Spark feb 2017

SPARK VOL 1 ISSUE NO. 4

FRIDAY 20th January 2017

NEWS

CHANCELLOR TRUMP

Jonno Simons imagines how Reading would be with a ViceChancellor Trump

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

MENTAL HEALTH DAY

SPORT

WHAT TO EXPECT LEAGUE TABLES Read our review the new hit single Looking for a new society to join?

Selin Esendagli dicusses the significance

by Taylor Swift and Zayn for the Get your bats out — rounders of discussing mental health, and how we much-anticipated film Fifty Shades society has come to Reading can further support our students Darker

UNIVERSITY CHARGES

£750 FOR A KIT-KAT

Credit to: Mark Smith

Following the RUSU Change It! vote in November to Boycott the National Student Survey, students have debated it, the University have opposed it, and The Spark has given you a concise summary of these ‘Two Views’ on Page 9!

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EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK

EDITORIAL

10|02|17

TEAM EDITORIAL

The Spark Newspaper committee has gone through a significant change since our last issue. We think it is right to inform the readers of every significant modification that we face, since openness and democratic principles are at the heart of this student-run newspaper.

'SPARK' TEAM DEPUTY EDITORS Jack Champion Gayatri Menon

deputyeditor@sparknewspaper.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR Will Cole

news.spark@reading.ac.uk

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Caitlan McClinchy

lifestyle@sparknewspaper.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Emer Scully

entertainment@sparknewspaper.co.uk

SPORTS EDITOR

As such, we regret to inform you that our Print Editor has decided to resign. We would like to thank him for his hard work towards the paper, and we wholeheartedly wish him all the best for the future.

At The Spark, we aim to ensure that the information given to you is always reliable and serious, to maintain a level of standardisation and quality of our paper, and this will not change.

For our remaining months with the newspaper, we will not have a new Print Editor until the

appointment of the new committee by the end of this term. The Spark is a collaborative effort, which would not be in print without the work of the whole team, and it will remain this way, despite the loss of one of our committee members.

Credit to: William Cole

As always, we have been working together to make this issue an honourable successor of the hundreds of editions of The Spark that have preceded it – though we cannot do this alone. We are always looking for new – and recurring – writers to contribute to the paper: without you, it wouldn’t exist. Join our Facebook pages, and write for the next issue (it’ll look great on your CV!).

We hope you enjoy this issue and your Week 6.

Media Streams Applications - The Spark Team

George Roberts

sport@sparknewspaper.co.uk

DESIGN EDITOR Nimra Imran

design@sparknewspaper.co.uk

DESIGN TEAM Vicky Matthews Juan Gallego Benot

ONLINE EDITOR Ruth Williams

onlineeditor@sparknewspaper.co.uk

FOLLOW US: @sparkphotographers @thesparknewspaper

@sparknewspaper

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Words from Spark Guest Speaker: Mike Wooldridge OBE "A ringside seat at the unfolding of history" VICTORIA MATTHEWS 2nd Year English Literature

On Monday 30 January, The Spark held a guest speaker event for students interested in journalism, foreign affairs, and life at the BBC. It was with great honour that I, alongside many budding journalists and writers, could attend this event and have a sneak peak into the truly incredible life of Mike Wooldridge OBE. As many readers may already know, Mike Wooldridge has had a long and storied 45-year career at the BBC, mainly working overseas as a foreign and religious correspondent.

In this time, Mr Wooldridge has reported on some of the most important events of the 20th century, including: the death of General Franco in 1975, the 1984 Ethiopian famine, and – arguably the most memorable – the release of Nelson Mandela on the 11th February 1990, all of which Mike referred to extensively throughout his talk.

Wooldridge reminisced of successfully for his first journalist job at his local newspaper in EastAnglia upon finishing school.

After this, he travelled to Uganda with the Voluntary Service Overseas organisation, before applying for a position at the BBC

in 1970. It wasn’t until 1982 that Wooldridge became the BBC East Africa correspondent, resulting in a move to Johannesburg only a year before one of the most important stories of his career.

Credit to: William Cole

Mike spoke briefly of his interview at the BBC for a position as news sub-editor, and despite the fact he arrived with a bloody bandage wrapped around his head as a result of a car accident, this seemed a very fond memory.

Mike expressed how he believed this helped his memorability as an applicant, referring to himself as “the bloke with the bandage,” although, “this should not be taken as interview advice!”

The most stand-out and mesmerising moments of Wooldridge’s talk, for me, was the jaw-dropping hourly account of the 11th February 1990, and the night before, with Nelson Mandela’s release.

As it has been almost 27 years, to the day, since Mandela was freed of his 27 years in prison, the detail that of Mike’s story seemed especially fitting.

With incredible detail, Mike shared his account that included: an announcement the evening before, a speedy drive to the airport, a missed flight supposed to fly him 800 miles before chartering his own flight, a 40km Credit to: William Cole

countryside drive, the hiring of an Africana telecommunications engineer for 24 hours, tapping into an overhead phone line and live broadcasting Mandela’s release from the roof of his rental car.

After his personal account of the horrific 1984 Ethiopian famine and the many months leading up to the disaster that killed over one million people, Mike finished his talk and concluded with a quotation from 5th century BCE Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu. This read: “Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say, ‘We have done this ourselves.’”

Again, on behalf of all students that attended and The Spark committee, I would like to thank Mr Wooldridge for coming in and sharing his experiences.

It was truly fantastic to attend, and definitely opened my eyes to a career in journalism.

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"As it has been almost 27 years, to the day, since Mandela was freed of his 27 years in prison, the detail that of Mike’s story seemed especially fitting" Credit to: William Cole

20|01|17

Local News Bulletin UoR announces the renaming of Systems Engineering Building after former student and aviator Polly Vacher MBE, and the Food Sciences Building will be named after food scientist Professor Harry Nursten, former-Head of Department who passed away in 2011.

This announcement follows plans to honour Prof. Edith Morley at the HumSS Building last year.

The Spark recommends cyclists be show greater awareness and wear protective clothing, after a cyclist and motorcyclist caused a serious collision outside the university gates last week.

Neither of those involved are in critical condition, however injuries have been reported.

Research by Studenttenant.com finds that the area surrounding Reading University has the second highest demand for housing of any university institution, at 53% by their calculations. Only Exeter University is higher, at 63% demand.

Studenttenant.com claim some student areas in the country have seen a 10% increase in demand due to overall drops in available housing stock.

Local MP Rob Wilson is pleased by the University’s withdrawal of application to entirely demolish St. Patrick’s Hall, Wilson said previously, “to press ahead with the wholesale redevelopment of the historic façade and quadrangle would have been a serious and irreversible misjudgement… I look forward to reviewing revised proposals”.

ORDER! ORDERRRR! Speaker John Bercow comes to town with a lot to say about Trump, Cameron and co.

HYDROTHERAPY POOL Local Reading activists take a stand over the Borough Council's decision to close the hydrotherapy centre at RBH.

WILL COLE News Editor

INT'L WOMEN'S DAY A Dr Maddie Davies gives an insight into the events and debate on 8th March.

RUSU ELECTIONS RUSU's Ben Cooper gives the low-down on all this year's election races, and a 2015-16 Impact Report.

NEWS

AS IF BY LUCK… WILL COLE News Editor

It’s curious how some things come to be; whether you find that book which completes your essay at the last minute, someone chooses not to take the last Chicken Caesar Wrap in Campus Central, or a building perfect for providing adequate study space becomes available right in the middle of campus; coincidence can come in handy just when it’s needed.

RUSU, University staff, and students have all expressed concern

in recent months over the library’s protracted refurbishment.

The additional 200 spaces as a result of the £37m four year project pales in comparison to the 400 students who joined us just last year alone. With the project well underway, Education Officer Niall Hamilton amongst others has shown great concern for the academic centrepoint of campus, and whether it could sustain the impact of additional students.

At the same time, conflicts and toing-and-

froing between local and national listing authorities ran in circles over our beloved URS building, and under whose supervision the newly listed building’s refurbishment would take place. As circumstance would have it, the building fell to national authority, adding an extra complication to the process of redevelopment.

And herein lies the luck of this situation. As plans must now be re-drawn for the URS building, the university will be able to do as it will on a temporary basis with the

URS building. It is the Spark’s understanding, from University library employees, that the building will now be used for study space, beginning in the summer exam period, and into next year as well.

One library employee, who will remain anonymous, said “There is quite a large element of luck involved in this situation we find ourselves in, this thankfully takes out the unknowns of not having the URS as a study space asset during the library’s

partial closure”.

Plans for the URS building well now be redrawn to meet national grade-listing standards; the University has not indicated for what period of time the URS building will be used for study space purposes. It is, however, very clear that there has been a large element of luck involved in the situation in which Reading students find themselves with more open study space than possibly ever before, and as the result of unforeseen circumstance.

Credit to: Flickr

A student studying for a Masters' Degree in Meteorology and Climatology at Reading has admitted to possession of indecent images of children and fellow students in court, according to Reading Chronicle. The Postgrad was caught by a friend and has now been sentenced with a community order, instead of prison.

A Reading Biological Sciences Professor, Mark Fellowes, has given advice on why not to put out nuts for birds, as it makes it five times more likely their eggs will be stolen. Fellowes especially advises against peanuts, which are squirrels favourites, as they steal the majority of small bird’s eggs, alongside Magpies and Jays.

The University have published for a new Health & Life Sciences Building at the University of Reading, which will cost more than £50m and provide 7,000sq/m of lab and teaching space. The project includes the demolition of the multiple ‘scattered’ life science buildings, and a new singular site being created.

Reading to Host Internationally-Acclaimed Academic Noam Chomsky in Public Lecture series ALEXIA LAVENDER 2nd Year English Language

The University has announced that they will be hosting world-renowned scholar Professor Noam Chomksy as part of their public lecture series on May 10th. If you study linguistics, psychology, politics or

philosophy, it’s likely that you’ve come across Chomsky’s theories, ideas, and critiques on a wide variety of subjects: it is said that he is one of the most influential scholars alive today, with an academic career spanning 60 years.Professor Jason Rothman, Professor of Literacy and Multilingualism at the University

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of Reading, said, “Whether or not one agrees with any particular ideas, nobody would deny the influence of Professor Chomsky’s work on literally hundreds of scholars throughout the world over the past six decades of his career. As far as academics go, he is the closest thing to a bona fide celebrity that we have.”The subject

of Chomsky’s lecture is ‘Racing for the Precipice: Is the Human Experiment Doomed?’, which will focus on the current state of western democracies. The lecture will pay particular attention to the rise and election of President Trump, the EU referendum and Brexit, and similar movements occurring across Europe.

GENERAL NEWS & COMMENTARY

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

|NEWS

If Trump Were Vice-Chancellor

JONNO SIMONS

2nd Year Politics and International Relations

[Sometime in January] Vice Chancellor Trump walks the few steps up from his chauffeurdriven car to White(knights) House, ready to begin his tenure as Chief Executive of Trump Reading University.

The following briefing lists the activities of the new V-C during his first days in office.

[Disclaimer: Please note all situations presented in this article are hypothetical, and have no bearing on real-world fact, or indeed display the opinion of any RUSU staffmember].

Day 1:

University press officer Tim Mayo states that the Q&A between V-C Trump and RUSU President Ben Cooper was the ‘biggest ever. Period,’ and was angered by the doctored photos of the 12 attendees from ‘fake news’ provider Spark News.

Day 2:

Trump proposes the building of a mostly redbrick wall between Reading University and Reading Town to prevent the local population from walking around the campus and taking up valuable space and resources.

He has been quoted saying, “We’ll build a wall around the campus, [sic] it’ll be a great wall, these Reading locals come here walking their dogs and feeding our ducks, some of them I assume are good people but this will put Reading University students first and most importantly, Reading locals will pay for the wall”.

Day 3:

V-C Trump receives planning permission from the local Council for a 10-storey block of ‘premium’ student accommodation.

‘Trump Townhouses’ will exclusively hold students from the U.K and will feature a penthouse suite occupied by Trump. The accommodation will feature gold-plated toasters, golden showers, and a 25-foot bronze statue of Trump in the lobby.

"‘Trump Townhouses’ will exclusively hold students from the U.K and will feature a penthouse suite occupied by Trump" Day 4

V-C Trump has removed all RUSU webpages concerning BAME History Month and Student Not Suspects.

Trump then called up Professor Tony Downes, the

CEO of University of Reading Malaysia, and badmouths the student placement deal between the universities, before hanging up on him.

Day 5

Following the country’s vote to leave the EU, the ViceChancellor has decided to prevent admissions from all European countries, and to put the ‘United Kingdom First’.

This was to coincide with the closing of the language and history departments. RUSU vows to protest against the ban with a banner drop, and free union tickets to anyone who signs the petition.

Day 6

V-C Trump announces a vast stripping back of funding to the Meteorology Department’s research of climate change.

This funding will now go towards making sure more

University of Reading products are produced here at the University, and not outsourced to other places.

He also announces that the wall around campus will now be financed by an import tax on all products at the University sourced from Reading town, instead of being paid by locals.

The Reading University Senate overrules V-C Trump’s Eastern European ban, stating that is not in line with the University’s antidiscrimination policy. Trump responds by calling them a ‘so called council’ and vows to restore the ban.

"He also announces that the wall around campus will now be financed by an import tax"

Student Q&A with the Vice-Chancellor ALEXIA LAVENDER

2nd Year English Language

On Thursday 26 January, the University’s Vice Chancellor Sir David Bell hosted a second Q&A session with RUSU, to give Reading students the opportunity to hear from and raise any concerns, with issues ranging from accommodation to Brexit to diversity within senior staff. RUSU President Ben Cooper led the session, asking questions posed by students, giving his own input, and opening discussion up to the floor.

In his introductory speech, Sir David touched upon Brexit, the government’s newly implemented Higher Education and Research Bill, and the university’s impressive diversity among students and staff.

The first question asked was about the implications of Brexit on universities, to which the answered was “everything but nothing has changed”. For the

foreseeable future, EU students will have access to the UK loan, and research funding from Europe will be guaranteed for projects started before Britain’s official withdrawal from the EU. With regards to Erasmus, things are uncertain, but there is apparently ‘always a solution’.

"to which the answered was “everything but nothing has changed" A major concern among students is the planned refurbishment for the library, and the disruption that may cause during the exam period and leading up to it. The URS building has recently been nationally listed as of significant architectural interest, and therefore its planned redevelopment has been postponed. Having been emptied

by Construction, who moved to the new Chancellor’s Building, URS will ‘soon be available for

study space and will continue to be available as the library undergoes work’.

A third concern was that of keeping a high quality of teaching at the university, Sir David saying, “It would be foolish to say everything is perfect.”

Course feedback has lately become important in monitoring the standards of lectures and seminars – course reps take local feedback to senior staff in each department, and questionnaires are completed by participants of each module.

On the increase of fees, current students will continue to pay the amount that they already do for tuition; however, from September 2017, new incoming students will pay the increased tuition fee of £9250 per year of study.

Finally, to mark International Women’s Day, the university will hold its annual Edith Morley lecture in March 2017.

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Credit to: Caitlin McClinchy

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GENERAL NEWS & COMMENTARY

|NEWS

Order! Order! Speaker John Bercow causes a stir NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.

Credit to: William Cole

WILL COLE AND HOLLY GIBBS

‘Much, much too young for a Speaker’ was the well-versed phrase during John Bercow MP’s campaign to be elected Speaker of the House of Commons back in 2009. More than seven years in his Speakership, John Bercow came to Reading University to talk about his now-vast experiences at the centre of the last two Parliaments.

Whilst expectations for what visiting politicians will discuss in any detail are usually very low, it would transpire only three days later that not only is Bercow rather honest about his thoughts outside of legislation, but he definitely knows how to hit the national press with a big headline.

Holly Gibbs and I spent the afternoon with Speaker Bercow, discussing a number of topics whilst attending laid-on social events and in preparation for an evening speaking engagement.

The conversation was casual, looking quickly over Bercow’s time at Essex University where he gained a 1st Class Honours in Government.

On the subject of student political engagement, Bercow held the suspicion that student politics has been declining long before he himself went to university: “There are people that

[sic] say that it was not as noisy or as heavily participated in 10 years before when I was in Essex.”

During a classroom discussion later on, Bercow relayed how student priorities had moved on: “The job market is increasingly more competitive and you have to be better qualified than ever before to get the best job and the best opportunities,” and how this caused concern for the student voice in politics.

In the 12-year gap between leaving university and beginning his path to the Speaker’s Chair as an MP, Bercow suggests the best course of action, and the one he took, is “to do something else other than politics first. Whether that’s a career in law, business or public relations”. From the average politician’s view, it’s now more likely to be seen as a negative to simply have a Civil Service or managerial public sector background.

However, after a further 12 years in waiting as a backbench MP, another “completely entitled to their opinion, though obviously not in favour of me winning” suggested that the 46-year old Bercow needed to prove himself yet more. Whilst quizzing him on the best attributes for his potential successor, “a good memory, strong on your feet, and versatile”

were the first thoughts to spring to mind. The question of when this successor could be in the Chair was quickly deflected, Bercow leaning towards 2020’s General Election as the more better time to step down, rather than the previously promised 2018. And up until this point, controversy had run amiss over the course of four hours. Cue the evening Q&A… “I am not looking forward to Mr Trump’s visit” is as short an answer as you can get in a diplomatic tone from the Speaker, who voiced his concerns on Monday over the proposed State Visit later this year. The longer quote was more along the lines of: “It is scary, how such xenophobic,

racist, bigoted politics can come to power; it is not something that has to be tolerated”. A refreshingly honest answer that may be nice to hear from someone of such authority, but not the words many in Parliament would consider adequate, the statement went public Monday.

There have already been calls to force a Vote of No Confidence to the House, a ‘coup-ish’ plot Bercow may find reminiscent of another unhappy time, back in 2015, when a number of the Conservative frontbench put together an 11th-hour procedural vote over Speaker elections.

There were small servings of criticism for the people involved

in response to the question: “Who do you like the least, Cameron or Gove?” It was evident the Speaker thought the plot was “regretful,” but cited the poor relationship he held with the Prime Minister as the catalyst, alongside ‘differing views’ to Chief Whip Michael Gove, whom he repeatedly remarked was “chuntering from a sedentary position”.

Bercow refuses to look beyond 2020, though there is yet to be a Speaker not elevated to the House of Lords upon retirement.

However, bearing in mind Monday’s national coverage of the Bercow’s Trump comment, it looks like he’ll be asking for Order! for quite a while to come.

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NEWS|GENERAL NEWS

Royal Berkshire Hospital Hydrotherapy Pool Closure Confirmed

HANNAH GOOCH 3rd Year BSc Biological Sciences

Hydrotherapy is a type of treatment prescribed to patients with varying joint-related conditions, such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis (MS), aimed at practicing exercises to relieve pain and increase range of movement.

Treatment will normally be within a hospital’s physiotherapy department, with a physiotherapist there to tailor exercises to the individual. Aquarobics and spa therapies could be considered similar, though these are not specialised to the individual to help improve their motility.

Having access to hydrotherapy can be a huge benefit to some

patients, both physically and mentally, giving back freedom of movement and time to work on their own abilities.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital opened their hydrotherapy pool in July 2006, replacing the closed baths at Battle Hospital in 2005.

The pool is used by a range of individuals, but also by groups such as the MS Therapy Support Group, organised by Diane Goodlock. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust have announced the closure of the Pool at the RBH in March 2017, due to current financial demands on the NHS. With only very small numbers of patients being referred to hydrotherapy at the Royal

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

Berkshire Hospital (only 44 by GPs), it has been proposed that the running cost is too high for the few patients it benefits.

The funds needed to keep the facility available would have been taken from frontline acute services, where the current hydrotherapy staff will be relocated to. As an MS sufferer herself, Mrs Goodlock was distraught when she heard the news of the shutting down, suggesting it a ‘false economy’ not to run services like hydrotherapy, and that MS users would ‘certainly deteriorate’.

In a December 2016 meeting with former Acting Chief Executive Mary Sherry and MD Lindsey Butler, Rob Wilson MP

said he was ‘unimpressed with the reasons given for closure’ and ‘the RBH did not provide any robust evidence or proper explanation for taking this decision.’

However, in January 2017, the Trust acknowledged that their decision-making did not engage user-groups and Mr McManus (new Chief Executive of RBH Foundation Trust) has ensured the future decision-making process will take service-user’s points into consideration.

Budget limitations have meant the closure plans are going ahead and the hydrotherapy pool will shut on 31st March 2017, but in the press statement released by Rob Wilson MP, Mr McManus

reassured him that alternative options for patients who engage with hydrotherapy are currently being explored in Reading and the wider area.

After battles from members of the community, charities and organisations to keep the hydrotherapy pool service open, the decision has been made to close the pool for one major reason: there simply isn’t a cost-effective method to keep the service going.

With many transformations taking place in the NHS at this time, we can only hope the decisionmaking processes take all factors into account, not only the funds, but also the people whose lives they improve on a daily basis.

Credit to: Get Reading

Is bacteria the new treatment for brain cancer?

EDD JONES

4th Year BSc Biological Sciences

Ever had food poisoning? Well, Salmonella, a strain of bacteria that causes it, has been used by biomedical engineers at Duke University to fight one of the deadliest and most difficult to treat forms of brain cancer – glioblastoma. The difficulty with glioblastoma is the blood-brain barrier, which is a protective

membrane that surrounds the brain and blocks potential drugs and therapies from reaching the tumour and destroying it. Surgery is also not an option as it is a dangerous operation (the brain has a limited ability to repair itself), which is not always successful and can leave fragments of malignant cells behind that can go on to form new tumours.

Symptoms of glioblastoma are non-specific, and currently patients with basic treatment (such as

chemotherapy and radiotherapy) live around 1-2 years with 10% of patients surviving years after diagnosis.

Therefore, a new aggressive treatment for glioblastoma is a keen avenue of research for many biomedical researchers, and the team at Duke University found an impressive use for the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.

Genetically engineering the bacteria, they

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have managed turn a bacterium that causes uncomfortable food poisoning into a ‘cancer-seeking bomb’ that finds tumours and destroys them. The bacterial cells are engineered so that they produce two compounds, Azurin and P53, that essentially tell the cancer cells to kill themselves via natural processes.

They are also programmed only to do this in low oxygen environments, which is only found

in the area around tumours due to their high activity and high oxygen use. The treatment worked in 20 percent of mice, regressing the tumour and extending their lives by 100 days (around 10 years for humans). This treatment is a huge step forward for a disease that is currently almost impossible to effectively treat and shows how exciting and promising biological engineering is becoming in medicine.

GENERAL NEWS

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

|NEWS

Two Views: Are RUSU Right to Boycott the NSS?

A quick explanation as to the front page of the newspaper. Following the University’s decision the raise fees by £250 following the expected result of the Teaching Excellence Framework metric (of which the NSS is included), it could be considered within reasonable doubt that by filling in the NSS, and receiving a free KitKat, the University would resultantly be able to charge incoming students £750 for a 3-year bachelor’s degree.

[Disclaimer: The views herein represented are not necessarily that of the University, RUSU, or the Spark. The articles were written independently by journalists for Spark’s usage, and convey information deemed important for debate].

Why final year students should Boycott the NSS HRISTINA MIHAYLOVA 4th Year Psychology

This past year you might have come across the hashtag #TEFOFF, seen the cheerleaders spell it out (literally), or even the sign language society signing it on video. What is all this hassle about? Well, in a nutshell the Teaching Excellence Framework (or TEF) is the government’s plan to raise University tuition fees.

To give some background, the government will use metrics such as the National Student Survey (NSS) data from 2016, 2017, 2018, together with data for the number of students who drop out of their courses and employability ratings, to award universities with a gold, silver or bronze status.

Every institution which enters the TEF and receives a medal will be allowed to raise their tuition fees based on their new status.

The NSS was originally created as measurement of students’ satisfaction with their course, and not as indication of teaching excellence. The link between the NSS and raising tuition fees is artificial and used by the government to create a false ‘higher education market’.

What will the effect of increased tuition fees be? To begin with, students from poorer backgrounds

will be unable to afford high quality education regardless of their abilities. In addition, the NUS VP for Higher Education Sorana Vieru believes that the plan will have a negative effect on underperforming universities, which will have to make do with less.

Student Unions around the country have joined the boycott of the NSS. We refuse to fill in a survey that will lead to commercialised education with little regard to actual teaching and learning quality.

There is something that I need to make clear for those of you who fear the possible negative impact of not completing the survey. Contrary to popular belief, boycotting the NSS will not decrease the University of Reading’s rating. It will only reduce the amount of data provided by the University, which will help to damage the TEF and send a clear message that students do not want their feedback to be used to increase fees.

With nothing to lose, we can show the government that we will not cooperate in their plans and our feedback will not be used against us! Join the boycott today by signing up via RUSU or the NUS. We can stop the TEF by working together.

Credit to:University of Reading

Boycotting the NSS will only serve to further restrict the student voice

Silencing feedback will be ‘detrimental’ to future University improvements, and to numbers of prospective students, but will not prevent the TEF. Credit to: NUS

RACHEL WYATT

2nd Year BA Art and Psychology

In protest of the recent ‘Teaching Excellence Framework’ announcement, the NUS and RUSU are calling for a boycott of the National Student Survey, which will only serve to further restrict the student voice.

In short, the TEF proposes to use the information from the NSS to inform, in part, ratings of universities nationwide, resulting in higher rated institutions charging more. It is unclear whether RUSU’s aim by eliminating feedback is to achieve a gold status, thereby increasing fees, or to make tuition cheaper by being awarded bronze. Either way, the student voice needs to be heard so that when the dreaded TEF inevitably goes ahead, ratings are not skewed or based on less student-focused information.

If RUSU is successful in achieving fewer than 50% of students completing the form, the University of Reading will not be ranked. This will prevent the university from gaining valuable feedback, which last year was provided by 75% of students, and is consistently used to inform improvements to facilities, such as our library.

Without the feedback that the NSS provides, the university will not know

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which improvements need to be made, or more to the point, be able to afford them. After students find themselves unable to satisfactorily judge the nation’s universities, numbers of enrolling students to the university could fall.

This academic year, the University of Reading has been able to boast of their 87% overall student satisfaction score; an advertisement which has undoubtedly swayed many of our current students, but that won’t exist should the boycott succeed.

Again, it is not clear whether RUSU aims to make the university look bad, in order to reduce fee increases, but this is the only clear outcome of the boycott. Even if we manage to get a ranking, it could easily be skewed by the more motivated, scorned finalists this year being the only ones who get their voices out there.

Unfortunately, this protest serves no other purpose than to point out that students don’t like tuition fee increases. In fact, the main effects will only be ‘detrimental’ to the university’s students, as Vice-Chancellor Bell pointed out in his official statement, saying that ‘the University strongly opposes RUSU asking students not to give feedback.’

We can only hope that the finalists do not let their praise of the university, and their suggestions, be silenced by this boycott.

NEWS|GENERAL NEWS

Snow Monkeys and Temples DANIEL BENTLEY 3rd Year English Language

We’re well into winter here in Japan, although you can hardly tell in Tokyo at the moment, with clear skies, 16˚C temperatures, and lack of snow! However, there are many locations north and south of the capital where the snow is plentiful and skiing season is at its peak.

One of these areas, around 150 miles north-west of Tokyo, is Nagano Prefecture, which takes an hour and a half by Shinkansen (bullet train), or 3 ½ hours by car if you fancy a much longer, scenic route. Nagano City is famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics where the UK collected one bronze medal – how times have

changed! It’s also situated close to the Japanese Alps – home to many onsen (hot springs), and Zenko-ji Temple. After being built in the 7th Century, it’s one of the oldest temples in Japan. The wooden structure is just incredible and is probably one of the biggest temples I’ve been to so far.

However, the main attraction for foreign and Japanese tourists alike are the snow monkeys in Yudakana Onsen, a short bus ride from Nagano City. After a 45 minute walk on a treacherous icy path with no barriers – British health and safety would have had a field day – finally the thick smell of sulphur was in the air. I’ve never seen so many monkeys in one place all looking so chilled out! However, when Credit to: Daniel Bentley

Whether they were in the onsen, rolling down the snowy banks, or cuddling each other on a rock, the monkeys were just adorable and they couldn't care less of the tourists that came to say hello. Breeding season is during the autumn, so we were lucky to see some little babies clinging on to their mothers and taking a dip in the hot springs. Also, we timed our visit just as it was feeding time, so it was entertaining to watch the monkeys run around with their food. Despite -3°C cold, the trip to Yudakana was totally worth it.

International Women’s Day Talk and Debate

Wednesday 8th March, 6-8pm, Palmer 102 Lecturer in English

Human rights matter to everyone and the principle of equal rights is key to its definition. As Hillary Clinton once said, “Human rights are women’s rights”.

International Women’s Day is an annual opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the world, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the inequalities that stubbornly persist.

With the election of Donald Trump, International Women’s Day has particular resonance this year. On Wednesday 8th March, senior academics from across the University will be giving talks in Palmer 102 on a range of issues connected with equality.

Dr Madeleine Davies is hosting the evening, and will be introducing Professor Clare Furneaux, who will be discussing women and language, Dr Orla Kennedy who will be talking about women and weight, Dr Brian Feltham, discussing the internalisation of harassment and discrimination, Professor Rachel McCrindle, discussing women in male dominated industries such as Engineering, and Dr Mary Morrissey who will analyse the construction of Hillary Clinton in the recent US election campaign.

Following the talks there will be a debate led by members of the audience. This has been lively and fascinating in previous years and staff members have enjoyed talking through the issues with our students.

Credit to: Daniel Bentley

you’ve got an onsen and such cold weather, I don’t blame them! The monkeys are Japanese macaques, but because they are the most common breed in Japan, locals don’t differentiate the breeds and refer to them as ‘saru’.

If there's anywhere I'd recommend anyone to visit in Japan, as whacky and crazy Tokyo is, Nagano really captures the essence of what Japan stands for behind all the capitalism and anime. I can safely say it’s the place where I fell in love with Japan, a moment I don’t think I’ll ever forget; I'm probably going to have to go back and visit again.

DR. MADDIE DAVIES

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

You don’t need to be female or to identify as a feminist to enjoy this event; as we’ve seen on the women’s marches across the US and the UK following President Trump’s inauguration, equal rights is a deeply-felt and fundamental principle held by men and women of all races and faiths.

Come and debate the issues with us and celebrate how far women have come and discuss how far we still have to go.

"You don’t need to be female or to identify as a feminist to enjoy this event; as we’ve seen on the women’s marches across the US and the UK"

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Credit to: Daniel Bentley

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ELECTIONS|INFORMATION ABOUT THE RUSU ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

RUSU’s Presidents summary of the oncoming 2017 RUSU elections…

Elections in three words are, manic, amazing, and emotional.

Running a campaign is such a good experience: planning, getting a team together, and actually getting your teeth into it. It’s like nothing you will have done before. If you are planning on nominating yourself, then my advice would be make sure you wear a good pair of shoes during voting week, as you will do so much walking.

Next, eat and drink lots, as you will also be doing lots of talking, all day and sometimes even late into the night. Next, make sure you sleep. It might sound obvious, but trust me, you will need it.

So, to summarise: plan well, sleep well, eat well, drink well, and, most importantly, enjoy it.

Whether you are a candidate or just voting, get involved and have some fun. There is loads going on, so make sure you don’t miss out: here are a few things I want to highlight.

Full-Time Officer Candidates Question Time: Friday 17th February 6pm Café Mondial, RUSU. Question Time gives students an opportunity to come along and ask questions about candidates’ aims and ideas and find out more about them before the voting period.

Voting Period:

Voting opens Monday 20th Feb and closes Friday 24th. Whether you are running or just voting, make sure you get involved and make this year’s election the biggest ever!

Credit to:University of Reading

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|ELECTIONS

So the real question is, what can you run and vote for? Here is a quick guide to all the roles that are up for grabs President (Full-time):

The President is responsible for ensuring all decisions reached

by RUSU have gone through the democratic process as laid out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws.

The President is also responsible for leading on external affairs, liaising with the National Union of Students (NUS), and will lead on RUSU’s democracy initiatives such as Change It and Student Voice. The president is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees that governs RUSU.

Education Officer (Fulltime):

The Education Officer will work closely with the Advice and Representation department to coordinate academic representation as well as leading on academic campaigns and events. The main aim of the Education Officer is to improve academic experience and maintain strong working relationships with relevant University staff and Academic Reps.

Diversity Officer (Fulltime):

Postgraduate Research Students’ Officer (Parttime):

The Postgraduate Research Students’ Part-Time Officer works to represent the views and interests of all postgraduate research students registered at the University of Reading, within the Students' Union, the University and at the NUS Postgraduate Students' Conference.

Disabled Students’ Officer (Part-time):

The Disabled Students’ PartTime Officer works to defend and extend the rights of disabled students within the Union and the University. They campaign for the equality of all disabled students.

Women’s Officer (Parttime):

RUSU's Women’s Part-Time Officer works to defend and extend the rights of women within the Union and the University.

They campaign for the equality of all women.

The Diversity Officer is responsible for the development of inclusion and diversity initiatives, as well as taking the lead on liberation campaigns. The Diversity Officer will support the Part-Time Officers and help to promote and oversee the campaigns they run.

BME Students’ Officer (Part-time):

Activities Officer (Fulltime):

LGBT+ Students’ Officer (Part-time):

Welfare Officer (Fulltime):

International Students’ Officer (Part-time):

The Activities Officer is responsible for the management and development of RAG (Raising and Giving), Student Media, and all RUSU sports clubs, societies, and volunteering initiatives.

The Welfare Officer is responsible for the development and management of welfare initiatives, as well as taking the lead on welfare campaigns. The Welfare Officer will also liaise with the RUSU Advice Service, supporting and helping to promote their services.

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) Students' PartTime Officer works to defend and extend the rights of BME students within the Union and the University. They campaign for the equality of all BME students.

Undergraduate Mature Students' Officer (Parttime):

The Undergraduate Mature Students’ Part-Time Officer works to represent the views and interests of undergraduate mature students within the Union. They act as a key point of contact for undergraduate mature students within the Union and provide information or signpost where necessary.

Environment & Ethics Officer (Part-time):

The Environment and Ethics Part-Time Officer exists to lead campaigning and awareness raising activities in relation to environmental and ethical issues on campus and beyond.

London Road Students’ Officer (Part-time):

The London Road Students’ PartTime Officer works to represent the views and interests of London Road students within the Union and the University. They act as a key point of contact for London Road students within the Union and provide information or signpost where necessary.

Student Trustees:

Student Trustees ensure Reading University Student Union (RUSU) is well governed, well managed and that we stick to our vision, mission, and values.

Student Trustees are super important because they have responsibility for ensuring that RUSU’s charitable outcomes and strategy benefit all students at Reading.

Undergraduate School Rep:

Undergraduate School Reps represent the student voice on academic matters within each school. They support and lead a team of Undergraduate Course Reps with each school. School Reps work to ensure the student voice is being heard by the University and positive changes are being made throughout every school.

Who is RON?

Now for a quick clarification on the one thing that will appear in each election, the one and only RON: RON stands for re-open nominations. When voting, RON will also appear as a candidate.

You can choose RON as a preference if you feel that none of or the remaining candidates are not suitable for the position.

A first preference vote for RON is a request to restart the election process for this election, rather than electing someone in this election.

Elections are a great time of year.

Campus is buzzing, and there is so much going on. Running a campaign is such a rewarding experience: you meet so many new people during elections and it is like no other week on the university calendar. RUSU is aiming to get more nominations and voter turnout than ever before.

I really hope you enjoy the voting week.

Everything from the brilliant elections special Wednesday Union, right the way through to the seemingly never ending posters across campus. If you have any further questions about elections, please feel free to come see me in RUSU or email president@rusu. co.uk.

I am really excited to be running the elections this year and for once… not running in them!

Credit to:University of Reading

The LGBT+ Part-time Officer works to defend and extend the rights of LGBT+ students within the Union and the University.

They campaign for the equality of all LGBT+ students.

The International Students’ Part-Time Officer works to represent the views and interests of international students within the Union. They act as a point of contact for international students within the Union and provide information where necessary.

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HEALTH

|LIFESTYLE UNIVERSITY MENTAL HEALTH DAY ON 2ND MARCH: ` Be aware of the incredible services available to you at Reading's mental health charity Student Minds.

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CAITLIN McCLINCHY Lifestyle Editor

This Month in Lifestyle: Student Minds and the Un-trendiness of Trends

In most fashion sections of newspapers, you will usually find pieces about trends for the new season. In this issue, Delphine outlines why yellow will be the colour of 2017.

However, the other fashionrelated articles are steering more to a confirmation of the demise of trends and how they are becoming, well, untrendy.

There are so many great charity shops in Reading and you can find pieces that are not necessarily on trend and you get great value for money for good quality fabrics. Influential designer Yohji Yamamoto’s advice on how not to attract the fashion police is to not follow what’s in the mainstream.

Thus, you don’t have to be held back by one trend – but a pop of yellow will certainly cheer you up!

Maeve also nods towards this in writing about John Galliano’s latest collection for

Maison Margiela Artisanal in which the pieces are stripped back to their bare cages and you can see what the clothing’s fabric is made up of.

Also in this issue: Dr. Claire Gregor who is a mental health advisor at Student Minds at the university wrote in about the piece Selin wrote for the last issue commenting on lack of awareness for the services that universities provide to tackle mental health issues.

Selin has written a follow up with comments from Dr. Gregor about the charity and the activities being organised around University Mental Health Day which takes place on 2nd March.

Finally, if you are still wondering what to do for Valentine’s day then why not try out a food delivery box and cook together: see Sarah Udin’s article and how to make a leek, squash and almond risotto!

Margiela Shine MAEVE DE BORDÓNS 1st Year English Literature and Film

John Galliano caused quite a sensation on the runway with his collection this season for Maison Margiela Artisanal.

In that, he strips the garments to their bare cages, to the essence of the piece, allowing viewers to feel what the clothing’s fabric is made up of. He also very cleverly layers pieces of fabric upon fabric, creating a very personal three dimensional texture in the clothing. He plays with dressing and undressing at the same time, obtaining a dreamlike aura of intrigue in the audience.

Every piece is fascinating in its own way, however the one that particularly stands out for

me is the tulle covered trench coat. This piece was the result of a collaboration between Galliano and artist Benjamin Shine. Shine has mastered making three dimensional figures with tulle, and has even collaborated previously with Givenchy. " He also very cleverly layers pieces of fabric upon fabric, creating a very personal three dimensional texture"

For Margiela, he created a face with black tulle, resulting in a mesmerizing unique piece for the fashion house. He has created numerous objects with this fabric, even creating a dance installation with it. It is definitely worth giving the pieces a look, as it reinforces the art of couture and high fashion in our modern society.

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

QUALITY CHARITY SHOP BARGAINS: ` Find out why Robyn Heath's new best friend is called Sue Ryder.

WINTER HAIR TRENDS: After successfully contouring the face, nails and body, hair was the last part to beautify.

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MYTHS ABOUT SUPERFOODS:

are the impressive health benefits we are informed of about foods such as blueberries just a moneymaking marketing tool?

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LIFESTYLE

Get Active for University

Mental Health Day SELIN ESENDAGLI 2nd Year English Literature

On 2nd March, the student mental health charity ‘Student Minds’ will be hosting a University Mental Health Day, with over seventy universities taking part. The day will focus on the relationship between mental health and physical activity, exploring the ways in which students can help manage their mental health and well-being by keeping active.

"The truth is, mental health is an issue that affects everybody" In a previous article, I stated the importance of awareness and the need to remove the stigma that continues to surround ideas about mental health. The truth is, mental health is an issue that affects everybody, with our mental state and emotions continuing to fluctuate from day to day.

This means that providing people with information about well-being and mental health is extremely important, especially for students, with an NUS survey revealing that eight out of ten students (78%) say they experienced mental health issues in the last year. With many students at university often experiencing periods of loneliness or isolation, University Mental Health Day is a great way to show how getting out and taking part in physical activity can help to improve state

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of mind, and to raise awareness of the support that is available to students who struggle with mental health difficulties.

The Student Minds website offers various ideas about how the events can be organised by the students themselves, with the activities designed to make sport an enjoyable and social occasion. This includes ‘Give it a Go Sessions’, which can be made up of short twenty minute classes for beginners, in order to make the activity easily accessible to all students.

There is also the suggestion of a ‘Return to Childhood Sports Day’ that students can organise, including fun activities such as egg-andspoon races, bouncy castles and a tug-of-war, to show how having fun and making sport a social activity can greatly benefit students’ mental health.

"It is important that we support all students holistically, not just those coming through the doors of our department."

The University of Reading will be holding several events for students. Speaking to The Spark, Dr. Claire Gregor, a mental health advisor at the university, explained the importance of raising awareness so that students are aware what services are

available to them: “as you are aware, student mental health is a really important topic, and universities across the country have seen a yearon-year increase in students needing access to counselling & wellbeing services.

"The University of Reading will be holding several events for students.

Speaking to 'The Spark', Dr. Claire Gregor, a mental health advisor at the university, explained the importance of raising awareness" It is important that we support all students holistically, not just those coming through the doors of our department. Thus the message about being active is something that also has a ‘preventative’ message and focuses on positive health promotion across the student population”. The activities will include interactive tasting talks from Food Science focusing on the link between nutrition and brain function, a Mindful Walk in the Harris garden, a talk on drugs & alcohol, activities at the SportsPark, as well as competitions and other activities.

The university wants this to be a fun day for all those who participate, so bringing along some friends can make the events both an enjoyable and social experience!

LIFESTYLE| FASHI ON

A New Love for Charity Shops

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

On a budget? Spending less doesn’t mean less quality.

ROBYN HEATH

2nd Year Biomedical Science

Charity shops are not for everyone. But whilst some don’t like to buy clothes unless they’re the first to wear them and they can tag the brands on their Instagram photos, I love getting a bargain – especially as a poor student.

Coming from a small village in Somerset, the best charity shop I have found is a Barnardo’s in a nearby town where you’d be lucky to find a half decent item of clothing amongst the rags on hangers. There was once

a Mulberry bag in there – I thought I was about to nab a bargain and was perplexed as to why no one had bought it yet (these silly folk, I thought, clearly don’t know a bargain when they see one) but it was actually for sale by auction only. From a charity’s perspective, I can totally see why; but from a selfish and slightly ignorant perspective (and I am definitely neither of those) – why?! Needless to say, I stormed out. Just to reiterate, I’m not selfish or at all superficial, but why would Barnardo’s do that to me?

Credit to: Robyn Heath

Credit to: Robyn Heath

I bought these two together, as I went through a sort of cutesy I-want-tolook-like-Mrs-Clause vibe around Christmas (Tell me I’m not the only one).

Jumper £3, Dress £5.

I got trousers as I thought they were funky in a pyjamacome-workwear kind of way. I also got heckled in the street for looking like a chef.

See, all down to taste. £3.

A Banana Republic dress (down). Need I say more?

Also, it was in the halfWell, I have a new best price sale (charity shops do friend now: Sue Ryder. She that?!). £4. lives on Wokingham Road Credit to: Robyn Heath and I don’t have to walk far to see what she has to offer. And she always has something to offer. I’ve visited at least once a week since we came back in September, and don’t think I’ve left without having bought something. Sure, it’s all down to taste, but I go through quite a few different A turtleneck jumper. It’s phases so I think she’s got it heavy and cosy and 100% all covered. Here are some cotton. £3.50. of my favourites, portrayed the Instagram way…

My friend says there’s plenty of good charity This skirt was probably shops in town too. As proof, the first thing I bought, and here she is in a jumper she it’s 100% real suede. £4. bought for £3.

Credit to: Robyn Heath

"Charity shops are not for everyone. But whilst some don’t like to buy clothes unless they’re the first to wear them and they can tag the brands on their Instagram photos, I love getting a bargain – especially as a poor student."

Impressed?

Maybe you’re not, but I’m too happy with my new best friend to notice. To the generous people, who I can only refer to as saints, that donate to Sue Ryder on Wokingham Road: I thank you. Oh, and it’s also good to know that the money you spend is going to a good cause, whether you’re spending a mere couple of pounds, or you’re bidding for a ludicrously expensive handbag.

Credit to: University of Reading

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Yellow is the New Floral FASHION AND TRAVEL

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

DELPHINE THEVENET 3rd Year Undergraduate

What does spring 2017 has in store for you fashion-wise you ask? Floral prints? As Miranda from Devil wears Prada would put it: ‘Flowers for spring, how original?’

Well, this year yellow seems to be the trend to look out for. Is it because winter always seems tougher than previous years and so people can’t wait for the summer again? Because when you think of yellow, you think of sunshine, warm weather?

Yellow also symbolizes energy and it is exactly what we need to get out of our beds for an early morning seminar.

But yellow is above everything a fashion statement. It’s a colour which is not easy to wear.

Be careful to choose the

right shade or you’re in for a fashion faux-pas to the least.

From haute couture to the most affordable outlets here are a few ideas to take inspiration from.

"But yellow is above everything a fashion statement. It’s a colour which is not easy to wear. Be careful to choose the right shade or you’re in for a fashion faux-pas to the least" Giambattista Valli’s 2017 spring collection took it home with a gorgeous yellow gown, maybe you feel déjà vu? I’ll give you a hint: Emma Watson’s new movie. Beauty and the Beast indeed. If we weren’t already excited to see her in this new movie adaptation, now we can even pretend to

be Belle at the ball and wear yellow.

|LIFESTYLE

Credit to: New Look

Granted not everyone can afford a couture outfit. On a university budget you can still find yellow in most high street shops - like a mustard leather skirt from New Look which can be worn both casually with a simple tee for a rock-inspired outfit. It can alternatively be worn on a night out with a more sophisticated top and heels.

Don’t feel bold enough "Don’t feel bold yet? You can’t go wrong with accessories. A clutch is enough yet? You can’t go the perfect way to bring out wrong with accessories." an outfit without overdoing it. Otherwise, during the to look like a Tesco delivery day a good hue scarf or person, don’t go for the total beanie can really bring out look. Why not try trainers? I find them very fashionable someone’s face. especially on guys. Go for Have you heard about the it gents. Pair with a dark neon trend? Neon yellow is denim and it is perfect for still a thing. But, in order not night outfit.

Wearing a touch of bright colour always energises me.

I hope it will for you too and warm you up a bit until the summer arrives.

Why not try trainers?

I find them very fashionable especially on guys. Go for it gents.

Museums and Boris Bikes: Really Too Young to

London on a Budget

TYLER ZUPIC

2nd Year English Literature and Language

With London being just a short train ride away, it is the perfect place for you and your friends to visit if you have spare time on your hands. Despite some students not daring to venture into London because of its often pricey activities, restaurants and shops, here is a guide to help you have fun in this marvelous place without breaking the bank.

You've just arrived at Paddington Station and now you are wondering where you can go and what you can do without paying too much. How about going to a museum?

The big museums such as The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, The Imperial War Museum, Tate Modern, and many more are free of charge, and easy to locate from Paddington station! You have the time to explore as much or as little of it as you want.

Next thought? Food. Being on a budget does not mean that you will not be able to eat well. Before you sit and eat in the first place you see, do your research and go online to look at the restaurant/cafe menu. Don’t just think of chains, though, you could pick something up from a trendy street-side café for fairly cheap.

"You can hire a bicycle for twentyfour hours for only £2"

bicycles are a great way to get to your destinations quickly and not to mention they are cheap! You can hire a bicycle for twenty-four hours for only £2. You can also ride it as many times as you want within this twenty-four-hour period, so it’s straightforward to dock the bike temporarily whilst doing different things throughout the day.

Credit to:Tyler Zupic

You’ve just eaten a lovely meal, the weather outside is pleasant and you're wondering what to do next. Stroll through one of the many lovely parks in London at your own pace while looking at all the flowers and trees and wildlife that surround you.

be Feeling This Old:

Mountain Lions and Purple Turtles ANONYMOUS

FUNNY STORY. It happened at a bar in town - where most funny stories begin.

It was a chilly Friday night, and the girls were ready to let their hair down for a night out on the town.

Long story short, I met a guy.

It is not often I meet someone randomly with whom I have several things in common. We got to talking, he was attractive, I was attracted. Naturally, we hung out a few times after that night but I began to have suspicions suspicions that he was not who he said he was.

I did my Facebook research then one night (with the help of my housemate), I straight up asked him, “how old are you?”

It turned out to be a whole Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Mariah Carey and Brian Tanaka kind of thing. He was a few years younger than he had initially claimed. At least I hadn’t pulled a Monica Gellar and said I was younger than I am.

When thinking about how to get around, the Santander

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I am “cougar”, he is “toy boy.”

The night he revealed it was the tensest night I’ve experienced in a long time. We were messaging via Facebook and that speech bubble ellipses kept coming and going and coming and going until eventually he revealed “I am 18.”

Quite frankly, I suspected it for a while, so I have gotten used to that fact and I am not bothered by it. He’s intelligent, handsome, and fun. We’re having a good time, why ruin that?

Peace. Time to read Death of a Salesman and brush up on my Trig.

Credit to: Manon Jones

LIFESTYLE| BEAUTY AND FOOD

Winter Hair: Do Care!

One stereotype French have of the UK ladies (sorry gents) are bold hair colour DELPHINE THEVENET

Credit to: Alysha Walker

3rd Year Undergraduate

RIKKI SANDHU 1st Year English Language

Can you feel it? Winter is here!

And if you are anything like me, craving summer and my summer hair because I find my winter hair boring. Or maybe it is being in the UK. One stereotype the French have of the UK women is a bold hair colour. And I must say this stereotype has rung true. Yet what might have been viewed as a ‘don’t’ before coming here, is starting to appeal to me.

But I’m not one to walk into a salon and say “surprise me”. So here are a few trends I think might be interesting to take inspiration from.

Blorange Hair Blorange or blood orange is probably going to be the trend of 2017. It is a mix of red and orange, inspired by the rose gold trend or even the popularity of the peach emoji (hello badass hair). It has already been adopted by some famous celebrities since November but it seems to be making its breakthrough now. I would suggest trying the ombre version for those hesitating to go for the full head. As for those not feeling bold enough (yet) I have a suggestion too.

Contoured Hair After successfully

Princess of Hearts by Vera Wang

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

face, nails and body the only thing missing in the world of beauty was hair-contouring. The concept is to highlight a few strands of hair selected around the face to enhance it by framing it best to its shape. The process makes you look your best by putting highlighting your best features.

It is less damaging than full-on bleaching, which is great since cold temperatures are already putting your ends to the test.

Today I’m going to be reviewing the newest addition to my perfume collection, “Princess of Hearts” by Vera Wang. This product launches in early February, but I was fortunate enough to be given a sneak peek beforehand. I’ll start with the packaging. This glass bottle is in the shape of a heart and has crimson lipstick hearts drawn all over it. The lid resembles a crown and contains super cute pink gems. It retails at £50 for a 50ml bottle, which I think is really affordable considering it’s very long lasting and you only need a little bit to go a long way!

Gloss Finally, for those of you not entirely sure if it is worthwhile, but still wanting to change a little something in your hair I recommend a gloss. It is not permanent, and will bring a gloss a shine if you prefer to it.

Ultimately even if those are trendy, as long as you like how your hair are you will never fall out of fashion.

I feel as if every fragrance has a story behind it. This one is a part of Vera Wang’s #1 “Princess” range and after huge success after the launch of the first Princess bottle in 2006, this launch was definitely long-awaited…

The product is intended to reflect the character of a

princess- feminine, modern, sophisticated and stylish.

The packaging is designed to echo this and show “celebration of love and life”.

This Eau De Toilette spray is described as “exuberant, long, enticing”. it has a very sweet scent and is bright, fresh and florally. Although I feel there is an overwhelming smell of strawberries, the perfume actually

contains watermelon, wild strawberry, bergamot, star jasmine, life of the valley musk, vanilla cream and cedar wood.

The scent is extremely youthful and girly. It would make a perfect birthday present or even Valentine’s day present. I always find that perfumes are either too sweet or too musky, but this is the perfect combination… you can’t go wrong!

Credit to: Rikki Sandhu

Superfoods: Fact or Fiction contouring

Are superfoods real or are they just a marketing tool?

DELPHINE THEVENET 3rd Year Undergraduate

A superfood is a nutrientrich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. However, this term is now regarded as a marketing tool simply used to boost food sales. As of 2007 it has been prohibited to market food as a superfood unless credible scientific research has been carried out to show the specific health benefits that the food provides.

The idea of superfoods is that if you eat a certain food then your health will rocket.

However, dieticians tend to steer clear from this idea and instead stand by the fact that the most proven way to improve your health is to live a healthy lifestyle with a diet that

includes a diverse variety of foods rather than only eating a small number of ‘superfoods’.

One issue found in research into superfoods is that you would need to eat the food in such large quantities to reap the benefits of the chemicals and extracts they contain that it would not be feasible. For example, it was found that you would need to eat 28 garlic cloves to benefit from the nutrient they contain that is suggested to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Aside from the marketing benefits, there are some foods which have been found to have significant health benefits. These include: • Blueberries- these are one of the main foods claimed to have superfood effects.

Research into the exact results of consuming blueberries is

inconclusive but it has been found that blueberries have high levels of antioxidants which help to neutralise free radicals- molecules that are naturally produced in living cells and can damage cellular structures and contribute to aging. Many studies have also shown that consuming blueberries regularly leads to a decrease in blood pressure.

• Beetroot- this vegetable contains nitrates that are converted to nitric oxide in the body which is thought to lower blood pressure. However, dieticians stand by the fact that there are other just as effective ways of reducing blood pressure including being more active and reducing salt intake.

• Oily fish- if you’re looking for a food besides fruit and veg to eat to improve your health then

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oily fish could be your option.

Eating two portions a week keeps your blood pressure at a healthy level and improves blood lipids which lessen risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Broccoli- broccoli contains nutrients including folate,

soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamins C and A and calcium, as well as containing compounds which are linked to preventing the growth of cancer cells in the body. Who knew eating broccoli decreases the risk of getting cancer?

Credit to: Sally Nicholls

Abel and Cole Box (Student) Review LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

SARAH UDIN

4th Year French and German

So, I got asked if I’d like to try an Abel & Cole box, and never being one to turn down food, of course I agreed. My new Abel & Cole Driver, Victor, delivered The OnePot Wonder box to my door, as I found out on a hand-written note, which was very personalised and convenient, and the contents were fresh and beautiful when they arrived. Reading’s delivery day seems to be a Monday, which works perfectly for when you forgot to go to the supermarket at the weekend.

In my box, I got: all of the ingredients for the risotto (which serves 6!!!!) plus 2 oranges, 2 apples, 2 pears and a big bag of parsnips! All I thought was “that’s a lot of fruit and veg to keep me going!”, and not only did it keep for 4 days after opening, it kept its quality and freshness with no problem.

As I’m a student, mostly just cooking for one, I waited for a day when I knew my housemates would want in on a nice, hot, home-cooked meal that was also healthy and unpacked my box after a long day in the library!

The instructions were very clear and easy to follow, and although I would have done a couple of steps in a different order, I made sure to follow the recipe to fully experience the Abel&Cole flavours.

We also found there was going to be too much food if we used all of the risotto rice, so I’ve still got about 100g left over which is a bonus! The sage and the almonds were two flavours I don’t use very often in the kitchen, as I don’t always have them on hand, but my 3 ‘mmming’ housemates all agreed through huge mouthfuls that both the flavour of the sage and the texture of the almonds added something unexpected and greatly appreciated, especially as risotto is one-of my go-to recipes it was nice to learn something new and exciting to improve what I normally make. My only real criticism would be that the recipe took longer than expected from the recipe card, but maybe I’m just a slow chopper…

|LIFESTYLE

Leek, Squash and Almond Risotto: 5-Step-StudentCooking tries a food box

first delivery and 4th box Overall, I would "They have loads free.” recommend getting veggie deliveries like this, as it and loads of different You can also get 50% saves time going to the kinds of vegetable and off your 1st and 4th One supermarket and trying meal boxes available, Pot Wonder box, plus to decide what to cook. with deals on at the a free foodie surprise Although I don’t think when you enter the code it’s particularly cheaper moment such as “Enter the supermarkets, it’s the code HELLO17 for a STUDENT_GRUB at than definitely a way to commit the checkout! These are to at least 2 of your 5 a day free cookbook in your exclusive student deals passing your lips, all while first delivery and 4th so you should really take supporting local organic box free.” advantage. farmers.

Credit to: Sarah Udin

So not only did 4 of us eat good-sized portions, I have some leftover for lunch today, plus leftover risotto rice, the possibility of roast parsnips or soup, enough fruit and veg to counter the alcohol associated The ingredients for the with being a student, and a risotto serving 6 people recipe card so I don’t have to worry about forgetting were: the secrets of this delicious recipe.

2 Leeks,

1 Butternut Squash, 2 Garlic cloves, 2 vegetable stock cubes, 500g risotto rice, 35g flaked almonds, a handful of sage leaves.

FOOD

Cost: £14.50 for One-Pot Wonder box, but they have loads and loads of different kinds of vegetable and meal boxes available, with deals on at the moment such as “Enter the code HELLO17 for a free cookbook in your

19

20

Devil in Disguise Discover the San Wanamaker theatre with all of its darkness and intrigue

Lily Allen Hates Trump When popstars start rewriting songs to express political anger, we know something's up

The Untitled Exhibition Jenifer Green brings her latest art work exhibition to the hallowed halls of Reading Universities Union

Latest Netflix Fix This is not a drill! A Series of Unfortunate Events is back and it's on Netflix as an original series

ENTERTAINMENT

Fifty Shades Darker Single Release

DELPHINE THEVENET

masquerade party featured in Eyes Wide Shut.

The hotly anticipated single for the famed Fifty Shades Darker has been released.

The song is about a lost love which turns into a mild obsession trying to conquer it again, echoing the storyline of the second movie in which Christian tries to get back together with Anastasia.

3rd Year English

The single for the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel titled ‘I Don’t Wanna Live Forever’ is sang by the duet Zayn Malik and Taylor Swift. It was released in December and has been ranked number five in its first week. The single still remains in

The first sentence begins, 'Been sitting eyes wide open', and I couldn't help but notice the allusion the top 20, and something tells me that the movie release will help it climb the charts once more.

The music video was released at the end of January, featuring both artists in a luxurious hotel in dimmed light, at what seemed like a masquerade party. It correlates – without a doubt – to the movie trailer.

The first sentence begins, ‘Been sitting eyes wide open,’ and I couldn’t help but notice the slight allusion to another popular

Not being a One Direction aficionado, Zayn Malik’s

The heavy prescence of drums for the beat throughout makes it ideal for background music

This Month in Entertainment EMER SCULLY Entertainment Editor

Congratulations! You've made it through the first month of 2017 and nothing awful has happened.

To celebrate, go to the cinema, enjoy Valentine's day, and watch Fifty Shades Darker. Go and learn to sign a song, or attend the theatre if you fancy a night of

2nd Year Psychology

I’m so tired of you, America Lily Allen has released a protest song against Donald Trump. It is a cover of Rufus Wainwright’s ‘Going To A Town’. The complementary video shows black and white footage from the Woman’s March in London where Allen performed in the midst of a vigorous crowd holding up Anti-

musical! That's right: they're making it into a musical. I hope you're as excited as me..

Enjoy the issue.

Email entertainment@ sparknewspaper.co.uk if you'd like to contribute to our March issue.

Credit to: Hristina Miyaylova Credit to: Emer Scully

impressive vocal range stunned me. He hits the highest notes in the chorus, and it kind of surprised me to see him do it so smoothly in the music video. Taylor Swift’s voice brings a nice contrast to the song during the second verse.

The heavy presence of drums for the beat throughout makes it ideal for background music on a romantic night or steamy date, so it’s definitely something to listen to on Valentine’s day.

Fifty Shades Darker is set to be released on February 10.

Lily Allen hates Trump?

PAULA THOMAS

high-class entertertainment.

This issue we've reviewed all the best songs to listen to, and albums to buy, so you don't have to.

Art students are creating everyday art displays throughout the month around the student union -- see if you can find them.

We've also got the latest news on the Devil Wears Prada

Trump signs. Wainwright’s lyrics and Allen singing “I’m so tired of you, America” make her message transparent and personal.

'He's got the whole world in his tiny hands' The singer included the song in her Spotify playlist titled: “he’s got the whole world, in his tiny hands”. It can unmistakeably be perceived as a soundtrack of criticism, judging from the image

of Trump labelling Allen’s choice of songs.

"Scotland voted IN you moron" She has repeatedly voiced her political attitudes against the president of the United States of America on her social media platforms in the past. When Trump tweeted about the Brexit vote back in June, congratulating Scotland on having gained back

21

control over their country, Allen replied “Scotland voted IN you moron.” poignantly portrays the current situation in its dark and dangerous manner, hereby underlining that the future we are heading into needs the Lilys The cover version, posted on Youtube, was arranged by Mark Ronson and directed by Bafic. It

poignantly portraits the current situation in its dark and dangerous manner, hereby underlining that the future we are heading into needs the Lilys of this world to stand up against hate and racism and send out signals promoting justice. As the author, essayist, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau put it, in the case of great injustice, you should “let your life be a counter-friction to stop the machine.”

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

THEATRE

| ENTERTAINMENT

Devil in Disguise: Theatre Review ELEANOR DEWAR 1st Year English Literature

the play in dim lighting or in complete darkness only added to the eerie, even frightening atmosphere of the production.

Credit to: Victoria Matthews

Devil in Disguise: Sex, seduction and siblings in this new production of Webster’s Tragedy The Kate Stanley-Brennan White Devil. and Joseph Timms Visiting the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect. Though a candlelit theatre sounds beautiful, I entered the passed out from a lack of oxygen theatre with stories of people who had passed out from a lack of oxygen bouncing around my head. However, as always, Shakespeare’s Globe pulled it out of the bag once more, and I was treated to a night of intrigue, betrayal, and tragedy.

The play itself, The White Devil, set in Catholic Rome, tells the tale of two siblings and their tragic bid for power. It was perfect for this strange and intimate setting.

With a little help from the stage crew, the actors were consistently lighting the candles or blowing them out.

The decision to hold most of

excellently led the cast as Vittoria and Flamineo, with Timms providing endless humour throughout the performance. Flamineo was completely, unpredictably laughing one second, and with Timms providing endless humour throughout the performance

discussing murder the next.

And the repulsive misogyny Flamineo showed even towards his own sister silenced the laughter fairly quickly.

But Stanley-Brennan’s Vittoria stole the show with her interpretation of Vittoria’s infamous monologue. I found her attack on a society which punishes her purely for being female moving. It’s sad that it is still so relevant today.

The play is centred around

both Flamineo and Vittoria Monticelso, who seemingly trying to defy the roles that could do anything and hurt anyone under the pretence unpredictably laughing of religion, and frustratingly goes unpunished as the play society has chosen for them, progresses. due to class and gender, Annie Ryan, the director, respectively. With Flamineo trapped working for men was spot on in portraying half as intelligent as him the lack of faith in a political and Vittoria trapped in an system, which was, all in unhappy marriage, they turn all, a little too close to home to each other. I interpret it as to make for comfortable more of a harrowing play of viewing. But, of course, sibling love than a play of that is exactly what Webster would have wanted. political intrigue.

of questions of morality, religion, and family, whilst updating the issues of a Jacobean tragedy into the terrifying today.

The White Devil runs from Thursday 26 Januaryfabulous costumes Sunday 16 April 2017 at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. jungle home to the most abstract beasts!

Alongside beautiful music The supporting cast were also exceptional. Gary and fabulous costumes, Cooper was brilliant as the The White Devil takes vile and corrupt Cardinal you on a rollercoaster ride

A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix

SONKA HINDERS 3rd Year English and Music

As superstition claims, Friday the 13th might have some nasty events in store, and which date might be better to introduce a new series about three children who become victims of a whole Series of Unfortunate Events?

script is in many cases almost

Violet, Claus, and Sunny a copy of the movie’s, which Baudelaire's parents die takes away a lot of suspense in a fire for viewers who have seen the

is now having a go at it in their latest show, which was released a couple of weeks ago on the last Friday the 13th.

Lemony Snicket's tales about the three Baudelaire children had been adapted to film in 2004

After Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaires’ parents die in a fire, they are hunted by the evil Count Olaf who wants to get his hands on the Baudelaires’ family fortune.

After Lemony Snicket’s tales about the three orphaned Baudelaire children had been adapted to film in 2004, Netflix

The plot is probably pretty much familiar to everyone who has seen the movie, and most episodes do not reveal a lot of new action. In fact, their

Dressed up in pastel colours as if they were on their way to a posh garden party

movie before. New events only start to occur in the last two making Count Olaf utterly episodes of the season. unpredictable. This kind of On social media there softening also holds true for the have been continuous fights Baudelaire children. Dressed about which actor manages to up in pastel colours as if they impersonate Count Olaf more were on their way to a posh successfully – Jim Carrey garden party (unfortunately in the movie or Neil Patrick the steampunk-style of the movie was dropped) and with Harris in the new series. huge, tear-filled eyes, they are Harris’ Count Olaf is designed to be pitied – and purely evil but seems weak in do not have a lot in common comparison to Jim Carrey’s with the movie’s respective over-the-top performance, courageous characters. oscillating between ridiculous The first season of Netflix’s and evil behaviour and

22

A Series of Unfortunate Events seems like a more detailed version of the earlier movie.

Nevertheless, it still succeeds in adding a new kind of humour, involving a lot of irony and puns. It also presents allusions to more exciting unfortunate events that are hopefully bound to occur in season two.

On social media,there have been continuous fights about which actor manages to impersonate Count Olaf

ENTERTAINMENT|ARTS

Untitled Exhibition

I.G. NORANZ 3rd Year Art

Jennifer Green’s Untitled is an imaginative exploration of the unconscious through installation, sculpture, and film, based at

as an escape from the rationality and structure of everyday life

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

Credit to: Jennifer Green

Cherkez, a 3rd year History of Art and Fine Art student, told us: “This experience inspired and enriched my own work, and also helped me fill the time between my lectures.”

The remains of coffee cups, pencil sketches, and egg shells

360. The exhibition consists of an installation of a hotel, bar and a laboratory, an interactive dream journal, and a newspaper titled Swim. This collaborative exhibition is part of a series, with the two films providing a context to the ‘stage set’ of the installation, where Green’s third film will be set.

The installation has an aura of abandonment, as if you have stepped into the building after hours. Indeed, the union seems eerie when we compare it to a Saturday night. Debris connects the rooms, as does the absence of human presence, indicated by the imprint of bodies in the bar logo and hotel room.

The nonsensical narrative – or lack of – in the films, the mix match of sounds, and the absence of direct human presence all create the notion of a hallucination, which brings a surrealist element to the work as an escape from the rationality and structure of everyday life.

In Reading Student Union, the daily lives of students collided with this imaginative installation, disrupting their lunchtime on Thursday, January 26. Tania

a different personality for the space and the objects, which come alive

The remains of coffee cups, pencil sketches, and egg shells all indicate the fragility of human presence and experience, and highlight the location as a stage set for this action – a place that is left neglected and littered afterwards.

Overall, Untitled succeeds as an escape from rationality and

logical narrative. The nonsensical films and strange stage-set of an installation both indicate a different personality for the space and the objects, which come alive in this dream-like environment.

The lack of clear narrative provides a space for the students to connect with their own

unconscious thoughts, meaning that the exhibition is a collective, participatory piece for both the artists and the audience. There is a desire for the installation to create a clear narrative, which frustratingly does not exist.

Elton John to write Devil Wears Prada music

SAM MCNULTY

Kevin McCollum, the brains behind the Broadway project, states: “We needed artists whose The novel and film The Devil work has run the gamut from Wears Prada is set to become a music and publishing to drama new Broadway show, and it has and fashion. just been announced that the production will feature music from five-time Grammy award "Elton John and Paul Rudnick. winner Elton John.

That's all"

2nd Year English Literature & Language

This is not Elton's first adventure into the art of the theatre.

The film, which was released in 2006 and is based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, will feature music by Elton John, and lyrics by seasoned Broadway playwright Paul Rudnick.

A statement from Fox Stage Production’s Bob Cohen and

“We could think of only two

"I'm a huge fan of both the book and the feature film"

Lion King and Billy Elliot, Elton is more than qualified to help turn the comedy-drama into an allsinging, all-dancing affair.

iconic role of fashionable-yetfearful Miranda Priestly, and Anne Hathaway as blossomingwallflower Andrea, the stage cast selected will definitely have some Elton is said to be excited about big (Prada) shoes to fill. his new project, and in a statement revealed: “I’m a huge fan of both the book and the feature film, and a huge aficionado of the fashion world.

"The Broadway production dates are yet to be announced"

“I can’t wait to sink my musical teeth into this hunk of names: Elton John and Paul popular culture.”

Rudnick. That’s all!”

The Broadway production This is not Elton’s first dates and cast are yet to be adventure into the art of the announced; however, with the theatre. Having already worked original film featuring huge names on huge productions such as The such as Meryl Streep playing the

23

Sign a song HRISTINA MIHAYLOVA 4th Year Psychology

The Reading University Sign Language Society is planning to sing sign a romantic song in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Last Christmas, the society did a similar workshop where members and non-members alike learned how to sign ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by the Shaking Stevens in less than two hours. The event was regarded as “good fun” and “a nice way to spend your evening and relax”.

The committee has decided to do another two sing-sign workshops this term: one of them on February 10 from 6 pm in Palmer 108 and another on March 3, same time and place! Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of your past experience with sign language, as everything is taught right there.

Should you want to come and have your say in choosing the song for our Valentine’s Day session, you can do so through the poll advertised on the RU Sign Language Society Facebook page. You can always just come along and see if you enjoy learning sign language.

Who knows, you might end up being an active member in the future.

For more information you can contact the society at rusls1234@ gmail.com.

| ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

Menace Beach: Lemon Memory Review

GARETH THOMAS 2nd Year Philosophy

Leeds-based indie-rock band Menace Beach released their second album Lemon Memory on January 27. like Bleach era Nirvana tanked up on candyfloss and ketamine

NME describes core members Liza Violet and Ryan Needham’s latest project to be “like Bleach era Nirvana tanked up on candyfloss and ketamine”.

This rather accurate analogy describes the grungy alt-rock and psychedelic shoegaze feel of the album. fuzzy distortion and upbeat melodies

This is achieved through the fuzzy distortion and upbeat melodies, paired with the more menacing (pun intended) lyrics like “why do you always sing about death?” and “maybe we’ll all drown”.

The shoegaze vibe becomes evident in ‘Can’t Get a Haircut’, with a heavily pulled back tempo

and a guitar solo that cruises over a mellow drone.

In an abrupt turn the track finishes with much heavier distortion as Violet and Needham scream out the chorus line

The melody here, sang in unison with the guitar, is remarkably simple, which reinforces the relaxed atmosphere.

In an abrupt turn, the track finishes with much heavier distortion as Violet and Needham scream out the chorus line one

last time, inviting a comparison to be made with the grittier altrock of the Pixies and Nirvana. the vocals of the pair work well together

Throughout the album, the vocals of the pair work well together, akin to those of Black Francis and (now former bassist) another reference to the Pixies

Kim Deal, to make another reference to the Pixies. Especially notable is Liza Violet’s laidback,

Everything is Illuminated

by Jonathon Safron Foer MEGHAN HIGGINS

The quotation above is another reason I was drawn to this novel, This novel is everything I love as it seemed to me to be an about contemporary fiction and, interesting way to view the world. to me, the cover on this edition A simple smile, when completely reflects its quirky and talking about a political chaotic nature. For that reason, I candidate, and a frown think you can absolutely be drawn when talking about the in by the cover of this book and other can have a huge not be disappointed when you unravel the story. effect

3rd Year English Literature

A man searching for answers about the history of his family, I feel that this outlook is apparent throughout the novel; I learned to and his translator and tour love how the mood shifted, and guide, Alex how humour was injected in the The two main characters of the most unexpected places. Further novel split into two narratives: a to that, I was surprised how Foer’s man searching for answers about experimentation with grammar, the history of his family, and his in parts, could make me feel so translator and tour guide, Alex. unnerved and immersed in what Alex’s interesting use of broken was happening.

English is (perhaps in a juvenile For fewer than 300 pages, I way) hilarious, adding a very feel like I was taken through a much needed comic aspect. This comedy helps to break up the hell of a lot various heavy parts of the novel, as can be expected with a journey This is a fantastic book and I into family history, especially would suggest to anyone thinking one which, in part, concerns the of reading it to not be put off by events surrounding the narrator’s its switching narrative and to stick Jewish family in the early 1940s. with the novel until the very end.

For fewer than 300 pages, I feel like I was taken through a hell of a lot, and that Foer’s unique I learned to love how the style is something that needs to be mood shifted, and how experienced. humour was injected in the most unexpected places

“I used to think that humor was the only way to appreciate how wonderful and terrible the world is. But now I think the opposite”.

24

echoed, and trippy singing that really comes through on the tracks ‘Owl’ and ‘Hexbreaker II’.

Lemon Memory can be considered a worthy addition to the scene

Menace Beach sound characteristic of today’s neopsychedelia and indie-rock trend, and Lemon Memory can be considered as a worthy addition to the scene.

The band will be touring throughout the UK this February.

Credit to: Meghan Higgins

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ENTERTAINMENT|LITERATURE

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

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

ARIES MARCH 21st-APRIL 20th Aries

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24th- OCTOBER 23rd

Eclipse season is approaching and you’re starting to feel the pressure: these seasons are usually emotional and exhausting, so be warned, and expect drama. Don’t overschedule yourself, but don’t think that you can’t still have fun in the meantime. Once Venus is in retrograde, it will awaken your sense of determination, the perfect time to focus on your dissertation, or any other essays you’ve been avoiding.

libra

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24th-NOVEMBER 22nd

TAURUS APRIL 21st-MAY21st

Taurus

By the end of February, Mars and Uranus meet in Aries, and this triggers big changes in your sign for your social life. However ,once these combine their energy, it creates an explosive power that you must utilise. Use this month as the perfect opportunity to expand your social life and social circles – the new people in your life may be here for a very important reason.

Scorpio

GEMINI MAY 22nd-JUNE 21st

Gemini

It has been a hectic few weeks for you, Scorpio, and though this may continue, you will find that you have started to adjust to the changes that are occurring.

Focus on your significant other right now, and if you’re single, take things slow when a potential relationship arises.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23rd-DECEMBER 21st

For March, Venus will be in retrograde through your symbolic twelfth house, and with this it will encourage you to put an emphasis on things that will create a peace of mind and encourage you to slow down. You may get impatient, but it is important for you to slow down once in a while.

Sagittarius

CANCER JUNE 22nd-JULY 23rd

Cancer

The scales may be symbolic for your sign, but balance is exactly what you’ve been lacking. You may find that you’ve become focused on only one project and that other things and people have been neglected. Focus on creating a schedule to better manage your time and social interactions.

February will be a stressful month for you, Sagittarius, but this does not mean you have not been given the opportunity to transform. You may have found that you’re approaching your academic life with your head in sand, but now is the time to find your inspiration.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22nd- JANUARY 20th

February has and will carry on being intense for you thanks to the eclipses, and it is therefore important for you to put an emphasis on ensuring your home life is kept stress-free in order to preserve much-needed harmony.

Capricorn

You may have found yourself struggling with your relationships with others recently, Capricorn, and it is important for you to continue to try and work on these. Others are not going to wait around forever for you fully to embrace your emotions, and now you may find you need to be sympathetic to the problems you’re closest to facing.

LEO JULY 24th-AUGUST 23rd

leo

Eclipses always bring an end, so many of the big problems in your life will start coming to the end; however, with it, a new door will open.

Don’t be afraid to walk through and start seizing opportunities that arise.

Fortunately, your communication skills will peak, and it will greatly benefit your relationships.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21st -FEBUARY 19th Aquarius

Big changes have occurred recently, but, so far, you’ve been pretty happy with them; you can’t help think they’re ‘meant to be’. Things will continue to change, so focus on conserving your energy for the next hurdles that will occur. Self-care is important, and there’s nothing wrong with taking a step back.

VIRGO AUGUST 24th- SEPTEMBER 23rd

virgo

Mercury is your ruling planet, and its connection with Venus will bring nothing but harmony (thankfully). This month, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, and will find yourself worrying about how much you put into relationships and get from others in return. Find the perfect balance and try to focus on not getting too involved with other people’s lives.

PISCES FEBUARY 20th-MARCH 20th Pisces

26

February 26th is the date for you to remember; a solar eclipse is about to occur in your sign, which may throw things out of swing for you slightly. Soon, a radical change will occur, and it is very important for you to take full advantage of what it will bring.

COMICS & GAMES

CREATIVE CORNER

PUZZLE POINT: Crossword: Across

1 5 8 9 10 11 14 16 18 19 22 23 24 25

Far-off (7) Beforehand (5) Quiver (5) Get (7) Thought (8) Friend (informal) (4) Thing (6) Myth (6) Verbal tirade (4) (University) term (8) Rubbish (7) Once more (5) Tasty (5) Playhouse (7)

Across

1 5 8 9 10 11 14 16 18 19 22 23 24 25

Far-off (7) Beforehand (5) Quiver (5) Get (7) Thought (8) Friend (informal) (4) Thing (6) Myth (6) Verbal tirade (4) (University) term (8) Rubbish (7) Once more (5) Tasty (5) Playhouse (7)

Easy:

Hard:

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|ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS|

SPORT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

Rounders Get involved with Reading's brand new society

Try Something New Second-year kayaker shares his experience of joining a new society

SPORT

Reading Jitsu Make the Grade BEATRICE HELME Reading University Jitsu

During the Autumn Term the Jitsu club got up to a load of awesome stuff, including Regional training sessions, National competitions and members of the club managing to grade successfully with wonderful results.

On the 31st of October, all of the Jitsu clubs within the Thames Valley congregated at the Reading Sports Park for a 4-hour session which proved to be despite the sweat and bruises, both fun and hugely educational. This was followed by a well-earned Halloween social and just a month later we were headed to the Atemi National training and competitions held at the end of November in Sheffield. Here we completed 4 hours of training each morning followed by competitions in the afternoons. Two of our newest students at the time did really well, with Ugo getting through to the second round in the novice competitions, and Roberta placing 5th in the same event. Freddie our club secretary placed 4th in Yellow belt competitions.

On the 3rd of December, numerous members of the club put themselves forward for a grading session, in which they showed off their skills and endurance to its maximum in front of a grading

panel made up of some of the highest-level instructors in the Jitsu foundation. They came out on top with great success across the board, and after collecting some shiny new belts, we celebrated at our Christmas meal in the last week of term.

Since the beginning of the year we have welcomed brown belt Nem as our secondary instructor within the club, as he starts his teaching journey, and with him at our side our aim for this term is to not only reach last term’s level once again, but to surpass it. Already we have had guest instructor, Sensei Ady from Northampton club down to teach a couple of sessions, as well as held a regional Newaza groundwork course here at the Reading Sporks park. We also took park in the first ever Mixed Martial Arts social at Reading Uni which comprised of members from 7 different martial arts clubs across the university meeting each other over a few drinks ending up in a club night. The next couple of months entail a second regional training event with the Thames Valley clubs here in Reading, as well as the Randori Nationals in Northampton and another grading event in which we are hoping numerous other members of our club will be able to put their best foot forward and grade.

Photos by Reading University Jitsu

OLIVIA COTTAM Knights' Archers

Busy Term for Knights’ Archers!

The Knights’ Archers kicked off the Spring term with a club Casino night at Ice house. The archers dressed to impress while playing Blackjack, Roulette, and Texas Hold ’Em poker.

The night was a great success for some archers, many winning prizes; while, for others, the odds weren’t in their favour, resulting in some heartbreaking losses towards the end of the night. However, whether Lady Luck was on their side or not, it was an entertaining and enjoyable night for everyone.

This was the beginning of a busy

28

term for the Knights archers’ who are competing in the annual national competitions BUTC and BUCS indoors in the coming weeks. In addition to the national competitions the finals for the regional league, SEAL also comes to a head this term.

The Knights have a great opportunity to make a splash at BUTC and BUCS, and many members are excited to compete at a national level.

It’s also a very busy term for socials. The Knights are taking part in Archfest, a university competition in the Netherlands, which was a very popular trip last year involving lots of sightseeing and some friendly competition. This trip provides a great opportunity for members of the club

to experience what it would be like to shoot internationally, while travelling and bonding as a team. The club will also be holding an archery tag event just before the end of term. Archery Tag is a friendly combat sport that uses special foam tipped arrows to play combat team games, like paintball but less painful. This friendly tournament will be an exciting way to celebrate and look back on another term with the knights’ Archers.

If the competitive and social nature of the Knights’ Archers appeals to you, check out our Facebook group “Knights’ Archers” or contact us via email at archery@reading.ac.uk

SPORT ON CAMPUS

SPORT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

| SPORTS

Rounders? A Summer Sport?

Guess Again.

HARRIET PACKER

Reading University Rounders

Photo by Reading University Rounders

It’s time to try something new, something different; to get healthy and fit like you promised yourself when the clock struck midnight this New Year’s Eve and you, once again, made another New Year’s resolution. Rounders is a new society starting this year, pioneered by Shannon Aller, a second-year student who loves the game and who was disappointed to learn when she started at the university that there was not a rounders society already here.

For those of you who have never heard of rounders, it is similar to baseball: a bat and ball sport with two teams of nine. It is coached by students for students and is open to all abilities, whether you’ve never heard of the sport or you’ve played it since you were young. The society has a committee of eight enthusiastic students who all love the sport.

Rounders is typically a summer sport as it is outdoors, but not for this team. Practice will be every Wednesday at 2pm on the field opposite the SportsPark where we will train as a group and individually, focusing on throwing and catching the ball as well as hitting the ball effectively and working as part of a team. We will then split into teams

Reading Knights Sailing for Victory Photo by Reading University Sailing Club

and play a game. It is going to be cold; it is still February, after all, so just remember that layers are important. We recommend that you don’t come to practice in just a t-shirt and shorts. Though you’ll soon forget about the cold as we warm up and start practice.

But let’s be honest… it’s not all about the sports. The society is dedicated to helping and maintaining the welfare of the students of the society as well as making sure that the members have a good time, and that’s not just on the pitch.

Like the other societies on campus, socials will of course be organised with themes and pre-drinks. Other non-drinking socials will be organised for members who don’t drink and also so members can get to know each other and socialise without being drunk; these may include movie and quiz nights.

Looking to make new friends? Want to become more active? Want to be part of a team? Look no further: this new society ticks all off those boxes so come along and have some fun. You’ll have a ball! (Pun intended).

Cheerleading Extravaganza!

Photo by Reading Knights Cheerleading

NIA STOKES

Reading Knights Cheerleading

BEN ROLFE

Reading University Sailing Club Reading Knights Sailing have BUSA Team Racing qualifiers on the 4th to 5th Of February. This is a huge event, and, if successful will mean a secure place in the final.

Team Racing involves 3 boats vs another 3 boats on an opposing team. The boats then race each other using tactics and rules to get their team in front. Each team gets an overall score made up of their finishing positions, i.e 1st, 2nd, 5th. On the Reading Knights Team helming are Jack Hardie, Ben Rolfe, and Katie Kinver; and crewing for them are, Tom Murphy, Alex Pimm, and Henry Bright.

We wish the whole team all the best luck and hope for a Reading wwin!

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The Reading Knights hosted an exciting showcase of their competition routines in 3Sixty!

On the 8th of February we came to a union near you for an evening of gymnastics, dance and breathtaking stunts. We had five different squads at levels 1, 2, 3 as well as Match Day & Dance, so it wasa great chance to come and see what our society is all about.

There was also a delicious cake stall courtesy of our coach and resident baker Dee, along with a raffle featuring gifts from local businesses including Victoria Secret Pink!

Each squad performed their routine three times, with showings at 6pm, 6:30pm and 7pm in 3Sixty. Doors were open to anyone who wanted a sneak peak of what we do, and loads of people got themselves down to 3Sixty to watch us take this well-known American sport to a whole new level!

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Try Something New: Kayaking JAKE SHOER

Photos by RKCC

Reading Knights Canoe Club

Starting my second year, I wanted to get involved with one of the wide variety of societies on offer at the university.

With a very small amount of experience kayaking, I decided to partake in one of the taster sessions and see if it was for me. Whilst initially being nervous knowing no one, I quickly got talking to people and felt welcome in the club. By the end of the first session I knew this was the society for me.

Over the first few months, I rapidly integrated into the club forging new friendships with both new and old members alike. What really struck me was the sense of unity at the club, and as the weeks went by I became more and more elated at the fact I had decided to join. By the end of last semester my confidence had grown and was grateful to have met the diverse range of members in the society.

With two river sessions and one pool session a week, I found myself always having something to do, and whilst being highly inexperienced at the beginning I rapidly noticed my technical skill improving. I found myself being encouraged to further my ability in a way that did not feel pressured, with no obligation to go to every session and a laid back approach to teaching. It was clearly apparent that you could push yourself as much or as little as you desired, and this is far from commonplace in a sporting society.

I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of socials hosted by the club in my time there; from themed club nights out, to fireworks and non-drinking film nights, there was something for everyone. With such a large group which I continued to grow closer with these became some of the best nights in my time at the university.

Moving on to what I feel is the greatest aspect of the club, the trips. I have been on three, great value, weekends away since joining. The focus of these trips is paddling white water rivers, something I had never experienced before, and secondary to that a lively Saturday night. It was a thrilling step up from flat water, and a challenge I welcomed. With longer summer trips to Uganda and the Alps in the future, as well as a student canoe festival on the horizon, I find myself always looking forward to something.

My time in the society so far has become a focal point of my university experience, with so much more to look forward to do during my free time. I highly encourage anyone who thinks they may be interested to give it a go; it is one of the best decisions I have made since choosing to study at the university.

Top: The whole team pose together for a photo after a long day kayaking.

Bottom: Jake's teammate Rathy has worked out the secret to kayaking fast: do it on top of a moving car!

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Netball Enter 2017 in Strong Form Photos by Ali Perry

ALI PERRY

Reading University Netball Club

The Autumn term has yet again been successful for the whole of RUNC. Involvement with social players has continue with a rotation of which team takes Sunday social training, giving all the BUCS girls a chance to meet all the social players. It is a massive positive to have a such a big interest in netball as it allows everyone to do a bit of healthy fitness whilst having fun. The socials are also better the more girls that come along, it’s always fun to see the different outfits everyone comes up with for the themed nights (a shout out

to the freshers flower costumes).

The 3rd team continue their winning streak from last year with some massive wins such as their game against UCL with a final score of 61-10. Most of their games last term where home matches, giving the Reading 3rds an advantage. It will be an interesting and exciting next few weeks to see how the team cope with playing away at the different universities.

Most of the 2nds played with each other last year which strengthens the game as individuals begin to understand how each other move and play on court. They are

currently second in their league with only a small point difference between them and the leaders, Portsmouth 2nds. Their last match was away against Portsmouth, only losing by 8 goals. The squad are all training hard so that they can show their potential for the next time they play Portsmouth at home. With the encouragement of our RUNC coach Fiona and the support of our University at a home match a win is defiantly possible.

The 1sts are also doing well with the incredible news that they have made it in to the cup quarter finals. This is so exciting as last year the team were knocked out

much earlier in the competition. Training has been intense with the team also trying to hit the gym and attend fitness classes all to improve their game and chances of making the semi-finals. The match will be against Brunel on the 8th so fingers crossed for the girls. The league is also tight with three teams at the top (including Reading).

The girls are playing well and as the season continues are learning to play as a team better.

All three teams are full of competitive and driven girls so we’re hoping for three league wins and for all teams to be promoted next season.

The Knights March On DAN LLOYD

Reading University Rugby Football Club

After a couple weeks of cancelled and postponed fixtures, the 1st of February marked a rare occasion where all Rugby Union teams had a game.

After a massive 26-11 away victory over Cardiff Met 2's in the cup, putting them through to a crunch Round of 16 Match against Harper Adams, Reading 1's were back to League duty.

Facing a big away clash with 2nd in the table UCL Medics, the unbeaten 1's further cemented their top position with a 19-13 win. Buoyed on with a return by captain Tom Head, tries by Jack Hooper, Jordan

Souter and 1st try of the season by super sub Luke Corbett, Reading 1's are driving forward to the end of the season.

Reading 2's faced a strong London School of Economics 1's side away from home and ultimately lost 36-12. Tries scored

by Oli Circuit and Will Neish. They are now needing a few strong performances to boost their position in the table over the next few weeks.

Reading 3's played Kingston 1's, with them currently placed on the bottom of the table a win was crucial to start climbing the table. A 26-17 victory is a perfect springboard to kickstart the season and marks a double win over Kingston. Double try-scorer Oli Gillin alongside tries from

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Christopher Smith and Henry Maxwell gave the 3's their very promising result.

Reading 4's, with a couple games in hand, travelled to Royal Holloway 2's for a difficult game. Unfortunately losing 25-5 with the 4's try coming from Matt Biggs, the next few weeks will prove even more crucial.

As always, support from fellow university students is greatly appreciated - if you're free or looking for a break from work on a Wednesday afternoon, come down and support our next couple weeks of home fixtures at the Sportspark.

What's On? Wednesday 8th February: Reading 1's v UCL 2's Wednesday 15th February: Round of 16 Cup Clash Reading 1's v Harper Adams 1's Reading 2's v Brighton 1's, Reading 4's v Portsmouth 4's

Archery Tag! The Knights' Archers are organising some exciting events for the rest of the year!

Read inside to find out more.

Netball Read on as the three Knights teams all push for promotion!

SPORT

Photo by Reading Knights Canoe Club

Making a Splash: Second year kayaker Jake Shoer shares his experience of joining a new society, and looks ahead to future trips to Uganda and the Alps on p28.

Abs, Core, and Back: A Fresher's Experience JESS ASHTON Sports Reporter

It’s now 2017. It's the time to get a gym membership and start working on that summer “bod”. Now I already had mine leading up to the New Year; however, one thing I was yet to try was a class. I have always been someone who goes to the gym, does their thing and leaves; but not this time.

Upon our arrival, Hannah (my new

gym buddy) and I realised she was yet to do her gym induction. Therefore, a class was our only option. Having never done one before, I was extremely apprehensive about the prospect of working out in a room with 30 other people, especially in a class that involves abs: my weak spot! Yet I was pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would definitely do it again.

As someone who has not got a strong core, none of the exercises truly defeated

me. I was able to take breather when I needed one and didn’t feel intimidated in the slightest, despite 99% of the people around me being experienced. All of the exercises seemed fun, until the morning at least when I physically couldn’t move, much to my discomfort. I’ve even started including some of them in my own gym routine, which has surprised me as I’m someone who will do anything and everything to get out of doing sit-ups!

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Above all, I would definitely recommend “Abs Core Back”, which is on Fridays at 6pm-6.30pm. Whether you’re looking to improve your core strength or you just fancy doing something different and taking a class, it is a great way to learn new exercises and improve your own technique. This is providing you turn up on time of course and actually plan to attend the session so you can mentally prepare yourself beforehand.