Autumn issue 3 full pdf by The Spark

FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2015

NEWS

Tampon Tax

Erin Peacock shares her views on why tampons should not be classed as a ͚luxury

SPARK VOL. 72 ISSUE NO.3

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORT

Sukpreet Kaur tells us all about the highly anticipated H&M collaboration

Live music across Reading was an incredible success with crowds, drinks and fun

Read as TJ Hiew shares her experience of Airsoft!

High street fashion

Oxjam

Hit! -

Tax credit cuts delayed by House of Lords: was the decision right?

A commentary on when the House of Lords overruled the controversial Conservative policy to cut tax credits, which would leave 3 million families in the UK worse off

Photo courtesy of: Nathalie Siah

ZOE OSMAN

1st Year English Literature

The House of Lords overruled the controversial Conservative policy to cut tax credits, which would leave 3 million working families in the UK worse off. This only proves the unsettling truth that false promises from the people we put into power are now the norm. It has become, somewhat sadly, a bleak tradition that an assurance of policy grows twisted when put into practise. Tax credits redistribute income by paying money to families raising children, or working people on a lower income, and

David Cameron assured the public that, if elected, he would not cut them. Once they sought victory in the election, George Osborne fast claimed that the cuts were introduced to inhibit any return to what he described as “uncontrolled spending”, and so, history, as expected, is seen to repeat itself. Hence, there was an overwhelming feeling among, not only the opposing parties, but also many Conservative MPs, that the cuts to tax credits were unnecessary, cruel and damaging, which the majority of the House of Lords decidedly agreed when voting to delay the policy. This piece of news brings about two very complex issues. Firstly,

was the policy to cut tax credits a step too far, and secondly, should the House of Lords (an unelected committee) have the right to overrule a policy put forward by an elected government? It could be considered that these were extenuating circumstances where the House of Lords was right to intervene, given the 3 million working families that would have suffered at the hands of the tax credit cuts. Though it has been argued that the higher minimum wage that Osborne implemented into the 2015 budget would raise overall income, this isn’t the case. ...continued on page 5

St Patrick’s gets a make-over YASMIN WILD

3rd Year History of Art and English Literature

The windows of the new Bridges Halls can be seen as students amble round the autumnal Whiteknights campus. Following the completion of this £46 million project, the University of Reading and the University Partnerships Programme (UPP) have now moved on to the redevelopment

of the run-down St Patrick’s Hall on North Court Avenue. This multimillion pound investment follows a five year venture for the improvement of the University’s student accommodation, with £275 million being spent on an increase in 5,000 rooms across the campus. The redevelopment of St Patrick’s in particular, is in response ...continued on page 3

NEWS|EDITORIAL

EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK

Editor's Wrinkle Time and Remember What may be gone today, is not lost forever Picks

Give us more Gilmore

Need more of the parentduo dynamo? Lorelai and Rory may be back on Netflix after its end in 2007 writes Hannah Crofts.

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Publishing at Penguin

Laura Skelton dives into finding a chance to work in the publishing industry and gives insight on what it’s like to look into a career after university.

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Beat the Meat

If you’re worried about your carnivorous ways, read what the World Health organisation has to say about processed meats and carcinogens.

Ronaldo is a Must Show

Ever find that there’s too much publicity around Ronaldo? Sports Reporter George Robertscomments on his ego as well as his skill.

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Photograph courtesy of: Brandon Warren

NATHALIE SIAH, The Editor

When I was a little girl, around 8 or 9 years old, we had downtime; story time if you may, where the teacher would gather us altogether near the end of the day and read to us. She always chose novels that were thought provoking (what happened to Dr Seuss?), which always struck me as odd, but I went along with it anyway. A lot of the other students used to complain to me about how ‘boring’ it was (yay P.E.!) but I still maintain that it was one of my favourite activities. Just by listening, I found myself captivated by her calming voice, the twinkle in her blue eyes and was thrust into another universe so far from our own that I never

wanted it to end. I found a passion for words that still lives with me today and I have her to thank for it. "Although we no longer continue to experience the moment, we may be surrounded with imagery, sounds and touch all expressed within our minds. " A Wrinkle in Time was a novel I had become particularly fond of that I still think about when my days are long. It is however, not the story itself that I take away with me but the expression/ concept of time. It was explained as such, if you think of it in

geometrical terms, time is linear; merely a straight line. But, if you push the two edges together, ‘wrinkle’ them, it acts similar to a theoretical worm hole where travelling from one moment to the next can occur at an instant. Memories strike me in this way as similar to the concept of a ‘wrinkle in time’. Although we no longer continue to experience the moment, we may be surrounded with imagery, sounds and touch all expressed within our minds. This fantastical instantaneous ‘reliving’ of the moment is a time capsule hopping backward and forward reflecting on our own emotions but also perceptions of others and the world. This ‘rabbit effect’ is what makes us able to keep up with friends and family, learn from our mistakes and

cherish what has now gone. I’d like to believe that the same occurrence can be achieved with emotions as well. If one heart which feels love, happiness, sorrow, anger at present reaches to another, time can be close enough to reunite souls. For those that have fallen and their families, Remembrance Day is the perfect symbol of honour, respect and a chance to reflect. No matter how many years have passed, it is only a single moment that we are able to touch souls and lives we might not have met before, with thoughts and the beats of our hearts. I hope that if you did not get a chance to, you may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, that you find a right one to sit down, be a child and wrinkle time.

EDITORIAL

DEPUTYEDITOR@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

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Believe You Can JESS O'DONNELL Deputy Editor

It was Teddy Roosevelt who said, ‘believe you can and you are halfway there’, and it is something that a lot of people forget to do along the line. If you believe in yourself and put the necessary work in, I truly think anything can happen. This is especially relevant at university when people tend to fall into two camps; those who go out so often they could recite the set list in Union or the ones who end up moving every item they own into the library. Balance is essential, and remembering Roosevelt, believe that you can have a life and do work and get sleep. You can.

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... to the increasing demand for a higher quality of affordable accommodation, which goes hand in hand with the drastic increase of the number of places offered to students that is sweeping across the nation. The planned redevelopment increases the number of rooms in St Patrick’s from 300 to 1,000, a sizeable upgrade which will be a welcoming and accommodating sight for prospective and current students. One of the leading factors leading for the redevelopment of this property is due to the lack of quality of the establishment, with the building having exceeded its sell-by-date as an operational accommodation suitable for students attending a world-class institution. Third year student Sophie’s opinion is one which seems to resonate: “St Patrick’s is dismally out of date, the facilities desperately need renewing. I think the redevelopment of the halls will really improve the student experience of accommodation”. Subject to planning permission, this redevelopment will see great enhancements, not only the architectural quality from the building’s current state, but in its environmental performance and with the introduction of new facilities: such as a catering hub, Junior Common Room and a group study area. The project plans and proposal were on display in a public exhibition in St Patrick’s common room on 22nd October 2015; where students, staff and the local

It is wildly exhilarating that being at University is the only time you can have all the benefits of being an adult and still being a teenager. You have the independence you desperately craved when you were sixteen and slamming your bedroom door as loud as you could. You can choose what to eat and drink, which may be a detriment to my blood pressure, but is magical. Perhaps most importantly—you can choose when you wake up in the morning and when you go to sleep at night. It is perfectly normal and human to have fun at university and abuse the above rights pretty substantially. You should just balance sleeping till 2pm and fully enjoying your time here, even if you really love sleeping. Ensure you don’t miss things—

like joining societies, even now in the term. Participation levels in all the societies Reading has to offer are up, which is wonderful, but I still know people (I was one of them) who feel like they can’t join a society half way through the year. This shouldn’t hold you back. Reading University’s societies are notoriously friendly, as seen in the reviews of the Societies, and welcoming year round. That piece of work you think you’ll breeze even if you leave it till the day before it’s due? Don’t leave it till then. You can surprise yourself with the kind of grades you can achieve when you put your time and soul (plus tears, probably) into a piece of work. Be that person that works in their room or the library and emerges when they’re finished or hungry. It’ll

add an aura of mystery and you’ll actually enjoy your housemates/ flatmates environment, because you’re not with them 24/7. It’ll be a treat. My point is this; life after graduation will probably be hard, with or without a fancy graduate scheme. That is a given. But you can get into habits while you’re here that will help you on your way to greatness, though I feel like the Sorting Hat circa Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone even saying that. Consider life after you will leave university but you don’t have to have your life planned out—after all, your interests and hobbies change constantly. I urge you to simply ensure you put time and effort into every piece of work, every exam, because it will only help you go onwards and

upwards in whatever you decide to do, eventually. To put this into perspective and practice, remember that life at university is all about moderation. It is about skipping that MNQ so you can get up early and work, but have a cheeky Nandos for dinner with your favourite people as a reward. It’s about eating healthy-ish (super noodles count, right?) six nights of the week and splashing out on the seventh night on something epic. Don’t worry that you’ll look stupid or offend anyone by doing your own thing; it will only build your character and prepare you for life ahead. This is how you can enjoy your time here and ensure you can look back with no regrets.

community had the opportunity to comment on the upcoming project. Vice- Chancellor Sir David Bell commented that: “This is the exciting next stage in the modernisation and refurbishment of our halls. The proposed redevelopment will enable us to meet rising demand for places and university-owned accommodation next to the main campus, whilst the range of accommodation types will mean that all budgets are catered for.”

"The planned redevelopment increases the number of rooms in St Patrick’s from 300 to 1,000..."

Sean O’Shea, the Chief Executive of UPP expresses excitement at the forth coming collaboration, stating that “the proposals have been designed with sustainability in mind”, which bodes well for many future generations of Reading University students, as they have escaped the compound-esque state of the current St Patrick’s building. The construction of the new and improved St Patrick’s Hall will begin in autumn 2016, and will be staggered in order to keep continually accommodating students during the building process: with the project reaching completion in the academic year of 2019/20.

Artistic Representations of the new design of St Patrick's Hall

CLOSURE OF TAEDS Why the campaigners claim their voices were not heard

THE POWER OF OJ Drinking a glass a day can help improve concentration

TAX CREDITS Why the decision to delay cuts was the right on

ANXIETY IN YOUNG PEOPLE Sophie Clinton discusses how a fifth of adolescents suffer

NEWS

CONTENTS

13|11|15 NEWS

Read about David Cameron's pledge for candidates' names to be removed from UCAS applications in order to prevent unconscious bias

P4 Lifestyle

Laura Skelton gives us some great advice and tells us all about her placement at Penguin Books for publishing and how we can get our own experience

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ENTERTAINMENT

If you’re wanting to build a prison, then this is the game for you. Wing Lam Kar speaks on attempting to build a place that works. Kindness gets you nowhere!

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Sport

Jess O'Donnell saddles up with the riders of Reading!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO... DesignerSarah Elizabeth Carrington Designer- Miriam Carey

UoR Graduates

University Applications to become anonymous

David Cameron says that candidates’ names are to be removed from University application forms from 2017 HARRIET LYNDS News Editor

Prime Minister David Cameron plans for all University application forms to be anonymous in order to prevent unconscious bias against candidates from minority groups. UCAS, the admissions body, said it was keen to enhance minority student numbers and consequently, Cameron set out the measures last week. He has also announced a pledge to promote name-anonymity in

recruitment. Leading graduate employers from across the public and private sector have stated that they will keep candidates’ names off recruitment applications. These include the Civil Service, Teach First, the NHS, the BBC and local government, as well as top city names such as HSBC, KPMG and Virgin Money. Together these graduate recruiters are responsible for employing 1.8m people in the UK. Cameron says: “I said in my conference speech that I want us to end discrimination and finish

the fight for real equality in our country today.” “If you’ve got the grades, the skills and the determination, this government will ensure that you can succeed.” This pledge for name-blind applications thus ensures that university and employment offers are made purely on the basis of potential, without the unconscious bias on ethnicity, gender or past personal circumstance. UCAS chief executive, Mary Curnock Cook, said it would consult with degree-awarding

institutions on name-blind applications “as well as a wider range of changes which could impact applications from black and ethnic minority students.” A study of 2008 admissions data by the London School of Economics suggested how ethnic minority students were less likely to get university offers, but these figures have since risen. Mary Curnock Cook continues: “UCAS is deeply committed to increasing participation from disadvantaged groups.”

GENERAL NEWS

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... continued from front page

The higher minimum wage alone would allow a working family with two children to earn £1100 more each year, but combined with the cuts to tax credits, it would in actual fact make them £1800 worse off. Consequently, it would appear to be a façade. Prior to the general election, David Cameron expressed that the accusation the Conservatives are “the party of the rich” makes him “more angry than anything else”. It is therefore ironic that yet another of his party’s policies directly target and negatively affect lowerincome families. The fact of the matter remains, if the House of Lords denied a policy by an elected government, this should send a clear signal to the public and indeed, fellow politicians, that the cuts were a step too far in decreasing the quality of life for working families. It could be said that people are getting tired of being punished for the greed of bankers and big business owners. Thus, if it took the House of Lords to interfere at an unelected level, then so be it.

|NEWS

It’s a #BloodyDisgrace

Sit down and relax with a well deserved cuppa and a luxurious … tampon ERIN PEACOCK

2nd Year English Literature with Creative Writing

Anyone who has ever been subject to the pain, discomfort and frustration of menstruation will know there is nothing luxurious about the experience. Neither is it anything other than essential to use feminine hygiene products during a period. Nevertheless, sanitary products are still deemed a “luxury” product in the UK which means the already expensive items have 5% VAT attached to them. MPs recently voted against a proposed amendment to try and reduce the “tampon tax”. This amendment would have forced the government to negotiate with the EU in favour of a reduction in VAT. However, it seems half the population will be taxed for having a uterus for a while longer as HM Revenue and Customs stated a VAT decrease would not be possible under current EU laws; there would need to be an agreement from all 28 EU states. Unfortunately, a spokeswoman

for the Prime Minister said that this is not “achievable”. Products such as Jaffa Cakes, edible cake decorations and pitta bread are all examples of zero rated items which are deemed as essential, yet women are expected to pay an added extra for tampons as they are seen by law as luxury, not necessary. Every Conservative MP (bar three) voted against the amendment, whereas every Labour MP voted in favour. The price of tampons currently leaves many women across the UK unable to afford the very essential items during their period. Students in particular often use substitutes to avoid the extensive costs, such as toilet roll or even skipping the break when taking the combined pill in order to not have their period at all. Some mothers have also been so desperate that they must make the moral decision to feed their children rather than splashing out on “luxury” sanitary towels. Examples of campaigns over the country, and internationally, to combat the tampon tax include a petition on change.org with

almost 300,000 signatures and the online hashtag #BloodyDisgrace. Periods are not an opt-in thing. Women do not choose to menstruate. It is dehumanising and highlights a drawback in the tax system that we should have to

pay for a necessity, yet helicopters do not have VAT added. Tampons simply should not be a once a month splurge or treat, but a necessity that women should not feel the need to scrimp, save and substitute in order to buy. Period.

One fifth of students suffer from 'high' levels of anxiety New survey shows rise in number of cases amongst young adults SOPHIE CLINTON 3rd Year English Literature

The office for National Statistics has recently published a survey which shows that almost one in five young people live with high levels of anxiety. The study focused on the age bracket of young adults aged 16-24 and shockingly discovered that of the 7.5 million young people tested in the UK alone, almost 20% suffer from a high level of anxiety. The study also revealed that

young adults are becoming more and more dissatisfied and worried for their own health, although despite these upsetting statistics around 75% admitted they were either ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’. However, this number of satisfied young adults is rapidly decreasing as their own perceptions of their physical health are deteriorating. Due to the age bracket that anxiety is targeting, this is an increasing issue for University students. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham has spoken about the importance of universities taking a more effective role in ensuring students’ wellbeing.

Sir Seldon explains ‘We have a crisis, which is growing each year, in student mental health in our universities. I am not blaming the universities, but things must now change quickly before more avoidable misery is spread, and more lives lost.’ And despite the majority admitting to their ‘happiness’, anxiety levels are still rising at an alarming rate. Suffering from anxiety does not mean you have to be an ‘unhappy’ person, as the level of anxiety in an individual can rise and fall daily, and entirely depends upon the environment in which one spends their day.

However, almost 21% of young people are showing indications of suffering with depression or anxiety. Although these two do not come hand in hand, one can sometimes lead to the other, as both can stop one from continuing with day to day activities. Harriet, a student at the University of Reading has spoken about her experience with both, saying ‘They were definitely linked. I think once I knew I was an anxious person, that almost made the depression worse.’ The ONS study highlighted that a growing number of adolescents are happy with the way their lives are, however there is a persistent

number who are unhappy or suffering from anxiety, despite this figure being much lower in comparison to those satisfied. Just under 83% of adolescents have reportedly said they feel they have a high or very high level of satisfaction this year, which is a small improvement on previous years. However, there remains a persistent number of young people who are reporting rather serious levels of anxiety, with 18% reportedly suffering from high levels, and just under 16% showing medium levels of anxiety.

NEWS|GENERAL NEWS

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Careers Announcements Careers & Placement Fair 2015 Thank you to everyone who attended the Careers & Placement Fair 2015 on Wednesday 28th October. The fair hosted 93 top graduate employers presenting some of the biggest and best graduate opportunities out there. This year was one of our grandest, with a joint record high attendance of 2000 and feedback from employers being extremely positive. There was an especially reassuring validation of the quality of our student population as pool of potential applicants, with many noting Reading student’s deserved place amongst other top flight establishment’s graduates. We hope that you found our Careers Consultancy team, who were on hand offering personal development advice, helpful. Don’t forget we’re available weekdays in Carrington! If, perhaps, you were more enticed by the Post-Graduate Study Room, wishing to develop your skills further, explore deeper into your subject or possibly follow a career in academics, feel free to come to us for application advice, or visit the admissions website for info about requirements for your next step!

more big name speakers coming in. December 3rd will see us hosting Judi James, one of the UK’s leading body language/behaviour experts.  She is a regular face on television news as well as featuring on Big Brother’s Little Brother and It Takes Two. Judi has over fifteen years’ experience training and speaking to businesses on issues such as presentation and communication skills, body language and positive image, and will be passing that expertise directly onto Reading students. Come to this session for tips on how to deliver a convincing presentation, including the best ways to make an impact. For more information about Judi, check out her website: www.judi-james. com, or to book your place, visit www.reading.ac.uk/careers/myjobsonline and login with your RISIS details.

Upcoming events After a brilliantly inspiring talk from Ben McBean in October, and founder of Green & Black’s Jo Fairly’s empowering oration this month, our Mind the Gap series is continuing into December with

Society Spotlight: Reading Entrepreneurship Society Who are we and what do we do? ANDREW INGLE

4th Year Business and Management

In a nutshell, the Reading Entrepreneurship Society is a membership free society, aimed at anyone wanting to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. We are still a relatively new society, being in only our second year but we have sponsorship and support from some of the UK’s biggest companies. Today's entrepreneurs are known for starting a business, making a profit or constantly networking. We want to challenge

this stereotypical image. If you take a look at a handful of different graduate roles, the chances are one of them will ask for the candidate to have an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’. As a society we aim to enrich the student experience through high-profile events with the very best people in their respective industries. Our last event saw Ollie Forsyth deliver his insights on how to find an and build an idea into a business, something he has done over 5 times now… at just 17! On 12th November we have collaborated with the University’s

Careers office to bring you an event called ‘Research Your Market’, led by Enterprise Renta-Car. This built on our first event by discussing how to bring your business idea to market and the different ways you can market your business. We also have an event each term called ‘Talks by Leading Entrepreneurs’, which is not to be missed. One of our guest speakers for the first of these talks on 18th November will be Kevin Bryne, the founder of checkatrade. com. This is a business that annually brings in over £1.5bn for tradespeople all across Britain so

he is kind of a big deal! There is of course a less ‘serious’ side to the society and we have a great team of events managers that will be arranging some great socials over the year. Our next one is a Wine and Cheese night, following directly on from our ‘Research your Market’ event. We are also planning a big night out towards the end of term, so look out for that one too. As you can see we are one of the most active societies on campus and are constantly working on bringing you informative and inspiring events. In essence that is what we are about, and our

slogan sums up what we aim to do perfectly; ‘Innovate. Collaborate. Inspire.’ We are always excited to meet new members, so don’t worry if you haven't made it to one of our events so far! The best way to stay up to date with what is going on is to sign up to our newsletter via www.readinges.co.uk or by following our: Facebook ( w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / readinges) Twitter ( www.twitter.com/readinges) pages.

GENERAL NEWS

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|NEWS

Flavonoids in Orange Juice Boost Concentration New study by Reading University shows potential boost in concentration from flavonoid rich orange juice LEWIS ROCK

2nd Year English Literature

Image courtesy of: Nathalie Siah

A recent study from the University of Reading examined flavonoids, a type of phytochemical found in some fruits and vegetables, including oranges. 24 Healthy adult males were randomly given either some flavonoid rich orange juice or a control drink, with their response speed and attention tested before, and 2 and 6 hours after. You can probably guess just from the fact that this article exists that the ones who took the flavonoid juice did better afterwards. With a serving of 240ml, alertness fell by 6.4% over the day after for the control, and fell by only 0.5% after the flavonoid orange juice. This is part of a series of study by the university. Earlier

this year another study found that foods with lots of flavonoid were beneficial for the cognition of both parents and children, while another found that 8 weeks of daily consumption improved the brain functions of older adults.

"...if orange juice isn’t your thing, other foods with high flavonoid content include most citrus fruits and most red or dark blue/purple berries." It is currently unknown what flavonoids do to help concentration, though theories include increasing blood flow

to your brain and increasing the efficiency of your brains neurons with transmitting signals. Personally I’m happy to hear the news as I’ve had a glass every morning for years, though it’s worth noting that there is other stuff in orange juice, like sugars and water. So it is probably best not to drink a gallon before your exams. Still, perhaps it is time to switch out that cup of coffee for a glass of orange juice. Or if orange juice isn’t your thing, other foods with high flavonoid content include most citrus fruits and most red or dark blue/purple berries. So basically, this is one more reason to eat healthy! For those who are curious, the study in its entirety has been published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

River clean-up for RAG

Student clean-up of the Thames River needs your help! VAIRAVI JEYAKUMARANS

2nd Year Mathematics and Economics

Twice a week, the Reading Knights Canoe Club goes for a paddle on the Thames and paddle among beautiful riverside birds like herons, mallards and swans. However, twice a week, we also paddle among a lot of rubbish such as plastic bottles and plastics bags. The Reading Knights Canoe Club want to change this! Our aim is to make the place we live and paddle in clean and safe. Therefore, we plan to clean up the river Thames around the Wokingham Waterside Centre and the Kennet and Avon canal up through the Oracle in Reading. We will be in our kayaks and canoes with bin bags, which we hope to fill with loads of rubbish to make the river look as beautiful as it should be. We will then separate the rubbish into

recyclable and non-recyclable items! (We like to go the extra mile). Not only do we want to clean up the river, we also aim to raise a total of £500, of which 80% will go to RAG (Raising and Giving) and the other 20% will go towards installing a roof rack on the University of Reading minibus! The charities RAG are raising awareness for are: Creating Better Futures, empowering children of Zimbabwe through education; Trust House Reading, a support system for rape and sexual victims; and finally Voice of the Child, rebuilding and strengthening families after a relationship breakdown. These are all very worthwhile charities that YOU can help. If you want to get down and be GREEN, come along to the Wokingham Waterside Centre on Sunday 15th November for 11am or we can meet you at RUSU car park at 10.30am and walk down

to the Centre together. Please click attending on the Facebook event “River Clean-Up for RAG” if you are interested in giving a helping hand. It will also be a great opportunity to meet new

people from the Canoe Club, Wildsoc (Wildlife Conservation and Ecology Society) and members of RAG who are also coming to help out! To donate, search “River

Cleaning for Reading RAG” and there is a gofundme page set up. We hope to see many of you there!

RKCC Fresher's trip 2015 Image courtesy of: RKCC

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November in pictures

Image courtesy of: Oli Ratcliffe

Image courtesy of: Ai Lin Yoon

Image courtesy of: Nathalie Siah

Image courtesy of: Chris Spargo

Bedroom Gamers See the Light!

Quantum Web Café in Reading campaigns to finance an upgrade to become the ‘best gaming centre in the UK’ HARRIET LYNDS News Editor

Quantum Web Café, situated on Union Street in Reading town centre, is Berkshire’s longest running internet café and Games Zone. A Kickstarter campaign has been started in order to fund a £10,000 upgrade to become the best gaming centre in the UK. Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that allows projects to seek funding from anybody and everybody in the form of ‘pledges’ in return for ‘rewards’. If you are interested in supporting the campaign, and securing yourself a piece of the action, rewards are being offered from as little as £2 right up to £600.

Owner of the web café, Jason Deane, says: “By pledging for this project you are showing support for an independent business and, even better, you can obtain rewards with real value that will never be available again.” Jason, passionate about both retail and gaming, worked as Brand Programme Manager at Microsoft for 5 years up until 1995 and set up the UK’s first gaming centre in 1996 in Guildford. Quantum is offering rewards such as goodie bags, a year’s gaming pass, technical or business consultancy or even putting your name on equipment or areas of the café. Offers are only available until November 19th 2015, so act fast!

Jason Deane explains how: “Back in the early 90’s, multiplayer or LAN (Local Area Network) gaming exploded onto the scene with the creation of the first networkable games such as ‘Doom’ and ‘Castle Wolfenstein’. LAN centres sprung up all over the country and Quantum web café was a key part of this revolution, opening in 1999.” In the 00’s, when technology improved and as better broadband speeds became available, PC gaming went out of fashion and console gaming took over. However nowadays, many gamers want to come out of their bedrooms and once again play in large social groups. Thus, this project came about.

“This has created an unexpected problem because there are so few centres left and no-one is really willing to spend the time and money to build a new one.” The owner continues: “What you need is an established centre with a great reputation to build on, and that’s where we come in!” 19 year old regular gamer Edward says: “It was inevitable that PC gaming would come back into fashion as it is much more versatile and has a better multiplayer community.” If you would like to pledge or simple know more, visit www. quantumwebcafe.co.uk or drop into the café for a chat!

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Deaf Study Students “Don’t Feel Heard” Campaigners’ support for the TAEDS course has gone unheard RACHEL WYATT 1st Year Art and Psychology

Last month’s decision to ‘phase out’ the University of Reading’s unique Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies (TAEDS) course was partly due to poor student feedback on the National Student Survey, (NSS). It is ironic then (in many ways), that the student voice wasn’t heard when protesting this decision. The love and support for this course is clear. It can be seen in the demonstration that was held outside of the University of Reading’s senate, and the petition which yielded 1700 signatures in a week, despite there being only 31 students on the course. One member from the Save TAEDS Facebook page said, ‘TAEDS gave me the best three years of my life.’ Students are adamant that they never wanted the course to close, only to improve. Sophie Mendham, the petition organiser, says, “I don’t feel like our voices have been heard. We weren’t saying it was a bad course [in the feedback], there were just a few things which needed to be

The Save TAEDS demonstration Image from Save TAEDS

improved upon.” RUSU’s Education Officer, Niall Hamilton said: ‘It’s a disgrace the university would rather shut down a programme because it’s under-performing in student satisfaction rather than work with students to increase satisfaction.’ The campaigners argue that all the course needed was better

marketing, being such a niche course. According to graduate Beth Wright, “It’s almost a unique course in the world; I think it’s only at the University of Prague where they do a course which is similar to this one.” TAEDS could be described as vocational, as well as niche. One petition signature came from TAEDS graduate Rosie Hobson

who used her degree to acquire a job supporting children with language needs at school. She says, “[without TAEDS] I would not have been able to get the position I currently have.” This makes the degree very valuable, now that there is a shortage of special needs teachers and interpreters; vocational workers that this course used to

produce. This and the course’s rarity make the loss all the more tragic for the campaigners. Despite not being heard, the TAEDS students are determined to ‘go out with a bang’, and are currently arranging a party for TAEDS’ 30th anniversary next summer.

Processed meat classed as carcinogenic by WHO findings Could consuming meat be damaging for your health? HANNAH FRANKLIN

3rd Year English Literature

The World Health organisation has released findings that red and processed meat is a ranked as a carcinogenic, placed in the same category as smoking and alcohol. The highest link found between the two has been for colorectal (bowel) cancer and the WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund) has found that those who eat high-level meat diets have a 17% higher risk of developing bowel cancer. Processed meat (such as ham, sausages and bacon) have been classed as a group 1 carcinogenic, the highest of five possible rankings, meaning

they are classified as a ‘definite’ cause of cancer, while red meat has been classed with group 2A as a ‘probable’ cause. The image provided by Cancer Research UK breaks these distinctions down in relative categories. These findings suggest that consumption of red meat contributes towards the probability of developing cancer, specifically colorectal cancer. However, they do not indicate that eating red meat directly causes cancer but rather that the probability of developing it is increased by its consumption. It has also been noted that the cooking methods involved in preparing meat can have an impact on their carcinogenic capacities. Some cured meats have been shown to create carcinogenic metabolites when consumed, while high heat

cooking also has the potential to leave to meat more carcinogenic While some areas of the media have jumped on the findings to claim that eating red meat is as "...those who eat high-level meat diets have a 17% higher risk of developing bowel cancer." bad as smoking that’s not quite the case. These results don’t necessarily mean that eating red or processed meat is detrimental to your health alone but they do cause some damage and if you do choose to eat it you’re advised to reduce the amount that you consume over a long period of time. The Department of Health advises that those who eat ‘a lot’

of red or processed meat (around 90g or more a day) reduce their consumption to 70g a day or less. To put that in perspective an English cooked breakfast that contains two British sausages and two rashers of bacon is equivalent to 130g of meat. There’s no strong evidence that links white meats or fish to cancers, so replacing some of red meat in your diet with these could be beneficial. While a vegetarian diet is likely healthier, it’s not necessary for all to follow this path but it does seem clear that the route to take is at least towards reducing the amount of meat in our diets. This is worth further consideration when combined with other relative health risks of high-level meat diets and processed meats, given they are often higher in fat, cholesterol and at a higher risk of

containing synthetic hormones. There is also the environmental damage that the meat industry causes is taken into account as well. The industry uses a vast amount of natural resources such as water, food and land, to support the unsustainable demand and this in turn has a very heavy impact on climate change. It’s clear then that reducing the high levels of meat consumption common in our diets is an enormously positive move in all areas. So whether this makes you think more about going vegetarian or not, it should definitely encourage you to think about cutting down the amount of red and processed meat that you consume.

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Shocking results from student sexual harassment survey

A significant amount of university students have been subjected to sexual harassment both on and off campus LOUISE INGHAM 3rd Year Law

Sexual harassment on university campuses is a problem that has been gaining significant public awareness recently. More and more people are speaking up about the harassment they are being subjected to whilst at university, and new attempts are being made to prevent it. A recent survey suggested 17% of students were victims of sexual harassment during their first week at university. Such behavior can make students feel extremely uncomfortably during a time they are meant to be enjoying Freshers.

The harassment can occur in places such as lecture rooms, halls of residence or night clubs and can range from inappropriate comments to unwanted touching and groping. The National Union of Student’s Poll found that while most of the harassment happens in nightclubs (59%), 33% was in halls of residence. I have experienced harassment, generally in clubs, and it is extremely frustrating to be laughed at by the perpetrators when you tell them to stop or apologize. The poll found 66% said they were not aware of how to report the incidents and 12% felt they would not be taken seriously. Both men and women

experience sexual harassment - out of the 2,670 students who took the poll of those who were affected during their first week 46% were male and 52% were female, and the majority (73%) were aged between 18 and 20. The amount of students subjected to harassment is far too large, and it seems that not enough is being done to ensure students know how to report the harassments and that their complaints are taken seriously. When this is done, it is hoped it will reduce or eradicate the harassment. NUS has been working to help to do this, and during the last five years they have been trying to ensure sexual

harassment on campuses is more openly talked about and taken more seriously. NUS women’s officer Susana Amoah said: “It's extremely worrying, but not surprising, that so many students in their first term of university have experienced sexual harassment or seen it happen to somebody else”. Speaking of the current lacking in students ability to report, she said: “Reporting systems for sexual harassment are either lacking or not visible to students in a lot of cases, and this needs to change.” The group, Universities UK is also speaking out on behalf of students and say that a zerotolerance approach is necessary.

On their latest efforts to stop sexual harassment they said: "A taskforce is being established to look at various forms of harassment, although specific emphasis will be given to tackling sexual harassment against students and 'lad culture', hate crime on the basis of religion or belief and homophobia." Despite the shocking numbers of students that experience sexual harassment whilst at university the more it is talked about and the more people understand it will not be tolerated, the better the protection for students can become.

Canada is the Freest Country in the World Topping the charts in believing they have a chance to choose NATHALIE SIAH The Editor

According to Legatum Study, Canada has been ranked as the freest country in the world up from sixth place in 2014. It seems like maple syrup and strange Nanaimo bars have finally found their place snuggly at the top. This study has shown that 94% of Canadians “believe they have the freedom to choose the course of their own lives” and 92% of Canadians find that it is a good place for immigrants and ethnic minorities. The US in comparison ranks below, that of 15th in personal freedom with 87% of Americans believing that they have freedom of choice in their lives. Whereas 84% of citizens think American is a good place for immigrants and ethnic minorities.

Canada’s prosperity however is 8th in the world, below that of Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden. The London-based group has consistently ranked Norway in the past as number 1 since 2009 while Switzerland had come in second for three years running.

"...94% of Canadians “believe they have the freedom to choose the course of their own lives”." The bottom of the rankings, Central African Republic and Afghanistan remain low out of the 142 countries involved.

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Unfair Charges are costing students more than £335 MILLION pounds a year SOPHIE CLINTON 3rd Year English Literature

Unfair charges are costing students £335 million a year, according to ombudsman. On average, students are losing £240 a year, just because they are not properly educated in their rights, or do not know how to complain or challenge their bills. 78% of the 1,500 students question in this survey thought their money was being wasted on unfair charges by landlords, or overpayments to utility

companies. The most likely reason for these excess payments are the landlords or utilities companies, as students evidently have no previous experience to compare with their new gas and electricity prices in their new houses. Another reason for loss of money is that students are often made to pay bills left unpaid by previous tenants, or for damage to the property that has gone unnoticed before they moved in and is therefore taken out of their deposit. The survey also revealed that only 25% of students who know

10 Fun Facts

1. The king of hearts in a pack

of playing cards is the only one without a moustache. 2. There are no clocks in a Las Vegas gambling casino. 3. In Iceland tipping in a restaurant is considered an insult. 4. Porcupines float in water. 5. In a Venezuela prison they have a nightclub. 6. During his lifetime Vincent Van Gogh was only able to sell one painting, it was until after his death that they became worth millions. 7. Shakespeare invented the words 'as sanitation' and 'bump'. 8. Al Capones business card said he was a furniture dealer. 9. In Cleveland, Ohio it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting licence. 10. In the UK it is actually illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas Day.

they have a problem with expenses have actually complained. Although most admitted it was because they couldn’t be bothered, a large number also explained they were afraid of intimidation or embarrassed. A new guide is to be released in order to help students with these issues. It will include how to avoid being overcharged, and offer tips on how to take a meter reading and look for the best utility deals. It will also teach students how to question those extra charges on their bills, how to complain and how to keep a record of

conversations. Wifi is becoming a more increasing problem within student homes, so the guide will teach students how to search for the best broadband package also. It urges students to check things such as the length of the contract and whether this is transferable, and also to remind them that even the so-called ‘unlimited’ deals do actually have limits. The guide will highlight the importance of creating an inventory and photographs when moving into a new property, to make sure that the landlord or estate agents are aware of the state of the property

from when you and your friends have just moved in. The chief of company ombudsman who made this survey has said ‘We want to ensure that all students are able to stand up for their rights and speak out when things go wrong, whether that is being asked to pay for a bill from a previous tenant or paying for damage they did not do.’ ‘Students should not be losing money, simply because they don’t know their rights or are not making a fuss.’

Enactus Reading: A Great Charitable and Entrepreneurial Society To Be a Part Of EMILY GILBERT 2nd Year English Literature and History

Enactus Reading is one of the most worthy societies that combines the best parts of a society with giving back to the community. En-act-us is an organisation that uses Entrepreneurial ingenuity to Actively generate sustainable help by Us students, academics and business leaders. Enactus itself is an international non-profit organisation in which leading corporate partners and the university collaborate to help fund and create student run programmes in the community. Instead of just giving out aid the purpose of Enactus is to create sustainable projects. The Enactus community is one that stretches far beyond the University of Reading as there are over 70,500 students who participate annually across 36 countries. There are 51 Universities in the UK alone that take part! Enactus also has over 550 corporate and individual partners worldwide including KPMG, Unilever and HSBC

giving all members unique access to a range of business contacts. What’s more, each year all Enactus societies compete and showcase their entrepreneurial action in regionals, nationals and then the Enactus World Cup which is held in a different country each year. This year it was in Johannesburg, South Africa and next year it will be in London! At the University of Reading we currently have four main projects in operation: ReFresh; The Recovery Champions; Busy Bees and Food for Thought. A brief summary of a couple of these projects: The ReFresh project works with residents at the Salvation Army on a weekly basis by helping them create CV’s and aid employability; the Recovery Champions collaborate with ‘IRIS’ an ex alcoholics and drug users service to aid recovery through various creative sessions focused on Art Therapy and Creative Writing. We also have a team dedicated to fundraising, the Commercial Team. You’ve probably seen them selling Krispy Kreme’s in RUSU. Food for thought is our new project this year. It is a waste management and food education

project that will hopefully be up and running by January 2016. Its main aim is to help students, homeless and low income families become more confident when dealing with food ie. cooking healthily or learning to grow your own food. Whilst also aiming to promote food recycling on campus reducing food waste to 0. Anyone can join Enactus and volunteer in our projects. Alongside our voluntary work we have socials and many opportunities thrown our way through our business advisor contacts including a training weekend away in Grantham aimed to improve our employability. It’s a great way to create contacts within the world of business and socialise with students from other universities. If this is for you, please get involved and help us create sustainable projects in our local community! Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/EnactusReading/ For more information or to read the inspiring project stories visit http://enactus.org/

CONTOURING GUIDE Annabel Horsley gives helpful hints and tips on how to contour

ENHANCEMENT WEEK ABROAD? Sarah tells us what we can do while studying abroad during enhancement

TRAVELLING IN CHRISTMAS? James Blackford gives us a guide on cheap, festive travel

CHILLY? Try Danielle’s advice on the best student budget friendly food for winter.

LIFESTYLE Festive Travel on a Budge

Photograph by Beatrice Ridge

JAMES BLACKFORD 3rd Year Biological Sciences

Christmas can be a great time to get away. With the autumn term out of the way, and a month without lectures, many of us start thinking about how we can better use our free time. However, with costs increasing for most of the more traditional destinations over

the festive break, looking further afield can be a great way to see the world without breaking the bank. Here are three destinations to help provide you with some inspiration. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic Where is it? Sitting on the Vltava River, Český Krumlov lies in the heart of South Bohemia, not far from the Austrian border.

Even during the summer, the city can feel like a medieval kingdom with its Gothic castle and narrow cobbled streets, but at Christmas it truly comes alive, with the main square filled with market stalls, and snow covering the landscape. What is there to do? Aside from the market stalls, the city is filled with quirky antique shops and river-side restaurants. If you’re looking for gifts for younger

children, consider looking around ‘Tilia’, a toy shop selling traditional wooden Czech toys. Although the castle museum and tower are closed for the winter months, the main grounds are still worth seeing, and no visit to Český Krumlov would be complete without visiting the bears living in the castle moat. If you want to go further afield, the village of Holoubov is only a 20

minute drive away, from where you can take a chair lift up to the Kleť observation tower, from where you can see views of the whole of South Bohemia, and as far as the Austrian Alps How much will it cost? The nearest airport is Linz, which is an hour and a half’s drive over the Austrian border, with flights from Stansted costing around £70. Continues on next page>>>

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Fancy Studying Abroad? CHARLOTTE WILKINSON 3rd Year Philosophy

Dear The Spark readers, I am a 3rd year Philosophy student. Yes, I know, boring. What makes me different? What makes me stand out from the crowd? Well, I am not only a 3rd year Philosophy student, I have also studied abroad. In the second term of my second year, I studied in Australia. I flew out on February 8th and came home on June 18th, so I spent a total of four and a half months living and studying in Melbourne, Australia. I was able to travel the whole of the east coast of Australia integrated with studying. I visited places like Tasmania, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to study, travel and explore in the best possible way. So, is it for you? Studying abroad requires a certain type of person: one who is brave and willing to reach out of their comfort zone. It is scary. Standing on the other side of the world, completely alone, having travelled 36 hours and knowing that you consciously chose to do this, is scary. The morning I left Birmingham Airport, it was frosty. The morning I arrived in Perth, it was 40 degree heat. That is the pinnacle of culture shock. I was scared, lonely, sad, hot, tired ...However, if you wanted to spend some time in Prague, the capital is a two hour drive away, with flights priced between £70 and £120. Hotel prices tend to be cheap, with many costing less than £40 a night. Birmingham, UK Where is it? Located in the heart of the industrial Midlands, Birmingham is probably not high up most people’s top 10 city breaks. However, over the festive period, the city undergoes an impressive transformation. Lining the streets from the Bullring to the Victoria square, the Frankfurt Christmas market runs from 12th November until 22nd December. What is there to do? The Christmas market is made up of 180 stalls, making it the largest in the UK. Although various

and, yet, I was still loving it. It forces you to grow up, to become a richer person - one who can overcome these challenges. On my first weekend, I attended a pre-orientation trip. This was for all study abroad students to meet each other on a weekend away. This was really where the magic of study abroad began. I met people from California, New York, Sweden, Vienna, France, Holland and so many other places. And having the opportunity to live with these people for those few months allowed me to create bonds with people and places all over the world. I have now, since my study abroad trip, visited Sweden and Copenhagen, and my Swedish friend has visited London. My friend from California is planning to travel around Europe next summer and stay with me on his tour of England. I am also planning on staying in Vienna around Christmas time in the snow. You really do meet friends you’ll never forget. But the main thing that I really loved about studying abroad was having the ability to live somewhere different. Melbourne is my second home. I now understand Australian culture, and have learnt so much from the way they live. My best friend from exchange was from Australia; her home was two hours outside of Melbourne but she lived with me in halls. She was kind enough to take me to

her home for two weekends, so I was able to really embrace my Australian experience. It is always heartbreaking having to say goodbye to these new friends, but, hopefully, one day we can all meet again. Now that I am back in Reading, I realise just how much I miss Australia. I also have realised just how valuable Study Abroad has been for me. I am a far more open-minded student, I am more organised, ambitious and grounded. Study Abroad students are said to be more successful, more likely to get a higher marks in their degrees, and more likely to get a top graduate job. For me, this is obvious. Studying abroad can make you adaptable, sympathetic to other cultures, brave and most of all, INTERESTING. The University of Reading has many different opportunities for students to study abroad; in Europe or further afield like Australia or America. If you have any inclination to study abroad then please take the time to look into it, and DO IT. It is the best thing that a university can offer. Ironically, the best thing you can do at Reading University is to study abroad with Reading University.

different stands selling handcrafted leather-work rugs and crystal lamps, the main attraction is the street food. Various different varieties of German food, from pretzels to bratwursts, can be found through the market, along with dozens of self-contained bars selling steins of beer and mulled wine. If German food isn’t your thing, the market offers many other cuisines, ranging from curry, to ramen, to traditional British mince pies. Once you’ve had your fill, head over to the outdoor ice rink, located outside the Birmingham Repository Theatre, or visit the Birmingham Museum. If you want a flavour of the local nightlife, the Gas Street Basin (AKA the Venice of the North), is a great place to start. How much will it cost? Return trains to Birmingham New Street

cost around £40 from Reading with a railcard, or as low as £15 from London Euston. Hotel prices can vary from £60 to £120 per night, but you may find cheaper deals if staying with budget B&Bs.

Please contact: www.reading. ac.uk/studyabroad Email: studyabroad@reading. ac.uk

Malta Where is it? Malta, and its sister island Gozo, lie in the south of the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Sicily and North Africa. Because of its southerly location, temperatures in Malta can still reach above 20°C during the festive period; perfect for anyone searching for winter sun. Christmas is a big deal in Malta, with traditional customs such as carol singing, nativity scenes, and other activities easily found within each locality What is there to do? If

Charlotte Wilkinson feeling very at home Credit to Charlotte Wilkinson

And please try to attend one of our talks: - 11th November 13.00-14.00: Palmer 104 (Europe) FOR ONLINE ONLY, PRINT IS 13TH - 20th November 13.00-14.00: Palmer 103 (Worldwide)

- 24th November 17.00-18.00: Palmer 104 (Worldwide) - 26th November 17.00-18.00: Palmer 106 (Why Study Abroad) - 30th November 13.00-14.00: Palmer 103 (Student Experiences)

you’re looking for a real festive favourite, the Manoel Theatre runs its traditional pantomime from 22nd December until 6th January, which this year is ‘Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood’. Traditional Christmas activities aside, Malta still has a lot to offer. Being the down season, many of the historic sites, including the historic capital Valletta, see just a fraction of their summer visitors, making it the perfect time to visit. If architecture and history aren’t your thing, take the country roads to the southern tip of the island, where the fishing town of Marsaxlokk lies. Here you can find traditionally painted Maltese fishing boats as you walk along the promenade, and if you arrive on Sunday morning, you may well be able

to see the local fishermen selling their catch to the passers-by. Throughout December, the Mdina Contemporary Arts Festival runs, giving visitors the chance to see both new art on display, as well as visit the historic Mdina old town. If it’s nightlife that you’re after, nearly all of the coastline from St. Julian’s to Birgu is lined with restaurant and bars. How much will it cost? Flights vary from £60 to £100, depending on where you are flying from and who with, but usually a good deal can be found by shopping around. Because winter tends to be the down season, hotel deals tend to be good, with prices starting from as little as £20 per night in some resorts. If you’re looking for city hotel though, prices range from around £40 to £80 a night.

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My Placement at Penguin Books LAURA SKELTON

3rd Year Philosophy and English Literature

With the end of university drawing increasingly closer for me and many others, the prospect of having to find a job and choose a career is something which starts to become a reality, rather than just a distant thought in the back of your mind (even if you wish it could just remain the latter!). So, with my heart set on working in publishing in the future, during the Christmas holidays I started to email some publishers based in London to try and gain some work experience. Unfortunately, publishing is an industry which often requires quite a bit of prior experience in order to get a job, even for the entry level assistant roles, so it’s a good idea to get ahead if you can! Although I did receive a range of replies and responses from the publishers I contacted, none of them led to anything certain, so I decided to focus on my university work and exams for a while. After exams had finished and I was back home for the summer, I decided to apply to the one big publisher I hadn’t applied to yet – Penguin Books. Unexpectedly, the morning after I sent my application off, I received and email offering me two weeks’ work experience in the publicity department at the Penguin Press imprint, which publishes Penguin classics, nonfiction and a selection of niche fiction. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity. I was really nervous on my first day but I needn’t have been; everyone was lovely and very welcoming. I was shown around the building, given my ID pass and told more about the department and what I’d be doing during the two weeks. I’m happy to say that I was kept busy: sending out books to journalists; cutting out and filing news coverage; drafting and editing press releases; putting together material for the noticeboard; answering enquires via email; and of course some basic admin tasks, too. I also got to sit in on the publicity meetings as

well as the larger scale Penguin Press ones with the Editorial, Marketing and Sales teams. This helped give me an overview of the publishing process. The fact that the people who work at Penguin genuinely love what they do is definitely infectious and I feel so lucky to have gained such invaluable experience whilst meeting some wonderful people at the same time! Before I undertook the placement at Penguin, publicity was not an area I’d even considered before and it definitely opened my eyes up to the vast range of roles there are within publishing beyond editorial – which is what most people associate with publishing. My main advice for anyone wanting to go into publishing, or any other competitive career for that matter, would be to remain open-minded and be willing to adapt your plans. Take an opportunity even if it’s not exactly what you had in mind because you may find out about new roles you didn’t know existed, and it may mean you get your foot in the door for getting the job you really want. Regarding getting work experience, I think you just have to keep trying, keep applying and be persistent. Don’t let rejection or not hearing back from a company dishearten you. There’s certainly an element of luck and timing to it but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. Firstly, make sure your CV is up to date and does not contain any spelling errors or typos; likewise with your cover letter – you do not want to give someone an easy reason to turn you down. If a cover letter is ‘optional’ when applying for work experience, definitely take the time to write one regardless. It shows you really want the placement and are willing to make extra effort. Cover letters are also a chance to make yourself stand out from the crowd and show that you have an interest in the particular department you are applying for because nearly everyone applying will be doing a degree and love reading. Doing some research into the company and demonstrating this in your cover letter is also a good idea.

The Penguin Offices Photographed by Laura Skelton

While I was at Penguin, somebody said to me that ‘people who want to work in publishing will always end up working in publishing’. I think this is also true for any other competitive career choice. An optimistic outlook and determination will get you further than you might think. However, it’s worth taking

the initiative and trying to get some work experience early on, especially in your second or third year of university – you’ve got nothing to lose by trying and it will save you time later on. Work experience will always be a valuable addition to your CV too. I’m glad that I now have something to aim for after I finish

my degree because university was always the furthest point in my life I’d planned up to, and it’s reassuring to have some idea of what I want to do in the future thanks to my work experience at Penguin!

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Enhancement Week Abroad SARAH KENCHINGTON 2nd Year English Literature

Credit to Sarah Kenchington

Enhancement Week is that midterm chance to recharge your batteries, catch up on reading, or, maybe more realistically for a lot of us students, sleep and those all important episodes on Netflix. The mid-term slump is a very real thing, and for me personally, Enhancement Week has been really good at helping me get out of said slump. However, this year my Enhancement Week was somewhat different. Currently, I am studying abroad for a term at the University of Ottawa in Canada. Not all North American Universities have an Enhancement Week; but my institution, like University of Reading, does. Having an entire week off whilst living on a different continent seemed too massive an opportunity to not fill to the brim with things to do. I’ve been lucky enough to be at a University where there are also a large number of students from the University of Reading this term - so we all grouped together, and planned a week of travel together.

It seems utterly surreal to be able to write that I spent my Enhancement Week this term in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago; these are cities I have spent my life hearing about, but not really acknowledging the possibility of going to. In my Enhancement Week, I have seen the Empire State Building lit up at night and the sight of the 9/11 Twin Towers in New York. I have witnessed the White House and the Washington Memorial in DC, and the famous Bean and incomprehensibly large shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago. It may seem blasé listing off these sights like that; but they were almost too incredible for words, and I’m still kicking myself that I have actually been there. The long bus and plane journeys between the cities also meant that work wasn’t completely abandoned; long journeys are prime ‘catching up on reading’ time, and we certainly utilised this time to do that. Being so close to America, there was never really a question of this being how we would spend our Enhancement Week, and it was truly amazing. This could partly come across as me heavily promoting Study Abroad - which, yes, I am

somewhat doing. To anyone who is in a position to be applying for Study Abroad, I would strongly recommend you to take the plunge and apply; I am only halfway through, and it’s already been one of the best decisions I have ever made. But equally, knowing how much I have jammed into Enhancement Week out here makes me reconsider how I spend it in the UK. The UK is full of so many amazing places to visit; but because we live here full time, we often forget this. Living in North America has made me want to take in any and every opportunity for travelling to new places (whale watching off the Quebec Coast in Canada is an experience I am unlikely to forget anytime soon) - but that want for visiting new places can equally be applied to the country you live in all year round. So next Enhancement Week, alongside that stack of books you have to read, consider factoring in a few days of adventure - and equally, if you are thinking of Studying Abroad, just apply; as this time next year, you could be pinching yourself that you just spent Enhancement Week in New York.

5 Ways to Beat Your Winter Blues HANNAH FRANKLIN 3rd Year English Literature

Whether you’re thrilled by the thought of crisp snow days that are soon to come or they leave you trudging grumpily onto campus wearing two scarves and your thermal underwear, the winter blues can affect everyone. Less sunlight, colder weather that persuades us to be less active, an inclination to eat heavier winter foods and perhaps the first looming deadlines of the university year can all lead to this winter slump of lowered motivation. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat these feelings and bring you back to top form. 1. While the cold weather might not be as inviting as the duvet and blanket mountain on your bed aim to get outside each day for some fresh air and vitamin D through the winter sunlight. Keeping active is beneficial not

just for your health but also for your mood so it’s the perfect way to boost your happiness in the winter. If you don’t feel like heading outside into the cold then try doing some indoor exercise, whether in the gym or from an online video. 2. It’s also worth making sure your diet remains healthy in the winter as well. While it might be tempting to gorge on wintery comforts like chocolate, cake and baked goods, try to keep your consumption of them in moderation to prevent yourself from feeling bloated or sluggish. Aim to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet to boost your mood and energy levels. Why not try making some warming winter soups (hand blenders can be picked up fairly cheaply), stews or filling casseroles with extra vegetables. Given the lower levels of vitamin D we absorb in winter you can

also try getting in a little more by eating oily fish, eggs and fortified cereals. 3. If you feel your mood dropping then take some time out to indulge in the things you love doing: keep your hobbies going in the winter to remain busy and spend some time with your friends and housemates. Keeping social will also prevent your mood from spiralling downwards so organise some time with your friends, even if it just involves a film night and snacks. 4. While the freezing winds and icy roads of winter might not be tempting don’t forget to look forward to the positive parts of winter. Get into the Christmas festivities by planning to cook a Christmas meal with your friends or attending a festive carol service. Organising things like this that you can look forward to in the months to come will give your more to be happy about and

by adjusting attitude and actively trying to be more positive you will improve your mood. 5. Allocate some time for relaxing and stress relief – this might just involve a cosy evening under some blankets but it could also be more active relief like yoga, meditation or any kind of sport/exercise. Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep as well, it’s important for both the body and mood. Not only will you feel better, you’ll be more energised meaning you’re more likely to be able to complete all your tasks the next day leaving you feeling positive and fulfilled. So don’t feel bad if you’re slipping into a bit of a winter slump, just take some time to recognise what you’re feeling and give yourself a little TLC to avoid simply hibernating in bed and instead get yourself through the winter happily.

Credit to Hannah Franklin

YOUR SECURITY MATTERS What would you do if you lost your laptop or phone? 43% of students admitted to being

Accidental damage accounts

for over 70% of Endsleigh student insurance claims.

uncomfortable without their phone for more than 24 hours.

Source: Endsleigh claims data July 2014-2015

Source: Endsleigh Student Lifestyle Survey 2015

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High Fashion Meets High Street SUKPREET KAUR 2nd Year English Language

Fashion house Balmain has teamed up with H&M for this year’s highly anticipated collaboration. After months of teasing us, the collection finally hits H&M stores worldwide and online on the 5th November. Previous collaborators have included Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander Wang but this year the high street shop approached Olivier Rousteing, head designer, for a taste of his individual style. You may recognise the brand as it’s often associated with the likes of the Kardashians, Rihanna and even Naomi Campbell but this November you can get your hands on iconic Balmain styles for just a fraction of the hefty price. The partnership has created pieces for both men and women complete with accessories. To the unsuspecting eye these items can easily pass for the real deal, as the designs are practically identical to those drooled over on the runway. The collection has been heavily promoted by Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn so obviously it’s had a lot of media presence.

Due to the head designer only being 29, his modern outlook on fashion has resulted in a music video to launch his designs with Miss Jenner being the star. In the video Kendall and her crew travel on a futuristic underground train, modelling different designs in each carriage, whilst having to have a dance battle to move along. Of course the fashion house Head takes a role in the video and seems to be the train commands operator. When you think of ‘Balmain’ your mind goes towards shoulder pads, beading and stripes which is all included in Olivier’s collection. The women’s wear includes a range of; dresses, blouses, t-shirts, blazers, skirts and trousers. The most lusted after items are expected to be the dresses as they come in the signature beaded, rope braided and sequin embroidered styles. There are items for all occasions whether it be a blouse for a drink with the girls, a coat for work or a t-shirt for lazy lecture days. The men’s style is more demure than the women’s but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t ooze Balmain vibes. Guys can pick up t-shirts, shirts, jumpers, coats, trousers and even a jumpsuit.

Credit to Nathalie Siah

Rousteing went for a military edge with structured jackets and khaki colours for the AW15 season. The more affordable pieces of the collection are the accessories. Bling rings, sunglasses (even though it’s the winter) and wallets all have a Balmain stamp of approval but more surprisingly they’ve included gold decorated earphones. Boots are this seasons must have so they’ve included a

suede selection for both men and women. Girls love a pair of shoes so that must be why the collection includes a strappy pair, a beaded pair and thigh high boots. Personally if I didn’t have to worry about my next payment to student halls, I would definitely splurge on the beaded dress. You can instantly recognise it’s by the French fashion house because of its classic detailing. Being a student and all, the closest I’ll

be getting my hands on some Balmain would be to get a t-shirt which is priced at a reasonable £24.99. The collaborative pieces have been set at various prices ranging from £12.99 for a ring to £399.99 for an embroidered jacket. The H&M x Balmain collaborative collection will be available from 5th November 2015 but it’s sure to be a sell-out!

accessory to add some definition to an all black outfit.

Cape Coats Cape coats allow you to wrap up in style! I’m obsessed with this type of coat because you can wear so many layers underneath comfortably and it suits all sizes and body shapes. The only con with this coat is that it can swamp shorter people, so if you don’t want to look like Bilbo Baggins I’d suggest shopping in the petite section.

Autumn Accessories HANNAH CROFTS 3rd Year English Literature

Autumn is my favourite time of year and with a few key accessories you can still look stylish when you wrap up from the cold! This season is all about layering, chunky knits, and berry shades. To help you get that cosy yet chic look I’ve compiled a list of essential accessories that will see you right through until the end of autumn. Beanie hats These are an autumn staple that reappear every year, and now with Cara Delevingne making a beanie hat a signature part of her look they’ve become even more popular. Topshop have a variety of hand-knitted cable knit beanies

as well as fluffy beanies with cute cat ears. Fantastic for keeping your head warm without messing up your hair, beanie hats are an autumn must have.

£20. Whether you’re dressing casual or dressing up these kind of boots will have you looking on point in every outfit.

Snood Much cosier than a scarf, a snood keeps you snuggly and warm and is perfect for wrapping up against the chilly autumn weather. Primark has plenty of super soft snoods that will have you looking stylish in seconds. These also make the best stocking fillers, as you can never have too many snoods.

Collars Remember when peter pan collars were everywhere? Well, they’re back and it’s more than just peter pan collars now. As well as dresses adorned with collars, you’ll find shops like New Look with collar bibs (essentially just the top part of a shirt) that you can wear under anything, such as jumpers and t-shirts, to give you instant collar chic.

Chelsea Boots Investing in a decent pair of boots is essential when it comes to autumn and Chelsea boots are a classic. They’re great for every budget too, with Missguided’s range starting at an affordable

Animal Print This pattern was all over the AW/15 catwalks so you’ll be sure to see it all over the high street. If you’re looking to turn some heads then a leopard print coat will do the job, or choose an animal print

Christmas Jumper Garish or glam? The choice is yours! The Christmas jumper should be a staple in everyone’s autumn wardrobe. For a wide selection of slogan jumpers Missguided and ASOS have you covered. Or, if you’re after something a bit less novelty Superdry has some gorgeous festive Fairisle print jumpers. Team with a pair of skinny jeans for an effortlessly casual look. 70s Style The decade of hippies and flares, 70s fashion is back with a bang this AW/15. From tassels and fringing to pussy bow blouses there’s an array of 70s inspired clothing and accessories to indulge in this autumn.

Berry shades This is a classic autumnal colour, and is certain to add a sophisticated edge to any outfit. From lust-worthy faux fur wraps to skinny belts, berry shades are everywhere. Including a berry shade will complete your outfit and make it pop with a beautiful berry accessory.

BEAUTY & FOOD

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How to guide: Contour Credit to Kate Bowen

ANNABEL HORSLEY

and make light bounce off all the right places of our face. It can be a total lifesaver on a night Contouring is all the rage right now out and make you feel amazing. for make-up lovers everywhere. It However, contouring is a bit of helps to enhance our cheekbones hard work and won’t look good Lifestyle Editor

Warm Wintery Food DANIELLE REED 3rd Year History and Politics

November is here! There is nothing quite like sitting down to a warming meal as evenings get darker and temperatures plummet. Here are four recipes, none cost more than £2 to cook, to help you stay warm in this cold weather. Cheese and Cranberry Toastie The classic cheese toasty but with a wintery twist. Asda and Tesco both have the cheapest Cranberry Sauce at 82p in their own ranges, but for £1 you can purchase the Extra Special or Finest range or even the Ocean Spray brand depending on what you fancy. Add a spoonful to your cheese toastie to make it that little bit special and warming. This is excellent when you fancy something quick but are fed up of

simple. Just be careful that you wait a bit after cooking as the sauce gets really hot! Homemade Soup Nothing is more warming than homemade soup, even if you cheat a little bit. My new favourite thing from Asda is their ‘Good & Balanced’ soup range. Ready chopped vegetables in flavours such as Leek and Potato, Spicy Butternut, Carrot and Coriander and Vegetable Quinoa. All you have to do is add water, and a stock cube if preferable, and then boil for twenty-five minutes. Even better, each vegetable mix only costs £1 and can be found in the fresh isle of Asda. Each packet serves two so you have plenty to reheat the next day for lunch as well and it’s also one of your five a day. Sausage and Mash

if you don’t use the right shades or match it to your face shape. My first recommendation would be to find out your face shape. To contour correctly, you need to be able to work with the different Sausage and Mash, Bangers and Mash or whatever else you call it, there is nothing quite like it to remind you winter is nearly here. Although Sausages can be slightly expensive, if you are able to get them on offer, or plan to use them with other meals, it’s definitely worth it. You can buy 20 Smartprice sausages for 99p but if you fancy the well loved Richmond sausages, you can currently buy 12 for £2, that’s 50p per portion if serving three sausages each time. All you need to do it peel some potatoes and let them boil, whilst you let the sausages cook. Once your potatoes have cooked, drain them and mash them up. Serve with some vegetables and gravy, and if you are feeling really fancy you can even add some caramelised onions. Hot Winter Fruit Salad This is an excellent way to use up leftover plums, pears, berries, apples, and any fruit you feel will

areas of your face. So, you need to be aware of what suits your face best and which parts you would want to make appear bigger or smaller. To contour, you will have to invest in a contour kit. For the student budget, Sleek is a good way to go. It is sold in both Boots and Superdrug for £9.99. It contains three different powders: a highlight, a bronzer and a blush. This kit is definitely a favourite of many and is a good price. No7 also does Chubb sticks, which you can use to highlight and contour at £9.95 each. However, this can get a bit pricey if you are buying both; they additionally contain a shimmer. Shimmer, for me, doesn’t look at good as a matte finish. At the pricier end are pallets such as The Anastasia Contour Kit. This is a lovely cream contour kit but costs you £40.00. Any option you pick will contour your face beautifully, so it is up to you on how much you want to spend and if you would prefer powders or creams. Contouring should highlight your features as well as make your cheek bones deepen and stand out. You can also use it to make your forehead look bigger or smaller and your nose straighter. Highlighting works best if you put it in a triangle shape under your eyes. As light works downwards the triangle shape will help reflect the light. Carry on highlighting under your

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eye, above your cheekbone and round to the end of your brow bone. The highlight should be in a boomerang shape under your eye leading up and across the top of your cheekbones. You can also highlight up your forehead to make it look bigger and dab some highlight on your chin. Then, you can use the bronzer if you want to make your forehead seem smaller by applying it to the top of your forehead, especially the corners of your forehead on both sides. Then take the bronzer and suck your cheekbones in (warning: you may end up looking like a fish) and apply it to the underneath of the cheekbone where you have sucked in. The bronzing should go from your ear down to the middle of your cheek. You can also add a light stroke of bronzer to your jawline to define your jaw, but be careful not to make it look like a dodgy foundation line. Some final touches would be a bit of highlight under your eyebrow to sharpen it up and two lines of bronzer down the sides of your nose to narrow it. After all this, you should be fully contoured and looking good! These are just general tips so try and find some more specific ones for your face shape if you’re interested in learning more.

Credit to Nathalie Siah

be nice sweetened and stewed. All you need to do is chop them up, removing any stones and pips, put them into a microwavable bowl adding a splash of water (you don’t need too much because the fruit will release its own), cover with Clingfilm and heat in the microwave for two minutes. You can now add anything of your choice; sugar is always a good idea to help sweeten the fruit and turn the liquid into a syrup, but you could add honey or lemon juice if

you wanted. You may also decide to add some vanilla if you have any or maybe some cinnamon depending on what you want. Once you’ve added this, recover with Clingfilm, adding more water if you think it is necessary and heat at two minute intervals, stirring each time, until it is the softness you want it! This is really nice when you fancy something sweet and warm on a cold evening but want to convince yourself you are being healthy!

LIFESTYLE| MR MAGNETIC & MISS ADVISED

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Mr Magnetic

Dear girl-who-doesn’t-just-want-to-have-fun, First of all, allow me to congratulate you on entering phase one of you transformation from a mere fresher to a fully formed university student. Step one includes coming to terms with the hitherto illusive concept of ‘reality’, and accepting that this is not an ideal world. this acceptance comes with the understanding that Leo DiCaprio will never win an Oscar, anything ‘grape flavoured’ will always taste faintly of ketchup and most importantly, that after freshers week, a night out becomes a luxury to be earned. Incidentally, step two involves accepting that the work ‘deadline’ is not Greek for ‘the first time you look at the essay question’, but you don't need to worry about that right now.

Dear Mr Magnetic, I’m a first year student, and so far university life has been awesome. I’ve been a regular at the clubs and the only thing I’ve been ‘enhancing’ in the past week is my social life. We’re half way through the first term and now I’m running on empty and scraping the pennies together. Do you have any advice for a student that’s trying to balance the books?

‘Partying’ is indeed an important part of a fresher’s life, for most, since being a fresher comes with the new freedoms of living away from home. And while it is good to ‘go out’ once in a while, it’s also important to remember the real reason you came to university: to get an education. Although your first year’s grades don’t (in most cases) count towards your final degree, it’s an important year, where you develop invaluable working skills and techniques that will help you during the second and third years.

From M. T. Pockets DearM.T Pockets, There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself and blowing off some steam, we all do it once in a while. However, when your bank account is in worse shape than your liver it’s time to take some action. There are two ways of tackling this; your first choice is to get a job and bring some money in. There is plenty work out there if you’re willing to take it, with opportunities ranging from going to the job shop and working in the union as a long term solution or for some quick cash in hand you could simply check your emails and sign up to be guinea pig for an hour in a post graduate study or with a research company on campus. The second, more pro-active option, is to cut and save. Set yourself a realistic budget each week and stick to it. Every time you make a purchase, ask yourself: “do I really need this?” and if the answer is ‘no’ then return the item to the shelf and back away. Finally, just stay in once in a while to get some work done. As hard as it might seem, there will always be another chance to go out and you’ll have less to worry about the next time you decide take a break from it all. Mr Magnetic.

Drawn by Kate Bowen

Miss Advised Miss Advised,

I’m a fresher and am very fortunate to live with a fantastic group of flatmates, I feel very comfortable with them and can honestly call them some of my closest friends. The only problem is they like going out a lot, like all the time. It’s not that I don’t like going out, I always join them on a night out and end up having a great time. The problem is that they go out practically every night. This constant partying has begun to take a toll on my studies, I’m rarely able to do required reading and have already missed two lectures due to late night partying. I’m afraid that this new lifestyle will affect my academic performance, which is very important to me; at the same time I’m reluctant to miss out on any night’s out as I’m afraid it will ruin the dynamics in the flat and leave me out of the group.

I’d suggest to plan, at the beginning of every month, how many nights you will allow yourself to go out. At the same time, plan ‘study days’, which will allow you to catch up on any work you may be behind on. This should help you to feel more in-control of your routine, but will still allow you plenty of time to party with your friends. This brings me to your flatmates. It always seems easier to bond with people over a drink yes, and it therefore might seem scary to not join in every time. However, you’ll find that friendships that consist only of ‘night’s out’ are usually rather shallow and don’t tend to last very long. I’m sure that if you tried to initiate some fun activities to do with your flatmates during the day, while sober, your flat would bond even more. As long as you don’t cut them out of your life completely, I doubt you’ll become left out of the group. As time goes on, they’ll begin to feel the pressure too (they’re also students, remember) and you’ll find that less and less people will go out every single night. From, Miss Advised

Please help, A-girl-who-doesn’t-just-want-to-have-fun.

Never miss a moment to CoppaFeel! KATE BOWEN

3rd Year English Literature

Hours spent getting ready for those infamous Union nights. Days spent counting down until the dreaded assignment deadline. Minutes spent scrolling through your daily Facebook News Feed. And yet, when was the last time you took five minutes to check your boobs for signs of breast cancer? That’s what Kris Hallenga, founder of CoppaFeel!, wants to know.

For Kris those five minutes could be the ones that save your life. With a personal mission to stamp out the late detection of breast cancer (Hallenga herself was diagnosed with stage four cancer at only twenty-three years old), her charity CoppaFeel! aims to educate young people like you about the importance of getting to know your body and checking yourself regularly from an early age. Contrary to expectations about the disease, breast cancer can also affect young people, and

this is sadly often overlooked. By increasing awareness and encouraging us to develop good habits of checking, CoppaFeel! wants to ensure that everyone is well-equipped to spot anything unusual and has the best chance of early diagnosis. This is where your Reading Uni Boob Team steps in, one of many dedicated University Boob Teams already established in the UK. Acting on behalf of CoppaFeel!, this friendly student volunteering body wants to

remind you about the importance of coppin’ a feel regularly and getting to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. With volunteers donning the famous CoppaFeel! boob costume on campus, you can expect to see the team carrying out a lot of fun and engaging boob-themed activities and fundraisers, all with the intention of increasing awareness amongst young students. With boob-themed dodgeball games, cake sales, a potential sky dive, and more great upcoming events

to be posted on the CoppaFeel! UBT Reading Facebook page, the team want you to get involved with the campaign in any way possible to raise essential awareness about breast cancer. More information on how to check yourself can meanwhile be found at coppafeel.org, and if you are in need of reminding, you can also sign up to the charity’s free monthly text service by texting UBT READING to 70500. You never know - at some point, it might just save your life.

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Girls in Spectre Alice Winter discusses on the role of women in the new 007 film.

Rising Star On the lookout for a photographer with a keen eye? Felix Chee takes the prize.

ENTERTAINMENT Credit to William Cole

Bear and the Woods Talks Folk, Roll, and Charities WILLIAM COLE 2nd Year Politics and IR

We were also joined by Bear, a friend of Nigel’s and lead singer of ‘Bear and the Woods’. Having played in a number of Reading venues previously, Bear spoke to us about what it’s like for a band at the festival, and also the importance of charity at events such as Oxjam. So firstly Bear, is it Bear should I say? Yeah so my name’s Matt but I’ve been called Bear since I was 16, it’s what all my friends here in Reading know me as, I don’t mind whichever you’d like to call me. What’s it like coming to play Oxjam festival in your local area of Reading?

This is our 3rd year playing, and it’s been a big build for us every year actually. We started off playing Milk venue, which was just the three of us playing unplugged in an acoustic set there, and that was about a capacity venue of about 10, which when it’s full is very full though there’s not that many people. Then the next year we did Purple Turtle, you get a really good atmosphere from the day, people are all out to see music and you get a really appreciative crowd so it’s great to play in Reading, which we don’t often do any more. As a Reading show (Oxjam), it’s a really good boost for us. What’s your style of music for those who haven’t heard you before? Folk n’ Roll, yeah. Hahaha that’s kind of what we drunkenly

came together with when we were naming our band (Bear & The Woods) and the genre. It’s of like folk, but it’s quite a bit punkinspired, we like to use weird time signatures occasionally and using some things which make people go ‘Ohhh! What went on there’. When I was introduced to you earlier, I was told you do quite a bit of personal charity work yourself? Yes, so I’m currently working for the charity Launchpad, doing something called a busker circle, which is helping people housed by Launchpad become autonomous buskers as a way for them to earn money for themselves. Obviously that’s how I raised most of my money when I started out doing music, and if I can help guys who are in a position to do that, I think they just need that bit of drive to

do it, so I love doing that. I also do fundraising for a charity called Papyrus, which is for preventing young suicide. Next weekend in fact we’re doing a little fundraiser called ‘Sound Doctor’ which we do in Reading, it’s a few acoustic sets by artists we get together in Reading venues, just to raise as much money as we can for Papyrus. Do you think that it’s important that musicians and bands to have affiliations with charities? I think that obviously it’s important for everyone to do, if you are in position to and have the means to do it then you should. Especially though when you’re young and playing music or providing entertainment, you are of course able to provide what you do for free. But more than it should be that way for anyone with a bit

of spare change in their hand, up to large companies who could make donations to charities in their areas. It’s a difficult question as well because there are so many charities and picking which one can be quite hard. You’ve got the penultimate set tonight at The Oakford Social Club, have you thought about next year? Well, we’d love to be headlining. We’ve started playing bigger UK festivals this year and other things like that, so for us as a band we’re looking at taking things a lot further next year, and yeah we’d love to come back here and take a bigger headline spot. But, to be honest, 9 O’Clock in the Oakford is a damn good spot, it’s a great venue and to be involved is just a pleasure.

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MUSIC

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How it all went down: Oxjam 2015 ELLEN BING

3rd Year History with Study Abroad

On Saturday 17th October, Oxjam took over 12 venues across Reading to provide an insane range of live music from midday ‘til late, drastically changing my perception of live music available in Reading. This event gave a platform to new and local bands and encouraged support of the excellent work Oxfam does around the world every day. Venues included Pavlov’s Dog, RYND, Purple Turtle, and the Oakford Social Club, with music available for any taste, ranging from the techno to the folky, or the heavy to the haunting. Having found out about Oxjam, essentially twenty-four hours before the event started, I hastily cracked on with some research into the eighty plus acts playing to make sure I got to see as many bands and venues as possible; I’m not one to waste an opportunity. Armed with a running time, a list of bands to see and a fully charged phone, I arrived for the first act playing at Pavlov’s Dog. I was expecting the day to revolve around the schedule I’d made that morning, seeing a couple of pretty good live acts, and maybe cheesy chips thrown in somewhere along the line. But what I got was so much more. Everyone - the bands, the volunteers, the festival goers – were united by a love of live music and a good cause; two things which should come together much more often than they do. Everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic about the event which was so refreshing and devoid from the usual British apathy with life. I had countless conversations with people about who I’d enjoyed and who I was looking forward to. Some people even recommended acts for me to see which encouraged me to look out for bands I hadn’t meticulously vetted for my particular music taste the night before, some of which ended up being among the best I saw. There was even the inevitable “downloads are killing live music, we should all go back to buying vinyl” discussion which further highlighted their enthusiasm for music. All of the venues were brilliantly set up and organised for

All images credit to Fergus Haworth, Oxjam photographer

the third year of Oxjam which has only grown and improved from its beginning. Each venue had a slightly different vibe due to the music and crowds they attracted, yet the buzz for all of the acts

and willingness to contribute to Oxjam, even from locals who initially had no idea the event was happening, demonstrated they were all clearly part of something bigger and worthwhile.

The event was utterly enjoyable and one I will definitely volunteer at again. While introducing me to numerous local bands worthy of recognition and aiding my dire need to see more live music, it

has also demonstrated the sense of accomplishment and good will that can come from holding such a popular and engaging charity event.

ENTERTAINMENT|MUSIC

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Patti Smith’s Elegy to Past Greats for ‘Horses’ 40th Anniversary WILLIAM COLE 2nd Year Politics and IR

I love rock ‘n’ roll. I’m a big fan of a number of bands, from the most influential artists of the 50s and 60s (Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Stones) through to modern bands influenced by them (Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, James Bay). On 30th October, I was lucky enough to get tickets to see someone who fits right into the midst of those big names, punk poet Patti Smith. Smith had decided to take two nights at London’s Roundhouse in Camden, as part of her album ‘Horses’ 40th Anniversary tour, having already been across Europe and played at Glastonbury Festival in June. The Roundhouse has been host to historic over the years, including 3 nights of The Doors (their only UK show except the Isle of Wight Festival), Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Patti Smith, on her original Horses tour back in 1976. The history and intimacy of the venue itself accumulated excitement for the crowd as we awaited the bands arrival. There are two sides to the 68-year-old Patti Smith, which was evident within a few minutes. Having come calmly onstage and began sweetly as she often does with a poem, this one titled ‘Compacted Awareness’; the

crowd cheers and the piano riff of the first track from ‘Horses’ begins. Whether it was the sound levels of the speakers or that everyone seemed to know the words, by the chorus the whole room was shaking with noise and an excitable sensation, it was what everyone seemed to be craving for. It is a 40-yearold album and the soundtrack to many people’s youth. The second side to Patti is that of a virile, imposing, kicking and screaming rocker, with enough spit it seemed to cover the front row. Onstage she was the hive of activity you wouldn’t expect from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend, her peers only a few years older than her. Patti Smith is relatively young when compared to the artists of familiar genres of music she delves between, many having died in recent years. It was easy to see though how much her contemporaries meant to her, in the final track of the album, ‘Elegy’. Having dedicated the song to Jim Morrison, she began to well-up on the final line ‘it's much too bad. That our friends can't be with us today.’ In near silence, she listed a number of late performers who had influenced her over the years, from The Ramones, to Sid Vicious, to Lou Reed, each time taking a small break to let the crowd cheer, and probably gather herself emotionally. The band took a short well-

Credit to William Cole

earned bow after finishing the album, front to back, but took no time at all in moving straight into a string of hit songs, such as ‘People Have the Power’ and the Bruce Springsteen-penned ‘Because the Night’, much to the audiences gathering energy. This was followed by the encore, and for me something that can really make a concert stick in your mind. Depending on the band, an encore can come to define how an audience characterizes you. The Rolling Stones have stuck with the mega-hit ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’, and Bob Dylan shows preference to ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ or ‘Like a

Rolling Stone’, important works in their own right, as well as big crowd-pleasers. But what has summarised Patti Smith’s recent tours has been an encore of The Who’s ‘My Generation’, written 10 years before her first song. Whilst at first you could be confused over whether this song, the only cover song of the night, was chosen for its musicality more than its meaning, Patti would quickly set the record straight. Before the song ends, she would speak of the disappointment of generations gone before, about wars, death, corruption and poverty. I remember watching her at Glastonbury Festival,

and hearing the line ‘whatever happened to my generation? We had dreams, but we’re still f***ing dreaming!!’, before taking an electric guitar and individually ripping off every string, and leaving it to play feedback as she left the stage. The violence and passion exuded in that encore, the same as it did at the Roundhouse, definitely leaves an impression on you, not just to consider your own generation and what will become of it, but that a Patti Smith show is one to go and see time and time again.

Big Zero surfing the new wave at Oxjam 2015 ELLEN BING

3rd Year History with Study Abroad

Big Zero consist of three members, Adam Saunderson (Vocals and guitar), Johnnie Shinner (Drums), and Jordan Page (Bass and Synthesiser) set on creating a new wave of music to sweep away the swamp of generic beats clogging up the air waves. Playing at the Sunn Inn for Oxjam’s takeover of Reading on Saturday 17th October, the boys blasted through their tracks, engaging the crowd with their individual style. Rather than

the usual collection of slightly reluctant friends and family who felt obliged to come and be “supportive” (but more for the cheap night out), the band had an impressive entourage of pirates cheering “ZERO” throughout the set who had hired an entire boat just to see Big Zero perform in Reading - if that doesn’t scream dedication to the band, I don’t know what does. They mark themselves as new wave pop punk, which definitely came through in their unashamed use of the synthesiser. Their sound was reminiscent of 80s bands such as Joy Division, New Order and

The Human League, yet alongside their quirky videos there was something that reminded me of 90s bands like Blur. It was a sound I hadn’t realised I had been missing until I heard it. They highlighted the late 70s, punk, and new wave as influences as “there’s more freedom in that kind of music, you’re able to do anything”. However they were keen to assert that “we are not a retro band.” Rather than comparing themselves to classic artists they were much more comfortable to define themselves as “just Zero”. There’s something very different about drawing

influence from, and copying styles of music – in the difficulty of identifying with one particular genre it is clear they have forged an individual sound which will only get better as they continue. Big Zero met by chance through music industry paths just over a year ago, yet Adam felt that once the band was formed their coming together had always been “inevitable”. Since then they have been developing and recording music they can be proud of. Adam assured me that “music is the greatest thing to do” as it “gets kids involved and out of the house” encouraging original

thinking and creativeness – “away from the computer screen”. Chatting to them for just ten minutes demonstrates how well they all bounce off each other and how excited they are at the opportunities before them. They have the chance to work in music and share experiences with likeminded and passionate people, which is what Oxjam strives to do, and achieves each year through the continual success of the event. Big Zero are all over social media with tracks on YouTube, but definitely start with “Hardwired” as it one of the tracks they are most proud of.

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YIKYAK

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“I tried to Facetime the police last night.” “If you don’t drop it in every conversation, did you even take a gap year?” “It’s like watching sims when you can see into other halls.” “So I’ve decided I don’t want a degree anymore, cheers.” “This spider has been living in the right corner of our shower for weeks now. If it ever disappears from that spot, I’m resorting to my sink for all bathroom activities out of fear.” “When your boyfriend prefers programming to having sex with you.” “Writing a 750 word essay on milk and wondering why you chose to study economics.” “The bus drivers must at some point realise not everyone on the bus is under 19.” “Remember when you thought people in their 20s were adults, and now we’re in our 20s we’re just fumbling around bumping into things looking for food.” “Library boyfriend where you at?”

ENTERTAINMENT|GAMING & BOOKS

Book Review:‘The Queen of the Tearling’ by Erika Johansen LOUISE INGHAM 3rd Year Law

It takes a particularly gripping and unusual book to hold my attention. But when I find such a book, I’ll become so addicted that if anyone talks to me you can be sure you’ll get a look which says I’ll answer when I’m back in the real world. But for those few days, that book is the real world. ‘The Queen of the Tearling’ was just one of those books. Erika Johansen sets her novel within the medieval-esque world of the Tearling and fills it with sword fights, witchcraft, mysterious magical pendants and prophecies. At the heart of the book is the heroine, Kelsea. She’s young, intelligent, quick witted, brave, and has a temper that she often finds herself struggling to control. She was raised to be a Queen her whole life, hidden away from her Kingdom until she was old enough to take the crown. The book is a brilliant coming of age story and Kelsea’s character fuels the action. It’s exciting to watch

Credit to Elliot Spain

someone at first so inexperienced quickly gain the trust and respect of her people and grow into the ruler the Kingdom needs to bring it out of its rule by the brutal leader of the nearby land Mortmesne. She’s a badass, there’s only one word for it. It’s easy to see why the actress Emma Watson has signed up to play her in the upcoming movie adaption. Kelsea’s life is constantly under threat from those who do not want her upon the throne. The tension from the attacks on her life, as well as the impending threat of war on her Kingdom and the desperation to stop the awful trade in human lives by Mortmesne creates a wonderfully tense and exciting read. Johansen manages to create a novel with multi-layered and wonderful characters, clever dialogue and exciting action that never lets up. The second part of the trilogy is also out at the moment – The Invasion of the Tearling—and I cannot wait to read it.

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Full Steam Ahead! Assassin’s Creed Syndicate MILLIE FARQUHAR

Credit to Elliot Spain

Ubisoft has been releasing Assassin’s Creed games for the past seven years. With the frankly disastrous launch of Assassin’s Creed: Unity last year and the ever-increasing pressure to release new games annually, can Ubisoft regain their reputation with their latest game, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate? Unlike in previous games, Syndicate is pretty modern. Well, as modern as Victorian London during the industrial revolution can be. Trains, factories and horse-drawn carriages are found throughout the city and, for once, I felt truly at home running down Oxford Street and scaling the Houses of Parliament. For the first time you take control of two assassins, Evie and Jacob Frye (you could control two characters in Assassin’s Creed 3, but technically Haytham Kenway was a Templar so my point still stands!). As they fight to take back London from the hands of the Templars, you also have the customary race to find a Precursor artefact before the Templars. Modern-day events have been kept them to a minimum with only a few brief cut scenes that are beautifully animated as you follow present day assassins around with little drones. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate is almost exactly the same as Unity. There is a new addition in the form of a grapple gun; this allows for some pretty quick climbing, and saves so much time when it comes to scaling viewpoints and stops you from having to go down to the streets of London in order to cross a particularly large gap between buildings. You can switch freely between Evie and Jacob with side missions being open to whichever character you choose. However, when it comes to the campaign missions, Jacob takes charge with

most of the main assassinations, which is frustrating as Evie is designed to be the stealthier of the two; Jacob tends to charge into fights at the drop of his rather stylish top hat. This combat is also pretty identical to Unity. However, now you only have the choice of three weapon types: A Kukri, Cane-Sword or Knuckle Dusters, each with their own brutal set of finishing moves and combos. Additionally, instead of only having specific classes of enemies, they also have their own level system. Couple that with the fact you can only equip certain weapons once you reach certain levels, combat remains a challenge for the most part, however, it is rather easy to back an enemy up against the wall and just attack them as they do not have enough space to attack. Again Syndicate utilises the age-old system of viewpoints and liberation missions found in almost every Ubisoft game nowadays. Syndicate attempts to vary these by introducing different mission types. These include abductions, Templar bases, Templar hunts, child liberation and more, but because London is a third larger than

1st Year English Literature

Paris was in Unity, you have to do so many of these missions that they inevitably become a little monotonous and boring. I really enjoy the Assassin’s Creed games, and I really wish that Ubisoft were capable of reinventing the franchise. It’s not that I don’t like Syndicate, it is just that it is pretty much the same as the last three games, just in differing locations. I think that this is all down to Ubisoft’s desire to put a game out every year; it just isn’t enough time to make a unique game. Syndicate is a massive game with a 20-hour main campaign, and a secondary one set in World War I (that I haven’t got round to playing yet) that is 15 hours long. Pair this with the hours and hours of content with the liberation missions, collectables and secondary missions with characters such as Charles Darwin, Dickens and Karl Marx, and the three DLC packages currently planned for the next six months. I think Ubisoft has given us more than enough to play with for the next two or three years for them to really take their time with the franchise and create something great.

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GAMING

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Halos and Horns: A Review of Halo 5: Guardians MILLIE FARQUHAR 1st Year English Literature

With the holiday season well and truly underway, all the big game developers are releasing their newest games. One of the most highly anticipated and latest is 343’s newest instalment in the Halo Franchise. Halo 5: Guardians is the first Halo game to be designed for next gen consoles but has also reinvented Halo as we know it, with a new game engine and a four character squad system. But can it live up to the high expectations set by Halo 4? When it comes to gameplay, Halo 5 is pretty awesome. In this game you play as either Spartan John-117 (aka Master Chief) or Spartan Locke. 343’s new game engine means that the game runs at a constant 60 frames per second, fully utilising next gen capabilities, which makes for a beautifully smooth player’s experience. It’s great for playing with friends, and with

the four player squad system, the campaign can be a co-operative effort between you and three friends (but of course there is the option to play alone with 3 AI’s). Each one of the 15 missions is action packed with large open areas and lots of enemies. There is also a real sense of 3-dimentional playing as you can now fight on multiple levels in the same area. This is brilliant with co-op where you can split up, but you really do suffer if you play ‘solo’ as you are often abandoned by the slow moving AI squad mates, who tend to stick to the lower levels. 343 has also introduced a few new abilities for our Spartan Warriors. Including something that I like to call the ‘Spartan smash’ (it’s actually called a Ground pound) where you can smash unassuming enemies on the ground from above. There is also a Spartan charge, which is a Jet pack charge. It’s great for quick melee attacks and dodging Grenades and blasts, it can also be used to break through walls. However, if there is one thing I

hate about the Halo campaign, it is the new resurrection system, when you run out of health instead of having to start that section over again, you can now be revived by team mates (Similar to gears of war). Again, this is great with co-op but honestly, nothing but comical if you play on your own, as you watch you AI squad blindly charge towards you and often die themselves in a futile effort to bring you back, thus creating a chain of downed Spartans (greatest warriors in the galaxy indeed). But as I said before, great for co-op playing as you don’t have to wait for your friend to deal with a room full of enemies or back-track to a ‘safer’ area before you can respawn. However, in my opinion, Halo 5 does not live up to the extremely high bar set by Halo 4. Halo 5’s campaign takes place eight months after the end of Halo 4. The Master Chief is still on the UNSC-Infinity leading his old squad (Blue team) with other Spartan II’s Fred-104, Kelly-087 and Linda-058. All hell breaks

loose when, on a routine mission, Master Chief finds evidence that Cortana is still alive and goes AWOL with his squad to look for her. The Spartan IV Locke and his own squad ‘Fire Team Osiris’, containing Spartan IV’s Buck, Vale and Tanaka are ordered to hunt Blue team across the galaxy and bring them home. As someone who grew up playing the games I was delighted to see so many locations and characters from other information sources (books and live action series) be incorporated into the game. However, I do not believe that the campaign lives up to the hype created from the game’s trailers. 343 really marketed the rivalry between the Spartan II’s and the Spartan IV’s, especially that between Master Chief and Locke. However, in the game itself you really don’t see it, apart from one short cinematic fight scene between the two of them early on in the game and after that they seem to be rather good friends. Another Frustration I had was the lack of Master

Chief in this game. You only take control of him 3 times out of the 15 missions. This is ridiculous and insulting to put the games protagonist on the bench for so long. Especially because I personally didn’t like Locke that much and this lead me to feeling trapped inside the game, only continuing out of hope that one day, I would play as Chief again and explore the dynamic between him and his squad, but that never happened. However, this is a small price to pay for a frankly brilliant game. Halo 5 is a brilliant, staggeringly beautiful game in spite of its flaws, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing the campaign and the multiplayer, especially given the introduction of the new multiplayer game mode Warzone where two teams of Spartans face off against each other and a force of AI’s (similar to Titan Fall). There is nothing left for me to do then await the next Halo game and prey that 343 can maintain the high standard that we are becoming accustomed to.

Prison Architect WING LAM KAR 3rd Year Law

Prison Architect is one of the most inspiring and indulgent games I have played in many years. This game was made available for early access years ago but only out of that status for a month, it certainly encourages gamers to buy it with less hesitation. To be more specific, Prison architect is a 2D game mixing up construction and management factors, similar to theme hospital just without its dark humour. In the game, players have to plan and build their prison from scratch and due to its complexity and refined details, the first idea will be “where do I start?” The essence however, is in the sandbox mode, starting

with limited budget, bare grounds and prisoners coming in 24 hours, the only help you gain is a CEO letter with vague advices and the government grants, which is basically a gradual reward system for your prison’s completeness. Surely most players would try to build a Utopia or Swedish style prison at first but soon give up due to tight balance---after all this is a private prison, not charity, if it is not profit gaining, you lose. As for me, a gamer who always chose the “good” side, I have tried my best to give a well-maintained, enjoyable prison. Each prisoner has a television, 8 hours of free time per day and there are various costly reform projects. In return the ‘prisoners’ tried to riot, kill guards and attempted to burn my prison to ashes every time I forget to press pause. Soon the game will explore the dark side in your

Credit to Elliot Spain

soul by eliminating unnecessary kindness. Nevertheless, the best prison is a well-balance of high pressure policies and laissezfaire, going to the extreme of one way will burn your prison more often. If players try to be the manager, the game provides the Escape Mode, which switches

the role and so you can be the prisoner. This means you can try to escape your own prison or other downloadable prisons from Steam Workshop. Optional contends are available for mods via Seam, adding personal touch and enhancing playability. Conclusively, Prison Architect is a satisfying and

indulgent builder game with minor, endurable glitches. For instance, it takes years to build a large scale prison and more time is needed to micromanage resources and securities distribution. It may not be the most complicated game, but definitely one of the most timeconsuming ones.

ENTERTAINMENT|ART

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Rising Star: Photographer Felix Chee 4

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ART

| ENTERTAINMENT

NATHALIE SIAH The Editor

The piece is called Project 001 h t t p : / / w w w. f e l i x c h . c o m / p o r t f o l i o / project001

1: I see her through my lens. A black knit pressed between a blue parka and jeans with a stunning pair of jet black boots to go with the black beanie – all contrasted against her pearl white skin. She is muse. And I love our little conversations 2:‘You know, muse, I love the way you look at me.’ 3:‘Look?’ her piercing stare got me locked in a daze. ‘Oh, this – this isn’t looking.’ ‘This right here – it’s observing. Too many a time we look at people without gazing into their souls and trying to understand where they’re coming from. And me, I hope to understand.’ – She does. ‘This right here – I learnt: to understand ourselves, first we must understand others.’

4:‘You know, muse, I love your tattoos.’ 5:‘Tattoos?’ a questioning look. ‘Oh, these – these aren’t tattoos.’ ‘These right here – they’re maps. We are all our own universes and there’s a path to the very core of our being. And me, I want to be understood.’ – She did. ‘These right here – they’re the maps that I’m building to find myself in a world where no one really bothers to.’

6‘You know, muse, I love a gem like you in a rut like this.’

7:‘This?’ she turned and stared. ‘Oh, this – this isn’t a rut.’ ‘This right here – it’s the city growing apart. The graffiti, wire barbs, untrimmed shrubs is where creators leave their mark. And me, I hope to leave one.’ – She will. ‘This right here – is the diamond in the rut, a place where I belong.’ 8:My muse, my MAP – Misunderstood, Astonishingly Pretty. But yet, aren’t we all the same? Maps that haven’t been drawn, people that haven’t been met and lives that haven’t been lived. 9:And yet we live life for granted. Day by day – we’re going about aimlessly. Start. Loving. Life. Find your muse.

ENTERTAINMENT|ART

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Interview with Felix Chee

Eye to the lens, this photographer knows how to tell a story NATHALIE SIAH The Editor

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from? How has this influenced your work?

I'm from Kuala Lumpur. I studied to be an engineer in London but have always kept a strong passion for photography. Growing up in Malaysia, I have found that there weren't many ways for me to express myself. Education was mostly maths, sciences, history and essays; you get the drill. This has forced me to find new ways to fire up my creativity. And that is where photography comes in for me.

2. How did you get into photography as your medium?

You wouldn't believe this if I told you. I used to be a child model. Like a regular model, but a smaller and younger version. And my Dad was the photographer. But as I was slowly grew up, I found it more interesting to be behind the camera rather than in front. My father, of course had a great influence on me and my path to photography. I have been experimenting with it ever since.

3. If you could describe your artwork in one sentence what would it be?

Minimalistic yet impactful. 4. Who is your main influence as an artist?

Currently, I am interested in fashion photography. My main influences are Steven Meisel and Mario Testino. 5. What projects are you currently working on?

I have a new project coming up showcasing more collaborative work with creative artists and models with autumn in London as the main theme. 6. What is your favourite piece right now and why? My favourite piece right now is an image by FRANK HORVAT titled Paris, Shoe and Eiffel Tower A, 1974. I have discovered this image recently and it is just amazing. I was just mesmerised by how impactful and dramatic it is.

7. What are you hopes for the future in pursuing new projects or a new media form?

Next for me is to keep on creating and collaborating with others to make wonderful and creative artworks. I would also love to experiment more in short films and movies. 8. What tips do you have for those interested in photography?

Just do it.

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FILM

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Gilmore Girls is coming back!

U.S TV drama Gilmore Girls is making a return to the small screen HANNAH CROFTS 3rd Year English Literature

Everyone’s favourite small town U.S drama Gilmore Girls is having a revival. It’s been reported that Netflix is in talks with the creator Amy ShermanPalladino about bringing Stars Hollow back to the small screen. Media speculation suggests that Netflix plans to produce four 90-minute episodes of the popular TV show, something that has excited fans worldwide. Ah, Gilmore Girls, the kooky parent daughter-duo Lorelai and Rory, the endless pop culture references, the fast-talking, breakfast’s at Luke’s Diner, and the constant infatuation with eating. I couldn’t contain my excitement when I heard the news of a possible revival! Focusing on the lives of the coolest mum ever, and her

insanely clever daughter and bff, Gilmore Girls grew to become a teen cult-classic. The show first began way back in 2000, lasting for 7 seasons before it came to an end in 2007. Although more popular in the U.S, Gilmore Girls has a strong U.K fan base, with episodes currently being shown on channel 5 and previously on E4. One of the most cited favourite things about the show for fans is the obscure pop culture references. The show is also notable for many other things too, including the characters trademark fasttalking, with a page of dialogue taking about 20 – 25 seconds on screen. In order to prepare for the fast-fire dialogue Alexis Bledel has confessed that she would prepare by reading limericks to herself over and over. Being such a quirky show there are so many other obscure behind the scenes facts, for instance, you probably

didn’t know that throughout the whole of the shows run, Gilmore Girls referenced 339 different books, and in the French version of the series, Michel is an Italian man. While Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel are both confirmed to return, one main cast member has made it clear that she won’t be making a return. Melissa McCarthy, who played chef Sookie St James, is too busy with other commitments, namely her booming film career that took off after the show ended. As a firm fan favourite the fact Sookie won’t be a part of this revival has disappointed many people. As well as this, the actor Edward Herrmann who played patriarchal figure Richard Gilmore sadly died last Christmas, meaning that another firm fan favourite will be notably absent. Speculation is rife about what new episodes may bring. Will

the show pick up from where it ended, or will there possibly be a time jump? What has become of Lorelai and Luke? At the end of the last season we saw Rory turn down Logan’s marriage proposal, is she still single or has she settled down? And with who, Logan,

Jess, or Dean, or a completely new character all together? The possibilities are endless, and with production rumoured to be beginning at some point next year fans hopefully won’t have too long to wait.

SPOILER ALERT The ending was extremely controversial. It seemed that Bond had picked a woman over work, which is, of course, a wonderful step forward from the indifferent, nonchalant misogynist we had all come to love, but it seemed to close a door. Craig has already said that he would rather “slash [his] wrists” than play Bond again, which begs

the question: was this whole film written for his exit? Either way, if said closed door was one of out-dated treatments of women, then I personally welcome the opening of the next.

Commentary: Spectre's Female Fatale ALICE WINTER

2nd Year English Literature

There were high expectations for the new James Bond film and for the most part, Daniel Craig’s ‘Spectre’ did not disappoint but there are definitely a few issues surrounding the film. Firstly, Monica Bellucci’s involvement as a Bond girl was hailed ‘revolutionary’ in the run up to the release, primarily because of her age. The 51 year old love interest (because that’s all she was) was supposed to change the way we see beauty in Hollywood, dismissing youth as the only key to beauty. However, Bellucci had maximum 10 minutes screen-time and fans were furious. This was

supposed to be the film wherein women were treated better but instead, promises were broken. Sexism and misogyny have been part of the Bond franchise since the very first film and it has always been dismissed due to the distraction of the agent’s charm and mystery. With the exception of Judi Dench’s M in the previous seven Bond films and Naomie Harris’s compelling Miss Moneypenny, all female characters lack depth and it’s getting tiring. Harris’ role within the Bond films is the breath of fresh air the dated franchise needed; a strong, black actress who is not sexualised, but not made to be masculine. But one is not good enough.

On a more positive, albeit technical note, the shots, transitions and colour palettes were exceptional as always. The most memorable and satisfying shots come in the last third of the film, where the plot unravels, although it is arguably not as detailed or intricate as plots that came before it.

3 STARS Aesthetically pleasing but sexism has no place in Hollywood anymore.

ENTERTAINMENT|CREATIVE CLOUD

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Creative Corner Credit to Shaunagh McGroarty

LOUISE INGHAM 3rd Year Law

Distance Between Us I love you more than words can say And I miss you more with every day. Although we may be miles apart There’s no doubt you have my heart. Count the moments until we’re together, The train journey feels like forever. But when I finally see you standing there The time apart won’t seem so unfair.

COMICS & GAMES

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Ballet Oxjam Contouring Penguin Books CoppaFeel Red Meat Deaf Riding Entrepreneurship River Gamers

PUZZLE POINT

Drawn by Harry Richardson, 2nd Year Archaeology

Ronaldo Halo Spectre House of Lords St Pats Oranges

ENTERTAINMENT|WATTSUP?

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WATTSUP? Do you put the ‘ha’ in laug-ha-ble? Prove it and try doing WattsUp on for size.

The North Face has spent 11 years of research making a ‘Moon Parka’, the first product made of synthetic spider silk materials. Wear the bugs or let them be?

Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: ...first snail mask, now spider silk, am I the only one with insect phobia? TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: If killing them is not required and the quality is good, why not? Just like you don't need to slaughter a sheep to get sheep wool. Ian S, 3rd Year Law: I like ducks :)

Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: I think it's more a "Let it bleed" month, but "Let it Grow"is not bad. TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: "Friend: go for it. Boyfriend (if I had one): NO." Ian S, 3rd Year Law: Hmm...

Are you singing ‘Let it Grow’ this month and showing off that facial hair? Or celebrating more discreetly with your face nude? How do you feel about this girls?"

T Plus-size labelling is trending out of fashion. With our expanding waistlines, would you rather buy a 10 plus or a 25?"

Twitter is replacing its ‘favourites’ yellow star to ‘likes’ with a red heart. There has been controversy over the recent change. Is this spreading the love or losing stars in the universe?"

Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: I go for elastic trousers. TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: 25. Have you seen a "10 petite"? Ian S, 3rd Year Law: I'll take a 25 plus please.

Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: We already have the like button on Facebook! TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: "Favourite" is associated with "like". Stars are more of "Highlight", no? I'd seen I Ian S, 3rd Year Law: You're a universe.

Microsoft has now come out with a fitness band which has GPS, Ultraviolet light sensor, Guided workout and wifi connection. What can Microsoft NOT do?"

Taco Bell gives away free breakfast after losing a World Series bet. What restaurant do you wish wold give away free breakfast in Reading? " Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: Anything! No one complains about free food. TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: Greggs!! (I know it's not a restaurant but a bakery, but yeah, I just love their breakfast rolls!) Ian S, 3rd Year Law: Cheeky Nando's breakfast?

Taylor Swift is getting sued for allegedly stealing lyrics for her song ‘Shake it off’ by R&B singer Jesse Braham for $42 million. Scam artist or legit theft? Listen here for the ‘original’: https://youtu.be/808MLaHcBs4" Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: If three sentences amount to infringement I think barely anyone can create 100% new work. TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: Publicity stunt. It sounded nowhere near. (and just look at the number or "dislikes" compare to the "likes") Ian S, 3rd Year Law: The amount spent on legal fees would be more than enough to send all the children from a small village through school and university.... What is the world coming to...

Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: Make their product in Rose Gold. TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: Dude, where are the apps? Windows phone user here! Ian S, 3rd Year Law: Make me cookies...

November is all about remembering…but is it really worth it? What is on your list that you always try and forget but it doesn’t happen?" Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: Um....that doesn't happen to me because I forget things naturally, even the important ones... TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: Yes it is. Lest we forget. And, darn it, I can't remember what I wanted to forget. Ian S, 3rd Year Law: Of course things are worth remembering.

Where were you when you had a moment of silence?"

Wing Lam K., 3rd year Law: On my bed, covering myself with two duvets. TJ Hiew, 3rd Year Law: The Oracle, Riverside. Ian S, 3rd Year Law: On the centreline of an American Football field.

HOROSCOPE

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horoscope MYSTIC MICHAEL

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

Horoscopes Writer

Aries

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24th- OCTOBER 23rd

ARIES MARCH 21st-APRIL 20th I hear from the stars that over the next month, you’ll see positive changes in how you communicate. Perhaps you’re usually shy Aries, perhaps not. Either way, you’ll find yourself to be better at public speaking and generally at getting your ideas across. As someone who naturally has a desire for self-expression, this must be great news. The stars also say to look out for the lucky number 1.

libra

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24th-NOVEMBER 22nd

TAURUS APRIL 21st-MAY21st Taurus

Gemini

You’re cautious by nature Taurus, but this month, the stars say you’ll be surprising yourself; doing things you haven’t ever done before. The next few weeks bring with them more than the usual share of new experiences. Don’t panic, your level-head and wilful disposition shall see you through to the end of term, but don’t forget to have some fun along the way. Your lucky number for this month is 19, so keep an eye out.

Scorpio

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23rd-DECEMBER 21st

Recently, Gemini, you might have heard of some new societies and thought about joining. The stars are telling me that you should go with your gut and sign-up. More generally, the starts tell that the coming weeks will be filled with social opportunities big and small: don’t be afraid to get stuck in! You ought to thrive, being as naturally social as you are. Keep an eye out for this month’s lucky number, the stars point to the number 6.

Work can be tough if you’re not in the right mind-set for it. This month however, the stars have been sending me positive messages. You’ll find that, in the coming weeks, your overall attitude towards working will improve, and as a result you’ll find your work more easy and enjoyable. Look at your work as just another creative outlet, and try to harness your inner creative drive. Your lucky number for this month is 24.

Sagittarius

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22nd- JANUARY 20th

It can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. A sudden urge for chocolate, pizza or whatever your favourite regret-eating-it-as-soon-asyou-finish-it food is. The stars say that this month, however, you shall find yourself possessing a greater degree of self-control in your day-today activities. This could be good or bad news, depending on what kind of student you are. Your lucky number this month is 8.

Capricorn

LEO JULY 24th-AUGUST 23rd leo

According to the stars, you’ll do well to keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks, so I really do hope that you’re paying attention. The stars say that you might find yourself coming upon a little money sometime in the following month or so. Nothing too big, but still something worth looking out for. You might also try looking out for the number 21, as the stars say that this shall be your lucky number for this month.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21st -FEBUARY 19th

Everyone around you is talking about jobs and careers, no matter where you go. They’re either worried about getting work experience or simply about getting work full stop. Lucky for you, Leo, the stars say that, over the next few weeks, you’ll have good fortune with any job applications you send off. With luck, this could be the start of a great professional opportunity. On top of this, your lucky number for this month will be 5.

Aquarius

VIRGO AUGUST 24th- SEPTEMBER 23rd virgo

The stars tell me that some social opportunities will be coming your way very soon. These will be things that you have been aware of for some time, but that will only now come to the fore. Though you can be somewhat fixed in your ways, you also know how to let loose your hidden, inner-party-animal every now and then: this seems like a good time for just that. Look out for the lucky number 55.

GEMINI MAY 22nd-JUNE 21st

CANCER JUNE 22nd-JULY 23rd Cancer

You know, Libra, times are tough. In times like these, most people take what they can get. According to the stars, over the next few weeks you might find that you start spending a little less and saving a little more, and generally becoming more prudent with your pennies. This can’t be anything but good news for a student, and it could lead to good habits in the future. Your lucky number this month is 10.

Deadlines are like hydra heads: you conquer one, just to watch two more grow in its place. You’ll be working very hard over the coming weeks to hand in work in time for deadlines, but the stars predict that you’ll manage to stay pretty well on top of things (well, someone’s got to) due to your talents at conceptualising and seeing-your-way through problems. Your lucky number is 51 this month.

PISCES FEBUARY 20th-MARCH 20th

It’s about time people started recognising your talents, Virgo. You’re a naturally resourceful person, and able to turn your hand to lots of different things. The stars say that, this month, those around you will begin to appreciate this fact. Even if this only amounts to showing off your practical talents by helping someone assemble a flat-pack bookshelf, it’s always nice to be appreciated. Look out for the number 2 in the coming weeks.

Pisces

The weather has been all over the place here in Reading recently, unfortunately I’m not the type of forecaster who can tell you if it’s okay to have a picnic tomorrow. A bit of bad weather never hurt anyone, and the stars tell me that you’ll be out and about a little more than usual over the coming weeks. Planning a hike? Camping trip? Just remember to take an umbrella, and also look out for the lucky number 11.

Women's Rugby Manon Jones recounts the Knight's smashing victory over Brighton!

Ballet Dancer in the making Hui Yee Kee explains where it all began for ballet

Basketball Historian Angus Whittall gives his take on his Knight's netting a victory

Football As the diving debate remerges, Sports Editor Ollie Weeden gives his take

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Credit to Reading University Airsoft Club

“Hit!”

The world of Airsoft TZE JIA HIEW 3rd Year Law

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, nothing blue. And a BB pellet under my shoe. I bet a lot of you out there love to play first-person shooter video games such as Counter Strike, Left 4 Dead, and Call of Duty, but have you ever wondered, how is it really like to be in a slightly more

realistic situation? It was a cool yet sunny day when I walked out of the Students’ Union during the beginning of the new academic year, where a guy at the paintball booth was trying to get me interested to sign up. “C’mon!” He said. “You can do what guys do!” In an era of promoting gender equality, it was indeed encouraging. I stopped, turned around, and replied him with a smile, “I am, but not paintball!” It’s airsoft.

What is airsoft? That is when something is as soft as air! Jokes. It’s a shooting game involving airsoft guns and BB pellets. I came to know about airsoft and hence RUAS (Reading University Airsoft Society) during the Spring Term of my second year from two hall-mates. The more I listened, the more I wanted to give it a go. You could say it was a combination of awesome experiences and good story-telling. I mean, joining a new society in your final year is too late, says no one ever.

And so I did. I “warned” the committee that my knowledge on the game is highly limited, but I was assured that I will get to learn things every step along the way. RUAS’s first outdoor and interuniversity game of the academic year took place at Spartan Airsoft in Bristol, at a forest site. It was a private game between Reading, Leicester and Cardiff University. Observing the unsurprisingly and highly imbalanced gender proportion, I whispered to my friend that there were only three

girls other than me, and all of them are from Cardiff. “Well, show them who’s better.” He replied. The moment I started running around in the forest, looking for places to hide, watching out for enemies, together with an airsoft gun in my hand weighing about 2kg, all of a sudden what I read in books about guerrilla attacks in the forest felt so real. I was amazed by the power of military camouflages. Use it wisely and you will never be seen. Those who

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Credit to Reading University Airsoft Club

went through any military training or serious National Service might laugh at this statement, but for a layperson, it was a new discovery. After each game, everyone was drenched in sweat, even in the

cold weather. What if we carry out this game in a hot and humid environment? I dare not imagine. CQB (Closed quarters battle) are played at The Mall, an abandoned mall converted into an

airsoft site located in town. They are similar to outdoor games, but more painful when get hit because the players usually shoot at each other from a shorter distance due to the nature of the venue. There are times when you are in a pitchblack room, it can be so quiet that all you can hear is someone else’s breathing. You can stay there and shoot the enemy when they enter, but if you refuse to come out from the room after doing so, be prepared for a solid-state grenade rolling in and……BOOM! Off you go to respawn. While in the dark, it is hard to identify anyone who comes in whether it is a friendly or the enemy, although you can make guesses through voice and (in my case) accents. Unlike paintball, a hit by BB pellets leaves no visible markings on a player’s clothing and hence it highly relies on the trust system. If you’re being hit, or you think you are, just give the benefit of the doubt by shouting “Hit!” and raise your hands. It’s always better to take time to your respawn area than being witnessed by someone that you did not take the bullet, especially if that person happens to have a GoPro on the hat to film some epic moments. Accuracy, bravery, confidence,

familiarity with the apparatus, good stamina, honesty, patience, rule-abiding and quick reflexes are the keys to a successful session, but never forget the F word - fun. However, safety is of utmost importance. Eye protection is compulsory and no loaded weapons are allowed in the safe zone. Long sleeves are always preferable, as you wouldn’t want to have both your arms full of scars caused by BB pellets. Not everyone minds though. Stings caused by BB pellets are NOT A JOKE! I was being told that they “sting a little” but after I got hit by a BB pellet, the word “a little” needs serious redefinition. Last but not least, no students hold any airsoft replicas in their rooms. Whilst enjoying ourselves, everything we carry out has to be in accordance with the law, which is the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA 2006). Playing the game is one thing, setting up before the game and packing up after calling it a day is like another sport. The preparations behind the scene consists of a lot of procedures. Filling the magazines with BB pallets and gas, assemble certain guns in a specific way, making sure to chronograph every single

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gun to ensure that they do not exceed safety limits, emptying magazines after the last game, etc. these require a certain level of teamwork. However, when it comes to diagnose a problem and find a solution within seconds, repairing broken parts and making fine tunings, being asked questions and provide answers within a snap, explaining anything in the most efficient way possible especially to inexperienced members, everyone usually rely on the detailed knowledge of that very one person. This is all about one thing: leadership. Joining RUAS brought me to a whole new world, with new things to learn and new experiences to gain. Despite being in a malemajority society, I feel respected and equal, and as far as I can observe, there’s no sign of lad culture. I hope this goes on. Above all, what’s best about airsoft? You can accidentally make seriously facepalm-worthy mistakes during the game and still get away with it, as long as everyone is safe.

Reading Knights Smash Brighton! MANON JONES

2nd Year Art and English Literature

What can I say about the fabulous girls in red? Made up of a variety of year groups from Freshers to Masters’ students, this year’s team has proven to show some real promise both in their training sessions and the first match of the season last Wednesday. The team, led by their encouraging captain Sammy Cooper, displayed a huge improvement from their friendly against Royal Holloway, seeing them put forward all the new skills, such as their scrums giving them multiple opportunities to gain ground in the opposition’s field of play. The atmosphere was immense as the girls were cheered on by the roaring crowd of teammates like Rosie Dennis, Ella Povery, Chessie Harkin, Megan Hamberly, Manon Jones, Harriet Robson, Molly Wells and Abi Wall belting out support along

with fellow students and parents. The match saw the Reading Knights face Brighton University, who put up a very good fight, yet were worn down by the girls’ strong defensive line and tackles. There was never a dull moment on the pitch seeing two fantastic tries from one of the newest members of the team, Grace Potter, who tore up the pitch against the opposition with the support of Nicole Maynard, who was battling through as winger for the game. Special mention was also given to Zuzia Briggs who was nominated as best forward of the match with her skilful tackles and support for other players in rucks. The match was a superb example of the girls’ capability to transfer skills to different positions, seeing Romy Barton step up to the plate as full-back, winning the girls the game 25 to 21 with a sky-rocketing kick that soared over the posts. What is lovely to see is the bond between players both on and off the pitch, as on socials such as the famous

Credit to Manon Jones

SPORTS|SPORT ON CAMPUS ‘Cheese, Mice and Cats’ and ‘Dead Rugby’, where all of the girls are made to feel welcome no matter if you’re new or a returner. There is a sense of warmth and care that sometimes lacks in a team sport as each player is made to feel as an intrinsic part of the driving force that is women’s rugby. One newcomer to the sport, Ashely Shabalashabala Thio Jiaen, commented: “Never thought I'd play rugby, but the adrenaline, the game and most importantly the girls make it all worthwhile”, showing that it’s not just enjoying the sport that matters but the people you meet that make the experience. Rugby

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is not an easy game to learn but to perform at that level as a team is fantastic and there are only more improvements to come. The girls next challengers will be King’s College London next week, where, if they played as professionally as they have recently, is sure to be, as teammate Harriet Robson stated “an exhilarating game”. Be sure to come and watch the next home game against Queen Mary’s London on the 25th November and support the girls on what may continue to be a fantastic season. Credit to Manon Jones

Horsing Around with the Riding Club

Credit to Abbie Ho

JESS O'DONNELL Deputy Editor

It’s 2pm on a breathtakingly cold Wednesday afternoon at Wellington Riding Stables and it is tipping down with rain. I venture whether rain stops lessons and am met with laughter and the fact that rain, snow, ice—nothing stops this club. The University of Reading Riding Club offers weekly lessons at £25 an hour, for beginners, lower and higher intermediate and the Friendly team and BUCS team. While £25 may seem a lot to pay per lesson, there is no required amount of lessons you have to do. You can do one lesson per term, or every week like myself and many

others, if you are slightly addicted and oblivious to your bank balance. What is most excellent about every lesson is that the incredible people at Wellington Riding Stables tailor the lesson for the ability of the student, and let you build your confidence. Beginner’s lessons have a relaxed atmosphere where they let you get to your feet, at your own pace. There is nothing patronising about being told you’ve been doing sitting trot wrong your entire life- learning and improving is the entire point. In one lesson, there were people that had never seen a horse in real life before, and they left with a smile and a skip in their step. If they can do it, anyone can. There are plenty that have joined only now, so don’t feel as though

a lack of knowledge or ability will hold you back. Only you can hold yourself back from not joining. Lowers is my normal class, and it is challenging in the best way. With help from the lovely Abigail at Wellington, you hone your skills and work on brand new experiences, largely jumping. Personally, I hadn’t gone near jumps in approximately five years, but the friendly environment is exactly what I needed to go out of my comfort zone and get on with it. Despite being occasionally terrifying, the environment does help you grow as a rider and improves your confidence. The experience is so enjoyable that I find myself looking forward to every lesson. Higher’s lessons are for those

who know how to trot, canter and jump—they simply develop your technique. Observing this lesson, there were terms used that I didn’t know existed—you can tell these girls know their stuff and aren’t ashamed to show it. They are left to do their thing to some degree, and the great teachers know how to tread the line between ‘independence’ and ‘guidance’. This class is wildly popular, like the others, but here the level of enthusiasm and knowledge is palpable. Watching the Teams, both BUCS and Friendly, is downright impressive and intimidating. The level of expertise and confidence the riders exude is brilliant to watch. The teachers expect the best of the riders and they—to an observer—absolutely give their all every lesson. They are critiqued in a constructive way to become the best riders they possibly can be; it is obvious the teachers only want to help them get better than they already are and prepare them for competition. The Riding Club isn't just about how amazing at riding you are—though there are plenty of incredible riders—it’s about

loving the horses. We are all those kids that begged for a pony every Christmas and I’m still waiting on mine, to be honest. There may be a competitive nature to the sport, but it’s not found in the friendships between the riders; I have only met horse-obsessed, friendly and kind members. The socials are legendary, from gymkhanas to cowgirl inspired nights out, with a highly anticipated equestrian superstore shopping trip taking place soon, which I’m sure my bank balance won’t thank me for. Special thanks need to be given to the wonderful teachers and yard hands at Wellington Riding Stables. Not only do they provide gorgeous horses every week (shout-out to Rocky and Pink!) but they are endless sources of knowledge and kindness. Lastly, the club would be nothing without its excellent committee and the endless patience of the people who organise our lessons. So if it is fear of the unknown that is keeping you away from riding, don’t let it. Anyone is welcome to come and join, and we look forward to seeing you at a riding lesson!

Credit to Abbie Ho

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Nothing but net for the Knights! ANGUS WHITTALL 2nd Year Law

All photos courtesy of RUBC

Reading Knights’ Basketball first team pulled through in a tricky away atmosphere to come out with the win 81-67 against Brighton. After a long coach journey to Brighton’s Eastbourne campus, Reading fought through the tough physical play of their opposition to win comfortably. It was always going to be a difficult game, having found it challenging to ignore the trash-talking, physical tactics and heckling from the opposition’s fans on previous occasions; this time was no different. The match was made all the more difficult by the challenges of enhancement week. With many of the regular starters unable to attend, the team was left with just two centres in contrast to the five they usually have at their disposal. However, a number of players stepped up from the reserves or from the bench and contributed significantly to the performance. The game begun with a slow start for our Knights, who found it difficult to cope with the good positioning of the opposition under the basket. Despite this, from early on in the first quarter, Reading started to build a lead through a number of good shots from Greek guards Giorgos Aggelakopoulos and Alexios Dimitropoulos. Brighton refused to buckle though and, by playing through their Centre, started to get our big players into foul trouble, with Angus Whittall and Riccardo Zazzini finishing the half with

three and two fouls respectively. Reading tried to counteract this by playing through their guards, with George Kollias, Seshehang Chemjong, Gonçalo Lopes and the Club President, Alex Teodosiu, knocking down a number of shots. Despite Reading’s dominance, Brighton went through a number of good spells, often drawing fouls to pick up points at the free throw line and through the second, third and into the fourth quarter the lead was cut to single digits. During this period the crowd started to make their support known, often heckling opposition players during free throws and while attacking Brighton’s end. The players managed to keep their heads, some even using the pressure to push them on. After a number of successful attempts from the free throw line, Aggelakopoulos and Whittall were seen to silence the crowd, demoralising their opponents. This crowd pressure culminated in a number of spectacular plays from the team. Aggelakopoulos continued to captivate the audience with a mixture of great dribbling, threepoint shots and strong drives to the basket, often resulting in the opportunity to get a third point after being fouled. All of the team stepped up their strong physical play to get a number of rebounds and achieve a significant amount of second-chance points. As the pressure mounted in the final quarter and Brighton

attempted to make a comeback, Vice-President Angus Whittall went strong to the basket to “posterize” the opposition centre with a remarkable Slam Dunk, simultaneously demoralizing the opponents while galvanising the rest of the team. The team defended excellently during the final minutes to achieve a number of empty trips for their opposition, with Whittall, Zazzini, Lopes and Dimitropoulos picking up a number of important blocks and rebounds. This culminated in a hugely impressive run in the fourth quarter which stretched the Reading lead to 16 points: the highest of the game. Brighton managed a lastsecond buzzer-beater to cut the deficit to 14, but it was not enough to get them the win. This victory makes it 4-0 for the season for the Knights, who have won their last three away games and remain unbeaten this season as we enter November. They sit top of the table on 12 points with a huge goal difference of 62, six points ahead of King’s College in second place. They will hope to continue their unbeaten streak when they take on Portsmouth 1st team in the South Eastern Conference Cup at home this Wednesday, having beaten them last week on the road 60-51. They tip-off at 4pm at the SportsPark and entry is free for all spectators.

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BUCS Match Day: 04/11/15

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All photos courtesy of Sam Nowell

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SPORTS|SPORT ON CAMPUS & NATIONAL NEWS Mixed Golf

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Men's Rugby Union

Women's Hockey

League Cup Indiv Total 1 University College London 53 0 0 53 2 Imperial College London 50 0 0 50 3 King's College London 40 0 0 40 4 University of Portsmouth 39 0 0 40 5 Reading University 38 0 0 38

Women's Netball

League Cup Indiv Total 1 King's College London 74 0 0 74 2 University College London 47 0 0 47 3 Imperial College London 42 0 0 42 4 Reading University 41 0 0 41 5 University Sussex 31 0 0 31

League Cup Indiv Total 1 Brunel University 65 0 0 65 2 University of Hertfordshire 65 0 0 65 3 University College London 53 0 0 53 4 Queen Mary University of London 52 0 0 52 5 University of Brighton 45 0 0 45

League Tables

League Cup Indiv Total 1 University of Essex 51 0 0 51 2 Reading University 32 6 0 38 3 Guildford College (Merrist Wood) 34 0 0 34 4 Buckinhamshire New University 32 0 0 32 5 University of Brighton 30 0 0 30

The Origins of Ballet

Ballet is an art that is centuries old, yet more beautiful than ever

Photo courtesy of Ramon Gutierrez

Photo courtesy of Kryziz Bonny

HUIYEE KEE 3nd Year Law

Where did ballet come from, Russia or Great Britain? Chances are, you guessed wrong. Ballet originated in beautiful Italy.

However, according to John Gregory, credits need to be given to Egyptian and Greek cultures, particularly to the ancient terpsichore. The word “ballet” itself resembles the Italian word “ballo” which means dance. Ballet blossomed in Italy during

Renaissance in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Under the patronage of Catherine de’ Medici, ballet started spreading to France. It was performed mostly in the courts. Louis XIV, the king himself had showcased many popular dances during his reign. He danced his first ballet when he was thirteen. This should scrap any thoughts that boys cannot

be ballerinas. Louis XIV was known to perform first in his role as the Sun God or Sun King in Le Ballet Royal de la Nuit. This performance lasted over 12 hours. He also opened the first Academy of Dance in 1661. Due to its courtly nature, ballet emphasises on precision and elegance. It requires high discipline on various aspects (yes,

diet is one of them) to build a successful ballet career. Tracing back to the old days, ballet masters travelled from court to court. They were responsible for choreographing the dance and training the dancers. Pierre Beauchamp is one of the famous ballet master in the early centuries. History records that Pierre taught Louis XIV ballet for more than twenty-two years. He was known for codifying the five positions of the feet. In 1930s UK, Russian ballet was performed on a regular basis in London by Colonel de Basil. Marie Rambert and Ninette de Valois who all played an important role in shaping British ballet. Marie Rambert founded Ballet Rambert (previously known as Ballet Club) while Ninette de Valois formed Vic-Wells Ballet which later became the Royal Ballet. Today, ballet has evolved into more than a visual art, but should always be remembered for its wonderful and widespread origins.

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NATIONAL NEWS

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London Irish to play Premiership game in New York! OLLIE WEEDEN Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of London Irish & Jonathan Daniel

Reading based Aviva Premiership side London Irish will play their home game against Saracens this season at the Red Bull Arena in New York. The 25,000 capacity stadium will serve as host on the 12th March next year of the first premiership fixture to be played overseas. Rugby Union is currently the fastest growing team sport in the USA. The concept of playing a league game abroad is one which has long been debated across football. Strong opposition from fans has meant that this idea has been sidelined for many years, with little hope of it being explored again. Irish, however,

are confident that this venture can be a success with the fixture fittingly taking place just five days before St.Patricks day and New York having a considerable Irish American population. “This is an enormous opportunity for London Irish and a chance for our club to gain exposure in one of the biggest sporting cities in the world,” the London Irish chief executive, Bob Casey, said. “The New York region has a significant Irish community and is renowned for its annual St Patrick’s Day parade, so it’s the perfect time for our club to venture into this market.

Rugby is set for an exciting time with Rugby World Cup 2015 reaching its final stages, the inclusion of sevens in the 2016 Olympic Games, and now the first ever Premiership fixture in the USA. We are well placed to capitalise on these opportunities to create a lasting legacy for both rugby and London Irish.” The Premiership Rugby chief executive, Mark McCafferty, added: “This is a significant day in the history of Premiership Rugby, and one that has taken a number of years and a lot of hard work to bring to fruition. Premiership Rugby is the most competitive

Photo courtesy of London Irish & Jonathan Daniel

league in world rugby with a fast-growing following outside England, and we are delighted to stage a competitive match in the USA. “There are ambitious plans to grow the game in the States, and this is the latest stage in that strategy. I would like to thank both London Irish for their support and vision in making this bold step, as well as Saracens and our partners – The Legacy Agency Inc and USA Rugby. “We firmly believe this will be a great success and will showcase live Premiership Rugby to a new audience.”

The United States did indeed name three players name three Saracen players in their 2015 world cup squad, including 54 captain Chris Wyles. Lock Hayden Smith and prop Titi Lamositele also made the cut. Tickets have already gone on sale and the club has offered supporters exciting ‘travel packages’, which include flights and accommodation as well as the match ticket.

Benzema faces charges over sex tape OLLIE WEEDEN Sports Editor

Real Madrid have issued a statement offering their full support to striker Karim Benzema after he was placed under formal investigation over his alleged involvement in blackmailing a fellow footballer over a sex tape. The 27 year old striker has arrived back in the Spanish capital after his appearance before a judge in France, which left him out of France's squad for the games against Germany and England later this month. Investigators in France are currently gathering

evidence in order to determine whether Benzema played a role in the alleged extortion attempt against the France and Lyon midfielder Mathieu Valbuena. Valbuena was also left out of the national squad, with head coach Didier Deschamps saying he was not in the right emotional state to play. Real Madrid have commented: “Karim Benzema returned to training this evening at Real Madrid City after making a statement to the French authorities in Versailles. The Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, held a meeting with the

player in which he gave him his full support and expressed his confidence that his actions were in good faith and that he is completely innocent. The club values and recognises the professional commitment, the displays of camaraderie with his team-mates and the impeccable attitude he has shown as a core member of the first-team squad for the more than six seasons that he has been a part of Real Madrid.” The Versailles prosecutors have said the alleged crime of conspiracy to blackmail and participating in a criminal group could carry a prison sentence of at least five

years. Benzema has also been placed under judicial supervision, which means he cannot meet the victim or other people charged in the case. The striker has already admitted involvement in the case, conceding to investigators that he approached Valbuena at the request of a 'childhood friend' but claims he did not think he was harming the other player. A source close to the investigation has said: “Karim Benzema has admitted speaking to [him] at the request of a childhood friend, who was approached by three blackmailers who were in possession of the sex tape, Benzema said he had agreed

with his childhood friend on what he should say so that his teammate would negotiate exclusively with him.” The French police detained Benzema for questioning only two weeks after former Liverpool and QPR striker Djibril Cisse was interviewed and released as part of the same inquiry. Immediately after his release Cisse spoke of his innocence on French television before later announcing his retirement from the game. The investigation continues.

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Ronaldo: A Living Legend and Doesn't He Know It Photo courtesy of footballrenders

GEORGE ROBERTS Sports Reporter

There’s no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is one if the greatest footballers the world has ever seen, but after starring in a new film about himself, it has never been clearer that his ego is just as big as his talent. At 30 years old, he’s broken pretty much every record there is to break. Most recently, Ronaldo

became Real Madrid’s all time top scorer with 326 goals for Madrid at the time of writing, eclipsing Raul’s previous record of 323. Remarkably, Ronaldo only needed 308 games to do this - less than half of Raul’s 741. He also holds the record for most hat tricks for Real Madrid: 34 - smashing Alfredo Di Stefano’s previous club record of 28, which had stood for over 50 years. He is one of six Madrid players to score 5 goals in a single game, and he is the only player in

La Liga history to score over 25 goals in six different seasons. In the Champions League he holds the records for the most goals in a single campaign (17), as well as being the tournament’s all time leading goal scorer (82). He’s also been named World Player of the Year three times (2008, 2013, 2014). It is pretty fair to say that the numbers do the talking. Even Cristiano’s harshest critics would find it hard to argue that

he is not one of the greatest to grace the game - but there aren't many. Ronaldo has an enormous international fan base, but it is fairly clear to see that his biggest fan is himself. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, he was asked about being the most famous footballer in the world. His answer was simple: “all this happens for a reason, the reason is I’m unbelievable inside the pitch… In my mind I am always the best, I don’t care what the people are thinking.” While it is clear that his ego is monumental, is there more to him than that? He acknowledges that people may not agree with him, and many don’t ‘arch-nemesis’ Lionel Messi has won one more World Player of the Year award than Ronaldo - but his drive, and belief that he is the best, is clear to see - and that may be his secret to success. Ronaldo has not always enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle: an unwanted child, his mother tried, and failed, to abort him when she was pregnant. He grew up in Madeira, but moved 600 miles away to join the Sporting Lisbon youth academy when he was just 12 years old. If that wasn't tough enough, his father, a veteran of the Portuguese Colonial War, was an alcoholic, and died of cirrhosis of the liver when his son was only 19 years old. After such a tough childhood, you can hardly blame him for being proud of his great achievements, however, in a sport full of egos and prima donnas, Ronaldo has a reputation for being the worst of the worst. Perhaps the finest example of this can be found in his home land of Madeira, where, in 2013, he built a museum of himself for the public to enjoy. On display are all of his greatest achievements, starting with a certificate he won when he was eight years old, and spanning all the way through his glittering career to current day. The museum includes a lifesize waxwork of the player, and even an empty room “to be filled by future trophies”. The recent documentary about Ronaldo, of course titled Ronaldo, has been described by The Guardian reviewer Wendy Ide as being “as airbrushed and groomed as its subject” - clearly this film may have been made more for

Cristiano’s entertainment more than anybody else’s. While Ronaldo’s achievements place him securely on another planet, he is not alone out there in the cosmos. Lionel Messi - his only true contemporary, arguably of all world footballers ever - is constantly being compared to Ronaldo. Who is better? It’s difficult to say. Ronaldo said himself that comparing him with Messi is like comparing a “Ferrari with a Porsche” - they have different engines, and different things driving them. Messi is small, his style of play is fluid and beautiful. His dribbles are impossible to predict and his centre of gravity is so low trying to push him over is like trying to kick down a greased-up letter box. His style is romantic and his personality is withdrawn making him perfectly suited for Barcelona and their romantic, team - orientated style of play. Ronaldo, on the other hand, is a powerhouse. He’s a perfect athlete: he can leap like a salmon and run faster than anyone else on the pitch. He’s a ruthless goal scorer and once you've passed him the ball don't expect to get it back - expect it to end up in the net. He is perfectly suited the Real Madrid’s ‘Galactico’s’ approach: he was the most expensive player in the world when Madrid signed him from Manchester United for £80 million, he is the highest paid footballer in world football, and he is a world renowned global icon. While it is clear to see why people both love and hate him, it cannot be denied for a single second that Cristiano Ronaldo isn't a living legend. Yes, he does talk the talk, but he’s one of the only players that can match his ego with his performances, and as he moves into his 30’s - a dreaded period for most footballers, it is evident that Ronaldo is nowhere near finished.

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The diving debate: tactical or shameless? OLLIE WEEDEN Sports Editor

Editor Nathalie Siah Deputy Editors Jess O'Donnell, Jen Daniel News Editor Harriet Lynds Lifestyle Editor Annabel Horseley Sport Editor Ollie Weeden Design Editor Elliot Spain, Jessie Webb Online Editor Miriam Carey Secretary Emma Campbell

Roy Keane has held nothing back as he brands Manchester United winger Ashley Young 'a disgrace' after his apparent dive in the Champions League against CSKA Moscow. Young left his leg dangling against the defender Georgi Shchennikov in the second half of United's 1-0 victory hoping to win a penalty as United struggled to gain the advantage amid growing dissent from their fans. “I think the guy's a disgrace and if he's a United player I'm a Chinaman”, the former Red Devils captain said on ITV. “Absolute disgrace, he’s done it far too many times. Look at that - absolute disgrace. And I just hope players are getting a hold of him, whether it be the manager or some of the senior players. That shouldn’t be accepted at Man United. That’s absolutely disgraceful.” Keane added how: "The senior players need to get hold of him. That shouldn't be accepted at Manchester United. That's not leaving your leg in. That's different. It's the somersault he does, it's an absolute disgrace. Maybe once or twice can be seen as a mistake. But he's done it nine or 10 times and he's done it at his previous clubs." Keane's former Old Trafford teammate Paul Scholes also blasted Young's theatrics, saying on BT Sport how: "Ashley needs to stop doing this. He knows that himself, but it's just a habit and he can't get rid of it. It's so obvious and he just needs to get this out of his game. It is embarrassing and Ashley knows it. He's a really good player and he doesn't need to resort to those tactics, but I just think it's ingrained in him."

This is not the first time the 30 year old has been criticised. In 2012, Young was dropped and fined by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson after he dived against Aston Villa and then warned again by David Moyes when he was booked in September 2013 for the same offence against Crystal Palace. He was again booked against Sunderland under Louis van Gaal in August of last year. The reality is, diving is not simply the practice of a small minority tarnishing the reputation of the beautiful game: it has become an epidemic. Foreign players in the Premier League have often been scapegoated as the original perpetrators but nowadays there seems to be little evidence to justify targeting one group over another. In every league game we see, commentators can be heard bringing out the usual lines including 'he's gone over rather easily there', 'he's looking to draw the foul' and the classic 'not much contact there'. The culture of excuse-making for players who are, above all, cheating by attempting to fool the referee into believing that a foul has been committed must be curtailed if the game has any chance of eradicating diving. The most recent attempt to combat the epidemic was as long ago as the summer of 2013 where it emerged that plans to use video evidence to bring retrospective bans to offenders were rejected by the Premier League. The proposal was backed by the FA but failed to gain support from the game's other stakeholders. FA chairman Greg Dyke was the force behind the reform intended to follow the example of the Scottish Football Association who now use video evidence to ban players for simulation, even though on the field of play it still only constitutes a yellow card offence. Around the same time, Arsene Wegner called for an ethics committee to be

Photo by Jimmy Baikovicius

set up to adjudicate over diving incidents retrospectively. “With this committee, an obvious dive should be punished by a threematch ban,” he said. Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis echoed that, saying last season: “I’ve been on about and banging the drum about people who fall over. It’s an embarrassment. The FA should be looking at this.” Sadly, it seems that the FA are more concerned with protecting the integrity of their referees. Of course, they do a very tough job, often forced to make result-defining calls based on their interpretation of the rules, position on the pitch in relation to the incident and the effect of loud, partisan crowds. One can always forgive a referee for making a mistake, but if broadcasters can clarify controversial decisions using match replay within a matter of seconds then why can't the FA? The reality is that just about every club in England will have benefitted from their players diving at some point, and managers coming out publicly stating that they will drop any player proved of simulation ends

up being more of a self-imposed disadvantage, a policy which other teams in the league will not abide by. Therefore we are forced into a rather simple solution, any player found guilty of attempting to influence a refereeing decision through simulation or play acting which can be proved through video replay will be subject to an automatic one match ban. Equally, should a player be flagged up in game for the same offence, a yellow card should be issued with the added punishment of a one match ban, although they are allowed to remain on the pitch for the current game. Many may disagree, citing the rather ambiguous definition of simulation and how difficult it can be to ascertain a player's guilt. However, should the FA not legislate on this particular matter then the situation will only get worse as we see fewer and fewer John Terrys, Steven Gerrards and Terry Butchers in the game and, instead, more players who wish to take their chances. I, for one, would rather not see this happen.

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