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Friday 16.03.12 Volume 59
Issue
Students crushed by hidden course costs
What’s Inside? Film
12
John Carter review
Music
Sabbatical officers Steph Johnson and Alex Slater talking to students about hidden course costs. Photo by Kate Delaney. Kate Delaney
The University of Reading took part in the National Day of Action on Wednesday 14 March. The day was organised by the National Union of Students (NUS) to call on the Government to ‘come clean’ on its reforms for higher education. The events of the day were also an attempt to encourage the University of Reading to be more open about the hidden course costs in studying.
She had spent £400 in two years, on books Throughout the morning, VP Welfare and Representation, Steph Johnson, and VP Academic Affairs, Alex Slater, were stopping students en route through campus and asking them to fill in receipts about extra costs on their course that they did not expect. The receipts were compiled on a ‘wall of debt’. Sophie Elliott, a second year Ancient History student, was shocked to realise that she
had spent around £400 in the two years she has been here, just on text books. These receipts were later presented to the University Senate.
Large cardboard letters spelt out the word ‘debt’ In the afternoon, the sabbatical officers held a rally outside the Senate. Emily Hatcher, a third year Fine Art student was particularly affected by hidden costs, she has had to pay for all the materials needed for her work. Miss Hatcher based her final project on student debt. Her work was presented at the rally for all those attending to see as they entered the building. The path was covered with large cardboard letters spelling out ‘debt’, and the team crushed RUSU President, Karl Hobley, with the word ‘debt’ made with concrete letters. Karl Hobley, President of Reading University Students’ Union, said “I am delighted that the
University Senate has taken a huge step in agreeing that a public statement should be made calling for the HE reforms to be properly scrutinised. It was also agreed that students and universities deserve the right to discuss these reforms in open debate”. A letter is to be sent to local MP Rob Wilson, signed by the stu-
dents, calling on him to highlight the need for a public debate in Parliament on the HE reforms and for universities to be upfront about additional costs. It is hoped that Rob Wilson will meet with student representatives from the University to discuss this pressing issue further on April 18 2012.
16
Lana: icon or con? Food
27
Spark*’s top Easter eggs
Sci/Tech
32
President Karl Hobley ‘crushed by debt’. Photo by Kate Delaney.
Review of Windows Phone 7
2 News
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
Science busking in Reading High Street Chayya Syal
To mark National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW), the University will be hosting a number of events and public lectures. The week’s programme was coordinated by the Thames Valley branch of the British Science Associaton (BSA). NSEW runs from 9 March to 17 March and aims to show students and members of the public how science, technology, engineering and maths relate to our daily lives.
To show how science, technology, engineering and maths relate to our daily lives Topics discussed at various seminars and public lectures included the effects of our diet and if it can be linked to a higher chance of getting cancer. The week saw various members of University staff volunteering at other events including stargazing at Whiteknights Campus and science busking in Broad Street, Reading town centre. On Tuesday 13 March, the Department of Psychology held a seminar about the study of the brain that was followed by a Reading Film Theatre screening of David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method.
On Wednesday 14 March, Professor Ian Rowland presented a public lecture in the Palmer Build ing, about the link between our lifestyle and diet and the risks of developing cancer from it.
The link between lifestyle and the risks of developing cancer For more information about the BSA and NSEW visit: www.britishscienceassociation.org/readingscienceweek
Professor Ian Rowland. Photo from www.reading.ac.uk
Scientists do a demonstration of liquid nitrogen. Photograph from www.britishscienceassociation.com
National Student Money Week Reading defies the cuts: Bethany Lunn
Money can be seen as something to avoid thinking about, causing headaches and unhappiness when we do attempt to sort out our finances. It can be time consuming and frustrating to try and do anything about the problems faced by a lack of student finance.
NASMA wants everyone to know about the financial support offered to students However, from Monday 12 to Friday 16 March it is National Student Money Week. It came about because the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA) wants “everyone - students, the media, politicians and the public - to know about and celebrate the financial support and advice offered in universities, colleges and students’ unions across the UK.” They attempt to achieve this through providing a positive message about money, attempting to improve the financial capacity of students.
The aim of the National Student Money Week is to raise awareness of the financial pitfalls of student life and to provide realistic help for those situations. Based on statistics released from The Standard Life Your Commitments, Your Future Report, students are said to pay an “average of £320 a month on rent”, and “an average £58 on utilities”. Some students can’t pay for much else, and we all know how it feels to miss a night out because we simply can’t afford it. The report also highlights some long term money problems facing students, saying that “68% of students are not paying for any insurance”, which can create huge problems if any valuables are lost or stolen, and that “64% are not paying into any pension, savings or investments”.
The event aims to raise awareness of the financial pitfalls of student life It’s best to think about savings and pension plans early on in life, as
there will only be more financial commitments later in life. It’s set to become harder for students as of next year as they attempt to repay £9,000 a year in tuition fees.
Women generally have lower salaries so cannot repay debts as quickly as men Currently, people paying off their student loans spend “an average of £204.20 each month on these payments. Men, however, spend an average of £318.20 a month with women spending £106.68 each month.” These figures show that women’s pay is generally lower than men’s, so they cannot repay debts as quickly. The statistics released by The Standard Life Your Commitments, Your Future Report conclude that student finance is an important issue that should be considered seriously. There is plenty of advice available for students, and thinking ahead by saving for the future is a wise move as financial pressures will only increase with time.
50 new academic places Calum Mcintyre Rogers
A new £50 million pound investment programme at the University will fund the creation of 50 new senior academic appointments. The Academic Investment Project, which is led by the recently appointed Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell, is aimed at bolstering the university’s research in six areas: climate and environmental science (twenty places), food security (six places), brain-computer interfacing (four to five places), law and business (six places), metabolic, cardiovascular and neuroscience biology (five places) and lastly literacy and multilingualism (three places).
“The establishment of these new research posts will help Reading build on its reputation” The programme is hoped to have a profound impact on the University’s already high standing in academic research. Sir David Bell said “The establishment of
these new research posts will help Reading build on its reputation as one the strongest research-led universities in the UK and provide a platform for researchers to develop solutions to problems that affect the quality of life and sustainability of our planet. “This significant new investment is a statement of our intent to grow Reading’s position of research strength across the University. We are committed to fulfilling our goals to make a real difference to the lives of people now and in the future.” The government’s Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, commented “This significant investment signals the University of Reading’s commitment to fostering talent and producing quality research. It will keep the institution at the forefront of work in a range of important areas including food security, which I had a chance to learn more about on a recent visit there.” Candidates can already apply for the positions, at readingisinvesting.com. The new appointees are expected to begin work in between September this year and September 2013.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
News 3
Reading Sikh Society and Langar team up to host free (and informative) lunch , open to all students Chayya Syal
Reading University Sikh Society held their first ever Langar on Campus on Tuesday 13 March. The event was held in The Lounge and ran from 12pm to 2pm. Langar is a Sikh institution which dates back to the 15th century. Its purpose is to break down social barriers between the rich and poor and those of different castes. People of all faiths, backgrounds and status were encouraged to sit on the same level and eat a simple, traditional vegetarian meal that is free.
Langar is a Sikh tradition which began in the 15th century The meal was both prepared and served by volunteers. The free kitchen also represents the Sikh values of community, generosity, love, equality and selflessness. The event attracted a wide variety of people who came together to share a meal and learn more
Above: Mayor of Reading Deborah Edwards alongside attendees about Sikhism. Guests included the president of the local Gurudwara (Sikh holy place of worship) and the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Deborah Edwards. Councillor Edwards said: “It’s been fantastic and I was happy to have been invited to the event.” Before eating the meal, people covered their heads, washed their
hands and removed their shoes as a sign of respect. Gurinder Singh, trustee and cofounder of RUSS said: “We had a great turnout and a wide variety of people came from lecturers to students and local residents of Reading.” Opdesh Sagoo, president of RUSS commented: “We would like to
Revamping recycling Kate Delaney
Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) has decided to make recycling more interesting. Ben Haines, VP Democracy and Campaigns, organised for Fine Art students to decorate recycle bins from around campus. Students spray-painted the bins with bright colours and stencils. The event was held to encourage students to recycle all the time and
not take the easy option if the bin is nearer. All students were welcome to the event but it was mostly attended by Art students and art based societies. All the bins will be used around campus and hopefully attract attention so that students are more inclined to recycle their rubbish. The winning bin, photographed to the right, will be displayed outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
Photos courtesy of Emily Shaw. thank everybody who came and thank RUSU for their support in making this event happen and a success.” The Reading University Sikh Society committee were happy with the smooth running of the event and look forward to planning similar events in the future for all to attend and enjoy. The society also
plans to celebrate the forthcoming Sikh New Year, Vaisakhi, on May 1, with a procession through Reading (again, with a free lunch). Their Facebook group, ”The Reading University Sikh Society” ( found at http://on.fb.me/zRILz6), has plenty of information on their forthcoming events, including film nights and much more.
Kate Delaney
Each society will have to present evidence that they have met the appropriate criteria. Core criteria needed to begin gaining points will include; a handover meeting, a signed constitution for 2012/13, a behaviour policy for 2012/13, a risk assessment, a development plan, up to date contact details for committee members and at least 15 members signed up in RUSU.
Societies striving for stall space Last year, RUSU introduced a new system of recognition for societies. Now RUSU are hoping to introduce a new way of ranking societies using points with the hope that it will encourage societies to constantly improve. Societies will be rewarded points throughout the year, starting from Summer term. To gain points societies will be required to pass certain criteria that RUSU see as being crucial to being a successful society. Once this has been achieved, a society will receive ten points to start their climb up the ladder. To recognise the efforts previously made by a society, those with either a bronze, silver or gold award will be awarded ten, 30 or 50 points respectively. Societies will also be able to gain points for criteria already achieved this year.
When each society is handed over they will restart the process from zero points.
Students decorating their bins. Photographs by Kate Delaney
Starting from next year, the society who gains the most points will win an award at the Societies Ball. When each society is handed over to the upcoming years, they will restart the process from zero.
Points can be gained for activities such as attending democracy meetings Points can be gained for activities such as attending democracy meetings; Student Voice and Student Officer Scrutiny meetings, which will be rewarded with ten points, or participating in Give it a Go which will be rewarded with 30 points. Societies who receive the most points will receive preferential treatment in areas such as budget allocation and stall location at Freshers’ Fayre. Each society was contacted to give them a chance to voice their opinions on the new system. The system will be tweaked to reflect the interests of societies and will be presented soon.
4 NEWS
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
Goodness gracious, great kitchens on fire! Chayya Syal
A second kitchen fire took place on Friday 3 March around 1:25am in block E at Benyon Hall. A student had heated up some frying oil in a pan and left it as she went back to her room. She returned only to find that it had caught fire.
No one was hurt and students from the flat were moved to other rooms No one was hurt and students from the flat were moved to other rooms. Dr. Yuri Roskov, head warden at Benyon Hall said: “This is the third serious kitchen fire we have had this year and there have been several near misses.”
Benyon Hall staff hope this will discourage students from leaving food unattended
The Benyon Hall Fire. Photograph by Dr. Yuri Roskov.
He added: “We would like to remind students to never ever heat pans of deep oil for frying and to always stay in the kitchen whilst cooking for everyone’s sake.” The danger of kitchen fires is a very serious matter.
In spite of holding regular fire safety talks and providing students with as much information as possible about kitchen safety, Benyon Hall has decided to impose a sanction on those who leave food on the hob unattended.
Cash point on campus
Students in halls should remember the dangers of leaving the hob unattended A £50 fine will be issued to residents of the flat where someone has left their food cooking unattended in the kitchen.
A £50 fine will be issued to residents of the flat where someone has left cooking unattended The staff at Benyon Hall hope that this will discourage students from leaving food on the hob and hopefully prevent any further kitchen fires from happening. Students living in halls of residence are reminded to always attend any fire safety talks and be aware of the dangers when leaving food on the hob unattended. It is lucky that nobody was hurt this time, but that is not always the case. Fire safety talks are put on by each hall and explain the dangers.
Kate Delaney
Around this time last year, the Whiteknights campus lost its branch of Lloyds TSB. The main problem that arose from this is the loss of two extra cash points from central campus. Since then, there has been a constant queue for cash out side the new shop. After complaining from students a new cash point has finally been installed to relieve the pressure on the single cash point The new cash point is situated outside Blackwells Book Shop in the Students’ Union. The cash point is free of charge.
International Women’s Day at University of Reading Chayya Syal
Every year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated on 8 March. It is a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women and has been observed since the early 1900s. IWD is recognised and celebrated as an official holiday in over 27 countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, China and more.
Governments, charities and women’s groups choose the theme In some countries, IWD has the same status of Mother’s Day and the tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends etc with flowers and small gifts.
“Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures” Every year organisations, governments, charities and women’s groups around the world choose a
different theme that reflects global and local gender issues. The University of Reading celebrated International Women’s Day with a photographic event to highlight women’s research at the University.
Over 1,100 women work in research at the University Despite research being a heavily male-dominated profession, the University of Reading has a significant amount of women working in research . The exhibition was attended by both the public and students and staff from the University. There are over 1,100 women working in research across the University. The event aimed to inspire others to continue in research and take it up as a career. Rona Cheeseman, University Research Communications Manager said: “We’re delighted to be launching this very special exhibition, which celebrates the achievements of our women researchers and finds out about the challenges
they face. I do hope as people as possible can join us on the night to enjoy the exhibition and to learn more about the experiences of staff and students.” “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures” is the 2012 theme and has been widely used by hundreds of schools, universities, governments, women’s groups and the private sector to celebrate the progress of women’s education and raise awareness in countries where it has seen little progress.
Awareness of female role models is important In the last century, society has seen a significant change in attitude towards women’s equality and abilities. There is greater legal equality and an increased awareness of women’s achievements. The awareness of impressive female role models is important to inspire the next generation of girls to work hard and become a success to inspire furture generations to continue on the path of gender equality.
International Women’s Day 2012. Photograph from www.nurseuncut. com
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
News 5
Science Week educates Reading Alumni give back to the University Zoe Crook
Reading Science week began on Friday 9 March, and ran until Sunday 18 March. This week, activities and shows occurred, displaying engineering, science and technology.
The activities began with a stargazing session at the Museum of Rural Life The activities began with a stargazing session, open to the public, at the Museum of Rural Life. Attendees were able to view planets, galaxies and clusters, including Jupiter, and four of its moons. This was then followed by Science Busking, on the Saturday. This event consisted of various scientific experiments, attracting numerous children through the afternoon. It was continued this year, following its success last year, attracting much of the public. The Society of General Microbiology then ran a Café Scientifique. This aimed to discuss the science behind the recent headlines. This was one of few events held for over 18s only, just as an event held to study the behaviour of the molecules in crystals using slinkies, marshmallows, sweets and cocktail sticks was also.
A lecture for the event was held in the Palmer Building, in the University of Reading. It was run by Professor Ian Rowland, with the title of, ‘Can changing your diet and lifestyle alter your cancer risk?’ The lecture dominantly focused on whether eating particular types of foods can alter the risk of cancer. This was not the sole event that occured on campus, and there was also a film screening of A Dangerous Method. This was held in the Reading Film Theatre, where for an entry fee of £6/£4.50, people were able to see how the relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud established the theory of psychoanalysis.
The lecture dominantly focused on whether eating particular types of foods can alter the risk of cancer The final event featured in the university for Reading Science Week, which was open to the public was a seminar, titled ‘Our World in Motion’, in the Palmer Building. The seminar consisted of two researchers illustrating research that in occurring within the university, which has an association with the lecture title. Lesley Allison discussed the themes of ‘Our Blue World in Motion: Ocean Circulation’ and ‘Climate Change’,
and Murray Evans portrayed the concept of ‘How Motion Helps a Computer See’.
The national event had over 1.7 million attendees across the country last year The week will be finished by an opportunity to discover more about Mother Nature, with local conversation groups discussing the science of nature and biodiversity, and a pub quiz. The pub quiz was held at The Three Guineas, where they tested knowledge of scientific facts, and provided prizes for the winners. With the event costing £1, all proceeds were donated to charity. The event, organised by The British Science Association consisted of approximately 4, 500 events, with 1.7 million attendees over the country last year.
With the event costing £1, all proceeds were donated to charity On the British Science Association website, experiments can be found that can be tried at home, by those who can’t attend the events, or just have a desire to learn more.
Jon Hulks
In this year’s Annual Fund telephone campaign, graduates telephoned University of Reading alumni and managed to raise a record-breaking £233 000. This money will be used to offer support to prospective students in the form of grants and bursaries, and ensure that a lack of money does not affect anyone’s chances of attending university. For the past month, 50 graduate students have been telephoning the alumni and updating them on developments that have occurred here at Reading, as well as university life in general. Almost half of the alumni proceeded to donate, from £20 to well over £1000, resulting in the most successful campaign since it started in 2004.
The campaign has raised a total of £3.1 million from 6000 donors Since its inception, the campaign has raised a total of £3.1 million from 6000 donors. Each year, the money is used to provide a number of different student support services to enhance the student experience across the board.
Over half of the money goes toward providing financial support bursaries and scholarships, including the new sport scholarship. It’s allowed members of the rowing, basketball, rugby fencing and hockey clubs to focus on their training, as opposed to worrying about financial constraints. In particular, the scholarship has benefitted University of Reading rowers who are training to take part in the 2012 Olympic games. The money has also been used to provide new learning opportunities and hands-on experience - like subsidising undergraduate trips to Rome for classics students, organising work experience for law students, and enhancing the camera equipment for film and theatre students. Lastly, the money has been used to expand extracurricular activities like Reading’s Model United Nations Club, where students can debate with members from other universities all over the world in a mock forum. The Vice Chancellor, Sir David Bell, thanked the graduates who helped achieve such a high result, and said “’The Annual Fund makes a major contribution to the life and work of the University of Reading and its impact will be felt for years to come. That is what really matters and what counts most to those who have donated to the Fund.’’
Out with the old and in with the new Rosi Hirst: Departing Spark* Editor
Although the role was very hard work, I am really going to miss Spark* when I leave. I have absolutely loved being editor here and having the chance to be a part of a newspaper with such a rich history and is such an integral part of the University. I will always remember this as a truly amazing experience, and I can’t believe it’s over already. I will look upon my time with Spark* fondly for years to come.
Sophie Elliott: Outgoing Sport Editor/Incoming Spark* Editor I am really excited about my new role as editor. It’s a huge priviliege and I would like to say thank you to Rosi and Lizzie for being such fantastic editors this year. This year, I would love to increase Spark*’s presence both online and on campus. I am looking forward to continuing Spark*’s excellent work and working with a lovely new team.
Lizzie Pollington: Outgoing Deputy Editor
Working on Spark* has been a very rewarding experience, I’ve worked with some great people and learnt more than I thought I would. Leaving Spark* will leave a large hole in my life.
Chayya Syal: The new News Editor Calum Rogers: Outgoing News Editor/Incoming Deputy Editor Being News Sub Editing was a lot of fun; assuming the mantle of deputy editor is a big privilege and I intend to ensure this is the best year for Spark* yet.
I was so happy to find out that I had been chosen to become the next Editor of News. I look forward to meeting new people, learning news skills and making student more aware of Spark* and providing them with as much accurate information as I can.
Kate Delaney: Departing News Editor I’ll be very sorry to leave Spark* behind. I’ve met some fantastic people. I will particularly miss working with Lizzie and messing about in the office. I am happy to be leaving the paper in such capable hands for next year. Good luck guys.
Zoe Crook: Incoming News Sub-Editor I have really enjoyed writing for Spark* this year, and I am looking forward to being sub editor next year.
6 NEWS
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
news.spark@reading.ac.uk
Fortnightly Media Blog: what’s going on? when what where by Chris Diffin Hi all, I hope you’ve enjoyed our stream over the last couple of weeks! Obviously the last big event that happened was the elections coverage, which was covered extensively by all three media streams on rusumedia.co.uk. We hope you checked it out and witnessed the drama and excitement. A big shout out to RU:ON and Spark* for doing an excellent job in their respective media.
But moving on (as I’m sure a few of you are hoping I will) you should know that our news team have stepped up a notch. With new Head of News Grace Pascoe at the reigns, we have been bringing you daily news bulletins for a few weeks now. And the good news (pun intended) is that this looks set to continue throughout the rest of the year. So if ever you feel the need for a shot of campus-based, up to the minute info, tune in to Junction11 every other hour from 6am-6pm any week day of your choosing. Sweet.
Before I go, I’d just like to put out a general appeal for feedback on how you think we’ve done so far this year? Our exec are piecing together a mid-year report that will be publicly available, and we’d love to include some honest feedback from our listeners. So, if you have a moment, just drop me a line at manager@junction11radio.co.uk or tweet us @junction11radio. Super thanks, Chris Diffin (Station Manager)
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Music@Reading Gala Concert
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Saturday Union
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Comedy Night
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Student Officer Scrutiny
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next issue of Spark* out:
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Friday 4 May 2012
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7 POLITICAL COMMENT
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
politics.spark@reading.ac.uk
POLITICAL COMMENT Is gay marriage really so topical?
Syria - the new Libya or not?
Chris Brook
They say the topic of gay marriage is a difficult one – I’m of the opinion it’s not. Either gay couples can get married in the eyes of the law or they cannot. Any ‘difficulties’ with the subject lies with people tip-toeing around the issue to avoid offending anyone’s belief or values because it’s impolite. That is unfortunate, for many gay couples out there who wish to get married and are stuck with civil partnerships. That is unfortunate for any non-religious people out there who wish to formalise the bond in their relationship that cannot get a civil partnership and are stuck with getting married. Marriage, and in particular gay marriage, is vocally more prominent an issue in the USA rather than here in the UK. With several states passing laws allowing gay marriage, and several others (think Deep South) expressly forbidding it, you only have to look at the breakdown of lobby groups that have brought these laws into fruition to see where the opinion is divided.
Any ‘difficulties’ with the subject lies with people tip-toeing to avoid offending anyone You have your LGBT, equality, progressive, liberal groups on one side and your conservative, Christian groups on the other. And guess who is driving which agenda? It is not difficult, and for someone who wholly believes in equality it’s incredibly frustrating to see the offensive nature of many of the lobbyists campaigning against gay marriage.
Leviticus features heavily in some of their more ‘creative’ slogans as you may imagine which is interesting for a former Catholic (me) to see. I was under the distinct impression, having been reliably taught and examined in my old faith at school that the New Testament, brought down and taught by Jesus was to replace the Old Testament, dating back from Abrahamic times.
You might just find that the definition of marriage will quite quickly change over the next few years It’s only kept in the modern bible, compiled 400 years after Jesus died, as a reference to how things used to be done. Interestingly, if that is not enough for a ‘pause for thought’ on the issue, then I refer you further in the Old Testament to the writings of Samuel, who documents quite clearly the relationship between David and Jonathan as being extremely close. There is, like most times in the Bible, no explicit reference to the full nature of what the scripture says, but even the most conservative of translations cannot escape the fact that their relationship seemed both loving and close. Despite the teachings ‘against homosexuality’ in other books in the Old Testament, followed by the Jewish faith at the time, these passages have remained. There has been some quite distasteful language from senior bishops and cardinals in the Catholic Church - I mean, describing gay marriage as ‘grotesque’ isn’t going to win you any reasonable argu-
ments, it just gives the impression you are just hurling insults... oh wait - and a more measured approach from the Anglicans, who still have influence over government sitting in the House of Lords, (cheers Henry VIII), it’s clear they are not going to allow the ‘definition’ of marriage be changed to include all members of society if they can help it. Look, I’m sorry, but the fact of the matter is this – we, as a society, have moved on from using the Bible to justify beating our children (Proverbs 13:24) and keeping slaves (Exodus 20:17) to one which strives for equality.
You have your LGBT, equality, progressive, liberal groups on one side and your conservative, Christian groups on the other. This step to allow gay marriage is just another natural step forward for our multi-cultural and tolerant society. The Catholic church would be foolish, after preaching ‘peace, love and tolerance’ as its message to stand in the way of this, irrespective of what an invariably mistranslated collection of writings from over 2000 years ago, the Bible, says. One last note, concerning the issue of semantics for the word marriage – yes, indeed marriage does refer to the union of one man and one woman. But to that I would say gay refers to being brightly coloured. Usage is the final arbiter of a word’s meaning, and you might just find that the definition of marriage will quite quickly change over the next few years.
Dominic Bangay-Wilding
A few months ago, many world leaders would have bet their gold reserves that the Assad regime in Syria would soon go the way of Gaddafi’s. I am not sure if cultural insensitivity, legislation bafflement or genuine apathy is to blame for this gross oversight, but it is rapidly becoming clear that President Assad will continue to hold power for some time to come.
At this moment in time Syria stands between a rock and a very hard, very bloody place And may I take this opportunity to say what an appalling prospect that is. At this moment in time Syria stands between a rock and a very hard, very bloody place. Assad, a totalitarian by nature, cannot claim to have total control over the country but nor can the Free Syrian Army really claim to have made any significant gains against a regime that is notorious for brutal and indiscriminate revenge attacks. How on earth the Arab League and the UN can consistently allow for humanitarian crises, like the one in Homs, to emerge I will never understand; we saw it in Hama in 1982, in Srebrenica in 1995 and now again in a town that
until recently was known primarily for its interesting take on Baba Ghanoush. Now it must stand as yet another monument to inaction. In Libya, the rebels were aided by NATO enforced ‘no-fly’ and ‘safe’ zones and European backing on the world stage. The Jordanians and the Turkish are well equipped to enforce such measures around their borders with Syria but are understandably reluctant to get involved with Syrian ground forces. Everybody wants change to come but no one is prepared to do anything to affect it. We are the rubber-necked generation, filing past a horrific sight, we shake our heads, express our sympathies and drive away. And all the while Syrians suffer. Perhaps I’m being too glib. Syria is certainly not Libya. In fact, the two couldn’t be more dissimilar and what worked against Gaddafi could well be disastrous against Assad. Foreign intervention is unlikely to happen anytime soon with both the Russians and the Chinese backing the Assad regime and it appears even genocide does not warrant action these days, merely a strongly worded letter and an international telling-off suffice. However, whilst intervention in Libya could be argued to have been too heavy-handed, distancing ourselves entirely from the Syrian conflict will leave a sour taste when the mass graves are discovered years from now.
The race for the Republicans Adam Roberts
It’s taken some time, but finally I’ve found something on American television that makes me quite proud to be British. I’m referring, of course, to the Republican National Primary Campaign, electing their candidate for leader of the free world, and the rest of it that’s dragged along for the ride. There’s been so much hay made of the candidates - all rich, self promoting, white Anglo-Saxon males, a situation we could never have in British politics. Anyhow, if you’ve not been following this with the hysteria it doesn’t deserve, let me fill you in. First up is
the favourite, Mitt Romney. Now Mitt’s had a good run of late, a moderate most weeks, evangelical when he needs to be and general all round flip-flopper, but about the only chance it seems the Republicans have got next year. One man who at least is consistent with his views is his underdog rival, Rick Santorum - whom I advise you to Google with care. Consistent, but what views! Anti-contraception, anti-abortion, anti-homosexual, anti-Obamacare and generally anti-Democrat, the hard right and the anti-Romney crowd rally round him, having lost their former standard-barer Newt Gingrich.
Former Speaker of the House, he has the talent and the experience, but has been lost in a sea of attack ads and destroyed by his former allies, giving him the political life expectancy of George Galloway.
All rich, white AngloSaxon males Ron Paul rounds out the pack, the rank outsider, and a serious contender if they held the vote in the pre-television days of 1950, but today so tragically out of his depth even Fox News daren’t come out on his side.
So how do you separate this bunch? Of the many scales people use, I prefer the “Air Force One” test. How do the candidates stand up? I mean, Mitt’s got the hairstyle but with him in the hot-seat, Gary Oldman wins and plunges Russia into civil war - presuming he doesn’t wait for polling information of capitulating to hostage demands. Newt’s certainly not got the stamina or the patience if three divorces and his last stint as Speaker of the House are anything to go by.
Ron Paul? Well there’s no way he could cope with all the running around.
There’s little point in separating them In all seriousness, as far as I can tell there’s little point in separating them, this election was in the Republican court, theirs to lose, and in all this bickering and conformity they seem to be slipping away. Oh dear, oh dear.
8 INTERVIEW
interview.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 16 March 2012
Spark*
interview Kony on Campus eLLIS WHEATLEY and anna sainsbury
After the flurry of shares and discussion that a certain internet video has caused, Spark* caught up with a few University of Reading students to find out what their views on the situation were. What was your initial reaction to the Invisible Children video? I think that it’s ridiculous that no one knows who this person is, and that the government have not informed us of his disguting actions. - Holly Dunham.
Like the majority of others, who watched the Kony 2012 video, I found it immensely moving. – Graham Bates. Using Facebook and Twitter to make a difference, is a really innovative way to get people involved, as opposed to just showing 30 minutes of horrific images. - Alex Butler. I was intially sad and felt pity for the African children; however I did not agree fully with the messages that the filmmakers of Invisible Children were trying to send in the video. – Hannah Merican. Having attended a Model United Nations in Sixth Form, where we were the Republic of Uganda, I was slightly aware of Uganda’s child soldier problem. The name Kony was probably mentioned, but it never stuck in my head- that is, of course, until now. - Lianna Pim. The comments seem very supportive, is anyone cynical about this amount of public support in such a short space of time? Absolutely. I am getting irritated at people believing they’re activ-
ists for mindlessly sharing a video. I think that the ‘activists’ should have to take the “see if you can point to Uganda on map” test before they distribute it all over our news feeds on Facebook.
It brings people together for an important cause, and that is the most important thing Yes, Kony has obviously committed atrocities, but as filming for the video began in 2003, it just doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the situation. Northern Uganda has been free of LRA violence and war for well over five years; the LRA have even signed a peace accord. It has been six years since Kony fled Uganda. Recruitment of children has reportedly dropped 80%, not because of Invisible Children, but thanks to the Ugandan military and the International Criminal Court. - Ben MacDiarmid. It has been over a week since the video went viral, have your feelings towards the plights of Invisible Children changed at all?
Raising awareness is great but I feel it’s ambitious and probably not achievable - there are many problems in Uganda and this is just one of them. - Raveena Garcha. I am always keen to help children and those less fortunate than myself, but I feel that the video did not address several important points. For instance, what has the Ugandan government done? I also looked at InvisibleChildren.tumblr. com and found some of the video’s
information misleading. - Hannah Merican. I think people are cynical because it has gone viral - it’s on a par with sharing jokey internet memes, so they think it will not make permanent change. Yet the fact that it has made such a massive impact in this way means that the film has more than fulfilled its purpose. Although knowledge is power, I struggle to see how buying t-shirts and sticking up posters will help the search for Kony in Uganda. Lianna Pim What will you be doing to show you support for the KONY:2012 campaign?
I will not give any money to Invisible Children. You don’t have to be too cynical to believe the video is just cashing in on a problem that has been around for 20 years. The organisation has been riddled with accusations of using donation money to fill their own pockets; with only a small percentage of donations actually finding their way to the impoverished children that they claim to help. The group have combined multiple regional conflicts to make it appear that this is one rapidly increasing issue – misinformation to woo wannabe activists who all want to be seen jumping on the bandwagon of ‘the next great cause’. -Ben MacDiarmid. I’ll be attending the event on 20 April, to help raise awareness about Kony. I have even purchased the support pack - it was the first thing I did after I watched the video. – Holly Dunham. The video has compelled me to organise a “Cover the Night” event. We’re currently in discussions with Reading Borough Council and
Thames Valley Police regarding how we can peacefuly express our enthusiasm for this cause without aggravating the general public. – Graham Bates. I’m keeping my eyes on Twitter to see if anything is being organised in the local area - Alex Butler I aim to support the cause because it makes young people more informed and spreads awareness. I think that whilst it is fashionable to support, it brings people together for an important cause, and that is the most important thing. Lianna Pim. What are your views, following the video, of the global community?
I hope that the global concern will be heard by our governments, who will take an appropriate action to bring this conflict to an end and persecute Joseph Kony. We’re connected and motivated; we’ll send a message that nobody can hide from justice. - Graham Bates. I think that it shows how naive some people can be to buy into a glamorous video made by a dubious charity. I am not defending Kony, it’s just stupid that ignorant people suddenly become activists after seeing one video. Question: why don’t people pick a more worthy target like Ugandan President Museveni or the far worse war criminal Bashar al-Assad? Perhaps because there isn’t a persuasive video? - Daniel Long. Speaking as an online filmmaker, in an age where the average Youtube video is 4 minutes, getting someone to engage for 30 minutes is a fantastic achievement; however I find the use of the film-maker’s son in the video too sentimental. Lianna Pim.
What are your predictions for the KONY:2012 movement? It’ll get bigger, the donations will roll in, but Invisible Children need to be honest about where our money is going. - Alex Butler.
Kony is not at large any more and evidence suggests that children in Uganda are much more likely to die from an illness known as Nodding Disease - so why don’t people raise awareness about that instead? - Daniel Long. In all likelihood, public interest will fizzle out. It’s no longer a case of ‘stopping Kony’ as Kony already seems to have been stopped. He must unquestionably be held to account for what he’s done, but an American militarisation of the region hardly seems the best way to go about it. - Ben MacDiarmid.
‘Activists’ should have to take the “see if you can point to Uganda on the map” test The prominent individuals who aid this campaign are all in America, so I think that they should have worked with more African or international leaders. I don’t think that America should take control of this whole movement, it reminds me of ‘the white man’s burden’. - Hannah Merican.
Many thanks to all of the University of Reading students who helped to contribute to this interview: Alex Butler, Hannah Merican, Daniel Long, Holly Dunham, Graham Bates, Lianna Pim, Raveena Garcha, Anna Sainsbury and Ben MacDiarmid.
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
DEBATE 9
Debate
Weeding out the weed
Jessica Cropper
Should cannabis be legalised? Yes No
It’s high time cannabis was legalised. Millions of pounds are wasted every year sending people to prison who are in no way shape or form a threat to society. We have seen that criminalising this drug simply does not work. There are no benefits to forcing those who wish to smoke cannabis to resort to having to go to underground drug dealers, who cannot be regulated and who may be connected to illegal drug rings that particularly young people could get intentionally or unintentionally sucked into. It makes no sense to see the money from the sale of this drug going to drug dealers when it could easily be redirected into society. At a time when our NHS is struggling financially, the money that could be taken from the sale of legalised cannabis could surely alleviate this problem just a little. This argument makes particular sense this week; recent news stories have focused on the lack of funding that the mental health sector has been receiving which has resulted in staff being instructed to re-evaluate mental health patients for early release or home care. I would make an educated guess that some of these mental health cases have been caused through drug abuse (including cannabis), therefore money from the sale of legalised cannabis could be used to solve some of the problems it has been proved to cause and exacerbate, relieving the strain on the NHS and resulting in better care for all patients, including those with mental health problems. Cannabis could be taxed and sold in off-licences, in much the same way as cigarettes are sold. This way it might even be less appealing to those who are seduced by its illegal and forbidden status. Putting this herbal remedy into the same category as more harmful drugs such as ketamine, a horse tranquiliser that causes many users to hallucinate and can dangerously affect breathing if mixed with alcohol, is nonsense. I am not for one minute denying that cannabis is harmful; studies have shown it does have a detri-
mental effect on mental health if used over a long period of time. However, I am denying that it is worse than legal drugs such as nicotine and alcohol. I would even go as far as to argue that these drugs have a far worse social impact than does cannabis. Drunk people can become very violent and reckless, a phenomenon not often seen in those who are stoned. One person is killed every half an hour due to drunk driving and about 100,000 people die each year from smoking. As far as we know, cannabis does not lead to death, although obviously when smoked with tobacco it can lead to cancer, but this is surely a stronger argument to ban tobacco than cannabis. When faced with this evidence, surely there are two logical solutions; we either ban alcohol and cigarettes on the basis that a less harmful drug is already banned, or we legalise cannabis on the basis that more harmful drugs are readily available for people to make the decision to buy and consume. Legalising cannabis would not mean that more people would smoke it; it would simply mean that those who do would not be unnecessarily criminalised, perhaps going to prison and mixing with far more dangerous criminals, which could even lead to a further spiral of criminality. This would free up the police to deal with far more serious matters, such as murders and rapes, and would prevent ‘creating’ extra criminals for them to deal with in the future. Legalisation would also mean that taxes from the sale of cannabis could go to the government instead of to drug dealers, and those same drug dealers who have had their business taken away from them might even get real jobs, meaning they pay tax also. We can all look back in history and see what happened with the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s; it did not result in the country becoming sober, it simply created criminals who were selling it illegally, and the entire law had to be abandoned in 1933. Could we not use the same common sense with cannabis and realise that prohibition is not the answer?
sophie harrison
We should consider the larger picture – the long term effects and social implications
Drunk people can become violent, which is not often seen in stoned people
There is also some concern about cannabis being used as a so called “gateway drug”
Marijuana, or cannabis, has been illegal in Britain since 1928. Initially it was classified as a Class B drug, however in 2004 it was downgraded to a Class C status before being reclassified as a Class B drug once again in 2009. Despite the fact it is an illegal substance, the Talk to Frank antidrugs campaign consider it as the “most widely used illegal drug in Britain”, estimating that one in six 16-24 year olds would have tried it last year making it the most popular choice of drug for young adults today. Many of those who are in favour of legalising cannabis cite the individual benefits, looking at issues on a micro scale and mention only mild side effects such as feeling sick. While cannabis provides a quick high and no immediate serious health risks, we should be considering the larger picture – the long term effects of cannabis use and the social implications. Firstly, simply smoking anything has its risks, something which smokers are nowadays reminded of every time they look at a cigarette packet and this applies to smoking cannabis as well. Despite cannabis being a natural substance, just like tobacco, it is full of chemicals which increase the risk of developing chest and lungs problems. There is also a higher chance as a smoker of developing cancer. Putting respiratory problems aside, the biggest concern surrounding cannabis use – and the main reason for the reclassification in 2009 – is the risk of developing mental health problems. This is an especially important factor when it comes to young adults who use cannabis because the brain does not fully mature until the early twenties, therefore is more susceptible to the mental health risks associated with cannabis. While some people may report an increase in anxiety, others suffer more serious symptoms such as paranoia, depression, panic attacks or even schizophrenia. The NHS states that “three major studies have shown that teenagers under 15 who use cannabis regularly are
up to four times more likely to develop schizophrenia by the age of 26”. The risk of mental health problems brings both a financial cost to the NHS in supporting and treating patients and a cost to the individual – a drugs user may be unable to function well in a place of education or work, potentially jeapodising their future. Individuals who are not in work or in education due to their drug dependency become a financial burden on either their families or on the government, relying on benefits to survive and fund their habit. There is also some concern about cannabis being used as a so called “gateway drug”, leading users onto harder drugs. This may be because people are looking for a stronger drug after getting used to the effects of cannabis or, others argue, that drug users may find it easier to gain access to other drugs after developing contacts for supplying cannabis. Currently the police have an agreed policy for dealing with anyone over 18 that they find in possession of cannabis. The individual is given an official Cannabis Warning the first time, if caught for a second time they are given a Penalty Notice for Disorder of £80 and if someone is caught for a third time then they are arrested. The maximum sentence for possessing cannabis is five years in prison and an unlimited fine. Realistically this is a fairly relaxed law, considering if you are caught breaking the law under other circumstances, for example drink driving or burglary, there are usually no second or third chances. The government and police have a responsibility to keep individuals safe and therefore keeping dangerous drugs such as cannabis illegal is the only real way they can do so. There will always be people who break the law or who take illegal drugs but legalising them would simply send the message out that it is ok to take drugs. The only way to limit drug misuse is to show others that they are dangerous and illegal and there are real consequences for those who use them.
10 COMMENT
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
comment Kony: A point of view Lucy Ponder
Before last Thursday I had never even heard of Joseph Kony. I barely knew there was a civil war going on in Uganda, let alone the name of the guy that was heading up the rebel army. But as that video swept across the Facebook account of University of Reading students, my eyes, along with everyone else’s that saw it, were opened. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about and are still reading this article, Joseph Kony is the head of the "Guerrilla warfare" group who are fighting the Ugandan army. Kony is aiming to ‘purify’ the Alcholi people and turn Uganda into a theocracy.
Children are being used as pathetic puppets to Kony He often speaks in tongues and surrounds himself with myths of spiritualism and divine powers.
He is notorious for hacking off people’s limbs, lips, ears and noses. He is thought to be responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more. An estimated 66,000 children are reported to have been abducted by Kony and his men and ordered to become child soldiers and sex slaves. Kony is thought to have about 60 wives himself, as he simply takes a pick of the girls they have captured. He is the ultimate bully, killing those who don’t agree with him and taking children who have no voice. Now the reason why the name Kony is suddenly on everyone’s lips is because of a viral message that was sent out by Invisible Children, one of the charities working in Uganda and other affected African countries. The video has had 76 million views in the short space of time that it has been unleashed, showing the enormous reaction society has had. Celebrities, politicians and other figures in the public eye have also raised awareness about the atrocities this man is commit-
ting. It is hoped that by making Kony and the acts carried out by the LRA famous, Obama will keep the 100 soldiers that are currently deployed in Uganda, helping the Ugandan army to find Kony and bring him to justice. Although there is of course scepticism to the mass amount of publicity this video has had, it is hard to ignore the fact that everyone is now talking about a man who is on the most wanted list.
The video has had 76 million views in the short space of time that it has been unleashed What saddens me is the fact that it has to take public awareness and public support for Obama to keep troops in Uganda. But at least America have troops fighting there. No other Western country, as far as I’m aware, has troops supporting this cause, despite Kony being number one on the list of the World’s Most Wanted Fugi-
Mostly harmless Sarah Mason
We might learn a lot from the animal kingdom. Much of what they have to teach us goes unnoticed and unappreciated. I read a series of fictional books, well-researched and based in fact in several capacities. A suggestion that has stuck in my mind for the longest period of time came from an observation of our canine companions. This observation is that a dog’s tracks are scattered and jumbled. A wolf’s, in comparison, are purposeful and directed.
We have lost our base instincts and drive to eat, breed and repeat A dog knows that his master will feed him, decide when to rest and when to pursue quarry. A wolf must hunt for his food and must set his own goals. The domestication of the wolf into what we know as the dog is reflected in the progression of man in technology and society. We have become domesticated. I think that this fact might be an
underlying cause for the general lack of a sense of purpose amongst the human race.
We condemn sex and place rules, regulations and social taboos upon it We have lost our base instincts and drive to eat, breed and repeat. In the separation from this fundamental motivation, our purpose has been dissolved. If this is true, it might explain why we have religion. Our need for goal has created the need for a god or gods. Survival is no longer a problem for those in a developed world. Money is the watchword. Eating and copulation, the main aims of our ancestral selves, have become commodities. That’s why we condemn sex and its liberal application – because it reminds us of the savage barbarian that lies within each respectable citizen walking around in a suit and a digital watch. We condemn sex and place rules, regulations and social taboos upon it, despite the fact we all secretly
crave it in our innermost selves. In a sense, it still rules us but it, intertwining with religion and any social taboo anyone can think of, partners the ruling of society. We compete with each other over sex; sometimes it’s love but even love might be nothing more than our shrouded memory of our desire to fornicate or one of the heavy attachments used to ostracise sex from respectable society. Embracing sex, to produce offspring or for fun, nullifies the need for something greater than ourselves that we have constructed in order to replace sex.
tives, issued by the International Criminal Court. This man has been on the radars of politicians and heads of state far longer than a week, and yet nothing is or has been done about him. And why? Well the cynic in me would argue that it is simply because we have nothing to gain by going into Africa. When Gaddafi was terrorising Libya we flew in with planes, tanks and guns. Surprise surprise Libya has a lot of oil. Afghanistan and Iraq? They were both terrorised by a religious dictator and we flew right in there to ‘sort things out’. But going into a central African country when we have nothing to gain is just not worth it for the leaders of our countries. In many ways I understand this. A lot of people would argue that it is unfair to send our troops out to a country that has nothing to do with us, and ask men and women to risk their lives for a cause that will not affect us. But if we think about it more humanely, surely there is a moral duty to use the training and military prowess that ranks the British Army amongst the best
in the world? Children are being used as pathetic puppets to Kony. He abducts them, rapes them and uses them until they are of no more use, and then he kills them. There is a reason why this video has had so many millions of views.
An estimated 66,000 children are reported to have been abducted by Kony Everyone shares the common knowledge that what has been going on for 20 years needs to stop, and although the most powerful countries in the world have the ability to instigate such change, they are choosing not to. Support the cause, despite the criticism that is naturally surfacing, and join a global voice that is calling out for the leaders of our countries to finally put a stop to the unthinkable war crimes Joseph Kony is committing. You can find out more about Kony at http:// www.kony2012.com/
Game over? Tom Wood
I hate to say that it was inevitable but lets be honest here. The fact that the high-street retailer GAME (and by extension Game Station) is currently in a rather troublesome financial crisis has been a long foreseen occurrence, I will talk about the details of this later, but first let me explain to any nongamers out there what GAME used to be and what it has since become. GAME has been around since 1991. I remember the days when PC games were prominently displayed in all their massive cardboard boxed glory. Going into a GAME store to a kid back then was a sense of wonderment and joy, like an Aladdin's cave full of riches. These days things are slightly different, PC games relegated to one small, sad looking shelf. True the console market is what draws customers these days, so obviously more floorspace is devoted to them, but look closer and you see that these aisles are simply filled up with the same 10 copies of each game side by side. How did it get to this state? Management mostly. Enforcing policies on it's shop staff that in many circles could be considered barbaric, enforced sales targets
that are quite simply ridiculous to obtain and disciplinary action against staff that don't tick items off of a check-list of things to say to customers, this is why you get forcefully informed that game stocks a large selection of pre owned games, as you buy a pre owned game. These conditions plus other high level choices have ultimately led to the current situation. It's been this way for years, it's only now that high profile publishers have withdrawn support, such as EA not selling GAME any copies of Mass Effect 3, undoubtedly one of the biggest games of the year, due to the fact that the chain simply cannot afford them, that it has come to the attention of the media. GAME Group PLC's rent cheques are due soon (the same time as this is published) and administration looks as if it will be the only way forward for the chain. This is a sad time as more and more high street shops are facing a similar decline as online sales dominate. The management on the other hand, well, lets just say if previous failed institutions are any indication, they will be eyeing up that new Aston Martin, bonuses in hand.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
COMMENT 11
Identity crisis - Alex Davies campaign Lewis Carr
Name: Alex Davies Age: 18 Date of birth: 16/04/1992 Occupation: Student Mobile: 07584845645 Mother’s maiden name: Stewart Library ID number: AD063178PICO Society: Badminton Facebook: /IAmAlexDavies Twitter: @RealAlexDavies How much information is held about you online? All it takes is a quick Facebook stalk and I’ll know your full name, who you’re friends with, your age, your date of birth, and possibly even your telephone number. I might use this information to send you a text inviting you to a house party or to send you a message on your birthday. Or I might use this information to steal your identity.
“It’s scary when you think about how much information you provide on a daily basis” Your personal information is valuable, so you should treat it just as you would any other valuable item. Do you really know who you are giving your personal information to and what they plan to do with it? Identity thieves make a living from your personal information. In this tough economic climate do you really want to be helping someone else out at your expense? A recent study published by the Information Commissioner’s Office (October 2011) highlighted some
worrying statistics in this area, drawing attention to the fact that most students are not adequately protecting themselves against the risk of identity theft. Results of the survey, carried out by YouGov, show that one in three students (33%) have not arranged for their important post to be redirected after changing their address, meaning bank statements could be falling into the wrong hands - and two thirds (66%) have never checked their credit rating, letting suspicious credit applications to go unnoticed. Four out of ten students (42%) are concerned that personal information available about them online might affect their future employment prospects. Being aware of data protection is all well and good, but how do you protect yourself against identity theft? When you are moving house, inform your bank and other organisations to re-direct your mail to ensure that your information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Your bank statements provide a snapshot of your recent transactions and bank details – a useful sheet of paper for you, and a potential income source for someone else. Any printed information that you no longer require should be shredded before binning to protect your privacy. Your social networking profile provides an insider’s view into your personal life. Ensure that you use the privacy settings provided to protect yourself by filtering exactly who can see the information that you provide. Your account is a reflection of you. And while you may not be happy about unflattering pictures being tagged from 2008, employ-
ers may not be as impressed by your boasts of alcoholic consumption as your friends are. Do you really want your potential employer to see everything that you post? More importantly, don’t give out personal details such as your address, telephone number and place of work – you never know who might be looking at your profile what they intend to do with the information they find.
Your personal information is valuable, so you should treat it that way The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights, and has recently launched a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of information rights among students. Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, said “In tough times, young people are clearly less relaxed about privacy, particularly in relation to information that they post online - but many may not know what they can do about it.” Here are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your personal information:
1. Store documents carrying any personal details in a safe place. 2. Shred or destroy all documents containing any personal details before throwing them away. 3. Ask the Post Office for advice on secure postage if you have to post any personal documents. 4. Limit the number of documents containing personal details you carry around on a daily basis. 5. Check your bank and credit card statements carefully for unfamiliar transactions. 6. Use different passwords and PINs for different accounts. 7. Be careful when using public computers to access your personal information. 8. Remove personal details on screen and uncheck the ‘remember password’ box. 9. Check your credit file regularly for any suspicious applications. 10. Always think about who you are giving information to and why they would need it. Don’t be afraid to ask. 11. Protect your home computer with anti-virus, firewall and anti-spam software before going online. 12. When you move house, redirect all your mail and inform your bank, utilities companies and other organisations of your new address. Beth Mortimer, a final year Politics student said, “It’s scary
when you think about how much information you provide on a daily basis. I’d hate to think that the information that I give out could be used against me in the future.” Identity thieves are using increasingly sophisticated software to gain access to your information. It is important to think twice before providing your details and question what they will be used for. Above all, you must trust your instincts. Always read the small print and know what you are signing up to. Personal information should be just that - personal. Don’t make the same mistakes that Alex Davies did.
Your Social Networking profile provides an insider’s view into your personal life For more information about how to protect your personal information online and in the real world, visit http://www.ico.gov.uk/ or join on facebook at “http://www.facebook. com/therealalexdavies” For the University of Reading Alex Davies campaign - become friends with /IAmAlexDavies or follow @RealAlexDavies on Twitter.
12 FILM&TV
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
film&TV
John Carter: Taylor Kitsch vs. the walrus monsters Directed By: Andrew Stanton Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Mark Strong Running Time: 133 mins Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Jonathan Edney
This is Pixar director Andrew Stanton’s (Finding Nemo, WALLE) first foray into live-action, although like his two Pixar triumphs, there is a heavy visual emphasis. That isn’t to say that this film lacks emotion, for the fact that there is some emotional depth to John Carter immediately sets it apart from similar fare like Clash of the Titans (2010), which you would expect from a two-time Oscar winner. The story follows Captain John Carter in the nineteenth century as he discovers an amulet that transports him to Barsoom (otherwise known as Mars) and is embroiled in a conflict between different races on the planet. There are many elements that will seem familiar to sci-fi fans,
drawing comparisons to Avatar (2009) in particular. This would be unfavourable if not for the fact that Edgar Rice Burrough’s Barsoom book series (1912-43) from which the film is based, has influenced many of the science-fiction classics over the years. With its desert setting reminiscent of Star Wars and the Tharks visually similar to the Na’vi in Avatar, it is surprising that the film manages to establish its own identity and could potentially be the start to a new franchise for Disney.
The film falls down in the action stakes Taylor Kitsch’s John Carter is initially bitter for no good reason and this limits his performance until the reasons are revealed and he is able to give a charismatic turn. Lynn Collins impresses most of all as Dejah Thoris, with the sex and substance required for us to truly sympathise with her character. There is strong support from Ciaran Hinds as Thoris’s father
and Mark Strong as one of the Therns who can change their form and show knowledge of the other planets in the solar system.
The emotional depth sets it apart from similar fare Where the film succeeds most of all is in creating the world of Barsoom, which is impressive in its scope, complemented to some extent by the 3D, and Stanton easily makes the transition to liveaction. The race of the Tharks is fleshed out and stand equally with the other human-like races on the planet and Carter’s pet creature is adorable and nowhere near as annoying as Jar-Jar Binks. The film falls down in the action stakes, as the sequences are, though impressive, all too short. If Stanton ups the emotional and action stakes, this could potentially be the start to a brilliant new franchise for Disney.
HH
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Madge and Dench get spicy! Directed By: John Madden Starring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel Running Time: 124 mins Genre: Comedy/Drama Emma Dawson
If you have seen the poster for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with its sunny, soft-focus portraits of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson, you're probably not expecting the year's most challenging film. But, to begin with, it looks as if John Madden's comedy-drama – loosely based on a Deborah Moggach novel – might have a sharper edge than that poster would suggest. In a series of pithy, pointed scenes, it introduces seven pensioners (Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie and Ronald Pickup are the others), all of them appalled by the paucity of options open to them in Britain. Alienated, short of funds, and patronised both by their children and by the operators on their internet helplines, they fly off to a palatial retirement home in Jaipur, the only place where their paltry savings will keep them in the man-
ner to which they're accustomed. But once they arrive, they find that despite the efforts of the optimistic young manager, Dev Patel, the building is in a worse condition than they are. It's hardly a Ken Loach scenario, but the film's opening act has at least as much to say about post-financial-crash retirement as The Full Monty had to say about post-industrial unemployment – which is quite a lot.
After that opening act, though, Marigold Hotel moves closer to the gentle, Sunday evening sitcom promised by the poster: it's Benidorm for the Saga set. Dench's voice-over keeps rhapsodising about how new and different everything is in India, but what we're shown are the usual images of colourful squalor, and streets teeming with children, cars and cattle.
The plotlines aren't too radical, either. Each of the characters has their own issue to contend with – Wilkinson's secret past, Smith's bitter racism, Nighy and Wilton's fraying marriage – and the only question is the order in which they'll be resolved. Sure enough, the ex-pats all learn to love themselves, each other, and spicy food, and the pace gets slower and slower until the interminable traffic jam in the closing minutes seems to symbolise the film itself.
Sweet-natured, goodhearted and decent That's not to say that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel doesn't deserve a visit. All the way through, it has sparkling one-liners delivered by some of our most distinguished actors, and it's undoubtedly positive in its representation of the over-fifties. The case to be made for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is that it addresses a sector of the cinema audience – the overfifties – routinely overlooked by the film industry, and deals, however lightly, with subject matter that meshes with their preoccupations.
Good intentions alone do not make a great film, and it’s certainly not: but it’s sweet-natured, goodhearted and decent. It's just a tad ironic that a film in praise of new horizons should settle into such a well-worn groove.
HHHH
FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - Braveheart TV spin-off planned. Mick Davis has created the show which will focus on William Wallace’s back story and lovelife
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
FILM&TV 13
Wanderlust: Friends reunion isn’t so ‘Wander-ful’ Directed By: David Wain Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Running Time: 98 mins Genre: Comedy Jonathan Edney
David Wain’s last comedy was the surprise hit Role Models (2008) and although Wanderlust isn’t quite as funny as that film, it is still a different type of comedy that rises above its competitors due
to its quirkiness. Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston play a down-ontheir-luck couple who chance on the Elysium hippie commune in Georgia one night on the way to stay with Rudd’s brother.
Not every joke pays off, and towards the end the film becomes predictable
there are also the antics of nudist Wayne (Joe Lo Truglio), who makes wine while attempting to write fiction. Rudd and Aniston acquit themselves well when surrounded by such bizarre characters and enter into the crazy atmosphere. Rudd particularly shines in scenes where he is debating whether or not to engage in the free love tradition of the commune. The film’s funniest moments come from the activities of the commune, such as
a truth circle, and slightly more gross humour following the birth of a baby.
It is brought to life by a colourful supporting cast Not every joke pays off as much as it should, however, and the film falls into a more predictable pattern towards the end.
The film raises fairly consistent chuckles and is relatively feelgood, mostly avoiding the ‘corn’ factor that plagues many other comedies. David Wain is clearly attracted to unusual subject matter – historical re-enactments in Role Models and now hippie communes, one wonders what the man will look at next for moments of inspired comedy!
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After experiencing their first night of inner peace and happiness in a while, they find Rudd’s psychotic brother and his suffering wife too much to deal with. Shortly after, they decide to become permanent members of the Elysium commune, although getting used to a society where nudity, pot-smoking and free love are permitted is harder than they initially thought!
The film falls into a more predictable pattern towards the end The Elysium commune is brought to life by a colourful supporting cast who make the best of the script. The founder is Carvin (Alan Alda) who has a habit of reciting all nine co-founders and
A night out at the theatre: now showing at your local cinema Saskia Whelan
If you’re a regular reader of Spark* (and you should be!) you might have noticed a burgeoning cinema trend cropping up. Stage plays are finding their way onto the big screen, via films such as War Horse and The Woman in Black. Adaptations aren’t aberrant to the world of Hollywood, of course. There are more film adaptations of books than you can shake a stick at. Some, like the recent We Need To Talk About Kevin have really done justice to their subject matter, and some, like the fluffified The Time Traveller’s Wife, did not. And the less said about anything from the mind of Nicholas Sparks, book OR film, the better. It’s easy to see the allure of turning a book into a film; you can create a visual interpretation, and will most likely have a dedicated fanbase ready and waiting who, regardless of how much they may abhor the casting decisions, can be relied on the make sure it’s a box office success. But creating a film of a play may be a little trickier;
it’s too easy to see them as glossy remakes. One of the biggest problems with adaptations can be found in the reactions of those already familiar with the material. A good friend of mine walked out of the film War Horse, and cited the lack of emotional depth compared to the stage version as the reason why. Spielberg’s version seemed dated and clunkily cinematic.
The film proved to be just as scary, because it utilized elements specific to cinema Similarly, I have seen the stage version of The Woman in Black twice, and was absolutely petrified both times and this made me reluctant to watch the film version. I was unconvinced that a screen version could replicate the atmosphere of the theatre; after all, no two nights are the same onstage. But the film proved to be just as scary, mainly because it utilized elements specific to cinema, such
as extreme close ups, to create fear in a completely different way. It allowed a view of the tale that would be impossible to recreate on stage, and therefore I was really glad to have seen it; it managed to change the way I saw a story that is an old favourite. Sad but true, a night at the theatre is still a rarity for most people, not least because it can be a pricey evening out. Films are certainly more affordable and accessible, and perhaps bringing plays to the cinema will allow an audience who may not have been so inclined, or able, to get a taste of the things on offer in theatres, making them more willing to splash out. This certainly seems to be true in the case of War Horse, as theatre tickets are in hot demand, and it’s now possible to book up until 2013 on the National Theatre website. Introducing enlightening theatre to a whole new audience is undoubtedly very much a good thing and good adaptations could potentially open up a whole new world of storytelling and entertainment for everyone.
Introducing! Your new Film & TV Editors!
Jack Marshall
Ellie Holland
1st Year Physical Geography
2nd Year English Literature
FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - Clint Eastwood has been taking it slow putting together the new version of A Star Is Born; he had to wait for Beyonce to give birth!
14 FILM&TV
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
film&Tv
Project X: Sex, drugs and drum & bass! Directed by: Nima Nourizadeh Starring: Thomans Mann, Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown Running Time: 88 mins Genre: Comedy Ellie Holland
More than just your typical ‘high school party movie’, Project X is both fantastic and gripping. It appears to show real-life footage of how an average teen’s house party escalating into a living hell. We have all been there (or at least heard) of house parties which get way out of hand. Well, take those experiences and multiply them by a thousand, and you have Project X. The storyline is pretty simple. In fact, there is no particular storyline at all. You have your average group of friends who aren’t exactly drowning in the popularity stakes, and in order to up their profile they organise a house party for the birthday of their friend Thomas (Thomas Mann). All filmed by the rather
strange friend, the film’s ‘found footage’ style makes the film appear incredibly real, almost taking on a Blair Witch Project effect in how the audience experiences everything the friends go through. Costa, Thomas, and J.B are as unprepared as we are, increasing the film’s intensity as the film follows no particular structure or direction. We become gripped by this different style of film, and are given no hint of how much the party will eventually spiral out of control in this quiet Californian suburb. Naked girls, hardcore drugs, and excessive amounts of alcohol are all featured, and though an older audience will most likely be disgusted at the behaviour of the teenagers, I’m sure a younger audience will watch most parts of the film smugly thinking “been there, done that.” Most may even wish they were there. Although the film may appear to cross the line in terms of sex and drugs, and though the comic banter between the group of friends does sometimes come across as bullying, there is rather an awful lot of “it’s funny because it’s true” moments - making the film even
Top Ten Movie Mums Thom Dixon
10. Imhotep–The Mummy (1999) OK, so it’s the wrong kind of mummy. But I couldn’t resist!
9. Sheryl Hoover – Little Miss Sunshine (2006) A dysfunctional family is hard to deal with, especially on a road trip!
8. Marge Gunderson – Fargo (1996) more appealing to watch when we can place ourselves in the same position as the actors. There may be no plot, but Project X still provides a message in whether we can truly be happy in living a wild and reckless lifestyle. Can we be satisfied by solely living on booze, sex, and drugs? Birthday boy Thomas has to make this decision when he must choose between good girl and potential girlfriend Kirby (Kirby Bliss Blanton) or bad girl Alexis (Alexis Knapp). He mucks up his chances with Kirby, but does not appear
to regret the choices he made at his party. The next day, sober, he apologises to Kirby who forgives him, so in a sense Thomas gained everything he could ever want at his party. Popularity, ‘laddish’ freedom, and yet still attaining the good girl that will wait for him. A surprisingly happy ending to a film that features everything that could possibly go wrong. But like most things, it’s so wrong it’s almost right.
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The Raven: Gory, gruesome and forgettable Directed By: James McTeigue Starring: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson Running time: 111 mins Genre: Thriller Wandy Badipe
‘Nevermore’ are the words the raven repeats constantly in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, The Raven. The
movie however doesn’t mention this tale. Instead it brings to life a fictional account of the last week of Edgar Allan Poe’s life before his mysterious death. The movie presents the idea of a crazy serial killer who uses Poe’s short stories as an inspiration for the deaths of his victims. The purpose of this is to draw Poe into a game of clues. The clues lead to Poe’s beloved Emily Hamilton who has been held captive by the antagonist.
The atmosphere of the movie is mostly dark The movie is set in the nineteenth century, and from the beginning the presence of death makes itself clear. The atmosphere of the movie is mostly dark. Most of the action happens at night, or in dark places. There is a constant fog that hovers around the town, alluding to the constant death that plagues it. The motif of the raven reveals itself constantly throughout the movie. Edgar Allan Poe (John Cusack) is dressed from head to
This pregnant police officer solves a murder and catches the bad guy, all the while keeping a level head. Not bad, yah?
7. Nic & Jules – The Kids Are All Right (2010) Ok, so technically this is two mothers, but their fierce loyalty to their kids through all of the trouble that they go through is truly heart-warming.
6. Mrs Gump – Forrest Gump (1994) She told her son that life is like a box of chocolates and, dammit, she was right! You’d be pressed to find a more nurturing mother.
5. Winona Kirk – Star Trek (2009) Giving birth to a child in the midst of adversity is no easy thing, but there are few more adverse situations than desperately fleeing a battle in space!
4. Peg – Edward Scissorhands (1990) I don’t know many people who would be willing to take in a science experiment with scissors for fingers. Peg is more than willing to act as a surrogate mother.
3. Marge Simpson – The Simpsons Movie (2007) toe in black throughout the movie. As Poe walks, his cape flies behind him like wings. The connection to Poe with the bird signifies his connection with death. Death lingers like humid air around the characters. And that’s mostly what the movie is about; death. With gory scenes and the constant dead body splattered with blood, this movie isn’t for the faint of heart, or the cheery of heart. Unless you like gruesome movies with unhappy endings, I recommend you stay away from this movie.
Although the mysteries in the movie leave you sitting on the edge of your seat and practically chewing your finger nails, once the movie is finished you can’t help but feel empty. The characters weren’t quite developed enough, and seemed recycled and easily forgettable, and the plot felt rushed. Apart from the thrilling cinematography, and interesting costumes, the movie seemed only superficially developed and essentially hollow.
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Putting up with Homer must be no easy task, but Marge manages!
2. Helen Parr/Elastigirl – The Incredibles (2004) Taking care of her kids while saving the world from a technologically enhanced psychopath and keeping her figure. Kudos!
1. Molly Weasley – Harry Potter Series (2001-11) Willing to take in any child who needs a roof over their head, she represents the mother of every witch, wizard and muggle and she is more than capable of kicking some ass!
FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - Joss Whedon has revealed that he already has plans in mind for an Avengers sequel. It will surely have a lot to live up to.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
film.spark@reading.ac.uk
FILM&TV 15
This Means War: this spy rom-com doesn’t stand out from the crowd Directed by: McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol) Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy Running Time: 97 mins Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Action
an actress. The main source of amusement comes from the two spies one-upping each other – Lauren just happens to be what they’re fighting over. The only chance Witherspoon’s character is given to shine after the beginning of the film is through her discussions of which one she likes more: there’s never really any doubt that she’s going to award herself to one of them by the end of the film, meaning the romance present is the extremely predictable kind.
Phil Lamplugh
The main plot of This Means War revolves around two spies and best friends, FDR (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy) falling in love with the same woman, Lauren (Witherspoon). Lauren isn’t aware that both of her admirers know each other, and decides to date both of them secretly until she can decide who she likes more. FDR and Tuck light-heartedly treat it as a game, with each one competing for the love of the woman. All the while, criminal mastermind Heinrich (Til Schweiger) moves a plan of revenge into motion against the two spies.
It is far too easy to view Lauren as a prop This Means War plays with a lot of different film flavours: there’s the
romance and the comedy, with a dash of action thrown in for good measure, and that’s only for starters. Rather than only opting for one side of the rom-com formula, we see the story from the eyes of the three main characters, resulting in entertainment that both guys and girls can laugh at and relate to. The fun competitiveness between FDR and Tuck is balanced out by the bawdy conversation from Lauren and her best friend Trish (US comedienne Chelsea Handler). Admittedly though, because of the film’s construction it is far too easy to view Lauren as a prop in the film rather than
The humour isn’t elaborate or clever, it’s just fun What about the comedy then? There aren’t many laugh out loud moments, but you should be chuckling enough to make it worth your while. The humour isn’t elaborate or clever, it’s just fun, and that’s really all that’s needed in a film like this. A couple of comical elements feel slightly excessive and forced (you’ll know them when you see them), but these are few and far between. Though you can never really expect the actors to be tested in such a film, Pine plays a very
Jack Marshall
I won’t lie that when I saw the trailer for this film I thought I knew everything about it. There seemed to be too much overexposure of certain scenes and the concept was apparently highlighted by the actors’ voiceovers. How wrong I was. Matt Weston (Reynolds) is a “housekeeper” – a low-level CIA agent positioned in South Africa to run an American safe house, except it’s completely empty. Weston spends his days bored out of his mind, hoping for promotion and lying to his girlfriend who knows nothing of his true job – a spy cliché that no spy/action movie seems to go without. Weston’s laid-back post is disrupted when Tobin Frost (Washington) is found in South Africa and brought to the safe house. A former CIA agent gone rogue for the past nine years, he’s wanted on four continents for selling secrets.
It sounds simple enough, but when a gang storm the safe house looking for him and a potential mole is highlighted within the CIA itself, everything is turned on its head. It sure sounds like your typical spy movie, the likes of Bourne spring to mind, and for the most part it probably is. There’s nothing original about the concept but this time it’s been played a little differently. The action sequences are relentless – the trailer is by no means the summary of all that goes on – whilst the plot is crammed full of twists and mystery so that by the end you’re left clueless as to how the events are going to be concluded. This is in part due to Reynolds’ excellent portrayal of this junior spy thrown into a deep mystery (another cliché – think Stormbreaker but with more tact and facial hair). His on-screen relationship with Denzel Washington (who is truly outstanding – I refuse to believe he’s nearly 60) is tetchy to say the least and it generates a real psychological battle in the mind of the audience as to how they’re going to respond to each other. For the most part they should be ‘enemies’, but Frost is a villain with morals, which are always dangerously mind-bending.
ing some of the truly unbelievable goings on seen in the rest of the film. This Means War walks the fine line between being good-quality and mediocre. It tries for a mass of appeal, and in the process of attempting to be a jack of all trades, the film succeeds at being a master of none. If you find yourself with a spare evening during this hardworking time of the year, then seeing this at the cinema may provide some cheerful relief from essays. Just make sure you leave your sense of reason at home.
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This Fortnight at the RFT...
Safe House: safe as houses! Directed by: Daniel Espinosa Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds Running Time: 115 mins Genre: Crime/Action
smooth agent who is willing to do anything to get the girl (think Reynolds’ character from Just Friends), and Hardy puts in a good effort, though his character has been written very blandly. Witherspoon’s character isn’t going to win any Oscars, she is successfully made appealing for the male audience, and relatable for the female audience. The same thing can’t really be said for FDR and Tuck who behave like warring children for most of the film: bugging Lauren’s house to find out her interests, all for the purpose of winning a “game” just seems a bit too far, even consider-
Student Tickets: £4.50
This week we have the critically acclaimed and awardwinning The Artist. George Valentine is a silent movie star threatened by the talkies - movies with sound. As he falls from stardom a young extra rises to fame. Shame stars Michael Fassbender as Brendon: a New York executive who struggles to keep his sexual compulsions incheck. His life spirals out of control when his self-destructive sister, played by Carey Mulligan, comes back into his life. With director Steve McQueen on board Shame has been described as ‘a compelling study of human behaviour’.
There’s plenty to engage you and the development of the relationship between Weston and Frost is a highlight of the movie. It’s a pivotal feature that sustains the interest of the audience and ultimately misleads on multiple occasions. Not wanting to compare, but if you’re a fan of spy movies with a bit of corruption and heap loads of action then Safe House is definitely one to see on the big screen!
Tuesday 20 March (20.00): The Artist (PG) Thursday 22 March (20.00): Shame (18)
Prices: Members £4.50 Non-members £6.00 Annual Membership £10.00
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FILM NEWS IN BRIEF - The director of Chronicle Josh Trank is in-talks to take on a Spiderman spin-off for character/super-villain Venom - Marvel-lous!
16 MUSIC
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
music.spark@reading.ac.uk
music
LIVE
Laura Marling turns the huge Hammersmith Apollo into an intimate setting
Laura Marling 7th March, 2012 Hammersmith Apollo, London Jamie Milton
The first time I saw Laura Maring play live was upon the release of her debut album Alas I Cannot Swim. She tucked herself inside a snug record store in Brighton, in the middle of winter, discussed
her favourite albums with the audience and wore the same white t-shirt that she sported when appearing in a recent Mystery Jets’ music video. I say this not out of some boastful “I saw her first” claim, rather I’d like you to picture the intimate scene of January 2008 and compare it to a grandiose evening in London’s Hammersmith, where Marling is joined by a full band and a massive audience of 3,000
OPINION
Roberta Sarll
Lana Del Rey, does the name sound familiar? Of course it does. Well then, take your mind back to just 6 months ago, September 2011, and think about whether you’d ever heard of her then? The answer is very probably ‘no’. Fast forward to 2012 and seemingly out of nowhere she is practically already an icon. Lana Del Rey has gained support from fans as diverse as Harry Potter actor, Daniel Radcliffe and fashion designer Christopher Kane, who used her track Video Games to open his show last
odd to boot. Such a rise in popularity seemed inevitable even back in the day, but to see it fully realised now is a really heart-warming moment. Intimacy is physically a thing of the past when you compare the scale of venues, but somehow Marling’s full band - equipped with strings, fancy pianos and arenafilling percussion - bring unprecedented closeness to this big-deal show.
Perhaps its band member Pete Roe’s recommendation of the best pub in the local area midway through the show (Roe is born and bred Hammersmith), or even the middle section of the 2-hour stint, where Marling steps onto the stage alone to perform stripped-back, string-less renditions of the likes of Goodbye England. It could be those things, but the intimacy more likely stems from the sheer confessional nature of Marling’s songs. The eldest member of the set, Failure, which the singer wrote when she was fifteen, is a prime example of her refreshing honesty.
There’s unprecedented closeness to this bigdeal show Sometimes Laura is too confessional for her own good. After ringing a couple of guitar notes, seemingly playing around with a melody, she admits to the audience that she’s completely forgotten how to
play one of her own songs. The audience seem to appreciate her honesty in more ways than one. Of her three crtically-acclaimed albums to date, perhaps the least honest, arguably the least charming, is her latest, A Creature I Don’t Know. An intentional detachment from the far-too-sickly ‘nu folk’ scene of Mumford & Sons and co that she might have previously been associated with, it succeeds in showcasing an artier, more jazz-like quality to her songwriting. But it lacks the aforementioned intimacy. Yet the album’s songs make far greater sense when you see each backing band member providing their own valued contribution to proceedings. Songs like I Was Just A Card carry added poignancy in this daunting setting. So not only do we get an affirmation of Laura’s flourishing talents of many years, we also see a notable improvement in one of her biggest live shows to date. Now if only she could make the O2 Arena feel like a miniscule capacity record store. At the very least, the venue is within her reach.
Lana Del Rey: Icon or con? Roberta Sarll investigates the scene...
season. She is currently gracing the covers of major publications, including British Vogue and has inspired it-bag fashion stalwart, Mulberry to design and name one of their handbags after her; the “Del Rey”, launching in May. But she has also incurred the ire of numerous anonymous commentators online, angry at her sudden rise to fame. East Coast Hipsters and die-hard music aficionados deride her supposed “re-branding”; from the humble image of Lizzie Grant to has-it-all Lana Del Rey. Her privileged background as the daughter of a millionaire who made his fortune in the dot com
boom does not do her case any favours. But I still like Lana Del Rey. Her songs are a moody, evocative mix of heartbreak, tragedy, longing and hedonism. A beautifully melancholic voice singing dark tales of romance, love, deceit, exhilaration: “I’m feelin’ electric tonight/ Cruising down the coast goin’ ‘bout 99”. There are numerous characters within the titles and the lyrics of her songs, like Carmen and Million Dollar Man; distinctive, sultry anti-heroes. This Is What Makes Us Girls is a particular favourite of mine, a quirky spin on the sometimes
fickle nature of teenage friendships, relationships and crushing rejections. Then again, I can’t help but get an image out of my head of drunken girls stumbling home from the Union when I hear the lyrics: “There she was my new best friend/ High heels in her hands, swayin’ in the wind/ While she starts to cry, mascara runnin’ down her little Bambi eyes/’Lana, how I hate those guys’.” Embarrassing as it is, we’ve all been in a version of that sorry situation at some point, or else know someone who has.
Die-hard music aficionados deride her supposed “re-branding” Which leads me to my main point; her music strikes a chord, hinting at the kind of love or lust, which is destructive and yet oh-so-powerful, “Honey I’m on fire, I feel it everywhere/ Nothing scares me anymore”. Even if only on the level of over-the-top day-dreams about a current person of desire, it is easy to connect with and relate
to that. All of the crazy, intense feelings that come with the first heady stages of chemistry in a relationship made all the more exciting by its inappropriateness.
Born to Die is overtly melodramatic Perhaps the person in question can show you a good time, take you out of the monotony of real life, if only for a while but that kind of escapism, that kind of lust/ love does not a healthy relationship make.
To steal a lyric from Lana Del Rey’s National Anthem, it’s a love story for the new age, except that it isn’t. Lana’s just the modern day version of Anna Karenina of the novel of the same name, or in more recent times the characters of The OC and Gossip Girl. That irritating and yet intoxicating mix of “upper echelon” hedonism, broken hearts and tragedy. Yes Born to Die is overtly melodramatic and Lana Del Rey herself a feminine mystique but both, artistically, are undeniably all the better for it.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
music.spark@reading.ac.uk
MUSIC 17
ALBUMS Is Madonna’s new album MDNA-zing or MDNA-nnoying?
Madonna MDNA Polydor
Laurence Green
‘There’s only one queen, and that’s Madonna, bitch’, quips Nicki Minaj on I Don’t Give A, a track that in its tantalising incomplete titular provocation, very much stands as a mission statement for what MDNA seeks to do as a whole. Because, quite frankly, when it comes to pop sovereignty, there is only Madonna, and here she casts cares and judgement aside to produce some of the most energetic, vital-sounding music she’s delivered in years. Perhaps what’s most striking is that for all that the William Orbit involvement on the record has
been hyped, the majority of its best moments come in an explosive opening salvo from Benny Benassi and The Demolition Crew. The first of the Benassi tracks, Girl Gone Wild, looks back to Confessions on a Dancefloor, sidling up close to the likes of Get Together for a sleek commercialism that comes out effortlessly as the sound of ‘now’ in a way that Hard Candy, with its penchant for aping faux urban credibility, never did. Gang Bang is exceptional; a filthy, lewd slab of thumping bass that harks more to Erotica in its breathy, foreplay-like vocals. It’s Madonna playing the tease, and on MDNA, she’s somehow achieved the rejuvenative effects to pull it off. As a dance record, it excels, often simply because it does what it does with such unbridled confidence, of the kind that could only ever stem from Madonna. From the police sirens to the warehouse party vibes of the deftly inserted dubstep middle-eight, there’s an allure of the naughty and the lawless, a promise of intoxicating pleasures backed up with Madonna’s open admission: ‘I’m going straight to hell’. Likewise with I’m Addicted, Madonna seems to have hit upon the most important element of MDNA and her continued persistence as a relevant pop star: creating music
that makes people feel good. Bass explodes likes an atomic volcano, burbly techno synths splice across like something off Daft Punk’s Tron soundtrack – everything about the opening handful of tracks on MDNA is about unadulterated enjoyment in its purest of forms. Refreshingly, Madonna realises her place within these tracks too, content where needs be to employ her voice merely as a tool like any other instrument – there’s no strained showboating, just clinical insertion and delivery. While furthering the playful exuberance, Turn Up The Radio repositions Madonna as the American Queen triumphant with the aid of a properly classic ‘Madge melody’ that echoes her 80s greats. It’s the album’s obvious ‘big’ radio hit, its airwaves-optimism and carefree abandon writ all over it. Madonna’s lyrics - “I wanna go fast and I’m gonna go far” - might be inelegant and overly blatant, but it’s in a plain, honest, doesn’t give a damn way. Confessions, for all its many merits, often felt shrouded in mysticism and introspection, but Turn Up The Radio touts a more blithely spirited way of existence; a readiness for the open road and life in all its assorted majesty. Superstar is equally sublime, like a Ray of Light for a new, glorious
tions. Even during its dark detours - formidable album opener Depak Ine, the late-night, insomniac-feel of HORSE - you feel like you’re digesting far too much serotonin. As the album progresses, elements of house and trance collide, the pulse is raised and the energy thickens; sooner or later you get swept away by ƒIN’s charms.
John Talabot ƒIN Permanent Vacation
Jamie Milton
Think of every bright, uplifting moment that you’ve ever experienced in your lifetime - hopefully, you need more than two hands to count them on. Add them up, throw them into a melting pot and see what emerges. It’ll probably come to resemble ƒIN, the debut album from Spanish dance producer John Talabot. Talabot has an unnerving knack for encompassing euphoric synth and soaring melodies into each of his tracks. When combined - as they are for the first time on this very album - they blend into one seamless mix, with not even the slightest of hampering interrup-
Euphoric synths and soaring melodies are emcompassed in each track For a record so obviously suited to the summer months, you might accuse Talabot of mistiming his debut’s release. But with the campus basking in rays of sunshine for the first time in what feels like forever, ƒIN couldn’t arrive at a more fitting time for us rain-soaked, Brit-based students. Drudgery is a thing of the past; allow this album to soundtrack every waking minute and your life will change for the better. Expect ƒIN to enjoy serious longevity. Simply imagining the likes of Destiny and Last Land playing out to a sweaty, sun-soaked crowd is enough to make you reach for the factor 30.
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Gang Colours The Keychain Collection Brownswood
Charlie Allenby
First things first, lets get the comparisons out of the way. Gang Colours’ debut album could be put in the same bracket as a certain James Blake’s effort from lastyear, or even SBTRKT’s self-titled release from 2011. However, although all the key features are the same as the previously mentioned – they are solo artists, they are male, and they specialise in this new breed of post-dubstep – Gan Colours seems to do it better than his predecessors. Will Ozanne, the man behind the music, has created a complete album here that will definitely be up there at the end of the year as one of the albums of 2012. All of the
generation. In its refrain of ‘Ooh la la, love the way that you are’ and the sheer prettiness of its chorus hook it somehow preaches a message of acceptance better than the likes of Gaga ever could. Along with I’m A Sinner, it stands as the album’s ‘rock’ moment, with the latter also canvassing classic William Orbit tropes – tribal beats, celestial, chiming synths – to rapturous effect. Even when Madonna gets all religious: ‘All these saints and holy men, catch me before I sin again’, there’s a sort of knowing playfulness, that this time round, everyone’s in this together.
MDNA is Madonna’s treat to the masses Indeed, with the inclusion of the Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. guest slots, beyond the obvious attempted investment of a certain youthful hipness (which to a degree they help pull off), there’s the notion of sisterhood, of unity; as electro-cardio workout Some Girls helps hammer home with aplomb. Throughout MDNA, Madonna paints herself as the woman supreme, the master article to which every listener, for the duration of the album, is part of. songs fit together snuggly, effortlessly taking you on a journey of dreamy synthesized melodies and deep bass, with a layering of soft vocals over the top complementing all of the songs perfectly. Signed to Gilles Peterson’s label Brownswood, Gang Colours has fashioned an LP that all fans of electronic music should own, and all those that aren’t fans of the genre should listen to just to witness it at all its glory. Forget all of the heavy dubstep sounds of Nero and Skrillex, this is the future sound of music – with clever piano chord loops and interesting drum patterns replacing the wubwubwub of the ‘brostep’ that has taken over the airwaves.
Gang Colours does it better than his predecessors If you are only going to listen to one or two songs on this record, check out the beautifully crafted Fancy Restaurant, with its soft bass and electronic bleeps supplemented by the elegant vocals of the talented Mr Ozanne. Also, the song Tissues and Fivers is a great example of what you can expect from the remainder of The Keychain Collection, where a clear similarity with James Blake’s work
Of the slower numbers, Masterpiece feels like something of a let down. In its own right it’s a perfectly solid, dependable Madonna ballad, but after the break-neck intensity of the rest of the album, it feels oddly out of place. Indeed, there’s the sense that divorced of its original W.E. soundtrack setting, it’s a bit of a fish out of water, something that Falling Free thankfully manages to avoid. With what’s easily Madonna’s strongest vocals on the album, it’s like a trippy, stripped back re-kindling of Drowned World replete with piano and strings that swell with a synthetically crafted fidelity. There’s an air of sumptuous epiphany as Orbit’s production gently eases down from the higher gears, leaving an impression of Madonna definitively reasserted as Queen and mother superior. MDNA is Madonna’s delicacy, her treat to the assorted masses whose interest was in urgent need of recapturing. Perhaps that is MDNA’s greatest virtue then, the fulfilment of that urgency and the satiating of that desire. Because when it comes to partaking in a bit of pop, MDNA, as an album, has easily set itself out as 2012’s go-to drug of choice.
HHHH can be heard. However, these two songs will make you fall in love with the remainder of the album something that never happened to me with James Blake’s debut, an album with such a cold atmosphere that it appears impenetrable at times.
It’s an astonishing listen This record is one to treasure for the coming months. It’s an astonishing listen, with Gang Colours showing the potential to create even greater music in the near future; that’s quite the prospect if you ask me. Although there are clear influences from the above mentioned and also the likes of Jamie XX and Joy Orbison, The Keychain Collection is a rare example of a complete record where you are left thinking “wow.”. It has enough original aspects of its own to keep drawing you in, without relying too heavily on its wealth of influences. Expect to see him cropping up across the country this year as festival season gets underway, and if his live performance is anything near as good as his music, then you’re certainly in for a delectable treat.
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18 MUSIC
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
music.spark@reading.ac.uk
SINGLES
Beach House Myth Bella Union
Is offending White Stripes fans worth the risk for lovely Marcus Collins?
est song Myth is any indication. Granted, we’ve had signs of this stunning shedding of skin for some time -- previous album Teen Dream has outlasted most of its contemporaries in terms of longevity and appeal -- but this freshest offering feels equivalent to that final push, the complete bloom. Beach House’s career today is nothing at all like a mirror-image of its beginnings, where a shylooking duo bided their time and emerged with a few sweet-tasting songs. Today they genuinely feel like they’re on the brink of something pretty massive, with Myth all but confirming all of our premonitions.
piece, instrument-by-instrument, into the mix we’ve come to know and love.
The perfect track to calm you when you’re stressed
Bombay Bicycle Club How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep Island
Jamie Milton
A century flower takes its time to come into full bloom: 23 years, in fact. In between its burst of light and its early existence is a gap of monumental length, with no real signs of what’s to come. But by the time it chooses to show its true form, it raises to an enormous height, colossal compared to what it once was. I’m telling you this one, because Beach House have an album out soon titled Bloom, and two, while we’re on the subject, you could easily compare Beach House’s career to a century flower, if lat-
Marcus Collins Seven Nation Army Sony
Siobahn Maguire
Due to release his debut single on Monday, Marcus Collins has ruffled a few feathers among White Stripes fans, whose beloved band originally penned the song, Seven Nation Army. He has taken some criticism for his choice in song; however, he has not done the worst job on it. It’s no huge chart topper, but it has an upbeat vibe in comparison to the White Stripes version which is rather more sinister. Marcus’ version typifies the ‘pop’ genre, what with the brass instruments
A blossoming creature of many vibrant colours Like every perfectly-constructed song from the pair, it builds from a sharp guitar line, into a blossoming creature of many vibrant colours. Its chorus is flooring, its emotions on full technicolor display. It has every chance of going down among the band’s best, while its associated album has all the makings of a great step forward.
HHHHH
and piano backing his voice. After coming second to Little Mix in last year’s X Factor many will be rooting for Marcus to do well with his first single, and it is obvious that the song has been marketed to suit the fan’s needs.
It’s no huge chart topper Marcus undeniably puts in a good performance with his strong vocals and has succeeded in creating a ‘feel good’ track to lift any mood, even if the hard core White Stripes fans aren’t impressed.
HHH
Rachel Pilcher
Already on their third album, Bombay Bicycle Club have long reigned as one of the most-loved ‘indie-folk’ bands in today’s music scene. With their simplistic but powerful melodies combined with lead singer Jack Steadman’s vocals, they’ve found a recipe for success, and an army of bloody good songs. How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep fails to slip from their line of success, starting with soft, harmonious vocals, building piece-by-
The track continues to build as it progresses, turning the seemingly steady and simplistic melodies into a more complicated but intriguing sound that can’t help but draw you in. Add repetitive - in all the right ways - vocals, and the track becomes a tranquil but exciting piece that makes you stop and listen, right from the opening seconds until a perfectly simple and charming end.
Bombay Bicycle Club are one of the mostloved ‘indie-folk’ bands The perfect track to calm you when you’re stressed, and a perfect track to bring in the summer months. Bombay Bicycle Club maintain their reign at the top.
HHHH
Alex Day Lady Godiva Universal
Rachel Pilcher
With an almost 500,000 subscriberstrong Youtube channel, Alex Day has already demonstrated the modern day power of the internet. He gained a number 4 Christmas hit last year with single Forever Yours, a hugely respectful achievement for a young guy that was then barely known away from YouTube. Second single Lady Godiva holds a fun and upbeat melody and it’s one that sounds more at home in a musical theatre setting. Although this gives the track something of a charm, tedious vocals dominate and the track sounds somewhat amateur. All credit to Alex Day, for someone who’s background is the internet, his achievements are second-to-none. There’s no doubting his tracks will progress and get continuously better as time goes on. Lady Godiva is sadly not there just yet.
HH
Blood Orange Forget It
Stooshe Love Me
Eugene McGuiness Shotgun
Domino Records
Warner
Domino
Tim Fraser
Rachel Pilcher
Doug Broadbent-Yale
“Getting emotion across, I find it easier to do it from this weird, almost cinematic, female, 1950s perspective.” So says Dev Hynes, the London songwriter (now living in New York) who is perhaps most well-known for being involved in many music projects, often all at once. With his latest moniker, Blood Orange, he has managed to utilise this tangent perspective in a way that’s not as weird as it first sounds. Though Forget It may be set in the 1950s, it is most reminiscent of 1980s new wave, with its sunshine guitar and synthlines and groovy bassline over a repetitive drum loop, as Hynes sings the infectious hook, “I am not your saviour, baby girl.” No, he is not your saviour; he is, however, rather good, and this single more than proves that.
Since the surge of girl bands in the late 1990s such as Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child, great girl bands have been few and far between. With a pop resurgence seemingly taking place, there’s surely no better time for a new girl band to step out. Say hello to pop/hip-hop trio Stooshe. Hailing from London, they’re not just your average girlband. Think an up-to-date Destiny’s Child with amplified attitude and the songs to match. Latest single Love Me may take a few listens to get used to, but it lies just on the right side of radio appropriates (providing you don’t venture into the explicit version). Whether you know the words or not, I guarantee you’ll want to get up, dance and attempt to sing along. With added vocals from renowned rapper Travie McCoy, there’s really nothing about this to dislike. Unashamedly upbeat, fun, and full of three girls’ attitudes (in the right way), Love Me has set Stooshe up for a huge hit. Watch out, girl-bands are back with a vengeance.
Eugene McGuinness has developed from his eclectic first album (2008’s Eugene McGuinness) and is now settled into a definite mod style. Shotgun’s verse riff is the Peter Gunn Theme (Written by Henry Mancini and made famous by Duane Eddy, also heard in the Blues Brothers, and The White Stripes’ Under Blackpool Lights interpretation of Jack the Ripper FYI). This is a smooth interpretation and it would be brilliant if the rest of the song matched its brooding strut, as you would imagine with a title like Shotgun it might well do.
HHHH
HHHH
The song is too slick However, despite singing about being left ‘battered and bruised’ by some nifty moves (the dancing in the video for this and his previous single Lion is brilliant) the overall feel of the song is too slick. He showcases his influences well but has sieved out a bit of the grit that makes the classics he has based his style on so good.
HHH
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
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20 ARTS&BOOKS
Friday 16 March Spark*
arts.spark@reading.ac.uk
Arts&BOOKS Simply write and grab the mic Review of the Singer Songwriters’ Evening (South Street Arts Centre) Reading University Sam Arbon
Since its somewhat experimental beginnings just a few months ago the Reading University Singer Songwriters’ evening has fast become a top showcase for emerging talent and last Friday’s show was no exception as The South Street Arts Centre hosted a storming set from local favourites Bridges. The distinctive sound created by this confident four-piece consists of a little bit of indie, a dash of pop and a sprinkling of ska and means their live shows have become something of an event, for some bands starting a gig at 11 on the rock-o-meter would leave them with nowhere to go but not these guys.
RUSS is fast becoming a top showcase for emerging talent Their music exudes an energy that is reflected in the performance, resulting in a perpetual motion effect, like one of those executive stress toys that everyone seemed
to have on their desk in the 1980s, a Duracell bunny on Red Bull would have a job to keep up.
Their music exudes an energy that is reflected in the performance.
Blink 182 cover had the crowd enthusiastically singing along to every word. Reading University Singer Songwriters is a new society whose aims are to encourage people to perform and to write their own music, and give frequent performances.
RUSS head out to open mic nights together, hold BIG JAM sessions, and put on regular gigs at the South Street Arts Centre. Their next gig is on Saturday 17th March, (8pm, £2 entry) with Reading’s finest singer-songwriter, Ben Marwood, headlining the evening. He’s supported Frank Turner,
Glasvegas and Pete and the Pirates on tour, and has been endorsed by Radio 1 DJs Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens. To get involved, search for ‘Reading University Singer Songwriters’ on Facebook or email Readinguniversitysingersongwriters@hotmail.co.uk to be added to the mailing list.
On a night when the emphasis was on song writing and lyrics it wasn’t tales of lost love and broken hearts that stole the show, rather an ode to that ever controversial garden vegetable, the onion. They even had the nerve to perform previously un-tried material amongst their more popular tracks and guess what, they pulled it off.
They performed untried material as well as popular tracks In keeping with the event’s constant promotion of locally based artists the trio of acts on the night was completed by two performers who more than contributed to the talent on show. The raw and gifted ability of Jake Hughes opened proceedings with a laid back style all of his own followed by the frantic fret-work and up tempo tracks of Elliot James, whose energetic
RUDS presents Cabaret: a review Review of the Reading University Drama Society performance of Cabaret Reading University Calum mcintyre rogers
RUDS, the Reading students’ theatre troupe, put on their production of Cabaret on 3-6 March. I put down my coursework, my kindle and my broom on Sunday 4 at 7 pmand went along. Upon arriving at 3sixty, I was greeted by two RUDS members dressed in corsets and little more. Having never seen Cabaret before, it was a bit of a surprise. A short synopsis is in order. It is 1933, the year the young American author, Cliff Bradshaw, is struggling with writer’s block. He’s tried visiting Rome, London, and more besides in order to find inspiration, and in Cabaret we find him on a train bound for Berlin. He ends up falling in love with the English ‘performer’, Sally Bowles, and running around Berlin, encountering prostitutes, smugglers
and other individuals of dubious repute, while the Nazis tighten their grip on the city. First things first, the acting and singing and dancing are superb. It’s obvious that the RUDS actors really enjoyed their roles - although some of the parts were clearly difficult. The Emcee’s part appeared particularly demanding - speaking of which, RUDS chose to cast a girl. The director (Jack Thompson) was unafraid to deviate from the most commonly recognised film version of the musical, and had Sally Bowles’ performance of the title song Cabaret being oddly disturbing. Compounded with the bleak ending; a fade to black with Hitler’s speeches played at ear splitting volume followed by explosions, machine gun fire and screaming, I left feeling astonished. I was expecting quite a happy musical! It was actually a quite grim story, and I was gripped throughout. I have only one real criticism; there’s violence in two instances in the production. Violence on
stage is very difficult to do, not to mention potentially dangerous. However, the director apparently elected for ‘silent’ slaps and punches, which frankly looked daft and spoilt the immersion for me in what were otherwise very powerful scenes. I think it would have been better to either do the violence offstage or miss it out altogether.
The acting, singing and dancing were all superb Despite that, the production was really, really good. If you didn’t see it, you have my deepest sympathy, you missed out on something very special. RUDS are also planning a ‘24 hour play’ in the near future - a play will be chosen, rehearsed and performed within the space of 24 hours. Consult the society’s website, http://ruds. org, for further information and updates.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
arts.spark@reading.ac.uk
ARTS&BOOKS 21
Thought-provoking musical theatre Review of The Death of Klinghoffer English National Opera Jim Birdsall
This opera blew me away. It takes a certain amount of confidence for a writer to put words into the mouths of long-dead heroes, or painters to create images of great men, but it takes guts for artists to approach a recent and controversial event which is in the collective consciousness and make it into a work of theatre. To give not only voices to Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer and the hijackers of the Achille Lauro but music too. The dynamic duo; composer John Adams and librettist Alice Goodman have created a brilliant work of theatre in their The Death of Klinghoffer.
The Death of Klinghoffer blew me away The opening two pieces, labelled Chorus of Exiled Palestinians and Chorus of Exiled Jews set the scene for a drama with this old conflict as a backdrop. Both choruses, though they are from two opposing groups, have a similar feel of being the expression of the frustrations of unsettled people. What Adams and Goodman do
here is allow both sides to speak and there is no obvious leaning towards being supportive of one side over the other. This is very admirable. The opera itself benefits from this as if it were to come out as totally imbalanced in favour of either side it would be seem like propaganda. The first act has a documentarylike feel to it as characters such as the captain of the ship, a remarkable man, sing of the voyage as if it were a press conference. This is an interesting mix with the more abstract choruses and then the realistic and tense drama of Act Two. The first act can be considered more oratorio than opera. The choral writing which is so important to this piece is very hearty and beautiful, thoughtful music and well sung by the English National Opera Chorus. At the end of the first chorus a green flag is raised and a man runs around with it on the desert landscape, marking his/their sympathies with the plight of the Palestinian people. It shows the power of romantic notions of nationalism which later permeate the minds of the hijackers. Such ideas are truly dangerous, and as Leon Klinghoffer says to one of the Palestinians, “You don’t give a s**t about your grandfather’s hut, you just want to see people die.” This is one of many memorable lines that have stuck with me from the performance; a real advantage
of having an opera which is sung in English. Another mind-blowing line is at the end of the first Palestinian chorus, “Our faith will take the stones he broke and break his teeth.” Passions run high in such people driven to desperation by the political and social circumstances which shape their lives.
There are very touching performances throughout Alice Goodman’s work on the libretto is superb and it is a sadness that she hasn’t bestowed the operatic world with her insight since she wrote Klinghoffer. I understand from an interview she gave to The Guardian that she felt she became uncommisionable after the controversy surrounding the first stagings of this opera and subsequent productions. There was some concern about possible demonstrations but as I was there on the opening night there was just one man carrying a placard outside the Coliseum with the following text, “Disabled man murdered by terrorists. Murdered for being Jewish. Enjoy your evening at the ENO.” I didn’t get a chance to talk to him but others did. Perhaps he didn’t feel this sort of material was suitable for operatic treatment but the recep-
tion inside the house was positive; there was no booing nor disruption and during the curtain calls it was a happy surprise to see John Adams himself come on stage and he was met with much applause and cheering. It is not accurate nor is it helpful to say that Klinghoffer was murdered because he was a Jew, as there were no witnesses to this crime and there is still much speculation about why Klinghoffer ended up dead rather than anyone else on the ship. In any case this killing is in no way glamourised or romanticised as critics of the opera have suggested, and we the audience can find much pathos in Leon Klinghoffer and much sympathy is Marilyn as she is widowed. Since the drama concerns an event which happened in 1985 which people now don’t necessarily remember in as great detail as they did when the opera was premiered in 1991, the backdrop of the stage has onto it projections which inform about some of the characters and background; these are helpful and don’t detract from the drama. As soon as there is a realisation that there are terrorists on board the ship, the music becomes frantic and urgent. Just before Klinghoffer is killed the orchestra are on fire and there is an enormous sense of discord in the music without it ever sounding ugly. The desert set of the opening
choruses stays on stage for the duration of the opera so that this terrain is always in mind; effective as it is this very land which the people find worth fighting and waving flags for, even though it is arid and harsh. What has happened in the desert effects us all and we can see that on the ship, people are dragged into this conflict which they are otherwise not directly involved in.
Passions run high in such people driven to desperation There are very touching performances throughout; Alan Opie is powerful as Leon Klinghoffer and Kate Miller-Heidke accomplishes one of the musical highlights as a British dancing girl; she has a very sweet voice and her role offers some light relief in the midst of an often dark and tense musical atmosphere. The orchestra is lead very well by Baldur Brönnimann in a stern manner - there is little light music in this opera. It is really great to see the English National Opera tackle such a challenging opera and for the director Tom Morris to do an excellent job of bringing together all of the elements of this very harrowing drama in what is a thought-provoking evening of musical theatre.
Are you interested in writing reviews of: • Books • Theatre performance • Comedy Gigs • Galleries or would like to submit a short story or other creative work? Then please contact Lucy Snow at: arts.spark@reading.ac.uk Get your creative juices flowing!
22 FASHION
fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
FASHION
A look at Spring/Summer Trends 2012
When Nature Calls
I Feel Pretty! Erin harding
This Spring/Summer 2012 it’s time to find your inner lady. Catwalks have been brimming with all things dainty and pretty, and naturally the high street has followed! Louis Vuitton’s SS12 catwalk was a pale wonderland of candy coloured treats. Icy white summer dresses detailed with broderie anglais were followed by an injection of pastels - lemon yellow jackets, pale blue bell skirts and lacy Peter Pan collars. These were teamed with basket handbags in pastel leathers. Sweet yet sophisticated, it was reminiscent of glamorous fifties daywear. Valentino also revealed a collection of ethereal delights. Long cream dresses matched with soft floral prints and high collars were featured as well as dresses with gold glittery patterns accompanied with fine lace. Again pastel
shades were prominent, as well as nude and cream. Long puffy satin sleeves and white satin bows gave the pieces an elegant lady-like look. Good news! High street stores have adopted this girlish, cute style in abundance. Topshop have a series of lace and crochet dresses perfect for achieving the look, both in pastel shades, whites, and rosy florals, whilst River Island sports a collection of pastel sleeveless shirts with white lace bows, ideal for staying casual whilst adopting the ‘pretty’ trend. New Look also has plenty of midi and maxi pastel and floral skirts that will reveal your elegant and dainty side. But if you’re not keen on going too ‘princess’, head to ASOS where you will find pretty shorts and jumpsuits to achieve the look in a more chilled out fashion. So this Spring/Summer there is simply no excuse not to go girly!
petrina de gouttes
From brightly coloured tailored suits at Peter Som and Mary Katrantzou, dainty dresses at Valentino through to Van Gogh inspired prints at Rodarte, the catwalks were a riot of floral designs back in September. While some designers kept it simple by pairing patterned blouses with classic white shorts, others like Erdem and Sportmax experimented with head-to-toe clashing flower prints. Feminine shapes decorated with appliqué flowers walked at Moschino Cheap &Chic and monochrome, subtle buds were seen at Alexander Wang and Preen and Moschino made it clear that bright, bold shades are not compulsory this summer. Clearly inspired by Erdem’s beautiful printed blouses, high street retailer Warehouse are producing a shirt of a similar fash-
ion in both blue and yellow (see above) at around £55. Visit kitsch favourite Cath Kidson in town, known for her pretty petal prints, for a classic feel to the trend or go vintage at Frock&Roll on Watlington Street. If you’re not one for pretty, feminine florals, take a walk on the wild side and opt for animal prints instead. Leopard was a favourite at Salvatore Ferragamo while zebra was all the rage at Giambattista Valli, and New Yorker Michael Kors featured both prints at his SS12 show. With t-shirts, dresses and skirts available in a range of different prints, Topshop and River Island are the high street stores to watch for this trend and online you’re number one port of call should be ASOS. For accessories head to Zara for an understated bag and Warehouse for a great range of footwear (pictured).
Americana Emily Butler
Heading fast towards Spring 2012, British fashion looks set to take some inspiration once again from her friends across the pond. The Americana trend is back, and it’s bolder and brasher than the denim on denim of 2010 - this spring is all about straight to the point ‘We love America’. The American flag and the classic tricolour are taking over fashions from the lookbooks of Alexander McQueen and Dries van Noten to highstreet brands like Topman. At the head of this trend is Lana Del Rey, who dons full Americana in her video ‘Born to Die’ . The trick is to follow her lead - wear your converse high, and your
leather fringed. It’s a laid back trend which is best worn to look effortless. Wear the flag on your chest and team it with either a pair of denim hot pants for those rare sunny days or some pastel skinnies for more normal British weather. This is one of the great things about this look, it’s extremely versatile. You lose no fashion points for adding a jacket or stripping down to shorts, and it even travels from day to night, with studded heels adding night-time glamour to an outfit. One thing is for sure, Americana is back and here to stay for the foreseeable future, so get onto the high street, and into faded denim, stars and stripes.
Ready, set, go! Lacoste SS12 collection Robyn sweeney
Sportswear was a big feature on the SS12 catwalks with vivid contributions from Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Kenzo and Lacoste to name a few. Bold, block colours strutted down the catwalk showing a new, glamorous take on sportswear. Thankfully for the wannabe fashionistas, there is a way to dodge the designer price tag. Working on a student budget, our old faithful H&M have come to the rescue. With a variety of pieces in a range of bold, catwalk inspired colours the range starts from around just £13. Affordable fashion, stand out sportswear. Even better news, if you have more than the regular student budget to play with, is that Stella McCartney for Adidas has literally brought the catwalk to the highstreet. With a great range on offer you can crank your gym wear up a gear and ensure that you’re even working up a sweat in style. But with trousers ranging from around £70 and tops priced from around £55 you’re going to have to be prepared to dish out more than the H&M price tag to secure Stella McCartney’s name on your gym wear labels. Anorak style sports jackets, brightly coloured trainers and bold catwalk colours – the sky’s the limit with how outrageous your colour palette can be with this trend. So go wild, update your drab sweats and worn out gym vests and give your sportswear a huge, on-trend splash of colour. You never know, livening up your gym wear might give you the motivation you need to spend more time in the gym flashing off your fashion focused work out wear!
fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
FASHION 23
Menswear SS12 James Quinn
Fairtrade
Great Gatsby Sabina rouse
With an adaptation of the classic 1920s novel The Great Gatsby to be released later this year, it makes perfect sense that the style of the roaring twenties has made a glamorous and sweeping return to the runway. SS12 collections celebrated the long awaited return of the flirty flapper dress, feather boas and well-tailored elegant dresses, all looking fresh and straight from 1920s America. Labels such as Gucci and Etro adhered to the more dramatic flapper look, showcasing midi dresses in a rich array of gold metallic hues on a black background. Contrasting textures were also a main part of the trend, with a tiered beaded dress being paired with a feathery head-piece creating an aesthetic
pleasing look, kept minimal by the colours used. Deep plunging Vnecks to the navel were also commonly seen, which gave the overall look a even and symmetrical feel. Ralph Lauren and Marchesa were both inspired by the elegant and feminine side of the Gatsby trend. Their collections featured the soft pastel colours that we have been seeing throughout major SS12 collections, showing that for summer, candy pinks, mint greens and baby blues are all here to stay. Their dresses mimicked the evening gown style of the period, being full length and often in richer, lighter materials such as satin and silk, they perfectly channelled the ladylike and leisurely flapper look that would have been seen typically amongst the evening wear of the time.
P A S T E L S roberta sarll
What to make of pastels? There’s a brilliant line in fashion film and cult classic The Devil Wears Prada, where the acerbic editor of Runway magazine, Miranda, asks for ideas for the spring issue and one of the editors suggests they cover florals. Miranda’s cutting reply, “Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking”. I’m beginning
Poppy nowicka
The Fairtrade Fashion Show held in 3Sixty on Friday 9 March showed clothes from Nomads, Frock‘n’Roll, People Tree and Fairtrade Originals on the catwalk, all of which are ethically sourced clothing. Among the vintage clothing, beautiful dresses and a bag made from old records by Frock ‘n’ Roll, there was also new clothing which had been made adhering to Fairtrade regulations. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Fairtrade aims to enable the poorest farmers and workers to improve their posi-
tion and have more control over their lives. To create your own fair trade look clothes can be sourced from local charity shops, Frock‘n’Roll (near the Murco garage on London road) and People Tree, who Emma Watson and Orla Kiely have both designed for. The Ethical superstore is also another online shop which provides organic cotton and environmentally friendly hemp from pioneering brands such as People Tree, Komodo and Pants to Poverty. Their collection champions fair trade fashion and environmentally sensitive manufacturing practices, to create beautiful pieces you’ll cherish. The Polyvore shows an example of how to create your own Fairtrade look for Spring/Summer 2012.
Spring has arrived and with it comes exciting new fashion from some of the most reputable brands on the planet. As always, the more affordable high-street brands that we are used to will garner great inspiration from the heavy hitters and their respective early 2012 shows. A common theme in several of the shows include a matching set of darker tones, with shirts, blazers and trousers sporting deep tan, navy, and gunmetal grey. This combination is no more prevalent than in the Dior Homme spring 2012 menswear show. In regards to specific items, double breasted blazers, mackintoshes, distressed crew neck tee shirts, and smart suit trousers all feature heavily in the Dior Homme collection. Though it manages to keep a very formal vibe with its collection, other brands such as Prada, Balmain, Rick Owens, and Jil Sander seem to take the crucial formal element, as well as darker tones present in the Dior Homme collection but compliment them with energetic prints, (geometric, floral, etc.) and accessories. When looking for a more affordable style, the influence that high street brands take from the aforementioned brands is indisputable. Topman, Burton and River Island all feature smart skinny trousers and chinos of darker, deep colours, as well as a strong emphasis on prints such as fairisle, navajo and aztec, clearly influenced by the Jonathan Saunders spring summer 2012 collection. No matter the chain, this spring will give you plenty of options to dress like the professionals for a fraction of the cost.
If you only buy one thing this Spring...
hannah wynne
to feel the same about pastels. It’s not a new trend, designers or the high-street just whip it out every spring applying it to the latest it-items, so this year that’s blazers and skinny jeans/coloured chinos. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s still a lovely look so long as you don’t go overboard. There are plenty of floaty tops, skirts and dresses across the high-street in pastel tones.
Funky, flirty and eye-catching, these floral TOMS are one item that are sure to make you go wild. Teamed with rolled up jeans or casual shorts these shoes can really make an outfit, and because they’re so comfortable you won’t want to take them off! For every pair purchased, TOMS donates a pair to children in need, so you can sleep soundly knowing that you are supporting a good cause. From around £37 they are exclusive to Office.
24 BEAUTY
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
beauty.spark@reading.ac.uk
BEAUTY Spark*’s girly day at Electric Hair LILY BROWN
On 7 March five members of Spark* took a brisk walk in the wind and rain to electric hair salon in Reading town centre. Once inside out of the awful weather conditions we were greeted with a warm welcome and our coats were taken and hung up. We were then presented with a glass of wine of our choice and we waited with magazines and chatted until they were ready to see us.
All of the styles were ones that students can easily copy
plait, you will be looking bang on trend in no time. The key with this look is to not make it too perfect but to soften the look by pulling out some hairs at the back. Another look the stylists created was the ‘wet look’ backcombing and pinning the hair away from the face before securing the look with putty and hairspray. This look is very much inspired by the St. Tropez lifestyle and would not look out of place on a sun soaked beach, although a hard one to pull off on the streets of Reading on a blustery day. They also created a more day-
The stylists then set about transforming our windswept manes into a variety of up to date styles. All of the styles were ones that students can easily copy and do themselves for a night out or a day time look. One of the looks created was two French plaits twisted together at the back of the head to create a casual but polished look coming into the spring months. This particular look might be hard to perfect by yourself but with the help of a friend with the talent to French
With the success of the Girls Aloud Eylure Lashes fully established and the popularity of Nicola Robert’s paler skinned cosmetics, “Dainty Doll”, it seems Kimberley Walsh has decided to follow in her band mates footsteps by launching her own body care range in collaboration with Elegant Touch. Set to be released in May, Kimberley’s collection, which features a body butter, lotion, scrub and oil, is focused on prepping, moisturising and nourishing. When asked about her range at a recent Launch, Kim said, “I have always believed that the secret to looking and feeling good is to look after your body and give your skin the
I think it is safe to say we were all impressed with the high level of customer service The look would only take fifteen minutes for a night out and with a spritz of hairspray would stay in all night (perfect for a sweaty night in a club). Finally, they created a ‘beachy waves’ look perfect for spring/ summer. They did this by pinning the hair into curls using kirby grips and then straightened them to create a modern day wave. They secured all of the looks with hairspray and talked us through the hairstyles as they did
Kimberley Walsh for Superdrug ELLE TURNER
time look on my hair. The stylist used the hair dryer to straighten and gloss the hair before tying it into a low ponytail using a piece of elastic (which is more secure than a hairband) leaving out strands around my face. It’s best to try this look on day-old hair for a more polished result. The stylist then used these pieces of hair to wrap around the ponytail, hiding the band and creating an easy but effective look for both day and night.
attention it deserves,” Yet Walsh (who’s currently starring as Princess Fiona in Shrek on the West End) failed to make me green with envy.
A cheap, tacky design made with no effort After revealing the prices to be between around £7.95 and £9.95, Kimberley seems to be pitching herself as a relatively pricey brand for the high street. Yet having seen the packaging, it’s fair to say I was less than impressed.
Goodbye toner? EMMA WARD
We have long been told that the secret to great skin stems from three simple steps: cleanse, tone, and moisturise. Yet it seems that things are about to change, with the No7 collection from Boots being one of the first ranges to eradicate toner from the shelves completely. Is this a beauty revolution? Personally, I have only been using toner for the last year or so, but I
Known for her understated glamour and sophisticated style, I was expecting beautifully crafted bottles with a nod to classic Hollywood Glamour. Instead, she opted for a cheap, tacky design that says “I made no effort with this at all!” We know you’re a busy girl Kim, but we expected much more!
must admit to being a convert. In the absence of water, toner gives my skin that lovely fresh feeling that even the best cleanser fails to produce, leaving my face silky soft. The No7 range, after having completed extensive market research to prove that only one third of women use toners on a regular basis, have recently released their ‘Beautiful Skin’ range, with no toner in sight. So what’s the result? Admittedly,
service and the friendliness of the staff. One of the girls that went on the trip, Emily Butler, was really impressed with the level of service and says ‘I was really pleased with the hairstyle they created. It was something I would never have tried by myself, but I will definitely be trying it now.’ This sums up the general feeling of all the girls, who enjoyed spending the afternoon away from essays to be pampered by the Electric team!
it’s quite a novelty to need only one product to ensure that skin feels free of make-up after a hard day, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the results. The cleanser somehow manages to perform the role of both cleanser and toner. What’s more, if it eradicates the need for yet another product to cram up my shelves, that can only be a good thing. I’m confident that my ever diminishing student loan would agree.
Spend a penny on polish KATHERINE WATKINS
Walsh failed to make me green with envy
them so we could recreate them at home. If you are still struggling for ideas take a look on the Electric hair website and click on the ‘Inspiration Gallery’ tab for some of the newest trends and for some great hair advice from hair colour problems to damaged hair disasters. The afternoon was an overwhelming success and I think it is safe to say we were all impressed with the high level of customer
Nail polish sales are on the up, and it looks like even the economic troubles can’t stop them. Women are supposedly buying more nail varnishes as a substitute for the more expensive beauty luxuries they may no longer be able to afford. These purse-friendly products allow a little colour to be added to your outfit without breaking the bank. And they are sold by nearly all cosmetic brands and come in every colour you could
possibly think of!
Buying nail polish is an inexpensive way to treat yourself Everyone loves the thrill of buying a new product and wearing it for the first time, and nail varnish lets you do this without ruining your student budget. Superdrug and all other major beauty stockists often
have a variety of deals on their nail varnish ranges so it’s a great way to get a cheap treat! Thanks to the slowly approaching spring, gloves are being thrown back in the drawer, which means your nails will be on show all the time (fingers & toes). So it’s a perfect way to accessorise this Spring. I’m addicted to wearing nail polish, and I always feel a little naked without a brush of colour on my nails, so it’s definitely the little luxury I’m not willing to give up just yet.
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Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
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26 HEALTH&FOOD
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
health.spark@reading.ac.uk
HEALTH How to cope with hayfever this spring Laura Brierley
For many people who have not had a regular treatment for years, choosing a treatment that is right for them can be confusing. Your local pharmacy should be able to give you good advice about which treatments you should go for however your GP will be able to give you further advice.
Spring has sprung! After a cold dark winter it is a welcome relief to many of us, however it can be hell on earth for people who suffer with hayfever. It is estimated that over 15 million people in the UK suffer with the condition-medically known as rhinitis. Symptoms vary from person to person but usually include a combination of the following: itchy and runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, wheezing and skin rashes.
The right treatment for you will depend on your personal experiences with hay fever So why does hay fever occur mostly during the spring and summer months? The reason for this is because hayfever is caused by an allergy to pollen. Pollen is a protein that is released from plants during their reproduction
Over 15 million people in the UK suffer with the condition - medically known as rhinitis
which mainly occurs during these months. In some people when they are exposed to pollen this creates an immune response which is called hayfever. There are a number of known remedies available which can treat the symptoms however there is not a cure which can eradicate the
condition. Remedies tend to aid one or two of the symptoms associated with the condition therefore the treatment right for you will depend on your personal experiences with hayfever. Treatments can include antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, steroid treatments, inhalers or creams.
In addition to medical treatments there are a few lifestyle choices and natural remedies that you can try to aid the symptoms: 1. Wear shoes when outside - particularly if you suffer particularly with a grass allergy. 2. Cover up as much as possible to prevent pollen coming into contact with your skin. 3. Sunglasses not only look fashionable in the summer months, but they can also offer some protection for your eyes against pollen particles in the air.
4. Taking a cold shower after you have been outside can remove any pollen that may have settled on your skin or in your eyes. It can also go some way to help to soothe any itchiness. 5. Salt water is a home remedy used for skin rashes including those caused by pollen allergies. The salt acts as an antiseptic and can also help to relieve the itch especially useful for those of you with a grass allergy. 6. I know it sounds really depressing, but if there is a high pollen count and you really are suffering, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
Your local pharmacy should be able to give you good advice, or you can see your GP To all you fellow hay fever sufferers, I wish you all the best for managing your hay fever symptoms this summer and hope you find a treatment that is right for you.
The real danger of sunbeds revealed Laura Brierley
In recent years it has become increasingly fashionable to have a golden tan all year round. A very common way to achieve this is through the use of sun beds. Many beauty salons offer the use of sun beds for a relatively cheap price which is affordable to nearly everyone. More recently their safety has been debated and has lead to a number of laws being passed in Parliament including The Sun Bed Regulation Act in 2011, which makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to use them.
People with pale skin, freckles and moles should avoid using sun beds completely So how dangerous are sunbeds? You might think that as there are so many people who use them, they can’t be that dangerous. Otherwise, how would they still be so popular? Nearly all scientific research
into the dangers of the sun beds points to a significantly increased skin cancer risk - around a 75% increase in those under 35 - and it is estimated that there are around 100 cancer deaths per year associated with their use.
Seriously consider using an alternative your health is always more important! In addition to the cancer risk, the damage that sun beds can cause lead to premature skin ageing. So by using them on a regular basis, you may have a nice tan now, but by the time you are in your 30’s and 40’s your skin will appear much older than it actually is. So how do sun beds cause skin damage? They use lights that emit ultra violet radiation - the same as those released from the sun. The frequency that this light is absorbed by the skin leads to DNA damage. Once the DNA in your skin cells is damaged this can lead to problems with cell replication and in some cases eventually lead
to skin cancer. Some of us are more prone to skin cancer than others, particularly those with a family history, and those with pale skin, freckles and moles. These people should
avoid using sun beds completely. However if you do not fall into these categories it is still best to avoid sun bed use. There are alternatives to sun beds. The first is to be proud of
your skin tone – natural beauty is amazing! This is also the best option if you want to avoid premature skin aging. If you really do want a tan when the sun is hiding, the best alternative is to go for a spray tan at a local salon. This may be more expensive than using a sun bed but it is safer and usually gives you a more even tan than you can achieve at homewith tanning creams, although these are also a good alternative to sun beds.
Research into the dangers of the sun beds points to an increased skin cancer risk There is no doubt that sun beds are dangerous and with the summer holiday season coming up there is no doubt their use will increase. However if you regularly use them, it’s worth asking yourself - is a tan really worth it? If the answer is yes, seriously consider using an alternative - your health is always far more important than a sun tan!
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
health.spark@reading.ac.uk
HEALTH&FOOD 27
Food 2012: the Spark* Easter egg awards OK, they’re not technically eggs, but Lindt Gold Bunnies are always an Easter classic. Complete with bows and bells, these two are cute, kissing, and they’re made of deliciously smooth milk chocolate. If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, there’s no better gift.
Sarah Lienard
If you’re getting bored of plain old chocolate easter eggs, it’s time to be inspired. Here’s our definitive list of the best picks this year.
Best value for money
Asda Giant Belgian Chocolate Egg, £10
Described as ‘thick, rich and delicious’ by Good Housekeeping, Asda’s Giant Belgian Chocolate egg weighs in at an impressive 1kg of milk chocolate for only a tenner. While it’s impressive size makes it great for sharing with friends, it makes it equally as good to eat all by yourself with the smug excuse that it’s Easter.
Cutest
Amelie Chocolat Chicks ‘n’ Eggs, £22.95
Sickliest The hefty price tag comes as a result of its Vivian Westwood packaging and the fact that, as the website states, this egg is ‘excitingly enormous’. It’s the russian doll of the egg world, hiding five separate dark chocolate eggs one inside the other, in a variety of flavours - Molé Spice, Orange, Quebradon Coffee, Rose & Violet and English Mitcham Mint. No, I’ve never heard of any of these flavours either.
Most romantic
Lindt’s Kissing Gold Bunnies, £4.99
Most expensive
Fortnum and Mason’s The Colossal Egg, £90
Thornton’s Eton Mess Easter Egg, £14.99
Do Easter Eggs get cooler than this? Hotel Chocolat’s selection of Beastie Eggs come in Zebra and Cow prints, in two colour combinations – white and milk, or milk and dark. Each egg is printed with a cocoa butter animal pattern and comes with six praline and caramel filled eggs that taste as good as they look.
Best Fairtrade This thick chocolate shell contains an assortment of solid speckled eggs and two chunky nests with hand piped chocolate chicks, made of gianduja – smooth chocolate with hazelnut paste. You can choose from milk, dark or marbled outside shells, and add a personalized greetings card, cellophane wrap and a bow. How cute!
Divine Dark Chocolate Easter Egg, £6
Funkiest In true patriotic style, Thorntons have launched a range of Great British Puds Easter Eggs, including a fruity Eton Mess. Although the strawberry flavoured cocoa butter base with pieces of crunchy raspberry and meringue is certainly imaginative, it slightly ruins the point of eating actual chocolate on Easter, and I can’t help but think that I’d be feeling nauseous after a few bites. I’ll pass.
Hotel Chocolat White Zebra Beastie Chocolate Egg, £15 Simple but classy, Divine’s Dark Chocolate Easter Egg is made from 70% cocoa premium chocolate. A proud carrier of the Fairtrade Logo, Divine’s farmers in Ghana own a 45% share in the company, helping to champion the cause of ethical trading – facts that will definitely leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth.
The Click List: this issue’s blog picks Hannah Ford
Eat Like A Girl
Niamh Shields, an Irish ex-pat now living in London is the creator of the inspiring blog, Eat Like A Girl, and I have safely diagnosed her as food obsessed. She lives a jet setting and foodie filled life, sharing with us her delectable food experiences every step of the way. She is one of the UK’s best known food bloggers, something which you will soon discover after just a few clicks. Niamh comes across as sophisticated and classy, she is a lady who cooks in heels and makes it her duty to attend and post about posh lunch time clubs once a week. As a result she has made fine dining an experience which is achievable and realistic to foodie lovers who
aren’t made of money. By dining early and sticking to a lunch time menu, a three course ‘lusciously luxurious’ meal can cost as little as £17, not bad for a posh luncheon. She has a wealth of foodie knowledge so it’s no wonder her blog is highly commended and has been accredited as one of the top 10 in the world.
Helen captivates her readers and draws them into the wondrous world of food Having spent many an evening flicking through her albums of both delicious and imaginative recipes from exotic and glamorous
destinations, I have come to the conclusion that I am truly envious of Niamh. She is simply living the foodie’s dream combining travel with food. Having recently blogged from Amsterdam, Sweden, Sicily and Lyon she is yet to jet off to South Africa, New Zealand, New York, Montreal, Barcelona and Japan to name a few. Are you jealous yet? In between these adventurous trips she also finds time to hold a stall in Covent Garden selling popular comfort foods such as 8hr slow roast pork shoulder with spiced apple. Yum! Having to get up and begin cooking at 5:30am reflects her true food dedication. Thanks to her extensive travel plans, this blog keeps you thirsty for more; what local favourite dish will she next discover? She has already brought us the delights of erwtensoep soup (pea soup) from Amsterdam, Valrohna chocolate honey marshmallows form France and her twist on Italian bolognaise that will leave you going ‘bada
bing bada boom’. All her recipes seem achievable and worth a go, so don’t miss out. Go on, it’s just a click away.
Food Stories
It took a matter of seconds for me to fall in love with Helen’s blog, at www.helengraves.co.uk. It takes one glimpse at the home page to realise that you are now staring at what I can only describe as the ‘ultimate’ carrot cake. Three layers of perfection stacked and iced beautifully. It was a promising start and as I began to explore past recipes from this Peckham born and raised blogger, it became clear that she liked experimenting and coming up with new and exciting flavour combinations. Master Chef: eat your heart out! Travel has also played an im-
portant role in influencing and inspiring this blogger, aiding her to write some fascinating pieces. Day trips to Paris have left me ‘tres jealous’ having seen all the wonderfully appetizing dishes there are to eat.
Niamh makes fine dining achievable for foodie lovers who aren’t made of money Her blogs are accompanied by beautiful photography and thanks to her fluid and homely writing style I can understand how she captivates her readers and draws them into the wondrous world of food.
28 GAMING
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
gaming.spark@reading.ac.uk
GAMING
Mass Effect 3
Don’t fear the Reaper Jonathan Shepard
Mass Effect 3 is finally here, and with it comes the conclusion to the epic story arc that started all the way back in 2007. It’s also a rather personal affair to me, and if you check my name above this article you will understand why. The Reapers, synthetic executioners tasked with wiping advanced biological life from the galaxy, have returned in force and have sunk their enormous insectoid claws into Earth. At the same time, rogue humansupremacy organisation Cerberus is up to something, the Quarian and the Geth are having their own little war at the edge of space, the Galactic Council is mired in compromise and backstabbing and, quite frankly, everything has gone FUBAR and as always only John Shepard can sort it out. In an industry increasingly obsessed with long-term franchises, annual updates and spin-offs, this is that rarest of things: a final chapter. This finality has freed BioWare to dig deep into its bag of tricks to craft an epic adventure, drawing from many genres, utilising multiple play styles, but always kept on course by a ruthless focus on character and story. What lifts Mass Effect 3 above its AAA peers is that this is the final reckoning for your character, the climax of your story, a pay off half a decade in the making. As the tale unfolds, it becomes clear that BioWare has played for the long term, as decisions you made back at the start - both major and minor - are not only referenced but seamlessly woven into the ongoing drama. Rather than allowing the big choices to send the story off down wildly diverging tangents, they instead colour the context and history of your adventure. There were characters in my game that have been five years dead for other players. That’s not to say the game is impenetrable to newcomers. Squad member James Vega, a standard generic space marine type, is also new to this whole “saving the galaxy” deal and it’s through him that the broad strokes of the Mass Effect story so far are filled in for those playing on a new profile. The game is flexible in
many other ways as well, offering different variations of difficulty and gameplay emphasis depending on your preference. Whether you want a thoughtful character-driven adventure, a balls-out third-person shooter or the full role-playing epic experience, there’s a setting that accommodates you. And that’s before you get into the different character classes, the reputation system and the different squad combinations that can all nudge the experience in a myriad of ways. Combat is essentially unchanged, with few new tech or biotic abilities, or sweeping changes to your arsenal. Movement is more fluid than before, and it’s clear that for the combat the Gears of War rulebook has been closely studied. Sprinting, vaulting, blind-firing all suggest a more arcade based style of play, to the extent that the combat sections of this role-player (the term is used lightly) are arguably better than many pure-bred shooters. The game’s non-shooter roots do poke through occasionally, though. The cover system is a little too sticky, and sometimes runs into trouble by mapping too many context sensitive movements commands to one button. The addition of melee moves, via the new Omniblade weapon, makes face-toface encounters more survivable. Importantly to long running fans, some of the missing depth from the original Mass Effect has been reintroduced, striking a pleasing middle ground between the intricate but unwieldy inventory and squad management of the first game and the bare bones options of the second. Companions can only equip certain weapon types - Liara will only use pistols and SMGs, for example - but you’re free to choose which weapon, which modifications and how to spend their skill points. Depth also comes from a wide mesh of optional activities and levelling systems that offer additional ways to tweak your character stats. Intel found in the field can be used to offer permanent boosts to weapon strength, power levels, shields, health and more. Winning the trust of squad members unlocks bonus abilities, of which one can be active at any time, signifi-
cantly affecting your approach to combat situations. Yet Mass Effect is about nothing if not scale, playing the personal drama of Shepard and your crew off against threats and plots on a universal stage. Here, too, progress has been made. Gone is the tiresome planet-scanning of old, replaced with a more streamlined system that allows you to detect useful resources using a radial pulse, at the risk of attracting Reaper attention. Even the over-arching structure of the game feels more flexible and natural, as the galactic war background gives import to almost every task you undertake. Most RPGs suffer from establishing some grave threat, then encouraging you to spend hours studiously ignoring it while you undertake unrelated side quests. Your core mission is simply to amass as much support as possible, so whether you’re helping former Cerberus scientists defect to the Alliance, tackling a Reaper head on or simply mediating a heated argument about the best way to defend the Citadel, there’s some tangible benefit to be had that pushes you closer to your goal. It gives the game a propulsive forward momentum, only slightly diminished by a distracting lack of quest tracking that can leave you wandering the various star systems, looking for a specific planet to fulfil some secondary objective. And then there’s co-operative multiplayer, an idea that should have no place in a role-playing game, yet proves to be the perfect
side dish. Made up of intense ten-wave survival matches played across six excellent maps, it’s a ferocious offering that makes for an imposing challenge even on the lowest difficulty. Thankfully, there’s not a grind in sight, as XP arrives in big generous chunks and levels rise rapidly. It’s the blend of character classes and abilities that gives it longevity, tempting you to experiment with skills outside of the story. It’s also where you finally get to play as races other than humans, with Krogan, Turian and Drell forces each adding their own flavour to the mix. A four-player skirmish with a maxed-out group of skilled players is a sight to behold, as biotic and tech abilities smash into brutal firepower for some spectacular showdowns. It’s doubtful that there’s enough meat to make it a multiplayer mainstay for the very long term, but as an optional extra in a game that already offers an embarrassment of riches, it’s hard to complain. From third-person shooter to conversation-led adventure, from resource hunting minigames and role-playing skill trees to multiplayer battles, Mass Effect 3 attempts to be all games in one, and does a surprisingly good job of pulling it off. No single element truly excels, but together they create an experience that engages on multiple levels. Everything ties in to something else, creating a dizzying web of interlocking metagames that encourage you to explore every corner, undertake every mission and exhaust every conversation.
The gathering of war assets and “galactic readiness” is what ties it all together, the ongoing challenge that sees everything from a single Asari commando unit to an entire species fleet thrown into the pot for the final showdown against the Reapers. You can even import top tier multiplayer characters, adding an extra layer of crossover appeal. Without several playthroughs, it’s hard to tell what impact all this has on the ending you get, and it can become a little abstract as the hours tick by, but if nothing else it provides much needed context and meaning for the various menial tasks along your journey. The dramatic peaks and troughs resonate all the more since these aren’t sterile cut-scenes from a pre-determined story, but emotional beats in a tale that’s been yours to tell. Entire species will be wiped out, beloved allies will fall, and anyone who has invested themselves in this saga and its richly drawn cast will get a lump in the throat at some point. As with any game that dares to be ambitious, de construct Mass Effect 3 into its constituent parts and of course there are flaws, but taken as a whole this is arguably the first truly modern blockbuster, a game that transcends the genre boundaries of old and takes what it needs from across the gaming spectrum in order to finish its story in the most compelling, thrilling, heartbreaking way possible. Few gaming sagas come to a definitive close, but this one signs off in breathtaking style, and reminds that games can be art.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
gaming.spark@reading.ac.uk
GAMING 29
The Sims 3: Showtime Your chance to be a star Kerrie Black
For a game that swore that there would never be expansion packs EA’s the Sims 3 has sure had a lot of additional contented added to the vanilla base-game (although this is the sims, that’s how it’s always been). Add all these together and you get a game that is barely recognisable to the 2009 base version. However this is by no means a bad thing, while the newest expansion pack Showtime will not revolutionise game-play it is a comfortable add on which defiantly kicks things up a notch in your Sims search for super stardom.
Showtime adds a much more community focused feel Similar to the first generation expansion The Sims: Superstar, the easiest way to describe the newest expansion pack is as the child of Sims 3 Late Night (which was all about fame and fortune in the big city) and Ambitions (which introduced professions, to remove the boring worm-holes of doing nothing while your Sims ‘worked’ or just evaporated for half a day). Showtime introduces yet another way to micromanage your Sims life and at the same time incorporates social features that links your game up with your friends. The first thing you will notice after installing the game is the bar that will hover in the top righthand corner of the screen. In here you can add facebook like status’s of your games progress which will be posted onto your wall (as soon as you create a EA game account).
actually highly addictive and when successfully completed appear as badges on your wall for your friends to see. Adding friends is critical if you want to fully enjoy all of the new interactions this expansion pack has for offer and while this may seem a little too much like social networking for some, for me this adds a layer to the game that was missing before. In fact it is easy to see where the much anticipated (and already in development) Sims 4 is headed towards- a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game). The new Simport feature takes full advantage of this by allowing you to send your sim to go perform in your friends game and vice versa. Sadly this feature is only available in conjunction with the new careers available (singer, magician or acrobat) which means you may not be able to use this function with an already existing sim unless you register them for a
new career. Not that this is a problem if you buy the Limited Collector Edition which is endorsed by the pop sensation herself, Katy Perry, and come complete with her sim likeness (with this edition you also get a poster and Sims 3 guitar picks along with a pile of exclusive DLC).
The new Simport feature allows you to send your sim to your friends’ games Showtime also comes complete with an all new town Starlight shores, which although small is the perfect bohemian Hollywood knock-off perfect for your new performing Sim. Playing as a performer in one of the towns from the other expansion packs, however can be annoying as it requires removing some community lots in order to add new ones such as the
Not a massive leap forward, but still plenty of fun with some nifty features While this feature itself seems a little bit redundant to me, this bar also gives you access to your ‘page’. EA have gone the way that the Xbox and Steam have already gone and on this page you can unlock achievements. Thus far there are about 100 to unlock with more intended to be added each weeks and will contain seasonal challenges. These range in difficulty from ordering a pizza to much harder things like having a ghost baby or finding a Genie (the new supernatural creature added with this pack). These are
What a waste of perfectly good ice cream
performers park and coffee house which are integral to completing the wishes of your performer (and for allowing simport in your town). None the less Starlight Shores provides arguably the best location for such a style of gameplay anyway. Moreover before each performance you can decorate the stage to your liking. Want Katy Perry ice cream cones everywhere? Steampunk inspired set up? This allows you to customise what your performer and each performance will be like. I myself have created a Criss Angel wannabe magician! Also while performing, you have the option to choose which stunts or songs your Sim performs while on stage and also how they interact with the talk audience (tell a joke or insult them, etc.). While this game adds some new nice features to the game I feel that EA is skimping a bit providing an expansion pack which only adds a few more features than either
Ambitions or Late Night. The social features are good but only really of any use if you have lots of friends to share the experience with. To me this feels like EA are just testing the waters to see how the Sims community would feel to ideas that they want to implement properly in the Sims 4.
Showtime highlights just how the series may progress in the future I would have much rather had an expansion pack that added weather or other more tangible additions or one that added more Supernatural characters to the game (such as the iconic Aliens and Plantsims that inhabited the world of The Sims 2 and provided much entertainment). But as EA still continue to churn out expansions, who’s to say what will come next?
30 SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY scitech.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY Windows Phone 7 Review pictures which was quite entertaining to watch. Looking at individual contacts will give you a full range of contact methods (from texting to poking), as well as a run down of their most recent updates.
The packed menus are a little overwhelming
Mat Greenfield
In our Nokia Lumia 800 review earlier in the term, we skipped going into too much detail on the Windows Phone 7 operating system it was playing host to, since that alone could fill a whole review. So that’s exactly what we’ve done. Windows Phone 7 is a complete overhaul of the Windows Mobile software that Microsoft has been touting for the last decade or so. Having been thoroughly eclipsed in success by Apple’s iPhone, in a fraction of the time, Microsoft finally ended development of Windows Mobile in 2010 and released the inaugural version of Windows Phone 7 in October that same year. Since then, it’s undergone only minor tinkerings until the first major update: 7.5, codename ‘Mango’, was rolled out last September. This is the version you’ll find installed on all available WP7 handsets, if you can fight through the heaps of Android handsets and avoid tripping over the worshipping congregation surrounding the iPhone.
Windows Phone 7 is a complete overhall of the software Microsoft touted for 10 years The home screen is the first iteration of Microsoft’s soon-tobe ubiquitous ‘Live Tiles’ interface, which is set to make it’s second appearance in Windows 8’s tablet mode. Rather than simply a static array of icons, the tiles that link into apps and menus are fully colour customis-
able and can be configured to display pertinent information at a glance. Things like RSS feeds, news headlines, weather updates and Facebook notifications can be set up to show in tiles, which is really useful if you find yourself checking the same sites constantly for updates.
Social networking was clearly a key priority for Microsoft Unlike iOS, the home screen shows only apps that you want to be visible, and a full list of installed apps can be quickly accessed with a swipe. However, the tile bar is oddly off-centre in order to accommodate a single icon, which feels like wasted space, and it doesn’t display the signal indicator in the top bar unless the area is pressed. Nevertheless, such a feature-rich home screen gives the Live Tiles interface a very lively look that was really fun to use and behold. Windows Phone 7 has been created with social networking in mind, and is capable of an unprecedented level of integration with these websites, effectively turning your phone into an all-purpose social hub. While this will be jarring for people who like to keep a clear distinction between social networking and real-life, it is a lot of fun to play with. When you link it to a Facebook account, your contacts are incorporated into your phone book, and it will allow you to unify old contacts with Facebook profiles. The ‘People’ tile then comes alive with an ever-changing mosaic of your friend’s profile
This will also create a ‘Me’ tile, pasted with your profile picture, that allows you to access all your myriad accounts under one banner. From here, you can check notifications and push new updates to many accounts at once; and, as it updates in real-time, you won’t have to wait for new notifications to download and can check for them from the home screen’s Live Tile. Whilst I really enjoyed these features, the packed menus and plethora of options became a little overwhelming to look through and I did get lost. There are still superb dedicated apps for Facebook and Twitter, but the social features of WP7 are so quick and enjoyable that you won’t feel the need to use them. The relative infancy of the OS
means that the range of available apps for WP7 is lacklustre. Whilst it has most of the biggest and popular apps, it lacks the same diverse developer base that the iOS and Android enjoy.
Although you could argue that it trims the fat of the arguably bloated Android store and allows easier app discovery, this will nonetheless hurt sales. Whilst Hopefully, either the uptake of HTML5 video players or the expedience of Adobe’s mobile flash support will put this issue to bed soon enough. Microsoft bundles music functionality on the OS under a ‘Zune’ app, a fairly unremarkable music player that takes its name from Microsoft’s line of MP3 players. The ‘Zune Marketplace’ allows subscriptionbased music streaming, but with a recently released Spotify app available for WP7, boasting a wider music selection for a lower price, this is not likely to be a widely-used feature. Like most of the menu systems in WP7, the Zune player have so many menus and sub-menus that it’s very difficult to keep track of where you are or how to do key tasks. Managing media syncing from your computer requires installing Zune software on your computer, which was difficult to set up and will seldom be used. Unfortunately, Microsoft seems to be electing to roll out updates
via the Zune software, so doing battle with it can’t be avoided. Though Windows Phone 7 supports multi-tasking, the way you use it leaves a lot to be desired and it clearly hasn’t been properly thought through. With an app open, pressing the ‘start’ button (the Windows logo on the front of the device) will take you back to your home screen, but the app is still open. Holding the ‘back’ button shows you the apps currently running and allows you to zip between them, but you can’t close them from here. To do this, you need to go into the app itself and can reportedly close apps by double-pressing the ‘back’ button rapidly (which we only found out by searching forums).
Managing music is far from easy However, most of time rather than closing the app we simply got thrown unceremoniously back through it’s multitude of menus. In the web browser, this simply meant going back two web pages, but the browser remained resolutely open; only
Spark*
SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY scitech.spark@reading.ac.uk 31
Friday 16 March 2012
when it ran out of web history did the app finally terminate. Hopefully, this will be refined in later updates but it’s a pretty elementary feature that Microsoft really shouldn’t be getting wrong. You can become reasonably good at weilding the multi-task function with enough help and practise, but that does rather speak to how unintuitive is it. It should be far easier for a user to pick up organically.
Multitasking your apps is a bit erratic For updates, Windows Phone 7 strikes a neat middle-ground between it’s two rivals. Apple’s careful exclusivity of OS to hardware in the iPhone puts off those who want a wider choice in specs. Meanwhile, Google’s liberal distribution of Android to anything more powerful than an abacus gives a lot of choice, but means that software updates are not be compatible with large numbers of Android handsets. Microsoft impose “tough, but fair” minimum spec requirements on devices that they will license WP7 out to, which presumably any future updates
to Mango will have to be tailored to. But with an OS that clearly needs further development, we would hope that this would be the case.
The ‘Zune’ app is a fairly unremarkable music player To conclude, Windows Phone 7 feels like an OS that has had a lot of time and energy put into it’s look, which makes for a promising start. The problem is that it largely feels like so much effort was put into the interface that it falls down in other areas, so we end up with bad menu systems that stand in stark contrast to the relative simplicity and easy use of iOS. Further, its lack of apps do it a great disservice and lend the OS a feeling of real untapped potential. It’s a powerful OS that demands an equally powerful device, but it does not make full use of its potential. With a hostile and competitive app environment to break into, it may be too-late for Microsoft’s renewed foray into the smartphone market, but they might yet surprise us.
In other news
With an edition dedicated to a review of Windows Phone 7, we would be remiss not to mention Apple’s unveiling of the thirdgeneration iPad. This new model introduces the high-resolution retina display first seen on the iPhone 4. This allows the iPad to play 1080p hi-def video but it still has the same tinny old speakers. Though the sharp-tongued personal assistant app, Siri, who we met back in October along with the iPhone 4S, will not be reprising his role, the iOS software on the iPad 3 will allow voice dictation for taking notes. Also, it comes with Apple’s upgraded A5X 1GHz microprocessor, which will make the intense processing power required to watch videos in all 1080 of their p’s all the more possible. Disappointingly, in terms of look, it makes no attempt to distinguish itself from it’s predcessor iPads, but retains Apple’s trademark form factor. As the first major release from JobsCo since the death of founder and CEO Steve Jobs, it seems evident that it doesn’t want to rock the cash-boat too much just yet. However, if rivals Google and Microsoft start making waves in the tablet world, they may need a bigger boat. Reported to go on sale today, th retail price will vary depending on what model you opt for. Expect to shell out anywhere from £400 to a cool £700 if you want top-of-the-range padding.
32 TRAVEL
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
travel.spark@reading.ac.uk
trAvel Why ‘I heart’ Cornwall Elizabeth lomas
The first reason for my love of this South-Westerly region of Blighty is that I grew up in the area, with relatives dotted around within easy reach and endless childhood experiences to recount from within its woodlands, towns and villages. More recently I have found that it offers a great deal more than mere sentimental value, however that is still at the root of my love for the area. Many tourists head straight to Padstow or St. Ives. That’s all well and good but I find them too crowded for the majority of the high season - and I can never find parking along their streets. I prefer to find a secluded beach, with only the dog walkers, my family and the weather for company. These places are un-spoilt, unchanged, and my connection to them seems almost natural - as if I was meant to be there. I won’t mention the exact locations as I want them to remain this way! I am just trying to encourage others to do the same and not to follow the crowd. I was asked recently by a friend whether I wanted to eat a Greggs ‘Cornish pasty’ and my sense of pride meant that this was not going to happen! When you’ve grown up with the best, most delicious and hand-made treats, there is no way that any self-respecting Cornish local would go near a fast-
food alternative! Cornwall offers attractions as diverse as a camel farm - where visitors are invited to have a family picnic practically amongst the amimals - and Bodmin Jail, which for centuries housed the most notorious criminals from
These places are unspoilt, it seems as if I was meant to be there. across the county. It was also infamous for providing a public spectacle each time an inmate was executed - hangings occured here from the 1700s until 1909. You may be wondering why I think that this is a valid reason for loving the area. But there you have it, I was taken in by the warnings from my grandparents (who had a wicked sense of humour) and who advised that I would end up in the Bodmin Jail if I didn’t eat my fruit and vegetables. I love the sense of isolation that comes with living in the most Southerly part of the UK. It feels almost like another country and the pace of life feels slower. Perhaps the abundance of clottedcream teas and scones helps with this feeling of pleasant, bloated contentedness. Surfers and active-lifestyle types are of course equally attracted to the coastline around Cornwall and the quality of the waves means
Places
that despite the cool temperatures, the pastime remains extremely popular here. One of the more unusual parts of the physical landscape is the Newquay ‘Island’ which is sometimes a rocky outcrop and at high tide a separate island connected by a fancy but scary suspension bridge. Visitors can stay in the bed
There is an abundance of clotted-cream tea and the pace of life is slower here and breakfast that’s perched on top - or brave a quick trip across the bridge! Whatever your reason for visiting Cornwall - I urge you to do a little research before you go, don’t just head for the same beach that you went to last time - or to the one you’ve heard of. You’ll feel much more rewarded by finding ‘your own’ piece of the land with which you can feel some brief connection - and if you can forget the day-today dullness of your working life and experience the same landscape and views seen by your ancestors and those living thousands of years ago - where better to do it than in such a beautiful place? That said, the annual levels of rainfall in Cornwall and Devon are truthfully way above the national average - pack an umbrella!
Berlin TV Tower Restaurant Aquadom Radisson Berlin We really didn’t set out to include 2 locations within the same city in this issue, but having been to both the TV tower and this aquarium, we can highly reccomend them. The Aquadom is located within the 4-storey atrium of the Radisson Blu hotel and a glss elevator rises within the tank, allowing visitors to ‘float’ through a watery world without getting wet. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to visit, but a ticket will cost a fair few Euros.
Gear
Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Hot Water Beach, NZ This beach in Central-Eastern New Zealand is a relaxing place to chill in natural thermal water, which rises beneath the sand. Watch out for rip currents. Also you must dig out your own ‘jaccuzzi’ then watch it get swept away!
MY SCRATCH MAP
ZEAL OPTICS GPS SKI GOGGLES
STAINLESS STEEL CARABINER MUG
Cheap wall art that’s also interactive. This world map encourages exploration by allowing owners to scratch off the brown top layer to reveal individual-coloured countries. Great as they return from their holidays and create a visible record of their travels.
A space-age idea, these goggles allow users to see real-time speed in mp/h, altitude, GPS position, temperature and vertical distance travelled. All this is shown on a head-up display with seven hours of battery life and the buttons are handily over-sized. We want a pair.
Spark* Editor Rosi has been incredibly enthusiastic about this particular travel mug for a while now. We’ve included it partly to silence her requests, and partly because we love clipping things to backpacks. Who wouldn’t want to look like a slightly lost rambler?
iwantoneofthose.com,
£11.99
firebox.com, around
£450
What a way to see the entirety of a city in 45 minutes. That’s the time it takes this revolving set of tables to rotate around the central axis of its 207 metre-high tower. Soaring above the city, the tower is a local landmark and was constructed in 1969. Only in 1990 did it become a symbol of a reunified Germany.
red5.co.uk, around
£10
Not at all affordable, and not at all within easy reach? That’s debateable, but it’s our dream here at the Travel Section to pay a visit to this incredible hommage to the Italian supercar brand. With the world’s fastest rollercoaster (0-60mph in just two seconds) and with a huge collection of classic and modern vehicles on display, this is not to be entirely dismissed as a mere gimmick.
Get involved!
We’re always on the look out for contributors, whether you’ve written much before or not. If you have a story to tell about your ‘gap yah’ or family holiday, or a quirky trip within the UK, contact us at:
travel.spark@reading.ac.uk
33 SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT pr.spark@reading.ac.uk
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
Society spotlight
Reading University English Society
Collette Naden
As Spring term draws to a close, you might feel that this would be the wrong time to join a society. However, there is still time to get involved with your university. In the Summer term, you have exams to worry about, but everyone deserves a break. If you are a third-year English student like myself, your exams will be over by mid-May. Thus, there is plenty of time to contribute to societies. One society I would recommend joining is the English Society. You do not have to study English to join the society. If you are interested in things such as the theatre, films or books, then this is a great society to join. In the past, the English Society has hosted some spectacular socials, including a very successful boat party with RUDS. The society boarded the Caversham Princess boat for a cruise along the River Thames. The group then headed to Sakura for the night. The English society offers film nights, in which they show a newly-released DVD. In the past the society has shown films including
The Social Network and Toy Story 3. Film nights are open to both members and non-members.
The English Society has hosted some spectacular socials During National Storytelling Week (28 January to 4 February), the English society worked with RUSU to compile a selection of short stories written by members. The stories were then printed and sent to local schools, local centres working with children and the RUSU nursery. Members also volunteered to go to the RUSU nursery and read to the children during National Storytelling Week. Volunteering looks great on your CV and will set you apart when applying for jobs. The society is often femaledominated. To make socials more mixed, the society joins with other societies such as the Construction society (which is male-dominated) and Reading University Drama Society (RUDS).
The English Society have a lot planned for the Summer term, including a trip to the theatre at a discounted price. The society are making a conscious effort to recruit new members and create even better socials. The society now have three social secretaries and two publicists. The newly appointed committee is as follows: President: Anna Sainsbury Vice President: Ellis Wheatley Treasurer: Amy Thomas Secretary: Liberty Jackson Cultural Rep: Ellen North-Row Cultural Rep: Hannah Ridyard Social Rep: Viren Mistry Social Rep: Annie Potts-Lewis Social Rep: Alice Gingell Publicist: Sabina Rouse Publicist: Lily Brown The next English Society social is on Wednesday 21 March, at the Union. Come along and join the fun. For further information about the society and what they do, please look for the Facebook group labelled Reading University English Society.
Bright Spark*?
New editor Sophie Elliott with editor Rosi Hirst and sub-editor Lizzie Pollington Do you have something to say? team. On page 34 you will find a Are you hoping to break into jourlist of email addresses. Drop a nalism when you leave university? line to the sections that you are Have you seen a film that you interested in and the editors will simply must review? Then join let you know how to get involved. Spark*. Most sections also have Facebook People often say they don’t join groups, so join them too. Spark* because they can’t write. Spark* really is a great communiHowever, the newspaper is always ty to be a part of and it also counts welcoming proofreaders, photogtowards the RED award. Spark* raphers and people to join the PR needs you. Get involved!
34 LETTERS
Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
editor.spark@reading.ac.uk
Letters & Events
Parting is such sweet sorrow Hello devoted readers All too quickly, it is that time of year again. The end of Spring Term brings with it the end of our tenure as Spark* editors. We have a fantastic new team, being trained up as we speak (or type?) who will do a fantastic job of taking the mantle. Spark* is a very intense experience. We all work so closely together in, let’s face it, a pretty stressful situation, that we make great friendships and it’s really hard to say goodbye. Sophie Elliott will be taking over from Rosi as Editor next year, and Calum Rogers will be stepping into my Lizzie’s well-worn shoes. They are both really capable section
editors, they have great plans for Spark* over the coming year and we have the utmost confidence that they will take the paper on to new and even more dizzying heights. This year we have achieved so much that we really are proud of. We have a snazzy new website that is finally as sophisticated as Spark* itself and really has the potential to grow and become even better next year under the watchful eyes of Sophie and Calum. We have expanded our Society Spotlight feature into a permanent section. The University’s societies and clubs have had the chance to show off everything they are getting up to as well as getting more members involved.
It has been a fantastic year and all of our sections have gone from strength to strength, upholding the high level of standard that Spark* has come to be synonymous with. We are both very sad to be leaving the newspaper behind. Lizzie’s first article was printed here in her third week of university, and Rosi’s first review was featured in the issue after that, and since then there has hardly been an issue that we haven’t been involved with. We know that when we no longer need to be in the Spark* office or writing articles, there will be a rather large gap in our lives. What on earth are we going to do to fill it? Get a job perhaps? Lizzie would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing News Editor, Kate Delaney. As you may or may not know, Lizzie was Acting Editor last term, and Kate was so supportive, so helpful and exactly what she needed in a very tense time. So thank you Kate for being her go-to-guy and keeping her sane. And so, before we sign off for the very last time, we would like to reiterate how fantastic it is to be involved in Spark*. No matter who you are, what your degree discipline is, or what year of study you are in, working with Spark* is brilliant. It’s not just writing either, we always need more proofreaders, photographers, cartoonists and PR team members. So don’t hesitate, get involved. Well, that’s the end of our fond ramble. Good luck to everyone in their exams, and for finalists, big and scary futures. We leave you in the very capable hands of our successors. Rosi Hirst and Lizzie Pollington, outgoing Editor and Deputy Editor.
A note from the Alumni Office Hello from the Development and Alumni Relations Office! Last week, we saw the Annual Fund telephone fundraising campaign draw to a close. During the four week campaign, our team worked with 50 students to telephone Reading graduates to update them on University life and to invite them to donate to the Annual Fund. I am delighted to report that the campaign raised over £233,000 from over 700 alumni! These donations will be spent this summer on a wide range of projects that enhance the academic and extra-curricular experience for you, our current students. So how do we decide which projects to support? Well, in June, a
committee meets to consider applications from across the University. Did you know that you too can submit an application for an Annual Fund grant? The rules are simple: If you have a fantastic idea for a project that will enhance the student experience, costs under £10,000 and will benefit many undergraduates and/or postgraduates, then applying for an Annual Fund grant could be the answer. Perhaps you are a member of a sports club or society and are desperate for new equipment that will develop your skills and knowledge – which can in turn be used to train up-and-coming members? Or maybe you have a great idea for an innovative project which will
transform the learning experience, but are simply missing the resource to pilot it? If these scenarios sound familiar, then come along to one of our RUSU training sessions where you can meet our team and find out more about what makes a successful application. You can attend a session on either 21 March or the 24th April, 6-7pm in the RUSU Boardroom. For further information, please contact me on l.l.garman@reading. ac.uk In the meantime, see what we’re up to on Facebook (search ‘University of Reading Alumni’) and Twitter: @UniRdg_Alumni Laura Garman
Alumni Communications Officer
Does Spark* talk to you? If not, talk to us! Spark* is written and edited by students, for students, so if you have an issue, get involved! Email: editor.spark@reading.ac.uk Any comments, suggestions, complaints or praises are always welcome.
P.O. Box 230, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AZ Vol 59. Issue 5
Editorial Staff
Editor:
Rosi Hirst with Sophie Elliott editor.spark@reading.
ac.uk
Deputy Editor:
Lizzie Pollington with Calum Rogers deped.spark@
reading.ac.uk
News Editor:
Kate Delaney with Chayya Syal news.spark@reading.
ac.uk
News Sub-Editor:
Calum Rogers with Zoe Crook news.spark@reading.
ac.uk
Comment Editors:
Lucy Ponder and Kerrie Black with Jess Cropper and
Sophie Harrison
comment.spark@reading.ac.uk
Political Comment
Jessica Rees
Editor:
politics.spark@reading.ac.uk
Interview Editor:
Ellis Wheatley interview.spark@reading.ac.uk
Film, DVD & TV
Steven Howse and Thom Dixon with Ellie Holland and
Editors:
Jack Marshall film.spark@reading.ac.uk
Music Editor:
Laurence Green music.spark@reading.ac.uk
Music Sub-Editor:
Jamie Milton with Nia Thomas 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: Lucy Snow arts.spark@reading.ac.uk Fashion Editors:
Petrina De Gouttes and Roberta Sarll with Katey Wat
kins and Poppy Nowicka fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk
Travel Editor:
Simon Truscott travel.spark@reading.ac.uk
Health Editor:
Sarah Lienard health.spark@reading.ac.uk
Fun&Games Editor: Chris Ryder fun.spark@reading.ac.uk Sport Editor:
Sophie Elliott and Cameron Humphries
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
Head of PR:
Collette Naden pr.spark@reading.ac.uk
Proofreaders:
Sophie Elliott and Calum Rogers.
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* Monday 16 March 2012
fun.spark@reading.ac.uk
FUN&GAMES 35
fun&games Crossword 036 new – European (8) 20. Corn reported in jungle (4) 21. Issues extreme Kawasaki boat? (3,3) 25. Cereal regularly sent back round (3)
by Chris Harris
Straight Clues ACROSS 1. Resolving technological difficulties (15) 7. Swallows up completely (7) 9. Propel through the air using the arm (5) 10. Traditional beer mug (5) 11. Intuitive feeling in the stomach (3) 12. Longing for the good old days (9) 14. Sleeveless cloth bearing a coat of arms, worn over the top of armour (6) 17. Sponge cake with thick icing (6) 19. Comic poems with five lines (9) 22. Sesame plant (3) 23. Eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 24. Shade of blue (5) 25. Verbally assaults (7) 26. Forced removal of an entire group of people from an area (6,9)
Cryptic Clues ACROSS 1. Something wise has difficulties speaking up in problem-solving? (15) 7. Covers up iron lungs in confusion (7) 9. Rug fire (5) 10. Mug being held by chaste inmate (5) 11. Strip to the waist? (3) 12. Fond memories with fragments lost again (9) 14. Garment worn over a knight’s armour thanks to Shakespeare (6) 17. Slip over on water in Paris – that’s sweet! (6) 19. Five liners on a French sea getting carried away in small amounts (9) 22. Teach Indian lawyers open sesame? (3) 23. Article written by soldiers in letter from Greece (5) 24. Full range when you’re blue (5)
25. Trashes one’s leaves (7) 26. Breakdown in English accent leads to genocide (6,9)
DOWN 1. Soft-hearted criminal after returning swag and specialist equipment (5,2,3,5) 2. Ground floor qualification (1-5) 3. Initiate’s petition to see private sanctum (8) 4. That man’s central schisms (3) 5. Anger with girl driving old car out into water (8) 6. Don’t mention departure to be noted? (2,7,6) 8. Nastier refs send off with clubs? (11) 9. Though every third man killed by gangster (4) 13. Wood post (3) 15. Alarm at egg on button? (4,4) 16. Last deposits of blended whisky beverage add colour (3) 18. Gangster flees one country for
DOWN 1. Equipment needed within a particular job (5,2,3,5) 2. Old qualification replaced by the GCSE (1-5) 3. Novice (8) 4. Possessive pronoun (3) 5. Supply water to (8) 6. To be obvious; not need mentioning (2,7,6) 8. (Esp. with an enemy) socialises (11) 9. Hooligan (4) 13. Captain’s record of events (3) 15. Button to request access to a building (4,4) 16. Change the colour of one’s hair (3) 18. Nationality of Arnold Schwarzenegger (8) 20. Labyrinth (4) 21. Brand of small, high-speed boat for one person (3,3) 25. Section of a circle’s circumference (3)
Dear Aunt Adelaide... Adelaide Featherstonehaugh takes a few moments out of her day to poke fun at another innocent member of the public. Dear Aunt Adelaide, I recently received an essay back from my tutor and I’m really unhappy with the feedback. I’m a second-year Quantity Surveying student and as such I would really like to know how to improve for
the future so that my dissertation can be really good. However, despite only getting a mark of 52% for the assignment, all the feedback seems to be positive, so I have no idea where to go from here! I’ve enclosed a copy of my essay and the feedback sheet I was given for you to have a look at. Would you be able to give me some better advice on what I can do to improve next time?
Yours, Michael Dear Michael, It took me all day, but I’ve finally got it - one of your references is missing a fullstop after the date of publication. Try harder next time. Yours, Adelaide
Solution to puzzes? Fun & Games. Who put which ball in which place? Sport. Where to go over the Easter holidays? Travel. What the Editor got up to at the weekend? Priceless. There are some things Spark* doesn’t report. For everything else, there’s the Spark* website. www.sparknewspaper.co.uk
marketing@rusu.co.uk
No bull.
Straight talking from KPMG.
Graduate Programmes All degree disciplines
We close for applications once we are full. To secure a place at KPMG, be sure to apply early. To find out more head straight to: www.kpmg.co.uk/careers
© 2011 KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative, a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International.
36 ADVERTISEMENT Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
SPORT 37
SPORT Formula One fever as season nears 2012 season preview Cameron Humphries
After a compelling winter of pre-season testing, Formula One is back and looks set to transfix us all on a regular basis in 2012. Six World Champions will line up on the grid at Albert Park, Melobourne as the season gets underway this weekend. Last year Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel dominated from start to finish breaking record after record to take his second successive world title. However, on the evidence of pre-season testing the gap between the teams is at its smallest for
many years and the battle for race victories, particularly early in the season, should be unpredictable.
Sebastian Vettell dominated from start to finish breaking record after record A year ago Vettel’s domination set the tone for the season, qualifying comfortably on Pole before leading the race from start to finish, his pace over the weekend unrivalled.
It remains to be seen who will set the pace this weekend. As Vettel said this week, until everyone arrives in Australia and “pulls their pants down” all talk about pace is merely speculation. Ferrari have commented that they are worried by their lack of pace in pre-season, stating that the car is not behaving at all like they expect it to. Come this weekened we will know who really does have pace going into the season, one that promises to be fascinating with 20 races across the world on five continents.
This season’s major contenders Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel (1/1) and Mark Webber (14/1)
McLaren, Jenson Button (13/2) and Lewis Hamilton (5/1)
Ferrari, Fernando Alonso (8/1) and Felipe Massa (80/1)
Michael Schumacher (25/1), Kimi Raikonnen (22/1)
The evidence from pre-season testing suggests that the gap between Red Bull and the rest has closed, yet we can be sure that Christian Horner’s team will deliver a formidable car. While we can expect Mark Webber to offer more of a challenge this season Vettel will start as the undoubted favourite for a third successive title. Vettel has already proved himself a great driver, will this be the season in which he proves himself an extraordinary one.
The British pair enjoyed viciously contrasting seasons in 2011. Indeed for the first time in his career Lewis Hamilton was outperformed by a teammate and finished the year in fifth. Meanwhile Jenson Button finished the season in second place, achieving a level of consistency that eluded Hamilton. It must be said, both drivers will have realistic title ambitions if McLaren provide them with a car that can match Red Bull.
Fernando Alonso further cemented his reputation as a sensational driver last season despite his fourth place finish in the Driver’s Championship. His ability to get everything from the car is tremendous and if Ferrari improve he will go close to a third world Title. In the other seat sits Felipe Massa, who came so close to the title in 2008, but who now looks a broken man. Rarely competitive last season, this is surely Massa’s last chance.
Two more Former World Champions, Schumacher and Raikonnen will both be looking to make an impact in 2012. Schumacher’s return has hardly been glorious a glorious one these past two years however last season there was occasional evidence to suggest the German still had some magic left. Raikonnen, driving for Lotus (Formely Renault), will bring speed and an ability to win races in stunning fashion. It’s going to be exciting.
‘Plastic Brit’: let the debate end and the support begin Sophie Elliott
Tiffany Porter. Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s athletics team captain at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul. Silver medallist in the 60m hurdles. British record holder over the 60 and 100 metre hurdles. Labelled a ‘plastic Brit’. At the pre-championship press conference, a Daily Mail journalist asked her to recite the first few lines of Great Britain’s national anthem. Michigan-born Porter replied that she didn’t think it was ‘necessary’. Indeed, it was not.
Not only does this happen across athletics, it happens across sport as a whole It was a ridiculous line of questioning. Not only does this happen
across athletics as a whole, it also happens across sport as a whole. In Istanbul there were five athletes in Team GB who are classed as ‘foreign-born’ but have come into the team through a legal process and are proud to wear the vest. Now let’s be proud of them. Other examples from sport are obvious and plentiful. Even in the Six Nations rugby championship which has been continuing over the past few weeks, each nation has players who have adopted their team’s nation as their own. Dan Parks, Scotland’s recently retired fly-half has an Australian accent. The England cricket team captain originates from South Africa. Yes, Porter has an American accent, but is a dual national and made her decision to compete for GB as a result, she says, of Britain’s better support for athletes; she similarly attributes her raise in form to this.
Charles Van Commenee, responsible for choosing Porter as captain said: “I choose a team captain for her leadership skills and her athletic skills and her credibility, not for her ability to memorise words or her vocal skills.”
Britain as a whole is a multicultural nation and so it should not be surprising that our athletes hail from across the world. But if their route to Team GB is legal, then what objection can there be? It is something that happens, as I have said, across the world and sport as
The Field Nico Rosberg will look to improve at Mercedes with rumours that Ferrari are interested for 2013 while Paul Di Resta will be keen to consolidate an impressive debut season. Otherwise, expect the usual fight from points amongst the mid-table teams. Roman Grosjean at Renault will expect points while Sergio Perez, Kamui Kobayashi and Bruno Senna will scrap for points at ever. Below that, expect the likes of Marussia, HRT and Caterham to fight tooth and nail to stay off the bottom.
a whole. Team GB is no different from countless other nations in this way. Porter has said “I just hope the British media and the British public can accept me as a loyal team-mate, athlete and citizen.” I, for one, really think we should.
It was a ridiculous line of questioning Mo Farah, third placed in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year last year and gold medallist for Team GB at the Daegu World athletics championships 2011, has Somalian parentage. Yet, he is one of our most loved athletes and a fantastic ambassador for the country. And he is British. Farah and the rest of the team were clearly uncomfortable with the line of questioning in the press conference and Farah has since labelled it as ‘disgusting’.
Tiffany Porter: At the centre of the ‘Plastic Brit’ debate
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Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
Football: Premiership round up Six Nations roundup Sophie Elliott
Matt Davies
To quote the old cliché “form goes out of the window” at this stage in the season, a period the gamblers amongst us will struggle with; will the pressure get to the favourites, will tenacity and necessity dictate an underdog revival?
It was a weekend of football that lived up to all these potentials It was a weekend of football that lived up to all these potentials, beginning at the Liberty Stadium. Images on Match of the Day 2 of a Manchester City fan crying as Swansea took the lead seemed a little extreme, but the sight of Joe Hart up for a City corner in the final minutes represented just how important a match this was. Unfortunately for the visitors, they were up against a Swansea team that embodied everything that has earned them so much respect amongst neutral fans; slick passing movement, impressive possession play, and an attack minded philosophy. Manager Brendan Rogers was correct in his assessment that Swansea deserved their win.
Manager Brendan Rogers was correct in saying Swansea deserved their win Manchester United did not slip up however, and their win against West Brom has made the period Sir Alex Ferguson calls “squeaky bum time” all the more intriguing at the top where the Red Devils now occupy first spot, a point above Mancini’s City. Manchester United won comfortably, and the attacking trio of Rooney, Young and Welbeck looked particularly promising for England’s prospects in the summer. It was not only the title chasers supplying the talking points, and as is often the case with limited
games left to play, it was those threatened with relegation that provided some of the more consequential results. The confidence Venky’s have shown in unpopular manager Steve Kean is being rewarded; their 2 – 0 triumph over Wolves saw them emerge successful in one of the relegation ‘six pointers’, ensuring they finished the week with four sides below them. During another of these dogfights at the foot of the table, Bolton collected three vital points against QPR to claw themselves a point clear of the bottom three. In doing so they plunged Mark Hughes’ Rangers into a dangerous league position with just 10 games to go, and with seven of the top eight left to play; QPR have it all to do.
With just 10 games to go QPR have it all to do The only Premier League draw was played out between Norwich and Wigan, the 1 – 1 score line more useful to Norwich than the Latics, who remain cemented at the root of the table. Indeed Wigan will feel hard done by to not come away with all the spoils, and were left ruing wasteful finishing that meant they were unable to capita-
Didier Drogba celebrating his winner against Stoke, becoming the first African to score 100 Premier League goals
lise on their dominance over the Canaries. Amongst those battling against the drop were Aston Villa, whose win against Fulham has gone a long way to securing their status in England’s top tier next season, as they find themselves 11 points clear of 18th place. The revolution at the Stadium of Light continued, and Bendtner pounced as the ball ricocheted between Reina and the post, to provide the only goal of the match as Liverpool lost to Sunderland. Should Everton claim the scalp of their local rivals in their next fixture, they will leapfrog Liverpool, who would likely be condemned to mid table mediocrity. Were it not for his stature at the club and impressive F.A. and Carling Cup runs, ‘King Kenny’ would surely be under severe pressure for what has evolved into a disappointing league campaign. It will be the Toffees going into that game in the better form, and their victory against Spurs ensured that Harry Redknapp’s men will be looking over their shoulder, with third place consolidation their season objective.
Were it not for his stature at the club ‘King Kenny’ would be under pressure Amongst the pursuers for a much coveted Champions League spot are Chelsea, with the Blues keeping up the pressure on Tottenham and Arsenal courtesy of Didier Drogba. The Ivorian forward skipped past the keeper and notched his 100th Premier League goal to sink Stoke, who in truth had rarely threatened. It was an eventful week in the Barclays Premier League, and with just 10 games to go for most, we may look back on this week’s fixtures as pivotal in determining the fate of clubs at either end of the table.
Another weekend of Six Nations action started with Wales staying on track for a grand Slam with their 24 – 3 win over Italy on the Saturday. However, despite Wales’ domination in both territory and possession against the Azzuri, only two tries - from Jamie Roberts and Alex Cuthbert - were scored by the home side. Italy’s stoic defence kept Wales at bay and will be disappointed they have not achieved more during this championship. Warren Gatland, Wales’ coach, was frustrated by the refereeing and after the game, said “We need to get the message through to referees that they can be positive to the team trying to play positive rugby and reward them for doing that,” “I don’t think everything has to be 100 per cent to the letter of the law. That’s why I’m frustrated. Italy seem to come with a limited game and didn’t allow us to function. There’s nothing illegal about that. I just hope that too many teams don’t win by playing that way.” A win against France in the Millennium stadium would result in Wales’ third Grand Slam in eight years. Across the Irish Sea, despite visiting team Scotland taking an early lead, Ireland managed to take advantage of their chances with a convincing score line of 32 – 14 with a less than emphatic performance. Perhaps it was almost too much to ask for them to replicate their match against France from the week before but for Scotland’s coach Andy Robinson, a disappointing Six Nations continues. Scotland now have four losses from four matches and need a win against Italy to salvage something from their Six Nations championship. After the match, Robinson said “It’s a step back,” he admitted. “It was not good enough.” Sunday and England travelled to Paris with their coach, Stuart Lancaster, the centre of attention. Could this match decide whether he is offered the coaching position on a permanent basis? Lancaster, before the match, stated that ‘it
was a big challenge, but a big opportunity as well. We need to take the Wales game and learn from our disappointment and frustration’. Two English tries in the first 17 minutes were answered only by a single penalty by the French until an unnecessary penalty by Tom Croft enabled the French to make it 6 – 14 after half an hour. At half time, England were only 14 points to nine up after later indiscipline cost England the majority of their lead. The second half saw both teams looking more tired after the first half. Midway through the second half, though, England’s Charlie Sharples was sent to the sin bin by referee Rolland for an offence that was a penalty, but not a yellow card. Rolland believed his attempted intercept was a deliberate knock-on and England were down to 14 men. However, England managed to go the ten minutes without conceding points – due to a forward pass by the French as they closed in on the English line. Yet, as soon as they were back to their full complement, England were penalised on their scrum. Penalty converted, it was 12 – 17 after 65 minutes. Minutes later and England were only two points ahead. Cue a Croft try and England, it seemed, had breathing space. France were not to be written off and challenged the England line once again. With that try, Fofana made it four tries from four appearances for France. A tense final few minutes and England had to defend a two point lead. France attempted a drop goal but it was too short for TrinhDuc.
So, a boost for both England and Lancaster Finally, as the clock went into the red, it was left to Farrell to send the ball skyward and clench England’s third away win in this year’s Six Nations. So, a boost for both England and Lancaster. This young England team and their mentality are undoubtedly positive and yet their indiscipline – giving away 11 penalties to France’s 4 – might have cost them.
Spark* Friday 16 March 2012
sports.spark@reading.ac.uk
SPORT 39
Knights football: Men’s fifths go marching on! By Josh Stedman
The Men’s Football Fifth team find themselves in the last four of the SESSA Intermediate Cup after a 4-3 victory over Middlesex 3’s. Despite an inconsistent league campaign which left them fourth in their respective league, two deserved wins over Bedford College, and now Middlesex sets up an enthralling finish to the season and the chance of silverware.
The Men’s Football 5th team find themselves in the last four Captain Tom Sheppard had some decisions to make prior to kick off as all the squad was fit and available for the vital clash. His selection headache culminated in a strong looking midfield including Jack Evans and Joe Lloyd, and a striking partnership of Alex Berni and Matt Maynard. However, the team did include a debutant in goal – a position which almost every member of the squad has now fulfilled! The first ten minutes were uneventful. Reading were at times pinned back by the wind but were never truly threatened. As the match continued they gained composure and in a momentary lapse of concentration from the Middlesex defence, a throw-in
found winger Chris Maggs in the corner of the pitch. His pace aided him in beating his man and passing directly to Maynard’s feet. Maynard, facing away from goal within the opponent’s six yard box deftly turned, wrong-footed his marker, and fired, left-footed, into the roof of the net. However, Reading were unable to turn their lead into dominance and were immediately pushed deeper and deeper, the defence struggling to cope with the wind as Middlesex continuously delivered balls in behind. Some panicky play in front of the back four, and poor decisionmaking on the part of a few, led to the ball ricocheting towards the keeper. Whilst it at first looked simple, a poor attempt at clutching the ball allowed an onrushing Middlesex striker to tap the ball past him to equalise. The goal was insufficient in rousing Reading from their lacklustre performance and they continued in the same fashion, losing possession far too frequently and not pressing the away side with adequate vigour. Ten minutes after Middlesex’s first, they struck again. The lead was taken due to a mix up after the ball, which should have been cleared long before, was lost in a dangerous area and lofted towards the back post. Neither goalkeeper nor defender could clear it off the goal line, in the end clattering
off both before settling in the net. Reading were fortunate to go in at half-time only a goal down. They had played well within themselves and not displayed the determination which saw them victorious in their last two matches.
The first twenty minutes of the second half were dominated by the home side Half time included a Mike Bassett style speech from a clearly angered Matthew ‘Chopper’ Stott, raised voices from all involved, instructions being suggested left, right, and centre, and a few wise words from Sheppard as he attempted to rally his troops. Whatever was said worked. The first twenty minutes of the second half were dominated by the home side. With the wind now in their favour and their opponents tiring Reading were able to hold the ball for longer and utilise their wide men, Maggs and Sheppard, to greater effect. Also, the inclusion of Brad Charlton, a substitute for Coehurst, strengthened the defence and saw Reading winning far more in the air. Despite Reading’s dominance the away side proved difficult to break down. Middlesex defended
astutely and somehow managed to avoid conceding in a spell of Reading supremacy. In approximately the 55th minute a deep free-kick from full back Josh Stedman found Berni’s head, only to glance over the bar. Just as it looked as though Middlesex had weathered the storm a marauding run into the box from Maggs left a Middlesex defender tripping over his own feet. In the scramble Maggs was obviously brought down and the referee correctly awarded a penalty. Maynard, scorer of the first, confidently slotted home the spotkick to the jubilation of the boys in blue. The goal served only to improve Reading’s play and re-assert their authority just when it looked to be wavering. Good work from midfield maestro’s Joe Lloyd and Jack Evans saw the ball first intercepted and then sprayed to Sheppard on the touchline.
With pace I never knew existed Sheppard flew past his counterpart With pace I never knew existed Sheppard flew past his counterpart and delivered a low cross into the area which Maynard nodded home to complete his hat-trick.
With Reading still in celebratory mood, and with not long to go, they failed to remain alert. Middlesex broke almost instantly and scored a freak goal. In the closing minutes tempers flared and the referee was forced to reprimand a number of players from both sides. One forceful, but perfectly timed tackle from Stott angered Middlesex and sparked a series of dangerous encounters all over the pitch. With not long to go Reading continued to press with hopes of a last gasp winner. Charlton had a golden opportunity to make himself a hero but somehow managed to miss from just a couple of feet out. Fortunately, Man of the Match Maynard capped his performance by adding to his already impressive hat-trick with a winner just minutes from time. Post-match discussion revealed that he had in fact poked it in with his fist but thankfully this evaded the ref’s notice. In the name of all things tactical Sheppard then substituted himself for Jack Dulwich and he slotted into a new look five-man defence which dutifully saw out the end of the match. Although Reading made hard work of it, team-spirit could never be higher, and with the prospect of a semi-final who knows what could happen.
RUCC take on the NSR Sport in Brief Hannah Duckworth
Every year 1000 students from over 40 universities across the UK pack up their paddles and come together for a weekend of kayaking mayhem. This the National Student Rodeo fell on the weekend of the 2nd of March and took place at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. As well as being one of the biggest party weekends of the year (nights out in the ‘party tent’ and fancy dress included) strictly speaking NSR is actually a competition. Kayakers of all abilities go up against each other in a variety of categories from K1, duo, C1, quirt, and even Old Skool - a chance for non-students to show us freshers how it’s done.
Originality and enthusiasm is the aim of the game Points are given not only for skill but for general show-boating nd crowd-pleasing meaning that las-
sic moves like ‘shudder-rudder’, ‘helicopter’, and ‘Harry Potter’ are a must. In fact originality and enthusiasm is the name of the game which encourages a whole host of reckless and crazy behaviour. Why wouldn’t you go over a wave on the back of your friends kayak while it slowly sinks? Or if you really like the attention, why not stand up mid-rapid – you’ll take a tumble but chances are it’ll be worth it!
Group awards such as the highly coveted ‘Spirit of NSR’ are up for grabs Scary stuff? Not at all, NSR boasts an amazing safety team, they are the closest I’ve come to seeing real life super-heroes I assure you! There are also group awards up or grabs such as the highly coveted ‘Spirit of NSR’ which Reading Canoe Club won in 2010. This year we fought fiercely for it but despite maintaining an impressive presence through-out the weekend, we were pipped to the
post by some energetic cartwheelers from Aberystwyth university. We can’t complain though – how often do you get to be part of a 20-rabbit-strong conga line, or a passionate dance-off between a group of bunnies and a group of builders from Southampton university? Overall, we had an amazing weekend involving several ‘swims’, countless energy drinks, non-stop dancing, some leaky tents, some questionable pies, one Rodeo Rabbit doing ‘the shifty shuffle’, and many laughs! If any of this takes your fancy drop us an email at president@ rucc.co.uk and you could be on the water before you know it.
Cameron Humphries
Football AVB Sacked by Chelsea Less than a year into his threeyear Chelsea contract Andre Villas-Boas was sacked by Chelsea football club on the 4th March. Roberto Di Matteo has taken control of the first team on a temporary basis until the end of the season.
Tevez set for Chelsea return? Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has suggested that Carlos Tevez is set to make his first team return against Chelsea on the 21st March.
Moyes celebrates ten years at Everton David Moyes has celebrated ten years as Everton boss this week, the Scotsman being the third longest serving manager in the Premier League behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. Unfortunately Moyes was powerless to stop his side slipping
to a 3-0 victory in the Merseyside derby against a Liverpool side inspired by a Steven Gerrard Hattrick.
Boxing Amir Khan set for Peterson Rematch Amir Khan will fight Lamont Peterson in Las Vegas on 19th May in a rematch of their controversial fight last December. Peterson has labelled Khan ‘arrogant’ while Khan has stated that the fight is ‘make or break for his fight career’.
Tennis Murray Crashes Out at Indian Wells Andy Murray followed up his Australian Open Semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic with an impressive run to the final in Dubai, including a last four victory over world number one Djokovic. However Murray lost the final Roger Federer before crashing out in his opening match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez at Indian Wells.
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Friday 16 March 2012 Spark*
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SPORT RUBC girls quickest university VIII Inside...
University of Reading Director of Rowing Will Rand said: “This was one of the best races yet. It was fantastic to attract such a strong crowd of spectators and we look forward to welcoming back all those who took part for next year’s Head of the River Race.” Over 250 crews took part in the ‘Head of the River Race’ event that has been run by the students of the Boat Club since 1935. It is not only the largest student-run public sporting event in the country but also the fourth oldest and largest head of the river race.
Lewis van Diggele
Reading Knights
The womens’ first VIII secured their claim to being the quickest university crew in the country last weekend at the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race in London. Raced from Chiswick to Putney (the reverse of the Oxbridge Boat Race course), the event saw almost three hundred crews battle it out along the four mile 374 yard (6.8 kilometres) course.
They secured their claim to being the crew in the country
Six Nations round-up
“This was one of the
quickest university
The first VIII led off the time trial in position number one after Reading’s impressive performance last year. However, some more senior crews were lurking behind them and in the end they finished in seventh place overall. The Reading girls dominated their event, being quickest in their ‘Intermediate 1’ category, and winning the University pennant by over eight seconds from closest university rivals Cambridge. Crews from Durham, Newcastle, and Oxford University trailed farther behind.
Reading’s second VIII put in a strong performance to finish 63rd over overall, placing 14th out of the student eights. This is a remarkable result considering that the crew consisted over many of last year’s novices and several of this year’s freshers.
“We’ve been training really hard and it’s great to see it paying off” These performances follow successes earlier in the year both at
the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championship Head and Reading University Boat Club’s very own Head of the River Race, both in February. At the BUCS event held in Peterborough, the girl’s first VIII won gold beating Durham University by over 15 seconds along the 4.5 kilometre course, with Newcastle further behind taking Bronze. This success was followed up the next weekend at the Boat Club’s home event, with the girls first VIII winning their ‘Intermediate 1’ category some 20 seconds ahead of ‘Osiris’, the Oxford University women’s VIII.
best races yet” Also racing at the event were the men’s first and second VIIIs. In the annual battle between RUBC and Reading Rowing Club, named the ‘Phoenix Trophy’, the University came out on top. The men’s first VIII covered the course nearly 30 seconds faster than their town rivals. Men’s Captain Oli Tomalin said: “There is good rivalry between the two local clubs and we are really pleased to claim back the Phoenix trophy in such good style. We’ve been training really hard and it’s great to see it paying off.”
Reading Knights Athletics: Hyde Park relays report Hugo Sheehan
On Saturday the 3rd March Reading University Knights Athletics travelled to London to compete in the Hyde Park Relays event, hosted by Imperial College. This is an annual event which brings together students, running clubs and societies from across the UK and even Europe.
Reading University Knights Athletics travelled to London to compete in the event After waking up to some suspect looking clouds we were greeted by glorious sunshine on our arrival in the capital and little wind which resulted in perfect running conditions. Firstly we headed to one of Imperial College’s buildings to register the three teams that the University of Reading was going to be fielding in the relays.
These consisted of two mixed teams and one women’s team. After sorting the admin, we took the short walk over to Hyde Park and with no messing around decided to set up camp on the bandstand which is raised four foot off the ground and positioned next to the start/finish line. So everyone knew the University of Reading had arrived! The two mixed teams were both made up of six runners, each of whom completed a lap of 5.16km (approx. 3.2 miles), while the women’s team had four runners, each completing a 3.46km lap. Each lap took the runner on one of the most enticing five kilometre courses I have seen, winding around the very picturesque Serpentine Lake and then down to Hyde Park corner. When the first runners were almost back, the next in line would position themselves on the start line with an outstretched hand like a coiled viper ready to be let loose. All three of the Reading teams were placed very well, with the
two mixed teams coming 33rd and 43rd out of 105.
The results of this event were exceptionally good These were exceptionally good results as there was no mixed division, which meant both had to compete against only male teams. The women’s team came a very respectable 23rd out of 33 teams. Congratulations to Aaron Simpson who put in RUKA’s fastest lap of the day, the Simpson Express stormed round the course in an impressive time of 18mins 27secs. After the race it was back to Imperial college to experience the much anticipated post-race jacket potatoes before heading back to Reading following a brilliant day packed with top level performances all round. The Athletics club are making great progress with their Half Marathon Training, with April 1st fast approaching. Their training
Photograph by Laurence Stech included a 9.67 mile route last week, so they’re well on target for the big day. The club recently held a Half Marathon Advice Evening, where coach Nick Bates, Launchpad fundraising representative, Colin Wallace, Sweatshop branch manager Jamie and Mizuno representative Becky came in to speak. Tips for anyone running the 13.1 mile race included practical ones,
such as: write your name on your vest – there’s a brilliant crowd so they’ll give you the extra support when you need it race. Members of the Athletics Club are aiming to raise a total of over £1000 for local charity, Launchpad. The Athletics Club welcomes all abilities of runners and have regular running sessions four times a week – email ruathletics@hotmail. co.uk for more information.