, putting these ‘curvy’ girls on the catwalk makes a statement.

In 2009, relatively unknown designer Mark Fast caused controversy when his stylist quit over his decision to use size 12-14 models to show his collection, as well as the standard

her ‘straight-size’ modelling days.

In the past year, she has modelled for labels such as Zac Posen and Chanel.

As well as the fashion world, in the media in general there has been a change in attitudes towards celebrities of different shapes and sizes. For example, magazines such as Cosmopolitan have shifted from advertising fad diets such as Atkins, The Cabbage Soup diet, or The Blood Type diet, to simply suggesting ways to lead a healthier lifestyle by eating healthily and exercising.

But are these changes too little too late? It is no secret that some models go to extreme measures to ensure they fit into the tiny sample sizes of the catwalk. In 2007, two model sisters died six months apart, both of suspected Anorexia Nervosa. Eliana and Luisel Ramos were aged just 18 and 20, and were said to be under a significant amount of pressure to lose weight.

Gok Wan works to promote a natural and healthy body image and confidence in your appearance on his shows.

was simply to widen peoples’ views on what is considered beautiful, and to embrace a diverse range of beauty from every culture.

Despite all the changes that are occurring in regards to body confidence, is it enough? With lessons in body confidence set to be put on the curriculum thanks to a campaign by Gok Wan in 2009, I have to ask is 100% body confidence the way to go? Many critics believe that we will simply go from one extreme to another. After thinking that protruding ribs has been attractive for the past decade, will we now start to think that obesity is ‘normal’? This is an especially pertinent question due to the fact that one in three women is overweight, and approximately 3 million children are overweight in the UK. Obesity problems run much deeper than the surface, and many people are unaware of the health implications

1 aim, 1 tenner, 1 charity shop!

T he aim? To find a funky outfit that can be worn in the daytime for shopping, lunch with friends or even lectures. The tenner? £10 being the budget for the whole outfit! The place? Our local charity shop in Bangor city centre, The British Red Cross.

A charity shop, possibly the last place you would think of to buy an outfit, right? Well maybe it shouldn’t be! The British Red Cross is the ideal place to revamp your wardrobe without spending a fortune. You can create original styles and know that your money is going towards a brilliant cause. Being a student includes many financial problems, and I don’t know about you, but I really can’t afford Topshop prices.

I was excited for the challenge and

chose my friend Christy to be my needed a bag and a belt to pull the outmodel. The shop is set out perfectly fit together, and that’s where the cusinto different items, so everything was tomer care came in. Gary Davies, the simple to find. I decided to be inven- store manager, was great. He allowed tive and chose a floor length skirt (for me to go into the store room to choose only £2.99!) to work with. We made it any bag I wanted! I went for a leather, into a dress by pulling it up and above classic 60's style brown bag, and I abher chest. I also accessorised the ‘dress’ solutely adore it! It cost me an amazwith a siling £3.00. I also ver, 80’s style blagged a beauI would 100% recommend The belt, bucktiful delicate British Red Cross! Their led around bracelet and the customer care is fantastic the middle. belt worth £3.00 I then chose together. a size 16 cardigan to hang loose from I would 100% recommend The BritChristy’s petite frame which finished ish Red Cross! Their customer care is off the outfit perfectly. fantastic and there are so many hidden The British Red Cross provided treasures, including the latest trend of many unique styles, and I was actu- aviator style jackets, which are featured ally torn between 3 different outfits. I on catwalks everywhere this season.

The jewellery is set out with care and the shop itself is spotless. Charity shops are under-appreciated, when really they just require a bit of love and attention! Why not try something new? Like me, you will find out that you spend a quarter of the price (if that), and you are also contributing to a wonderful cause.

You will now see Christy walking around Bangor in her new, vintage outfit costing a terrific £9.98! Bargain!

A special thanks to Gary Davies for his genuine kindness.

Abbi Ryan

Kelly Brook and Lindsay Lohan demonstrate the vast difference between the sizes.

being overweight can cause, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and breathing difficulties. So whilst the world is accepting a diverse range of beauty, and seems to be accepting that every person is different, it needs to be ensured that it is widely known that leading a healthy lifestyle is not only important to your health, but for your mind.

If you have felt affected by any of these issues Bangor University offers confidential counselling support through their Student Support Services. More information on Student Support can be found at:

www.bangor.ac.uk/bangortv/studentsupport or call Nightline and speak to someone about it on:

01248 36 21 21

Polly Daszkiewicz

8

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Societies

There’s nothing normal about Normal Site!

F

in various colours, patterns and diagrams using chalk.

There is a true communal spirit and affection between everyone there.

As an international student, I’ve never received so much support and co-operation anywhere abroad as compared two buildings Arfon and Seiriol. Six to that in Bangor and especially Norextraordinary and talented mal Site. In just three weeks people run it, namely, Jason There is true communal spirit and affec- I have gotten to know eveBaxter (Chair), Tom ‘Bob’ tion between everyone there. It’s all-for- ryone and they are all there Johnson (Treasurer), Bex J. when you need them. Truly one-and-one-for-all, all the time!

Shah-Harvey (Welfare), Billy splendid. Even though I arLovelock (Events), Sophie tor in these nights. There are frequent rived late I adjusted well and I can’t Millicent Slater (Vice Chair) and Lau- adventures such as midnight walks thank this society enough for their ra Teal (Secretary). over to Anglesey and exploring the help and friendliness.

They are an infamous lot who can local wildlife. This community on the Things never end here. So don’t always be seen around the site and al- edge of Bangor is a thriving one which forget that we are going to celebrate though Fresher’s’ Week may be over even has its own newsletter “AbNor- Halloween like no one has ever done for Normal Site life goes on; whether mal News.” Other JCR’s could learn before. Watch out for that! there’s fresher’s flu or hangover head- a lot from it and the sense of family I guess there should be a society aches. Everyone attends their academ- that keeps the lifestyle going. For ex- like this one in every hall in Bangor! ic work in the day time but when night ample, they organized a group art sesNayab Khan rolls around the party continues. What sion which covered the patio of Arfon or all of you who don’t know about Normal Site, you are missing out on a Halls which is far from ordinary. It’s existed since the 60’s and the student society that is prevalent there is just as old. The JCR (Junior Common Room) comprises of all the people living in the

makes this JCR different from all the others in Bangor is the wide variety of social activities that happen. From parties in the common room to birthday celebrations for its members, they are making your first year as good as possible.

Though, alcohol is not the only fac-

Storm FM The Sunday Sessions

Bring Your Own Tumbleweed – A Rostra Sketch Show

I

f you love loud, live and local music then tune into the Sunday Sessions for weekly performances in the Storm FM studio. On November 7th we'll be bringing you an extra special extended edition to showcase all the bands taking part in the Bangor leg of North Wales Battle of the Bands 2010! We'll be blasting out of your radios for 5 hours from 11am till 4pm, followed by a live broadcast of the Battle from 6 to 9pm at Bar Uno. What its got: Interviews and live lounges with the best up and coming North Walian bands. Stay tuned in the coming weeks to hear the likes of Crash Disco, I Am Austin and Shy & The Fight.

What its Not: Fearne Cotton. But we can’t all be famous and mates with Reggie Yates. So tune in to Storm FM instead to hear some fantastic local talent before they make it really big!

When you can catch it: Sundays from 3pm. Check out our Facebook page for the latest news on up and coming sessions.

Breakfast in Bed

W

e have regular Breakfast shows on Storm FM to keep you up to date, entertained, and frankly letting you know the world is still here every morning!

What its got: Competitions, news, easy listening music, helping you bring yourself away from ‘the morning after the night before feeling’, and back into society!

What its not: Don’t picture us playing you the flute and bringing you a plate of cornflakes, and if your ideal music genre is metal, maybe better off tuning in later in the day.

When you can catch it: Weekday’s from 9am

Stuarts Super Happy Magical Fun Time of General Confusion & Wonderment

A

Brand New Show on Storm FM, and its something a little different, its radio meets comedy, and its as risqué, as it gets.

What it’s got: Weekly dose of banter, comedy, expletives, metal and Stuarts take on what’s in the Media What it’s not: This show doesn’t do much for the feint hearted!

When you can catch it: After the watershed!

O

n the second weekend of October, only two weeks after Fresher’s week, Rostra managed to put on their first theatre performance of the academic year.

With their new recruits, it was an all inclusive audition process with purely self written sketches. On opening night we were warmly greeted at the front of house and, after a slight delay, were shown to our seats. Even though there was little to no advertising for the production, there were still a fair few people in JP Hall.

The show lasted around an hour and was directed by Sara Burgess.

The cast wore simple costumes, of black trousers and white shirts.

These simple outfits, coupled with expert lighting, evoked an artistic atmosphere and drew the audience’s attention perfectly to the material, without leading to any distractions.

The sketches themselves often portrayed elements of the inexplicable, fantasy and explored themes of a sexual nature and, although it was not a laugh out loud affair throughout the entire night, there were moments of

clever and highly enjoyable comedy.

One example of this was a sketch involving the erratic and stressed Mr. Mills who sought to recruit new television and radio presenters in the form of Sooty and various other heroes from popular culture whom 90s kids fondly remember. Another memorable sketch portrayed a ditzy female amid the blind panic of a zombie apocalypse and the resulting

New recruits look promising and showed off some fresh new talent! comic frustration seen through her housemate. Some sketches used visual puns and slapstick humour, others funny accents. Others were more subtle in their humour, although also highly enjoyable.

The freshers (and the oldies!) gave a hearty performance. The new recruits look promising and showed off some fresh talent. However, there were several areas that needed further

attention during the production, such as members of the cast and crew moving around nosily backstage during a quiet scene, smoother entrances and exits were needed, the delivery to punch-lines were not as effective as they could have been, and on the whole the cast needed to be a lot louder. Sadly we were not given a programme and that is something we both thought was a must-have, especially as this production was the first show in which some of the cast and crew had participated.

Nevertheless, as Rostra’s first show, which was put on incredibly fast, it was a commendable effort and we look forward to future productions including a pantomime in late November/early December.

Emma Gregory & Rosie MacLeod

9

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

M

any of you have probably seen us walking the streets with our bright orange T-shirts and even brighter buckets.

You may have also seen us handcuffed to one another on several occasions, or maybe seen a tiger running around and wondered “what is going on?” Well, what you are witnessing are the efforts of Bangor University’s RAG, a student run charitable organisation which raises money for local and national charities.

RAG, which stands for Raising And Giving, was founded in the 1820’s and today nearly every University in Britain has a RAG society. There are even RAGs in South Africa and the Netherlands.

Here at Bangor RAG we like to do things with a bit of a difference and last year we had an amazing time, from our circus themed SIN night, to our very successful speed dating night. Whether it is a simple cake sale or an all out 12 hour “Cuff couple” occasion we are always there, buckets at the ready and

Societies Stef Black RAG Committee Chair 2010-2011 smiles on our faces.

This year is going to be our best yet with a Bangor’s Next Top Model competition and fashion show, featuring Miss Wales, a Halloween Trick or Treat and ‘Rockoke’ with a live band all coming up in the next few months.

Also this year we will be doing Jail Break, a 36 hour challenge to get as far away from Bangor with no money, just sheer determination. Previous volunteers have ended up in Australia, China and Thailand.

RAG is all about having fun and doing something for a good cause. It is a great way to get involved and meet new people outside your course and living arrangements.

We are always looking for new “Raggies” so if you are interested in finding out more, or want to get involved with any of our up-and-coming events please email us at rag@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

Brought to you by the Chair of Unity, Luke Dobson

D

id you know that you are a member of Unity? You, and every other member of the Students’ Union, except for this one guy. Unity is the society for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning students in Bangor. We don’t hate straight people or anything, but our priority is to support the gays. Oh, but we’re not allowed to call ourselves “the gays”; the BBC says so. Instead we’re called the “LGBTQ community”.

Seriously though, we are not your stereotypical ‘gay society’. We neither wave rainbow flags nor parade round in hot pants calling for gay rights. The whole idea of Unity is that we work with the rest of the Students’ Union and the local populace. We help the students out by giving them an awesome night out every month; Fruit Salad has been running for years and will be at Hendre Hall on Tuesday 26th October. We also have a coffee afternoon every Saturday at 4pm in Blue Sky Cafe on the High Street. We’re also going to surprise you with some amazing events that we’re planning. Look out for updates on our Facebook page (facebook.com/unitybangor).

We take our name seriously; it is our aim not only our brand. On December 1st, for example, we are going to run a

World AIDS Day service in Bangor Cathedral. For this to happen, Unity works alongside the parish, parishioners and the Students Union’s Vice President for Education and Welfare, Danielle Buckley. We also run campaigns throughout the year such as Donation not Discrimination which aims to tackle the ban on gay men, and those who have had sex with them, from giving blood. We will be at the next blood drive encouraging people to go and give blood but to take with them a leaflet explaining that they protest the ban.

As part of our remit to support the LGBTQ students we provide Unity Guides who have been trained by the wonderful people at Nightline. They will be here throughout the year to support all students, especially those who are LGBTQ. Do not hesitate to go along to one of their drop-in sessions which will be advertised on their Facebook page (facebook.com/unitylgbt.guides).

Finally I’d like to publicise our weekly committee meetings which are held in Bar Uno every Monday at 6:30pm. Come along and voice your opinions then sit back for a drink and a chat.

Just some of the businesses in Bangor offering you some great deals with a Love Bangor card!

L

ast year Bangor Students’ Union launched the Love Bangor campaign, and following the enormous success and support it received, it’s back with even more love this year!

There are several parts to this campaign, which encourages students to take pride in the local community. Events such as ‘Give Rubbish the Chop’ at the end of the last academic year when 17.1 tonnes of waste was kept off the streets of Bangor in the final fortnight of term. This year we have many campaigns ready to run, including

an exciting recycling campaign and a gardening competition, and of course we’ll have yet another exciting campaign at the end of the academic year. The second aspect of this campaign is to raise awareness of the positive things that students offer the local community, such as the 500+ hours our students volunteer to help over 250 of the area’s residents every week, and that’s just those who volunteer through SVB. Lastly, but of course not least, is the Love Bangor Card! For years you have had the

opportunity to save money when shopping with international businesses such as Matalan and Amazon through the NUS Extra card, but unfortunately not many of the businesses involved in the scheme had a presence in Bangor leaving you able to take advantage of all of the offers. That’s where Love Bangor comes in. With only national offers, not only are you missing out due to the need to order everything online if you’d like to take advantage of the cheaper prices offered by NUS Extra offers, but local businesses

and Bangor’s local economy are losing out. The Union has gotten 50 businesses to sign up to the campaign to offer a variety of incentives to students who buy a Love Bangor card. So for £11 you can save up to 20% on things like clothes, food & drink, hair and beauty, services and lots more!

For more information about the offers available and to order your card, go to www. bangorstudents.com/lovebangor

10

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Featured Photo: Bangor University Photography Society

Life, Disturb'd.

Pakistani Tea Tea (loose red label preferred) - 1 tea spoon Sugar- 2 tea spoons Cloves- 2 Milk- 1 cup Cardamoms- 2 Cinnamon Powder- pinch Saffron- pinch Chopped almonds and pistachios- 2 each

1. Heat the milk in a pot until warm 2. Add all the ingredients 3. Cook for a while 4. Let it boil three times where it comes to the brim and then settles at the base 5. Tea is ready Filter it with a sieve and serve in big mug garnished with chopped almonds and pistachios and some cinnamon powder !

Thought ART

solved'.

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And touched me li ppens, No matter what ha d.

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Then why is it so in much fame, so en iv g is fe i l y Why, wh a mysterist ju et y g in th o n is When it ous Game.

Nayab Khan creative@seren.bangor.ac.uk

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X Factor is one of the worst things

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irst F.Y.D and Nicolo went, this week it was Storm Lee and Belle Amie. Personally I think Nicolo should still be in, but unfortunately that’s the weird way the voting works.

There’s certainly variety to this year’s group of finalists; there’s Wagner’s weird and wacky persona, Mary’s powerful voice, Rebecca (whose voice reminds me of Duffy a bit) and Cher, who brings rapping to the Saturday night show. So who’s going to win?

At the moment I think it might be too early to tell. The contestants still have time to improve, but it’s an interesting lot this year.

While Aiden wowed everyone last week with his rendition of Mad World, he slipped slightly this week. He has got a nice, original voice and I think he’s going to stay a while, possible winner? I’m not sure yet.

Mary on the other hand could be a dark horse. Twice she’s given an excellent performance, so who knows, she may be a female Paul Potts.

Cher, I reckon, is an act that divides the nation; either you like what she does or you don’t, but it seems to be working for her so far. One Direction,

W

Katie looks li Waissel ke a go blin and Cher Llo yd can't si ng

James B

erry

Diva fever for the Summer Ball!!

on tv!!

in my opinion, are the ones to watch. Simon Cowell knew what he was doing when he put them together. I have one name for you – Justin Bieber.

Love him or hate him, look at how global he is! I seem to remember that in their solo audition Cowell compared at least two of the boys in the band to Bieber. Mr Cowell knows there’s a market for cute teenage pop stars and he wants in on the act.

There aren’t that many big boy bands at the moment, so there’s certainly room for a bunch of cute teens for the female audience to fall in love with.

Is it just me or is Simon Cowell being particularly nice to everyone this series? Also, it was annoying that some judges commented on the production of the song – that’s not the contestants’ fault! They get choreographed; it’s the programme’s responsibility for the production and costume, not theirs.

They ar e egoti stical and m ore co mpetit ive than p revious years.

-Steven Freema n-

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tor

Edi Seren

I'm g lad N ico le ft, he was a nnoy ing an d arrogan t.

Caitli n Tho rnton

ed le with r Cheryl co i best thing hair is the seen! have ever

want to have your say? film@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Heather Boyles

The Inbetweeners are back!

ith the third season of The Inbetweeners well underway it’s fair to say that it hasn’t disappointed. Once again the boys are back with more adolescent mishaps, such as Simon’s catwalk nightmare when trying to impress Carli and Will being misunderstood and rejected from Neil’s lame birthday party. There is no lack of comedy gold in the new series, such as when Will freaks out after taking drugs, which causes him to have involuntary arm spasms and not forgetting Jay’s showdown with the squirrel who dared play chicken.

The text alert noise, the lads make when talking about Simon’s newly acquired girlfriend, has been a massive success; people all over the country are now cracking the joke and the Facebook page ‘saying beepity beep beep when your mate mentions his girlfriend’ has over 77,000 fans to date.

There is also talk about an Inbetweeners feature length film where the boys go on a foreign ‘sun, sea and sangria’ holiday and experience their failures in life at an ever more epic level. However, the producers and cast have hinted in interviews that the pro-

gramme will go out on a high after a fourth series which would end as the boys finish their A levels. Though, in a recent episode the boys went to visit Simon’s girlfriend’s sister at Warwick university and it would be amazing if the producers introduced a major plot diversion where once again, the lads all practically fail their exams and end up going to what Will would call a ‘lower class’ university to carry on their capers. We can only hope.

Steven Freeman

T

otal domination. That’s what the girl’s team achieved last week with their premium bangers on the streets of jolly London. Yet while the men’s team looked completely hopeless with tyrant Dan as their leader, their hopes were raised this week as Stella joined the team.

Her forcefulness proved successful in the field as she was able to lead the team to a victory, with her team being branded as “Stella and the Cowboys”. The beginning of this success began at Heathrow’s Termi-

managing people, it seemed that her skills proved no match for the team that she took on. The combination of demanding Joanna and bossy Melissa hindered the girl’s team resulting in complete failure with a grand total of zero sales.

While the girls were being argumentative the boys had asked Stella if she was able to model for the Cϋϋlie Beach Towel.

Immediately she declined yet as a strong leader she was able to learn that the price of winning came at a cost. Cringing at the

You win some you lose some nal 5 where Lord Sugar spoke to the teams via video link. He regretted to inform the teams that Raleigh Addington would not be joining them due to family complications at home. However, as Stella was added to the boy’s team they were highly confident that they would win.

As both teams headed from Heathrow they were able to brainstorm their ideas, but through a weak leader the girl’s team took all day deciding. In the end though they decided to make a beach bookstand in order to try and fulfil every woman’s desire. However, this proved fatal to the group and it was considered as a last minute idea which nobody believed in.

While Laura stated she was very good at

thought of wearing a bikini in front of so many men, Stella went ahead and in doing so, with the help of the boys, sold a worthy 100 units.

Later in the Boardroom, Lord Sugar asked Laura and her team why they didn’t accept the exclusivity offer with Boots and she confidently replied that it simply wasn’t suitable at the time. As a direct result of their poor performance Joy was booted from the show, and the boy’s team were treated to well earned tea and cakes at a premier golf course.

Louis Waters

I

f you’re making a movie about a couple of Harvard students who become self made billionaires that go on to sue one another, you’ve got to have the right ingredients, and David Fincher’s The Social Network seems to have just what it needs to draw in a large audience; Jesse Eisenberg as teenage ‘geek’ Mark Zuckerberg and the social phenomenon that is Facebook. What could possibly go wrong?

The story follows a young Zuckerberg during his time at Harvard where he comes up with the idea of Facebook as a way to connect all of the students at the university regardless of what ‘house’ they are in. Essentially it’s a story of teenage isolation, anger and jealousy with of course a hint of intelligence, and Eisenberg manages to pull all of this off whilst at the same time looking calm and unaffected by the fact that his best friend, played

by Andrew Garfield, is suing him. The movie seems to be going quite well, Eisenberg is believable as Zuckerberg

B

and Garfield is the likeable best friend leaving you wondering e x a c t l y how their relationship changes so dramatically.

And then enters Justin Timberlake as Napster co-founder Sean Parker.

He’s the c a t a l y s t the film is looking for at this point as he insists that the two of them start making m o n e y

efore launching into any real detail it seems appropriate to answer the question that always follows the launch of the latest game in a series: Is it actually any better than the last one?

The short answer in the case of Fifa 11 is yes. The long answer is also yes, but contains several questions about the reasons behind England’s 5-Star rating, when World Cup finalists The Netherlands only managed four and a half; or whether Premier League footballers really do lose all ability when playing in the snow. Despite these personal annoyances however, I’m confident that fans of the Fifa games will not be disappointed with the latest installment.

As well as general changes which make the game play more enjoyable, such as more controlled passing and shooting (read ‘no more lobbing the keeper every time’), and the addition of player specialities; Poacher (Berbatov), Playmaker (Van Der Vaart), Everything Ever (Messi), for example, one of the things I found most disappointing about Fifa 10 has been rectified to great effect - Manager Mode.

Career Mode (with Player and Player-Manager

out of ‘The Facebook’, an idea that Garfield’s character Eduardo Saverin has been suggesting from the start.

Unsurprisingly, toys soon start being thrown out of the pram and the movie finally begins to pick up some momentum though you never quite understand why Justin Timberlake was cast.

At two hours long The Social Network really isn’t a long movie but it seemed to last much longer. By all means avid ‘Facebookers’ should see the movie as they’re probably going to like it but to someone like me, who has very little interest in the site, The Social Network doesn’t really offer you much; not even a proper ending.

Hats off to the unlikely pairing of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the outstanding music and Eisenberg’s performance has to get some credit but unfortunately this film really didn’t do much for me.

career options available) is vastly sleeker than it was previously, with a much more structured calendar system and no more need to spend all your money upgrading player fitness so that your Premier League team don’t struggle for fitness against the might of Accrington in the League Cup come the third week of the season. As a result, Career Mode is a much more enjoyable experience

n true Star Wars fashion Unleashed 2 begins with you escaping the clutches of Darth Vader, after being told you too are an unsuccessful clone, in the most overdramatic of ways blasting Tie fighters and buildings alike. Haunted by visions of both his past and his future Starkiller must embark on a journey to discover whether he really is a clone and find Juno Eclipse, his pilot and love interest from the first game, before Vader does. With over the top force powers and an action packed, brilliantly written script from Haden Blackman, The Force Unleashed 2 is already shaping up to be the game that many felt the first should have been.

LJ Taylor

Released: 26th October

LJ Taylor and you’ll find yourself less inclined to destroy your console and TV when your team just won’t perform.

Another aspect of Career Mode, which is also in online and Be-A-Pro matches, is that you can at last control the ‘keeper. What this means of course is that if you can get eleven friends together, you can go online as a full team and feel almost as if you’re playing real football - just without all that marvelous Welsh rain. Very enjoyable.

One major complaint I’ve found is that after months of expecting at least to hear new nonsense commentary from the ever-present Andy Gray and Martin Tyler, you’ll be disappointed to find that they’re still here and still agreeing that a player six miles offside is the hardest call to make.

Overall, the game is an improvement on its predecessors in all aspects, making it well worth the time if football games are your thing.

Tom Knott

E I

DVD OF THE MONTH

xpect plush suits, expensive cigars and business jargon aplenty in this super-stylish sequel to Oliver Stone’s 1987 film ‘Wall Street.’

Disgraced stock-broker genius Gordon Gekko is released from prison in 2001 after eight years behind bars. Seven years later, with America on the brink of an economic meltdown, Gekko joins forces with a successful young trader called Jake to bring d ow n mutual enemy Bretton James, a powerful businessman responsible for Gekko’s imprisonment and the suicide of Jake’s mentor.

Shia LaBeouf and Michael Douglas make an odd (but very likeable) duo as Jake and Gekko, while Josh Brolin effortlessly pulls off the uncaring, money-grabbing Bretton. The poignant issue of money versus love stands out brilliantly against the backdrop of the hectic, glamourous world of the well-heeled Wall Street traders.

Becky Sage

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson.

A

n exciting, fast-paced and thrilling film is what director Jon Favreau has pulled together for Iron Man 2. From jaw-dropping fight scenes to the comic aspects of Downey’s drunken antics, this film has all the factors for the perfect action movie. Yet what we have to remember is that without Downey’s star performance the film would mean very little to all of us.

His appearance is equally good if not better than it was in Iron Man 1; fans won’t be disappointed. The end of the first film left the audience wanting more, but does the second film really deliver our needs? The answer, quite simply, is yes.

Iron Man 2 introduces us to a new villain, Ivan Vanko from Russia (Mickey Rourke). While this villain certainly doesn’t match up to the previous antagonist (Iron Monger), his role in the story reveals something fairly important; Iron Man isn’t as invincible as we perceive him to be. Watching Vanko slice up the NASCAR track with his electric whips and then passing his fury on to Iron Man gives us a sense of his power and fighting ability. He becomes the ultimate villain, even if it’s only for a couple of scenes.

Considering his great importance in the plot, Rourke should have been given a bigger part to play in the film.

One of the biggest let downs of Iron Man 2 is Stark’s supposed romance with Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow).

While it is suggested that they love each other immensely, the screenplay fails to reveal much, giving us a disillusioned sense of their relationship.

With appealing actors such as James Rhodes as the War Machine and Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury from The Avengers, there is no doubt that more Marvel films are in the works.

If you’re a Marvel fan, make sure you watch the credits; you’ll be truly surprised.

Louis Waters

Gwen Stefani: L.A.M.B.

What’s in?

River Island £16.99

Peacocks £16

River Island £69.99 Topshop £20

G

wen Stefani recently stunned the fashion world with her new Spring 2011 L.A.M.B. collection being one of the last big events at New York Fashion Week.

Keeping the looks fun and eclectic like her vibrant personality, most of the pieces that Stefani sent out were African and Caribbeaninspired prints with a rockstar-esque edge.

Featuring bold, tribal abstract designs she paired her pieces with funky shoes and bags.

Once again, Stefani proves that she has a keen eye for designing accessories and that she’s a girl who knows how to have fun with fashion.

Prior to the show Stefani had spent just two weeks in Canada working on her line. One of her favourite pieces of the season is a butterfly print, dress that was born from a scrap of fabric.

She said, that she gets her ideas and inspiration from unexpected things and places. But the tribal look is one she’s always wanted to tackle.

“I’ve always wanted to do the tribal thing but it’s pretty hard to get right. I think we’ve got it.”

Gwen’s looks included a short shift with full mosaic-pattern beading and a menswear inspired white tuxedo with skinny trousers. She used a lot of draping, wrapping and hanging

Topman £12

to improvise and invent new fresh looks.

There were some softer looks including a pretty silk chiffon dress with ruffled shoulders, one of my personal favourites from her collection.

Many of her bold looks featured delicate, feminine features such as an A-line cut, off-theshoulder necklines, and again more ruffles. Even with the edgy prints and designs the little dainty details made the pieces a bit more ladylike.

Cheryl Cole ditched the designer dresses for a laid-back look dressed in military mode.

The X Factor star gives us all a lesson on how to work the huge autumn/winter 2010 trend. Cheryl looks stunning as always here’s how you can get the look in Bangor!

Kaden Wild

New Look £18.99

16 Peacocks £

River Islan d £16.99

2 Topman £3

River Island £29.99

River Islan d £34.99

Think rough and ready with rustic checks, colourful thick knitwear, casual denim, worker boots and have fun with accessories and a statement hat.

Guys Get The Look

T

Fine Fresh Fierce

o celebrate 40 years in the fashion business, Roberto Cavalli held a star studded bash before hitting the runway himself just a few days later at Milan Fashion Week.

In honour, celebs wore some of his ‘Ready To Wear’ Spring/Summer 2011 collection, here are our top 3 looks!

1

Pop diva Leona Lewis is working this gorgeous Cavalli coral strapless corseted gown with layers of lace and tulle.

2

The OC star Rachel Bilson looks elegant in this long animal print chiffon dress priced at £3,375! Gutted Hayden Christensen.

3

Virginal Tay-Tay Swift looks like a saucy minx dressed head to toe in Cavilli.

Topshop £40

1

2

3

x x x

y n en

J

Your pr answeorblems e (but not by a ‘dod! c

Managing time

’)

Help! I signed up for three societies and a club, and my first assignment deadlines are coming up. I managed a busy schedule at college but now I’m struggling to stay on top of everything I want to do.

First off, use your calendar(s)- if you have a smartphone or computer, learn to use it as an organisational tool. Otherwise, a good old fashioned Filofax will sort you out.

Being organised is about more than keeping a shiny diary- you have to remember every day to follow through on the tasks you’ve set yourself. I find it helps to make a list when I get up in the morning based on what my diary says, and work through it by crossing things off. At night sometimes I make a list of everything I did that day, so I feel better about those inevitable days where you just sit under the duvet and stare blankly at sixteen episodes of Sex and the City before rolling over and going back to sleep. Finally, it helps to find a study buddy- someone whose mere presence

will be a visual cue to help keep you on track. Pick a time and place to meet and work on whatever needs doing, and stick to it! Before you know it managing your time will become a habit. If you can’t fit everything into one day then learn to let the last three things on your list go. Either do them first thing the next day or don’t do them at all. This will give you a much sharper prioritising skill than if you swear up and down. You’ll get everything done ‘eventually’!

Course reps

Course not living up to expectations? Stuffy, too-busy, or absentee tutors not giving you the help you need?

The SU has put together a new and improved, unified Course Rep system across university schools and departments. Before, some made provisions for student feedback and queries to be heard by department heads and course organisers, while others did not. Under the new system students will have the ability to report directly to the SU in addition to speaking to their University departments. This will provide a double support system for when departments seem to shake their heads and cluck sympathetically. The

Education and Welfare Sabbatical Officer, Danielle Buckley, has undertaken this massive effort and wants to hear back if your department hasn’t ponied up a ‘seeking course reps’ email or announcement. Contact her on danielle. buckley@undeb.bangor.ac.uk or pop round the SU building in Oswalds just behind Ffridd.

S.H.A.G

How can I be sure to have fun and stay safe when I pull in Occy/Hendre/Base/Fat Cats?

Sexual Health and Guidance: Bangor Students’ Union puts on Healthy Living Week at least once per year. Our Healthy Living Week rolls all the elements of SHAG into one big omnibus of health, looking at everything else as well. If you’re interested in local resources, here is a small sample of what’s available: The GUM clinic run from Ysbyty Gwynedd and operates on a rotating basis. You need to book ahead for appointments. You can also get free sexual health testing from your regular GP. In Wales, the NHS Chlamydia test-by-post service is not available for free to under25s… yet. There’s currently a petition running around to make it so. Nice N Naughty in town have a wonderful selection of condoms, sex toys, lubricants, and all sorts to

Crossword

help the dreary winter days and nights pass more quickly (and more safely). When buying insertables remember that silicone or glass is best! And don’t forget to use protection, whether you’re having penetrative sex or any of the many other kinds that can still transmit STIs. More seriously, University Mental Health Advisor and counselling team are there for you if anything happens that you just don’t feel ready to deal with on your own. Additionally, there are local services including Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid should any crises arise from what should otherwise be safe and fun nights out on the town with your newfound uni friends.

Across

Down

1. Approached (6) 4. To fill with horror (5) 8. Sealed document (4) 9. One million watts (8) 10. Wigtownshire village (7) 12. Femoral region (5) 13. Irish county (4) 14. Midland county (abbrev) (5) 17. Sleight of hand (5) 20. Roman god of war (4) 22. About (5) 23. You (archaic) (2) 24. Small island (4) 25. At the present time (3) 26. Monks collectively (8) 27. Water (4) 28. Language elements (5) 29. Flower parts (6)

1. Reporter (7) 2. Move by degrees (7) 3. Soft-nosed bullet (3-3) 5. Spectre (7) 6. Astonishing (7) 7. Irritate (4) 11. Join in wedlock (5) 15. Capital of Ontario (7) 16. Drunk (7) 18. Crosswise (7) 19. Instrument for showing direction (7) 21. Parody (4,2) 22. Used to untangle the hair (4)

Sudoku 7

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18

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Music Y

ou don’t argue with the brilliance of Manic Street Preachers. One of the seminal Welsh bands, churning out brilliant album after brilliant album (alright, with the odd duff track here and there), but generally a band you can rely on to be consistent. With the release of last year’s ‘Journal for Plague Lovers’, the Manics seemed to be heading back to the Richey Edwards-era of introspective lyrics, and brooding, angry songs with a bit of fire in their belly (not least because ‘JFPL’ used lyrics from Edwards’ old diaries, making the songs on that album the first to contain Edwards’ lyrics since 1996’s ‘Everything Must Go’). So it was with some anticipation that the rock world waited for the new album.

Manics frontman James Dean-

Bradfield described the new album as “one last shot at mass communication, we’re going for big radio hits on this one”.

Unfortunately, unlike other Manics albums, this song sacrifices integrity for unashamedly pop sensibilities. It’s not as if MSP can’t do good pop songs with a message and meaning behind them (If You Tolerate This… being a good example), but everything the songs on this album purvey is sadly lost in an ocean of strings and over-production. At some points; ‘Golden Platitudes’ being a particularly salient example; the band that gave us the beautiful angst of ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ end up sounding like Take That.

You get the sense that their last shot at mass communication is less ‘Generation Terrorists’, more

‘Generation Barlow’. It’s not an ideal state of affairs by any means.

That’s not to say that the album is completely inconsequential though: ‘(It’s Not War) Just The End of Love’ is a superb opener, DeanBradfield’s vocals sweeping over a jangling guitar before bursting into life for the spine-tingling chorus.

It’s just that the things that the Manics do best; those songs where Dean-Bradfield’s voice rises to a crescendo and he’s belting the words out as if his life depends on it; well, they’re unfortunately few and far between. There’s other positive moments on tracks like ‘I Think I Found It’, which sparkles and simmers with Mediterranean charm (you’ll know what I mean when you hear it!), and the apathetic ‘Auto-Intoxication’, which features some of the most classical

W

e first heard of Tinie in the mainstream all the way back in March when he released his hugely popular song ‘Pass Out’, but before that he was making it big in the Underground with his first promotional single ‘Wifey’ hitting number 1 on an Urban Chart for ten weeks.

His success carried on with ‘Pass Out’ which

C

ontroversy and criticism aren’t new to Bring Me The Horizon. For many years, ever since the release of 2006’s ‘Count Your Blessings’, they’ve divided opinion. One one hand, hailed as the new kings of British heavy metal, and vilified as the scum of the earth on the other hand. Admittedly, they’ve never helped themselves, the behaviour of frontman Oli Sykes ensuring them publicity, both good and bad.

However, after their rough, raw yet devastating debut, they followed it up with the much improved ‘Suicide Season’ (2008). Say what you like about them, but they’re good at what they do, and they appeal to their target market. However, when a friend showed me their video for their new single ‘It Never Ends’ the other week, I was so intrigued I had to give the new album a listen. Unlike previous outings, the music doesn’t focus solely on trying to be as loud as possible. The songs have direction, Sykes’ bellows have more finesse and refinement, and some of the choruses and breakdowns are superb.

The production values are exemplary too. The music still suits being played

at a loud volume, however the odd (deliberate) stutter in the music lets you know that this is an album that has been lovingly crafted, and that the work gone into it has been painstaking.

It’s a testament to BMTH’s musical development that they can turn a song like ‘F*ck’ from a sludgy assault heavier than tar into a fast moving, mosh-pit stirring ruckus in a matter of seconds.

Listening to the album however, I’m struck by what seems to be a reigning in of their deathcore element. To be honest, they sound like a slightly heavier version of Gallows. It’s no bad thing. By the time we reach ‘Memorial’ and ‘Blessed With A Curse’, the album has flown by in a whirlwind, and the heady mix of slamming grooves and ferocious guitar has assaulted your senses to the point where ‘Memorial’ serves as the perfect respite. Externally, if you had your iPod on shuffle, and this instrumental came on, you’d skip it, it’s nothing overly special, but in the context of the album, it’s a perfect rest point before the final lightning assault of ‘The Fox and the Wolf’.

Whilst this is undoubtedly the finest

Manics moments of the album. It’s certainly the closest they come to replicating anything off ‘Journal for Plague Lovers’, even if the strings do undercut this somewhat (a recurring theme across the album). As many people have said before, and will doubtlessly say again, the Manic Street Preachers miss Richey Edwards giving them a sense of purpose.

All in all, this album won’t set the world alight. It’s an alright one overall, but as far as the Manic Street Preachers go, I won’t be relistening. Give it a go if you’re a fan, but if, like me, you prefer good Manic Street Preachers records, then stick to ‘Journal for Plague Lovers’ for now

Joe McNally

was a huge number one followed by ‘Frisky’ which hit number two, ‘Written In The Stars’ was another a chart topper and now we have his album, which as you’d expect recently hit number one.

If you for some reason still haven’t heard of Tinie then the ‘Intro’ sets the tone for the kind of musician he is, for two and a half minutes you get to grips with the chaos, the mish mash of beats and sounds and his unique lyrical delivery before heading straight into ‘Simply Impossible’, one of the harder tracks on the album aching more to his grime past, it’s very good. Both ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Frisky’ were produced by and feature Labrinth (a guy now making it big on his own), so you’d be forgiven for thinking these two tracks sound similar but it’s not exactly a bad thing is it? The drum ‘n’ bass beats mixing with electropop, the hooks and the lyrical delivery are so clever and catchy, it works very well.

‘The middle of the album is where it gets shaky for me, compared to everything else on his album ‘Snap’ is quite dull and appears to be more of a filler track, and ‘Written In The Stars’ whilst very successful, seems to have been written just for that mainstream success, I was a little disappointed on hearing this track after being hit by what was ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Frisky’.

However, we then get to the later stages of the album, which for me is the best part. In the last fifteen or so minutes we get Ellie Goulding, Kelly Rowland, and we’re upon the guest list with the Swedish House Mafia. It’s fair to say ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ is my favourite song in the world right now, I’ve had to force myself to take it off repeat, it’s a full on rave mixing all of the best things both artists have to offer, it is a smash. We then get to ‘Wonderman’, which is another album highlight, I never pictured Ellie Goulding hitting it up with a grime artist but her soft voice is perfect for this track, it’s brilliant.

We finish with ‘Invincible’ and ‘Let Go’, the first features Kelly Rowland and whilst it may lack a little energy compared to what else is on offer, it’s very nice and they both compliment each other. The latter features Emeli Sandé and is more of the same, it’s a nice ending to an accomplished album. I think Tinie lacks something desired with his lyrics, but his delivery and bassline more than makes up for it, and let it be known that Bangor’s Summer Ball gave you Tinie quite a while before his album did.

Aaron Wiles

piece of work BMTH have produced, there are some downsides. It’s clear that they’ve toned down their sound to appeal to the mainstream a bit more.

Now call me cynical, but if I must nitpick, then it’s an issue which sticks a little bit. Hopefully it’s the sound of them maturing as a band, but toning down for the mainstream alternative metal audience brings with it a maelstrom of frenzied reaction, both negative from their die-hard fans, and positive from their new found fans. However, to counter this, you have to reason that their die-hard fans couldn’t possibly be disappointed with an album as well made as this… Could they?

All in all, I’ve been hugely impressed by this album, and I’d recommend it to anyone with a passing interest in metal music, as BMTH are sitting up, and screaming (literally) for attention. Don’t ignore them.

Joe McNally

BRING ME THE HORIZON

There Is A Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It, There Is A Heaven, Let’s Keep It A Secret

19

October’ Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Music

H

ello there! And welcome to my first issue of Seren as music editor! As Bob Dylan said, “the times they are a changin’!”. I have incredibly big boots to fill replacing Aaron, but I’ll do my very best! We’ve introduced some new features as you can see, so let me run through them for you. We’ve introduced a ‘Featured Spotify Playlist’ so you can sample the delights of each other’s music tastes (or this, month, mine! Mwahaha!). We’re also going to feature an artist you NEED in your life in every issue, as well as a classic album to dig out, dust off, and dance to! The aim of all this is to try and provide a mixed bag of musical delight for you all, and it therefore stands to reason that these are your pages as much as mine people! Hopefully you’ll all enjoy the eclectic mix of music, and if any of you have any suggestions or want to get involved, then send me an email at:

music@seren.bangor.ac.uk

I

t’s not often I get to listen to demo CDs, however, I have to say that Desire on A Short Leash, the debut album by Guilty Hands, is a decent introduction to the world of music journalism.

As an unknown band I had little idea of what to expect of the two songs and it quickly became apparent that Guilty Hands have an indie, dark, carnivalesque core to their music.

The first song, their single, called Razor begins with sound clip of a woman saying “Hey Johnny. What are you rebelling against?” followed by a heavy guitar riff accompanied by an electro beat. This motif runs through the song as its bass and creates the oppressive cabaret feel that gives them their edge. The lyrics betray the music though, full of clichéd angst like “Cut. Cut. / Slash. Slash. / You’ve got your razor.”

The other song chosen to go on the demo is The Collector which tells the story of a man hunting for pretty young women after he has made a deal with the devil. Full of echoed beats and warbling instruments, this is distinctly different from the previous song. A gothic ballad with which the lead singer obviously relishes as he howls through the lyrics.

I prefer the second song though I must admit that it isn’t really my cup of tea. I enjoy Indie, Electro and the twisted modern take on Cabaret which has been emerging over the past few years yet Guilty Hands somehow fall short of successfully merging these musical entities.

Luke Dobson

Joe.

Featured Artist Classic Album introducing you to bands that are slightly off the radar.

METRIC

M

brilliant records your life will be completed by.

T

etric are a Canadian indie band who have he debut album from the New York hipsters saw released four albums to date, the last of musicians worldwide strumming their Fenders in which was 2009’s superb ‘Fantasies’. Fronted an entirely new way after just one listen of this by female vocalist Emily Haines, the band have had album. Highlights being the sublime ‘Someday’ and limited commercial success over here in the UK. Their the anthemic ‘Last Nite’, this is an album every serious highest chart position to date being 16th with ‘Gold music fan should have in their collection.

Guns Girls’, off the album ‘Fantasies’, a song which also features on the videogame ‘Fifa 11’. Their synth-rock flits between upbeat and brooding, and after one listen of Haines’ wonderful voice you’ll be begging for more.

Song of the Month:

For fans of: ‘Yeah Yeah Yeahs’, ‘Passion Pit’ Recommended tracks: ‘Gimme Sympathy’, ‘Monster Hospital’.

Willow Smith: Whip My Hair

IMELDA MAY – Mayhem R

ecent new music releases it can be said have mostly centred around a growing electro genre and so Imelda May’s new album, consisting of a traditional blues/rock tunes, is a breath of fresh air. It can be said that on first listen the album doesn’t grab the listener too much; but it most definitely grows on you.

In terms of songs the album is made up of a mix of fast paced riff and vocal based tunes with a few slow paced melodic songs giving the album, in my opinion a good variety. May hasn’t voyaged too far away from her previous album Love Tattoo choosing it seems, to play it safe and give her current listeners what they want. Although

it’s good that she’s sticking to what she knows, it may have been better to see her do something a bit different for a some variation.

To pick out two songs that have most impact it has to be the two singles from the album; ‘Psycho’ and ‘Mayhem’, both fast paced songs which when listening make you think you’re back in the dance hall with the big band playing. One more song that really caught my eye was the slow ballad ‘Kentish Town Waltz’. Fans will know May is originally from Ireland and it can be said that this song echoes the old style Celtic music making it a lovely song to finish the day with. Relaxing and slow, shades of brass and keys make it absolutely

brilliant to fall asleep to, and trust me I’ve tried it.

Overall this is a good album, not brilliant and not shoddy, it will probably hold a midchart position for a few weeks however I can’t see it shaking up the music market.

With an album coming out soon from the similar KT Tunstall, May faces stiff competition in the blues rock genre. The album is worth a listen, but make sure you have a teddy boy or flapper to dance with to make it more fun.

Pauly Davies.

link: http://tiny.cc/v48sy F

e h t f o t playlis nth mo

eather up your hair, don your rubber bracelets, whack on some eyeliner (girls and boys) and get into the groove with this playlist! Spanning the entire 1980’s this exhaustive playlist barrels through Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Ultravox and Aztec Camera plus many more! With the inclusion of Motley Crue and Iron Maiden, it’s not just pop and there’s something in here for everyone. Perfect for getting ready to go out, having a party with your flatmates or even just a night in with a bottle of wine, this playlist has everything to suit your nostalgic needs, and to make us 90’s children long to be born ten or twenty years earlier!

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October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Travel

n a e s p e i o t r i C u E

a n o l e c r Ba

e, s of prestig reminds u st region of at th e it’s the nam al of the north ea ndorra. rprise it A ification, ds no clar ique city is the cap from France and and continues to su teree n at th en n 0 ay ty u d 1 ci 0 e aw an 2 e rs Th th in u sm t touri g views. four ho graphic rt arcelona, ional Geo d roughly ith constan eer size. The airpo and strikin elegance pain and it’s locate t beach city by Nat h feed the city w u sh o s y it as y b et Y ic S ed . es h Cataluña, ty was voted the b r three airports w rt you will be amaz ers to dog parlours e city can ci o ss ea th n rp ss re ay d la ai rd d t te -c e d ra g th m hai e This worl to mention it’s loca e at the main El P ink of fro en. Durin aving drinks in th arriv Not you can th ou have se h y everyone. owever, when you there is everything g quite like what y ork, businessmen e city sleeps read th H in w t h tainment. four levels of whic s the city, it is noth ormous metro net ng. From 2 until 5 na then you migh d lo ci n en c ar o ce si an e w u d ar ed th to s B m as d t et m b in h is ig fro hea stre sic ixed all n emerging rport and ers in the t RnB mu exit the ai rant, with people ibility of entertain oking for the bes prefer more of a m ay after you would lo ib ss ed ou biggest of be quite v ee shops or the po night. But if you’re rt Olympic’ or if y ersidad metro’. Th es but the ff e iv o various co arating fiesta in th + drink) next to ‘P + drink) near ‘Un tal of seven beach the place to be. So to is 0 10 hil for the ex ‘Club Catwalk’ (€2 try ‘Arena VIP’ (€ ys. Barcelona has a f sangria then this o to y ra t it tr e b an a m to w t d so an in wan bably and soak usic, waves you’d pro rave then ant to hit the beach u’re looking for m lona is waiting. o y ce w ar If ly probab ecause B celoneta’. t hotels b els is ‘Bar e cheapes these jew th d n fi d y an book earl

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thinking of r Brits when es to mind fo m e with lots to a day co ac pl at th tic ty as pensive for l city is fant ily the first ci ta ar pi ss ca d not too ex e so many opce e an th ne e t er us ev to w sy ho ar ea k; e ondon is no er ea so und is urs’. a tour. Th pean city br the undergro yourself on ew Europe To taking a Euro a few strikes, t, a great idea is to get ‘Sandeman N the tour, you tip om d fr lle rt ca pa ny A ar . st offer with a compa so that if you enjoyed to get around re where to and easiest is re not too su ice, ay ticket. If you’ from, but the cheapest work on a tips base serv oney to spare, a great w is valid for 24 se es ticket more m e t th bi t a bu tions to choo tours are free! The guid t trac0, go around £2 ng on an at y. If you’ve little or as lo river Thames, These walking much you deem worth on Sightseeing Tour’ is as ke ta n ca e nd er u th them howev a bus. The ‘Original Lo l the attractions, so yo boat ride up ich Piers’. Lonal trip is a free w London is on p-on hop-off service to Included with the bus ondon Eye’ and ‘Green r hot spots ho 2hours ’, the ‘L most popula nd er e st ou th in ar e hours with a r tm ar fo es s St st t ‘W boutiques la , ’ en ue It en eg iq B e.

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Venice

enice is one of the world’s unique cities with its canals and tecture. But this do breathtaking archies not mean you can not experience the a budget. From the magic of Venice on train station walki to find millions of ng straight toward stands selling leathe s Piazza de SantaMa r go mouth watering piz rgarita you will be za slices for only €2 ods, clothes, glass jewellery, but best able of ! The Italians are kn lutely no surprise tha own for their amazi all there will be stands which sell t its all over Venice. ng “gealti” or ice cre a rich chocolate mo I do recommend the am so it is absouss flavor lemon and ch art fan, it is absolute e, absolutely gorgeous! Take note ice cream is not expens ocolate, it is as if you were eating ly free to go into Sa ive so why not ind There is also the Gu n ulge? If you’re an ggenheim Museum Marco cathedral so why not go and wi as well as the Acad there might be the emia and depending tness the magic of Byzantine art? art festival, the Bie nnale. However, Ve on the year and mo question of where nice may seem qu to go! I’ve mention iet in terms of nightl nth of your visit, ed Piazza De Santa a spritz or two! Of ife Margarita, but this course after a drink plaza is where everyo but that is just a or tian style in Dogado two...perhaps a litt ne gathers to have le more than that, ! Dogado is a café its tim but and dj set. However not only can you req it turns its tables at the strike of midn e to get down and boogie Veneight with its rather stars! I must say ba uest songs you can sed sed also dance away in its terrace underneat uctive lights ing the carnivale. Ve on personal experience the best tim e to experience Ve h the blanket of nice truly becomes nic the e some rather provo on city of fun, wonder cative costumes! Th and absolute infern fire would be in February durerefore, why not ex o by dawn with dj perience the pleasu sets outside and Alyssa Millmore re, the fun and the cuisine of Venice?

21

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Travel

H

be your ello! My name is Rowena and I will issue I will Each . year this for r Edito el Trav and resimply be throwing a dart at a map that destination bits t wors and best the on ng porti is all about... has to offer. Starting off, this issue

ZANTE!

Z

It’s time for this issue’s...

Dart Destination

ante - Zakynthos in Greek - is the most southerly of the Ionian chain of holiday islands that follow the coastline of western Greece. One of the more popular islands for a Greek holiday, Zante features heavily in holiday travel brochures every year and is a favourite for cheap holidays. It is renowned for its magnificent mountainous backdrops, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Holidays to the Greek islands are often most cherished for this combination of sunshine, warm waters and beaches set against truly wonderful scenery.

Those who want to avoid those beach disco bars and karaoke clubs should head to the north and west of the island, or visit in the spring and autumn - especially spring when Zante shows why it has earned the title ‘Blossom of the East’.

However, those of you who want that party holiday head to the south of the island.

Where you can be absorbing that gorgeous sunshine during the day and partying into the early hours of the morning. Some of the best clubs and bars include the exotic ‘Calypso Bar’, the vibrant ‘Medousa Club’, and the stunning ‘Valais Cocktail Bar’. You will never be without choice of music or drinks with the wide variety that each place offers.

You could never be bored on Zante either.

With so many activites to do in the gorgeous sunshine ranging from 26°C + in the summer, you will have trouble trying to fit it all in. You could be trying your hand at jet skiing, windsurfing or simply hire a Pedalo for the afternoon. Or, if you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, try your hand at scuba diving on Turtle beach choosing from one of their fifteen dive sties. However, if your looking for something a little quieter in an afternoon, go and explore one of Zante’s many beautiful pieces of agriculture sites, including the ‘Askos Stone Park’.

The food in Zante varies wherever you go. You will always be able to find traditional Greek Tavernas, with sercet recipes to set your taste buds tingling, just keep your eyes peeled! But if you want something a little more traditional like a good old ‘fish & chips’ most sea-front restaurants can please everyone’s taste. If you have been inspired by some of the foods that Zante has to offer, why not try out a cookery course and learn to cook some fantastic dishes yourself?

So, whether you are going to just relax with some friends or make it a party week you will never forget, Zante has everything you need.

Rowena Nathan

A guide to Zante’s top 5 beaches:

Keri Beach – One of those rare beaches where tourists are in the minority. Discover a more peaceful side of Zante, with long strecthes of sandy white beaches as far as the eye can see. One of the best hot spots to catch a magnificent sunset!

Gerakas Beach – A must-visit beach! It is an important nesting beach for the Loggerhead Sea Turtles and very well maintained by the Marine Park. So if you are tempted by the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a baby tutrle then Gerakas beach is where you should head.

Kamini Beach - A beautiful location and not over commercialised. It’s a perfect stop-off place and within walking distance of Agassi - if you’re feeling fit! This has so much more to offer and there are so many places you can stop off and grab some fantastic authentic Greek food.

St Nicolas Beach - Offering a wide variety of watersports to keep you busy all day long. There is a free bus from the main resorts near-by, but you do have to pay for one of the many facilities in order to get the bus back! However it is definetly worth it especially if you are after some of those priceless holiday snaps.

Porto Zoro Beach - An exotic looking beach with fine sand and good facilities. Make sure you get there early to get the best sunlounger, and you can laze around all day absorbing the sights this beach has to offer. Or, there are also plenty of small fish to see if you go snorkelling at the rocky end of the beach.

Top 5 Sites to see in Zante:

Where is Zante?

The Solomou Square in the evening - A statue of Solomos dominates the square, which is a popular place for tourists and locals alike to take a pleasant stroll or stop for coffee in one of the near-by cafes.

The Cultural Center of Zakynthos and the Library - Next to the church of Saint Nikolas on the Mole, in an impressive building are the Cultural Centre of Zakynthos and the public library - which is one of the best in Greece with over 50,000 literary works.

Diving on Turtle beach Experience some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean Sea by diving down and observing some of the best marine life the island has to offer. Even with one dive you can observe octopi, lobsters, gropers. You can even have a go at night diving if you are interested.

The Shipwreck from Porto Vromi - A boat trip is the best way to get close to the famous shipwreck. Surrounded by myths and legends, the shipwreck is situated close by to a cave where, sea god Poseidon’s stunning rock profile is located.

This trip is not worth missing!

The Blue Caves - One of the best sites to see on Zante. The contrast between the white rocks and blue sea, you will be breathtaken by such a stunning view.

Easyjet Flying to Zante in 2010!

G

etting to Zante could not be easier, with most major UK airports flying there regularly throughout the week, especially as soon as the summer months kick in you will find choosing a flight one of the least stressful parts of your holiday preparation. Now, after months of speculation, EasyJet the British budgeting airline, has finally announced that it will be flying to Zante (Zakynthos) from London Gatwick Aiport, with the service starting on 21st May 2010 and flying until the end of September. This is perfect news for those who just want get away without forking out a lot on your airfare. It is perfect for your summer get away so get online and book your non-budget busting flights today!

If you’re looking for some winter sun, a return flight is now around £150pp.

However, if its that summer break you are looking for you can get a flight for around £190+, but keep your eyes open for those summer deals as they will soon be appearing on airline websites.

Other recgonised airlines that fly to Zante are: airflights.co.uk, flythomascook.com and ryanair.com

22

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Sport

Should Merseyside Giants Ground-Share?

Stuart Roberts

F

or two teams that were and, to varying degrees, still are giants of English football, the idea of ground sharing was almost unthinkable. However as it becomes increasingly likely that both Everton and Liverpool will be building new stadia in the near future, the unthinkable has become an increasing possibility.

Understandably, there is perhaps more enthusiasm for the project from Everton. Both Chairman Bill Kenwright and manager David Moyes are more open to the possibility. But as with so many other issues with modern-day football, it is money that appears to be the driving issue. Goodison Park will not be able to keep up financially in the modern era, let alone compete for honours, effectively conceding the city to their rivals. After the plans to move to Kirkby fell through, the possibility is more appetising. In the run up to the Derby, Moyes reignited the debate; “It’s probably something that if you ask people up here no-one would really want it. Who really wants to share a ground with their neighbours? But from our point of view we need something new to get some more investment in. There is a limit to what we can get at Goodison. It can only take in a certain amount of money.”

Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish believes all possibilities must be reviewed.

Though not actively advocating a deal, he concedes that given the current financial climate, it is worth ‘looking at’.

However Liverpool’s new owners are less open, almost dismissing it entirely.

New co-owner Tom Warner commented on the issue, saying; “Groundshare seems to be controversial. From what I have heard it does not look very appealing to most people.

There is an option to redevelop Anfield but we have to explore everything.”

Once again the plans for a New Anfield are on the agenda, promised by the previous owners but never materi-

alised.

The case against ground-sharing is relatively straightforward. Everton may feel that they would be junior partners in such a project, and given the fact Liverpool are still the most successful club in English football and attract world support; Everton would struggle to attract a new fanbase. Despite the history, Liverpool have been the more successful in recent years, ansing the identity of Goodison Park may result in losing support from outside of the city.

Furthermore, a deal for two fierce rivals to m e r g e facilities may set a precedent in the English leagues.

Although it may make financial sense to merge stadia, it can be envisaged that many people would seek to make a quick buck, disregarding the opinion of fans. The possibility of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham sharing the new Olympic stadium has been raised, and although it was quickly hushed, nevertheless these possibilities are being discussed more often. And those who think that fan opinion would deter chairmen from making such decisions remember Wimbledon FC’s move to Milton Keynes.

Practically however, ground-sharing

is a positive move. Given that financially both clubs are struggling, despite Liverpool’s take over. Both sets of fans are reluctant to move from their homes, but a new ground in the city is more appealing; especially given Everton’s recent (now scrapped) plans to move outside the city. Building a stadium that the entire city can be proud of, will not only be an architectural triumph, but

will more than rival Eastlands and Old Trafford as a cathedral of football.

Those who doubt whether or not two such teams can share need only look at the continent. The clubs of Munich, Rome and most famously Milan have not lost their identity, and given the history of both Inter and AC, Milan can perhaps be used as the best example for Everton and Liverpool.

The precedent has been set in Europe that the plan could work. However this would have to be under the stipulation

Making a Splash in More Ways than One! Lauren Evans

has met with the AU president and the rowing club captain and has agreed on giving us a grant to pay for new xciting times for Bangor equipment. This is a funrowing club! During fresher’s week the rowing club “The AU, SU and Rowing club are very damental step towards took out freshers to give them a grateful to the University for their donation, and repairing the reputation of Bangor University taste of rowing, however, what they Rowing Club within the got was not what they bargained look forward to seeing the new boats in action” Danielle Giles, VP Sport and Healthy Living for. Unfortunately, a huge wave of sporting community and swash from an on-coming speedof course enables us to boat caused the boat to split in two. Luckfunding. A lot of our equipment is de- continue to row and compete. ily, help was at hand from the safety boat preciating and unfortunately very fast.

Everybody in the club is thrilled provided to us from the diving club which with the news and we will strive on to If it weren’t for the diving club who got all the passengers on board. The RLNI provided the safety boat then the story ensure that Bangor University Rowwere shortly called out to help with the ing Club gets the name it deserves. operation of getting the boat back to the would have gone very differently.

On the upside the vice chancellor boathouse. Luckily, nobody was seriously

E

injured during the event.

To the club the incident was just a reflection of how desperately we need

that both clubs are equal partners, an issue raised previously. Ironically, Inter have announced that they intend to leave the San Siro, mainly due to the ability to raise their own revenue; and in Munich, when 1860 hit financial difficulty they sold their 50 per cent stake in the stadium to Bayern. They now effectively rent the ground from their rivals.

A side issue that is being increasingly used is England’s 2018 World Cup bid. Under current FIFA regulations neither stadium is suitable, and although Anfield will need relatively minor modifications, the commitment needed would render new stadium plans redundant. A new super stadium would rival any in the country and most of Europe’s. However, the 2018 bid will not rest on whether a new stadium is built.

Indeed it would be a travesty if Liverpool does not host a world cup game, if the bid is successful. But the bid is not guaranteed and it can be interpreted that it is being used in some quarters to perhaps force through a deal, Liverpool Councils insistence that a ground share deal is the best option both for the clubs and the city could be scaremongering to this effect.

The issue is hugely contentious, not just for both clubs but also for English football as a whole. Objectively, and if done properly, ground-sharing could

be a breakthrough for the city and English football, and give both teams the finances to compete at the top level. It would be difficult to envisage such investment that Man City has received, had it not moved into Eastlands. However the issue of history and fans sentiment overrides many of the practical arguments. But in many respects, such sentiment is rooted in the 1980s. It is unlikely that both clubs will have new 50,000 capacity stadiums in the city, given that Everton were ready to move to Kirkby, a ground share would be welcome for fans, in respects that it at least keeps the club in the city. Liverpool too, don’t appear fussed about moving from their current home to the New Anfield, but again a shared stadium is not welcomed by fans, from both sides of Stanley Park.

It would be a travesty if the two Merseyside giants fall further behind the big London and Manchester clubs.

Attracting new investment requires the facilities, Goodison certainly does not them and Anfield is not what it used to be. The issue will not be solved anytime soon, and so long as it remains a possibility, it will be considered with increasing realism. The revolutionary ‘Siamese stadium’ idea, where both clubs have a connected stadium on Stanley Park, has been dismissed. It seems that more and more options are becoming less available. As a fan, I would hate to see my club leave its home, however I recognise the need for new investment opportunities.

A move outside the city would be regrettable; therefore a chance to remain near the home of both clubs would be a more palatable option. I want to see Merseyside return to the top of English football, but this may take a sacrifice or two. Ground-sharing, it seems, is the most practical solution given the issues raised, however unpalatable in the short term. Bill Kenwright loves Everton, and Liverpool’s new owners would not have invested if they did not have the clubs best interests at heart, therefore whatever decisions are made, I’m sure it will be in the best intentions; whatever sacrifices need to be made.

23

October Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Sport

Not Quite All Fun and Games in Delhi

Final Round Drama in a Classic Ryder Cup

Matt Cox

O

n the 4th of October, the sun set on another Ryder Cup. This year’s competition, held at Celtic Manor, Newport, ended in a victory for Europe, with them regaining the trophy.

Two years ago the American team, seen as underdogs, had overwhelmed the European team by 16½ points to Europe’s 11½. This came after three consecutive wins for the Europeans. It also meant that to regain the cup, Europe would need to win the tournament outright. Colin Montgomerie, the team captain, spoke of the difficulty this presented. “It is very difficult to regain. It became very difficult to gain that extra half a point.”

As the scoreline would suggest, this was not an easy ride for the European team. Even building up to the tournament, Montgomerie’s selection of Padraig Harrington was criticised; the Irishman had been in poor form, leading people to question his place as one of Montgomerie’s “wild card” picks - Harrington’s world ranking had slipped, meaning he was never in a position to get an automatic place in the team.

With Montgomerie doing his best to assauge these doubts, he also had to contend with Lee Westwood, who had been carrying a leg injury, keeping him out of golf for almost two months. Despite the criticism fired Montgomerie’s way over the last two years, though, he seemed to be serenely on top of things: both a great motivator and, according to Rory McIlroy, “inspirational”.

The tournament started without a hitch. The four-ball match between the European team of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer and the American team of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson began as scheduled, but before long rain caused all matches to be delayed. With the schedule for the tournament in turmoil, it quickly became apparent that an unprecedented

The Final Word?

Monday session would be required.

Of the four matches on the course by the close of play, America held the lead in two, with Europe winning in one and one of them all square.

Saturday and Sunday passed in a flurry of both foursomes and fourballs: at one point, all members of both teams were out on the course, an unprecedented event at this stage of the competition. America held a 4-6 lead after Saturday’s session, but despite their best efforts, Europe overwhelmed them on Sunday, winning 5½ out of 6 available points to take a decisive lead.

It came down to a dramatic Monday to decide the winners. America won the first two points available, one of them being a decisive victory by Dustin Johnson over Martin Kaymer, who won by six shots. Suddenly Europe’s excellent lead was looking insecure, with America only a point behind. Iain Poulter quickly softened the blow by securing a victory in his match, and after Stewart Cink and McIlroy tied their match, Europe held a 3 point lead at 11-9, with a further 8 points remaining to play for.

Miguel Angel Jimenez and Luke Donald both provided further victories for Europe before the troubled Tiger Woods decimated Francesco Molinari. Rickie Fowler’s exceptional comeback from 4 behind allowed him to halve the hole with Francesco’s brother Edoardo Molinari, and this was followed by Padraig Harrington’s loss to Zach Johnson. Suddenly it was 13½ points each - but Hunter Mahan could not cope with the pressure, and dramatically lost to McDowell, conceding at 2 down with only a hole left to play.

“Everyone on the team contributed at least half a point to our success,” said Montgomerie, “and that’s why this side won.”

Then the celebrations could start, and the famous little trophy became Europe’s for another two years.

I

ncreasingly, sportsmen and women are exposing themselves to controversy. Although some incidents may be relatively minor and serve no use other than to entertain the tabloids, far too

many are criminal offences.

With exceptions, Marlon King has been warmly welcomed to Coventry City, shortly after being released from jail, serving 9 of an 18-month sentence for sex offences.

Reunited with his former manager Aidy Boothroyd, this is perhaps a last chance of rehabilitation for King, who was rightfully sacked by Wigan Athletic after his conviction.

Peter Weale

T

he Commonwealth Games in Delhi passed this month with plenty of controversy surrounding the event. The controversy here, though, was more than what we have come to expect from this kind of thing. It is sad that drug scandals have become routine in these events, and yes, there were plenty here as well.

But it was prior to the Games that the event looked most in trouble.

The athlete’s village was described as “uninhabitable” by Mike Hooper, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation. “They’re filthy. You can’t occupy them. They need a deep clean. There’s builders’ dust and rubble in doorways, shower doors the wrong way round and toilets that don’t work,” Hooper added. This stinging criticism was mirrored by Scotland’s team, who described it as “unfit for human habitation”.

For a while it seemed as though several teams would pull out of the competition due to these issues, with the Scottish team unwilling “to compromise on issues of health, safety and security”.

The English team said conservatively that there was “a lot still to be done”, though they remained optimistic that they would still be able to participate.

Then a bridge connecting a car pack with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,which represented the centrepiece for the event, collapsed, with 23 people injured. Builders had tried to apply an extra concetre layer before it fell. The Games were on the brink of cancellation at this point.

These problems were compounded by star athletes missing from the Games due to injury, with the charismatic “fastest man on earth” Usain Bolt and triple Olympic Gold Medalist In many respects, those who serve a sentence and are then released are free to live a normal a life as possible. However, as athletes are in the public eye and are seen by many as role models – whether or not they should be is another issue - the ethics of such moves

by Coventry are under increased scrutiny. As reported by the BBC journalist Ian Shoesmith, many are disappointed and angry by the signing of King.

Some, such as Coventry City councillor Ann Lucas are especially troubled due to the crime of which he was convicted. Having helped victims of sexual abuse, her principles prevent her from paying and supporting a club she believes has let her and the fan base

Chris Hoy notable absentees.

In fact, these problems made the expected failed drugs tests seem something of a formality. However, it did happen, with the Nigerian 4x400m relay squad disqualified after Folashade Abugan tested positive, which promoted the England team up to Silver.

The 100m women’s champion, Damola Osayemi, and 110m hurdler Samuel Okon were also both disqualified.

It is a shame, really, that these controversies have somewhat marred the

Games (and this article!). Even in spite of all the problems prior to it, the organisers managed to get it together, with the Games themselves not proving to be anywhere near as problematic as feared. The world seems to even have viewed the tournament as an overall success - though several still feel the Commonwealth is fundamentally an anachronism, rendering the Games somewhat needless. If nothing else, though, these will certainly be credited for giving other sports in India exposure. India is essentially a one-sport country, with cricket dominating the sports media there. Here, though, in an event where Cricket down. Yet, it seems that such strong views are isolated. Evidence shows that opinion is almost split down the middle in Coventry, and other researchers indicate that the majority of fans are not bothered so long as the team does well.

On principle, it is perhaps right that those who serve a criminal sentence are allowed to pursue a normal life and career after release. However, when individuals have committed serious offences such as King’s it is understandable that club supporters have such negative feelings. Without making allegations, it is not known whether the player in question has offered help to victims of similar crimes,

plays no role, India finished second in the medals table, well behind Australia and slightly ahead of England.

Domestically, England’s haul of 37 golds and 142 medals in total was very impressive. Notable victors were Rebecca Adlington, who won the Women’s 800m Freestyle, as well as Andy Turner, who won the 110m hurdles and Leon Baptise who won the 200m event. Mark Lewis-Francis was a Silver Medalist in the 100m. Scotland secured 6 golds, and 19 medals in total, with Colin Flemin and Jocelyn Rae winning the Tennis mixed doubles, as well as swimming golds for Robert Renwick and Hannah Miley.

Northern Ireland won three golds in boxing, while Wales’ Dai Greene won one of Wales’ two gold medals in the 400m hurdles.

Without a doubt, the early controversies rocked the Games. Attendances in the first few days were very poor due to these safety fears eventually, though, more and more people gathered to see the events and by the end, they attracted a full house - in particular, events involving Indian competitors.

India won their first gold medal from a track event in over 50 years, winning the gold medal in the 4x400m relay, as well as their first ever gold medals in gymnastics. If their success inspires young athletes to take up sports other than Cricket, then the legacy left by these Games will be of vital importance to a country which won its first ever Olympic gold medal in 2008. Lord Sebastian Coe, the man who headed up London’s 2012 Olympic bid, described the Indian relay win as “potentially the moment that could change the course of athletics in Asia, the moment that could inspire thousands of people who’d never even seen an athletics track before to get involved.”

or indeed do any community work to aid his rehabilitation. Admittedly this may be due to his terms of release, but without showing proper remorse it is difficult to offer sympathy and a second chance.

Ultimately it should be the individual in question, and not the fan, who must wrestle with their conscience.

Fans should not have to make the decision on whether or not to support his or her team, it should be up to the player to decide whether or not he can justify signing professional contracts and thus split fan opinion and question their own ethics.

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