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Friday 11.11.11 Volume 58
Issue
Students abseil the Blade Abi Floyd
Raising and Giving (RAG) celebrated Halloween by giving their special participants a fright by signing them up to abseil down the Blade in town. This is Reading’s tallest building, at the highest point on the spire of the Blade is 128 meters high. The brave team dropped 13 floors down the side of the building whilst waving to the onlookers below.
Teans were dropped 100 miles away in a secret location
One of the participants abseiling down the Blade. Photograph from RAG
Arriving late in the afternoon gave the team time to watch others take on the Blade and silence fell among the crowd. Despite this, they all made it to the top and took hold of any fears. Although intended as a treat from RAG, the participants were thinking that it was more of a trick when they were taking in the views and hanging over the side. A RAG committee member said “RAG would like to give special thanks to Charles Cook, Tom Ruse and Louise ‘King Kong’ Rains who managed to raise £450 for St Mungo’s homeless charity! Well done to them and the others who took part.” As well as this creepy activity in the local area RAG also decided to take their members out of their comfort zone and get them purposefully lost in s strange place.
Participants were woken up unsociably early at 7am, blindfolded, loaded onto a coach, driven 100 miles away from the university and dropped off in a secret location.
Participants abseiled down the 12 metre high Blade in the town centre All the teams made it back to Reading, so congratulations to them too. The first team made it back at 2.10pm with the last returning at 7.00pm. RAG is holding celebratory drinks in MOJOS on Tuesday 15 November at 7pm for those who took part and to award the prizes for the winning team and biggest fundraiser. The society will be holding another LOST in spring term and we plan to take you even further afield so keep an eye out for the messages on Facebook. In the near future the RAG team are taking their group to Amsterdam to experience the culture, and the nightlife including, of course, the infamous red light distric to see what it’s really like. They also have two other trips coming up next year. The group intend to climb all 5895 metrs of Mount Kilimanjaro and go on a 13 day trek along the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world.
What’s Inside? Political Comment
7
Her Royal Highness is staying on top
Arts and Books Liz Brewer shares etiquette advice in her new book
Beauty
24
UCAS proposes changes to current system Mark Powney
UCAS, the Universities and College Admission system, are proposing dramatic changes to the way in which students apply to undergraduate courses. These changes could come into effect in 2016, but this could see effects filtering down to the period when Alevel students sit the final exams. The current system works with students applying to five different courses or institutions between the start of their second year of Alevels, around September, up until the end of January. Responses as to whether places are offered or not are returned by the end of March, leaving the student until the middle of May to make firm
and insurance choices. Under the new proposed format students would be applying to university later, after they have received their A-level results, and only making a choice of two courses or institutions. These changes will effectively signal the end of predictive grades and conditional offers, not to mention the system of clearing for anyone who did not gain places at their first or second choice universities. The chief executive of UCAS said that “predictive grades are often incorrect” which acts as a disadvantage towards students. To combat this, students would take their A2-level exams in the Easter before the traditional exam
period, so as to allow the application process to take place once the exam results have been published. UCAS have also argued for these changes due to the fact that often students rush into decisions about which university to go to without having been able to visit or investigate them extensively enough. Professor Ebdon, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and chairman of the University Think Tank Million+, said “The outcome of this consultation will be vitally important to future students who should be at the heart of the admissions system”. However this is not the feel amongst the students themselves. A part one student said “[I] would
not have been able to fully focus on my January exams knowing that I had to get ready for exams at Easter”. A Sixth Form student said “it limits the number of places that I can apply for and puts more pressure on me. Am I left without a place if I don’t get on to either of those courses?” The consultation for these proposed changes remains under investigation until 20 January 2012 with the results being published in March. These proposed changes are the first in fifty years since the system was established in 1961 as the university applications central council. Although UCAS have student interests at heart, it seems from the responses of the students that this is not the case.
20
Top skin care tips
Sci/Tech Apple’s take on a Personal Assistant
30
2 News
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
‘Waste not, Want not’: Encouraging students not to waste food Kate Delaney
A group of students from the University of Reading have collaborated together, calling themselves ‘Waste Not, Want Not’, to do their bit to save the environment and encourage others to do the same. The group consists of four second year environmental sciences students, Anna Pierlejewska, 20, Tom Parry, 22, and 19-year-olds Anwen Beaton and Emily Bastable. They have been shortlisted for a major award, the nPower Future Leaders Challenge.
Doing the right thing is good for the environment and for the student budget The competition encourages students to inspire people in their area to take care of the environment and keep green. The main message that the group is trying to push is that throwing away food is bad, both for the environment and for your bank balance. The group are petitioning to both the university and the local council to find ways of making it easier for people to recycle their
food scraps to reduce the high level of landfill waste that the Reading area creates. They are also trying to remind people how small actions on their part can affect the environment. The students are utilizing social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube in an attempt to widely spread their eco-message around fellow students.
The team have been shortlisted for to win the nPower Future Leaders Challenge Anna Pierlejewska said “We need to help people to get into good habits. It’s about doing the right thing, but it’s making people realise that doing the right thing for the environment also makes sense in terms of saving cash.” Group leader, Anwen Beaton, explained that many people from the university, including senior managers, were supporting their message. “Students are more environmentally aware than ever these days and are willing to change their own habits”. The result of the competition will be announced in early December.
‘Waste not, Want not’ team. Photograph from University of Reading Press Office
Student Chosen Campaign: ‘Your Uni, Your Sportspark’ Kate Delaney
The Student Chosen Campaign for this term is ‘Your Uni, Your Sportspark’. The campaign aims to improve the service provided by Sportspark, particularly by making students the priority. In current circumstances the Sportspark has to pay the university a recharge fee which puts pressure on them to be a more commercial facility and continuously raise costs, and focus on getting more community members because the rate they pay is higher. The campaign suggests removing this recharge fee will lower costs and therefore allow the focus to remain on students rather than money.
“The team is making amazing progress currently”
University of Reading Sportspark. Photograph by Kate Delaney
With the £9,000 fees coming in next year, the campaign team want the University of Reading to offer the best service possible to make it worth the students’ while. So far, the campaign team has been in contact with other Students’ Unions to find out information on their facilities and whether the recharge fee is common practice in universities. Their findings suggest that this is not the case.
They have also been working closely with the Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) sabbatical officers trying to work out why this recharge fee is necessary. The team have also looked at other sports facilities in the area to get an idea of prices.
The Sportspark has to pay a recharge fee to the university Adam Hartley, a member of the campaign team told Spark* “The Student Chosen Campaign (Your Uni, Your Sportspark) is currently progressing extremely well and shows what a well oiled team can do when a large group of people with different agendas come together to fight for a single cause under the student banner. The team is making amazing progress currently but still needs to kick it up a gear as we’re in week five currently and we have five weeks to get this all sorted and begin the real change. We currently are working on getting a lot of questionnaires out to see what exactly students feel about Sportspark. We are doing this so we can perform analysis on the results to further back up our statements to both the university and Sportspark”.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
News 3
What a Classic: Classics Department celebrates centenary Lizzie Pollington
This year the University of Reading’s Classics department celebrates its 100th anniversary. In 1911 the department was appointed Percy Ure as its first professor before the university had even received is Royal Charter in 1926. In its early years the Classics department at the University of Reading was known for taking in those in the field that had more controversial views, including E.R. Dodds, a scholar who focused on Classical Greek history, and Jocelyn Toynbee, and art historian.
The department is known for its intake of controversially viewed students Percy Ure is often accredited with the foundation and success of the Classics department and after whom the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology in the department is named. The museum curator, until 1976, was his wife, Annie Ure. Since 1911, the department has grown into a successful body of academics who use their long stand-
ing tradition to achieve academic excellence. Their goal is to become the best Classics department in the country and aim to achieve this by increasing its already recognised ground-breaking research and inspirational teaching.
The department received 100% student satisfaction in the NSS This year the department received 100% student satisfaction in the National Student Survey, placing as the second best Classics department in the UK. The department now has 12 full time permanent members of teaching staff with several sessional lecturers and teaching fellows. The Head of Classics, Professor Kruschwitz said “Looking back on one-hundred years of history of excellence in Classics research and teaching at Reading, it makes me feel very proud to be part of this remarkable department. Reading always has been a place at which it was possible to pursue visionary, groundbreaking research, pushing the boundaries of a traditional discipline.” He went on to remark “My colleagues and I are driven by the de-
sire to drive the research agenda of our discipline even further. One hundred years after its formal establishment, the Department of Classics is a beautifully diverse, vibrant, and creative community of academics and students, driven by their shared passion for the ancient world, its rich cultural and linguistic heritage, and its reception.” To celebrate the centenary, the Classics department held a lecture on Percy Ure himself on Wenesday 9 November. This was given by renowned Classicists Professor Robin Osbourn from the University of Cambridge, and introductory remarks were provided from Professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, also from the University of Cambridge.
Above: celebratory lecture. Photograph by Calum Mcintyre Rogers Below: Voting tablets from fifth century Athens
The department held a lecture on Percy Ure with speakers from Cambridge University The acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tony Downes also attended. The celebration was held in the HumSS building and was open for Classics students and teachers alike to attend.
Reading celebrates Diwali with style Chayya Syal
In celebration of Diwali, the festival of light, the University of Reading’s Hindu Society hosted the Masti Diwali Charity Ball and made it a glamorous night to remember. The event took place on 9 November and was the newly formed society’s second Diwali ball. The ball was held in the stunning Shehnai Banqueting Suite on London Street.
Attendees were treated to a traditional Indian three course meal Attendees were treated to a traditional Indian three course meal as well as an exclusive DJ set, speakers from the National Hindu Students Forum (NHSF) and arrived dressed to the nines in Indian attire. Vice-president, Jaimal Patel said: “Tonight NHSF Reading Hindu
society celebrated Diwali in style and not only did we celebrate with Hindus but with Sikhs, Muslims and Jains.”
“Not only did we celebrate with Hindus but with Sikhs, Muslims and Jains” The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is symbolised by lighting candles that are filled with oil. They are kept on during the night until they naturally go out. Prayers are also said in order to bring luck, prosperity, happiness and success to individuals and their families. He added: “Tonight we were thankful for everything God has given us and we truly remembered the meaning of Diwali.” The event was a huge success for the society and welcomed everyone to come together to share and celebrate a momentous occasion.
Diwali Ball. Photograph by Jaimal Patel
4 NEWS
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
New addition to the Safety Bus service Henrietta Clarh-Hughes
The safety bus service run by the union is to be extended to include a second bus. The bus service already runs from the library Monday to Thursday but will now have a second bus operating every half hour.
Buses fill up too fast and students have to be turned away
cause the purpose of the bus is to ensure the safety of those students walking home alone after studying late in the library. Bus rides are limited to eight people, however there is a reserve list in the event that someone doesn’t show up. The bus drops as close as possible to your door, however this is within a zone of reach; the bus does not operate in Reading town centre. For a full map see the library reception. The second bus will be particularly useful with darker evenings drawing in. The service does not reflect on crime levels in the area, however with muggings occurring in student areas it is very much appreciated.
The new Safety Bus mascots. Photograph by Adam Bailey
The bus is funded by the Students’ Union and is included in their nonprofit scheme. There has been a high demand for a second bus in the several years that it has been running. This is due to buses filling up too quickly and not running frequently enough, causing long waits. The second bus has been brought in to alleviate these problems raised by students. The bus now runs from 6.00pm until 11.30pm, and departs every 30 mins. Students should write their names down from 5pm at the library reception and student cards must be presented. The driver has the right to refuse groups of more than three if going to the same location. This is be-
Additional funding for mental health service
Sex offenders on the rise in Reading
Bethany Lunn
The Charlie Waller Institute of Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment is the University of Reading’s mental health training and research centre, which has teamed with the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and have been awarded government funding to improve mental health support for young people. The University of Reading and Oxford Health NHS FT have joined to be a collaborative for CAMHS IAPT (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Improving Access to Psychological Therapy). The Charlie Waller Institute of Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment has been training clinicians in proven psychological treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to improve mental healthcare in adults since it opened three years ago. The Charlie Waller Institute, within the university’s School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, will provide training for new therapists as part of the IAPT. The therapy seeks to deal more
effectively with the most common mental health problems in children; training practitioners to use cognitive behavioural therapy for treatment of depression and anxiety. Practitioners will implement parenting programmes for children with conduct disorders. Around one in ten children under fifteen suffer from a mental health problem. Professor Roz Shafran, co-Director at Charlie Waller Institute, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract for such a vital training programme that will increase the availability of therapies that work for children and young people.
Around one in ten children under fifteen suffer from a mental health problem “We have successfully trained more than 200 therapists so far as part of our IAPT for adults and look forward to working with Oxford NHS Foundation Trust to
improve mental health services for young people.” Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said “Half of those with mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14, and three quarters before their mid-20s.
The funding will transform existing mental health services This pioneering work will focus on early and effective treatment. We know psychological therapies work. Our aim is to transform existing mental health services for children so our children get the best treatment possible, from services that are more responsive to their needs.” The training has so far been successful because it focuses on why the problem is ongoing and how to deal with it. It is short term, focussed and proven to work. The treatment for children differs from treatment for adults because certain treatment for children is in groups, whereas all treatment with adults is done individually.
Kate Delaney
There are now 20 new registered sex offenders living in the Berkshire West area as of this year. Statistics from the Multi Agency Public Probation Arrangements (MAPPA), taken at the end of March, show that there are now 259 registered sex offenders in this area, including rapists and paedophiles. This is compared to 232 that were registered at the same point last year. This heightened figure amounts to 0.054% of the population in this area.
71 sex offenders were cautioned for a breach of conditions last year With the exception of 2010 which saw a slight decline, the number of registered sex offenders in the area has risen every year from 2006 to 2010. The Berkshire West area, as of this year, has the second highest percentage of registered sex offenders in Thames Valley, falling
The second bus means more people can be taken home when working late Safety bus driver James Gascoyne stated “It is a fantastic service that promotes safety to Reading students. The second safety bus further emphasises this, meaning more people can be taken home when working late.”
just behind Milton Keynes which has 0.057%. The police force and the probation and prison services aim to ensure registered sex offenders are monitored appropriately so any breaches of their regulations are noticed and can be punished and recorded.
There are now 259 registered sex offenders in the Berkshire West area There are several rules that they have to live by such as limitations on where they can go, and that they must attend counselling sessions. 71 sex offenders were cautioned for a breach of conditions last year. Philosophy student Annie Barnes said “It’s good to know that 71 sex offenders were cautioned but the fact that there were 71 breaches of the probtion rules in the first place unnerves me as it suggests they maybe shouldn’t be out in the first place”.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
News 5
UoR teaching graduates among the most confident in the country Calum Mcintyre Rogers
Graduates of the UoR’s Institute of Education are some of the most confident new teachers in the UK, surveys show. In an exit survey completed by 13,000 new graduates, participants are asked to rate the quality of their training to teach pupils to read.
“Teaching how to read is one of the most vital skills that a primary teacher must master” The survey noted that more women graduates responded than men of the 33, 000 that were asked. Nationwide, 58% of participants rate their training in teaching pupils to read as being ‘good’ or ‘very good’; at Reading, however, 79% of respondents described their training as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Dr Michael Day, who works for the government’s ‘Training and Development Agency for Schools’ praised Reading’s results said “This is a substantial achievement by you and your partner schools in developing and providing training to teach reading that is clearly valued for its quality by the majority of your newly qualified teachers,”. In the same survey, 92% of Reading student teachers said that they
considered their course to be ‘very good’ or ‘good’ overall, higher than the national average of 80%.
“The result of the TDA’s survey is a valuable recognition of one of the UoR’s strengths” The head of the University’s Institute of Education Professor Andy Goodwyn commented that “teaching children how to read is one of the most vital skills that any primary teacher needs to master. As one of the top-ranked higher education institutes in the country for all types of teacher training, we have long been confident that we are doing well in this area, but the result of the TDA’s survey is a valuable recognition of one of the University of Reading’s strengths”.
92% of Reading students considered their course to be ‘good’ or ‘very good’ You can peruse the survey yourself on tda.gov.uk; the search entry ‘NQT survey 2011’ will return the PDF summary.
A Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at Ascot School. Photographs from Reading University Press Office
University of Reading blasts off into the space race Calum Mcintyre Rogers
On 26 October, the University of Reading was granted membership of the International Space Innovation Centre at Harwell Campus, Oxford. ISIC is a group which “creat[es] new technologies, and develop[s] applications and intellectual property for the benefit of the UK”. The group receives its funding from the UK Space Agency, which in turn is funded jointly by government and the private sector
Reading was also hailed for its research into ‘space weather’, having advised the government on the threat posed by solar flares on the country’s power infrastructure. Work done at Reading regarding climate change has received great acclaim from scientific bodies across the world; a team led by UoR Professor Pier Luigi Vidale has recently been granted access to the HERMIT supercomputer in Germany by the ‘Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe’ in
order to conduct climate change simulations over a quarter-century. Professor of Earth Observation Sciences at Reading, Robert Gurney, said that “we have unprecedented opportunities in Earth Observation research and innovation, areas in which Reading has an international reputation. ISIC gives us new pathways to applying that knowledge for economic growth, education and the public good.”
Below: the earth observation hub at ISIC; picture from the ISIC website
Reading’s research into ‘earth observation’ is recognised as worldleading The university was identified as being eligible for membership due to its pioneering work in ‘earth observation’; using satellite data to track environmental changes across the globe, and modeling projected future changes.
Above: The ISIC building itself, at Oxford
6 NEWS
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
Fortnightly Media Blog: Junction11 Hello again! So last time we spoke we had just finished interviewing a bunch of people who wanted to be presenters. Since then we’ve trained them and set them all loose on the airwaves, so why not check them out? The full schedule is now up on www.junction11radio.co.uk so have a gander and tune in at the same place. You might notice that there’s a few slots left open. This is sad and we want them filled! I’ve had a bunch of people email me to say that they were a bit caught up in all the excitement at the start of term and didn’t get round to asking us for a show earlier. If you’re in the same boat, never fear because we can still get you that show. Just email me at manager@ junction11radio.co.uk with your availability and a contact phone
number and we’ll see what can be done. But now that the majority of training and settling down has been done, we can get back to doing fun stuff! You might have seen us doing an outside broadcast (we call them OBs ‘cause we’re totally pro.) from Mojo’s on Thursday. We had the pleasure of being joined by the marvellous Jamie Crawford, who shared some his singer-songwriter-y goodness with us. You can check him out at myspace.com/ jamie.crawford if you missed him or just want to hear more. We’ll be doing plenty of OBs in the near future, so keep an eye out for us popping up all over campus very soon! Right, that’s all from me. I do have a course to do at some point... Love, Chris Diffin, Station Manager.
what’s going on? what
where
12th
Saturday Union
3Sixty
15th
RUSU AGM
3Sixty
15th
Comedy Night
3Sixty
16th
University Challenge Try outs
RUSU Boardroom
16th
Careers Fair
Palmer Foyer
when November
November
November
November
November
next issue of Spark* out:
Friday 2011
across the students’ union
7 POLITICAL COMMENT
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
politics.spark@reading.ac.uk
POLITICAL COMMENT Keeping up with the Windsors
Disaster strikes in the Euro-Zone
people have had with the Prince throughout his life will filter through to his reign, and that the long hard work of his mother will be undone by Charles’ controversial views and unpopularity.
Australia has come down with royal fever, welcoming the Queen with open arms Ellis Wiggins
One really has to feel sorry for Julia Gillard. In a year that has been less than kind to Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Gillard has faced opposition to her much-cherished Carbon Tax, and witnessed her proposal for asylum seeker exchange consigned to the bin. Now her adopted country, with its often ambivalent attitude towards the monarchy, seems to have come down with royal fever, welcoming the Queen with open arms on her current visit. For the foreseeable future, republicanism in Australia has died a death, and even Gillard, with her inherent hatred of the British monarchy, has to swallow her vitriolic bile and lavish praise upon our Queen.
Tribute needs to be paid to Her Majesty for the skill with which she has been able to transform a 1,000 year old institution to be able to stay in touch with the attitudes of such a modern nation. Popular republican opinion says that in the age of exporting democracy, the notion of having an hereditary head of state shouldn’t survive; yet monarchy is now just as popular today as it has ever been. The enthusiasm for the Royal Family is no less in Britain. The glorious foresight of the Queen has to be given special mention here. With the increasing intemperance of the public towards royal profligacy in the 1990s, and the growing uncertainty of the dawn of the new century, Queen Elizabeth II has been able to recognise that if the monarchy is going to survive, it has to change. Scrapping the archaic practices of court life, making the Royal Family more accessible to the everyday public, while retaining the core function as Head of the Nation, has kept alive support for the
monarchy across the Commonwealth. Now, the announcement of changes concerning the royal succession has brought further changes to the monarchy, hauling it into the 21st century. From Canada, to Britain, to Australia, the Queen is still the elderly grandmother caring for her far-flung grandchildren. The royal fans among us should give credit to their Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also for their ability to keep monarchy popular. They appear modern, in-touch, and seem able to project sincerity and empathy where some royals might be seen as fake.
Queen Elizabeth II has recognises that for the monarchy to survive, it has to change The ‘young’ factor seems to come into play here; throughout British history, there has been an enduring fascination with the younger members of the Royal Family. This is exemplified in our younger monarchs: Elizabeth I, Victoria, and our current Queen. When faced with a youthful King or (normally) Queen, the British go mistyeyed, clasping tight their romantic myths of the young leader who will lead them into ‘broad, sunlit uplands’.
Things certainly look rosy for the immediate future. But an enduring question mark hangs over the heir to the throne, the Prince of Wales. While monarchists wait with rapt anticipation for the reign of King William V, they view the reign of Charles, a man who has waited more than 60 years to become king, with nothing short of trepidation. The fear is that the love-hate relationship that the British
Charles, Prince of Wales, is the biggest liability to the modern monarchy. Republicans are rubbing their hands with unbridled glee at the thought of the aging, outspoken, gaffe-prone prince taking the throne with his oft-despised wife. As he is, the Prince of Wales, with his propensity to speak up where he really should remain impartial, is likely to stir up trouble. There are times when he is seemingly oblivious to the plight of the common people in the times of austerity, which will only seek to turn opinion against a Royal Family funded by the taxpayer. If, however, Charles can stick to the course and change when circumstances demand it, then the future of the British monarchy will be assured, and republicans across our island will be forced to put away the torches and pitchforks for another generation.
Christophe Hobden
The European Union (EU) is facing the most significant threat to its future since its predecessor, the European Coal and Steel Community, was born back in 1952. The passionate desire for a united, peaceful Europe that emerged from a continent waking up from the most horrific of wars is dwindling in the face of not military, but economic disaster. The path towards a more united Europe has suffered complications but has, up to the current Euro zone crisis, been able to move forward to a more cohesive, central political structure, with an ever-increasing presence on the world stage. The latest push towards integration came about just two years ago, giving the EU a permanent President of the Council and a High Representative of Foreign Affairs. In fact, the EU has never had more legislative and economic power than it holds today, yet it is coming to the painful realisation that if it wants to maintain a single currency, a more uniform foreign policy and an international position to rival that of the United States and China, it needs more. This, in essence, is the real crisis facing Europe. The tragedy of the Greek economy, the financial threat to stability posed by Italy and the continual recession in, amongst other countries, Portugal, are all products of a failure to recognise that in order to maintain the Euro, you need to have one coherent fiscal policy across the member states. This fact has been recently acknowledged by French President Nicholas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and an increasing number of economists, as well as, in a more abstract sense, David Cameron. Therein lies the problem. Whilst the need for a more structured Europe is evident, the European Commission and Governments of the more long-standing member states have failed to convince domestic European populations of the benefits of the single currency or a more unified Europe. This is clear when public opinion, if put to the test through referenda, such as in the 2005 vote on the European Constitution, rejected by both France and the Netherlands. Rather than taking time to consider why a country such as France, who’s former President, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, the architect behind the constitution, would vote ‘no’, the Commission simply made some minor amendments to the proposals and changed its name to the Treaty of Lisbon. With the
proposed amendments now being a treaty rather than a constitution, it meant that the majority of European governments would not have to hold referendums, including our then Labour government, who whilst promising a referendum on the European Constitution, decided not to hold one in 2009 on Lisbon. In fact, the only country to hold a referendum, Ireland, first time round, voted against it. The lack of a persuasive popular case for Europe has caused people in member states to consider their own domestic problems, and if opinion polls are to be believed, there is an ever growing division between the comparatively stable North and increasing troubled South of the continent. Germany, for example, a country undoubtedly seen as economically stable, is harbouring an increasing level of resentment towards the EU and the Euro, with over half of Germans now wishing to see a return to the Deutschmark. The question now facing the European Union, is how does it see itself in the future and what do the electorate, now focused on the issue, wish to happen. The lesson of the crisis has to be that when it comes to monetary union, there can be no half measures. Europe could, in theory, reverse the centralisation of power and return to a union based simply on free-trade and cooperation, akin its predecessor the European Economic Community (EEC) or the modern day European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It could also do the opposite, attempting to push forward towards a more federal composition, with one monetary policy across the EU, and a structure resembling more that of a nation state than a union of sovereign countries. Both in themselves are unlikely. The former would be unthinkable to the political drivers of Europe and the latter unpalatable to a number of more Eurosceptic governments across Europe, particularly those out side the Euro zone. In reality, the most likely outcome of the crisis will be the emergence of a two-tier Europe, with the more stable members of the Euro zone moving forwards to further integration and those outside the single-currency taking a step back. The position for Britain in a post crisis Europe is hard to predict, with hostile public opinion and an at best reluctant government. What is clear is that the decisions made over the upcoming months will prove to be the most consequential test the very concept of the European project has had to endure.
8 INTERVIEW
interview.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 11 November 2011
Spark*
interview
Introducing...Ellis Wheatley I am quite clumsy and, although clearly we are all academically smart enough to be studying at Reading, I am one of those girls who generally lacks common sense. A result of this is too many embarrassing moments to mention, but probably most recently was in September. I have recently started my second year at univerity and that means no halls, just rows and rows of identical student houses.
I have never met any famous people and I hope I won’t be star struck! I visited a friend for the first time at his new Reading house over the summer holidays. I could see him in his bay window and, as planned, I called him when I was nearby. As I stood at ‘the’ unknocked front door a student let me in, introduced himself and invited me in for enchilladas. Still no sign of Alex, I proceeded to introduce myself to his other housemates, all the while waiting for Alex to show up. After a minute or so I asked which room was Alex’s and was greeted with this students straight face. “Oh ha ha, very funny, where is he?” I say, beginning to walk up the stairs, still the boys face was straight. “I thought you were here to see Ben” he said. I hurriedly said my goodbyes to every housemate I had introduced myself to and ran out the front door, only to be greeted by a very confused Alex to my right, looking at me with as much confusion as his next door neighbour!
Ellis Wheatley, your new Interview Editor, giving it some pout Diwa Sharma
So the time has come to wave a sad goodbye to the old and, excitingly, introduce the new. Unfortunately I must say farewell to all of you loyal Spark* readers as new talent has stepped up to the plate. Meet your new Interview Editor, Ellis Wheatley, a second year student studying English Literature at the Univeristy of Reading. I got the inside scoop on our newest and latest recruit on the Spark* editing team and here is what she had to say. What first attracted you to the role of Interview Section Editor?
I am the nosiest person in the entire world; I couldn’t think of a better role for me!
I am currently working on a treat for our Spark* readers... What new and exciting things can we expect from you?
I am currently working on a big treat for our Spark* readers. The only clue I will give you for now is that I am an avid follower of reality TV - anyone who is that open to publicity has my vote. However, I cannot give any names as of yet. I am so excited for this interview
though and hope I can delve into their lives with eight well placed questions every fortnight! Let us get to know you. What are your hobbies and interests?
I am total girl when it comes to shopping. I love rummaging in charity shops and at car boot sales, and it works well with the infamous student budget, too! I have recently joined the gym and have signed up to practically all the classes, from bar-bell conditioning to belly dancing, both of which I would recommend, though not one after another... What is your most embarrassing moment that has occurred whilst being at Reading?
I am a total girl when it comes to shopping. I love rummaging in charity shops What have you found most challenging whilst settling into university life? I love nights out, the feeling the following morning is not quite so attractive. I have found the hardest thing at university is maintaining a balance between social life and workload. You can easily feel as if you are not achieving anything. I rememdy this by compulsively writing lists, I am sure that it is most probably counter
productive, but my rule is three ticks to freedom, that’s bath, cook, and read - and I am good to go! Who inspires you and why? My four favourite fictional friends: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, you can probably guess why. Who is your favourite popstar? I live in student house with five other girls. As you can imagine it is all about the girl politics. Beyonce seems to be our leader in times of peace and war. One a scale of one to 10, how excited are you about your new role as Interview section editor? I am so excited and a little nervous! I have never met any famous people and although I’m a confident girl, I couldn’t imagine anything worse than being star struck!
My rule is three ticks to freedom, that’s bath, cook and read - and I am good to go! That makes me sound like I am planning to interview Gerard Butler or someone, which, unfortunatley, I haven’t planned to; sorry readers! So there we have it, it is official, our new Interview Editor seems to have the right kind of attitude and drive to continue making Spark* the first port of call when searching for hot University of Reading news and gossip. It has been a pleasure sourcing and producing interviews for you all to read over throughout the past months but this is a heartfelt farewell as final year deadlines seem to be piling up thick and fast. So in the words of Truman from The Truman Show, “Good morning! And in case I don’t see ya... good afternoon, good evening and good night!” Fancy writing for Spark*? Then get involved with the Interview Section. We’re always looking for help from those of you that have the talent and the creative minds (and if you are well connected as well we won’t complain!) to contribute interviews of all genres so that we can make Spark* great! So fancy a go? Email us with your thoughts and ideas to interview.spark@reading.ac.uk - we’d love to hear from you!
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
DEBATE 9
Debate
Film fact or fiction?
Should films be allowed to re-write history? Yes No Jasmin Monkcom
The wave of outrage that has been evoked by the new political thriller Anonymous allows us to contemplate the significance of historical accuracy within film, an issue that has often been the centre of much debate. However, is this level of outrage entirely justified? Why have people reacted so indignantly to what is essentially a work of historical fiction? Anonymous postulates the theory that it was not William Shakespeare who penned the works that he is so famous for today but the Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere, who uses Shakespeare as a front man in order to have his work performed. The theory itself is entirely real, propagated in the 1920’s as the ‘Oxfordian Theory of Shakespeare Authorship’ and despite being dismissed in favour of the mainstream acceptance of Shakespeare, the authorship of his works is still a hotly contested issue. Is it not possible to accept the film as an accurate presentation of the possibility of such a theory being true? Many ideas that in the past would have been considered laughable or inconceivable are now accepted as fact, and science constantly disproves prevalently accepted truths in favour of a new, more correct theory. However, many refuse to even consider the notion of such a theory, claiming that the film presents an obvious lie as truth and muddies the reputation of Shakespeare as a great playwright and as a person. But how can we know for sure what Shakespeare’s character was like, or that there isn’t a grain of truth somewhere within this theory? The rewriting of history in books and films is commonplace and it is crucial to remember that the whole purpose of these industries is to entertain and to provide us with new perspectives of the world. Period dramas are written to be exactly that – dramatic. Whether or not the events of a film actually happened is irrelevant as long as we enjoy it; historical accuracy is not as important as an emotional connection and under-
standing of the message that a film is trying to convey. People are aware that what is presented in films is usually an edited version of events, if not entirely fictional, but the choice to ponder over different possibilities allows us to develop intellectually and creatively. What is fiction but a creation of new worlds and ways of thinking; an amalgamation of new and old ideals? Strict historical accuracy could be seen to constrain the creative process and the world would certainly be a duller place without the blatant untruths of story and myth. The idea of a hidden history is one that fascinates countless people and the popularity of novels such as Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code undeniably demonstrates this. If the secrecy and drama of an alternative portrayal of history effectively hooks the imagination of the public, then film makers are entirely justified in using this in an industry that’s entire purpose is to produce what appeals to people. History itself is an ambiguous and slippery concept, and to claim that our currently accepted knowledge of historical events is any way correct is erroneous. Academics and scientists are frequently uncovering new evidence that renders our previous historical views obsolete and this process will undoubtedly happen with many more of the truths that we merely accept today. How much of our history has been falsified, lost or biased by opinion will never be known, but we can guess that at least some of it has. As such, to claim that there can ever be a definitive truth with regards to our past is impossible, and the outrage towards films for presenting different historical possibilities is unjustified. For what is history but a collection of stories, derived from murky memories of people, places and times long since gone? Perhaps to fully embrace the creative potential of portraying alternative history, we must shed our deep-seated views of history as static and authoritative and allow the film industry to dabble with the ongoing story of humanity and contribute towards history with their own stories.
We must shed our deep-seated views of history as static and authoritative
How much of our history has been falsified, lost or biased by opinion?
There needs to be a greater distinction between fiction and history
Semran Kooner
In 1955 Mel Gibson gave us Braveheart - a historical masterpiece depicting the First Scottish War of Independence, or so we thought. From the erroneous movie title to the imprecise reconstruction of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, this film practically exudes historical inaccuracies. Now the new political thriller, Anonymous has emerged to the big screen and angered a nation proud of their greatest writer - William Shakespeare - by suggesting that Shakespeare did not write the plays that that gave him so much acclaim. This latest film is pushing all boundaries and I for one cannot understand how historical facts can be overlooked in the name of entertainment. For me the accuracy of such movies is vital. Firstly, we are all students who would probably much rather watch a historical movie in two hours than read a historical book in ten hours; it’s more fun, easy to digest and entertaining. However, there are a select few who depend solely on such movies as their source of historical knowledge. Now this in itself is very dangerous; a two hour movie can never really portray an important historical event in its entirety, thus it becomes increasingly important that the content which is included is as accurate as possible. Only through accuracy is valuable knowledge learnt. Showing the Battle of Stirling Bridge, as seen in Braveheart undermines the importance of the truth, and alters how people view history; whole generations will grow up beileving historical fiction to be the truth. Secondly, disregarding the reality of events can anger many acedemics who have spent their lives researching just one particular historical event for example. Anonymous, in particular, is a very good example of this. The theories included are not based on nor supported by historical fact. Instead this movie is mired with conspiracy theories which carry more weight than they should. Even the suggestion that Shakespeare attended grammar school
has irritated and offended fans and English Literature critics, such are seen as baseless claims, without a scrap of evidence to viably support these ‘facts’. Not only is it offensive, it also shows a lack of respect for the historical figures and events in question. There are complications from the individual to the general. A general problem with the disregard for accuracy is that it undermines the whole significance of history. History is a way in which one learns past lessons and creates change for the future. By injecting fiction within history, the potential for the past to allow us to progress in the future is completely undermined, all in the name of entertainment. Surely there is longer term satisfaction in learning of the actual past than the transitory feelings of entertainment derived from a fictional history based drama. Furthermore, there needs to be a greater distinction between fiction and history. When one buys a cinema ticket to watch a fictional movie,like Harry Potter, they expect to be entertained as the boundaries of their imagination are stretched. However, when one opts to watch a movie which is retelling history, they expect it to be as precise as possible. It becomes clear that fiction is best served when separated from history. Although an absolutely factual account of past events is not plausible, films should always make efforts to commit to the truth as closely as evidence permits. When distorted for the goal of entertainment, truth is no longer preserved. Another important point is that fiction within history seems to imply that entertainment and history are mutually exclusive. This is unwarranted and simply untrue as the entertainment of reliving a past age is one that can never be rivalled by fictional accounts. Whilst questioning aspects of history is encouraged, disregarding known facts is wrong. When attempting to make a historical movie, the truth should be prioritized, as failure to do so rejects the value of the period in question and prevents greater entertainment.
10 COMMENT
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
comment A time to listen Lucy ponder
For most people the idea if a big Sunday lunch, a meal out with friends or a cheeky takeaway when you’re too tired to cook is something to look forward to and enjoy. But for a few, the promise of a big or indulgent meal is something to be dreaded and to avoid at all costs. I’ve thankfully never suffered from an eating disorder myself, so can only imagine the pain and fear eating brings, from what I have seen from friends and family members. It must be even harder to leave home and come to university harbouring a secret eating disorder. Entering a new environment and making new friends is a daunting experience and however much fun your fresher’s week will bring you, there will also be a huge pressure to make friends for life in a very short amount of time. So imagine experiencing this with a huge secret that you’re scared people will discover and judge you, pity you or avoid you. As I said I can only imagine how painful this fear
must be, but I think it’s about time we all started imagining a little bit more. Eating disorders refer to a group of conditions defined by abnormal eating habits that may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of your physical and mental health. Bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the most common specific forms.
There are millions of men and women suffering from a form of eating disorder Most people have heard about these types of eating disorders and this is in part due to the huge increase in media attention they have received. Whilst it could be argued there is still a large taboo in talking about them, eating disorders are becoming more and more acceptable in our society. There are millions of men and
women suffering from a form of eating disorder in our country and they are finally getting the voice that they deserve. But having a problem with eating, dieting and weight can be even harder when you’re at university. Not only do you want to fit in and hide your problem, but having an eating disorder can prove a real distraction from what is meant to be the most enjoyable time of your life. My advice to anyone suffering would be to talk to someone. If it’s a friend, family member or doctor, telling someone is often the hardest part. Once you let someone else know your secret, the pressure is lifted slightly and you are not alone. My advice to anyone who has a friend or family member who is suffering and has felt brave enough to confide in you, is to listen. You are not being asked to ‘cure’ your friend or make sure he or she gets the appropriate treatment, but being someone who can lift the load even slightly may prove more beneficial than you can ever imagine.
A Voice for Disability Suzi Rees
As a student with a disability at the University of Reading, I have recently become curious as to how well disabled students are represented and how accessible aspects of the Students’ Union are. My most recent endeavour has been exploring the world of sports clubs and societies, social events and also the representation of student media. It would be unfair at this point, if I didn’t mention, that any lack of accessibility or representation is not caused by unwilling attitudes, it is merely a reflection of a society’s position on disability. I am happy to say that we are amidst a disability revolution in the UK and (as it appears) in RUSU also. A new Disability Officer has been appointed who is looking at the shortfalls that prevent some students with disabilities in participating fully in student activities. Firstly, I shall endeavour to share my experience from exploring societies within the university. My concern was with the information available about what the societies were and what they did. Currently, each society has a page on the RUSU website; most also have either a website or a facebook
page: neither of which have a huge amount of space to present full information and a breakdown of activities. The only option then is to either speak face to face with a committee member or email them for more information (which experience has taught me, takes a long time to get a reply). Surely a lot of time would be saved if there were some sort of information pack available for each society which presents a full and informative account of the activity, their meeting times and any social events; not only for convenience and efficiency, but also for the sake of a variety of disabilities and learning styles. I couldn’t help but wonder how scary the idea of approaching a society was if you had M.E. and your cognitive function was sometimes slow, or if you were dyslexic or partially sighted. The positives of an information leaflet or booklet would ensure that information was available in adapted formats for those who need it and individuals with extra needs would get equal access to information. Every society that I have come across are more than eager to do everything they can to become more accessible to people in general, so I feel perhaps that
this sort of initiative requires a bit of leadership and direction from RUSU. As I said earlier, a new disability officer has been appointed; I just wonder if he will get the support he needs to make an effective change.
Societis across are eager to do everything they can to become more accessible Further to societies, I find it surprising that Spark* itself covers a variety of issues in politics, culture arts etc… yet I can’t say I have come across an article that represents any disability movements or issues. With this being such a huge social focus at the moment, I would have thought there would be some coverage on the many campaigns and political issues that the UK is experiencing at the moment. The reason I bring this up is not because I am a campaigner for disabled rights or believe that I have more of a voice than anyone else; I am merely identifying an area that lacks representation. After all accessibility doesn’t just mean wheelchair friendly…
A time to talk
Student Run Self Help (SRSH) is a support group for people with eating disorders. These groups provide a space where people can meet others experiencing similar situations, where people can talk freely and safely. SRSH is here to provide an alternative means of help. It is run by trained students who are there to mediate discussions and create a safe environment. These sessions are very user led so you can come along and talk as much or as little as you like. If you would prefer to bring a friend along please feel free. And if you would prefer to meet up with one of the volunteers 10 minutes before just drop us an email at reading@ srsh.co.uk. We support anyone aged between 18-25 years and they do not have to be students. Our meetings are fortnightly on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.45pm in The Lounge, which is attached to Reading University Students’ Union and is adjacent to Car Park 2. The dates for this terms support groups are: 27 October 10 November 24 November 8 December To find out more information please go to www.srsh.co.uk or email us any questions you have on reading@srsh.co.uk.
Pearls & Swine Sarah mason
One of the stranger things that strikes me about human existence is our consistent ignorance of our own wisdom and it is only in the most unlikely places I can think of that real pearls of wisdom are shared and discussed and really taken notice of. Little pieces of enlightenment are often where you would not think to look first. I think it is a fair statement that we all want some kind of happiness, whatever that might be. Lots of allowances are made for those in great sadness. For example, if someone close to me died, I could fill out a form that would allow me extra time for my studies and afford me great sympathy. However, I cannot fill out one for having met with a large amount of happiness. Yet happiness can be just as debilitating as grief. When one is so ecstatically happy that one cannot concentrate on work or other elements of life, those elements predictably suffer, despite the glorious bliss that fills other elements. We all want more happiness, more things that are good for us. But we have proverbs that warn against greed, hubris and not appreciating what you already have. So, although everyone seeks happiness, it is not always to their benefit when they find it. We preach moderation, but always look for more. We set our sights
on true bliss and happiness but we do not always take into account the effects it might have even though extreme sadness is catered for. Strange, is it not? We value one emotion over another and the treatment of possession of those emotions are so very different. Since just before the New Year of 2011, I have been inundated with a large amount of pure bliss. It is phenomenal the amount of difference one person can make in your life. One grain of rice may tip the scale one way or the other – or perhaps it merely rebalanced me and it is the balance of all things that bring us true satisfaction whether we are entirely happy or utterly miserable. My grain of rice is called Sam.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
Can long distance last? Emma cole
For years, one of the most common misconceptions regarding students has been that each and every one of us love to go out every night, get wasted, and have one night stands. What people conveniently choose to forget when moaning about our promiscuous, lazy, taxdodging ways is that a significant portion of students across the country are not remotely interested in the supposed lure of copping off with a sweaty drunken stranger – as they have a significant other waiting for them on the other side of the country. Perhaps you’ve left your other half at home when coming to university, or maybe he or she has also started studying in a different city. Either way, you will have found yourself in what love experts call an LDR – that’s long distance relationship to you and me. If this is the first time you have experienced seperation from
your partner, you may be finding the change difficult to adjust to, especially on top of the major upheaval involved in relocating to Reading if you have just entered into your first year.
You and your partner need to feel that you can trust one another for your LDR to work Luckily, thanks to a multitude of new methods of communication, the physical distance between you does not have to create an emotional void. Take Skype for example - being able to see your partner face to face will reassure you that they are still going to be there for you when you come home. When you’re out and about or can’t spare the time for a Skype session, instant messaging services like BBM or Whatsapp are faster and
more convenient than texting, not to mention free of charge. Although communication in an LDR is much easier than it has ever been before, it goes without saying that nothing will compare to seeing your partner in person. When arranging meetings, bear in mind that time spent with your partner will usually mean time away from your friends at university. Particularly if you are in your first year, consider carefully how often to go home at weekends in the first term when you are still building friendships with your housemates – it might be worth waiting a few weeks to cement your new relationships before falling back on your boyfriend or girlfriend. When your partner visits you, make an effort to introduce him or her to your housemates, and suggest a trip out together as a group – lunch in Nando’s is a pretty failsafe bet. This way, your significant other will be able to put
Microsoft... NOT! lizzie pollington
We’ve all had it, you are sitting in your room, slogging away at a particularly frustrating essay and the phone rings. Part of you knows it will just be a salesperson or an automated message telling you that you really should have PPI but another part of you thinks, “It could be my mum with really awful news” or “I might have won the lottery”. So you trek off to the phone. This happened to me on Saturday, but instead of being told the glories of having a million TV channels, I was told that they were working for Microsoft and had detected that my Windows computer was infected. They did NOT work for Microsoft and my laptop was OK because they were trying to scam me. Now, my neighbour had received exactly this call in the summer and so I knew from the off, that it was dodgy. These people are ringing up random people, claiming that they can see that your computer has downloaded a virus. They go on to make you turn on your computer and download software that allows them to remotely control everything on your PC. So they could steal your passwords for your internet banking, they can download malware to completely infect your computer, they can steal any data that is on your hard disc. They have basically take control of your computer, by conning you into letting them. They then upload a phony anti-virus that they claim is better than what you already have and pretend to clean off the phony virus. They charge
£69.99 for the privilege of having all your data stolen, claiming that it would normally be £199 but they are doing you a favour. In the process of doing this they are essentially copying your card so that they can use it again and again in the future, or sell it to criminals. So they dupe you, rob you and rub it all in your face.
Microsoft say they would never phone you like this, or even email you Luckily, my neighbour managed to cancel his credit card before he was charged but he was left having to try and fix his computer after they’d left in such a mess. When I got this call yesterday I was outraged. Of course, I told him that I knew he was trying to scam me, and I told him where he could go, but it got me thinking that a lot of people, who don’t realise they are being scammed, could lose a lot of money, data and god only knows what else. As students, not only do we have little enough money in the first place, our computers are vital to our degrees, housing all of our essays and assessed work. And it’s not just me, in a survey carried out by Microsoft in April 2011 across the UK, Ireland, the US and Canada, 15% of 7,000 computer users had received this same call and 79% of them lost money. It’s really quite disgusting that these people are using a reliable, household name as their ruse.
When you hear that Microsoft themselves can see this problem, you would assume that it’s true and that you need to fix it but it is a lie, Microsoft say they would never phone you like this, or even email you. Currently this scam is only aimed at Microsoft customers but with the increasing popularity of Apple Macs and the online scams against their users, such as malware and phishing emails (that try and con you out of money), they could easily be targeted next, and people will be suckered in by the sound of those big corporate names. You can’t stop them from contacting you, especially in student houses where you don’t actually own the phone line and you get hundreds of stupid calls. What you can do is be aware and, very simply, hang up on them! Here are a few handy tips to be aware of that apply generally as well as specifically to this case. •Don’t be duped. If someone says they can see that you’ve accidentally downloaded something, they are lying. No one can see what your computer is doing unless you give them access to it. •Never give out your card details to an unsolicited caller. And I mean NEVER. They can’t prove who they are working for and if they are legitimate there will be other ways that you can pay for goods or services, other than over the phone. •Use strong passwords, and change them regularly. A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes numbers as well as letters and ideally mixes
COMMENT 11
faces to the names, and hopefully make some new friends along the way. This should also help to eliminate any awkwardness that they may feel at a later stage – having you drag him or her along to the Summer Ball having not met your friends will make for an uncomfortable evening. Finally, and most importantly, both you and your partner need to feel that you can trust one another in order for your LDR to work. Being at University means that you are constantly meeting new people, and if you meet somebody new who makes you question your relationship with your partner, do not feel tempted to cheat – this is simply not fair on the person who invested enough trust in you to continue your relationship whilst you are away. If you realise that you no longer want to be with your boyfriend or girlfriend, tell them. Make sure you go to see them rather than letting them come to you – imagine how you would feel if you
travelled to see your partner, only to have them dump you and send you home. In short, it is more than possible for your LDR to work, and be rewarding for both of you. As long as you both make the effort to communicate regularly and pay each other visits. You cared about each other enough to agree to an LDR in the first place, right? They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder – fingers crossed that this is true for you.
upper and lower case. For example P4ssw0rd is much better than password. Of course, password as a password is not a good idea, but it works for demonstration purposes. •Use good antivirus software. You can’t even use the “I’m a poor student and antivirus is expensive” excuse because you can get Microsoft Security Essentials for free.
laptop when you are in the middle of something, but it keeps your computer safe. These updates are vital because they are protecting you from the most recent Malware and hacking scams that have been discovered, so it pays off to keep your computer clean. It runs faster when it’s properly protected too so you get that as a nice added bonus. Unfortunately, the nature of these calls means that it’s incredibly difficult to track down the men or women responsible for it, but there is an ongoing investigation into the situation. Hopefully they will be apprehended soon, but until then, just be suspicious of any unsolicited calls, and hold on tight to all of your well earned pennies! When they say they are from Microsoft, they are not they are just con-men!
They make you download software so that they can remotely control your PC •Finally, run the updates that your computer prompts you to run. I know it’s annoying to restart your
12 FILM&TV
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
film&Tv
The Help: Southern Comfort with a kick perspectives of the black women who help their white mistresses in all aspects of family life, be it cooking, cleaning and even raising children. The 60’s were such a vibrant decade, and the highlight of The Help is how richly the costumes, the set and the soundtrack evoke that period of time. If you have any interest in fashion, go and see this film! Hilly, the housewife who has it all, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is a sartorial delight, wearing a mix of prim and proper floral 50’s dresses and far more daring tiny turquoise cropped trousers throughout the film. Similarly, the soundtrack features contemporary 1960’s hits, such as the famous “Let’s Twist Again”, by Chubby Checker contrasted with the bluegrass stylings of Johnny Cash, reflecting the ups and downs of the plot itself. Though Emma Stone can usually be relied upon to give a likeable performance, it is Octavia Spencer as Minnie that truly steals the show. As an actress with natural comic timing and flair, it was especially affecting to see her
Directed by: Tate Taylor Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer Running Time: 146 Minutes Genre: Historical Drama Saskia Whelan
Firstly, don’t be fooled by the trailer; although The Help certainly packs a serious emotional punch, it does so without straying into something cloying and insincere. It has mostly been marketed as a “feel-good hit”, which does not do the film justice at all. Though you will more than likely leave the cinema feeling good, The Help does not shy away from its less than cheerful subject matter, and I was pleased to see that Tate Taylor didn’t try to put an Americana gloss over what is an undeniably important aspect of history. Set in Mississippi in the 1960s, the film follows the always charming Emma Stone (Superbad, Easy A) as Skeeter, who sets about finding out the previously ignored
portrayal of the fear of living as a black woman in a primarily white society. Viola Davis, who stars as Aibeleen, is also a pleasure to watch, and fans of the television show True Blood will be happy to see LaFayette, actor Nelsan Ellis, pop up in a supporting role. The Help shows a realistic image of racism and the power of the
In Time: Sexy people running around! Directed by: Andrew Niccols Starring: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy Running Time: 146 Minutes Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Lucia Di Mascio
The premise is simple enough: In the future the human race has been genetically engineered to stop ageing at 25, but only have a year to live after that. Time has now turned to currency, where the rich can buy immortally while the poor live day-to-day, struggling to find enough time to stay alive. Time is money, literally. The films starts with us meeting Justin Timberlake's Will Salas who lives on the breadline, but a chance encounter with the burnt-out Henry Hamilton (Matt Bomer) leaves him with an extra century on the clock. The loss of his mother (Olivia Wilde) leaves him raging and keen to rally against the system. With his newfound riches, Will infiltrates the elite’s circle
where he meets the world's richest man, Philippe Weis (Vincent Kartheiser). Will kidnaps the kingpins daughter (as you do) Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried), holding her to ransom. The Timekeepers (a sort of police) are then sent in. Cillian Murphy is sent to return Sylvie to her lavish world and restore natural order and Will back to his rightful place in poverty. As Sylvie gets out of her rich bubble and sees how the other half live her and Will decide to start a Robin
Hood style campaign of robbing banks of time and distributing it to the poor. In Time was written and directed by Andrew Niccols, the writer behind the classic The Truman Show, which immediately made me hopeful. In Time however is frustrating because it does have all the potential to be a great film and yet doesn’t quite get there. The plot could have been developed into something more meaty and significant than what it is. The whole
premise that the rich exploit the poor is nothing new and I felt like the whole film was constantly trying to give me a social conscience. The film’s message told me that I should feel awful about the social exploitation and unfair society but I just didn’t. Yes it made me consider the point of view, but it was nothing core shaking, which is disappointing because you feel as though if it was just pushed a little with different leads or punchier dialogue it could have been a memorable, worthwhile piece. The consistently good Amanda Seyfried, failed to impress in this film and the ever expanding Justin Timberlake looked like and sounded like the part but just never quiet fulfilled the role. However, Justin Timerberlake is now building himself as a creditable actor after his performance as Aaron Sorkins in The Social Network and it is Justin who delivers the best performance out of the two. A credit to his skills is that there isn’t one moment you think “what is the curly haired one from nysnc doing in the future?” However, this wasn’t his strongest performance - his lines felt like clichés being dragged out again
written word and the individual, while still managing to be a funny, entertaining trip out to the cinema at the end of a long day. It does a brilliant jod of balancing such an important message with a sense of light entertainment, which is no easy feat.
HHHH
and there was the problem that there was no real strength when they were together. The chemistry was missing there too, which makes the whole love aspect of the story weak. As for Seyfried, I wasn’t disappointed in her performance but more by what they made her play. A normally very good actress was reduced to a limited “poor little rich girl” character which saw her limited in what she could do. Yes it must be very hard being rich, impossibly pretty and stuck under your father’s control; but I just didn’t like her or feel sorry for her like I should have. All that being said I did enjoy In Time and if you want a good Friday night film with attractive people running around (they do that a lot. Amanda does it in heels! Pure science fiction at work there! ) and firing guns (a bit naffly to be honest) without having to give it too much thought, then this is a film for you. I did ultimately enjoy this film but it is forgettable and that is sad as it could have been so much more.
HHH
FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - The first sequel hasn’t even got a trailer let alone been released, but Clash of the Titans 3 has already got the green light for a script
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
Tower Heist: Danny Ocean would be disappointed show in all her scenes, especially a suggestive (and apparently improvised) safe breaking tutorial with Murphy. While there’s no slapstick comedy to carry the humour of the film, it more than makes up for that with the bizarre twists that the storyline goes into, coupled with the perfectly timed one-liners by all the cast.
Directed by: Brett Ratner Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Gabourey Sidibe Running time: 104 minutes Genre: Crime Comedy Karishma Shah
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when I went to watch this. I thought Eddie Murphy would be his usual slapstick smart-aleck self, and the other characters would somehow revolve around him, along with a hot fresh-off-thecatwalk love interest to spice up the heist. Instead, Stiller carries the lead as Josh Kovacs, part of the staff at a prestigious residential tower, where the employees had entrusted their pensions for investment to the building’s most affluent in-
I was pleasantly surprised by the comic chemistry between all the main characters
habitant, Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda). They find out that he stole their money, and gang up against Shaw to get it back. Slide (Murphy) is Kovacs’ foul-mouthed rabble-rous-
ing neighbour who Stiller enlists to help them become “master” criminals.
I wasn’t expecting much when I went to watch this What I was pleasantly surprised by was the comic chemistry between all the main characters. Ben Stiller is mostly the straight man, with everyone in his plan to commit the eponymous crime riling him up in completely different ways. Casey Affleck’s deadpan delivery added to the humorous moments, while Gabourey Sidibe stole the
Murphy’s return to his stand-up comedy persona, where he was loud, fast and very very rude, makes a fresh change from the cutesy cartoons and childish dressing up roles that seemed to make up the majority of his recent staples. Mixed in with all the hilarity was a scene so genuinely terrifying that I truly hope a stunt double was used for Broderick’s part… You may need to suspend your disbelief about halfway into the heist, and stay like that until the end, but it makes for a satisfying conclusion. Overall consensus: an enjoyable off-beat caper with sharp and rapid-fire comedic dialogues.
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FILM&TV 13
New Writers Wanted! Want to watch and review the latest films for FREE...? Want to give YOUR opinion on the latest TV series...? Then why not write for Spark* Film & TV? ANYONE can be a writer for Spark* Film & TV. All you have to do is search Spark* Film on Facebook or email your interest to film.spark@reading. ac.uk You could also come to the meetings every Friday at 1pm in the Lounge
Ides of March: Gosling gets political for Clooney’s cause Directed by: George Clooney Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Evan Rachel Wood Run Time:101 minutes Genre: Political Drama
his moral compass and eventually slips into the usual mindset of politics, backstabbing and scheming to make his way up the ladder.
The story is your usual political affair but it is worth a watch
Tom Hill
I wonder why there are so many good films about rich white men. Maybe the writers can relate to them better? Who knows... Anyway, these films seem to come in three flavours: rich white men who do what they want and get rewarded for it (e.g. The Social Network, Charlie Wilson’s War, Iron Man), rich white men who overcome challenges to meet the greatness thrust upon them (e.g. The King’s Speech, The Fighter) or a combination of the two previous options (e.g. The Godfather, The Dark Knight). The Ides of March fits snugly into the last group with Ryan Gosling as the Batman or Michael Corleone of the picture.
The film follows Stephen Meyers (Gosling), a political consultant for a US governor (George Clooney) in the lead up to the vote for the next democratic presidential candidate. Meyers begins the film with a belief in his candidate and tries his hardest to help the governor
win his nomination, leading him towards becoming president. Following some dodgy dealings with his rival (Paul Giamatti), some arguments with his partner (Phillip Seymour-Hoffman) and a situation with the office intern (Evan Rachel Wood) he starts to lose his grip on
As far as acting goes, everyone performs well, Phillip SeymourHoffman and Paul Giamatti are good as your average, sneaky, political guys while Evan Rachel Wood is just amazing as the intern, Molly. Ryan Gosling is slightly disappointing as yet again he fails to show any emotional range (see The Notebook, Lars and The Real Girl), barely changing his facial expression; though he does improve as the film goes on and as his character has more and more at stake. Finally, George Clooney is just perfect as US governor Mike Morris, fitting into Morris’s smooth talking character like a glove and, despite everything that goes on, I would still vote for him
(side note: George Clooney should run for US president). All because Morris is portrayed as a genuinely nice person who is willing to do whatever it takes to change the world for the better. Clooney portrays Morris’s guilt, fear, pride and passion in a way that Gosling could never do. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the next Academy Awards, possibly also Best Director; Clooney also directed this film, incredibly well at that. To conclude, though the story is your usual political affair of back-room meetings and partners turning on each other, it is definitely worth a watch, an incredibly engaging and rewatchable story, with some of the best monologues and lines in a film this year (my personal favourite: “A society has to be better than the individual.”). I would most definitely recommend this film to anyone who enjoyed last years Oscar bait and want to see the start of this years batch.
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FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - DiCaprio really wants an Oscar. To stop the budget from being crippled, he has taken a 90% pay cut to star in biopic, J. Edgar
14 FILM&TV
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
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film&Tv
Contagion: Never touch a doorknob again Directed by: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow Running Time: 106 mins Genre: Drama/Sci-fi/ Thriller Ellie Dearing
“On average a person touches their face 2 - 3,000 times a day”. This is the terrifying quote given to us at the beginning of the film. You are sitting on a bus with someone sneezing into a handkerchief, you touch a doorknob whilst walking into a building, you reach into a bowl of nuts that are casually laid out at the bar. It seems every day new diseases and viruses threaten mankind, whether they be swine flu or HIV, but will there one day be one which will completely wipe out human civilisation? This is the issue Steven Soderbergh – director of the Oscar winning film Traffic – wishes to reiterate with his new film Contagion, a
documentary drama involving a global pandemic that kills millions of people in a few months. We start on day two of the outbreak, following the ill-looking Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) in Chicago airport where she has just traveled from Hong Kong on a business trip. The virus soon spreads to her husband (Matt Damon) and her son; whilst spreading to unsuspecting members of the public who she has encountered on her way home. The film contains a dynamic cast. At the center of Disease Control in Atlanta Dr Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) and Dr Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) quickly get mired in the dirty business of the origins of the virus. Kate Winslet should – as usual – be noted for the sensitivity in her role, a woman who literally devotes her life to the cause of saving the world's population. Matt Damon also brings life to his part, a father coming to terms with the disease which has broken his family. Jude Law plays a conspicuous blogger who claims he has a cure for the disease. His performance of this character
would fool anyone into believing his malicious lies were the truth. The direction and cinematography of the film are strikingly powerful; in the first scene before we even see the first shot we hear the sickening sound of coughing, which seemed to echo around the cinema, introducing a warning
that the plague is upon us. Slanted camera angles were used to create the illusion of illness, as well as the soundtrack (written and composed by Cliff Martinez) which created an alarming depiction of panic and building of tension as the plot progressed.
Will there one day be a virus which will completely wipe out human civilisation? Unfortunately, the film trailer advertised Contagion to be a more action/thriller experience, so if you are looking for a 28 Days Later storyline with lots of fast moving action scenes and gory plagued bodies running through the abandoned streets, you are definitely not going to find it here. This is a film which focuses on the realism of the future, because when it comes down to it, it is the truth we fear the most.
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Young Apprentice: The Alan Sugar Problem Created by: Mark Burnett Starring: Lord Sugar, Nick Hewer, Karren Brady Running Time: 60 mins Genre: Reality Show Conor Ashby
They’ve ditched the old name of Junior Apprentice and moved to a Monday night, but unfortunately the problems remain with Young Apprentice. The premise is similar to that of the main show, 12 budding entrepreneurs head to London to prove to Lord Sugar that they have what it takes to be his next ‘apprentice’, or in the case of Young Apprentice, that they deserve a £25,000 prize fund to be used to kick-start a career in business. As suggested by the title, the difference is that the contestants are only 16 or 17 years old and are therefore relatively new to the world of business. These sixth formers compete in challenges every week which test their business skills, such as selling and design, and week by week we lose a contestant. The series kicks off like any other when we are shown clips of the contestants talking about why
they were selected for the series. This montage is usually an early highlight of the series and often ends up being a great source of regret for the contestants. It is usually home to contrived metaphors, outrageous cliché and unparalleled levels of hyperbole. Thankfully, we were not let down. ‘No one intimidates me because I know I am better than them’ states one charming contestant with the steely determination of a pre-match cage fighter. She is followed by the obligatory Marmite quote, ‘you either love me or hate me’, and then a reference to how much they have done for a person of their age. Except of course, they can all lay claim to this feat, which is both the premise and the problem with the show. Much of the appeal of the main show lies in our ability to laugh at the nonsensical decisions that the contestants make. When a contestant makes a mistake, we know that they will live to regret it when in the boardroom with Lord Sugar. Therefore the shows structure firmly relies on Lord Sugar’s ability to berate the contestants for these decisions, a structure that is sadly lost in Young Apprentice.
Lord Sugar takes a different role in this series. He plays the friendly Great Uncle who makes bad jokes but sends you money for your birthday. Of course I’m not suggesting that Lord Sugar should be able to address the sixth formers with the same animosity reserved for the older contestants but merely that there is a flaw in the format. Maybe it’s that Lord Sugar is not the right person for Young Apprentice. Perhaps the BBC should look to someone with a friendlier and more nurturing personality to help these young entrepreneurs
grow. Lord Sugar does his best to encourage the contestants but he was partly chosen for the main show because of his blunt plainspeaking, which unfortunately is not always appropriate for Young Apprentice. Overall, Young Apprentice is an interesting show that does well to highlight the talented business people in this generation. However, until the BBC find a way to resolve the ‘Alan Sugar Problem’ it cannot be as successful as its elder sibling.
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Top 10 Musicals from the 1950s & 1960s Emily Minnit
10. High Society
1956; Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra deal with the drama in ‘high society.’ This film is a musical remake of the classic The Philadelphia Story.
9. Guys & Dolls
1955; a classic which, in terms of adaptations of musicals, is definitely one of the best. Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons and Frank Sinatra, star as New York gamblers. A brilliant Oscar nominated comedy.
8. Hans Christian Andersen
1952; Danny Kaye is the Danish storyteller in this unusual film which has a lot of heart as the majority of his songs are sung to children. Nominated for six Oscars.
7. Mary Poppins
1964; a musical that you have wonderful memories of watching as a kid. This is more of a child’s film but it should still be taken seriously. Everything about it is simply... delightful.
6. My Fair Lady
1964; Audrey Hepburn stars in this adaptation of Pigmallion as a Cockney flower girl who is turned into a ‘lady’. A perfect combo of witty comedy and heart-warming songs.
5. On The Town
1950; Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra play sailors spending one day in New York City. In 24 hours they to fall in love, get hijacked and other such bizarre activities. The music is catchy and cheerful.
4. The Sound of Music
1965; Julie Andrews is a governness who is placed in a household that is run almost like a ship. This film is beautiful in so many different ways, from the cinematography to the costumes.
3. Oliver!
1968; arguably one of the most well-known musicals ever. This film has the most perfect Fagin in Ron Moody. The songs are memorable and won an Oscar.
2. West Side Story
1961; based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, set in 50s New York with two rival gangs. Bernstein’s timeless score with familiar songs makes this another classic.
1. Singin’ In The Rain
1952; an absolute classic about a silent film company struggling to compete as ‘talkies’ are introduced. The iconic Singin’ in the Rain number is arguably one of the finest moments in cinema.
FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - Motion capture master Andy Serkis has signed up for the sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes. That’ll be Planet of the Apes then?
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
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FILM&TV 15
Anonymous: Shakespeare, thou art a fraud...apparently Director: Roland Emmerich Starring: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson Running Time: 129 mins Genre: Drama
and the conclusion to De Vere’s playwriting.
The Shakespeare feud is only half the story
Jonathan Edney
This is a significant departure from Roland Emmerich’s usual fare, primarily because there is no threat of the world ending. It could be argued that this film poses a threat to the literary world however, for it follows a theory that someone else wrote Shakespeare’s plays. If such a theory were to be proved, it would shock scholars everywhere.
A significant departure from Roland Emmerich’s usual fare In an effective framing device, Sir Derek Jacobi begins and closes the film with explanations of the theory to a present day Broadway audience. The film relocates to
Elizabethan England, where the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere has written some plays that satirise the Tudor court and wishes to see them performed. De Vere’s nobility means that he cannot be seen to write for the theatre so he gives the plays to the playwright Ben Jonson to reveal to the world under his name. However, an actor called William Shakespeare claims credit at the first performance, much to Jonson’s annoyance, and he continues to take credit for the succeeding plays.
It took a while to understand the structure of the film, for the Shakespeare feud is only half the story. Much of the film is spent detailing the life of Edward De Vere and his relationship to Queen Elizabeth I and the Cecils and initially, the backward jumps in time were confusing due to them only being signposted once. The role of this subplot in relation to the film’s main topic isn’t made clear until the end, when the film takes on a more melancholic tone due to the rebellion of Robert Devereux
Merlin: It’s a kind of magic! Starring: Collin Morgan, Bradely James, Richard Wilson Genre: Fantasy Adventure Running Time: 45 mins Charlotte Coster
For everyone who has been unfortunate enough to miss the previous three series of Merlin, you have been missing out! But luckily the fourth seems to be looking like it will be the best yet. Starring the talented Colin Morgan (whose other TV credentials include Doctor Who and The Catherine Tate Show) and the deliciously cute Bradley James as Merlin and Prince Arthur respectively, it gives a brand new take on the Arthurian legend.
It feels like the whole show has grown up The first series began when both of the characters are no more than teenagers, and Merlin travels to Camelot for the very first time. When he and Arthur are introduced they don’t start off on the best of terms, so neither is very impressed when Merlin is appointed his personal servant. But over the proceeding series their friend-
ship blossoms and Merlin regularly saves Arthur’s life, using magic, from a number of enemies, who all attempt to take over Camelot.
It’s now a lot darker This is not as easy as it may seem, however, due to the fact that magic is outlawed in Camelot and generally viewed as evil. Therefore, at the risk of execution, Merlin has to keep his magic a complete secret, whilst at the same time watching
Arthur’s back and saving him from his various scrapes. As the fourth series begins, Arthur is now king and it feels like the whole show has grown up, becoming a lot darker and slightly more scary. Despite this, there is still a lot of humorous banter between Merlin and Arthur and even if you are not a huge fan of fantasy television, it is still extremely enjoyable. So check it out on BBC1, Saturday evenings, normally around 8pm.
The cast are all excellent, with Rhys Ifans’ portrayal of the repressed Edward standing out as the film’s ‘tragic’ character. Rafe Spall is given the task of portraying Shakespeare as a greedy, vindictive actor and does so admirably. It does, however, also highlight Emmerich’s determination to degrade the Bard, particularly in contrast to Ifans’ more restrained performance. As the film questions the source of the plays, it chooses to focus on their words in its final moments and it is these emotional touches that are the most effective parts of the film, as it almost becomes irrelevant who actually did write the plays. Shakespeare fans may not agree with the message of the film, but it presents an interesting if historically inaccurate and unproved theory of who really wrote ‘To be or not to be…’
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This fortnight at the RFT... Student Tickets: £4.50 This week the Reading Film Theatre presents suspense thriller The Skin I Live In starring Antonio Banderas as a plastic surgeon who experiments on a beautiful woman he keeps locked in his basement. Also this week; The Salt of Life which follows a man whose life as his mother’s nurse-maid and his unappreciative wife’s house husband is sent reeling upon meeting his mother’s attractive assisstant.
Tuesday 8 November (19.45): The Skin I Live In (15) Thursday 10 November (20:00): The Salt of Life (12A) Tuesday 15 November (19:45): Jane Eyre (PG) Thursday 17 November (19:30): INCENDIES (15) Tuesday 22 November (19.45): One Day (12A)
Prices:
Members £4.50 Non-members £6.00 Annual Membership £10.00
FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - Nicholas Hoult will star in Warm Bodies as a zombie who falls in love with a human after eating her boyfriend’s brains. Obviously.
16 MUSIC
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
music.spark@reading.ac.uk
music ALBUMS
A ceremonial return for Florence and The Machine chords and backing choral groups set this album off well, showing how Florence hasn’t lost any of her Gothic-edge. Shake It Out follows with its epic, catchy chorus, with Flo repeating the title at full force. Lyrically, Florence has never been ‘mainstream’, and her dark, gothic-style lyrics and phrases are wonderfully intriguing and thoughtful. This is shown for example in What The Water Gave Me, a wonderful song with bizarre undercurrents of watery graves and drowning.
And Heaven Too is another joyous track, detailing the language of the heart. No Light, No Light is rumoured to be Flo’s next single, and is another vocally amazing song, containing the album’s longest note. It oozes pure strength, and is spine-tinglingly brilliant. Seven Devils on the other hand is a truly haunting song, and it starts to make sense why this album was released on October 31st. Eerie strings and mystical repetitive piano keys create a stunning atmosphere while
tribal beats and powerful choral groups feature heavily on both Heartlines and Spectrum. These massive 5-minute long anthems show how this album never lets up, never creating any fillers or weak tracks. The pure force, power and strength that Florence has both vocally and lyrically shows how she is a one-of-a-kind act, and how Ceremonials is a truly stunning second album.
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Florence hasn’t lost any of her Gothic-edge.
Florence And The Machine Ceremonials Island
George Reed
There’s no disputing that Florence Welch has an impressive set of lungs. Vocally, she was one of the biggest acts of 2009-2010, and her debut album, Lungs, took the UK music scene by force. It spent more than 12 months in the
charts, selling over 3 million copies. Florence then spent the year frantically touring both the UK and America, modelling for Chanel and writing tracks for the Twilight Soundtrack. Somehow she managed to find time to write her sophomore album, Ceremonials. Only If For A Night begins the album, and it’s a strong start. The sound is both similar and different at the same time, as if linking the end of Lungs to the start of Ceremonials. The booming piano not polished stainless steel. That is not to say that this album lacks any moments of shining brilliance, but it has a more organic and distinct feel; a feeling that may not resonate through the rest of Feist’s previous work.
Metals should be a difficult listen, but it isn’t Feist Metals Polydor
Joe Leonard
Metals is the follow up to the platinum selling, Grammy nominated album The Reminder. The new album title should be taken to envisage unrefined, rusting metal found deep underground, certainly
The vocals are still just as cutting, possibly more so, and make the album distinctive. A new direction has been taken by the artist, taking a laid back and serene approach to the overall feel of the record. The unmistakable gloss of previous albums has been lifted; gone are the pop motions of I Feel It All, and iPod Nano advertisement campaign music 1234. Feist has taken an eighteen month break to create this album,
Never Let Me Go is a beautifully stripped back song, with Florence revealing an insecurity and vulnerability in her voice. A surprising highlight of the album is Breaking Down, where Florence almost whispers the verses, instead of belting them out full pelt. Although there is nothing wrong with Florence’s vocal power (in fact, it’s one of her best assets) it does make a refreshing change to reveal her softer side. Florence herself explained how Ceremonials is a more joyous album compared to Lungs, and this can be clearly seen on Lover To Lover. A mixture of gospel organs, soulful choirs and stomping Motown-inspired backing beats makes this a stand out track. The American blues scene is a new sound for Flo which creates an upbeat, fun, fantastic song. All This and it really shows; the new songs sound as if the band has been cut off from the rest of the world. The recording studio at Big Sur, California, in a converted barn between rocky cliffs and vast forest, seems to have made an impression; the album is busting with natural power and rugged passion. The raw sounds are beautifully crafted and recorded to create an atmospheric sensation. The songs move through a plethora of emotions, taking its basis from the artist’s own experiences of love and attraction. However they hit on many universal feelings, creating a record which finds itself reflective of modern relationships. The opening track The Bad In Each Other sets the scene, creating the imagery of two good people entangled in a relationship, which extracts the worst out of both. This toil runs throughout the remainder of the album with lines like ‘When you comfort me/It
doesn’t bring me comfort actually’. The listener is swept up into the emotional mess which provides moments that almost everyone can relate to.
The gloss of previous albums has been lifted The ode to not being dead; Graveyard, and the dismally intense A Commotion provide an almost Arcade Fire like grandeur, while songs like Caught A Long Wind retain their fragility and delicate sound. The first released single How Come You Never Go There is a stand out song, providing an uplifting, if slightly lurching signature track. Cicadas and Gulls sounds as if it has been recorded at the back of a dark Canadian bar and takes on a slightly more dreamy and open minded feel, as the name
suggests. An absolute gem in the album. Metals should be a difficult album to listen to, but it isn’t. It flows from one track to the next flawlessly, taking you through a melancholic journey with ease and subtlety. It shows that the band is making more adventurous and mature steps. The use of strings, horns and backing vocals throughout really adds to the overall feel of the album and shows just how much of a “team effort” this record really is. Comparisons will of course be made to PJ Harvey, Bjork and Kate Bush, but this album sets out its very own distinct sound and provides Feist with a wonderful platform on which to expand. If this standard is what we are to expect from the artist in the future, then the next album will be eagerly anticipated.
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Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
music.spark@reading.ac.uk
ALBUMS
Wale Ambition Warner Bros.
Arron Kerai
Ambition. After the recent release of his second studio album it is clear that Wale has it in spades. If you love the ever popular genre of hip-hop, then this is an album certainly worth a listen. Born in Washington DC, America, Wale first gained popularity in 2006 with his song Dig Dug (Shake It). Since then he has turned serious heads in the music scene from the likes of Mark Ronson to Jay-Z. More recently, he signed to music label Maybach Music Group, which was founded by the music equivalent of marmite Rick Ross – you either love him or hate him - in early 2011. Having previously worked with artists such as Pharrell and Jazmine Sullivan, the record includes a very heavy line up featuring Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Meek Mill and Ne-Yo to name a few. Songs like Ambition - which features Rick Ross and Meek Mill - not only highlights how far Wale has come, but it also shows
All Mankind Simple Desire Silva Screen
Phillip Whittaker
If you told me that Simple Desire was The Killers’ latest album, I’d believe you. All Mankind certainly have had a lot of inspiration from them. However, there is nothing wrong with that. It’s like saying that Bentleys are terrible cars because they are too much like Rolls
the chemistry between members of the Maybach Music Group. All do a very good job of portraying to the world why they are highly respected in the hip-hop game. This is my favourite track on the entire album. If there is anything certain in life, it is that there is at least one track where a rapper will simply go in ‘on’. Double M Genius is Wale’s 6 Foot 7 Foot (Lil Wayne). Wale’s skill at manipulating words into complex lyrics is demonstrated through this track and is the reason why he is regarded highly by his peers. Lotus Flower Bomb is one for the ladies. Wale is known for his lyrical prowess in hip-hop tracks and he turns on the style with this sensual RnB tune featuring Miguel. This is great diversification for his audience. He caters for his female fan base with this slow track and continues to woo even more supporters. While Ne-Yo would usually be a surprise inclusion on a hip-hop album, White Linen is refreshing. The cool, jazzy RnB vibe echoes throughout this song and with NeYo’s appeal to women, the ladies will definitely be a fan of this one. The same goes for Sabotage, featuring Lloyd. On the other hand, I expected more *insert the Rick Ross grunt here* from the album itself. Wale’s previous work demonstrates pure rapping and heavy beats, something which Maybach Music Group are, in fact, famous for but there needs to be a lot more of that here. Wale seems to be the kind of guy who spits deadly bars; an extra track or two demonstrating this could have gone a long way.
For me, the RnB tracks bring about a disruption in the cohesion of the rest of the album. When I look to create a mixtape of my favourite tunes, I try to blend the tracks together and this makes the album flow, becoming a great all round listen. This factor seems to have been slightly ignored in Ambition and I feel that some of the tracks have been included purely because they are good individually rather than becoming streamlined collectively. Overall, I felt Ambition was initially reasonably strong but ultimately it lacked consistency. It can be described as having peaks and valleys, some parts are excellent, which truly highlights Wale’s solid style and ethos, but others? Not so much. My advice is to give the album a listen before you judge; you will enjoy several tracks and will be reciting lyrics in no time. Other tracks offer deep instrumentals and slow jams for the ladies but by no means should you skip over them. The wordplay is still excellent. It is clear to see the progression and growth from Attention Deficit; Wale is getting there in terms of being a heavyweight in the hip-hop game, despite the ample presence of RnB on Ambition. Despite this, I do feel as if there could be more spitting, more rapping and grimier tracks. Wale, along with some other highly anticipated up and coming artists like J.Cole, Big Sean and Kid Ink, is certainly changing the game. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but at least he has the ambition.
Royces, when quite frankly anyone of us would jump at the chance to own a Bentley. All Mankind are a band that seem to give off that relaxed vibe and listening to their new album brings out the emotions I feel whilst sipping on a couple of ice-cold beers and playing a game of pool with my friends down at the local bar. It’s a very easy-listening collection of tracks and deserves recognition for what it is. The band unusually chose to record the album using mostly traditional techniques, including recording to tape, using vintage analogue gear, recording ‘live’ as a band, and relying on performance rather than technology. As a result, some of the songs were recorded in only a few takes. This shows that the band are genuinely, very talented musicians and have produced a well-polished piece of art without the aid of too much technology, unlike most of the garbage we hear on modern day mainstream radio.
I could see these guys playing on the main stage of Glastonbury very soon, as they seem to have that likeability which bands such as Kings of Leon and U2 have. However, they are not quite there yet and have a lot of work to do if they want to get a proper foothold in the music industry.
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A well-polished piece of art without the aid of too much technology All Mankind are a relatively unheard of band. However some of you make recognise the track Break The Spell as it features on the soundtrack of FIFA 12. I can see why EA Games chose it as it is one of those sneaky tracks that has those catchy hooks which get you singing along without realising and I’d probably say that it is the best track on the album. All Mankind have the potential to be big, but they have to stop
One Sixth of Tommy You’re In My Head Helium Records
Becky Cromie
Once you get over the initial conundrum that this particular CD presents (who is Tommy and what happened to the other five sixths?) it is difficult not to enjoy this album. The female trio create a mellow, innocent, and at times haunting sound; distinctively British and youthful. It is a rarity to discover three nineteen year old girls who write, sing and who formed without the ‘help’ of Simon Cowell, and their music is distinguished by its obvious connection between the band mates. Influences such as Bon Iver and Bright Eyes are clearly present but One Sixth of Tommy manage to balance a familiar style with their own unique spin. Care About It starts with flawless harmonies, a beautiful acoustic melody, and the tasteful inclusion of a keyboard brings the seaside sun to a dreary November Reading (an achievement by all accounts). The next few slowly retreat into dreamy graceful pop ballads, with a slight sounding like a Killers b-side CD and grab their own unique sound. I personally think they should get a bit more electrified and get out of their comfort zone and experiment more, as some of the songs just coast along from chord to chord with the main focus being on Rich Beeston’s voice.
MUSIC 17
folk influence on occasion. A particular favourite is Cotton Pockets, the girls’ youth is employed to their advantage, as they perfectly capture the uneasy nerves and simultaneous joy of falling in love for the first time, repeating ‘would it be alright if I held your hand tonight’, with a simple but effective keyboard instrumental. However, just as you become familiar with the girls distinctive rural sound, it seems to get a bit lost. Not Listening, with percussion that is much more heavily present, sees the acoustic vibe dissolving into an almost American pop track, reminiscent of Miley Cyrus, and my heart sinks. The youthful innocence slips into immaturity even more so with The Pact and attempts to diversify seem to have backfired slightly, as they lose the British folk vibe which distinguished the first half of their album. Thankfully, the girls revert to their original sound once more, and I’m Still Yours welcomes the return of what there is to love about the first half of the album; understated acoustic bliss. The guitar melody really retreats and the girls’ soft, but strong vocals become the focus, arguably the most distinctive and successful on the album. One Sixth of Tommy have created a sound that is easy to listen to, but memorable enough, well-formed and recognizable for its British charm. Like any debut, some experimentation does not fit with their sound, but is admirable none the less. Fresh and uplifting, One Sixth of Tommy is most certainly in my head.
HHHH Overall it’s a good album, which could be their stepping-stone to all-time greatness. Keep up the good work boys, I look forward to hearing what you can conjure up next time.
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18 MUSIC
music.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
SINGLES Rihanna goes in for the high-profile collaborations is Rihanna’s We Found Love. Quite a fitting start, however, as the three minute synth explosion that is to follow appears to represent the intense, thrilling, roller-coaster lifestyle that is missed.
There is a melancholy start to this pulsating, euphoric, high-energy hit Rihanna We Found Love Mercury
Amy Barlow
‘It’s like you’re screaming and no one can hear. You almost feel ashamed that someone could be that important, that without them you feel like nothing. No one will ever understand how much it hurts. You feel hopeless, like nothing can save you. And when it’s over and it’s gone, you almost wish that you could have all that bad stuff back, so that you could have the good’… A melancholy start to the pulsating, euphoric, high-energy hit that
The song distances itself from previous singles that have been released by Rihanna, such as Only Girl in the World and Who’s That Chick, thanks to Calvin Harris’ electro fingerprints, crafting this hit to be the perfect electrohouse production. Aside from Harris’ contribution, however, RiRi moves away from the rough and tough Hard and the gritty ‘tude of Rude Boy and makes her own unique mark with her angelic, heaven-sent vocals. If you preferred RiRi’s dance-pop sensation Loud compared to the dark and gloomy Rated R then this dance-floor-destroyer is right up your street!
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Jennifer Lopez Papi Island
George Reed
Jennifer Lopez is no longer just ‘Jenny from the block’. After taking the lead in a string of hit movies and writing countless multi-selling albums, the 42-year old American artist is back with her latest album Love? Taken from this album, J-Lo’s seventh, is her latest single Papi. If Papi sounds familiar in any way, then that’s probably because of the fact that the chorus was featured in the music video for J-Lo’s earlier single I’m Into You. Admit-
tedly it felt a bit out of place in that video, consisting of only a 20 second clip that was used for Lopez to show off her dancing skills. Yet, this track definitely wouldn’t feel out of place on a dance floor. Latino beats and rhythmic drums open the track, setting the tone for this massive dance anthem. Tribal influences are then mixed in with pounding synths bringing this track into the modern age. Lopez’s powerful, fierce vocals then elevate the track. There is even a chance for Lopez to speak with pure Latin flare, creating a hypnotic effect on the listener. Although the lyrics are simplistic in places “Move your body, Rock your body...” it is this simplicity that makes the track so much fun, and a great song to dance to. This fun, upbeat feel carries over into the official video, which hilariously sees J-Lo being chased through New York streets by an ever increasingly large group of men, all wanting her affections. Overall, it’s not a track that will “define genres” or “change the face of music”. But it will raise a smile and make you determined to find the nearest dance-floor.
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Drake (feat. Rihanna) Take Care Island
Jamie Milton
Drake’s appeal has never stemmed from obnoxious hip-hop or a traditionally abrasive style. He’s far more comfortable in dimly lit rooms, spitting confessional rhymes on top of inventive backdrops, as debut album Thank Me Later testified. The most recent of these comes in the form of a Jamie xx collaboration with the late Gil Scott-Heron, taken from the We’re New Here record, which came out earlier this year. Scott-Heron’s grizzly vocals are duplicated by Rihanna’s, adding a soft touch to Take Care’s already haunting feel. This latest effort potrays Drake in the most vulnerable light possible, atop Jamie Smith’s climbing frame of downtempo house samples and the xx’s signature, echoing guitar lines. This is the most promising indication of the Canadian rapper’s second album to date.
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LIVE Noel Gallagher takes the lead with a trumphant set of Oasis classics
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds 30th November 2011 HMV Forum, London Laurence Green
It’s not often you go to a gig where the crowd feels more like a rowdy mass of baying football fanatics than a collective of discerning music listeners. But such was the reception that met Oasis man gone solo Noel Gallagher as he took to the stage amidst the quintessentially British decadence of North London’s Kentish Town Forum. Gallagher stands at that crossroads that comes to all middleaged rock icons: rest on your lau-
rels, lapping up the royalties and recognition of your glory days, or continue to push yourself, continue to strive among a wash of chart acts half your age to prove your continued relevance in modern music. It’s a daunting prospect at the best of times, even more so when your legacy consists of such monuments of popular culture as Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back In Anger. Against all the odds though, Gallagher has turned out something of a winner – his High Flying Birds album feels energized, vital, a natural progression of the songwriting backbone that held Oasis so high aloft for so many years. The new tracks slot easily alongside old favourites like Supersonic, a confident extension of the ‘Noel Brand’, and one the crowd were more than happy to indulge. With all the drama, bluster and hype of the inter-Gallagher rivalry being swept away, High Flying Birds feels freer and more confident than Oasis have done for a very long time. Gone is the one-upmanship of egos between the brothers, instead it is replaced by the simple drive to play a great show. And judging by the hearty, beer-fuelled sing-along to Half The World Away, Gallagher’s got that one sorted.
Tribes 28th October 2011 Electric Ballroom, London Mathew Di Salvo
Tribes delivered a sensational performance in their iconic hometown at the Electric Ballroom, which frankly, could not have suited their set more. Tribes put on a gritty and vivacious show, proving to the crowd that they are a new band to be taken seriously and that their debut album, Baby – set to be released next year, will be well
worth the wait. With fresh faced teens who blatantly hadn’t yet reached the drinking (or smoking) age sitting on the floor outside the Ballroom nearly two hours before the doors opened, Tribes have clearly gained quite a following and this gig proved exactly why. Electro-indie band Dog is Dead and ska/punk band The Supernovas kept the crowd entertained by supporting the main act. Both bands delivered very promising and exciting sets showing the vibrancy of the Camden music scene and what is to be enjoyed in this
numinous gem of a town. However, it was when Tribes came on that the Ballroom really came to life. Tribes had the crowd electrified with charismatically charged, effortless performances of songs like Sappho, Girlfriend and We Were Children. Plastic cups half full with remnants of Red Stripe and Bacardi flew around the venue as the band, full of energy and a surprising amount of confidence for such a newly emerged group, smashed a fairly quick but unforgettable gig. It was pretty obvious that Tribes felt very comfortable playing in the town they not only come from, but where their name spread like wildfire (without the use of the internet) just little over a year ago. From the loud, incredibly catchy When My Day Comes to the emotionally driven, acoustic Nightdriving, Tribes proved to the crowd, of all ages, that they mean serious business. This set showed that 2012 is going to be a big year for them and that they already have a big following despite having only released two EPs. Staying true to their roots, true to rock and roll and true to the fans, Tribes displayed uniquely valiant showmanship at their biggest show to date and proved that they don’t have to go far from home to put on a truly memorable set.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
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20 ARTS&BOOKS
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
arts.spark@reading.ac.uk
Arts&BOOKS First lady of etiquette speaks again Book launch of the Ultimate Guide to Party Planning and Etiquette Liz Brewer 19 October 2011
quette and social networking sites. When questioned about her views on the use of social networking she said “The problem is that we do it because we can but it’s spiral-
ling out of control…it is a very useful tool but must be used with discipline”. I can only imagine how many of you would disagree with that. Knowing what to do
Alice Furness
I went to the launch of Liz Brewer’s book the Ultimate Guide to Party Planning and Etiquette. Upon arrival I was given a glass of gin and tonic only comparable with a bucket, which although greatly appreciated did question her comments on guests who’d had too much to drink and how to deal with them. At the front was a podium, behind which Liz Brewer was standing. She then began to answer the questions that the audience directed at her, all pretty standard. As I looked around the room I couldn’t help but notice that the average age of the audience was 40+ which lead me to wonder how useful the content of the book would be for people of our age. The beginning of the book gives the reader Brewer’s views on social behaviour, including mobile phone eti-
and when is very useful but why is she the woman with all the social answers? Perhaps because she organises high profile events for a living, such as Shirley Bassey’s birthday. When Brewer was asked if she thought many of her points on table laying were redundant, as many young people don’t have a dining room, let alone a dining table she replied; “I am writing for special occasions…there is a breakdown in behaviour today because of a lack of eating as a family”. I think it’s too simple to blame the lack of eating together for all the “breakdowns in behaviour” in our society but the point she is trying to make of eating together does seem sensible.
How many people have had sleepless nights over the table mats? When the book is read or used you have to bear in mind that she is writing for a ‘special occasion’, as the concept that many people have
a white tie parties regularly is laughable. However, having a point of reference when you are organising something of importance, or something for which you will be scrutinised, can be a great help. Though this does bring me back to my point of is it relevant today? How many people have had sleepless nights over the table mats? Or whether cabaret is an annoyance or an amazing idea? Very few of us I’d guess. The book explains how to address a written invitation and the duties of butlers, but how useful is this in an age of Facebook invites and over familiarity? Does the average person need to know the correct way to open a letter? Does the average person have a Doorman at their dinner parties? Does the average person hire in chairs for their dinner party? On balance no, but if you’re going to be planning your wedding then this book is a very good guide and can be useful to refer to. If this book is taken as it is and what it is intended for then it’s very useful, if not then it’s bordering on farcical.
The Pact - An actor’s perspective Review of The Pact The Old Coopers Arms, Reading 14 - 16 October 2011 Lorraine Bannerman
We’re just not in place/ Get in place/ That’s it because. . . Over the last two months, I have come to know these lines well, coming as they do from a crucial scene in The Pact an original play written and directed by Rebecca (Becki) Hillman who is a PhD student from the Film, Theatre and Television department. The play was to be a left wing experimental agitprop piece with about 50% of the dialogue based on verbatim material taken from interviews with members of the local community. The director’s primary interest was to convey how the government cuts were, and still are, affecting these ordinary people. Here has been an island. . . As a 30 year old postgraduate with a small child, trying to find a place for yourself within the social fabric of university is no mean
task. Becki initially approached me to take part because I had become known in the local area as a spoken word performance poet with pretty strong opinions, and despite never having seen me act, she decided to take a risk. I am glad that she did. There was a very strong emphasis on devising and discussion within this project which returned my intellectual confidence in a way that no amount of reading could have done. The ethics of using verbatim material is fraught with questions, one line in particular generated hours of debate as we discussed issues of re-enacting the opinions of a local, influential individual, whose decision-making was impacting many local lives but who had not been formally interviewed as part of the process. That I cannot go into details here is testament to the ethical and legal dilemmas that a play of this nature faces. This is uncomfortable to say/but we make no apologies for saying it. Whether actors or designers, most of the people involved in this play became so for political as
much as artistic reasons. I would say that before the play I was politically interested (armchair activist) but at some point in the process, I crossed over into the realm of the politically active and as terrifying as this is, it is also the most empowering thing to have happened in my life for many years.
In fact as a cast, our lives became inexorably linked to the final script I have become part of a network of left leaning, young, educated people that don’t feel like they are represented by any political party or group but understand that change is necessary and if that means suspending theoretical differences to achieve this, then so be it. If this is a party, why is there so much blood? Particularly unnerving to the cast during the rehearsal process was the prophetic nature of some
of the scenes. The very first scene that we rehearsed involved a group of disadvantaged young people deciding to rise up against a system that had quite literally beaten them into submission. The following week the UK riots began. I come from the so called ‘feral’ underclass as did one of my colleagues in the cast. Suddenly my childhood experiences, which I often try to forget, were becoming integral to the play. In fact as a cast, our lives became inexorably linked to the final script. One cast member bravely donated his family’s experience of eviction, whilst I was inspired to write a scene then directed by another cast member. Very swiftly, this stopped being Becki’s play and became ours. Where, where? The quick and simple answer to this is everywhere. The performance weekend coincided with a global uprising of the 99% (a campaign which refers to the opposing masses of the 1% of people in the world that hold the majority of the wealth). At the time of writing, the official number of countries where uprisings were
held was 822. Many of these have become occupations within the financial districts around the world including the grounds of St Paul’s Cathedral, London. Most of these you will never hear about on the mainstream media because This revolution is not being televised. . . .
Very swiftly, this stopped being Becki’s play and became ours You don’t have to go move into a tent in November, however, to effect change. There are grass roots groups springing up all over the country including our very own SOS in Reading, where you can join in the discussion and make your government work for you. If you’re interested in finding out more, please write to us at: thepactreading@gmail.com and see www. thepact.org.uk Or get involved with the local Save Our Services Campaign: sosreading@live.co.uk and see http:// www.sos-reading.org.uk
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
arts.spark@reading.ac.uk
Reading Festival of Crime Writing 2011 10 - 13 November 2011
Remember me... Stolen Creative writing Lucy Snow
You don’t know me. (Whispers) How could you understand? (Sigh) You see, I’m . . . I’m frightened and lost. No one can find me. I want to scream, but I’m trapped. Caught. Controlled by his power. (Pause) Him . . . I tremble every time I think . . . What he’s done to me. I’ll never forget. It’s like every emotion of happiness has been sucked out of my soul. I don’t smile anymore, ever! Me, Mandy Moore, not smiling? (Shocked) God, I’ve changed. I’m not who I used to be. Tables have turned . . . I remember how it happened, it all plays round and round in my head like a broken record. It was in June. Angie’s 21st. I remember it was warm, one of the hottest evenings that year. But somehow I felt it turn cold, like a chill was creeping up behind me. (Squeezes herself tight) I wasn’t alone. That’s when he took me. I screamed! His hands grabbed me away like I was his target; his prey - I couldn’t escape. I screamed! But he squeezed me tighter. I screamed! I just remember thinking, I want to be free, I want to run . . . The worst day of my life that was. But you wouldn’t understand, would you? You’re not me. Before that, I was happy; I had my whole life ahead of me. I was at university and had fashion,
friends, fun, family . . . I remember thinking that life couldn’t get any better. I used to have dreams and ambitions (emphasised) I was going somewhere. I really believed as I brushed shoulders with my peers, I was special. Mandy Moore - the girl who made it . . . How wrong I was! I often sit thinking to myself, why did he choose me?
I’m frightened and lost. No one can find me Have you ever missed your family before . . . ? I have. I do. I always imagine seeing them again . . . Imagining their warm smiles . Just . . . (Pause) Imagining. I miss Dad’s generosity, Mum’s kindness . . . Eddie’s humour. I wonder what they look like now. I bet Eddie can ride his bike . . . (Gradually get excited) bet he’s taller. (Lowers the voice expressing sadness) Bet he looks like Dad. I just lay awake thinking about them- I know they’re trying to find me. The question is (Pause) when. . . I’m locked up, I can’t breathe, I’m trapped and only he has the key. I often sit. Just sit in this small space; every glimmer of hope slowly fades day by day . . . I just sit amongst these dark shadows; they are my only friends; I long to be free I want to just be normal. Just need to be my old self - Mandy Moore . . . I think of
ARTS&BOOKS 21
Nadine Michaels
this room as a prison. Look at it for God’s sake! (Whisper) These walls sprayed with mould, the windows permanently covered . . . it’s just what I’m used to now . . . Now that I’m under his power. (Distant footsteps) Hear that . . . that’s him, those footsteps. My heart beats out of control, but, you know what? I want to run, stretch my legs and feel fresh air . . . It comes to a point where . . . I’ve had enough! I’ve just about had enough. I’m tired of being behind these bars ; I’m tired of losing who I am . . . I’m tired of this life. Him. I just want to make it stop! When (Stutters) p-p-p . . . When HE took me. I remember his cold hands all over my body (embraces herself) the way he squeezed me tight and whispered “you’re mine now”. After that it was darkness . . . I’ve not known anything else since. (Breaks down) I bet you’ve heard about me on the news, haven’t you? I’m more than a story; I have a family too out there. I know they’re looking for me . . . don’t turn the TV off and forget. I’ll just be waiting. Waiting for what seems like forever. . . The days are long, the nights longer. When he comes home . . . (Ashamed) he beats me. (Shouts) I scream and I scream. But still. No-one hears me . . . Do you know what it’s like to be hit to the ground? I do. Do you know what it’s like to feel worthless? I do. (Frustration and tears) Do you
know what it’s like to starve for days . . . ? I do. When he touches me . . . I shiver. Fear what he’ll do next. The fear of losing yourself is the worst. Do you know what it’s like to lose your identity? I do. I just close my eyes and think it will be alright, comfort myself I guess, I just imagine Christmas. When I was happy, the year I got my bike and I felt the luckiest girl alive. (Pause) But it seems like everything’s gone, I’ve got nothing. Absolutely nothing. When I feel so empty and worthless, I, I, I wish I was dead sometimes. Life is just ashes of what I had before; it’s just a distant memory. Just hope, the only thing that keeps me going.
The Reading Festival of Crime Writing 2011 is back with more author talks, panel discussions, competitions, children’s events and so much more from the best international, national and local crime authors. Already confirmed are Mark Billingham, Martina Cole, Michael Dobbs, Quintin Jardine, Minette Walters and many more. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an extra day added, indeed needed, to programme the wealth of crime writing related events. There’s sure to be something for everyone! For more details check out www.readingfestivalofcrimewriting.org.uk
I’m tired of losing who I am . . . I’m tired of this life So there you go. That’s it - you won’t understand my life . . . or how I feel. But I don’t care . . . I just want to free myself of these chains. Him. But I’m just praying they find me. Praying . . . just praying. Next time you’re with your family, a friend, or someone you love. Think of me. Just think what it’s like to lose everything and lose who you are. Remember me. Mandy Moore. Do you know what it’s like to be stolen? I do.
Arguably a striking read! Book review of Arguably Christopher Hitchens Sam Burgess
Contained within the recent memoir of this most striking of critics, the must-read and deliciously badly titled Hitch-22, Christopher Hitchens devotes a chapter to his friendship with Salman Rushdie, in which he includes one of the simplest and most delightful plaudits you might grant a writer; “there seemed to be no book he had not read.” What a charming thing to say of another passionate lover of language, and how especially charming when one considers that Hitchens is too modest (not something his polemic is usually known for) to acknowledge that the same has long been applied to himself in this and many fields beyond. Perusing this, his fifth collection of essays, it always feels as though absolutely no development in politics, history or literature has ever
escaped this man’s hawkish eye and usually caustic pen. Arguably covers the most recent of Hitchens’ output, in articles of every possible length and brevity and on an enormous number of topics. And collected from such publications as Slate, The Atlantic, the ubiquitous Vanity Fair, as well as several book introductions, his preface to the American edition of Animal Farm, by his hero Orwell, is worth the purchase price alone.
His deadpan sardonics reign supreme The remainder of the book, meanwhile, sometimes seems to cover every conceivable topic you might care to comment upon, not simply because of the topic, but because of the broadness of Hitchens’ style, his skill at taking the crux of each piece and applying it, with so much as splitting a seam, to anything he chooses. A semi-critique
of/semi-ode to the work of Charles Dickens, for example, becomes an extraordinarily precise and thorough examination of the great storytellers’ politics and opinions. You’d think that Hitchens had seen every single article ever written on the topic, so broad is his research. And above all, his deadpan sardonics reign supreme – few essays, by any writer, are quite so wry, contentiously witty, and ironically funny as ‘Why Women Aren’t Funny.’ Each essay is collected under six different headings. The literature of W.H. Auden, P.G. Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh, Grahame Greene and so many others are counted as ‘Eclectic Affinities’; thoughts on Iraq, Iran and the War on Terror are the settling of ‘Offshore Accounts’, whilst a deliciously barbarous poke in the ribs of Prince Charles and a hilariously overwrought attack on the flouting of wine-drinking etiquette come
under ‘Amusements, Annoyances and Disappointments’.
You’d think that Hitchens had seen every single article ever written on the topic The strength of consistency between the perspectives of these essays is, quite simply, sterling. Though they have not been compiled too far apart (a shame, as it is not only the noughties and late nineties that contain this best work by this notorious contrarian), the entire volume is practically glossed over with the man’s solid and unshakeable principles. Considering that, in the last year, the bleak death-note of cancer has been laid before him, it is almost vital that more people discover his extraordinary writings as soon as possible. Arguably is the perfect place to start.
Christopher Hitchens Arguably is available to buy now for around £30 from any good book store
22 FASHION
fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk
FASHION
Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model Live 2011
katherine watkins
Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model has been on our screens for seven seasons now, bringing us beautiful fashion, stunning girls and top photographers. Now, for the second year, Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model (BINTM) has gone live! Returning to London’s ExCel centre last weekend to give the public a taste of the supermodel lifestyle, with an exhibition full of stalls, catwalks and stylists this was the perfect escape for every fashionista! The doors opened at 11am on Friday for the first day of the threeday event, with Jade Thompson, winner of BINTM 2011, opening the event. Hundreds of fashionfollowers gathered to see the official photo call with contestants and judges from the show, before surging through to the ultimate fashion paradise. The KISS Open Catwalk provided guests with a packed schedule, highlights of which included fash-
ion shows from The London College of Style, The Only Way is Essex star Amy Childs and renowned designer Joey Bevan, as well as performances from a range of up and coming new stars. Not only this but visitors got a chance to attend a Q&A session with BINTM judges, Charley Speed and Grace Woodward. Surrounding the catwalk was an array of stalls, ranging from vintage, hand-made or high street fashion through to luxurious chocolates and even toothpaste, with many companies giving out free samples and exclusive gifts. Complimentary pampering was also available to all guests, with a chance to glam up before strutting their stuff in front of top modelling scouts. For those of us needing to relax after a hard day of pampering and shopping, the VnC cocktail bar was the perfect place, offering an array of delicious cocktails and refreshments as well as a place to rest your aching feet. There was
also the VIP lounge, available exclusively to the lucky VIP holders, who were given a chance to grab refreshments whilst getting up close and personal with stars from the show. The highlight of the day had to be the main fashion show, with a spectacular combination of truly gorgeous male dancers, stylish fashion designs, brilliant performances from Bluey Robinson and Luminites and of course the 2011 BINTM contestants with their first collaborative catwalk since the end of the season. This Featured some outstanding themes, including angelic party outfits (with wings no less) straight through to formal wear, which gave us a glimpse of what we can expect from fashion and BINTM in the future. This three day weekend is the ultimate day out for a fashion lover; look out for updates about next year’s event to make sure you don’t miss out. Trust me, it’s well worth the throbbing feet.
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
Introducing... Pixie Knitwear katie brown
So here it is, that time of the year again, where we have to pack away our pretty dresses, sling the sandals to the back of the cupboard and bring out the big, baggy and boring jumpers of winter. Or do we? Thanks to online boutique Pixie Knitwear, the only thing that will be grey this winter is the weather. The UK independent designers have something for everyone, stocking everything from cosy cardigans and jumpers through to sexy dresses and bodies. Since being snapped up by Topshop in their first season Pixie Knitwear has grown as a brand, for it is now being stocked in some of the biggest retailers throughout the UK, Europe and the US!
Mischa Barton and Fearne Cotton are jumping on the bandwagon Once you know how dedicated the in-house team of style hunters are to bringing you the newest, best quality, fashion knitwear available it doesn’t come as much of a shock to know that fashion forward celebrities such as Mischa Barton and Fearne Cotton are jumping on the woolly band-wagon too: when are you going to hop on board?
Pixie Knitwear, Geo Crop Sweater, around £18 Luckily, the celebrity following doesn’t actually mean a celebrity price tag, which is great news for us students! So, even though we don’t have much control over the miserable winter weather we can make sure that our wardrobe doesn’t follow in its damp and dreary footsteps thanks to a few little Pixies working their magic. If you love your Pixie purchase as much as we think you will you can unleash your inner model by uploading your woolly wearing pictures by clicking on the site’s blogging option. So go on and treat yourself because we all need something to keep us warm on those freezing walks to 9am lectures! Buy online at www.pixieknitwear. com and if Spark* readers enter LOVEPIXIE at the checkout you will receive free shipping!
City vs. Country: Will you be pounding the pavements this winter? sarah blunden
Faux furry and formal
Oxfam.org Vintage Tissavel Faux Fur Honey Coat, around £60
Topshop Abe Ultimate Chelsea Boot, around £62
Winter in the city is all about opulence. When else do we get an excuse to wear faux fur? We all seem to love it, for just about every high-street shop has at least one item in fur, whether it be a gilet, a coat or a hat, adorning it’s windows! The worry is that it can look tacky if not combined correctly, so here are some winter tips for looking furry and fabulous in the city! Give faux fur a formal edge by keeping your palette monochrome; add a pussybow blouse and a pair of leather leggings to your shaggy gilet and you’re set to go! Online boutique Boohoo and high street favourite H&M are two of the best places to shop for ‘faux’ at student friendly prices, and if not discov-
ered already ‘Frock&Roll’ in Reading is fantastic for vintage coats! If furry isn’t your thing, square cut ‘box’ coats are in this winter. They all seem to be waist length, and look great teamed with skinny jeans and Chelsea boots, coupled with a checked shirt and you’re looking pretty edgy. Topshop are the best place for Chelsea boots this winter, while skinny jeans and check shirts are all over the place, but in abundance at H&M. Happy shopping girls.
The country got trendy. Gone are the days where city slickers dominated the catwalks and fashion pages. The country bumpkins are leading this years’ winter trends with a vengeance! Tartan, houndstooth and Prince of Wales checks abounded this years’ winter catwalks and we are seeing
them not only out in the fields, but also on our high-streets. You don’t have to be on a country pursuit to wear leather riding boots and a quilted jacket. It seems city and country fashions are increasingly interchangeable this season. Great news for us students who aren’t geared up to have two separate wardrobes for the winter! Team chunky knits with hints of tartan and tweed, throw in a few heritage inspired accessories and you’re all set for winter in the country and the city! Zara, H&M and Topshop are the places to shop for big cosy winter knits, while Primark are jumping on the bandwagon with their own quilted jacket range. Boots are a bit of an ‘investment’ (as I like to call them), so worth spending money on as they will last! Check out Asos who have a great range online!
Zara Combined Riding Boot, around £100
H&M Jumper, around £25
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk
FASHION 23
Fashion Factor: Facing the music emily butler
It’s unavoidable. We are well and truly in the throws of X Factor season, and anyone who’s anyone is watching. Whether for better or worse, the clothes that the contestants are put in each week is equally as important in deciding if they have the elusive ‘x factor’ as their ability to sing. I’m inclined to support the high fashion element of the X Factor if, after all, it is a show designed to entertain the nation. That said, the styling choices on the show are not always what you would call ‘inspired’ Whoever’s decision it is to dress Frankie Cocozza in the same outfit each week is probably paid a little too well to do it. Misha B’s looks are always particularly divisive, and the twitterati don’t miss the chance to express their views; one confused twitter-er recently asked “Why is Misha B wearing a loaf of Warburtons bread on her head?!” Johnny Robinson has also been one to watch over the weeks – his
panto villain- esque silver trench coat being a particular low point in the style stakes. It is the judges’ outfits though that really keep us watching. Tulisa’s best moment was a green sequined D&G dress, and a couture Bruce Oldfield, whilst Kelly has created her own name for herself in the fashion world with effortlessly worn Versace and THAT Caballi gown that wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Oscars. Even Alexandra Burke – standing in for Kelly - looked the part in a dress designed by Jonathan Saunders, one of the hottest names at London Fashion Week. And it’s not just the girls. Louis Walsh recently told Heat that ‘Gary Barlow uses five stylists to get ready’! Clearly they can feel the scrutiny that they are under, and whether or not the die-hard music fans tell us that the fashion element of the show is trivial, you can’t help but agree that it certainly makes it easier to watch.
Max up your winter wardrobe! Blogspot poppy nowicka
myfashioninspiration.com My Fashion Inspiration is a blog by Lene who lives in Amsterdam. It can be differentiated from other blogs because it gives practical information about fashion. Rather than solely focusing on catwalk shows it offers advice on what is more affordable and currently available on the high street. There are shopping links to most items featured, or to alternative items if they’re no longer available. The blog also contains videos which offer the chance to fully appreciate an outfit.
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Versace for H&M petrina de gouttes
robyn sweeney
The maxi dress and skirt were a huge trend this summer and with the hundreds of styles on offer they were a great buy to flatter every shape. But just because the winter weather has finally kicked in, it doesn’t mean your maxi garments need to be packed away to await the return of the sunshine months, instead it’s time to make them all-season style statements! Summer brights can be easily transferred into colour blocking winter bolds with a simple leather
injection! Wrapping a cropped black leather jacket around a bright coloured maxi dress adds an instantly stylish winter warmth wearable even in the cold weather. This look can be intensified for the evening with heavy jewellery and accessories and smoky grey eye make-up. The key is to consider length and fit! When you’re rocking a maxi garment, whatever else you wear it with needs to be cropped and fitted to avoid an over-layered and frumpy look
If you’re working with a sheer material the trick is to take away the dainty summer style the ma-
terial suggests. Teaming sheer skirts and dresses with heavy footwear such as military boots and an oversized bag make this look a little more hardcore and winter proof. A casual loose tee is great as it compensates for your legs not being on show and gives the outfit balance, suitable for alloccasions. Statement winter hats are a great final touch to stand out with hundreds of styles bombarding high street stores. Keep jewellery simple and elegant as in excess it will make the look too heavy.
Versace for H&M dress, around £129. The collection hits the stores on Thursday 17 November 2011
Consisting of beautiful pieces for both men and women, as well as luxurious items for the home, Versace’s much-anticipated collaboration with Swedish fashion chain H&M will bring inevitable mile-long queues and blood-thirsty fashionistas to H&M stores across the world on 17 November. Designer collaborations with high-street stores are nothing new - first there was Stella McCartney and now there’s Versace! And with prices starting from around £20, there’s good reason to be excited. Inspired by the house archives, we can expect to see bold coloured suits, statement jewellery and plenty of embellished dresses, like the one pictured (left). Whether you’re going to be buying it instore or online: save the date.
24 BEAUTY
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
beauty.spark@reading.ac.uk
BEAUTYSpot the difference
The rise of the Guylashes!
Whether you are hitting the town or simply going to work, applying guylashes won’t be an impossible mission now that they are available just around the corner at your local pharmacy. If you thought that guylashes even being available on the market was just a little too much, they also come in different types, where your average man can either buy thick or thin guylashes depending on their eyelash type.
LIAM WEST
It has long been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it seems that this old phrase is applicable to both sexes now that the guylashes are up in trend. This new stage in the evolution of man has caused many to question whether applying guylashes for that Hollywood gaze is perhaps a step too far, especially now that celebrities such as Russell Brand, Brandon Flowers and Johnny Depp have encouraged men to dabble in the make-up box.
Will men really be willing to sport the guylash look? You don’t need to dig deep in your pocket either as a pair of guylashes can be bought for only £4.75, which isn’t really much considering how much we spend on the latest hair gel! It is obvious that male image consciousness has increased a lot over the last decade but will men really be willing to sport the guylash look?
LUCY TOMLINSON
As students, we all know that your skin is never at its finest during your time at university. Long nights (whether spent in the library or drinking) poor diet and lack of exercise do not collectively bode well for our delicate facial skin. My friends and I all faced the problem that many first year students seem to encounter; the curse of the first term skin. The moment you say goodbye to your parents, and embark on fresher’s week with its excessive drinking, you start to dehydrate your skin and spots appear as if conjured up by magic. We forget, but our skin acts as a barrier, therefore the more bad things that are thrown at it, the more damaged it becomes. So, in short, you need to invest just a bit of time and money in your skin if you are to attempt to break this curse. Like anything, balance is what it’s all about. So here are my top three tips that can help you to achieve picture perfect skin. 1) Keep it simple. Use products
that soothe your skin rather than those that seem abrasive. The Dr. Nick Lowe range comes highly recommended from dermatologists, focusing on treatments for spot prone skin. Yes, the range is priced slightly higher than some other skincare lines, but at an average price of around £10 the extra money spent is definitely worth it.
Take your make-up off before you go to bed!
fects that weather conditions like strong winds and rain can cause. Whilst it is clear that finding time for a daily rigorous skincare regime when you are a new student will be difficult, taking five minutes out of your day to cleanse will do the world of good for your skin. However, the best tip is to remember to take your make-up off before you go to bed! It’s the cardinal sin we all commit, and the easiest one to solve!
2) The morning after. To combat the effects of a night of drinking, use a product like Soap & Glory’s Hocus Focus, that brands itself on helping fix the effects of the night before. This product can even be used on top of make-up as a highlighter for a fresh, dewy face. 3) Keep out the cold. Look after your skin as the nights start to draw in and the air becomes much colder. Eucerin’s Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm is clinically proven to help the skin’s own regeneration process, helping to subdue the ef-
Beauty on a budget Movember: We want your hair: come on boys!
Emma Watson
EMMA WARD
ELLE TURNER
As a student, money can be tight, but with these beauty tips and tricks you can get gorgeous glowing skin for free. This week I’ll be showing you how to make a face scrub from ingredients found in your kitchen. I swear by exfoliator. Not only does it make your skin feel smooth but it makes it look amazing too, which is why it is important to find one which works well and uses safe and healthy ingredients. Having tried many (many, many!) exfoliators over the years, I stumbled across FCUK’s polished sugar scrub. The smell? Incredible. The effect? Flawless. The price? … not so great on a student budget. So, I raided the kitchen cupboard to find a D.I.Y cure for a fraction of the cost and found this winning remedy. All you’ll need is some sugar, water, honey and a
lemon. Firstly, start off by pouring 10g of sugar into a bowl. This helps to exfoliate as the coarse texture gently buffs away dead skin cells. Add 25ml of warm water to create a paste. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze about 6 drops into the mixture (you can add more or less depending on how strong you want it). The citric acid in lemon juice rejuvenates skin by reducing acne and minimising redness. Finally, add half a teaspoon of honey to the scrub as honey is an incredible natural moisturiser so it helps to leave your skin feeling instantly smooth. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect which reduces puffiness and gives your skin a gorgeous dewy glow. Voila! Perfect exfloiator, ready to go. So, save those well needed pennies and achieve soft flawless skin with this simple natural remedy.
Movember, the month formerly known as November, is responsible for the current sprouting of moustaches everywhere we look. The aim of this is to increase awareness and raise vital funds for men’s health,specifically prostate cancer, by starting conversations both publicly and privately about these illnesses. This initiative started in Australia in 2004 and spread to other countries, including Great Britain, by 2007. It has come to be known as a bit of a competition between boys, seeing who really can grow the best moustache, and really sorts out the men from the boys. Yet we musn’t forget that this is a great cause and is a fun way to raise money and spread awareness. Most “Mo Bros” typically throw a party to celebrate the end of November, or attend one of the parties held worldwide to acknowledge the completion of the month. So come on boys get growing, if nothing else it will keep you warm!
LILY BROWN
Emma Watson has been the subject of much controversy recently, mainly over her dramatic haircut a couple of years ago. She went from having long, brown hair made famous in her role as Hermione Granger to sporting a daring pixie crop. Her gorgeous shiny, dark hair had been the envy of many and she seemed able to pull off many different styles, from classic up dos to more off-duty styles like the fish tail plait. The transformation was shocking and the nation was split in their in their opinion, with some people loving it and others
hating it. It marked her movement from child actress to model and her new look has seen her achieve high profile roles, such as the face of Burberry and her latest role as the face of Lancôme. The pixie crop has been seen on many celebrities but Emma’s crop has provoked by far the biggest response. However, she has risen above the controversy and worked the androgynous crop in a number of ways. She has worn it slicked back for a more professional look and swept to the side with a pretty hair accessory for a softer, more feminine style. Not only has Emma succesfully experimented with different styling techniques, but she has also tried out a range of different colours from blonde to dark brown, adjusting her style to suit them all. Watson has really grown up since the days of Harry Potter, and this transformation can be seen through her hair - from long bushy locks to a cute pixie crop. It was a brave choice for the actress but one that seems to have paid off as she moves upwards in the world of fashion and beauty.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
marketing@rusu.co.uk
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26 HEALTH&FOOD
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
health.spark@reading.ac.uk
HEALTH Time for a check-up? Lizzie Pollington
Have you ever wondered how good your general health is? It might seem like an odd thing to think about but general health check-ups are actually quite rare in England. You see in films and TV shows that Americans seem to go for them every other week but on our side of the pond we seem to have an “if I don’t think it’s broken then it mustn’t be” mentality. However there are things that can be going slightly awry in our bodies without us even knowing. And it’s because of these things that the Pharmacy department here at the University of Reading are now running free Healthcare checks for students at the university. These drop-in services are being run every Wednesday until 7 December, and again from 25 January to 14 March, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in 3Sixty. They will be carried out by trained pharmacy undergraduates, and supervised by fully trained nurses, and will be completely confidential. Health check-ups like this are designed to give you an accurate impression of your overall health. The tests that they will run cover all aspects of health, ranging from measuring your blood pressure and glucose level, to assessing your lifestyle
and measuring your body mass index (BMI). You can choose to take as many or as few of the tests as you like and the check will last up to 30 minutes, depending on how many tests you choose to take. Once you are given your results you will also be advised on how to alter your lifestyle choices in order to improve or maintain your health. This service is a great opportunity for you to find out how healthy you really are, whilst providing practical and useful information on what small changes you can make to improve your health. A lot of the tests they are running
concern health care issues that are serious, such as cardiovascular health and diabetes, and yet are often overlooked and forgotten about. Also, not only are you taking real conscientious care of yourself by attending, this scheme provides practical hands-on experience and training for your fellow students and allows their development whilst you learn more about your own health. Paid for by the Annual Fund, the Healthcare Check supports the pastoral role of the university by taking some responsibility for the welfare of its students. Not only is the service a great opportunity to understand your own well being, it’s free and everyone who attends is entered in to a prize draw to win a Wii Fit or cash equivalent if you already have one. The Pharmacy department have said that these checks are “a good first port of call to help understand what you can do to improve your health for the future, referring you elsewhere if need be.” So, really, you have no excuse not to go for it! Pop along any Wednesday afternoon and get yourself a clean bill of health. If you have any questions you can send an email to c.a.langran@reading.ac.uk for further information.
Going blue for World Diabetes Day Chayya Syal
Every year 14 November is marked as World Diabetes Day and supported by various organisations and hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. World Diabetes Day was jointly introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and is an internationally recognised day and an official United Nations day. On this day, famous buildings and monuments around the world are lit up in blue, from the London Eye to the Sears Tower in Chicago. Every year the charity has a theme, and this year, World Diabetes Day is concerned with diabetes in children and teenagers. It is always on 14 November, as it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who alongside Charles
Best, first discovered insulin in 1922. As you may know, there are two different types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is where the person’s body does not produce insulin and they have to take insulin tablets or injections daily in order to survive. Type 2 is where the person’s body produces insulin but it does not work properly. The vast majority of patients who de-
veloped Type 2 did so because they were overweight and unfit, and had been overweight and unfit for quite some time. Last year, the Daily Mail and the Guardian reported that the number of people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes has increased by fifty per cent in the last 5 years, probably due to rising levels of obesity. The incidence of Type 1 diabetes is also increasing by 4% year on year, and is increasing faster in children under the age of five. Figures suggest that up to 1,400 children may now have Type 2 diabetes and over 26,000 children are currently living with Type 1 diabetes. To learn more about World Diabetes Day, or to make a donation and to see how else you can get involved, log onto www.worlddiabetesday.org
How it feels ... To be a student living with cancer Rosi Hirst
Chances are if you are reading this paper you are in your late teens or twenties. Statistically you are likely to be at the healthiest you will ever be. So why would you be interested in an article about cancer? Only old people get cancer, right? Well, while it is true that less than one percent of all cancers are contracted by under25s, unfortunately for me I was in that one percent. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck the function of which I had only the vaguest idea of at the time (and honestly, am still a little sketchy about). This type of cancer is fairly uncommon, with only around 2000 new cases occurring every year, and only about 100 of those cases happening to young people. Luckily for me, the survival rate of thyroid cancer is among the highest for any form of cancer, with between 75-80% of all people who contract this form of cancer surviving for more than ten years after diagnosis, and considerably more for someone of my age. In the words of my doctor, if you have to get a type of cancer, this is the one you want to get. No chemotherapy, no hair loss, and often no pain or discomfort at all. However, words cannot begin to explain the experience felt after someone looks you in the eyes and tells you “I’m sorry: you have cancer.” When I was first diagnosed, of course I felt very shocked, and it took some days before I could even think of myself as having cancer, let alone saying it out loud. But despite what you may see in films and television, living with cancer is not an experience surrounded by drama and weeping and emotional tumult all the time. I won’t deny that I have had moments of despair, but on a day-to-day basis thyroid cancer
tends to be as a sort of annoying inconvenience, like a broken leg or even a bad haircut. Yes, it gets in the way, but there are long periods of the disease where nothing at all can be done to fight it, so life goes on regardless. Of course, it has been incredibly disruptive, with everything from my degree to my role at Spark* itself suffering as I juggle treatments and struggle with side effects, and there are times when my entire life feels like one long unending slog. I have had days that I have spent feeling tired from morning to evening, and return from university so exhausted I barely have time to eat before falling asleep. But it may surprise you to hear that I consider having cancer, while not particularly enjoyable, a positive experience. Clichéd as it may be, the old adage “what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger” comes into play here. Believe me, once you have beaten cancer, you can beat anything. My last few months have been about as physically and mentally challenging as you can get, but I know once I am finally given the all-clear I will be a stronger person for it. Getting out of bed in time for an early lecture or spending all day writing an overdue essay used to seem tough, but that was before I knew what tough really was. Having the threat of genuinely being unable to complete my course hovering over my head has impressed upon me the value of my degree, and instilled me with a desire to work even harder. Problems which bothered me before now seem insignificant: who cares about bad skin or getting drunk when your health is on the line? But more than anything else, I feel older, more capable of dealing with whatever life can throw at me. As a final year student, I am very aware that the ‘real world’ is rapidly approaching, and that used to terrify me. Now? I think I can just about handle it.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
health.spark@reading.ac.uk
Food Yo! Don’t know what Yo! Missing!
taste of urban Tokyo. Sushi in itself is a good staple food and part of a healthy balanced diet, with much more to offer than just raw fish and sticky rice! The fish is full of protein and omega 3, while seaweed provides essential minerals. Also by washing it down with unlimited green tea and water you will ensure that the binge at the union will not resurface in the form of a massive blackhead later on in the week. Sushi novices need not fear, as the menu caters for you too. With meal plans and suggestions to help you decide what compliments what, you won’t be pondering at
the conveyor belt wondering what to select. The conveyor belt pushes along low calorie nibbles in the form of Miso Soup with only 56 calories, Pumpkin karroke at 92 calories, Prawn Katsu with 122 calories, Tilapia Ceviche, a sashimi, dish with fish and molluscs at 42 cals and Ama Ebi, another fish Sashimi with 35 calories. With such low calorie counts and prices, Yo! Sushi provides a new take on the traditional Japanese experience. Yo! Sushi is located in House of Fraser by The Oracle and is open Monday to Sunday from 12pm10pm.
Leftover Pumpkin? Sophie Elliott
zest of 1 orange and juice of half
Halloween has been and gone, but don’t just bin your leftover pumpkin (unless it’s off!), try this:
Butter and line a 30 x 20cm baking or small roasting tin with baking parchment. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Put the flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sulta-
Pumpkin Tray Bake For the cake: 300g self-raising flour 300g light muscovado sugar 3 tsp mixed spice 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 175g sultanas ½ tsp salt 4 eggs , beaten 200g butter, melted zest of 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice 500g (peeled weight) pumpkin or butternut squash flesh, grated For the drizzling and icing: 200g pack soft cheese 85g butter, softened 100g icing sugar, sifted
nas and salt into a large bowl and stir to combine. Beat the eggs into the melted butter, stir in the orange zest and juice, then mix with the dry ingredients till combined. Stir in the pumpkin. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.
Hangover Food Rebecca Lord
Abi Bashforth
The health conscious among you may be looking for somewhere to eat out this winter without plummeting further into your overdraft (and into obesity!). Well look no further! With a new nutritional booklet showcasing the only restaurant menu to incorporate the well-known traffic light system and calorie counter, making sure you know exactly what you’re putting away, Yo! Sushi has the best of both worlds. And if that isn’t enough the Japanese restaurant also has twenty five percent off for all students for a whole year! All you have to do is sign up on the website to enjoy the culinary conveyor belt of Japanese classics; including noodles, chicken katsu curry, rice dishes, seafood, broths, soups and salads at a discount price. Yo! Sushi began as a London only restaurant in 1997 and in only fourteen years has become the original and most famous sushi brand in the UK, offering Westerners a real
HEALTH&FOOD 27
TOP TIP : As the pumpkin has a lot of moisture in it, your cake could take longer to cook. So just leave it in for however long it needs, until it is light and springy. You could always use the skewer test to check it is cooked through. To make the frosting, beat together the cheese, butter, icing sugar, orange zest and 1 tsp of the juice till smooth and creamy, then set aside in the fridge. When the cake is done, cool for 5 minutes then turn it onto a cooling rack. Prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle with the rest of the orange juice while still warm. Leave to cool completely. If you like, trim the edges of the cake. Give the frosting a quick beat to loosen, then, using a palette knife, spread over the top of the cake in peaks and swirls. If you’re making the cake ahead, keep it in the fridge then take out as many pieces as you want 30 minutes or so before serving. Will keep for up to 3 days, if covered and in the fridge. Adapted from bbcgoodfood.com
In the flurry of a new university year, nutrition can take a backseat for many new and returning students. After a heavy night, the body becomes depleted in vitamins A, B - particularly B6, and C. This deficit, and the high dosage of the depressant chemical present in alcohol, make for an unpleasant start to your morning after. Resist the temptation to reach for last night’s cold pizza! The following two recipes include all the depleted vitamins, and importantly Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) which is naturally found in chicken and peanuts. Tyrosine is the precursor to Dopamine, the ‘feel good factor’, providing feelings of enjoyment and motivation. Lucky then, that both recipes contain dairy, spinach and banana - which are all rich in Tyrosine. Bananas are a natural antacid, which helps to combat nausea, and the cayenne acts as a natural pain killer, as well as boosting metabolism. Amongst the benefits, a boosted immune system will give you a better chance of fighting off fresher’s flu!
Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie You will need: 1 banana, chopped 1 orange, use juice and pulp 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey 5/6 ice cubes 150g greek yoghurt Method: Blend together all the ingredients
in a smoothie maker or blender. Makes enough for 2 small glasses. Spinach and Chicken Pasta Bake You will need: 50g pasta ½ chopped tomatoes Generous handful of spinach ½ chicken breast ½ small onion, diced Pinch of cayenne pepper and mixed herbs Cheese for topping Method: Fry the onion and chicken with the cayenne pepper and mixed herbs until browned. Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Meanwhile, cook and drain the pasta. Add fried ingredients into the pasta and mix with chopped tomatoes. Transfer to a small lasagne dish, and top with cheese. Grill until the cheese has melted.
28 GAMING
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
gaming.spark@reading.ac.uk
GAMING OnLive
The next generation of gaming? Tom Wood
OnLive is a new cloud based gaming platform that allows you to play games on your computer or laptop anywhere that has a suitable internet connection. The main draw of the service is that due to the fact that the games are being streamed to you via the OnLive servers you can play the latest releases on any computer, so for example you could be in bed on your tiny net-book playing some of the current biggest releases, that would normally make such a computer melt or not even work at all, also as with all digital platforms it removes the need to wait for your game before you can play. Getting started with OnLive is easy, you just download the client to your PC and create an account, from there you are able to access the front end of the service, from here you can browse the titles currently on offer, there is a wide selection of genres on offer from casual games to Shooters and RPG’s, meaning that you should find something to keep you entertained regardless of your personal gaming preferences. The service is continually being updated with new games and has a good selection of AAA titles such as Batman: Arkham City or the forthcoming Saints Row the third available for preorder. All in all there are 50 publishers and over 150 games to choose from.
for most games on the service) and was instantly greeted with the main menu and then straight into game play. I enjoyed the experience so decided to actually buy the game, this was a smooth and easy process and not a minute later I was back in the full game resuming my progress from the demo. There is no other service out there that can provide such immediate entertainment as this.
Being able to play a game the moment you click it is quite surreal There are however a few drawbacks, the first of which being the fact that you need a good solid internet connection of at least 10Mbs (they say 5Mbs, but better to be safe), the service will work over a wireless connection however wired will be preferable if you are going to be playing for extended periods. Due to the fact that you are essentially playing the game on a PC that could be a hundred miles away there can be some slight issue with response times leading to minor input lag, with your button presses or mouse movements taking a little while to register. However in my experience this is easily compensated for and after a short while playing you
almost subconsciously negate this issue, and as internet speeds (especially fibre optic services) and the OnLive service improve this issue will become non-existent. The next issue is the slight loss of visual fidelity due to having to stream the game from a distant server. All games are locked at 720p (the games on the service are tailored for it, therefore there are no graphics options to adjust) so the experience can be compared to watching a HD video on youtube in terms of visual quality. This is an understandable trade-off and doesn’t detract at all from game play, however it does of course mean that games on the service will never look as good as their store bought counterparts, but then you wouldn’t be able to play those on your net book or old laptop. Another thing to remember is that as you are constantly streaming a high bit rate video, the service does use a fair amount of bandwidth and about 3Gb of data an hour, this is something to consider if you are using a shared or limited broadband service. Overall these drawbacks are minor and, due to the way the system works, they are unfortunately unavoidable at this current time, however, at the end of the day I played through the entirety of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine using the service and enjoyed it
just as much as the copy I own for my Xbox360, that I think proves the service works and is more than just a curiosity. Along with the downloadable client that is available for PC you can also purchase a standalone OnLive console that plugs into your TV, allowing you to play games on the couch just like a traditional console. The service offered is exactly the same and the technical drawbacks from the client are present, however having a centralised system is nice. This is priced at around £70 and will be available from GAME. It comes with a wireless controller but also allows for expansion with USB ports for a keyboard and mouse if you prefer.
It requires a good internet connection but these are becoming much more common When using OnLive you can either opt to buy only the individual games that you are interested in or for £6.99 a month you can subscribe to the play-pack bundle. This essentially gives you unlimited access to nearly all the games on the service with only the latest releases being absent (although they would be added after an initial exclusive period) and this
OnLive is a cloud based system allowing you to play anywhere So far so good, but does it all work? In my opinion yes, but there are a couple of areas that unfortunately limit the experience, due to the technical side of getting such a complex service to work in the first place. I will cover these specific areas in greater depth later on, first though I will describe my personal experience with using OnLive. Due to the way that the program works games are pretty much instantly accessible, this made the first time I used the service slightly surreal as I clicked to try the Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 30 minute trial (offered
Is this what we will all be looking at when we want to play a game in the future?
is pretty good value for what is essentially a games shop worth of content.
It is an exciting and well developed program that can only get better OnLive is challenging the concept of needing a standard console or the constant upgrading your computer to play the latest games. It removes the need to go to a shop, and even though many digital game distribution platforms exist, such as the almighty steam, OnLive doesn’t require you to wait while your newly purchased 24Gb behemoth takes 3 days to download. (anyone who downloaded Shogun:Total war 2 digitally as I did knows true patience) This is an exciting new piece of technology, and although it is still in it’s early days and is still overcoming it’s technical hitches. I fully recommend that you download the client and try playing a demo of any of the new big name releases that are available, and then honestly tell me that your mind isn’t blown and that this isn’t what the future of gaming and entertainment looks like. I can assure you that it will be and that it is going to be.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
gaming.spark@reading.ac.uk
GAMING 29
Pharoah
My... what a big pyramid! Francesca Farrow
In the gaming world today we are constantly bombarded with the latest action packed adventure games. The top 10 games to own either on Xbox or PS3 usually consist of the latest version of FIFA, Call of Duty and other action games such as Gears of War or Assassins Creed. Whilst all these games are great and the graphics improve with each release, what ever happened to good old school games? Such as Sim City, Sonic, and my favourite computer game of all time... Pharaoh. Although it may be regarded as ‘old school’ now, it was released in 1999 by Sierra Entertainment. It is still regarded as one of the best city building games that has appeared on our computer screens by several gaming websites, and these lists even include the mighty Sim City. For those of us that are that little bit older, games such as these were considered to be great when they were first released.
Therefore I think that there should be a revival of extremely good ‘classic’ games that are still enjoyable to play and are of course challenging. Why should they be forgotten just because they don’t feature tall menacing male figures that shoot each other in bloody battles?
Pharoah may be old but still stands up Surprisingly Pharaoh is fairly accurate in its historic details, featuring the various different events of Egypt’s history such as prominent civil wars, natural disasters and the rise and fall of different Egyptian leaders throughout the course of the game. The fundamental principal of the game is to start from the beginning of the Egyptian timeline, choosing which family you would like to reign as and work your way up from peasant labourer on a small income to eventually becoming Pharaoh of
your own city, earning a substantial salary. Don’t be fooled into thinking that there is a quick way to bypass to the end and become a Pharaoh instantly. There is a lot of skill and organisation required to build a community from scratch. Settlers or ‘immigrants’ as they are referred to in the game emerge on screen from the moment you place your housing area on the land. It is from this moment onwards that it becomes a game of skill as you then have to decide how to arrange your industries and entertainment venues around your ‘immigrants’. They will then only begin to upgrade their housing based on the environment: the area they live in, how near they are to local conveniences’, (such as ‘the bazaar’, a market that distributes food and goods to its local community) and the variety of entertainment they have access to, which includes jugglers, musicians and dancers. They will also appreciate it if the neighbourhood they live in
is free of crime and is desirable; which refers to nearby gardens and statues which increase the beauty of the area.
You may even learn some history The first few houses you place eventually develop into a larger city depending on your ability to govern and keep your citizens happy. It is quite satisfactory to be able to sit back and watch your citizens go about their daily lives. You can also click on them to get an opinion of the city which is always useful when you are not sure which areas to work on in your city but want to be able to complete the level. Pharaoh offers you the chance to also choose different ‘Missions’ rather than work through the game chronologically. This allows you to work on your city building skills if you need to brush up on them. There are several different
difficulty levels to choose from and a range of different tasks to complete. Some require you to prepare armies in order to repel incoming invasions, whilst others may just require you to build a temple or ‘Mastaba’ (a brick monument) for the local God. Appeasing the Gods in your missions is also important as they can cause destruction in your city if they feel that the city is not worshipping them enough. The ideal way to resolve this dilemma is to place a festival square in the city centre and hold frequent festivals in their honour. Overall Pharaoh is an enjoyable, strategic computer game which also provides a bit of interesting Egyptian history with a pleasant soundtrack to go along with it. I would definitely recommend it, though maybe not when you have a significant amount of assignments to do as it will literally take up all your time once you start and you won’t be able to stop, it is that addictive!
The Binding of Isaac Down to the basement we go... Tom Wood
The binding of Isaac is unlike most games that you will play, it is a top down rogue like shooter, very much in the feel of Smash TV or Nethack. However it has a style all of it’s own and several features that set it apart and make it an interesting and unique time waster. The game revolves around Isaac who has fled to his basement to hide from his mother who, upon receiving a message from god, is trying to kill him to prove her faith. This of course echoes the actual Hebrew bible tale of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son on Mount Moriah by god. However this is where the biblical tie in ends. The game is played from a top down perspective with arrows keys used for movement and the mouse for shooting direction. This creates a fluid, yet at the same time, slightly unwieldy feeling of control, as you get used to firing and moving in seperate directions, this is also compounded by the fact that you can only fire in the cardinal directions. However this only adds to the challenge in what
is already an unforgiving game. The Binding of Isaac is hard, as is the nature of most roguelikes. If you don’t fully understand how a roguelike works it generally goes like this: You start in a room that is part of a maze like area, which is randomly generated each time you play, throughout these rooms you encounter various enemies, power ups and traps. These are all random and will never be the same twice, the main draw however is that not all power ups are good for you, with some even able to kill you on the spot. The binding of Isaac is no different from this standard formula and how far you get in a game is entirely dependant on how lucky you get with the random number generator that decides what to give you. When you die (and you will, a lot) you simply start again in a newly generated layout of rooms, however you slowly begin to learn what is good and bad for you, and how to defeat certain enemies. It’s this learning process that makes The Binding of Isaac so addictive, with each play through generally lasting ten to thirty minutes. If you make it all the way to the end
of the game you fight the ultimate boss, which then opens new areas and items on subsequent breakthroughs. The main thing that sets Isaac apart however is the art style, but this isn’t a surprise as it is partly developed by the same people responsible for Super meat Boy and Gish. Be warned this game is fairly heavy handed with it’s depictions of violence and abuse, and
it will certainly leave you feeling slightly dirty and disgusted after having played it. This is all part of the experience however and the message that the game is trying to convey. The music featured in the game is generally very atmospheric and does a good job of drawing you further in to the twisted world. This game will divide people, you will either love it or hate it, it is immensely difficult and has some
rough edges, but underneath there is a great game that is very different from anything else currently available. The Binding of Isaac is an excellent time waster, and is still being updated with new features and levels for free, which these days is a rare thing with the amount of money grabbing DLC released.
7.5/10
30SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGYscitech.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY iPhone 4S: Moving forward SHENOL CHAKAR
The iPhone 4s came out just a few months ago, and is already on its way to acquiring a stable fan base. Curiously enough, it is not comprised entirely of Apple fans. To start with, it boasts an improved camera (8MP) and a much faster dual core processor with enhanced graphics capabilities. It has also received the next iteration of the proprietary mobile Apple OS – iOS 5, bringing various interface tweaks and productivity enhancements. At first look, it’s another piece of the cake Apple fans have been eating for years. Oh, and I shouldn’t forget to mention that the annoying reception problem, present in iPhone 4, has been rectified. One might think that is not much of an upgrade, right ? Hold on.
on your point of view). You can ask it to set the timer for 60 seconds and it will. You can ask it about the weather, the traffic, search for businesses, etc. The only drawback with this is the fact that Siri’s business search only works in the US as of now – though this will surely change in the future.
Nvidia has officially released its new mobile SoC (Systemon-chip) named Tegra 3. It is the first mobile chip in its class containing four processor cores, which are running at 1.5Ghz and manufactured on 40nm manufacturing process. Tegra 3 comes with significantly enhanced visual compute capabilites and better energy efficiency. Nvidia claims it allows for 12 hour HD playback and and a more immersive gaming experience.
You’d not normally need to purchase an iPhone to use Siri features Siri’s subsystems are also linked to WolframAlpha, which grant it the awesome ability to convert units and answer logical and mathematical questions such
“Will you marry me?” gets the answer “My agreement does not cover marriage” This little device has one more surprise up its sleeve. Wanna know what it is? It is the artificial intelligence system called Siri. It is a personal assistant of sorts, but it takes voice recognition a few steps further. It can deal with an amazing range of productivity tasks – you can ask it to wake you up at 9am the next day and it will set your alarm. Hmmm, that might be very useful for the lazier folks out there (or the busier folks, depending
as distance and speed calculations. Creating a text message, sending an email and searching the web by using voice instead of typing it all can be a breeze with Apple’s new personal assistant. This feature can be successfully used by blind people to aid social interaction.
In other news
Not to mention the ability to update one’s personal status on social networking websites via Siri. It also has the ability to give answers all kinds of bizarre questions like “Will you marry me?” or “Where can I hide a body?” And you will enjoy the weird answers too. A word of
advice - it does suggest places for hiding a body. “Will you marry me?” gets an answer along the lines of “My end user licensing agreement does not cover marriage. My apologies.” Siri does not compute any of the responses on the phone itself – it merely sends the voice recording to Apple’s servers, where it’s processed and then it receives instructions on how to execute the task required. One of the advantages of this approach is that Apple’s servers are accumulating huge amounts of voice data as time goes by, which is being continuously analysed in order to improve Siri’s responses and capabilities.
Personally, I’d recommend buying the new iPhone Another huge advantage of this technique is that system enhancements are not dependent on end user platform upgrades. That is, it’s all done remotely and you’d not normally need to purchase a new iPhone to take advantage of new Siri features. So the whole thing is nice and intelligent, and is getting better and better at everything it does by the day. And most importantly – it works. There have been many opinions about Siri since the new iPhone came out – from very positive to mixed. Rumours are spreading on the internet about an upgrade to the Siri platform, which will presumably hit the consumer market bundled in the iPhone 5 package. If these rumours are to be believed, it may not be called Siri anymore, but just personal assistant.
World of Warcraft, one of the best-liked titles in gaming history and one of the most addicting MMOs out there is quickly losing popularity among its fan base. It lost 800,000 members in the period of August to September. One of the reasons fans mention for turning away from the saga is the slow release cycle of expansion packs. Hopefully the upcoming World of Warcraft: The Mists of Pandaria will touch the hearts of fans once again.
Spark*
SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY
Friday 11 November 2011
scitech.spark@reading.ac.uk
31
AMD Bulldozer: Disappointing results
SHENOL CHAKAR
It all started with Advanced Micro Devices back in 2006. Thinking about it now, every decent market analyst would say this was a smart move. AMD knows pretty well that the future of gaming is both powerful and portable, and that graphics and conventional processing chips are now converging both physically and capabilities-wise. It released Accelerated processing Unit codenamed Llano a
few months ago and sales have been going strong for a few months, if AMD’s reports are to be believed of course. I personally do believe them – if nothing else, this chip has showed remarkable graphics processing capabilities even if the processor cores’ architecture is much older than Intel’s. Llano is not the focus of this article though. After years and years of development, AMD has finally released its shiny new processor architecture to the world – the CPU code-
named Bulldozer. One should not be quick to celebrate though – it might well be a short-lived celebration. If the internet is to be believed, Bulldozer has shown disappointing results on many benchmarks since its release. Why is this very bad news for AMD? Because it will be relying heavily on the Bulldozer architecture to build its next Accelerated Processing Units. Despite numerous performance enhancements, tweaks and optimisations, some Bulldozer chips are even weaker than their last-generation counterparts (Phenom IIs). AMD has been complaining that Windows 7 is not fully optimised to take advantage of Bulldozer’s
cores. Windows 8 will presumably more fine tuned in this respect, according to both AMD and Microsoft. AMD may have to up its game considerably in order to compete with Intel in the future. Especially considering the magic Intel is doing with its new production methodologies (for now). AMD failing to deliver means bad news for consumers around the world as well – with no real opposition, Intel will have less incentives to innovate and more incentives to push the price up – although, in my personal opinion, ARM is already challenging the established players in some respects, especially in the low-
end and smartphone market. AMD’s partners may not be very pleased with its performance as well. The unbelievably hot, energyhungry and slow processor chip will not fare well on the market for sure. The structure of the IT market allows for eiter very big wins or very big losses. One single mistake brings a whole year of bad financial reports. I cannot understand how a thing that has been developed for ages cannot deliver even acceptable performance. AMD used to bet on being the value for money brand. Now it’s not even at that level. The next few months will be crucial for AMD.
32 TRAVEL
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
travel.spark@reading.ac.uk
travel In Bruges: more than just a medieval city David Ager
Bruges (or locally ‘Brugge’) is the capital of West Flanders, Dutch speaking Belgium, and is arguably the tourist hub of Belgium and recently gained more attention being the setting for the film In Bruges. One week on from my trip with two friends to this sleepy medieval city, I uncover my unwatched copy of this film and as I read descriptions of guns, hit-men and the tag-line ‘Shoot first, sightsee later’, I can’t help but feel I missed out on the action somewhat, especially when I only did one of those things. However, this is not to say that my trip to the picturesque Flemish city was boring, unsatisfactory or without surprise. Indeed, after changing from the Eurostar in Brussels (and its self-playing grand piano), to Bruges, our welcome was mixed. While I was made to feel at home by the unusual surprise of people playing cricket there, we were all unsettled when the taxi driver told us that the hostel I had booked was bankrupt and had been shut down. Once dropping us off, he then complained at us for making him, a taxi driver, bring us there (after taking the fare of course). It wasn’t the best start to our stay but fortunately there were no hiccups from then onwards. The hostel he was referring to was one the other side of town, although it had just come under new ownership, whom were very
friendly, and so indeed is the city itself, one of the most welcoming I’ve been to in Europe; just make sure you don’t speak French, however. Although basic, this quintessentially Flemish townhouse had a convivial, homely feel (with the steepest stairs I’ve ever used), situated in the medieval heart of the city. Towering over Bruges’ romantic, narrow winding streets are several imposing churches, perhaps the most impressive being ‘Our Lady of Bruges’ which besides having one of the world’s largest brick towers, has many historical and artistic pieces including ‘Madonna and Child’, believed to be the Michelangelo’s only sculpture to leave Italy in his lifetime. Indeed, the historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a joy for those appreciative of medieval and gothic architecture and culture. This is before one discovers the canals, which just add the extra element of romance to the city; the veins to the heart of city, helping give the nickname, Venice of the north. Although now they are now just for tourist boats (which I would recommend in order to see the entire centre), they were once vital to the economy and the growth the city, one of the most important in medieval Europe. As well as its charm, its great preservation allows one to experience a cultural walk back through the city’s history and its era of great power, with some superb museums
De-Luxembourg David Ager
When embarking on ones first solo trip abroad, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg isn’t the first place that springs to mind, especially given the relatively expensive nature of this European ‘microstate’. However, it is one of Europe’s best kept secrets and is a three hour train journey from Brussels. It is manageable on a budget thanks to a superb standard of youth hostels and the ‘Luxembourg Card’, which is a must, giving free entrance to many Luxembourgish attractions and transport. The small capital city, the aptly named, ‘Luxembourg City’, has a population size similar to Wigan’s but packs great charming character with a mixture of Gallic and Germanic influences. The city is partitioned into four main areas, divided up by the city’s best asset, its dramatic, picturesque setting. The Alzette and Pétrusse rivers cut deep
to help accompany this experience. One of the more unusual attractions is the world’s only chip museum, Frietmuseum, which peels back through time to present the history of the humble chip. Although occasionally surreal, and a very niche subject area, it is worth a visit if not just to sample the chips themselves. Choco-Story follows in a similar, but more chocolaty, manner, although it is probably better value for money, with a live demonstration and chocolate sculptures. The legendary taste of Belgian chocolate is easy to discover thanks to the numerous chocolate shops, as well as several beer shops, located around the hub of the city, the markt. This square is the buzzing heart of the city, overlooked by an 83 metre high medieval bell tower, known as the Belfry. Also situated inside the city’s most iconic landmark are cultural exhibitions, including the works of Salvador Dali. This is an indication of a newer, modern dimension to Bruges, as a bustling, cultural centre for the arts and music, just waiting to be discovered. Bruges has an obvious and charming romantic feel, with its winding medieval streets and canals, but this old, traditional city is also ready to accommodate the new, offering several attributes which will appeal to any type of traveller.
gorges, creating steep cliffs for the medieval fortifications, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. These protect the ‘Old Town’, which sits on top of a plateau, connected to the rest of the city by impressive viaducts and bridges. The fortifications can be explored through a series of spooky tunnelling casemates, which have been shelter for the Luxembourgers, who have come under many sieges throughout history. Above ground, the old town clusters around two main squares, the impressive Place Guillaume and the homely Place d’Armes, with trendy restaurants and shops. The Grand Duchy’s Palace is situated here and in the summer is open to the public. There are high quality museums (one of which won European Museum of the Year) which provide great cultural insight to this European crossroads, as well as welcome shelter to the changeable weather (as it did for me!).
The Notre Dame cathedral is equally impressive, outside and inside, although perhaps the most notable site is the Gëlle Fra monument, a golden figure on a 21 metre obelisk which towers over the city and its gorges. In the shadow of the fortified centre is the ‘Grund’, a gentrified, chic area which maintains a ‘chocolate box’ Germanic village feel, with greenery and architecture which hugs the river. To the northeast of the city is the Kirchberg, symbolic of ‘new’ Luxembourg. Although a centre of soulless devotion to European governance and commerce, it is scattered with impressive architecture and contemporary sculptures, and is worth a visit for its political and economic significance, as well as its cultural highlights including the Philiharmonie. The capital encapsulates Luxembourg’s significance as a crossroads of Europe; a surprising, multi-faceted city with a diverse
population and heritage. It is a microcosm of ‘Europeaness’, summing up old and new Europe; with the old medieval fortress – the Gibraltar of the North, through to a new, united Europe, embodied by the Kirchberg. In many respects this trilingual, former European City of Culture is ideal for a short break; compact enough to be accessible, combined with much charm, diversity and many surprises for such a relatively small place. It means one can get what they would want out of their short stay, whether it be partying, relaxing or sightseeing. Furthermore, there are several other interesting sites lying in wait outside of the capital. It doesn’t have the Colosseum or the Eiffel Tower, but Luxembourg should be one of the first places that springs to mind when going abroad alone for the first time, for it is a small, relatively safe place with many surprises and a big heart.
SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT 33
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
society spotlight
In this returning feature, Spark* takes a look at what the societies of the University of Reading have to offer. This issue: Reading University Domestic Do It Yourself Society
well-organised and there was a very happy atmosphere. It is a very sociable society and previous events have included a trip to see Wicked! at the theatre and also a social at Royal Ascot. Socials planned for the rest of the year include a Lush and Sparkle party. For the party, you will go to Lush to sample their products and be treated to a hand massage. You will continue the evening by dancing the night away at a club.
collette naden
Want to join an award winning society? Look no further than the Reading University Domestic Do It Yourself Society (RUDDIYS). RUDDIYS became affiliated with RUSU in 2010 and was voted RUSU’s most improved society for 2010/11.
RUDDIYS is the perfect society to make new friends RUDDIYS aims to improve your knowledge of domestic crafts, whilst making friends in the process. If you are interested in crafts and hobbies then RUDDIYS is for you. Previous activities have included knitting and origami. For Halloween, the society went to 3Sixty wearing masks and hairbands, which they had made during one of their meetings. With
Christmas fast approaching, RUDDIYS has plenty of festive activities lined up. In future weeks, you can make wrapping paper, an Advent calender and Christmas cards. When I went to visit the society, I expected to sit quietly in a corner and observe the activities -- No chance! The group is very friendly and welcoming, and within 15 minutes of arriving, I had made an origami star. The session was
Want to join an award winning society? In Spring Term (Wk 2), there will be a book club. So, if you want to get involved then start reading Sophie Kinsella’s ‘Remember Me’. RUDDIYS is the perfect society to make new friends and take some relaxing time out from reading and essay-writing.
Further information: For more information, email ruddiys@hotmail.co.uk or add ‘Ruddiys Reading-University’ on facebook. Membership costs £8 for the year. Alternatively, you can pay £2 for each session that you attend. Most weeks, the society will provide you with everything you need. At times you may need to bring something along, such as a mug (for film night) or knitting needles. Anyone is welcome. Meetings are held every Tuesday, in HumSS 175, from 7.00 - 8.30pm and here is what they have planned fir this term.
Autumn Term: 15th November (Wk 6), SAFETY NIGHT/PRACTICAL NIGHT,
become aware of dangers and protect yourself and others. 22nd November (Wk 7), WRAPPING PAPER, learn to use a wax resist to create simple, yet unique, wrapping paper. 29th November (Wk 8), ADVENT CALENDER, be creative and make your own Advent calender this year. Keep it for yourself or give it to a friend. Please bring your own choice of sweets. 6th December (Wk 9), CHRISTMAS CARDS, be creative and make Christmas cards. Make some for yourself and some for the Christmas stall. Profits will go to a RUSU charity. 13th December (Wk 10), NO SESSION CHRISTMAS SOCIAL: to see the lights turned on in Trafalgar Square, London, Details TBC.
34 LETTERS
Friday 11 November 2011
editor.spark@reading.ac.uk
Letters
A note from Health and Safety Services Following two incidents when lift doors were wrongly forced open to release persons stuck inside a broken down lift, here is a reminder of what to do if passengers are trapped inside a lift. If you are stuck in a lift: Press the lift alarm button. You will need to hold this in for at least three seconds until the alarm sounds. Use the lift emergency phone or intercom system to contact Security Control. Remain calm. Sit or stand at the back of the lift away from the doors. Maintain contact with Security Control – use the emergency phone/intercom. Security will also come to the building and make sure to keep you informed of progress. Wait for a lift engineer to release you. Staff – if the lift breaks down in your building, with passenger(s)
in it: Use the indicator panel to identify where the lift has stuck. Go the nearest floor and check if there is someone stuck in the lift by calling out - or call Security Control on extn 6300 and ask them to dial the lift emergency number and make contact with anyone in the lift. Reassure the trapped person(s). Encourage them to maintain contact with Security Control via the emergency phone/intercom. Call Security on extn 6300 and check that they know that the lift has broken down. Make sure that Security are arranging for the lift engineer to be called out. Some lifts are only designed as goods lifts. These must not be used to carry passengers. FMD have good arrangements in place with lift companies to ensure a high standard of maintenance. Despite this, occasionally lifts break down. The response time
for the lift engineer to arrive is up to two hours. If there is likely to be a long delay before the lift engineer arrives, or if a trapped person is in distress, as a last resort Security may call the Fire Service. However if you have a medical or other condition that would cause you distress if you were to be stuck in the lift, you are advised to use the stairs if you can. Instructions on what to do are posted in all University of Reading lifts. NEVER overload a lift, either with passengers or goods. All lifts are clearly marked with the maximum load and passenger numbers. If you think the lift is full, do not enter. NEVER attempt to force open lift doors or get out of a broken down lift until the lift engineer has arrived. They will take charge and release any trapped persons.
A message from LGBT Hello Everyone! I am writing this letter to inform the you all about the reformation of Reading University LGBT Liberation and Representation Group. Some people may be unaware of what the LGBT stands for and what its role in the university is, so hopefully through this letter you will be able to better understand what we do and how you can get involved. To begin, LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans and we look to also include anyone who is struggling with other issues
around sexuality and other less well known sexualities. The idea of the group is for people that define as LGBT to meet other like minded people, to campaign on issues affecting LGBT communities both within the university and on a national scale. This year we are looking to increase the amount of social activities we offer as we feel that this is really important to the LGBT university community. There will be a range of activities from coffee mornings, nights out and debates on political issues. We are currently trying to
increase the profile of the group and get as many people involved as possible. So if you self define as LGBT or are interested in being involved in LGBT activities then get in touch with us. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a student, staff or alumni, the group wants to incorporate as many people as possible. If you would like to be on our mailing list, send an email with your name to lgbt@rusu.co.uk. We also have a facebook page, LGBT Reading and we also have a twitter account @lgbtreading. Ken Smailes , LGBT President
Hello from the Development & Alumni Relations Office! November has been a very exciting and busy time for our team…. and all because we are working with lots of you, our current students, to deliver our 15th Annual Fund telephone campaign. So, what is this campaign all about? And how does it work? In the last edition, we told you a bit about our Annual Fund. To summarise, it is a charity that was set up in 2004 to support the student experience on campus, and to date, over 6,000 alumni, staff and friends have donated an impressive £2.7 million. Of course, people will not know about this charity if we don’t spread the word, so twice a year, we recruit 50 current students
to work as Annual Fund callers, whereby they telephone our alumni to tell them about the great work of the Annual Fund and invite them to donate. The 15th Annual Fund telephone campaign has been running for almost two weeks, and already, generous alumni have donated £40,000. Crucially, this money will provide invaluable bursaries and hardship funds for the students who need it most. Although telephoning alumni to ask them for donations may sound daunting, the 50 students working on this campaign have taken it in their stride. Our students are not just asking for donations either - they’re also updating our
alumni on the latest news from the university and encouraging them to share memories of their time at Reading. Judging by the funny stories we’ve heard, student antics have not really changed a great deal over the years either! For the students taking part, it’s an opportunity to gain some unique work experience and skills that will put them in great stead for their future careers. We look forward to updating you on how the campaign is going don’t forget to join us on Facebook (search ‘University of Reading Alumni’) and Twitter (@UniRdg_ Alumni) in the meantime! Laura Garman Alumni Communications Officer
Vol 58. Issue
Editorial Staff
Editor:
Rosi Hirst editor.spark@reading.ac.uk
Deputy Editor:
Lizzie Pollington deped.spark@reading.ac.uk
News Editor:
Kate Delaney news.spark@reading.ac.uk
News Sub-Editor:
Calum Mcintyre Rogers news.spark@reading.ac.uk
Comment Editors:
Lucy Ponder and Kerrie Black
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
Political Comment
Jessica Rees
Editor:
politics.spark@reading.ac.uk
Interview Editor:
Diwa Sharma with Ellis Wheatley interview.spark@
reading.ac.uk
Film, DVD & TV
Steven Howse and Thom Dixon
Editors:
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
Music Editor:
Laurence Green music.spark@reading.ac.uk
Music Sub-Editor:
Jamie Milton music.spark@reading.ac.uk
Science & Tech
Mat Greenfield and Shenol Chaker
Editor:
scitech.spark@reading.ac.uk
Gaming Editor:
Tom Wood gaming.spark@reading.ac.uk
Arts&Books Editor: Nadine Michaels arts.spark@reading.ac.uk Fashion Editors:
Petrina De Gouttes and Roberta Sarll
fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk
Beauty Editor:
Emma Ward beauty.spark@reading.ac.uk
Travel Editor:
Erica Macheriotou travel.spark@reading.ac.uk
Health Editor:
Renate Cumming-Benson health.spark@reading.ac.uk
Fun&Games Editor: Chris Ryder fun.spark@reading.ac.uk Sport Editor:
Sophie Elliot and Cameron Humphries
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
Head of PR:
Collette Naden pr.spark@reading.ac.uk
Proofreaders:
Renate Cumming-Benson, Lisa Moran,
Katherine Watkins, Laura Howe, Iain Farquhar
Spark* is written, designed & typeset by students at the University of Reading. Printed by Newbury News Limited, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 2DW. Published and funded by Reading University Students’ Union vp.studentactivites@rusu.co.uk. Spark* is completely editorially independent. Complaints should be made to the Editor, in the first instance, and thereafter to RUSU. All complaints should be made in writing. All articles, letters etc. must include a name, address, and contact number/e-mail address. These may be withheld from publication at specific request. Spark* or RUSU can take no responsibility for products or services advertised herein. Spark* reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. The views expressed in Spark* do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, particularly those expressed in the comments pages, which are often the opinions of the specific authors. Photographs in Spark* are copyright to the photographer concerned.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
fun.spark@reading.ac.uk
fun&games Crossword 029 reading (10) 17. Forgave former spouse for having sworn when putting son to bed (7) 19. Jumpers, perhaps, with a hole missing and the bottom at the top, but not shrunk (7) 21. Things, for example, such as ring worn by Catholic women (5) 22. Black uniform doesn’t include shirt (5) 23. Wipe out Bush? (5)
Straight Clues ACROSS 1. Between (4) 4. Large spiny fruits (10) 9. Extremely happy (2,3,2,3,5) 10. One of a pair of braces (9) 12. Part of a teapot from which liquid is poured (5) 15. Makes up for a wrong (6) 16. Very small measures of liquid (8) 17. Large shop containing varied merchandise (8) 18. Displace a bird from its home (6) 20. Lower monetary unit than dollars (5) 23. Synopses of stories (9) 24. Highly obstinate (8,2,1,4) 25. Chops off limbs (10) 26. Cause to be on the same wavelength (4)
Cryptic Clues ACROSS 1. In the morning, I would (4) 4. Energy’s needed to cook with alpine fruits (10) 9. Delighted to be at the North Pole? (2,3,2,3,5) 10. Brace to break enchantment part way through (9) 12. Go on for a bit about Union (5) 15. Makes amends by visiting the Queen’s residence? (6) 16. Forgets to bring warrant a small amount (8) 17. I’m with you after sovereign unhesitatingly makes for department store (8) 18. A French quarter has a good man to evict (6) 20. Detect a suggestion of money (5) 23. Plans secured by reinforced iron cases (9) 24. Very opinionated end – a bit like an
ass from the beginning? (8,2,1,4) 25. Sleuths are taking up an arm and a leg – so removes them? (10) 26. In a hole, received match (4)
DOWN 2. Nazi hides in square after soldier’s search (7) 3. Call round to have a pint before a spot of quitting (8,3) 4. Anticipating air during tropic storm to build up (10) 5. Part of space – whichever one wants (5) 6. Eight men keeping up name change outwardly (5) 7. Slow, large ship (5) 8. Heartless woman goes out with man who puts her to bed? (7) 11. Local need to remove vermin, cutting off the tail (7) 13. Friend in Italy has died? Last rites read either way (11) 14. Writers like Colin’s must need proof-
Nutritional Information GDA
Typical Values
2000kcal
Energy
Dear Great Aunt Imogen, Of late I have found myself in a rather difficult position regarding my brother. This time last year, he had a huge argument with his wife and she kicked him out of the house, whereupon my wife and I offered to let him stay with us for a while until
things got sorted out. The only thing is that he’s still here! I don’t know how to tell him politely that he can’t stay here forever, but frankly he’s starting to get on our nerves. What would you do?
Per Spark*
1105kJ/265kcal
45g
Protein
5.3g
2.8g
Carbohydrate
56.0g
29.1g
90g
(of which sugars)
45.8g
23.8g
70g
Fat
29.0g
15.1g
20g
(of which saturates)
17.3g
9.0g
24g
Fibre
0.7g
0.4g
One serving of Spark* counts as one of your 5-a-day.
Sudoku
DOWN 2. Extensive search for a person (7) 3. Leaving education before completing studies (8,3) 4. Predictive of the future (10) 5. Flammable liquid used in starting fluid (5) 6. Lowest value Chess pieces (5) 7. In music, played very slowly (5) 8. Calms down (7) 11. Disease restricted to a certain type of person (7) 13. Sentences that read the same backwards as forwards (11) 14. Journalists with a regular section in a newspaper (10) 17. Gave oneself a reason for having to leave (7) 19. Increased in size due to injury, perhaps (7) 21. Words representing people, places or things (5) 22. Russian species of marten valued for its fur (5) 23. Cleanse thoroughly by scouring (5)
Dear Arthur,
saucy story. Bit disappointed to tell you the truth. Personally, I think you should engineer a big row with your own wife, let her kick you out, and go and live with your brother’s wife for a while “until things get sorted out”. Your brother will probably get the hint and move out. And if not - who knows? Maybe it’s time for a bit of a swap since you all keep arguing with each other so much.
When I read the first paragraph I thought this was going to be a really
Hope that helps, Imogen
Arthur
Per 100g
2120kJ/510kcal
230g
Answers to last edition’s puzzles (Friday 28 October 2011) 3. I began to realize how simple life could be if one had a regular routine to follow with fixed hours, a fixed salary, and very little original thinking to do. - Roald Dahl 4. Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week. - George Bernard Shaw
Dear Great Aunt Imogen... With Adelaide on holiday in Mauritius for a month, her own Auntie, Imogen Colquhoun, has agreed to fill in for her while she’s away.
FUN&GAMES 35
1. A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen. - Sir Winston Churchill 2. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. - Audrey Hepburn
5. Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us. - Voltaire 6. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to simply walk down the street. In New York, I dashed in to buy a big pair of sunglasses to conceal myself, but the guy behind the counter shouted ‘Hey! It’s Dr. House.’ - Hugh Laurie
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Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
SPORT 37
SPORT COMMENT Sir Alex Ferguson’s 25 year reign continues Matt Davies
The ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’ stand that was unveiled at Old Trafford on Saturday is a fitting tribute to the greatest managerial contribution in the history of club football. Ferguson celebrated his 25 year milestone with Manchester United, a career he himself described as a “fairytale”. In an industry as demanding as Football, and where managerial heads roll at the whims of billionaires seemingly dictated by a constant expectation of perfection, it seems impossible this phenomenal achievement will ever be equalled. But Sir Alex’s permanent position at the helm of one of the biggest clubs in the world is not simply the result of patient owners. It is true that when he took control of the Manchester side that were second from bottom in 1986, he did not bring immediate success with him, and not until 1993 did they win their first league title. It has often been rumoured that despite the steady progress Ferguson had been making, his position at the club was at one point a frail one, something almost unimaginable now. Since then, Ferguson has proved a constant reminder of the rewards that can be reaped from trusting and tolerant ownership. He famously stated that his greatest challenge was to knock Liverpool off their “perch”, something he finally achieved in the 2010/2011 season; securing their record 19th league title.
After 25 years of service, Old Trafford’s North stand has been renamed the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’ stand In one, long and incredibly successful career, Ferguson has enjoyed singular achievements that any other manager would strive for, but to have accumulated them all within the space of one management role is a phenomenal achievement. Few managers will ever win the Champions League; Ferguson has won two, most managers would revel in a League and cup double, of which Ferguson has also won two.
Utilising an entire squad is one of the greatest skills a manager can possess However, it will be a very short list of managers that will ever win a Premier League, Champions League, and F.A. Cup treble, an ac-
complishment Ferguson managed in 1999; he was knighted for his contribution to football later that year. But it is not just Ferguson’s 12 League Titles, the five F.A. Cups, or his four Carling Cup trophies, to name but a few accolades, that makes Ferguson the greatest club level manager of all time. It is his attributes as a manager that he has brought to the ‘beautiful game’. His establishment of Manchester United as a major powerhouse in football both domestically and overseas is impressive in itself. He has done this partly by ensuring that the calibre of Manchester United players is consistently among the best in the world. Players like Cantona, Schmeichel, Keane, Giggs, and more recently, Cristiano Ronaldo, have all played under the Scot. But it is not the acquisition of these players that is impressive; it
is Ferguson’s rotation policy and man management. He has managed many big names both past and present, more than eleven at a time. Despite this he is hugely effective in ensuring that each player feels integral to the squad, and where possible, prevents most players feeling excluded from the team. Currently Rooney, Hernandez, and Welbeck are entitled to feel like ‘starters’, despite the fact that all three have been rotated in and out of the team. Similarly Sir Alex has Nani, Young, Valencia, Park and Giggs as possible wide players, yet it is unlikely many of these players will feel unwanted.
It is his attributes as a manager that he has brought to the ‘beautiful game’ Utilising an entire squad is one of the greatest skills a manager can possess, and Sir Alex has mastered it. His P.R. policy is also a commendable characteristic. Being involved in for example, the infamous ‘hairdryer treatment’, the instance with Beckham and the football boot, and his seven year refusal to talk to the B.B.C. could have led to a particularly poor public profile as unprofessional and a bully. Instead of this his reputation has been built as tough, uncompromising, but undeniably efficient. If he has fallen out with
The Carlos Tevez Saga ‘It’s a shame that it’s come to this’ Cameron Humphries
Last Friday morning, when news reports began to circulate that Carlos Tevez was considering legal action against Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, my immediate thought was ‘how has it come to this?’ The incident in question followed the now infamous turn of events that took place when Manchester City travelled to Bayern Munich in September. After the game Roberto Mancini accused Tevez of refusing to come on as a substitute, an accusation the Argentinian striker strongly refutes.
City suspended the player for failing to warm up and failing to follow instructions and fined him four weeks wages over the incident, a fine since reduced to two weeks when the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) stepped in. After the game, Souness echoed the thoughts of many viewers in his tirade against the former City captain. The clips remain on YouTube, with Graeme Souness stating ‘’I’m in disbelief. How selfish can you get? Tevez is one bad apple. He can undo all the good work that has been done at City. He’s a disgrace to football. He epitomises what the man in the street thinks
is wrong with modern football. It is totally unacceptable. He’s a football player and he is paid to play.’
Now, Souness could find himself subject to libel action Now, Souness could find himself subject to libel action with Tevez recently having consulted two media specialist quality controllers who believe Tevez has a strong case for defamation. Sky and Souness have thus far refused to comment.
The real issue to many onlookers will be how has this situation came about? Carlos Tevez is a world class football player; a player who at differing points in his career has been idolised in Argentina, East London and most recently in both the red and blue halves of Manchester. Carlos Tevez is a player appreciated for his never say die attitude and commitment to the cause each and every game. Last season Carlos Tevez was the captain of Manchester City, Roberto Mancini’s leader on the pitch. You get the point; Carlos Tevez was not a player one would have
players it has regularly been handled with discretion; Beckham was moved on with minimal fuss thus avoiding what could easily have become an ugly breakup, even the public transfer request Rooney made in 2010 has been rectified. The most powerful tool at Sir Alex’s disposal however, is his continuing capability to form new, younger generations of teams, without having to spend periods without trophies. He has created multiple generations of title winning sides, transforming a team that included Mike Phelan, Mark Hughes, Dennis Irwin, and Brian McClair, to ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ including Scholes, Giggs, and Beckham, with his current crop having included Ronaldo, Rooney, and Vidic. Similarly the likes of Cleverley, Smalling, and Welbeck appear to have what it takes to continue the phenomenal legacy that Ferguson has devoted so many years to building. There has been no ‘transition’ period for the Manchester club that has largely dominated English football for the past two decades and that is perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson’s most commendable trait. It is certainly true that a Premier League without the Scot’s presence after so many years will be a peculiar one, and that it will be a sad day for football when the 70 year old finally does retire. As it stands Sir Alex has voiced no intention to leave his post as manager of Manchester United, and all neutral fans can look forward to playing spectator to more of the entertaining sides he continues to produce in the Premier League.
expected to become embroiled in such a debacle. Tevez being fined £400,000 by the club, a mere two weeks wages, and hiring lawyers for an impending legal battle is so far from the reality that most football supporters live in that it leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Gathering opinions from friends and fellow football fans, most hope that no such legal battle against Graeme Souness is launched. If it is it will mark a worrying precedent for when footballers are criticised. After all, if fans lose that slight sense of empathy that still remains with their heroes, it will be a sad day for football.
38 SPORT
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 11th November 2011
Reading overwhelmed by Brunel RUAC cross country James McGill
Reading Football Men’s 1st 0 Brunel Football Men’s 4 Reading failed to build on their success from last time out as they were comprehensively beaten by Brunel on Wednesday. Two goals in four second-half minutes set Brunel well on their way to a deserved victory, with a third notched midway through the half to consolidate their dominant position. The fourth, five minutes from time, added gloss to an accomplished display by the visitors. In a game in which neither side could be accused of lacking commitment, Brunel’s class eventually told after Reading had initially done well to nullify the impressive Brunel four-pronged attack. After a slow start, the first half sprung to life after the Brunel number 10 missed an open goal. The miss proved to be the catalyst to rouse both teams, as the remainder of the half was characterised by end to end flowing football. A free kick from Vinny Cacioppo 15 yards out was the first real
Knights Canoe Club
opportunity for Reading to score in the opening half hour, but the chance was spurned as the ball flew high and wide.
The remainder of the half was characterised by end to end flowing football Four minutes later Brunel could so easily have taken the lead. A whipped cross from the right seemed to be perfectly placed for two Brunel players making late runs to the back post. Only an impressive aerial interception by the comparatively diminutive George Rogers denied either of them a free header on goal. Nevertheless, despite the tireless showing by both teams, clear-cut chances were few and far between, and the first half petered out tamely. Brunel eventually broke the deadlock in controversial circumstances four minutes into the second half. The impressive Brunel number 14 leaped with Reading
Becky Cromie
working with two new players; Gemma and Kate who both had an outstanding game. You couldn’t fault Gemma’s determination to keep with her player and made some fantastic tips which were vital to knock the flow of Sussex. Kate, also playing Centre the entire match, worked extremely hard and had a tough opponent who she did very well against. Naomi was shooting extremely well and began to work very well in the circle together with Jo and looking out for each others’ spaces, which in previous games had been a slight issue. Kate and Abbie were feeding the ball into the ‘D’ very well and by doing so, by the end of the second quarter, we were up by two goals with a score of 17-15.
team retaliate and get the goals back. It was a very intense match to watch! In the last quarter sides were giving it their all, it was a tough 15 minutes and there were some silly mistakes made, but by both teams. It was like watching a yoyo, at one point the ball would be at one end of the court and then fly down to the other and back again! The final score was 31-30 to Sussex, it was very unfortunate that we lost but we gave it 110% and it could have gone either way at the end. The girls connected and played a lot better than last week, particularly brining the ball up the court from the back line. But very well done to the girls because it was a fantastic match and it was just very unfortunate that we lost.
Last Wednesday, Reading University Athletics Club squeezed into a (particularly mini) minibus to run cross country, in London’s Richmond Park. Apart from an unwelcome encounter with some menacing looking deer, turning my warm up jog into a startled sprint, a good day was had by all. The club has grown and advanced from last year and are currently sitting comfortably mid table at 15th in the men’s league and 17th in the women’s league.
This year the athletics club has seen an influx of people Despite being only the second cross country of the season, many of the athletes have made great advancements on their races from two weeks ago. Some notable performances were Onkarabile Mantsane who completed the 5.4 mile course in 33.04 and Laurence Stech, who ran it in
33.08, both showing considerable advancements from their previous races; Mantsane improving 13 places from 76 to 63 and Stech from 78 to 65.
Many of the athletes have made great advancements The girl’s race was particularly close, with Jessi Goldman completing the 2.7 mile course in 20.47, soon followed by Antonia Bamford and Catherine Russ, who both achieved the time of 20 minutes and 53 seconds. Again, there were some significant improvements in positions, with Bamford leaping from 56 at the Parliament Hill cross country, to 42. This year the athletics club has seen an influx in interest from people of all interests and abilities, and we hope the success and enthusiasm continue throughout the cross country season. Naturally, the race was followed by a trip to the pub, for a bar meal and some well-deserved pints.
Knights Netball match reports Amelia Burrows
Ana Wass
On Friday 28 October, Reading Knights Canoe Club (RKCC) headed off to South Wales for a weekend of white water kayaking and socialising. This was the perfect chance for all our brand new freshers to have a go on some white water and try out all the skills they’d been practising at our weekly sessions! The first day was spent learning skills on the river Erfon and was the Freshers’ first experience of rapids and drops. Everyone had a great time, learnt a lot and was looking forward to the Halloween themed party in the evening. The party was very eventful with lots of awards and prizes plus some traditional Halloween games and fancy dress. The second day, despite the hangover of some of the members, we tackled a section of the River Usk. This day was more challenging than the first especially as the water level had risen overnight; however, this led to some really exciting features and everyone felt like they’d really tested themselves. Despite the harder level, everyone did really well and came off the river smiling and looking forward to the next trip! To find out more about the Canoe Club, find us on Facebook: Reading University Knights Canoe Club or at www.rucc.co.uk. You can also email us president@rucc.co.uk.
goalkeeper Ed Thomas to challenge for the ball. In an era where goalkeepers are very much protected in such circumstances, the Reading players could be excused for expecting the referee to blow for a foul. However, no such ruling was made, and the striker was left to roll the ball into an empty net amid the confusion. A second goal in quick succession killed off any chance of an immediate Reading reply. From thereon in, Reading were very much on the back foot, and Brunel began to pick the Knights off almost at will. The two strikers and supporting wingers missed a whole host of chances to fortify their lead. Reading were having some territorial joy, but were confined to chances from outside the box. A number of Chris Dogget free kicks forced the Brunel goalkeeper into making some smart saves. Brunel’s third and fourth goals were almost inevitable, and undeniably very much deserved. Reading will be disappointed to have fallen to such a heavy loss, but in reality it could and probably should have been more.
Reading 1st vs. St Marys 1st This week we played St Mary’s university women’s 1st team. The final score was 37-20 contributing to a 3 out of 3 win. After an unconvincing first quarter, the team picked up the pace in the second with impressive passages of play by Becky Pope and Jane Minto. Our interception rate and turned over ball count were the highest they have been, which has meant we can set a new target to ensure all of these are converted. The opposition proved to be great competition for us and everyone had to work at a high rate to ensure we won as convincingly as we did. Players’ player of the match was split between Vicky Mobbs and Katie Bedford, both of whom defended well in the circle together, communicated appropriately and got some excellent tips and interceptions.
Reading 2nd vs. Sussex 2nd The game started off a little panicky, Sussex seemed to dominate the first quarter and we seemed to be chasing after them. However, we slowly began to find our feet and started to play our own game. Sussex was particularly thrown when we slowed the pace of the game down as they liked to play very fast. The first quarter ended up 7-7 and we changed a few players around. The girls were
It was a very intense match to watch The defence were very solid throughout the quarters, with Harriet, Holly and Ellie making some very good interceptions creating turnovers bringing the ball down the entire court not just down one side of the court. The girls’ awareness of space around them was much better in this game. We were getting the ball into clear spaces opening up the court. By the end of the third quarter, we were still 2 up with a score of 2321. It was a very close game and each team could break at any point and grab a few goals and the other
Reading 3rd vs. Bucks New University A score this week of 45-1 shows a clear win for us once again against Bucks New University. However, I think the general consensus from everyone was that todays match was more challenging than the previous two matches. The standard of play was higher from their side, therefore, we also upped our game to make sure that we stayed on top. The goal difference is significant but we didn’t feel it gave a true reflection of what was quite a tiring match. Their centre court play was good, however, their defence and attacking circles were weak, which is reflected in the score. We managed to score
11 in the first quarter and then another 11 in the second which was interesting as we changed shooters every quarter. There was excellent defensive play from Georgia and Rosie with Georgia deservedly winning players player and player of the match.
The opposition proved to be great competition for us Jocelyn played a solid hour as centre, keeping the centre court play strong throughout. Mutual agreement from Ellie and myself that shooting wasn’t too strong from either of us at certain points with a fair amount of missed goals. However, I am convinced that playing outside in windy and cold conditions hindered our shooting strength. Bex, however, managed to keep her shooting stats high despite the weather. Again, I think we need to work on really striving to grab every loose ball and to have less dropped balls in the first place. Most other areas of play were satisfactory. There was excellent movement through centre court, excellent defensive interceptions and smooth movements in the shooting circle. In contrast to the previous matches, this was a thoroughly enjoyable match with friendly competition from the girls at BUCKS who gave us the best game we have had so far this season.
Spark* Friday 11 November 2011
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
SPORT 39
Invincible Vettel wins Indian GP
Inaugral Indian Grand Prix “a massive success” Badal Naik
The last three weeks have been filled with celebration and rememberance, as India opened its doors to Formula One for the very first time and motorsport lost two members of its racing community. Two weeks ago, the pinnacle of motorsport paid tributes to the tragic deaths of Marco Simoncelli and Dan Wheldon, which once again illustrated the risks present in all forms of motorsport, yet drivers will carry on doing what they love best, and that’s racing. The Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, was a massive success. Both the drivers and the FIA, the sport’s governing body, were mightily impressed with the layout of the track, which had undulations throughout, along with the second-fastest straight in F1, and the world-class facilities that had been built in such a short time-frame. The sell-out event was once again dominated by one man Sebastian Vettel. Followers of Formula One may now be bored of his sheer dominance this year,
but this young man is a real talent, and possibly the only one who will surpass the record of seven world titles, currently held by fellow German, Michael Schumacher. Vettel stormed to pole on Saturday pipping both Hamilton and Webber, and now joining the elite list of drivers with the highest number of pole positions in a season. Vettel went on to win the inaugural Grand Prix after he pulled away from the start and built up a lead that was never in danger, despite Button’s efforts in second. Alonso finished strongly to grab the last podium position for Ferrari. The Grand Prix wasn’t without its drama though, most notably the coming together of Massa and Hamilton for the umpteenth time this season. The stewards decision to give Massa a drive-through penalty was questionable and opinions were split on their judgement. These two drivers seem to be magnetised to each other this season and the Indian Grand Prix was no different. This week, the long-running row over the use of the Lotus name in Formula One has finally been
settled. Both Malaysian-backed Team Lotus and Renault GP, owned by private equity firm GENI Capital, had decided to change their names for 2012. The Formula One Commission group of stakeholders agreed to allow the change which will see Team Lotus renamed as Caterhams, and Renault GP as Lotus, named after its title sponsor. Marussia Virgin Racing will also change the name of their chassis, and will race as Marussia.
The Grand Prix wasn’t without its drama though Next weekend Formula One heads to the state of Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Marina Bay for a rather unusual but spectacular twilight race. It’s unique in its kind and traditionally favours the Red Bulls with its high downforce proving critical. This is the circuit where last year’s world title was won and lost depending on whether you were Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso. There were all sorts of permutations as five drivers
A familiar sight: Vettel (Centre-Right) flanked by Alonso (Right) and Button (Left) could have grabbed the drivers’ championship, but it was young Vettel who stole it from them all, becoming the youngest ever world champion. This year, there are no such permutations for the penultimate race of the year, but instead, teams and their drivers will fight for their pride. That said, however, the midfield teams of Lotus
Renault, Torro Rosso, Sauber and Force India, will all be vying for the best points finish as they will want to finish the season as high as humanly possible. The higher they finish, the more money they receive, so there’s a lot at stake in the midfield-pack and it’s all to play for in what promises to be a truly thrilling and exciting encounter.
into English football well, following an impressive spell at West Ham. The forward provides many of the same attributes Carroll once contributed. He is a physical presence, an aerial threat, and like Carroll, possesses ability with the ball at his feet. With eight goals in 10 games, Pardew needs to be applauded for the shrewd business that brought Ba to St. James’ Park.
Initially a favourable early fixture list was used to explain away Newcastle’s beginning to the season. Since then, however, they needed to show grit and determination to earn a late draw against an on form Tottenham.
Newcastle United: Form, class, or both? Matt Davies
The age old footballing proverb states that ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’. It is often used to excuse periods of poor performances; notably Rooney’s start to the 2010/11 campaign, and immediately after Torres’ switch to Chelsea. The time has come for high flying Newcastle to be evaluated against this footballing perception. There can be no denying that the Tyneside club are on scintillating form, the question of course is whether they have the class required to make their position so high up the table permanent.
The Tyneside club are in scintillating form The first component worth analysing is their manager; Alan Pardew. The former Charlton and West Ham manager arrived in difficult circumstances. Chris Houghton, his predecessor, had been harshly let go, having gained promotion to the Premier League that season. In conjunction with this, he provided the fans with much to cheer about during his brief spell in England’s top division, including a derby thrashing of Sunderland, and a 1–0 win against Arsenal. Because of this, Houghton remained
Demba Ba has been pivotal in firing Newcastle to third place a fan favourite, inevitably making Pardew’s reception more uncomfortable than it may have been. To say the subsequent sale of Andy Carroll made the manager’s job an even tougher one is a severe understatement. Since then, more high profile names have left the side, including club captain Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, and Jose Enrique. That means Pardrew has had to rebuild a team without four of his best players from last season. Astute management combined with individuals stepping up their performances to fill the boots of these departed players,
have aided Newcastle’s start to the season.
Pardrew has had to rebuild a team without four of his best players from last season Initially, the purchase of Demba Ba has gone a long way to replacing striker Carroll. Dubbed a risk by Stoke, who refused to sign him after he underwent a medical at the club, Ba has continued to settle
Newcastle’s Unbeaten Start Arsenal (H) 0-0 Sunderland (A) 1-0 Fulham (H) 2-1 QPR (A) 0-0 Aston Villa (A) 1-1 Blackburn (H) 3-1 Wolves (A) 2-1 Tottenham (H) 2-2 Wigan ( H) 1-0 Stoke (A) 3-1 Everton (H) 2-1 The English manager has also succeeded in bringing fantastic performances out of Cheick Tiote, who is doing magnificently in his efforts to fill the hole left by Kevin Nolan in the middle of the team. The purchase of speedy winger Obertan is quickly maturing into a brilliant investment too. The ex Manchester United player’s final pass is improving greatly, and the effect of the absence of Barton’s deliveries is slowly diminishing.
They needed to show grit and determination They also managed to take all three points whilst scoring three goals away at Stoke, which is no mean feat. The side’s latest win against Everton rounds off an impressive seven points from a possible nine against much tougher opposition in the last three games. Notably the final two have been without Cheick Tiote.
They will need to ensure they maintain form If Newcastle have aspirations of making their position in, or at least around, the top four permanent, they will need to ensure they maintain form even when key figures are unavailable to play. Whether they will be able to sustain this, only time can tell, but what is evident is that they have the class within their team to provide tough
40 SPORT
Friday 11 November 2011 Spark*
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
SPORT Football: Premiership Review Inside...
City cruising as season hots up Cameron Humphries
Formula 1 round-up
Manchester City continue to impress at the top of the Premier League, with successive victories over Wolves and QPR following up their derby day demolition of rivals Manchester United. City were made to work for the three points in both games though, particularly in an enthralling 3-2 victory over QPR at Loftus Road. United have recovered well from the 6-1 thrashing to City, grinding out 1-0 victories away at Everton and at home to Sunderland as Sir Alex Ferguson marked an amazing 25 years in charge at Old Trafford.
With the passionate Yorkshireman labelling the fans ‘idiotic’
Knights reports
Newcastle continue to confound the doubters, an impressive 3-1 win at Stoke and a home win against Everton ensured the North-East club remain unbeaten in their best ever Premier League start. Chelsea and Arsenal played out an extraordinary fixture at Stamford Bridge, the Gunner’s eventually taking the spoils in a topsy-turvy 5-3 win, Robin Van Persie the hero with a briliant hat trick. Chelsea now sit foutth with Arsenal in seventh just three points back. In fifth place Tottenham continue to impress, the North London club have won seven of their last
eight games and have a game in hand on those around them. Summer signings Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor have been outstanding while the likes of Rafael Van Der Vaart and Gareth Bale have rediscovered their sensational form from last season.
Chelsea and Arsenal played out an extraordinary fixture at Stamford Bridge Liverpool have only lost twice in the league this season but four home draws in six league games has left the club in sixth place and wondering what might have been if they had seen off the likes of Swansea and Norwich at Anfield. Aston Villa currently sit in eighth, and despite losing Ashley Young to Manchester United in the summer, would be disappointed with anything less than a top half finish based on the season so far. The club must now build on their 3-2 victory over Norwich last time out. Last season’s three promoted clubs, Norwich, Swansea and QPR all sit comfortably mid table after making impressive starts in the top flight. From Norwich in ninth and Bolton in 18th just four points separate the sides, indeed it remains early in the season and the mid table clubs could still find themselves launching a push for Europe or being dragged down the table towards the relegation places.
Magician: David Silva has been instrumental in firing City to the top of the table Stoke, West Brom, Sunderland, Fulham and Everton all sit within two points of each other just above the relegation zone. These clubs would largely consider themselves established in the Premier League and will be looking for a severe improvement in the coming weeks as they look to move up the table.
Summer signings Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor have been outstanding In terms of managerial pressure, Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy has been increasingly criticised by sections of the Wolves’ support of late. After the job McCarthy has done in recent seasons the criticism
seems premature, with the passionate Yorkshireman labelling the fans ‘idiotic’.
Manchester City continue to impress at the top of the Premier League In the relegation zone, Bolton are third from bottom, although the club look to have got their season back on track with a 5-0 thrashing of Stoke City, a reversal of last season’s FA Cup Semi Final. Wigan and Blackburn prop up the table, with just one win each from their first 11 games. The signs are ominous and sets of both fans must worry for their Premier League future.
Knights hockey report Spark* Sport Quiz
Sir Alex’s 25 years
Reading started the match well and piled early pressure onto the Portsmouth defence. However they could not make early dominance count as several obvious chances were missed. Reading continued to maintain control, with Portsmouth only looking threatening on the counter. Just before half time, Portsmouth managed to get a lucky break which put the home team up 1-0 just before half time. Throughout the second half Reading continued to play flowing hockey, dictating the game. They struggled to make chances count with several shots flying just the wrong side of the post.
After a long period of pressure that was expertly put on by Reading, Portsmouth finally gained possession and hit Reading on the break.
Reading maintained control, Portsmouth only threatening on the counter With their second lucky chance of the game they scored again to make it 2-0 just before the final whistle. Another good performance from Reading, just lacking that clinical edge to win.
1. Last week Sir Alex ferguson celebrated 25 years as Manchester United manager, but against which team did he pick up his first victory? 2. Which football player holds the record for the most goals in a single top flight season? 3. Which country won the first Cricket World Cup? 4. Name the four cities beginning with the letter ‘A’ that have hosted the summer Olympics.
5. Who did England beat 134-0 in a 2001 Rugby Union international? 6. Which swimmer is the most succesful Olympian of all time, with 14 gold medals to his name?
1. Queens park Rangers 2. Didxie Dean - 60 3. West Indies 4. Athens, Antwerp, Amsterdam and Atlanta 5. Romania 6. Michael Phelps
Simon Pettett