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Miliband: Osama death should be ‘rejoiced’ Conor Bollins Jamie Askew

David Miliband answering questions in Arts A1 Photo: Polina Belehhova

On Tuesday 3 May, former Foreign Secretary and Labour leadership contender, David Miliband, met with University of Sussex students and staff for a question-and-answer session. The event, held in Arts A, filled a lecture theatre to capacity. More than 200 people filled the Asa Briggs 1 lecture theatre and many people who turned up for the event were asked to leave due to overcrowding. Since losing the contest to become the leader of the Labour Party last September, Miliband has visited several universities including Staffordshire University and the London School of Economics, where he lectured on the reasons why centre-left political parties are currently losing elections across Europe. The discussion was chaired by Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at the University of Sussex. Miliband spoke on world affairs for around 15 minutes. He was then asked questions that covered a wide range of topics including the Alternative Vote (AV) referendum and student tuition fees. The event was held the day after the shooting of Osama Bin Laden, which Miliband said should be “rejoiced.” He added that Bin Laden’s assassination provided a massive opportunity for Obama and that it would now be difficult for his Republican rivals to call him soft. This led Miliband to discuss the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He acknowledged that the war in Afghanistan had failed to deal with international terrorism and that, in fact, it had “incubated al-Qaeda”.

He also spoke about Libya and agreed with a member of the audience who suggested that western intervention in the recent ‘Arab Spring’ had been inconsistent. The Labour MP went on to discuss a number of other topics including Britain’s relationships with both India and Russia, human rights in China and the ascendancy of rightwing groups in Europe. In regards to the latter, he described some work he had been doing with a group called ‘Searchlight’ who have been important participants in the anti-fascist campaign. David Cichon, who will be replacing Cameron Tait as President of the Students’ Union later this year, asked Mr Miliband about his thoughts on raising university tuition fees to £9,000. Miliband responded saying: “I think it’s right that graduates pay towards some of the cost of their education. But it’s in the national interest that we have a strong higher education sector and the proposed fee is being driven by the obliteration of the teaching grant.” Miliband himself is an Oxford graduate who studied Politics, Philosophy & Economics – as did his brother after him. Miliband went on to answer further questions from students on various issues. One question concerned the viability of political decisions being outsourced from Parliament. Miliband agreed that it was wrong for MPs to vote on the conditions of their own pay but insisted that, despite current scepticism surrounding British MPs, it was vital for the democracy that politicians retain responsibility. Continued on page 3 >>>

Come to The Badger open writers’ meeting on Fridays, 1.30pm, Falmer House, room 126

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In pictures: Student Pride and David Miliband in Brighton

National Student Pride in Oceana on 30.04.11

Above Left: National Student Pride in Oceana on 30.04.11 Above Right: David Miliband talking in Arts A lecture theatre on campus on 03.05.11 Photos: Polina Belehhova

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Editors-in-chief Juliet Conway Eleanor Griggs

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Coalition divides take focus from ‘real issues’

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News editors Raziye Akkoc Jamie Askew Inês Klinesmith Sam Brodbeck

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Features editors Kieran Burn Joe Jamieson badger-features@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Comment editor Marcelle Augarde badger-opinion@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Letters editor Rosie Pearce badger-letters@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Arts editor-in-chief Olivia Wilson badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Arts editors Joseph Preston Louise Ronnestad Lucy Atkinson Lily Rae Wanjiru Kariuki Jessie Thompson Harry Yeates Samantha Graham Sophie Moonshine Bella Cockrell

Listings editor Olivia James

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Science editors Natasha Agabalyan Thomas Lessware badger-science@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Photo editor Polina Belehhova

Sports editors Matt Stroud Ben Denton

Sub-editors Luke Guinness Sydney Sims Barnaby Suttle

Students’ Union Communications Officer

Sol Schonfield communications@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

The Badger holds weekly open writers’ meetings Fridays, 1.30pm Falmer House, Room 126

David Miliband was questioned by Professor Tim Bale (right) on his foreign policy expertise. Photo: Polina Belehhova <<< Continued from page 1 He rejected the idea of transferring powers to the Bank of England or the Office for Budget Responsibility. The most confrontational question he received came towards the end of the session when a student, angry about the lack of support for interns, challenged the current trend of “slave labour”. Miliband suggested that he didn’t want to see the formalisation of all areas of employment and argued that the current system enables interns to be taken in with the minimum of fuss. He did concede that any placements that lasted longer than three months without pay were unfair. When asked about the future of the coalition government in Britain, Miliband predicted that the union “will last at least another four years.” He added: “The thing about the coalition is that the internal divisions have overshadowed the discussion of real issues.” When questioned about AV he alluded to his defeat during the Labour Leadership contest, saying

“I’ve got more reason than most to be sceptical of some of the drawbacks of AV.” His younger brother, Ed Miliband, defeated him in becoming party leader last year under the AV system. However, Miliband urged all those present to vote in favour of

room that what the British press are currently doing is turning our politics into a soap opera and that what the public really crave is a proper political debate. After the session, Miliband told the Badger that he was delighted with the response he had received

Enthusiasm in politics is alive and kicking at Sussex the proposed changes to our electoral system. He argued that “AV allows you to vote with your heart and your head.” Miliband finished the hour by asking all those who were considering a career in journalism to create an intelligent debate. He told the

saying “the turnout was excellent and so were the questions.” According to Miliband, the large turnout last Tuesday proved that “Enthusiasm in politics is alive and kicking at Sussex.” On whether he was expecting a more confrontational occasion, he said, “I am aware

of Sussex’s reputation as a radical university but I think students are more polite these days.” When asked about whether he thought this was to do with students taking less interest in politics than when he was at university he said “I don’t think there is any evidence for that. When I was at university, the Labour or Conservative clubs weren’t the centre of peoples’ lives and I don’t think they are today either.” Before leaving campus Miliband met with students in Library Square and was interviewed by UniTV. David Miliband recently announced that he was going to step back from frontline politics and concentrate on his constituency, South Shields. Speculation is rife about his possible return to frontline politics in the future. In the mean time, however, he has been looking to follow the path of some his contemporaries, such as Michael Portillo, and has suggested going into television presenting. Watch the video interview with Miliband at: www.unitvlive.com

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Police arrest six people at three Hove squat raids Inês Klinesmith News editor Three squats in the Brighton and Hove area were raided in a joint operation by the London Metropolitan Police and Sussex Police in the morning of Wednesday 27 April. The warrant, issued by the Bromley Court shown at the Sackville Road squat, stated that the objective of the operation was to find someone. At the property, four were taken into the Custody Centre in Hollingbury on the grounds of theft. After thoroughly but “peacefully” searching the property and the occupiers’ belongings, the police found that the residents had been abstracting electricity and called an EDF specialist who confirmed the fraud. “It was very unexpected, but the police was cordial and let us pack up our things before we were taken into custody. They didn’t find anything as there was nothing to find, it was a dry squat, no drugs, no drinking”, said one of the girls. The squatters had already received an eviction notice, but had lost their court case and were moving out soon. They were released after being held for eight hours and no one to interview them. They were warned not to go back to the Sackville property or they could be arrested for criminal damage. Another girl arrested at Sackville said: “I was tired and angry at the end of the day. They took us and didn’t even question us. “They didn’t have evidence and it seems to me that they pretended to be looking for someone just to have an excuse to kick us out, illegally!” According to Section 6 of the Criminal Law Act 1997, unpermitted entry into an occupied house “is a criminal offence […] as any attempt to enter by violence or by threatening violence.” “They are probably afraid of what’s happening around the country, in London and Bristol, and they want to know and have on record anyone living in squats. They took our DNA!”, she

continued. Recently, Mike Weatherley, Conservative MP for Hove, has presented a petition to Downing Street to criminalise “squatting”. At present, squatting is unlawful, but not criminal. According to one of the squatters present at the time in Westbourne Villas, the London Metropolitan Police “burst-in” and welcomed them with “riot shields at the bottom of the stairs”. Unlike what happened at Sackville, while the authorities were searching the property at Westbourne Villas they collected laptops or anything that could contain information and allegedly vandalised a few items in the house, including breaking the strings of a £2,000 guitar that belongs to one of the squatters and busker living in Westbourne Villas. He said: “That was petty vandalism. They deprived people of a place to live and their possessions, which are still there.” According to the residents, the police waited around for Sitex, a security provider for empty properties. “What was a man-hunt ended up being an eviction”, one said. At this property one was arrested and another person was cautioned for possession of weed. A third one was arrested by the Metropolitan Police and taken to London to be questioned in relation with the TUC protest at the end of March and with the black bloc group, a tactic used in demonstrations where protesters dress in black and cover their faces. He was released on bail and warned to stay away from London during the Royal Wedding weekend. The TUC march in London on 26 March joined by over 250,000 people, organisers said and went on without any incidents, except for a separate group where individuals were hiding their faces and who attacked shops and clashed with the police. The raids and arrests appear in connection with anticipated protests against the Royal Wedding and planned May Day demonstrations.

One of the guitars broken by the police at the Westbourne property in Hove Photo: Inês Klinesmith On Thursday 28 April the Sussex Police broadcasted an appeal to the protesters to let them know of their

whereabouts and plans for the May Day demonstrations in Brighton. The police is collecting evidence

relating to the four arrested on the allegations of abstracting electricity. They will be heard on the 21 May.

Activists set up climate camp Inês Klinesmith News editor On Friday 22 April, local climate campaigners occupied the abandoned grounds of St.Anne’s school in Lewes. With the support of 60 campers and numbers peaking to one hundred at times, this initiative brings to view “sustainable living, [offering] a programme of radical education and commitment to undertaking effective non-violent direct action”. The camp has gathered activists from Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth and London. The premises have been divided into different working and living areas, including toilets and shower facilities. The campaigners run workshops

on how to fight against some businesses, guerrilla gardening and sustainable living. One campaigner said: “There is a lot of passion in people at the moment and climate change is a very serious issue. We want to bring in as many people as possible to utilise the space. “These are real climate issues in the area that local people and everyone should be aware of.” Activists at the camp have not disclosed a list of objectives nor when they will target chosen places, but one campaigner assured that action could take the form of occupying buildings or blockading roads. He assured, however, that whichever action they decide to take, that it would be peaceful.

Other mentioned targets include a proposed biofuel plant for Shoreham Harbour, an oil drilling operation in a woodland near Chichester, and the Newhaven incinerator. One Sussex student says: “I think it is wonderful what they are doing. They are using an abandoned school to do something good, I sincerely hope Brighton and Hove locals support this camp because it is fantastic. “From the workshops on sustainable living to the promotion of local products, the camp is a great beacon of what local people can do for each other. After all these riots against Tesco, this camp highlights what is great about local food-sourcing and the community and why we must resist Tesco and big supermarkets.”

Lewes Climate Camp 2011 Photo: Nick Hider

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National Student Pride Ferris wheel to turn brings students together on Brighton seafront Inês Klinesmith News editor Last weekend, between 29 and 30 April, Brighton welcomed National Student Pride for the third time. The official pre-party was held at Revenge nightclub and warmed up students and locals before the main event on Saturday. The Saturday day-time event took place in Oceana and it included a panel discussion, as well as stalls, food and live music provided by Brighton’s Women’s Tent. Leader of the Green Party and MP Caroline Lucas officially opened this year’s student pride and emphasised the idea of a community and non-discriminatory society. She expressed her happiness in being there and promised to attend next year’s event. The Question-Time debate, chaired by Matthew Todd, editor of Attitude magazine, was panelled by Aaron

Porter, the president of the National Students’ Union (NUS), author and former NBA basketball player John Amaechi, Dr. Christian Jessen, host of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies and Aled Haydyn Jones from BBC Radio. After the debate, NUS LGBT presented the UK premiere Beyond Gay: the politics of pride, a documentary film that explores the reality of some places where Pride is still a political protest and where homophobia is ingrained in society. The market place of 40 stalls included services like the Sussex Police and its LGBT liaison officers, Stonewall campaigners, the Green Party, University of Brighton’s student radio and television as well as promoters of the GoGo Festival to take place in Kent during the month of July, Ernst &Young, this year’s Platinum Sponsor of the National Student Pride. The night-time event was divided into three parts. The first one con-

sisted of a pub crawl around some of Brighton’s gay pubs, including R-bar, Charles Street, Legends and The Marlborough. The different groups were then led to Coalition where they saw the acts of Joe McElderry and local band Doll and The Kicks. The after-party was held at Revenge until the morning of Sunday. Next year’s Pride is scheduled be in Brighton again, between the 2-3 March. One student commented: “It was my first time at The National Student Pride and I had a blast. I got lots of information from the stalls, mingled and got to know people from several universities in the country. The pub crawl was fun and everyone had seemed to have a good time.The stewards were very friendly and joined in with us in games and general merriness. I am definitely coming back next year!”

An artist’s image of what the Brighton O would look like. Photo: bbc.co.uk

Ellen Willis

Former Students’ Union Officer, Ciaran Whitehead, gets involved in National Student Pride. Photo: Polina Belehhova

Early May Day protest in Brighton leads to arrests Raziye Akkoc News editor Police revealed that eight people were arrested in early May Day protests in Brighton, East Sussex on Sunday 30 April. It is believed that over 200 people took part in the protests, which involved many groups demonstrating on the streets of Brighton and Hove for the “Plans to Party and Protest by the Sea”. Demonstrators included those from Smash EDO, South Coast Climate Camp, Brighton Uncut, Brighton Anarchist Black Cross, Sussex Industrial Workers of the World, Squatters’ Network of Brighton, Brighton AntiFascists, Brighton Hunt Saboteurs, students, Queer Mutiny Brighton and Brighton Benefits Campaign. There were also a similar number of police officers. Prior to the protest, Sussex Police called for the organisers to get in contact with them, “We welcome people coming to the city to express their views but we are urging those involved to contact us about their intentions.”

The eight arrests included two arrests made on suspicion of failure to remove face masks whilst one person was arrested on suspicion to give up their alcohol. Another two arrests related to the suspicion of using threatening and abusive language and another two happened after a police officer was obstructed and assaulted by members of the public. The last arrest was of a man for his role in a previous demonstration in London on 26 March. The 25-year old man refused to give his address and was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at the TUC march. Of the eight arrested, only four were charged. They will appear before magistrates on 20 May. The early May Day demonstration started at midday on the seafront near the West Pier. What began as a march became a demonstration, and the group was kettled. After this, the group divided into smaller groups. The protest appeared to end at around 4pm but another group were kettled afterwards after they came together outside Topshop and

Vodafone in Western Road. They too were kettled, searched by police and taken to Churchill Square. Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett commented on the day: “We are happy to facilitate peaceful protest and welcome people coming to the city to express their views. “Despite public appeals by ourselves and other people to the organisers to consider the consequences of their actions on the local community and businesses, they failed to co-operate and have been intent on causing disruption. “They refused to follow a procession and broke off into several smaller groups making it difficult for police to provide a safe and secure environment for protesters and the public. “This was the second protest over the two bank holiday weekends and the actions of the protesters could have impacted on shops and businesses during a difficult financial time. “We have to balance the rights of the protesters and the rights of others who want to go about their everyday business.”

Planning permission was given for a 150ft ferris wheel to be erected on Brighton seafront on 27 April. It is expected to be running by the summertime, with plans to attract around 250,000 customers a year. The wheel, named the Brighton O, would cost £6 million and would create 30 full-time jobs. It would be built on the Madeira Drive seafront promenade, opposite The Aquarium. Permission was temporary, with the wheel expected to operate for at least five years, east of the Palace Pier opposite the Sea Life Centre. Despite objections from several businesses and residents, Paramount Attractions, the company planning to operate the ride, will go ahead with plans, although they must first agree to conditions set out by Brighton and Hove City Council. The wheel will be comprised of 36 pods of around six to eight people,

with a total capacity of 280 people at any one time, and rides lasting approximately 11 to 12 minutes. The wheel is expected to boost the local tourism industry and help regenerate the eastern part of the sea front, where there are less thriving businesses than the west. Paramount will be required to ensure minimal noise and take responsibility for adequate public transport to the attraction. A council spokesman commented: “We had to weigh up the pros and cons of this scheme and there were many people making representations on both sides. We felt that on balance the advantages outweighed the disadvantages, especially given that this is a temporary consent. “We’re still hopeful that the i360 viewing tower will be delivered at the West Pier site. “But for now this attraction will bring some benefits to the seafront and help our local businesses through the recession.”

Badger saved in East Sussex pool Ellen Willis

An intrepid local badger made the newspapers in April after falling into a swimming pool in East Sussex. The incident began on Wednesday 27 April, when the badger became trapped in the empty swimming pool on a farm in Hailsham. Despite attempts to tempt the furry critter out, he remained there until the following morning. When the badger would not utilise a plank of wood, lowered in to provide a walkway to safety, rescue services were called to the scene. East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service was called to

the scene and used the combination of a dog grasper and a net to retrieve the animal and return it to its natural habitat on the farmland. Rescue co-ordinator Trevor Weeks stated, “Badgers are never easy to catch at the best of times and this location was not easy especially the nettles.” Despite being frightened and confused, the badger had no injuries. It was released safely after a day under observation at the rescue centre. No doubt the fame-hungry creature would be proud to have made the pages of our appropriately named student paper.

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promises,” politicians’ broken online a variety erate to encourout our website Find us the NUS’s pledge Photo: Tom Wills e- There was also days earlier. in forget to check For the called for echoing Parliament Square at www.th Don’t of Education’. to force a by-election the Future can some students opinions; be found began ofyou called age students this century”. for where an MP the march which can on fees, whilst others co.uk Herea freezelist student demonstration 50,000 people Sussex contingent any of the constituencies online. to vote no writers’ of Economics over School badger e to the with It is estimated that for outright reneges on earlier promises news free education. among at the London subscrib majority of other you took protestors past to rises in tuition fees. also the students and tutors to The (LSE) and joined need march will provide 10 November attended, short-sighted labelled by the Downing Street The Strand. onwhich stories that He said that “These colleges and Last week onWednesday them. The event, Trafalgar nities, square, with an protestors came in a rally the latest all over the number of protescuts to , opportu as ‘Demolition’, ended anger Students on all from updates an unprecedented and Parliament, culminating and self-defeating will Scottish tickets. in London to NUS the Tate Britain. a sizeable and demonstration of be written, must be resisted, they free on Millbank, including tors took to the streets to outside plans to impromptu parties 2000 from forward Porter, and universities and that resistance begins 30 Millbank, country,and an estimated events, Last Thursday looksin Speakers included; Aaron the Conservative HQ, protest against government of be resisted, fees and cut at £1m worth of group general secretary Clockwis The Badger soon.Falmer Hunt, thethe lift the cap on tuition which allegedly caused as well as 14 Wales. Sally Bar e L-R: very full-timeCollege Union today”. you James representatives officer education. even and building, Hickie higher The the seeing election results currentwhere (Activitie There were funding to the University in damage to 2» Operation were announce s officer, Biz s), Indi Hicks (Welfare) Continued on page and 50 arrests. the Republic of Ireland, It was the largest demonstration Bliss, not tol- , Becca Melhuish d. The winners, 500Sussex from war protest injuries of the min- (UCU). stated was will that “we the returning elected by Itisestimatedthataround (Operatio Porter Britain since the anti-Iraq a student-led occupation place some union officer and the President the march, under taken also announce ns), Poppy Firmin (Educatiomembers, will begin in 2003. Aaron Porter, of Students students took part in istry of Finance had d that the majority their full-time n), ‘Sussex: Fighting posts in early of the National Union “the biggest a banner that read of students Ariel Cohen (Commu July this year. it as nications), voted ‘yes’ David Cichon in the referendu (NUS), announced (Presiden m on the Union constitution. t).

Protesters march through Ariel Cohen

The Badger Co-Editor in Chief Before the academic year begins: Spending time planning the editorial angle, style and structure of the newspaper. This may include the following, amongst other things: - Considering how the newspaper will prioritize various types of content such as campus vs. local vs. national news, or student vs. nonstudent. - Considering what prose style different sections should adopt and how that style might adjust to different sections. - Considering whether some sections should be altered or removed and whether new ones should be introduced. - Considering the layout and design of the newspaper; and becoming familiar with the design software used by the editorial team. During the academic year: Reading through the majority of weekly copy before the paper goes to print to ensure there are no factual statements that have not been checked or aspects of design that have not been properly finished. Ensuring that all the editorial sections and individual editors are working smoothly and according to the guidelines given. Consulting section editors on improvements that you or they feel could be made in design or content. Researching other student newspapers and publications to get ideas for ongoing improvements. Badger online Editor in Chief Developing new and innovative ideas for the Badger online and working closely with the web programmer to implement them. Ensuring that all copy has been uploaded onto the website by Monday morning. Researching other websites,including those of other newspapers, to get ideas for ongoing improvements. Web Editors/programmers Maintaining the technical side of the Badger online and working closely with the Badger online editor-inchief to implement new ideas. Working/Practical knowledge and application of HTML, CSS, PHP (5), MySQL, JavaScript, Perl CGI, XML, PHPMYADMIN, Apache and an an understanding of server-side scripting. Prior Webmaster experience in an on-line publication, website or e-zine an advantage. Experience of online blogs, Wordpress being also an advantage. Knowledge/awareness of accessibility and cross-browser constraints and issues in coding. Alongside working with the on-line Editor-in-Chief, to liaise with the Union IT Manager for

You can now apply online to be part of The Pulse (termly online magazine), The Badger (weekly newspaper) and The Badger Online (newspaper website) teams for next year (2011-2012) Working on student media at Sussex provides an excellent and exciting opportunity to bolster your CV for a wide range of future careers and to meet lots of other students, whilst also providing an important information service for both students and staff at Sussex. No previous experience is necessary – just commitment and enthusiasm! For more information and to apply for a position, visit www.sussexstudent.com/media and fill in the application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 20 May 2011 6:00pm. (All positions are unpaid, voluntary roles. You will be working in a close team with other editors, designers, and the Students’ Union Communications Officer. There are multiple positions for many of the posts.)

For further information email communications@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

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various project-related areas within the Badger. News editors Sourcing as much original campus, local and student news as possible and aiming to keep sourcing from mainstream newspapers to a minimum. Developing new and innovative ways of sourcing news on campus and locally. Encouraging writers to come forward with their own ideas for stories. Sourcing graphics and images that will compliment and illustrate articles. Commissioning articles to writers and briefing them on writing style; the angle of the article; possible sources for information and quotes; and ensuring they know the deadline. Editing articles to make sure they are concise and easy to read.Checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Designing the page, including articles, headlines, pull-quotes, pictures and graphics. Features editor

and

Investigations

Researching ideas for features that focus on campus and local issues, or national issues that have a local impact or affect students. The scope for features is very broad and may include subjects of a wide variety, ranging from developments inside the university such as the recent cuts to departments, to national issues such as the election of a new NUS president. Commissioning features to writers and briefing them on writing style; the angle of the story; possible sources for information and quotes; and ensuring they know the deadline. Sourcing graphics and images that will compliment and illustrate the feature. Editing features to make sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Designing the page, including articles, headlines, pull-quotes, pictures and graphics.

Editing articles to make sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Despite constituting opinion writing rather than news, the comment section should still never print an undisputable falsehood. Designing the page, including articles, headlines, pull-quotes, pictures and graphics. Arts Editor in Chief Before the academic year begins: Spending time planning the editorial angle, style and structure of the arts section (see co-editor-in-chief for examples). During the academic year: Reading through the weekly arts copy before the paper goes to print. Ensuring that all the editorial sections and individual editors are working smoothly and according to the guidelines given. Consulting section editors on improvements that you or they feel could be made in design or content. Researching other student newspapers and publications to get ideas for ongoing improvements. Arts Editors Sourcing ideas for articles that focuses on original campus, local and student based visual art/music/ film/performance. The type and style of article may vary greatly, ranging from reviews and recommendations to feature and news style articles of local projects and events. Content is not strictly limited to local art and artistic projects. Encouraging writers to come forward with their own ideas for articles. Sourcing graphics and images that will compliment and illustrate articles. Commissioning articles to writers and giving them sources for research and information. Editing features to make sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Designing the page, including articles, headlines, pull-quotes, pictures and graphics.

Letters editor

What’s On/Listings Editors

Receiving incoming letters and corrections. Occasionally editing letters to make sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Comment & Opinion editor

Collating and publishing information about events and things of interest to Sussex students both on campus and in Brighton.

Receiving incoming comment pieces and commissioning comment pieces to writers when necessary. Sourcing graphics and images that will compliment and illustrate articles.

Science editor Sourcing ideas for interesting and innovative articles that focus on the scientific world. Effort should be made to source articles that relate to the campus, local and student based science communities, though maintaining a local focus may be more difficult than in other sections.

Encouraging writers to come forward with their own ideas for articles. Sourcing graphics and images that will compliment and illustrate articles and other features. Commissioning articles to writers and giving them sources for research and information. Editing features to make sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Designing the page, including articles, headlines, pull-quotes, pictures and graphics. Sports editor Covering the results of all major University of Sussex sports events and commissioning or writing highlights of the week’s top event. Sourcing ideas for a weekly news or feature style article relating to local, campus and student based sport wherever possible. Content is not strictly limited to local sport or sports projects, but these should be the focus wherever possible. Encouraging writers to come forward with their own ideas for articles. Sourcing graphics and images that will compliment and illustrate articles. Commissioning articles to writers and giving them sources for research and information. Editing features to make sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Designing the page, including articles, headlines, pull-quotes, pictures and graphics. Photo Editor Liaising with other Badger editors and photographers to plan, coordinate, take and collect photos to accompany stories and articles in the newspaper. Also to be the main point of contact for photographers and to maintain and update an accessible digital Badger photo bank/archive. Photographers To work with Badger editors and Photo Editor to take photos to accompany the wide range of articles and stories in the newspaper Note: Although no editorial positions on the Badger involve the direct responsibility of writing content, all editors should be aware that the final responsibility for filling their page, individually or collectively, lies with them. As such, it is sometimes necessary for editors to write content at fairly short notice. Generally, good organisational skills on the part of editors should prevent this from happening and many editors freely choose to write regularly for the newspaper, in or outside their own section.

The Pulse Co-Editors in Chief Spending time planning the editorial angle, style and structure of the newspaper, the Editors in Chief have overall responsibility for the content and style of the Pulse magazine. Features Editor With two to three featured articles in each of the three issues of the Pulse each year, this role has a broad remit to look at social, academic, national, international or any topic. The Features Editor will be responsible for the content and style of the features section of the magazine making sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Politics Editor The politics section of the Pulse is one of the most vibratn centres for political debate in student media at Sussex. Politics can cover any area whether it be local or international, the post is open to interpretation. The Politics Editor will be responsible for the content and style of the features section of the magazine making sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Arts and Culture Editor The Arts and Culture section tends to focus on trends in the arts, but never limits itself to the ‘latest thing’. The Arts and Culture Editor will be responsible for the content and style of the features section of the magazine making sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Fashion Editor The Fashion Editor will be responsible for the content and style of the features section of the magazine making sure they are concise and easy to read, and checking facts and/or ensuring that the writer has checked his/her facts. Designers Working in conjunction with the Editors in Chief and the section editors, the designers shape the look of the magazine. Photographers Working with the team to coordinate the photoraphy for the magazine. Working in particular with the Fashion Editor, the photographers will be responsible for all featured original photography.

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letters and emails Library issues Dear Sir/Madam, I thought I’d express my opinion regarding the smoking ban in the library stairs. Would someone explain the logic behind it? Up until last year, we were free to smoke up until the entrance to the library - just like any other building on campus. This was quite convenient, given that when it rains, there is a nice shelter for those of us who need to go through our fix while writing essays/dissertations/ projects. However, starting 2010-2011, the “no smoking” on the stairs signs started appearing. All those who smoked there were told to go all the way down and straight into the protests and flier-distributors of library square. The logic of this is beyond me. Is this some attempt to make us quit because we’re less fit? I can only speak for myself, but it’s not working. Instead of smoking one while down there, I take advantage of the fact that I exercised, and end up smoking at least two before going back to work, resulting in me being in a worse mood. If it rains, there is also no shelter. I’m not trying to imply that smoking is great, but given that quitting smoking will not be happening now - amidst third year approaching deadlines - I really don’t understand why we can’t simply smoke outdoors, if the smoke will not be entering the library.

ways. However, I fail to see what the huge deal is with the odd cup of coffee – all things considered, the occasional smuggled-in cuppa isn’t going to bring the library crashing down around us and I really wish the librarians would just let it go sometimes. For many of us, these last few months are literally among the most stressful of our lives so far and personally, the occasional caffeine top-up as I type away is the only thing that keeps me going. I need something to keep my nerves together; not for someone to swoop down on me and order me out of the library unless I want my drink confiscated. Have these people really got nothing better to do? I have been rudely patronised and threatened too often and once, I was ordered outside for having a coffee, only to return and have the attendant gossiping loudly with a pal at the side of the silent area I was trying to work in. I have also been told there are no cleaners; this is a lie - they come around in the early hours each morning. But even so, I am not a child and I will not spill my drink, nor will I leave my rubbish lying around.

My problem with the library is with the overzealous

Sincerely, Disgruntled Smoker

attendants, the

Dear Sir/Madam, A lot of issues regarding the library have been raised in the Badger throughout the course of this academic year, be it due to the construction, the lack of computers, noisy students or general disorganisation due to the massive restructure. However my problem with it is none of these things; rather, it is with the overzealous attendants, whom my friends and I affectionately refer to as ‘library Nazis’. I appreciate that the rules are in place for good reasons and of course understand that it would be a problem if people were to bring in picnics or takea-

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more important aspect of it: keeping the library free of all beverages that are not “a bottle of water in a plastic, screw-capped bottle” or keeping finalists’ lives as free from stress as possible so we can achieve the highest grades we can? The library is supposed to facilitate our studies, not hinder them. We are perfectly capable of having a cup of coffee, not spilling it, and throwing the litter away afterwards; but if we are to achieve our maximum potential, we need a bit of leeway sometimes. Thus I think that if the librarians indeed have jobs to do, it is probably high time that they did them. Yours, A stressed-out, finalist

caffeine-deprived

Miliband visit Dear Sir/Madam, On the 3rd of May, the former Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, came to the University of Sussex to talk with the Professor of Politics, Tim Bale and answer a series of questions surrounding current affairs and the much debated AV referendum which will have been decided on the 5th of May. The lecture theatre was filled to capacity, a real debate was formed and the questions were both intriguing and up-to-date. Mr. Miliband even directly commented on the university itself when he stated “Enthusiasm in politics is alive and kicking at Sussex”. It was so refreshing to see a politician completely relaxed and informal, able to answer truly challenging and relevant questions. I hope Sussex continues to hold such high-profile but relaxed debates, in a very interesting political era. J.K. Blaking

Nazis’ There is seemingly no good reason, then, for us not to have a drink of coffee while doing our work. So I’ve thought carefully about it, and have come to the conclusion that the Nazis are on some huge power trip; instead of trying to make our lives easier over these stressful few months as dissertation deadline day looms, they are instead making them even more difficult. Of course, they’ll say they have a job to do, but I ask you, what is the

Seagulls tickets Dear Sir/Madam, Having watched the ongoing construction of the new Brighton football stadium, I was looking forward to having the chance of watching the Seagulls on a regular basis, a prospect which was particular exciting given their recent success and promotion. However, my ambitions were

rather disappointed when I found out the prices for season tickets: ranging from £395 to £595, with no student concession. I have to admit that I feel that this is testing fans’ dedication to the limit. These prices are what one would usually expect from Premier League clubs, at least in the recent past. A quick scan of other club websites reveals that BAHFC is charging as much or more than clubs such as West Brom, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City. Surely this is just too far? I find it especially insulting that there is no student concession offered by the club, considering the fact that this is very much a student city and the stadium is situated right next to Brighton Uni’s Falmer campus, and only across the road from the Sussex campus. Of course prices should rise as the team’s performance improves, but the team seems to be punching rather above its weight considering promotion has only just been achieved. While I still hope to attend several matches throughout the year, I think I will have to abandon my season ticket dreams for now, having more urgent needs for my money. Unfortunately, with ticket sales already at an extremely high level, it seems that there is no pressure on the club to lower prices, so a considerable group of fans are likely to be left feeling alienated and disappointed. Yours, Andrew Walters

Unhappy at uni? Dear Sir/Madam, As we return to uni for the last term of this academic year, I’d like to reflect on something which I’ve recently become aware of. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Sussex. My first year seems to me to have been a healthy balance of fun and academia, made unforgettable by the new friends I made in my housemates and coursemates, as well as the excitement of living a life more independent than what I was used to during my school years. I achieved relative academic success without limiting my opportunities to enjoy the fun things Brighton and university life have to offer. However, and somewhat ignorantly, I’ve only

recently become aware of the fact that this may not be true for everyone. Given that all the people that surround me seem to be enjoying uni life as much as I am, I hadn’t spared a thought for those who aren’t having such a good time.

Before now, I hadn’t spared a thought for those who aren’t having such a good time at Sussex After speaking to a student who seemed eager for their university experience to end, I’ve realised how lucky I am. Some students, hopefully a minority, do not manage to find friends in their housemates, or don’t bond as they’d like to with course friends, and some just dislike the course they’ve chosen and feel trapped by financial and time constraints which make it too complicated to change or leave. I find it very upsetting that these kinds of situations exist, and feel that they can’t possibly be inevitable. Our university comprises around 12,000 students, and friends can be met by way of societies, study groups, talks, sports… Although I suppose these unhappy students have probably tried everything, it seems impossible to me that there couldn’t be a way to make their uni experience as great as it should be. Perhaps those students reading this will be rolling their eyes at my naivety, but I feel that even in second or final years, it’s never to late to redeem your time at Sussex. Yours, Andy Hatton

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Barbaric and brutal: Britain’s ugly side Kieran Burn Features editor It is a question which I’ve always felt should present a little more difficulty to the collective British conscience than it currently does: at what point do we prioritise human rights over the punishment of those whom we seek to punish: the criminal; the deviant; the monster? Recent months have catapulted two separate though related issues to the forefront of political debate. First, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg rebuked the UK Government for having thrown into the long grass the issue of the prisoners’ vote in 2005 and secondly, the Government is being forced to amend the law pertaining to the sex offenders’ register following a Supreme Court judgement which ruled that the current system, under which certain offenders are condemned to the register for life, violates human rights legislation. But the people of “Great” Britain are having none of it, with the judgements enraging certain members of the public to the extent that they are now arguing for our withdrawal from Europe to reclaim our sovereignty, such that “foreign” sources cease to have the power to influence British laws. “We are sick and tired of hearing about the human rights of murderers, rapists and paedophiles,” scream the angry mob on loop. “What about the human rights of decent, law-abiding people?” It is populism at its worst, bemoaned by a rowdy rabble which would not appear misplaced at a Sun readers’ convention. “Hang the bastards!” it calls.And indeed, a 2009 survey conducted on behalf of

ECHR, which sets out a list of what are supposed to be inalienable rights. As UK citizens we have a broader experience of living under the rule of law: we have greater access to justice via the right to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, in stark contrast to other major world regions such as Africa, Asia and the Americas, which have no such remedy. If I were a patriot – which I am not – I’d say that this is something we should be proud of as a nation. Instead, our flag-wavers fail to recognise the sacrosanctity of the ECHR; they lament the dilution of our national sovereignty which is forcing us to extend a degree of compassion to our criminals against our will. This is because these bloodthirsty populists subscribe to the doctrine of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’. They fail to recognise that compassion is the most fundamental aspect of a civilised society; that this is the core value upon which the ECHR is based; and that deviating from it would lead to disaster for Britain. The angry mob may well be correct to assert that murderers and rapists demonstrated no compassion; to point out that they failed to respect their victims’ human rights. But they do not recognise that this does not mean that as a society, we should ignore theirs. This is not a justification for capital punishment. Nothing is to be gained and everything is to be lost if as a society we lower ourselves to the level of the country’s murderers and rapists by refusing to acknowledge human rights, like that to life, since compassion and respect for the basic integrity of others are some of the

Not acknowledging human rights, lowers us to the level of our country’s criminals Channel 4 suggested that 70% of the British public are in favour of capital punishment. But the death penalty was abolished decades ago. This abolishment was symptomatic of the onset of a new, more compassionate wave of thought, perhaps first evidenced by the drafting of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in the aftermath of World War II, during which Europe witnessed some of the most atrocious human rights abuses known to mankind. The ECHR was precipitated also by a perceived necessity to demonstrate solidarity to the suppressed people of Eastern Europe; to provide a beacon, showing that there was a hope of regime change; a chance to attain democracy, justice and freedom like that in the West, and to pile on the political pressure to facilitate a move towards this ideal. Thus in the late 1940s, Britain was one of the main countries to contribute to the architecture of the

only things to distinguish us from them. There may well be a huge distinction between allowing criminals to have their life and allowing them to have their vote, but the reason we need to consider giving it to them is because our current system of retributive justice isn’t working. Put simply, we cannot punish criminals indefinitely, and rehabilitation needs to play a greater role in our justice system. It is punishment enough that criminals are deprived of their liberty. It is often quite right that this is the case, particularly when the safety of the public at large is at risk, but if we are indeed a civilised society, we ought to utilise this opportunity to reform prisoners whilst they are detained, rather than cherishing the opportunity to chip away at their human rights, perhaps to even eradicate them altogether by execution. Dostoevsky once said that “the degree of civilisation in a society can

Is modern Britain as humane as we think? Image: brh.org.uk be judged by entering its prisons.” If he entered a British prison today, he would probably be appalled. They resemble overcrowded drug-dens with horrendous living conditions, in which the suicide rate is fifteen times that of the general population; 70% of the prison population suffer from two or more mental health disorders and in which there are 24,000 self-harming incidents per year.Reconviction rates in some prisons exceed 70% and reoffending rates are likely to be even higher. Many people who receive a custodial sentence have spent their entire lives feeling completely disenfranchised from society. Is it really that much to ask that we grant them the tiniest act of compassion; that we engage in the feeblest attempt of rehabilitation: to allow them to believe that their votes are valued whereupon they are released? One of the applicants in a case, known as F, was a 16 year-old who, at the age of 11, raped a six year-old-boy and was subsequently sentenced to 30 months in prison. Currently, a jail sentence of 30 months or more automatically condemns a sex offender to lifelong inclusion on the register with no right to appeal. It was argued that this presented an unjustifiable intervention with F’s right to family and private life under Article 8 of the ECHR, since his inclusion prevented him from playing rugby league and taking a family holiday abroad.The case reached the UK Supreme Court, where five judges ruled that the lack of review in this area was incompatible the ECHR. This is the highest judgement they can give against a law. However, it is not being argued that sex offenders ought to have the right to remove their names from the register; rather, they are merely given the right to appeal after a certain length of time, with the Court asserting that the register itself was an entirely appropriate means of monitoring those who may be a danger to society. However, Lord Phillips, president of the Supreme Court, said that it is obvious that there will be some situations whereby an appropriate tribunal could conclude that an individual has reformed, such that it is right to remove them from the register. Without knowing the specifics of the case, that of F must be one of

these. It is hard to conceive of the circumstances under which an 11 year-old would be driven to rape a younger child. Perhaps he was sexually abused himself. Of one thing I feel we can be sure: 11 year-old children do not wake up one day and decide to rape six-year-olds. At any rate, as F’s solicitor stated, any child who commits such an offence is labelled for life without any consideration being given to the effects of maturity and the opportunity to learn important lessons from previous offences. Under the current law, he will never, for the rest of his life, have the opportunity to question his inclusion on the register. All F was asking for was a fair chance to prove that he had reformed. Indeed, the justices of the Supreme Court maintained that there was no evidence to show that it was impossible to determine which paedophiles and other sex offenders had reformed. Thus one has to conclude that it must be essential in a civilised democracy to provide ex-offenders, child or adult, with a right to demonstrate that they have reformed and have learnt from what might have been a mistake 15 years ago. But that certainly does not mean that they have any right to actually be removed unless a relevant tribunal is convinced that it would be appropriate.As a nation, we need to move away from retributive maxims; away from a return to being as merciless and as cold-hearted as only the cruellest of killers; away from a belief in capital punishment. We need to prevent ourselves becoming a monstrous nation, however – in aid of achieving retribution over the monstrous rapist or paedophile – that is what some sects are blindly intent on seeing us become.Do we really want to place ourselves in these exclusive categories, for the sake of preventing a sex offender from attaining the right to merely appeal his indefinite inclusion on a register? The fact is that human rights should not be something that we can pick and choose from when we see fit.This is why they need to be sacrosanct; entrenched. We cannot begin to chip away at them according to our convenience when a difficult issue arises, like votes for prisoners, and irritates us. If today the UK refuses to comply with human rights provisions and fails to provide prisoners with a vote, let alone if

it withdraws from the ECHR to prevent this, the beacon of freedom and justice is broken, the ECHR is undermined, and tomorrow there is nothing stopping a different country disregarding another provision that it dislikes – perhaps it will reject a judgement forbidding violence against women – and soon, the whole coherence that has been constructed over the past fifty years will crumble at our feet, leaving us to descend back into the bloodshed of the previous thousand. No longer will we be an example for civilians living under more oppressive regimes to strive toward; instead, we would lose the freedoms we have come to take for granted and Britain would be just another vengeful and savage nation. It would become a pariah state; a disgrace to the Western World.Great Britain in recent months has shown its ugly side. We have shown ourselves to be a brutal and unforgiving nation. However monstrous we may consider our criminals to be, we should never underestimate the value of living in a civilised democracy, of which human compassion, the very virtue to set us apart from criminals, is a crucial ingredient. This means that we must facilitate an opportunity for them to reform. And when the ECHR pushes us to do so, we should embrace this opportunity; we should not resent it and resort to drastic measures to avoid following the Court’s rulings. One of the consequences of a comprehensive legal system is that sometimes, we get judgements that we don’t quite like. However, the benefits of belonging to a nation which is a signatory to the ECHR far outweigh the drawbacks. The thought of prisoners having a right to vote may well make the Prime Minister feel physically ill. But what makes me feel physically ill is the fact that many members of the British public would happily see us opt-out of the ECHR, throwing away the very rights we take for granted; the very rights which people across the Middle East and North Africa not only desire, like the people of Eastern Europe before them, but are on the streets demonstrating for and, in the case of Libya, are laying down their lives for. The day we tear up the ECHR will be a sad day not only for Britain; not only for Europe, but for the World over.

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Bin Laden’s death: bitter or sweet? Anthony Byrne My Dad always tells me he can remember where he was, and what he was doing, when John. F. Kennedy was assassinated on 22 November 1963. Likewise, I’m often told by older generations of my family that they can remember where they were when man first set foot on the moon. Momentous occasions indeed. For myself, and others of my generation, I can recall where I was when the momentous events from my lifetime happened. I remember where I was when my Mum came in, crying at the tragic death of Princess Diana. I remember what I was doing when I heard the news of the destruction of the World Trade Centre, and sat in muted shock as the images splashed across every news channel. And in years to come, I will remember where I was when I heard that, after ten years, Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda and internationally recognised ‘face of terror’, was dead. Or maybe not. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days - or are a particularly studious third year with no access to the news - you knew that Osama bin Laden had been killed by US Navy SEALs in Pakistan. It’s pretty big news. But why, I hear you ask, does his passing not sit on my list of ‘momentous occasions’? Surely bin Laden’s death is a triumph for all those opposed to terrorism, to extremism, and a fantastic victory in the War on Terror? I answer simply. No, it is not.Let me clarify. I am in no way lamenting the death of Osama bin Laden, far from it. I believe the world is going to be a moderately safer place without him, and that his death is indeed a significant

Is it distasteful to celebrate Bin Laden’s death? blow to militant Islamic extremism. But, my problem lies in the circumstances surrounding his death, and the inevitable ripple effects bound to come. When I heard about his death, I’ll admit I didn’t believe it. My first thought was, ‘not a chance’. The elusive figure of Osama bin Laden, so demonised by Western media, couldn’t be dead. He had lasted ten years, escaping the wrath of the US and UK militaries - amongst others - always one step ahead of his countless pursuers.

Ten, long years of war, of searching and of frustration. It has taken near enough a decade to bring down a single man, and at what cost? Since George .W. Bush and Tony Blair let loose the dogs of war in 2001, anywhere between 80,000 and 1.2 million civilians have lost their lives in various conflict zones around the world. Over 75,681 Coalition servicemen and women have been killed or injured, and the financial cost to the United States alone is in excess of $1,189,727,530,000 (and

counting). I find myself thinking, as I hope any of you reading this do, that if this is victory, it is bitter, bitter sweet. Having searched the above figures (the internet truly is a student’s best friend) I can’t help but feel more than a little disgusted when I hear about bin Laden’s death being described as ‘justice’. Politicians and public figures worldwide have praised his demise, some going so far as to claim ‘heartfelt gratitude’ at the decisiveness of the action (Tony Blair), his death ‘a welcome milestone’ (Raymond Kelly). Now, stop me if I’m wrong here, but that doesn’t sound like justice in the slightest. It sounds a little too much like a vigilantism, far too akin to revenge.In my mind, justice means due process. Where the guilty, or suspect, are placed in front of a group of impartial peers and tried according to law, their actions laid out for all to see and, after evidence has been considered, to truly attribute blame, and then accordingly, punishment. This quite clearly didn’t happen, the only justice dispensed was a bullet to the head, Judge Dredd ‘judge, jury and executioner’ style. Now, I understand that the US Special Forces involved were storming a hostile compound and they were expecting resistance, that much is clear. But bin Laden was allegedly unarmed, so would it have been that difficult for young, physically fit, and armed Navy SEALs to take custody of an elderly, unarmed man? No. I don’t want to sound like I’m dismissing the bravery or integrity of those servicemen, but I highly doubt they ever intended to let bin Laden out of that compound alive.Perhaps the worst thing about this whole situation, apart from the worrying implications of American concepts of ‘justice’, is that the

news of Osama bin Laden’s death was greeted with jubilation. I understand he was the architect behind a number of atrocities, and he was very much a misguided and rotten piece of work, but even then the carnival-esque scenes coming from American streets and city centres filled me with a distinct kind of revulsion. There is something incredibly wrong, I feel, about celebrating the death of someone, anyone, in such a manner. Granted, Osama bin Laden helped to unleash death and destruction around the world, most tragically and explicitly in NewYork, but does that mean his death has to be less dignified? I’m hardly rooting for bin Laden, but the thought of a nation celebrating the execution of a single man is distasteful, if not downright offensive.Nonetheless, America has ‘got their guy’. The Islamic fundamentalist ‘Bogey-Man’ of the last decade is dead and gone, laid to rest somewhere in the Arabian Sea. But, and this would be my biggest problem I find with Osama bin Laden’s death, what happens now? Al-Qaeda won’t simply pack up and call it a day, bin Laden, whilst nominally in charge of the organisation, never actually ran it day-to-day, so his death, whilst a blow, has few genuine ramifications. The horrible fact is that the death of bin Laden could very easily create a power vacuum amongst the leadership of al-Qaeda, and cynical as it is to suggest, whoever takes up bin Laden’s mantle has some very, very big shoes to fill. America may have finally managed to bring a close Osama bin Laden’s chapter in the War on Terror with a typically ‘Gung-ho’ manoeuvre, but I fear the next chapter is going to be far, far worse.

The Sussex Library experience Marcelle Augarde Those who can’t do, teach and those who can’t teach, work in the library. Select students will know that there is an element of truth in that, according to a ‘rumour’, which circulated not so long ago about a sacked tutor who was then placed in the library as a shelf stacker. Working long hours under artificial light and running on bad coffee made this tutor mutate into one of the many nocturnal trolls that sniff your desk for Snicker wrappers. Recently there has been a surge of complaints about the library staff at Sussex, who apparently do not feel fulfilled in their role as keeper of knowledge, and outwardly strive to be litter-pickers or dustbin men. As everybody knows, eating and drinking is the most legitimate procrastination there is. A muffin takes up two hands. Why is it then the library staff don’t recognise your need to eat in order to avoid work? They’ve clearly avoided work (real work) their entire lives, so you’d think they’d be sympathetic. Standing at the top of the steps, they fancy themselves of the bouncers of the worst club in the world. On some days it’s like the library

have decided they’re not a library anymore- they are Oceana, and we must down our drinks before entering. I’ve seen many a student burn their oesophagus for the pleasure of a librarian... On the plus side, there will be no hot beverages in the building. Apart from the ones they serve in their own establishment of course, and from that space station disguised as a coffee machine. The coffee machines baffle me. Who knew that the day we said “but sir, we’ll never need to know Algebra in real life” would come back to haunt us. You have to solve a bloody equation just to release the teabag, and the end result isn’t drinkable unless it’s 3am and even the non-drinkable tap water is starting to look good by that point. Another thing that irks me about Sussex library, is that it’s such a parade. People don’t go there to study, they go there to flick their hair into people’s faces and perch on a lap with an upside down book in one hand. This only really occurs in the ‘socializing’ area on the first floor, where non-rahs and people who aren’t “yaah sooo hungover” tend to avoid. Of course, any library is a sexual melting pot for twenty-

somethings and anywhere with low-lighting and you’re forced to whisper will most likely end in something elicit. This area is particularly exposing if there’s someone you’re trying to avoid, which let’s be honest is always the case. The number of times i’ve purposefully wandered into the chemistry section and stood perspiring behind the bookshelves until it’s safe, are countless. Having mocked the people who go to the library not to study, i rarely do much of that either. However it is extremely uplifting to walk past an acquaintance with a huge pile of books, one of which you intend to read, and exchange the “it’s a hard-knock life” look. In fact there are some things that i do enjoy about the library. It’s overall state of cleanliness, for instance. It has to be about one hundred times more hygienic and comfortable than my own house, which is always a relief to step into. The feeling when you get a PC after waiting an hour and you think, i am never, ever leaving this desk. When you’re in til 4am and it feels like you’re “breaking the rules” even though it’s because of your extreme ill-planning of work and time man-

Visiting the library is a test of endurance Photo: rochford.gov.uk agement. Once you get to third year however, and you’re getting old, the all-nighter’s begin to wear you down. I recently tried to stick it out til 9am and ended up leaving at 11 with a migraine and a Twirl. Now it’s okay to sleep in the library, it’s become a cross between a hospital and a YMCA. Staff will regularly check on you to see if you’re alright. “Yes, this desk is quite plush, thank you.”

Some often choose to fully embrace this hospitality by pottering around in bed-socks or with a blanket. I think embracing our library for all its bun-snatching staff and Florence Nightingales could be the best option. After all, we spend most of our university lives there so there’s no chance we’ll forget it. Or if we do, someone will be at hand with a courtesy reminder.

09.05.11

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democracy Notice Manifestos for Union Councillors, Part-time Officers and Environmental & Ethical Representatives are online now at:

sussexstudent.com/elections

Big Questionnaire now open - £25 vouchers to win Students’ Union release The Students’ Union have opened the ‘Big Questionnaire’ this week which seeks to gather the largest possible input from our membership about anything from food to football, campaigns to Union bars. This is the sixth year that the Big Questionnaire has run and in that time a great deal has changed, in part because of this online questionnaire. The information provided does make a difference; for instance the Union website has undergone a massive redesign to make it easier to use. Due to information gathered from the Big Questionnaire more work has been put in to provide a tailored service for postgraduate students, international students and students with dependants. The results will be used to help decide the focus in the future and the results will be published on the Union website. Fill it in now for your chance to win one of four £25 Amazon.co.uk vouchers. The questionnaire takes less than 10 minutes. Fill in the questionnaire online now for your chance to win and shape the future.

Develop your skills, make new friends and improve your communication skills Students’ Union release Volunteering with the Students’ Union is an enjoyable way for you to make a difference, it provides a fantastic opportunity for you to develop key skills for your future career and to check out possible career paths. On top of that it’s a great way to make new friends and do something different from your studies. All the positions will help you get a new and exciting perspective of life at University and at your Union. Students’ Union volunteers contribute over 47,000 hours a year to services gaining essential skills and experience as well as having a great time. The dedication of these volunteers is acknowledged and celebrated in our annual Student awards which took place on Friday evening, the evening was enjoyed by volunteers, staff and friends of the Students’ Union and took place at Brighton Racecourse with performances from student societies and presented by Kit and Carl from URF, UniTV covered the whole event , which is available at www.unitvlive.com. A massive congratulations to those who were nominated and a huge well done to the Union Computer team for winning the Outstanding Achievement Award and to James Ferguson, Carly Pepper, Lucy Atkinson and Vincenzo Volpe for winning the Volunteer of the Year Awards, for the full list of winner go to www. sussexstudent.com For more information on all our volunteering vacancies and how to get involved check out www.sussexstudent.com/volunteerforus The Students’ union have the following roles available; Welcome Team 2011-12 This is a week long position where

volunteers will get involved with essential Freshers week duties from welcoming students to campus to leading a group of Freshers on the Brightonian Nights tour, this role would suit someone who is enthusiastic, friendly and looking for a fun and rewarding way to start the new academic year whilst meeting new friends Events team - Stage management and Production This is a year long position ideal for those wanting to take on tasks such as Stage Manager, Assistant producer, backstage manager and Runners, volunteers will contribute to essential operational and production tasks required for Students’ Union events.

Events team -Marketing and PR Great if you’re looking to get experience in creative event marketing and PR, this role would contribute to essential operational and production tasks required for Students’ Union events, these tasks will vary from administration to taking part in regular events team meetings as well as taking on positions such as publicity co-ordinator for major Students’ Union events such as the Graduation Ball. Events team - Crew and tech Get involved in the running and essential operational and production tasks backstage during Freshers Week and events such as the Graduation Ball. These tasks will vary from set up and load out

to supporting other members of the Events Team. You will get experience and training in sound, lighting and rigging. Falmer House Front of House team members In this role you will act as the face of the Students’ Union and be the first point of contact for visitors, dealing with students’ and other visitors’ enquiries as appropriate as well as completing administrative tasks for the Students’ Union. This role would suit someone who is interested in developing communication, front of house and IT skills. It would also suit someone interested in the Students’ Union and someone looking for experience in a fast-paced working environment.

Union Computers - Desktop engineer and front desk technicians These great roles offer you the opportunity to install, maintain and upgrade desktop hardware (including peripherals) and software across a variety of operating systems, accurately identify, diagnose and solve a wide variety of software and hardware related problems. This will include various peripherals, (networking/imaging/storage) and working within both PC and MAC platforms and provide an informed, professional and friendly support servce for students and staff. For more information about Union Computers please visit www.sussexstudent.com/unioncomputers Advice and Representation Centre Front of House team Volunteers will work as part of a team to assist with administrative tasks essential to the running of the Advice and Representation Centre. Providing a friendly welcome to visitors, answering and where necessary refering on enquiries to the Centre, providing initial information on welfare issues – e.g. student funding and housing - and booking appointments with the Centre’s advisers and the elected officers as well as providing sexual health information and promoting the Union’s advice service. Activities Centre

Welcome Team this year handing out information to eager freshers Photo: www.sussexstudent.com

The Activities Centre volunteer will be the first point of contact for students coming to Students’ Union Activities Centre. Dealing with students’ and other visitors’ enquiries as appropriate and completing administrative tasks, this is a great opportunity to develop communication and office based skills, and great experience to add to your CV.

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badger | communications@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

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students’ union

Share your Sussex memories: Paid focus groups for the contribute to the 50th celebrations Students’ Union in May Students’ Union release This year Sussex is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and the University has lots of plans to celebrate. The Students’ Union is exploring ways of celebrating this history from students’ perspective. We’d like students to send photographs and written memories of their time at Sussex. It need not take long, just a couple of favourites will do (although if you want

to send us loads, we’ll receive them very happily!) Just email them to

50years@ussu.sussex.ac.uk and don’t forget to let us know a little

We’d like students to send photographs and written memories of their time at Sussex.

Students’ Union elected officers 1964-5 Photo: flickr.com/photos/sussexscrapbook

bit of information about what is in the photograph, and when it was taken. Any material which is submitted may be used online, in exhibitions or other celebrations of the 50th anniversary. We’’ll gather up material from current students and staff, and also from Sussex alumni, and compare and contrast the results. We’ll keep you updated on plans for the 50th as there should be plenty more ways to get involved throughout the year. Find out more about the anniversary at www.sussex.ac.uk/ fiftyyears

Students’ Union release The Students’ Union are taking part in the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI). This is a scheme that assesses how successfully we listen to and involve students, provide services and opportunities and run the organisation. As part of our assessment they’d like to talk to students so we’re looking for students to be part of some focus groups on 19th May. The sessions will be around an hour in length and participants will receive

Participants will receive £15-£20 depending on the length of the session they’re selected for. £15-£20 depending on the length of the session they’re selected for. We’re particularly keen to hear

from students who are not actively involved in the Students’ Union. If you’re interested please register your details at www.sussexstudent. com/sueifocusgroup and we’ll be in touch.

ADVERT Second Hand Pointe Shoes Needed If you have any used Pointe shoes and would like to donate them to the Ballet Society please email ballet@ussu.sussex.ac.uk. They will be used to help our members who have never danced in Pointe shoes before.

The union pages are edited weekly by the Communications Officer of the Students’ Union. If you would like to have your individual, sports club’s or society’s activities published on these pages please email: communications@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

09.05.11

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badger | badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

The main event

Brighton Fringe Festival

The Badger previews England’s largest annual arts festival and reviews one of its opening acts

ON THE BIG SCREEN ON THE SMALL SCREEN UNIVERSITY APPAREL Page 14 MUSIC ROOM GIG REVIEW ALBUM REVIEW Page 15

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Brighton in all its summer glory during the festival month of May Photo:rcpsych.ac.uk

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Lucy Meek This year is the Brighton Fringe Festival’s fifth anniversary, and it’s back and bigger than ever! Setting out to “stimulate, educate and entertain a wide audience by providing a showcase for diverse art forms”, the festival now boasts the accolade of third largest fringe in the world. From the 7th to the 30th of May Brighton’s theatres, clubs, bars, parks, shops and even homes will host a wide variety of events. Running alongside Brighton Festival, the Fringe provides a platform for artists of any medium, generating a rich mix of music, comedy, film, dance and more. In contrast to the main festival, which selects and hires its performers, the Fringe has an openaccess policy, so with no selection criteria for participants, anyone is free to put on an event. The Fringe has been running in various forms since the birth of Brighton Festival in 1967, but it wasn’t until 2006 that it became entirely independent So what’s on this year?Those looking for a laugh should ‘Small Space’, a “poignant and funny” performance centred around personal storytelling. For the more serious, intimate play ‘This is Just to Say’covers manipulation, Britishness, love and winning. On the quirkier side of things, why not take a peek through Oxfam’s shop window to see ‘Front’, a play about a couple’s

relationship, or call into Komedia to catch ‘The Woods’, an evening of puppetry and surprises which sees the venue turned into a forest? For music lovers there’s plenty on offer: Reggae fans can see the “highly regarded”‘RootsGardenRhythmForce Live Showcase’, bringing you UK Dub and Reggae producer Nick Manasseh along with Bob Skeng, Ras Zacharri, DarkAngel and support act Resonators. For something more flamboyant, two of Brighton’s biggest club nights, Carnivalesque and Balkaneasca, are coming together for an Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves-themed night with live acts and a belly-dance workshop. Those looking for something more relaxed can catch some Folk in the form of singer-songwriter Martha Tilston or enjoy tea and scones on the beach to the jazzy sound of ‘The Swing Thing inc. Tea Dance’. The open-access nature of the Fringe attracts all kinds of weird and wonderful performances. More unusual shows include ‘Anima’, a physical theatre, piece inspired by light, called “dreamlike as well as surreal” by the Guardian and ‘Genteel Tipple Through Gin in Literature’, an hour of extracts from gin-inspired literature. There’s even room for a circus: the ‘Netherlands National Circus’ puts a Dutch spin on a distinctly English tradition, comprising clowns, acrobats and illusions.

Douglas Clarke-Williams

The main problem with reviewing and analysing Harold Pinter’s plays is that his best lines aren’t lines at all, but silences – the myriad little pauses which are a vital part of our everyday conversation and yet which are usually ignored by others attempting to write so-called ‘realistic’ dialogue. While this is all well and good, it makes performances of his plays notoriously challenging; too often these essential silences can seem forced and unnatural, when in fact they should be quite the opposite. The actors and actresses in this performance of various short plays by Pinter overcame these obstacles to an impressive degree, an achievement helped by the unpretentious, ungimmicky production: the plays were performed, one likes to imagine, much as Pinter envisioned it. The cast were aided in this respect by the intimacy of the setting, where they were able to inject a surprising level of physicality into a playwright not perhaps best known for his action sequences. Indeed, if one were to attempt to classify these plays it would have to be as comedy. Pinter’s comedy is that of

contrasts, with just enough absurdity to propel the action along unexpected paths without derailing it completely. Combining a regular business meeting with innuendo-laden product names is writing which demands much of the actors on all levels: their timing must be spot-on, and they must be able to simultaneously make the audience laugh whilst preserving the emotional core which is at the heart of all of Pinter’s writings – a task which the actors here were most definitely up to. The performance of plays such as Precisely and Mountain Language brought out Pinter’s concern with the threat of Kafkaesque authority figures, and the blind application of rules and regulations (a tad ironic for a man who was so particular about his own stage directions). If the first half of the performance could be seen as a comedy of errors, the latter half was a comedy of menace, with the threat of violence (often overtly sexual) constantly hanging over proceedings and yet equally undermined by the apparent absurdity of the rules which they are being enforced. This was a disparate collection of plays held together by the uniform excellence of the cast, who demonstrated an impressive ability to shift rapidly between the different gears required to give the work its due. Highly recommended.

get as low as possible to the floor of the King’s Road Arches. And this venue is exactly what it needed to be: large enough to squeeze in the line of impatient teenagers, but intimate enough to reduce the possibility of spending a significant portion of the night looking for the people you’d lost when you went for a cigarette. The king of garage, Richard ‘Sticky’ Forbes, remained in the DJ booth and dominated the playlist with what seemed to be Sean Paul’s back catalogue. I’m not sure if this is what

we were expecting, but it did the job nicely. It seems that these one off club nights hold an energy that the weekly ones just cannot muster. Perhaps it’s the anticipation or novelty, or just that the bank holiday had instilled a recklessness in its crowd. Either way, look out for the next Hot Wuk, and make sure you don a gold chain, slip in an hour or two of thigh stretching and stumble down to an evening of Sean Paul, vodka and magnificent, inappropriate dancing.

Harold Pinter Shorts 3 May Upstairs at Three and Ten

Notes from the underground Molly Taylor Hot Wuk 1 May Life After an initial, wonderful moment of realization: ‘We don’t have work tomorrow! Can we get drunk?’, there comes a strong sense that the usual soggy roast and brain-squeezing pub quiz should be sacked off in favour of something a bit more, shall we say, special? And what could be more so

than Dagger’s Bank Holiday HotWuk – a jubilant, innovative and vibrant showcase of the biggest bashment tracks out there. The Heatwave DJs roll up and down the country, taking their compilations and mixes to various venues, demonstrating in their own words ‘how dancehall is the root of jungle, garage, grime, dubstep and funky’.This month it was LIFE’s turn to play host to hundreds of young, beautiful partygoers eager to fill their cups with things they shouldn’t and

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badger badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk Computer gaming

Centre stage

Metamorphoses

The Badger previews the up-and-coming second year drama performance project

Aiden Aitken Amnesia: The Dark Decent Frictional Games

Sam Leake and Liliana de Almeida during rehearsal Photo: Polina Belehhova Louise Ronnestad Arts editor Sussex second year Drama students are adapting Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses based on the tales of Ovid for their Summer Performance Project. Directed by Dr. Jason Price, the cast has been on an unforgettable outdoor journey that they hope to reflect in the play. In Metamorphoses, site-specific performance meets classic myths – Midas, Eros and Psyche, Narcissus, Pandora, Alcyone and Ceyx, Orpheus and Eurydice, Pomona and Vertumnus, Myrrah, Phaeton and Apollo and Baucis and Philemon – in a contemporary take on love, loss and the powers of transformation. The play is set in and around Sussex Campus, to give the audience an extraordinary theatre experience. The Badger caught Jason Price and Liliana de Almeida during rehearsals a week before the performance. How is this site-specific performance different from previous adaptations? Jason: Originally, Mary Zimmerman had in mind to devise a performance around a pool of water. The set for her adaptation of Ovid’s

Metamorphoses was thus constructed before she had selected which myths to stage, cast her performers, or written a word of text. Here, we have abandoned the pool of water and instead developed the work around various locations on campus. The staging of each of the myths is a response to campus architecture and the function of each the buildings we perform against. Because the pool was so central to her adaptation, we have had an interesting time translating her ideas for a land-based performance. But I think we’ve come up with some creative solutions. Your key/most effective directing skill? I believe that my job as a director is to tell a story and/or communicate an idea, emotion or feeling to audiences. Directors tell stories through images and sound. When I work with young directors, as I have done here (I have 8 assistant directors on this project -- all second year students on the course), I encourage them to think through the images they create; to question whether each one is servicing the core idea or narrative they are working with. It’s very trial and error.

As any of my student directors will tell you, I tend to change how a scene looks several times before I find a series of images that works. Being able to make decisions about the construction of images is probably the most important skill a director can master... I’m still working on it. What are your expectations on the performance? This performance is designed to be a learning experience for my students. I wanted them to engage with approaches to constructing siteresponsive performance and put them into practice. We have done that. What I hope to see next Thursday and Friday night is a piece of work that reflects the diversity, interests and talents of its strong ensemble cast; a piece of work that my students are proud of and proud to take part in. What have been the challenges? Liliana: I would say, working outside on campus, to deal with closed buildings, security etc. and of course, battling the weather: the rain and the snow…But also, it was difficult to find a time when everyone was available, that was a bit tough, but it was enjoyable most of the time. How have you been experiencing the rehearsal process?

Overall, I’ve learnt quite a lot about how to work in such a large team. When you plan a scene beforehand that’s fine, but as soon as eight people have to come in and rehearse it – that is challenging. It has been great to work with the beautiful surroundings and all of us. Especially, now in the summer, it’s been fun, the cast has been spending a lot of time together and, we’ve definitely bonded. Have you been enjoying playing your roles? I have to say that I am enjoying my roles, yes, although it’s quite hard to get the emotion out when you’re meant to be dead…haha. I do have a lot of lines to memorize and I have to show a lot of emotions too without saying a word. I have really enjoyed playing the mean Aphrodite, is a very interesting role.

order to createThe Big Book Share.The free service was launched on the 27th of April, and the idea is that Big Lemon passengers can take their unwanted books onto the bus and leave them in a box to start a new journey of pageturning, spine-bending enjoyment. What makes this idea special, though, is that inside each book a sticker will allow the new owner to write their name, location, and a brief message to the person who finds the book next – whether that be once more on the Lemon, or perhaps on the beach or in a park. Books may travel from Brighton to Berlin, and they may be beloved or despised, but either way, they will have

provided someone with an unexpected gift – not just the imparting of knowledge, but also the joy of reading a book that one might otherwise never have chosen. The Big Book Share will allow readers across the country (and maybe it’s not ambitious to say across the world) to brighten up the day of someone they don’t know by setting them on the same path of discovery that have experienced previously, four hundred pages before. The idea of book sharing is not exclusive to Brighton and Hove, however. It was as recently as March that we saw the positive effects that the giving and sharing of books can

bring. On World Book Night, a million free books were given away, and early sceptics who believed such a large give away would damage book shops were proven wrong when sales rocketed by approximately 75,000 for each of the 25 titles given away. The work that Bid and Borrow and The Big Lemon have begun in bringing us The Big Book Share encourages the connections of both individuals and the community as a whole, as well as promoting the undeniably precious art of reading. The beauty of it all is that these massive benefits come under an idea that is deceptively simple – putting a book down and passing it on.

There will be two shows, on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th May, sarting in the Debating Chamber at 7.30 pm with an Installation followed by a guided outdoor Performance at 8.00 pm. Entrance is free but only limited places are available. The sign-up sheet can be found in the English Office, B133.

Readers inc. Jessie Thompson Arts editor Books have a strength like no other – a book that has been enjoyed invokes a desire to share, to inform, to discuss. Passionate readers will be familiar with the feeling of turning the final page of a book that has been well loved, and next, the feeling of being compelled to pass it round to each of their friends, hoping that they will acquire the same pleasure. This rather unique process has been recognised by sustainable organisation Bid and Borrow, who have teamed up with bus company The Big Lemon, in

Photo: alteredconfusion.com

Photo: thefilmpilgrim.com

Amnesia: The Dark Descent, developed by indie game developer Frictional Games, may well be one of the best examples of horror in any entertainment medium, and the recent release of the free expansion Justine provides an excellent opportunity to look back on one of the best unsung titles of 2010. Amnesia takes the form of a firstperson character, Daniel, who the player must navigate through the foreboding halls and tunnels of Brennenburg Castle, taking care to avoid the grotesque horrors that lumber through the ruins. You are weaponless for the entire game, having to rely on wits and stealth in order to evade the nightmarish ghouls hunting you. However it is not only the shadowy figures lurking in the dark that threaten the player, with Daniel’s mental health in a constant state of fragility. Reminiscent of Call of Cthulhu and Eternal Darkness, terrifying events will drain Daniel’s sanity, causing sensory features to warp and confound. Solving puzzles will help restore your sanity, as will remaining in brightly lit areas, however this leaves the player open to notice by anything malevolent nearby. In addition, like Frictional’s other titles, the physics of the game world take centre stage. Nothing can become more terrifying than having to stop, turn, move the mouse to shut a door behind you whilst being chased by the unknown. The recent Justine expansion provides fans with another chance to get a taste of the real fear Amnesia provided. It’s worth noting that this scenario is much shorter than the original campaign, short enough, in fact, that it features no save points. But the threat is still very real, and dying in Justine actually closes Amnesia, making the threat of death a touch more threatening. Though Justine is certainly teeming with the same sense of helplessness and terror featured in the true Amnesia story, it seems more a brief novelty than a true expansion. Amnesia will doubtless be remembered as a cult classic in horror gaming, and an example of the quality experiences that can be provided by indie developers. Amnesia does not feature flashy setpieces, celebrity voice acting or the other trappings of mainstream titles.What it does offer is something precious: a fear that stays with you, keeping up at night in a room you keep well lit.

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badger badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk On the small screen

On the big screen

Lucy Atkinson Arts editor The Crimson Petal and the White BBC 2 Still available on iPlayer

Lily Rae Arts editor Water for Elephants Francis Lawrence USA, 120 mins, 12A, 2011 The year is 1931. Jacob Jankowski, a young veterinary sciences student about to take his finals, has his world blown apart by the death of his parents. Left with no home and no family, Jacob has little choice but to drift until he happens upon a travelling circus, and quickly gains a job as the show’s vet caring for an elephant named Rosie. However, the show is run by the tyrannical August Rosenbluth, whose beautiful wife Marlena is the star attraction. I was all set to hate this film. A big romantic blockbuster starring the notorious Robert “Twilight”

Pattinson getting all mushy about nice cuddly elephants. Unless you’re a twelve year old Girl Guide it sounds sickening; and yes, the film is far from perfect. Pattinson’s permanently immobilized upper lip and two facial expressions (looking down and grinning, looking up and frowning) do make his acting a little hard to chew. The chemistry between Pattinson’s humble vet and Witherspoon’s stunningly beautiful horse enthusiast is as emotionally charged as cold toast. The film is also guilty of some quite unsubtle patterning – there’s a happy bit, then a sad bit, then a happy bit, then a sad bit – possibly to exhibit Pattinson’s acting range to full effect. This said, it’s by no means crap. Perhaps it’s the nice weather, or perhaps I’m just a bit hormonal at the moment, but I liked the

cramped circus train and the huge dusty tent. I liked the spectacular costumes and seeing an elephant do a handstand (you’ll only understand once you’ve seen it for yourself). I liked the unexpected cameo from Bishop Brennan. It is sentimental, but it isn’t stupid; it’s well-paced with enough colourful characters and story to keep you going. The undoubted star of the show is Inglourious Basterds’ Christophe Waltz (again) playing a power-mad psychopath (again), whose constant veering between friendly uncle and elephant-beating nutcase is the driving force of the film; and Witherspoon gives a solid performance as a browbeaten but passionate woman. With her dictatorial husband she is convincingly timid; unfortunately, when teamed with her circus vet, her breathy murmur of “I love you”

sounds forced and poorly scripted. The feeling you get with Pattinson’s romance here is the same feeling you get with Twilight – the ‘I give it six months’ feeling. I really tried so hard not to like it, believe me. I didn’t expect to be impressed by spectacle and nostalgia, or the Titanic framing of an old man in a home telling his incredible story. But the most unexpected part of the film is its ending. It is difficult to explain why without giving away what happens; but given the story’s setup, and how many films of its ilk have such predictable endings, it came as a complete surprise. I came out of the cinema with a weird, warm feeling inside; like I’d seen something wholesome and decent, without the need of cynicism or pretentiousness. That said, it may well have been indigestion.

University apparel

Something a little different for the Graduation Ball? Photo: rydal-meadowbrook.org Helen Grace Yohji Yamamoto Until 10 July V&A Yohji Yamamoto’s retrospective at the V&A is the first major UK solo exhibition of this enigmatic designer, following a furore of recent interest in the influence of Japanese fashion, notably the Barbican’s fantastic ‘Future Beauty’ in which Yamamoto featured prominently. Exploring Yamamoto’s substantial contribution to the aesthetic of the Asian Avant-garde, the V&A’s exhibition charts thirty years of his prolific career. A controversial figure since he first opened in Paris in 1981, Yamamoto is  recognised for challenging the conventions of fashion, both with innovative asymmetric cuts and unfinished edges (although these are often attributed to embodying elements of the traditional Japanese philosophies of wabi-sabi, the adherence to imperfection) and countering

gender stereotypes. Indeed,Yamamoto’s work is wonderfully androgynous. He gained notoriety for presenting his 1998Autumn/Winter menswear collection entirely on female models, including Vivienne Westwood and Charlotte Rampling, and then five years later famously showing an entire menswear collection without a single pair of trousers, each model wearing instead a version of skirt, kaftan or kilt. This exhibition, the first ever to include his menswear, seems keen to emphasise the way he plays with gender in his designs. Designed by Yamamoto’s longtime collaborator, scenegrapher and lighting designer Madao Nihei, the installation-based curation comprises of a single room main space;  transformed into an industrial showroom, replete with scaffolding and bright halogen lights showcasing over 60 pieces, as well as complimentary exhibits throughout the museum and further satellite events at the Wapping project sites. A multimedia timeline of repro-

duced catalogues, soundtracks, photographs and video archives including interviews, behind the scenes and catwalk footage and choronologcail documents his work from his inspirations to his background to his infamous collaborations, providing a fanastic contextualisation for the garments on display. The eye level mannequins displaying Yamamoto’s creations generate an ambience of accessibility despite the labelling being as enigmatic as the designer himself, named only numerically with no explanatory signs. Items are arranged thematically, informally grouped to display the key attributes of the designer’s work since he graduated from Keio University in Tokyo in 1966. With space enough to allow visitors to walk through them, this encourages visitors to inspect the intricacies of the designs closely for themselves; unusually visitors are even permitted to touch the fabrics, although this is perhaps not surprising considering that fabric design and manufacture is central to Yamamoto’s

design practice and often considered the trademark of his work. Despite his signature black being a prominent theme, show pieces provide splashes of colour - such as a stunning yellow, strapless, silk dress with matchingoversizedhatandareddressin wool felt with a crinoline skirt; perhaps symbolic of his colourful career. Nevertheless, in the attempt to emphasise the designer as forward-thinking and progressive, the wear-ability for which Yamamoto is equally famous is lost in this exhibition, (menswear wise - think relaxed black suits, sharp shirts and loose fitting, but crisply cut white tees).  That said, the drama makes an impact, mirroring the impact Yamamoto has had on the industry as a whole . The exhibition feels fresh and dynamic, perfectly capturing Yamamoto’s dynamism. As simple in its approach as you would expect from a designer famed for his minimalism the exhibition, too, is just as effective. Catch it at the V&A until 10th July.

Photo: telegraph.co.uk

The elephant in the room was becoming difficult to avoid. Photo: blogs.orlandosentinel.com

It all started out so well. Within five minutes of the first episode of the BBC’s The Crimson Petal and the White there were fat aging prostitutes, battered women dying in garrets, and a beautiful, intelligent, bad-ass woman writing a book of hate.This woman, we come to learn, is Sugar, a nineteen year old prostitute and one of the most desired woman in Victorian London. She taught herself to read and write, and with those skills she stays up at night writing out violent fantasies of revenge on the men who use and abuse her and her friends.The show, at the start, is deliciously dark, dirty, and decidedly un-BBC. If only it has stayed that way. Over the next four episodes Sugar meets William Rackham, a failed writer and soap entrepreneur, who falls for her charms and takes her away from the wonderfully named pimp, Mrs Castaway. He buys her a house, and eventually allows her to move in with him, in the guise of a governess for his daughter, who, rather amusingly, is not mentioned until you’ve already watched almost two hours of the show. Also living in the house is Rackham’s wife, the obligatory mad woman in the attic (or opera, or garden, or wherever she happens to wander off to), who comes to believe that Sugar is her guardian angel. There are a couple of (unintentionally) amusing subplots, including Mark Gatiss as a lovelorn, virginal priest who spontaneously combusts due to lustful thoughts over a consumptive widow, but in the end the show is a rather humourless affair. While the performances all around are strong, occasionally you wish the characters’ motivations were fleshed out slightly further. Chris O’Dowd and Romola Garai play their roles well, but it is Amanda Hale, who plays Rackham’s insane wife, Agnes, who ends up stealing the show. While the other characters can seem cold, as though hardened against the cruelties of the world, Agnes’s mixture of vulnerability and hope in the end provide her with a strength the other characters seem to lack. The darkness promised in the shows opening few minutes only really returns in a couple of truly horrifying scenes involving her and the men in her life, and it is these moments of monstrosity that keep the audience hooked. While the characters of Sugar may not have upheld the feminist expectations of the audience, becoming less empowered as she helps those she comes in to contact with until she allows her book of hate to blow away in the wind, there is a empowerment here. From the weak and delicate figure of Agnes Rackham there emerges a woman determined to survive; she is the unexpected heroine of the show, and one of the only reasons to keep watching week after week.

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badger badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

The music room

Great Escape Returns

The Great Escape gigs on the beach Photo: thelineofbestfit.com Sam Durrant Next weekend Brighton welcomes back the Great Escape Festival to its stony shores. The festival, often compared to Manchester’s In The City, and of course the Camden Crawl, is a multi-venue weekender of street hopping and impromptu performance. A melting pot of eclectic young acts and music industry buzzards storm the city for almost around the clock musical performance from Thursday afternoon to the early hours of Sunday morning. With over 100 acts performing here, there and everywhere, it’d be a hard push to not find something, or someone, worth listening to. As The Independent advised last year, “Don’t plan any sleep.” Perhaps most notable of the headliners announced this year is instrumental hip hop icon DJ Shadow. Shadow, real name Joshua Davis, is performing his Brighton

Festival / Great Escape supported A/V masterpiece, Shadowsphere, for the first time in Brighton. Along with Davis are headliners Friendly Fires, the emo tinged electro pop collective, and Sufjan Stevens, whose established brand of odd-pop is likely to bewitch listeners old and new. Amongst other crowd favourites to perform are The View,newly reformedThe Guillemots, and the ever entertaining Beardyman. The festival also offers both the hotly tipped stars of tomorrow and those green shoots that hope to achieve such a status. One can either choose to see their favourites by heading to the most publicised events, or simply stroll the city listening out for the sounds of the next big thing. One oddity often touted by the festival organisers and reviewers is the eccentric matching of venue with artist. This year is no different, with electronic saga-scape artist Lone playing in the dance hall of the Queens Hotel, and Fionn Regan playing at

Brighton Pier’s premier karaoke bar, Horatios, to name a few.Also prevalent and at the heart of the Festival’s ethos, is the inclusion of artists from all over the world, including the undeniably catchy Swedish pop-house of Little Dragon and a host of Australian talent, with the likes of Warp’s PVT, Miami Horror and many more. In fact, the festival is hosting artists from 20 nations, as well as local talent such as Apples and Eve and the charmingly named Melodica Melody and Me. The festival has organised and given details of a number of showcases, hoping to highlight particularly promising artists grouped by nationality or creed. Among the confirmed are; ‘Canadian Blast presents’, featuring the shimmering beauty of Braids and ‘Lead Country Partner Music From Ireland Presents’. If you’re willing to trust the humble opinions of this writer, a recommendation would be to head

‘Bruises’ were adisturbing reflection of the gig, creating an exhilaratingly draining nightof bouncing, moshing even a robotic dance-off to ‘Destroy the Dancefloor’, an injection of Benji’s characteristic humour. The regga-metallers showcased a thrilling set of old classics, including a mash-up of their own ‘Selector’ and Tinie Tempah’s ‘Pass Out’, whilst ‘Pressure’ took the audience by force in their extended, glow stick filledencore.They also revealed an influx of new tunes from their hugely powerful latest album, ‘Union Black’. heir fourth album is the first to be producedin the UK, which has allowed them to experiment with new elements such asdance hall and drum and bass. Benji comments: “The album is a celebration of the diversity of the UK.It is heavier than any of our previous recordings. ‘Union Black’ isbringing the darker side of the Dred out for sure!”

The band. Photo: metal.com

Gig review Samantha Graham Arts editor Skindred Concorde 2 26th April A fierce eruption of sound consumed a sold-out Concorde 2 as the mightySkindred launched their 2011 tour. Their self-dubbed ‘ragga-metal’ style embraces a successful fusion ofrock, punk, heavy metal and reggae, which the Welsh four-piece did not failto deliver live. Brimming with swagger, dredlocked front-man Benji Webbe formed an instantconnection with the audience. Benji’s unleashing of enigmatically rough,reggae vocals, complimented by an explosion of turbulent drumming and hard,heavy guitars, whipped everyone into a frenzied ruckus. The lyrics, ‘Nobody gets out of this shark pit alive’ and

down to The Green Door Store for 10pm on Day 1 (Thursday) to see Luke Abbott. Unlikely to pull in the largest crowd (not least because the set clashes with Holy Ghost! and Example) Abbott’s brand of stomping yet introspective, electronic bleeps and phases almost guarantees a mass of moving feet. His humble set-up of laptop and visual projections sneaks up on the unsuspecting attendee like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, providing emotion as well as dance-floor fun. So, if you’re likely to be avoiding study next weekend, and have the capacity for a long weekends worth of new sounds, be aware that Brighton’s answer to South By South West is happening on your doorstep, and with much less chance of sunburn. The Great Escape runs 12th - 14th May. Day tickets are sold out as are headliner-only wristbands, but 3 Day Passes still remain available at around £50.

Album review Noel Doris David Koresh Superstar The Indelicates Corporate Records Have you heard of the Waco Siege? A failed rock star from Houston named Vernon Wayne Howell came across upon a bible opened at Isaiah 34, where he read: “Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together.” Vernon found God and became convinced he was the Messiah. Some years later and Vernon, now calling himself David Koresh, had founded a compound deep in Waco which was home to almost one hundred Branch Davidians.The compound was a shady place; Koresh ordered that any marriages become dissolved upon entering the compound, and he consequently took his pick of the women, believing that God had commanded him to go forth and multiply. In 1993, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms got wind that there was something going down in Waco; and so began the Waco Siege, which saw the deaths of almost one hundred Branch Davidians. This tale of religious fanaticism, sex, politics, humanity and rock ‘n’ roll is unlikely but perfect concept album material. The Indelicates, hailing from Lewes, have done just that; their third album (released on their own entirely independent online record label, Corporate Records) was partly recorded in the Texas desert and partly at producer Brian O’Shaughnessy’s (Primal Scream,My Bloody Valentine, Beth Orton) studio in London. It has the witty drama of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, in parts funny (The Road from Houston to Waco’s chorus features the line “ma daddy was a carpenter, ma maw was jus’ fourteen” to a lovely three part choir) and devastating (the album’s final track, Gethsemane, has the frightening feel of being at the very heart of the siege, as the chorus of Davidians chant “David be the death of me/past and future cease to be.”) The Waco Siege is still delicate material for some; there are survivors, such as the voice of the young girl presented in A Single Thrown Grenade, and of course the remaining families of those who were killed during the siege. Writing, a musical about the subject runs the risks of being overambitious and difficult. However, the Indelicates have handled the story – and it is an excellent story – so well that it is both a wonderful, catchy pop album about a troubled cult leader and a haunting piece of history captured in twelve songs. It is at no points tasteless or unnecessarily bleak, although the album is overwhelming: from the opener Remember the Alamo to the final track Gethsemane you can feel the oppressive heat of the Texan desert and the eyes of the world on Koresh as the media frenzy begins to snowball towards him. With their trademark lyrical precision and smooth pop melodies, and featuring guest vocals from Carter USM’s Jim Bob, David Devant and his Spirit Wife’s Vessel and Philip Jeays, this is unquestionably the Indelicates’ best album yet. The album is released officially on May 16th on the Corporate Records website. You might just learn something.

09.05.11

arts

the

badger

What’s On...?

| badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

If you want to see your event on these pages, contact Olivia James with the venue, date and time of your event, a short description, and any relevant images. Send your request to badger-listings@ussu. sussex.ac.uk by the Tuesday of the week before your event is happening at the very latest.

Monday film

students union

performing arts

theatre

comedy

13 Assassins Culminating in an epic 45 minute battle sequence that stands up as one of the most blistering action set-pieces in cinematic history. Directed by the controversial Takashi Miike.

Part-Time officer nominations You’ve got until 4pm to nominate yourself for a Union Councillor, Part-time Officer or Ethical & Environmental Rep position. So hurry and don’t miss the deadline!

All My Sons House This house platform is an opportunity for a Arthur Miller’s Classic play is showing. Well number of selected companies to present new worth the money! ideas to new audiences.The evening will consist of short performance extracts as well as the sharing of fresh thoughts for future work.

Stand-Up Comedy Featuring David Trent, Holly Walsh, Nick Helm and Nick Sun (“If you don’t enjoy Nick Sun, it’s because you suck as an audience”- Doug Stanhope). Limited Tickets on the door.

the duke of york

more info www.sussexstudent.com/elections

pavillion theatre

new venture theatre

falmer bar (back)

1.30pm, 6.30pm

4pm

8pm, £6

7.45pm, £9

8pm, £4

pub

discussion

theatre

club night

Drawing Circus

Talking To Terrorists

The Big Smoke Play

Smack my Stitch Up!

Life drawing sessions incorporating theatre and burlesque.

Peter Taylor, David Aaronovitch A journalist discusses his experiences of war and conflict.

A play about a women’s descent into madness inspired by the lives of Virginia Wolf and Sylvia Plath.

Club night for 80s/90s hip-hop and electro, even some eurotrash all in aid of funding art exhibitions at Brighton Uni

Tuesday

fringe bar

corn exchange

upstairs at three and ten

jam

7pm, £9

7.30pm, £10

8.30pm, £9.50/7.50

10pm, £4/3

Wednesday music

talk

awareness

Leonid Gorokhov and Laura van der Heijden The award winning, international performere is joined by fellow cellist/pianist Laura van der Heijden.

.Discussion.

The Green Network presents: The Watermelons+ Ellekaye + The Vaudeville

Jazz Store

A talk on homophobia in the French extreme left . Try a thinking about things from a new angle?

Clothes swap shop, live auction, talks and live music to promote alternatives to sweat shops and unethical labour. Make a difference whilst grabbing a bargain and enjoying a great night out!

Every Wednesday sip a few drinks with live jazz music. This week, Stu Blagdon & Steve Aston Django-style jazz guitarists.

brighton dome

cowley club

jam

the green door store

1pm, £8.50

7pm, free

8pm, donations

11pm, free

Thursday

music

brighton university, grand parade, room

204

7pm

spoken word

comedy

theatre

Music Festival

Grit Lit

Krater Comedy Club

Metamorphoses

The Great Escape

Live literature from a host of gritty writers including Neil Ansell, Ed Siegle, Tim Lay, Dan Tsu and Dan Holloway.

Second year drama Performance Project, Line up includes Susan Calman, Fergus Craig, Kishore Nayar, Colin Owens. Sit at the recreating Ovid’s classic. front and have a funnier time than expected..

With over 300 artists and 30 venues the Great escape will have something for everyone. Headlines include DJ Shadow, Frieldy Fires and Sufjan Stevens. There are still a limited number of day tickets available for today, Friday and Saturday, so grab them while you can! They have really made an effort to put some alternative music on the line up so check it out at www.escapegreat.com

red roaster

komedia

debating chamber and sussex campus

all over brighton

7.45pm, £7

8pm, £11.50/6.50

7.30 pm, free

thursday-saturday,

societies

talks

talk

performing arts

The Badger writers’ meetings

Dj Shadow in Conversation

International Development Debate

Lil’ Red Ridin’ Hoodie

Want to write for the Badger? Come down and meet our friendly editors every Friday to pick up a story or share your ideas.

Talking about his work to date, especially his new audio-visual show.

Are we giving too much? Are we giving too little? Is money going to the right places. Caroline Lucas MP, Simon Kirby MP and Anton Kerr (AIDS Alliance) give their view and you give yours.

A dramatic and enchanting multimedia show combining fire, circus arts, dance, visuals and musice. A spontaneous comic rendition of an age old tale!

falmer house, room

pavillion theatre

arts a02

the level

2pm, £10

7-8 pm, free (includes wine)

8pm, free

club night

£22-50

Friday

the

badger

126

1.30pm

Saturday theatre

books

2 Rien Merci: Gramoulinophone Sideshow strangeness and fairground eccentricity await all those who enter the Gramoulinophone! Absurdly charming French Street Theatre.

Book Sale Second-hand book sale, prepare early for next year!

Mojo to Gogo

Caribou

Upstairs - Northern Soul, Rare Mowtown, British Beat, R’n’B and Ska with Simon Bridger and Col De la SoulDownstairs - Garage, Psych and Freakbeat with Andy R and London’s Finest Smart Phil.

Maths Nerd come music producer, Caribou will drop anything from electronic to disco. Without a doubt will be a great show. Shame about the venue.

pavillion gardens

the cowley club

volks

digital

12pm, 2.30pm & 5pm, free

10am

11pm, £7/4

11pm, £10

Sunday pub/music

silent cinema

caberet

cinema

The Silent Move Experience Following his sell-out show at the Brighton Fringe 2010, West End musician and performer David Watts returns to Komedia for more comedy silent movie antics.

Movin’ Melvin Brown: Soul to Soul Majestic Movin’ Melvin takes us on a song and tap-dancing journey from African slavery to the American roots of soul music, with story and comedy. “Passionate and heartfelt, beyond belief” apparently.

Pop Up Cinema DJ Derek Underground Cinema has been used to The reggae legend returns to Brighton once describe film-makers’ exploration of the more... political, transgressive and poetic possibilities of the moving image. Showing tonight Honey, When China Met Africa and Fleurs du Mal.

komedia

the basement

fortune of war

1pm, £8.50/6.50

3pm, 8pm, £10

5pm, 7pm, 9pm £7/6

9pm, free

09.05.11

science

the

badger

| badger-science@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Accepting uncertainty

Discussing science communication and the media Natasha Agabalyan Science editor As a contribution to National Science Week, the University of Brighton ran an afternoon of seminars on the topic of ‘Science Communication and the Media’. Although two of the four speakers didn’t turn up, which was somewhat disappointing, the event was still interesting, informative and thought provoking. National Science Week’s purpose is to promote a better understanding of science to the broader community. With Professor Brian Cox taking home a series of TV awards for his ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ physics show, the topic is particularly interesting. Organized by Professor Callum Firth, head of the School of Environment and Technology at Brighton University, Professor Iain Stewart and Robin McKie spoke to an audience of around 70 people of their views on science and the media. Iain Stewart, a Professor of Geosciences Communication at the University of Plymouth who has also participated in a series of BBC 2 science programs, presented us with the issue of how the media and scientists deal with natural catastrophes. A talk entitled ‘Communicating Calamities’; it was particularly topical following the recent Japan earthquake and tsunami. Through a series of beautiful pictures, he explained the problems this area of communication has to face. First introducing us to the mysteries of why some people simply refuse to move from dangerous areas even though they are properly informed on the risks involved, he then asked some

important questions: why is the level of sophistication of predicting volcano eruptions, for example, still being belittled by a population’s personal beliefs? When did we go from a population who understands and works with nature to one that has no grasp of its dangers and their implications? Taking us through the history of climate change communication, it seems the consensus among the laymen population is that they do not know who to trust. Even though there is no real debate among scientists that global warming is an issue (with 95% agreeing), only 55% of the population accepts this. This is a problem often propagated by manufactured uncertainty. Now in many ways, science is always uncertain, that is its nature. But instead of embracing this uncertainty, it has been used as tool in maintaining opposing views. Manufactured uncertainty is an easy thing to install. Three short sentences do the trick. First, the cause and effects have not been linked. Second, statistically data means nothing to the individual. Third, further research is still needed. The problem behind this issue surrounds the role of the science communicator. Is it their job to persuade or simply to entertain? With in mind that most people get their information from TV, the debate on this is still on. Professor Stewart clearly outlined his views on why scientists should communicate. Not only to gather trust from their public and to minimize misinterpretation, he believes it is their professional responsibility and that they should be able to communicate to a lay audience. Robin McKie, editor of Science

Robin Mckie and Professor Iain Stewart Photo: englishrivierageopark.org.uk / guardian.co.uk

and Technology at The Observer, followed this, bringing up similar topics and issues but from a print point of view. Having worked as a science reporter for 40 years, he is in a great position to see how the world of science communication has evolved. From the spectacle of non-savvy writers propagating nonsense to teams of experienced journalists working alongside scientists, it certainly has evolved, although bad science journalism is still alive and kicking today. He also believes misinterpretation is a serious issue. Science has a lot more impact than it used to and it is important its newfound power is used properly. In cases like that of the MMR vaccines, GM crops and here again, climate change, the media has

sometimes found it difficult to set aside the correct information. Without the tools necessary to analyze it, information just becomes noise and as we have seen, enough noise, even nonsensical, can create chaos. In McKie’s view, scientists are now better at coming forward, although this is still a slow process. He believes for example that in the case of animal experimentation, scientists should be able to defend its necessities, though many would not agree on this particular case. Most importantly, the topic of communicating uncertainty to the public, brought up in his speech also, seems to be the message of the moment. A particular apt example was used in communicating numbers: it is

mathematically the same to say that something has increased by 100 percent or from one in two billion to one in a billion. But as the interpretation of these data when confronted with disease incidence is likely to be very different, it is important one be used and not the other. This brings us back to the role of science communication: educate or entertain? Is it simply there to give us the raw facts or should we use its expertise to understand these better? McKie maintains that “science journalism is in a healthish state and has provided me with the best experiences of my life”. Let us hope it can go grow even healthier and provide us all with a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Does hyaluronic acid actually work? The Badger investigates the secret ingredients of your favourite beauty products Natasha Agabalyan Science editor Lots of skin creams nowadays such as L’Oreal Dema Genesis and L’Oreal True Match foundation - say they contain hyaluronic acid and that this is supposed to be proven to help smoothen wrinkles. I investigated these claims. So, what is hyaluronic acid? Molecularly, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glucosaminoglycan (or GAG), which basically means it is a long chain of sugar molecules linked together. It is naturally present in the body (at around 15g per person) and is important in a number of areas, like skin, neural tissues and cartilage for example. In the cell, it contributes to lots of different processes including cell proliferation, tissue repair, hydrodynamics and cell surface interactions. Does our natural hyaluronic acid help to smooth wrinkles? In a way, yes. One third of our

stores are used (and re-created) everyday and some of this goes to help regenerate certain skin cells (keratinocytes), rehydrate the skin (through interactions with retinoic acid) and increase collagen synthesis (by interacting with CD44). Research has shown that people who have a high natural content of HA in their diet tend to have less wrinkles. What are its main uses in medicine and cosmetics? HA is often used in treatment for eye surgery and arthritis, among other things, due to its other roles in the cell. Cosmetically, it is normally used as a filler. That is to say, you would get an injection of HA directly under your skin. In this form, it definitely helps to smooth wrinkles: it will plump up the skin by adding volume and promote collagen synthesis and normal skin function. But as we have seen, our stores need to be replenished so any injection will only work as an

ongoing treatment. How would it work in a cream? Right ladies, this is where it gets difficult. As we have seen, a high diet content or direct injections are one thing (and have research to prove they are of value), but what of slapping it directly on your skin? The problem here is that your skin isn’t just going to absorb anything you put on it and even if it did, it’s unlikely to absorb enough to really make a difference. I know this might be depressing but a lot of face creams don’t usually have a high enough concentration of these miracle products. The fact of the matter is, any cream which contains any kind protein will, at least for the day, make your skin feel tighter. This is because proteins are formed of long chains of molecules. In your cream, these proteins are all floppy and hydrated but when you apply them to the skin, they become rigid due to drying out. This will make you feel

like your skin is tightening but as soon as you wash it off, it probably won’t have penetrated your skin. It is also possible they are simply too big to pass through your skin. Although there is some budding research into smaller molecular versions of HA that might penetrate your skin, it is still in early stages and doubtfully what you fill find at the bottom of your face cream. So what’s the verdict? Personally, I wouldn’t splurge on expensive anti-wrinkles creams because they say they contain hyaluronic acid. Not just yet anyway. It’s possible that in the future, the lab minions will find a way for it to penetrate your skin properly, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. Simple hydration does the trick I think, from the inside with plenty of water and on the outside, too. Obviously I’m not saying all face cream is totally pointless, but I believe hydration is the true key to healthy skin.

What lies inside?

Electric Einstein? Roving Rutherford? Fancy writing for the Badger science page? Write a 500-1000 word article on whatever excites and inspires you in the world of science and email it to badger-science@ussu.sussex.ac.uk.

09.05.11

SU sport with

badger | badger-sports@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

the

sport

Sussex suffer agonising 10-5 Varsity defeat Matt Stroud Sussex suffered a 10-5 defeat to Brighton in the annual varsity match, this year held at Falmer Sports Complex. Full report to follow in next week’s edition. A report of Men’s Football’s tight loss to Brighton follows below. Sussex 1-2 Brighton Varsity had been on the lips of everyone around university, with the Men’s football match anticipated to be a close and exciting affair. Indeed, the occasion did not disappoint. It is fair to say Sussex went into the game on the back of a very successful season, most noticeably with the promotion of the second team for the second year in a row. This accomplishment sparked a call up for highly rated Ross Harris, James Doku and Luke Ralph from the second team set-up. The game began in a manner none of us would have expected, with just five minutes gone a cross from the right was met by the prolific Greg Salmon who finished from outside the area with a volley worthy of great admiration. Sussex’s celebrations were short lived when just six minutes later Brighton bounced back with a ball across the area which eluded everyone only to be put away at the back post. From this point on,

neither side seemed dominant in possession, and the first half ended with the sides tied, 1-1. A review of Sussex’s short comings in the half-time break sent the team out onto the pitch with the same confidence in which they had entered the game. The confidence instilled in Sussex resulted in a dominant secnd half performance, however disappointment was to follow. There followed many missed chances from Sussex, most memorable being a header from striker Tom Curran which was saved at point blank range from the Brighton keeper. Then, against the run of play, a sharp turn inside the box saw Brighton take the lead with just ten minutes left to play. Ultimately, the score was to stay the same, however Sussex were able to walk away with their heads held high with the knowledge that maybe, on another day where their chances were taken, the result would have been a lot different. Varsity saw the end of Sussex football for third years Toby Kolodynski, Greg Salmon, Ed Willoughby, Ross Harris and Luke Ralph. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, with a sentiment that I’m sure will be echoed by every third year footballer, that being part of Sussex football has resulted in our university experience being unforgettable, and an experience of a lifetime.

Sussex’s Greg Salmon opens the scoring with a ‘wonder strike’ Photo: Sarah Hall A SUCCESSFUL DAY USSUActivities Officer,Scott Sheridan, stated: “This is without a doubt the best varsity in the last few years”. It is hard to argue with Scott, the numerous students who turned up to all matches to cheer on their friends and is the best testament to the success of this years event. This was the closest Varsity in recent memorywithSussexbeingintherunning in every game played. Every member of a Sussex Sports Team should be proud of what they achieved on this day. For a University with no sporting degrees to be competing on a par with Brighton is an unbelievable feat. Congratulations and long live Sussex Sport!

Results...

Badminton Men - 5-3 to Sussex Badminton Women - 5-3 to Brighton

Football Women - 8-1 to Brighton Football Men - 2-1 to Brighton

Tennis Men - 8-1 to Brighton Tennis Women - 3-3

Rugby Women - 17-5 to Sussex Rugby Men - 27-11 to Brighton Basketball Men - 73-70 to Brighton Basketball Women - 43-34 to Brighton

Cricket Men

Hockey Men - 3-1 to Brighton Hockey Women - 4-2 to Brighton

1st XI - lost to Brighton 2nd XI by 4 wickets (Celiz 73)

Netball - 34-34

2nd XI - beat Brunel 2nd XI by 2 Wickets (Trott 67)

Volleyball Men - 5-3 to Brighton Ultimate Frisbee - 17-2 to Sussex

3rd XI - lost to Surrey 2nd XI by 9 wickets (Gorton 69*)

Cricket Seconds remain unbeaten Poor bowling sees Amazing innings sinks Cricket Firsts Matt Stroud Sussex University Cricket Men’s Second XI secured another impressive victory as they made it two from two in the league. Brunel were the opposition for Wednesday’s home game, played at the picturesque Firle Cricket Club. Keeping Brunel to a manageable total was essential, but Sussex got off to a frustrating start. A gung-ho Brunel opener took a chance with some lusty blows to the boundary, and the score soon approached 30-0. This angered young firebrand Chris Turrell, who took it upon himself to remove the offending batsman. Two further wickets followed, with some clever bowling from Turrell putting Brunel on the back foot. With the Brunel batting looking thin on the ground the Sussex bowlers sensed their chance. Caribbean cuisine restaurant mogul Mikey Williams was the next to strike. A perfectly pitched delivery jagged back to take the off stump of the shotless batsman out of the ground. Mikey declared himself ecstatic with the dismissal, saying ‘This was a great wicket for me, and made up for the two tough catches I missed’. Sussex continued to pressurise Brunel, with the baton passing to the robotic Charlie Carter. Peddling his familiar brand of tight wicket to wicket bowling Carter soon claimed his first victim. A full, seaming delivery ripped through the defence of the hapless batsman, leaving Brunel in trouble at 60-6. It was perhaps inevitable that Brunel would rally at some stage, and their seventh wicket pair duly obliged.

They rode their luck, with three good appeals falling on deaf ears, but some hard hitting and streaky edges pushed the away team past one hundred. The partnership needed breaking, and ‘The Robot’ produced the goods, with one of his trademark leg side balls inducing a stumping. Despite a frustrating end to the fielding, in which Brunel pushed their total to 150, Sussex remained confident of chasing down the total. The early demise of opener McDonald brought pinch hitter Fergus Klein to the wicket, who played some elegant technical cover drives before departing caught for 22. Stroud soon followed out LBW playing across the line. At 40-3 Sussex were worryingly placed, but in form batsmen Williams and Trott set about steadying the ship. A fine fifty partnership took Sussex two thirds of the way to their total before Williams departed. This was soon followed by Sweeting’s dismissal, to a staggering catch from the generously built slip fielder. When this was followed by the demise of Trott, for an excellent 67, Sussex hearts were in mouths. Despite the inevitable duck from specialist scorer Chris Turrell Sussex snuck home with two wickets to spare. Sussex remain unbeaten, knowing three more wins will bring them the league. Man of the Match and Captain Neil Trott was pleased with his team, saying ‘It was great to see everyone contribute today, and the team spirit is superb, I look forward to continuing the season with victory at Portsmouth on Sunday’.

Thirds defeated

Tom Simmons Sussex Men’s Cricket Third Team went into Wednesday’s game confident of putting in a good performance on the back of last week’s confident win over Reading. As it transpired the team could not produce the same heroics, as a disappointing performance from Sussex Thirds resulted in a nine wicket defeat to Surrey. After electing to bat first on a good wicket, Sussex started reasonably. However, similar to the previous week’s game against Reading, a top order collapse exposed the tail end. A knock of 69 not out from Charlie Gorton certainly wasn’t one for the spectators but pleased his skipper as it helped Sussex to post a competitive 204. In reply, Surrey got off to a good start and after fifteen overs it certainly seemed as if they were going to win comfortably. However some tight bowling from Wane Thayalan brought Sussex a little bit of hope, but it was in vain as Surrey reached the target comfortably for the loss of one solitary wicket courtesy of Jonathan Buzzing. After the match, Sussex vicecaptain Charlie Gorton said “I was feeling so good out there playing some really nice shots, it’s a shame that nobody stayed with me, hopefully they’ll support me more on Sunday” Sussex will need to pick themselves up for the visit to Kings on Sunday.

Ben Denton The first league game of the season for the University of Sussex 1st XI saw them matched against Brighton 2nd XI. Fittingly, this fixture was to take place on the same day as varsity, so it is safe to say that the Sussex boys were massively up for putting one over the old enemy. On a crumbling wicket, Sussex skipper Denton won the toss and decided to bat first, hoping for some deterioration in the surface in the second innings. Openers Tom Woodall and Sussex’s overseas player Jamil set about Brighton’s openers in flamboyant fashion. Unfortunately, the dodgy surface got the better of Jamil who was out LBW from a shooter fior a quick fire 23, including the biggest straight six seen in living memory. This brought the in form Celiz to the crease who narrowly survived a very close LBW shout on his first ball faced. No doubt thriving on the sledging from Brighton fielders, Celiz set about the average bowling attack with much fury. The score steadily increased with Woodall and Celiz notching up yet another century partnership.The 32nd over of the Sussex innings saw a change in mentally from young Celiz. Buoyed by the free licence given to him by the skipper, he started to hit the attack to all parts of the ground. However, this came to an end after a mis-timed drive found the hands of long off, who held on gratefully. Celiz departing for an impressive 73. This dismissal was quickly followed by that ofWoodall (for a solid 39), bringing all-rounder Holiday to the crease. Sussex continued to press further, but lost wickets steadily. Eventually

they finished on 253-9 after some lusty hitting from Boon, Jewiss and Crossley. Having battled hard to this total, the Sussex bowlers were confident of restricting Brighton on a crumbling wicket. However, they did not recon with the hitting power of Brighton’s number one. This opener set about the bowling of both Jewiss and Holiday, the former being hit out of the attack after only three overs. This saw the introduction of Jamil, who was unable to dislodge this particular left handed batsman, despite a fiery spell. By the time ten overs were up, Brighton had rocketed to 80 with their number one already passing his fifty. Numerous bowling changes and field placements were attempted to try and dismiss this powerful hitter but to no avail. All bowlers nursing crippling figures and bruised egos, the Brighton number one reached his hundred, of which 90 runs came in boundaries. Sussex began to make inroads at the other end of the wicket but it seemed too late. By the time Jewiss trapped their opener LBW, Brighton were within a whisker of Sussex’s score, the number one out for an increadible 155. Credit to the Sussex team, they never gave up, many bowlers seeing edges flying through the slips.With Brighton 6 wickets down, the winning runs were hit convincingly with a pull shot for four. Understandably, Sussex were shocked at having lost the game due to the unbelievable performance of one Brighton player. Unfortunately, such is the nature of cricket and the boys will have to dust themselves down and regroup for the visit of Portsmouth this coming Sunday.

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