The Boar - Volume 47 Issue 4

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Three-week HS2 road closures threaten campus commuter chaos

Students returning for the spring term are set to face commuter carnage as a key road between campus and Leamington Spa closes for three weeks.

The road closures come as a result of phased works on the HS2 railway line running under the A46 near Kenilworth. Currently, a box structure is being constructed adjacently to the carriageway which will later house the new HS2 line.

The three-week closure, set for the spring, is needed to move the structure into place using a “box push” technique across the existing carriageway. HS2 has defended the road closures on its website.

It stated: “This construction method reduces the impact on road users and our workforce by working away from the carriageway and only installing traffic management on the A46 when it is essential.”

Phase three of the project, set for February, consists of drainage works alongside and under the existing carriageway to prepare for the movement of the bridge in spring.

Temporary northbound and southbound lane restrictions will be put in place as part of this along the carriageway until spring.

To facilitate the “box push”, preparatory works were completed in two phases in 2024, clearing vegetation and installing construction infrastructure.

Additionally, a section of the A46 between the start of Coventry and Kenilworth will be closed for two weekends: between 8pm Friday, 7 February to 6am Monday, 10 February, and again from 8pm Friday, 14 February to 6am Monday, 17 February. Students across campus have already expressed concern about

their route to campus being impacted by the works.

Final-year English Literature and Creative Writing student Jasper Young displayed his discontent towards the roadworks when talking to The Boar

He said: “As a third-year student, trying to balance a job and society responsibilities alongside my degree is difficult enough. Having to plan for a commute to campus which can take nearly as long as the train from Leamington to London is beyond frustrating.”

He added: “Students have enough on their plate already and further roadworks are just...

Kara Evans, she/her Deputy News Editor

From the team

Luke Chapman, he/him and Archie Clarke, he/him

Co-Editors-in-Chief

Welcome everybody to the February edition of The Boar: the OFFICIAL best student publication in the Midlands!

That’s right. In December, The Boar took home the prestigious Best Publication award, courtesy of the Student Publication Association. Thank you to our amazing team for all of your incredible effort, and thank you to all of our readers too. We really couldn’t have done it without you.

Sadly, the so-called journalists at The Warwick Tab were denied entry at the ceremony, after it was revealed they copied too many of our articles last year. For legal reasons, that’s a joke (although we’ll let our readers make their own verdict).

So what’s the big scoop this time around? Well, to everyone’s surprise, the HS2 works have picked up once again, which, as is tradition, puts the burden on students living in and around Leamington Spa. This, as

the old saying goes, is why Canley is the superior place to live (and no, we’re not all “boring” or “antisocial”).

However bad it may get on the A46 this Valentine’s, we sincerely urge readers not to resort to Stuart Croft levels of spending to make it back home (see page 4).

On a more positive note, we’ve made a real push to champion people’s voices this time around (we promise we’ve not copied that line directly from our CVs!).

Expect to see interviews with local theatre performers, students getting screwed over by their landlords, and some wise words from the oneand-only Paul Holleran - manager of Leamington FC!

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s watching Love Actually alone on the sofa this year (totally not speaking from experience) or are celebrating over a nice romantic dinner with your partner, we hope this edition can bring you a little bit of joy along the way.

The NoticeBOARd

Introducing The Boar Magazine: grab a copy!

Senior Team

Co-Editors-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief: Luke Chapman (he/him) editor@theboar.org

Editor-in-Chief: Archie Clarke (he/him) editor@theboar.org

Deputy Editors-in-Chief

Head of Communications: Yusra Babar (she/her) communications@theboar.org

Head of Physical Media: Jesse Hitt (she/her) physicalmedia@theboar.org

Head of Digital Media: Anna Bickerton (she/her) website@theboar.org

Chief Sub-Editor

Chief Sub-Editor: Katie Bevan (she/her) subeditor@theboar.org

Business Team

Head of Business & Sales: Sebastian Smith (he/him) business@theboar.org

Head of Social Media: Abbie Fox (she/her) @warwickboar

Head of Events: Freya Bennewith (she/her) events@theboar.org

Physical Media Team

pages 8 to 9

page 10 to 11

page 12

Arts, Lifestyle, Travel pages 13 to 18

Podcasts, Music, Film, TV, Games pages 19 to 24 Science SciTech, Climate pages 28 to 29 Sport pages 30 to 32

From all of us here at The Boar, happy reading! theboar is the University of Warwick’s editorially independent student newspaper produced entirely by and for students.

Head of Physical Media: Jesse Hitt (she/her) physicalmedia@theboar.org

Assistant Head of Physical Media: Zak O'Brien (he/him) Physical Media Deputy: João Ruy Faustino (he/him) Physical Media Deputy: Sophia Walters (she/her)

Sub-Editing Team

Chief Sub-Editor: Katie Bevan (she/her) subeditor@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Ben Tanguy (he/him)

Sub-Editor: Ella Davey (she/her)

Elections this term! Join

@theboarnews

Articles you can find online at

Amro Maraqa Sudden closure of Coventry cocktail bar shocks staff theboar.org

Editor: Martin Day (he/him) news@theboar.org

Deputy editors: Tom Ryan (he/him) Mairi Humphreys (she/her)

Ella Davey 1-in-5 young adults still living with parents, amid housing crisis

Sub-Editor: Katie Bevan (she/her)

Haleeqa Hashmi (she/her) Elmira Aliieva (she/her)

Tilly Dickinson UK universities leaving X amid misinformation concerns

Three-week HS2 road closures threaten campus commuter chaos

Kara Evans, she/her Deputy News Editor

Studentsreturning for the spring term are set to face commuter carnage as a key road between campus and Leamington Spa closes for three weeks.

The road closures come as a result of phased works on the HS2 railway line running under the A46 near Kenilworth. Currently, a box structure is being constructed adjacent to the carriageway which will later house the new HS2 line.

The three-week closure, set for the spring, is needed to move the structure into place using a “box push” technique across the existing carriageway. HS2 has defended the road closures on its website.

It stated: “This construc tion method reduces the im pact on road users and workforce by working away from the carriage way and only installing traffic management on the A46 when it is es sential.”

To facilitate the “box push”, preparatory works were completed in two phases in 2024, clearing vegetation and installing construction infrastructure.

Phase three of the project, set for Febru ary, consists of drain age works alongside and under the existing carriageway to prepare for the movement of the bridge in spring.

Temporary northbound and southbound lane restrictions will be put in place as part of this

ture and Creative Writing student Jasper Young expressed his discontent towards the roadworks when talking to The Boar

“Students have enough on their plate already”

— Jasper, third-year student

He said: “As a third-year student, trying to balance a job and society responsibilities alongside my degree is difficult enough. Having to plan for a commute to campus which can take nearly as long as the train from Leamington to London is beyond frustrating.”

He added: “Students have enough on their plate already and further roadworks are just adding to the academic, economic, and personal stresses of our lives. It’s sad to see that there’s seemingly never any end in sight for them.”

The expected road closures have left many students, like Jasper, wondering if public transport services will be disrupted. Bus operator Stagecoach currently runs the popular U1 and U2 services between Leamington and campus.

Chris Child, a spokesperson for the company, told The Boar: “Due to the closure of the A46 for HS2 construction, we anticipate potential disruption to our services. The extent of the impact will largely depend on traffic volume and the diversion routes taken by other road users during the closure.

“For the weekend closure in February, our U1/U2 services will operate via Kenilworth and the A429.”

He added: “We are committed to minimising disruption as much as possible. However, we strongly advise passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.”

Little has been said for the upcoming three-week long spring road closures, with Stagecoach adding: “We are currently awaiting further details regarding the spring closure and will keep passengers informed as more information becomes available.”

For those in Leamington Spa, it appears as though existing commuter misery will only get worse.

Warwick professors win gongs in New Year’s Honours

Evie Whitmarsh-Knight, she/her Writer

ThreeWarwick professors are among those recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours List for outstanding and insightful contributions in their fields.

Professor Rosemary Collier, an entomologist and applied ecologist from the School of Life Sciences, was awarded an OBE for her work in the field of horticultural science, particularly for her research into sustainable and environmental pest management solutions.

Her research on biological and physical strategies has been much vaunted by those in the horticultural industry as offering invaluable insight into how to protect

surrounding wildlife when using pest control solutions.

Prof. Collier said that she was “extremely pleased and proud” to be recognised for her work, adding: “I consider myself very fortunate to work in an area that combines my personal and professional passions for animals, plants, [and] the natural environment.”

Recognition in the form of an MBE was also paid to Professor Siobhan Quenby, a Professor of Obstetrics at Warwick Medical School (WMS), for her influential contributions in the field.

Prof. Quenby’s contributions largely focus on miscarriage and pre-term birth, a field in which she has published over 120 articles. Her research focuses on how

to translate scientific advancement into new treatments for pregnancy loss.

The award was described as a “complete shock” but also a “huge honour” by Prof. Quenby, who added her thanks to her patients for taking part in her research,

Nikolai Morton (he/him) Kara Evans (she/her)

Hannah Lee Law student who failed PhD sues Cambridge over discrimination

Fundraiser for Storm Darragh victim’s family reaches £40k

Komal Chauhan, she/her Writer

Over£40,000 has so far been raised through GoFundMe for the family of a man who was hit by a falling cedar tree during Storm Darragh in Leamington Spa.

Storm Darragh swept its way through the UK in early December, bringing winds of up to 81 mph in parts of England. The Met Office issued a red weather warning, indicating perilous threats to both buildings and lives.

“The GoFundMe page [...] received £17,000 in donations in its first week”

Dan, his partner Louise Thorpe, and their nine-month-old daughter Molly, were trapped under the falling tree in Portland Place West on 7 December. Both Louise and Molly were freed with minor injuries. Dan, however, sustained severe injuries, and is currently in hospital where he remains on life support.

The fundraiser has a target of £75,000 and has currently accumulated over 1,400 donations. The GoFundMe page, created on 11 December, received £17,000 in donations in its first week, and has since made significant progress, surpassing over half of its target.

Dan’s condition remains critical, and it has been highlighted that he has a “very long road to recovery”.

“even in difficult times”.

The success of another WMS academic was also recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

Professor Gavin Perkins, Dean of Medicine at WMS, was awarded an MBE for his research into resuscitation science, including

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Prof. Perkins has published more than 500 research papers in his 30 years working in the field and, in November 2024, he began a three-year term as President of the Resuscitation Council UK.

He said he had “been privileged to work with fantastic colleagues at Warwick” whose contributions help make his work possible.

The University celebrated the recognition of their academics, adding: “These honours recognise the outstanding contributions of Professors Collier, Perkins, and Quenby in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing critical global challenges, reflecting the world-leading research and reputation of the University of Warwick.”

» Images: Martin Day / The Boar

» Prof. Collier, Prof. Quenby, & Prof Perkins | Images: University of Warwick

Stuart Croft's £643 dash to London

Rachel Gore, she/her Investigative Reporter

WarwickVice-Chancellor

Stuart Croft claimed over £600 in 24 hours for the hiring of private cars to London, according to information released by The Times

An investigation by the paper on travel expenses from Russell Group vice-chancellors found that almost £1 million had been spent collectively on trips abroad and car hires in the last three years.

This is despite warnings by these universities over shortages of money at their institutions.

The Russell Group consists of 24 research-intensive UK universities, including some of the country’s most prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. The vice-chancellors leading these institutions have warned that finances for higher education are extremely poor, even with a looming rise in tuition fees in the autumn.

Despite this, in 2023/24, the average pay for Russell Group university heads was £405,000, with the average vice-chancellor claiming a further £4,300 on expenses, and spending £20,600 on international travel.

“Sudden staff sickness meant travel plans had to change at short notice.”

— University spokesperson

The Times analysis found that Warwick’s own Stuart Croft claimed £643 in March of last year for private car hire to London.

A spokesperson for the University told The Boar that this money was for multiple trips to Heathrow airport, when staff illness caused plans to change.

» Vice-chancellor claimed £643 in 24 hours for trips to Heathrow Airport, records show

» Claim is just one of hundreds by Russell Group bosses on travel expenses

They said: “We would like to issue a correction for clarity. The amount stated was not for taxis around London but for multiple car journeys to and from Heathrow airport after sudden staff sickness meant travel plans had to change at short notice.”

When Croft was announced as Vice-Chancellor in 2016, his starting salary was £280,000. This has risen to £339,000 as of 2024, which, when combined with additional payments, and benefits from the University including a house and a car, took his income for 2024 to £384,000.

stitutions. Therefore, vice-chancellors must engage with businesses, research partners, and governments around the world to grow their networks and boost the UK’s research links.

The spending does however come at a time of financial instability for UK universities. More than 80 institutions have announced staff redundancies, course closures, or restructuring, according to the University and College Union (UCU).

In November, the Office for Students (OfS) forecast that 72% of England’s universities could be in budget deficits by the end of 2025.

Elsewhere at Warwick

A STAR is born Warwick’s branch of student charity society STAR (Student Action For Refugees) has been lauded for its work supporting asylum seekers in the past year by being recognised as one of Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers for 2025.

Having recognised two of the group’s members last year, the publication singled out the society for their work “building a welcoming environment for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK and within higher education”. Celebrating on Instagram, the group said they would “keep pushing for a more welcoming, inclusive world”.

The buffet that never was

The Russell Group have justified the reimbursements to their vice-chancellors by clarifying that their universities are global in-

» Images: Martin Day / The Boar, Flickr / Vasconium [edited], & Wikimedia Commons / JesseR

Chic London bake-chain Gail's opens Leamington store

Ella Davey, she/her Deputy Sub-Editor

Leamington

Spa has added the bakery chain Gail’s to its collection of cafes, after the opening of a branch in the town centre.

The bakery opened at 91 Regent Street, just off the parade, on 22 January. Apprentice star Raj Chohan purchased the property in 2021, and her husband described buying it as “a bit of a gamble”. However, after many planning set-

backs, work started in early 2024 to open the bakery.

Gail’s is popular for its selection of quality coffee, cakes, and pastries. Among their most popular products are their mini avocado sandwiches and their chocolate and tahini bites. And have you really lived if you've never tried one of their honey cakes?

Many of its products, such as their sour cherry and chocolate scones, and their soho buns, have won Great Taste Awards in 2024.

Gail’s also won the Best Coffee Shop/ Café Group Award at the MCA Hospitality Awards in 2024.

The bakery first opened in London in 2005. Since then, the franchise has grown across the country, with 131 branches of Gail’s in the UK, as of August 2024.

The managing of Gail’s has said there may be scope for 300-500 Gail’s bakeries across the UK. The chain has recently opened bakeries in Chelmsford, St. Pancras, and at

British teenage girls drink more than boys – and most of Europe

Odette Dyer, she/her Lifestyle Editor

Overa third of 15-year-old girls in the UK get repeatedly drunk compared with less than a quarter of boys the same age, according to research.

The data, released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), shows only those in Hungary, Denmark, and Italy outdrink British girls, and their rates were much closer to the boys.

The study analysed drinking habits in 34 European countries. 29% of boys and girls aged 15 in the UK said they had been drunk at least twice, 5% higher than the EU average.

While it is unclear why British girls are more susceptible to drinking than boys, experts have suggested alcohol companies are “heavily targeting” young women through advertisements by presenting alcohol consumption as a “feminine practice”.

Professor Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, told The Times: “Higher rates of drinking among girls is a real cause for concern, especially given the recent upturn in alcohol-related liver disease that we have seen among women.

“People drink when they feel low to help themselves feel better”

— Dr Anna Symonds

“Although it is unclear what exactly is driving this trend, shifting cultural norms and shrewdly targeted marketing campaigns are likely to play a role.”

Dr Anna Symonds, a clinical psychologist working with young people, highlighted anxiety and low life satisfaction as a potential cause. Symonds said there was a link “between girls experiencing higher levels of anxiety and so-

cial anxiety and using alcohol that way”.

She added: “People drink when they feel low to help themselves feel better.”

25% of British 15-year-olds reported a low life satisfaction, more than anywhere else in Europe, according to analysis by the Children’s Society.

There are also concerns that teenage girls are mirroring their parents' behaviour, with British women having the highest rate of binge drinking in the world, consuming at least six alcoholic drinks in a single session at least once a month.

Historically, boys were more likely to report repeated drunkenness. In 2022 the gender gap has, on average across the EU, closed.

The OECD did however highlight the downward trend of adolescent alcohol consumption, with repeated drunkenness falling from 30% in 2002 to 23% in 2022.

London Bridge Station.

Until the Leamington store opened, the closest Gail’s to students had been in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

The opening of the Leamington branch in was met with enthusiasm and surprise by students.

One student said: “I’m really happy.”

Another stated: “I’m very excited, but incredibly surprised that a Gail’s is opening in a student town, as it is notoriously expensive.”

The Warwick Arts Centre might best be known for providing a shortcut to the Social Sciences block from the Piazza, rather than for any of its outlets, which tend to fall on the pricey side of student budgeting. The arrival of dazzling new buffet chain Panda Mami to the Centre last summer didn’t immediately look set to change that – £18.99 per person! – but it did peak student interest regardless, on a campus where the previous most exotic foodstuff was probably the sambuca in T-Bar. There was dismay, therefore, when a sign appeared outside the outlet this month declaring the new business ‘closed’ – or at least, there would have been had it ever opened in the first place. An Arts Centre employee told Elsewhere in October that the place would be opening in the ‘coming weeks’, and in November a notice taped to the doors invited passers-by to apply as waiting staff. Yet now the establishment has shuttered, and perhaps for good – the website’s advertised phone number appears to have been deregistered.

Panda Mami’s Managing Director, Liu Kaixiang, likely won’t be too bothered: his company appointments page shows he has run an eclectic mix of 10 other businesses, ranging from the ‘UK–China United Football Development Company’, to ‘Nida Biotechnology’, to the ‘Marx & Engels International Humanities Exchange Association’, of which he is currently President. The mind boggles.

Labour's love lost It's been an illustrious month for society talks at Warwick – from former Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga at the WES, to political Machiavelli Dominic Cummings at Speak Easy.

Warwick Labour got involved with the action too, with their annual address from local MP Zarah Sultana. The talk, as in previous years, attracted a bumper audience – yet Sultana could have been forgiven for thinking she’d turned up at one of the other events by mistake. Of everyone in the room, the MP was probably the only person there actually supportive of Labour, even despite her suspension from the party for the past six months. Questions fielded at her consisted largely of appeals for her to leave and start her own movement, or else join former leader Jeremy Corbyn’s independent group. For her part, Sultana rejected this categorically – yet having been refused re-entry into the party at a suspension hearing this month, one wonders where Warwick’s socialist firebrand MP will go from here.

» Image: Pexels / Antoni Shkraba

"I'm the f**king

INVESTIGATION

Anna Bickerton, she/her Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Martin Day, he/him News Editor

Students at Warwick searching for housing face a market of neglect, lawbreaking, and exploitation across Coventry and Leamington Spa, an investigation by The Boar has found.

A survey of students conducted by the paper found many living in substandard and even dangerous conditions. Issues ranging from untreated mould-ridden rooms to broken fire alarms and unresponsive landlords left many students arguing the situation has culminated in a widespread culture of blatant violations of tenants’ rights.

“Our basement flooded, leading to mould and incredibly humid air, but it wasn’t sorted out for six months,” was the account of third-year student Connor*, one of many similar responses from Leamington Spa residents. His name, like all names in this article, has been changed to protect stu- dent identities.

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords have a legal obligation to keep their properties in a good state of repair. This includes ad-

landlord"

legal loophole to avoid responsibility for repairs that are not the fault of tenants, or refusal to treat issues such as mould at all. Data from Save the Student’s National Student Accommodation Survey 2024 corroborates the latter concern: over 1/3 of respondents reported issues with damp in their properties.

Prolonged exposure to mould

9% of students report unfixed broken fire alarms

(Source: Save the Student)

and damp can carry significant health risks, including respiratory issues, allergies, and other serious illnesses. The tragic death of two- year-old Awaab Ishak in December 2020 from a severe respiratory condition related to his mould-infested Rochdale home prompt- ed legislation known as Awaab’s Law, passed in July 2023. Initially applicable only to social housing landlords but due to be extended to the private sector under the Renters’ Rights Bill, it will man-

dressing issues like mould and damp, which can have significant health consequences for tenants. Responsibility for issues like these is blurred, however, with landlords able to charge tenants for damage they deem to be a result of tenant negligence.

Student testimonies suggest that landlords have exploited this

STUDENTS,

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

» Landlords must give 24 hours' notice before visiting the property. You are legally entitled to refuse them entry otherwise, unless it's an emergency.

» You have the right to a habitable home: your landlord must conduct repairs if these are to vital utilities like water, heating, and gas.

date investigation into reported hazards within 14 days and repairs to commence within 7 days for those that pose ‘significant health and safety risks’.

Until then, however, evidence suggests that landlord responsibilities are defined by rampant delays and inaction. Complaints of poor communication and hidden

» Broken or faulty fire and carbon monoxide alarms must be treated as an emergency, and fixed ASAP.

» Your security deposit is only that – a deposit. Your landlord is legally bound to return it unless they have a legitimate fault on your part, and you are entitled to contest their decision.

» You have the right to a copy of your contract, and a valid Gas Safety Certificate.

costs were widespread. Maya*, a second-year, recounted their landlord “taking weeks to [even] reply to messages” from tenants, allegedly leaving them with mould problems. Nearly two-thirds of students surveyed by The Boar felt their landlord failed to carry out repairs “properly, in a timely fash- ion”.

Cian*, a Canley resident, told The Boar that his landlord “never responded” when they contacted him about necessary repairs to the property, yet later suggested in an email that the inside of [his] house was “too dirty, violating the tenancy agreement,” despite Cian having no record of any visits to the property.

Another student, a Leamington Spa resident, accused their landlord of “reneging on prom- ises”. “We’ve reported a leak in our roof multiple times, the agent keeps raising it to the landlord but seems like nothing will be done,” lamented Jacob*. He added: “Last week, we were told the landlord would be round to fix things we had issues with but there was no sign of them.”

These delays sometimes had serious consequences: second-year student Lucas* claimed his housemates were offered “no guidance or advice” on how to fix their broken fire alarm, which under the law should be considered an emergency by landlords. At least one smoke alarm should be installed on each storey of privately rented accommodation, yet a national survey last year indicated a minimum 9% of student properties do not have working fire alarms. This suggests potentially hundreds of students across Coventry and Leamington Spa are left endangered by landlord inaction.

Along similar lines, whilst landlords can legally charge tenants for repairs to appliances, the breakage must be a result of misuse, not general wear-and-tear – yet these terms too have been ignored and abused, according to students.

Anvita*, a second-year in Canley, testified: “Our washing machine takes six hours to do one load, yet when we complained we ended up having to pay £75 for it to be ‘fixed’. It still takes six hours.”

Coventry resident Amir* described his landlord as “patronising and unhelpful” regarding heating issues, especially in the cold winter months. He also highlighted the frustrations of ambiguous information around electricity and gas usage, claiming tenants are often penalised for exceeding poorly advertised limits, whilst landlords potentially pocket unused bill payments.

Such deliberately obscure contract terms can endanger the most vulnerable, including disabled students, as the punitive nature of some contracts and uncompromising landlords can leave students averse to turning heating on.

“My chronic illness means I’m immunocompromised, so cold temperatures and mould growth are a real risk to my health. I feel like I’ll have to choose between going

Lawbreaking and neglect are rife in ‘mouldy’ and ‘dangerous’ student housing, Anna Bickerton and Martin Day find.

» Student responses to a Boar survey were universally negative, with respondents panning landlord behaviour and unaware of their tenancy rights. Source: The Boar

£569

Average monthly rent for Warwick students

(Source: Save the Student)

~£756

Average monthly price of Warwick University accommodation

broke and getting ill in the winter,” explained Sara*.

Complaints of violations of personal and legal boundaries were near-ubiquitous among respond- ents. Under the Housing Act 1988, landlords have a legal ob- ligation to give tenants 24 hours’ notice before any property visits. However, The Boar found this law to be frequently and flagrantly violated by student landlords in Coventry and Leamington Spa.

Students highlighted feelings of disempowerment in asserting their legal entitlements: only a quarter surveyed considered themselves to be well-informed on their rights as a tenant. 59% of respondents also attested to receiving insufficient or no warning before landlord visits

to their houses.

When third-year student Leah* challenged her landlord for walking in unannounced, he respond- ed: “I’m the f–king landlord”. “Our landlord would enter the property without warning and shout and swear at us,” she told The Boar. The abuse not only left Leah and her housemates feeling intimidated but also prompted noise com- plaints from neighbours. All the while, Leah reported enduring a tenancy of “rats, ant infestations, gas leaks, [and] countless mould issues” due to landlord neglect.

Alfie* alleged that his landlord “frequently” failed to warn his housemates about house viewings despite legal obligations: “When we’re out and he does a viewing, he unlocks and enters our rooms – presumably to show them to the house viewers, but it’s a pretty uncomfortable invasion of privacy, especially given he never warns us in advance. I can’t really leave anything out in my room ever.” He added: “A storm completely wrecked our fence, and he just hasn’t done anything to repair it.”

Some students apportioned blame to the University’s lack of guidance for first-years in finding housing. Students are expected to find somewhere to live very soon after moving to university, sign- ing contracts with people they’ve known for just a few months with competitive student housing mar- ket.

Continued on Page 6

» Photos submitted to The Boar showed mould and damp as widespread issues facing students. | Images: The Boar

Local government shake-up set to suspend May elections

Coventry woman found alive five decades later

Amro Maraqa, he/him Writer

Noah Williams, he/him Writer Abigail Mableson, she/her Arts Editor

Plans

have been unveiled for the most significant reform of local government in 50 years, which could lead to the abolition of six councils across Warwickshire.

The changes were outlined in the Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December. They aim to streamline governance, cut costs, and improve efficiency.

Warwickshire currently operates under a two-tier local government sy stem.

This consists of five district councils –North Warwickshire, Rugby, Warwick, Stratford-on-Avon, and Nuneaton and Bedworth – under a single county council, Warwickshire, which oversees the district councils.

Warwickshire County Council has now applied to the government to create a unitary authority, which would take over all services currently managed by the existing six councils.

The proposal also includes a request to defer the May 2025 elections to allow for the restructuring and the formation of the unitary authority.

Local councils have expressed mixed feelings regarding the proposed reforms, particularly the potential postponement of the local elections.

Responding to the proposal, the leaders of North Warwickshire,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Student housing lawbreaking all to ensure people understand the timeframe for securing accommodation,” said Alfie*.' “If anything, it’s actively misinforming – they shouldn’t try to calm freshers down saying it’s all fine if you still haven’t found a house in January, because it isn’t – you’ll be stuck in an absurdly expensive property a dozen miles away”.

He went on: “My house has Grade E insulation, no carpets, is 30 minutes away by bus, and has a

Nuneaton and Bedworth, Stratford-on-Avon, and Warwick councils wrote a letter to Warwickshire County Council Leader, Councillor Izzi Seccombe. The letter highlighted concerns over the rushed process and lack of consultation.

The council leaders urged Seccombe not to request the deferral of the May 2025 elections. Instead, they called for “meaningful, collaborative, and constructive discussions” among councils in Warwickshire to carefully consider all available options for local government reform.

While council leaders acknowledge the potential benefits of devolution they caution against rushing the process.

settle for this absurd price. It’s nakedly exploitative.”

“Stupidly expensive” and a “ripoff” were among terms similarly aimed at the University’s on-campus accommodation options. Save the Student estimates the average monthly rent for Warwick students to stand at £569, whilst on-campus options often exceed £700. The result is students feel pushed towards private off-campus renting.

One pointed to the demolition of the University’s former

Chris Watkins, Labour leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, expressed interest in looking at other options.

“I won't be getting pushed into it by county”

— Cllr Chris Watkins, Nuneaton and Bedworth Labour Leader

He stated: “I won't be getting pushed into it by county.”

He added that he would write to the government to oppose this. Local leaders emphasise the need to fully consider the impact of these reforms on residents, businesses, and staff before moving forward with such significant changes.

symptom of the University’s disregard for the affordability and safety of student housing.

'Stupidly expensive' and a 'rip-off' were terms aimed at the University’s on-campus accommodation

A spokesperson for Warwick Accommodation told The Boar they offered a range of support

» Rootes, at £123 a week, is one of only a few affordable options on-campus. | Image: Martin Day / The Boar

Sheila Fox, who disappeared from Coventry in 1972 aged 16, has been found alive and well in one of the longest missing person cases in West Midlands history.

Now aged 68, Fox was found in another part of the UK 52 years after her disappearance, as the result of a fresh appeal launched by the West Midlands police at the end of the year.

“‘A bit late in the day', as my great aunt put it...”

— Ella Fox-Martens, relative

The investigation gained public momentum after West Midlands Police released a single blurry image of Fox from the time of her disappearance. This image prompted members of the public to reach out with crucial information, leading to the successful breakthrough and further closure for Fox’s family and friends.

At the time of her disappearance, Fox was living with her parents and was believed to be in a relationship with an older man.

Detective Sergeant Jenna Shaw, a representative of the Cold Case Investigation Team, expressed her delight in a statement shared by Coventry Police on Facebook. Shaw stated: “We’re absolutely delighted to have found Sheila after more than five decades.”

Special recognition was fur-

dedicated webpages, doorhangers in campus rooms, digital screens, and emails. They also noted joint housing events held in partnership with the Students’ Union (SU).

They continued: “In collaboration with the student experience team, Warwick Accommodation enhances housing information and supports students in securing suitable off-campus accommodation. Warwick Accommodation and the SU work in conjunction to support students to understand their housing options and we would always encourage students to reach out to us for housing advice.”

“We would always encourage students to reach out to us for housing advice”

— Warwick Accommodation

The spokesperson also pushed back against the suggestion that accommodation options were universally expensive: “Warwick offers a ladder of rents starting at £121 p/w (inclusive of utilities, insurance, and internet), so students have a variety of options. Additionally, there is a wealth of private student housing near the University, including purpose-built ac-

ther given to Detective Constable Shaun Reeve for his dedicated work in resolving the case through public appeals. Shaw remarked: “I'd like to recognise the work of DC Shaun Reeve, who managed to resolve this case with help from the public.”

West Midlands Police confirmed that Fox was alive, safe, and well. The officers who spoke to Fox also confirmed that she no longer resides in Coventry and has been living elsewhere in the UK. They also added that technological advancements and forensic techniques played a crucial role in resolving the case.

“We searched through every piece of evidence we could find and managed to locate a photo of Sheila,” Shaw explained.

Ella Fox-Martens, who identified herself as Fox’s distant relative, expressed the family’s surprise following the announcement of Sheila’s discovery. Writing on X, Fox-Martens said: “The most telling part being that she’d been back for years! ‘A bit late in the day’, as my great aunt put it…”

» Image: West Midlands Police

commodations, ensuring options to suit different preferences.”

In a statement issued to The Boar, Warwick SU sought to highlight support available to students: "The SU Advice Centre is a free and confidential service that offers advice and guidance to all of our student members. Our friendly advisors are not employed by the University, which means they can give you independent advice.”

It continued: “The area we offer most advice on is Housing –we can advise and represent you through any of your student housing issues, helping you to understand your rights as renters, and contacting landlords on your behalf. The sooner you get in touch, the more we can help so please submit an enquiry form for our support.”

The issues uncovered by The Boar are not new, pointing instead to a longstanding culture of neglect and power abuse by landlords over student tenants. The expected passage of the Renters’ Rights Bill this year underscores the urgent need for better protections – yet with existing laws evidently of little concern to many landlords around Warwick, students may feel sceptical as to how effective further regulation would even be.

» Councillor Izzi Seccombe is leading the reforms. | Images: Warwickshire County Council & Rawpixel

Joshua Lowe MSc Management (2023 – 2024)

At Warwick Business School, we offer a range of dynamic Master’s courses in Accounting, Business, Finance and Management, each designed to unlock your dream career.

Many of our courses don’t require a background in these subject areas, they’re crafted to develop your existing skillset to the level needed to stand out and excel in the job market.

You’re already off to a good start – if you’re an undergraduate student at Warwick, you’ll be awarded a 25% scholarship for your Master’s study. “Being a Warwick

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The 'curated self': A philosophical exploration FEATURES

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Malaika Uddin

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An emerging concept is the ‘curated self’, which aims to describe how one may craft and present an online persona, representing a break with the past in terms of our self-understanding and experience of the world.

Mani Theocharopoulos, he/him Writer

Thinkershave grappled with the question of what defines humanity for centuries. Are we naturally virtuous or vicious? Enlightened or ignorant? Beyond this debate, another question comes to light: how does technology change the way we view ourselves? As we develop more sophisticated tools, our perception of self changes, along with how we view our place in the world.

Prophets have long reflected on the relationship between modernity and the human condition. Friedrich Nietzsche’s The Gay Science (1882) serves as a poignant example, commenting on the new ways in which we conceptualise our relationship with the world and with ourselves. According to Nietzsche, without a belief in God or a higher power, humanity faces greater existential anxiety where we frantically question ourselves: are we not straying through an infinite nothing? In this ‘modern condition’, the individual must navigate a world of uncertainty and assume new forms of responsibility.

Beyond abstract philosophies, what is the role of technology in reshaping human identity? Again, this line of inquiry is not without its own rich history. One example is Walter Benjamin’s work on the impact of mass production on art, which argued that reproduction diminishes the reverence that was previously felt for it, altering how we relate to cultural artefacts.

Aristotle once defined us as the social animal, should we now be called the ‘social media animal’?

Social media raises similar questions about how our tools influence self-perception. An emerging concept is the ‘curated self’, which aims to describe how one may craft and present an online persona, representing a break with the past in terms of our self-understanding and experience of the world. Aristotle once defined us as the social animal, should we now be called the ‘social media animal’?

The psychologist Bruce Wilson defined the curated self as "the selection, organisation, and presentation of online content about yourself with the understanding that the online has become a canvas to recreate who we are".

Self-presentation is not unique to the online world – in the ‘real world’ people have long expressed identity through aspects such as clothing, hobbies, or music. However, social media is unique for its ability to synthesise this information, collecting it into a narrative that is put on public display.

In How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (2019), Jenny Odell describes the importance of safeguarding our attention in the modern world, arguing that self-curation may pose a risk, impairing our ability to be present in our lives. Odell argues that self-curation is problematic because it leads to a "performative selfhood" and the commodification of the self, factors that lead to diminished authenticity. As American sociologist Sherry Turkle wrote in her work Alone Together (2011), "Our

networked life allows us to hide from each other, even as we are tethered to each other."

Behind all of the problems Odell presents is the pressure applied by social media to encourage users to conform to narrowly defined identities. Identities may take the form of aesthetic movements or other specific subcultures, limiting the exploration of other facets of identity and unique, authentic self.

A sceptic may reply that performativity, distraction, and the commodification of the self are not intrinsic to social media and instead present as recurrent features of the human experience. Some sociological views argue that the defining feature of human interaction is its ‘dramaturgical’ nature, speaking to its performance component. While the term ‘personal brand’ may be new, the practice of distinguishing oneself based on skills or personal traits for one’s own profit certainly is not.

That being said, it is undeniable that the medium through which we express ourselves, such as social media, changes the nature of per-

Rafael Duque

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ple, capable of determining our own existential values.

To a certain extent, the instinct is difficult to resist. For better or for worse, social media is often the first impression of ourselves we show to others. Nowadays, following someone on social media may even precede meeting them in person. In this context, how can we resist the urge to influence how we are first perceived? Don’t we all want a wall of photos which gives off the impression of being wellliked, well-dressed, well-read, or well-travelled?

In some cases, there are economic pressures too. Many at university face uncertainty surrounding their future career and seek to present as well-rounded professionals on LinkedIn. To avoid the fear of being unable to find a job,

We do not just curate a self online but, in some cases, a whole life

one curates an alter-ego defined by variable academic success and extracurricular participation. The systemic pressure of the curated self makes it an increasingly hard phenomenon to avoid.

The curated self may be a genuine departure in our self-understanding, in which technology facilitates a gradual collapse between the public and the private spheres of our lives. We do not just curate a self online but, in some cases, a whole life. Every moment is waiting to be documented and shared, potentially to people we do not know, for clout or monetary benefit.

sonal promotion and social performance. Three important factors play into social media’s influence: the permanence of content, the social expectation to participate in this public display, and the collapse in the distinction between our public and private selves.

While performance is a natural feature of all social interaction, curating a wall of images to attribute to yourself may influence the user to adhere to a ‘curated self’, restricting our ability to reinvent ourselves in real life. With the proliferation of labels such as ‘dark academia’ or ‘cottage core’, we see finer and finer subcultures being established. Acting on the impulse to fit in limits our ability to explore other facets of ourselves.

Individuals may encounter difficulty when seeking to uphold freedom and responsibility and determining oneself outside of the confines of a narrow culture.

To pretend that we could ever be ‘just’ a ‘manic pixie dream girl’ or ‘finance bro’ is an act of 'bad faith’ which goes against our responsibility to be authentically free peo-

The nature of celebrity has shifted. We have come to admire not only those who act out fictional lives but those who entertain us with their everyday lives. The popular film The Truman Show is no longer a fiction but a reality where many are now choosing to turn the camera on themselves, with an increasing number getting addicted to the programme.

As social media fosters transparency and oversimplification, it prompts us to consider our relationship with ourselves, others, and our wider world. Experiences that were once deemed intimate and personal now overlap with public consumption. The rise of the curated self prompts the question: have technologies fundamentally changed human behaviour, or are these shifts merely adaptations to new contexts?

And though it may be, in some measure, an unscientific question, this question is as captivating as it is essential. It is a question that, like other enduring philosophical puzzles, challenges us to reflect deeply on what it means to be human in an age of perpetual self-curation.

» Image: FreeRange / Kaique Rocha

The halo effect on trial:

Luigi Mangione and Gen Z's obsession with looks

In Mangione's case, the halo effect has created a narrative where his education, his symmetrical features, and his brooding mugshot have turned him from an alleged criminal into a misunderstood anti-hero.

gione's smile than in the damning evidence against him.

When Luigi Mangione’s chiselled jawline first graced the collective consciousness of the internet, it wasn’t in a Calvin Klein or luxury fragrance advert, but on grainy security footage accompanied by an announcement from the NYPD (New York City Police Department). The Ivy League-educated 26-year-old was arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a crime described as an act of terrorism. And yet, rather than universal condemnation, what followed was a tsunami of TikToks thirsting after Mangione, Instagram accounts dedicated to him, and even Luigi Mangione look-alike contests held at universities across the US.

The case has become a masterclass in a cognitive bias known as the halo effect, where one positive trait which in this case, physical attractiveness, casts an irrational glow over everything else. What should be a sober discussion about justice has become a chaotic blend of fan fiction, political commentary, and ironic memes. The legal trial might take place in a courtroom, but the cultural battle is playing out on social media where the jury of public opinion seems to be far more interested in Man-

First identified by psychologist Edward Thorndike in 1920, the halo effect explains how physical attractiveness can distort our perceptions, causing us to assign unrelated positive traits such as kindness, intelligence, or moral integrity to someone based purely on appearance. Studies consistently show that attractive people are more likely to receive favourable treatment in job interviews, academic assessments and most critically, in courtrooms. Jurors are less likely to convict attractive defendants and when they do, are more inclined to hand down lighter sentences. In Mangione's case, the halo effect has created a narrative where his education, his symmetrical features, and his brooding mugshot have turned him from an alleged criminal into a misunderstood anti-hero. This bias reveals a deeply ingrained societal flaw: we struggle to hold attractive people accountable.

If the halo effect is the bias, then social media is the megaphone. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are optimised for virality whilst beauty has always been one of the most valuable currencies, meaning that Mangione's sharp cheekbones and icy blue stare make him algorithmic gold.

the internet has decided that he’s a modern-day Robin Hood, albeit with better abs. Nonetheless, this digital romanticisation comes at a cost as victims are reduced to footnotes, moral complexities are erased, and the conversation shifts from accountability to aesthetic appeal.

media influence, and societal disillusionment. Attractive antiheroes challenge our expectations of what a ‘villain’ should look like, creating cognitive dissonance that we attempt to resolve by assigning them redeeming qualities. Mangione and his case reveal how deeply implicit biases influence our perceptions of guilt and danger. Part of this stems from an innate desire to understand and humanise those who commit crimes. This inclination is often tied to the saviour complex, where individuals convince themselves that they can reform or redeem the offender. Social media amplifies these narratives, turning real crimes into gripping stories where beauty, rebellion, and tragedy collide, distorting our ability to see the truth clearly. However, these narratives, while emotionally compelling, rarely align with reality.

When we turn alleged criminals into viral celebrities, what happens to justice?

On TikTok, videos featuring Mangione’s face garnered millions of views while Instagram accounts popped up overnight, dedicated to posting curated collages of his images with romantic or rebellious captions. Users debated his motives, speculated about his backstory, and expressed everything from admiration to infatuation. Some even dismissed the gravity of his alleged crime, posting comments such as, “Who cares if he did it! Is he single?” under his images.

This phenomenon isn’t new. Social media has been turning criminals into viral sensations for years. Jeremy Meeks, who was convicted on grand theft and weapons charges, leveraged his viral mugshot into a successful modelling career with many famously dubbing him the ‘hot felon’. However, Mangione’s case takes on a more troubling dimension due to his crime, a targeted killing of a high-profile public figure, being reinterpreted by online users as a symbolic act of political defiance. The narrative surrounding Mangione resonates deeply with widespread frustrations about systemic inequality, allowing his alleged actions to be framed as a statement rather than a crime. Mangione’s alleged crime targeted one of America’s most controversial institutions: the healthcare system. Psychologist Dr Elena Touroni explained that social media amplifies these emotional narratives as people are drawn to symbols of rebellion, which is exactly what Mangione has become – a flawed hero for a generation tired of systemic failures. Whether Mangione intended for his actions to be perceived in this way or not is almost irrelevant;

The fascination with attractive criminals isn’t unique to Luigi Mangione. History is littered with examples of lawbreakers whose looks turned them into pop culture phenomena. Ted Bundy remains the most infamous example as in the 1970s, Bundy’s charm and good looks played a significant role in his ability to lure victims. Even after his arrest, women flocked to his trial, some writing him love letters and others proposing marriage. To this day, documentaries and movies continue to perpetuate Bundy’s image as a ‘charismatic’ monster, often glossing over the horror of his crimes. Similarly, the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their wealthy parents, became teenage heartthrobs during their trial in the early 1990s. Fans attended court proceedings, sent them gifts, and wrote them letters with both brothers eventually marrying women they met while incarcerated.

Unlike Bundy or the Menendez brothers, Mangione exists in a hyperconnected world where content spreads globally in seconds

What sets Mangione’s case apart from the others is the way in which the narrative has been supercharged by the power of social media. Unlike Bundy or the Menendez brothers, Mangione exists in a hyperconnected world where content spreads globally in seconds. His curated online persona consists of stylish outfits, gym selfies, and carefully selected Spotify playlists, feeds directly into the halo effect.

The archetype of the attractive, morally ambiguous antihero has become a cultural obsession, blurring the line between hero and villain. But why? Our fascination with these figures possibly stems from a mix of psychological bias,

At the intersection of true crime, social media and the halo effect lies an ethical minefield. When we turn alleged criminals into viral celebrities, what happens to justice?

The glorification of Luigi Mangione has already begun to shape public opinion, and it could influence the outcome of his trial. Jury selection in high-profile cases is already a delicate process, but the Mangione phenomenon has raised new concerns. How do you ensure a fair trial when half the jury pool might have seen TikToks declaring him a misunderstood hero? In addition, the focus on Mangione’s physical appearance sidelines the victim, Brian Thompson, whose life was abruptly and violently cut short. His family’s grief, the circumstances of his death, and the broader societal implications of the crime are reduced to mere footnotes in a story dominated by memes and viral thirst traps. In the age of clickbait headlines and viral content, sensationalism often eclipses substance. The Luigi Mangione case is a grave reminder of how easily digital culture can distort reality, trivialise tragedy, and warp our understanding of justice, raising serious ethical questions regarding the way in which we consume, share, and react to crime stories in the digital age.

The case of Luigi Mangione is not just a trial of one man; it is a trial of us, the audience. Are we capable of separating fact from fiction and evidence from aesthetic? And are we okay with living in a world where someone can literally become famous for murder, as long as they look good doing it?

Mangione’s trial will conclude in a courtroom. But the cultural phenomenon he represents, with our obsession with beauty, our love of rebellion, and our willingness to turn tragedy into content, will linger far beyond the final gavel.

If the Luigi Mangione saga teaches us anything, it’s this: We might be infatuated with a killer, but the real crime is how willingly we let ourselves fall for the fantasy.

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Information wars in the age of Musk: An invisible grip on British politics

Che Wheeler, he/him Writer

Aswe continue to live in an era of so-called ‘post-truth’ politics, where people are struggling more and more to believe who speaks the truth in dizzying discourse, a powerful figure has emerged in Britain, an invisible wind attempting to topple over the proverbial table of British politics. Elon Musk, tech-savvy billionaire and owner of X, formerly Twitter, has, as the New York Times put it, “a strange fixation with trolling Britain”. Though Musk’s intentions are several and sometimes conflicting, the danger of giving such a distant, untouchable figure a booming megaphone across the Atlantic is undoubted.

Many were puzzled by Musk's decision to call for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to be replaced

Musk’s motivations appear to have some semblance. Given he has drawn gradually closer to right-wing populist movements, recognising their rise globally, including in online discourse, his new fixation may be beneficial to his business interests. Musk has delivered exaggerated support for right-wing rhetoric on X more than once, most notably during the Southport riots, claiming that “civil war is inevitable” in Britain, and that it is somehow turning into Soviet communism. Recently, following broad calls from rightwing opposition for a national-level investigation into groom-

ing gangs, Musk went as far as to call the safeguarding minister a “rape genocide apologist”. These actions represent an interesting combination of ‘rage bait’ for his audience on X, and repetition of talking points in the right-wing of British politics.

Though why Britain in particular? It could be that Starmer is merely the easiest target for Musk to aim at: an Ipsos poll recently found a record-high 61% disapproval rate of Starmer, and his popularity has been on a continual decline since his landslide victory in the 2024 election, having only been sustained by high anti-Tory sentiment. In addition, Starmer’s policies, despite his criticisms of Musk’s actions, are largely based on a business-friendly approach, exchanging overtly high public spending for making the UK attractive to foreign investment. Indeed, if Starmer were to fully ward off Musk, it might send a message to other prominent multinational corporations that Starmer is creating an unfriendly environment for outside business, pulling away a cornerstone of his economic philosophy in a struggling premiership. Musk, in a sense, almost has Starmer wrapped around his finger, exploiting his uncompromising centrism to freely bully him in the hopes that his weakness will give way to a friendlier government in 2029.

However, some of Musk’s comments seem to contradict such a conviction for a right-wing framework in Britain. Many were puzzled by Musk’s decision to call for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to be replaced – Musk stated that Farage did not have “what it takes” due to his opposition to Musk’s plea for far-right activist Tommy Robinson to be released from prison.

There are two possible views here. Firstly, the opinion that Musk is merely engaging in high-profile trolling for the sake of public engagement. By saying things that seem unusual, over the top, or otherwise, he gains more publicity and more engagement, countering both disinterest in him as a faraway corporate figure, and the plight of individuals moving to Bluesky, the emerging Musk-free alternative to X. However, a more niche view is that Musk is trying to legitimise Farage further. Farage has engaged in a campaign of trying to ‘professionalise’ Reform, moving

his rhetoric away from the controversial aspects of the far-right’s views. Perhaps by forcing Farage to publicly declare opposition to the promotion of Robinson by a figure with such importance as Musk, he is granting legitimacy to Farage’s attempts to make Reform a more mainstream force in British politics. In this way, Musk’s influence may be an attempt to prevent the party from collapsing to the same reputation that UKIP garnered, of being too radical and unacceptable for electability.

Inherent wrongs with British politics need to be fixed

Underlying all of this is a real threat of Musk having a lack of accountability and a lack of connection to British politics. Our politicians might misrepresent us at times, and X’s reach might be global, but given that Musk is primarily concerned with running corporate ventures concentrated in the United States, it’s hard to believe he has the first-hand experience, both past and current, to be holding such legitimacy and sway in British political discourse. Musk’s exaggerated and provocative language falls outside the boundaries of what is usually accepted as moderated and civil discussion. Individuals like Lee Anderson have been immediately shot down for making such comments as London Mayor Sadiq Khan being controlled by “Islamists”, but Musk is protected by both a physical barrier to any kind of law enforcement or public scrutiny, along with the personal wealth and assets that will inevitably keep him afloat and well-off regardless of what he says. Ultimately, suppose we let such people as Musk control our attention. In that case, Britain risks lapsing into what large portions of American political discourse have become: politically charged and exaggerated rhetoric, with no regard to the views or humanity of the other side, demonising them in a flurry of misinformation and complete lack of compromise. Musk is only right about one thing: inherent wrongs with British politics need to be fixed. Creating a minefield of uncertainty and hyperbole for personal gain, however, is far from the way to do it.

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Naomi Pandey Group work: Wellintentioned but poorly executed

Will's Word On Warwick:

What can we learn from Skool Dayz?

Will Moores, he/him Opinion Comedy Column

Skool Dayz is always a highly informative affair, whether you’re honing your 2.6 times table with every additional purple, culturally enriching yourself with noughties pop classics, learning your Latin with Sexy Roman Numerals or meeting legendary alumni and benefiting from their immense old age and wisdom, Skool Dayz undoubtedly serves as an academic exercise that rivals even the finest seminar or tutorial.

The advantages of the event are limitless: the costumes are easy to put together, the subsequent photos are iconic, and the vibes are tremendous. While many a nice white shirt has been permanently recoloured (purple) by all manner of overconfident (long arm) pints, the small amount of purple that may, somehow, find its way into your mouth is always sure to make it a worthwhile endeavour.

On these nights, circles often hit all-time highs and regularly feature some of the finest gameplay imaginable. My first Skool Dayz, in Term 3 last year, saw a masterclass of a circle run by Warwick Athletics, which many say defined the medium of circling itself. It featured pitch-perfect renditions of Slaps, Zummy Zummy, and Who the $%£&, all of which are quite difficult to pull off but are truly magical when done right.

“Skool Dayz is more than a mere extension of the Copper Rooms purple-infused events of a Wednesday night”

Bryn Baber-Day,Copper Rooms Merchant and Athletics Social Secretary

I reached out to known Copper Rooms merchant, and Athletics Social Secretary, Bryn Baber-Day, to say a few words about this magical event:

“Skool Dayz is more than a mere extension of the Copper Rooms purple-infused events of a Wednesday night. It exists as an institution that transcends the realm of Warwick nightlife and reaches the upper echelons of human flourishing. Whenever I en-

Certain weird individuals will find a way to be creepy about anything

ter those hallowed halls, whether to lead a circle or to attend one, I know that I am going to experience something truly special.”

Other all-time moments include one couple’s public engagement at a Skool Dayz night in Autumn 2012, after a dramatic and ultimately successful onstage proposal – which was presumably followed by a wedding at Neon and a honeymoon in Kasbah. Though the couple’s whereabouts and marital status are currently unknown, we can only assume that the magic of Skool Dayz has kept their relationship as strong as ever.

There’s no doubt that Skool Dayz is a controversial affair when compared to other SU events such as Sonic, a night-out which presumably incites nothing beyond general apathy. Some have called for Skool Dayz to be dismantled by the SU and replaced by something less “creepy”. While this is an important point, I would counter with the fact that Skool Dayz is a lot of fun, and that certain weird individuals will find a way to be creepy about anything. Also, Skool Dayz merely suggests a theme, and, in my opinion, people should be allowed to wear what they want – within reason.

If people are looking to get rid of Skool Dayz, they’ll need to suggest an equally entertaining and notable event to replace it with and, ultimately, I’d argue that the relative weakness of nights out like Sonic and Rep My Flag suggest that this may be easier said than done.

It is for these reasons that I’d implore you to join me at the next Skool Dayz, so that you too can dodge the flying VKs, meet friends of friends of friends in Rouge, remain vigilant in the face of those pesky sharks and, of course, completely ruin your only white shirt.

Deepfakes: Fun, art, or manipulation?

Kate Jordan, she/her Writer

AItechnology has become increasingly apparent in our society, taking huge strides in record time. Photos, videos, and audio clips manipulated or created by AI fall under the title of ‘deepfakes,’ and can be deeply misleading to their audience. But is there any cause for real concern?

Deepfakes are the product of AI manipulating content to look real, either transforming someone into someone else or even generating a fake version of them. This includes photos and videos, some even with mimicked voices.

According to a study conducted in by V Schetinger et al. in 2017, 53.5% of humans could be tricked into believing that digitally altered media is real. Years later, despite the impressive technological development and increase in our understanding of AI, the assumption that this figure will have decreased is not a clear one. Greater use and sharing of the products of deepfake AI across social media means that the technology behind it works rapidly to improve itself and the quality of its products, creating increasingly realistic work.

People will struggle to tell the real from the fabricated

Between 2019 and 2020, the amount of deepfake content online increased by an astounding 900%, according to the World Econom-

ic Forum. This sets the tone for its trajectory in the years to come. With such a large online presence, it leaves us wondering how it truly impacts our lives.

Many famous examples appear to show deepfake material as merely harmless fun. The AI-generated image of Pope Francis embracing Madonna, which she posted on Instagram in December 2024, did cause some controversy. The Pope is a popular choice for deepfakes, due to the plethora of online videos and photos. The greater the online presence, the greater the target they become for the creation of AI deepfakes. The Madonna image was created using a paid AI platform, Krea.ai, but you can find realistic deepfake images of many celebrities on free-to-use platforms with ease.

Being such a versatile tool, perhaps the danger and the weight of its influence have been overlooked, especially when it comes to politics and scams. Yet it has also become a means of creating art for some users. Could it be a process of advancing the art scene in the digital age? In one sense, many are using these new platforms to develop their imagination and creativity, portraying humorous or satirical ideas with the aid of new technology. On the other hand, we must be cautious of harmful uses of these images, as they can be easily manipulated and transformed into photos of celebrities, or even politicians in positions of immense power. They could be used to ‘cancel’ such individuals, despite a lack of awareness of their true authen-

ticity. Even if this content was initially created with comedic intent behind it, depending on who is chosen as a target, deepfakes could have severe consequences.

There is such a high volume of AI-generated content on social media, and eventually (if it is not already happening) people will ststruggle to tell the real from the fabricated. We must understand how these new possibilities can lead to greater mistrust in the media, the spreading of misinformation, and more scams taking advantage of those vulnerable to this type of content.

A recent example of this took place in 2024, involving a 77-yearold retired lecturer from Edinburgh. The BBC explains how she had been convinced by scammers using deepfake AI-manipulated videos that she was in a relationship with a woman working on an oil rig. Using videos, the scammers convinced her that their AI-generated woman was a real person, giving the victim the confidence to send them money so that they could continue talking, reaching a total of roughly £17,000. Despite her age arguably pinning her as more susceptible to this type of scam, it is vital to see the possibility of this happening to those who do not consider themselves to be as vulnerable – the rapid development of AI may well be beneficial, but in the long run, it could serve to work negatively against us in scam scenarios. So far, there are no easy ways to automatically and accurately identify deepfake content from the real.

Fake news and deepfakes are branches from the same tree

However, there is a general understanding of the techniques used. ‘Face swapping’ and the mapping of voices onto generated videos are only two examples of many. Yet this can help us determine for ourselves the fake from the real if there comes a time when it is unclear. Lower quality deepfakes are particularly obvious due to unnatural movement or robotic voices, however, the BBC has shared other tips on how to identify AI. These include checking the number of fingers on the person depicted, as AI can give itself away when they have more or fewer than five. Also included is an encouragement to look at the eyes of the person depicted – both placement and movement is very telling – and body language too can appear jerky or unnatural. Finally, check the

background to see if it matches the supposed time and place when the video or photo was taken.

In general, it is a good idea to be wary of online material that we come across, since fake news and deepfakes are branches from the same tree with roots in misinformation and fearmongering. Whilst also being harmless in some scenarios, it is important to be aware of the potential threat this type of content poses to avoid becoming a victim. However, that is not to say that people should not enjoy the creative aspects of this AI deepfake technology, especially as a dive into satirical art or social commentary, as it can be an incredibly effective tool in getting messages across to a wide audience in an easily digestible format.

Tis the season for studying: University workload over the holidays

Arushi Singhai, she/her Writer

It’s the lie that we all tell ourselves: we’ll spend the holidays catching up on lectures, revising, working on assignments, or even reading ahead for the next term. But after ten weeks of lectures and coursework, with everyone around you getting in the holiday spirit in December, it can be even harder to be productive. It begs the question – at what point can students have a break from university? Should universities even be allowed to set deadlines in the holidays?

The number of students working has increased rapidly because of the high cost of living

At Warwick, the format of three ten-week terms means that deadlines during term time will almost always clash with teaching. As a history student myself, this often means that the content of the later weeks is more difficult to write on, and I end up choosing to write my essays on the earlier topics that we’ve already covered in seminars. Moving deadlines to the holidays would allow students to learn all the content of a module before tackling assignments and give us

more choices in what we can research further. It would also mean that students are more engaged with the content in the later weeks, rather than choosing to focus on assignments over weekly reading. The holiday workload is not just comprised of coursework – many students have exams in January or Term 3 after the Easter break. Exams are perhaps more difficult to schedule in a way that does not affect the workload set over the holidays. The amount of time you spend revising is a personal choice that students take, whether that’s to cram the night before, or review content repeatedly from the day that it is first taught until the final exam, or somewhere in between. Whilst students theoretically have more free time in the holidays to do work, this is not always the case. Holiday deadlines impact students who work part-time disproportionately. A survey from 2023 indicates that 55% of students are working part-time jobs during their studies, with an average of 13.5 hours per week. This study does not necessarily distinguish between those who work in the holidays and those who also work in term-time, but part-time work is still important to consider in discussions around deadlines.

Without parental support, most students would not be able to afford basic living costs without this

extra income.

Universities should take some level of responsibility when it comes to students' mental health

Deadlines set during the holidays affect those who work and continue to privilege those who do not need to work for extra income. The fact that the number of students working has increased rapidly because of the high cost of living means that this is something that universities should bear in mind when setting heavy workloads or large projects over the holidays. And it’s not just part-time work that increases student workload over the holidays. It’s an opportunity to work on the things that you didn’t have a chance to do during a busy term – including applications for internships, jobs, or other personal projects. University is not just about your coursework – it’s a time to explore other passions and set yourself up for a job after graduating, and the holidays should be free of workload to help achieve this.

Mental health among university students is also important to consider when it comes to university deadlines. A survey by Student

Minds found that 57% of students self-reported a mental health problem, and 27% had a diagnosed mental health issue. The pressure of having to work through the holidays after a hectic term, and then come back for another busy term, can lead to burnout and high levels of stress. Universities should take some level of responsibility when it comes to students’ mental health, and alleviating the workload over the holidays could certainly help this. Many celebrate Christmas, New Year’s, Hannukah, or Eid during the Christmas or Easter break. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the holidays are a chance to spend time with your family and friends after a term away from home and shouldn’t be overshadowed by coursework or exams. It shouldn’t be radical to argue that students deserve a proper break over the hol idays from univer sity work. Setting work over the hol idays puts a signifi proportion of students at a disadvantage compared to their peers. Students deserve to have time for other aspects of life that help with their personal devel opment, whether that’s spending time with family, working a parttime job, applying for work experi ence, or pursuing a passion project.

But we should also consider that a ten-week term is nowhere near long enough to adequately teach and assess content, particularly in a 15-CAT module. When looking at specific deadlines for courses, it might seem like deadlines during the holidays are the only way to cover all the content before an assessment is due. Holiday workload seems like an inevitable part of university life with the way that Warwick’s terms are structured, but changes to timetables might be able to strike a balance between covering content before an exam and allowing students to relax during the break.

» Image: Ecole polytechnique / Flickr

» Images: Ashraf Saleh / Flickr (above), 2happy / stockvault (left)

FINANCE

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Articles you can find online...

Emily Harris Zuckerberg's 'free speech' overhaul worries advertisers theboar.org

Editor: Abhay Venkitaraman (he/him) finance@theboar.org

Deputy editors:

Nikita Bavisha

The costs of the Christmas vegetable price war

A market in bloom

Sumanyu Tonapi, he/him Writer

The global cut flower market is in bloom. The value of the market is expected to exceed $50 billion by 2030, and is coming off a blockbuster year in 2024, in which US consumers spent a record $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day. Let’s look into the rapidly growing market to identify the factors behind this growth.

The heart of the flower industry is the Netherlands, the home of

the world’s largest flower auction – Royal FloraHolland. The auction is critical to the industry, importing and re-exporting 40% of all flower production globally. However, as transport technology has progressed, alternative producers, particularly those based in sub-Saharan Africa, are challenging the Netherlands’ dominant market position.

Kenya is a large exporter of flowers, whose business has bloomed due to improved transportation, now providing around 35% of roses imported by the EU. There are

two strong reasons for this, one being the abundant infrastructure in Kenya, with entire airport terminals dedicated to exporting blooms. This allows for direct shipments of flowers from Nairobi to the EU. Next-day transportation is pivotal for flower quality.

Secondly, the 1973 oil crisis increased the cost of raising flowers in greenhouses, moving flower production to the south, where the warmer climate made it possible to drastically prune energy costs.

A surge in consumer demand has pushed the industry onto the fast track

Kenya is an example of how improvements in transport technology have played a key role in the flourishing of the cut flower industry. Transport speed is crucial, as cut flowers are perishable, requiring great care with respect to temperature or they can wilt, lose colour, and decrease in quality. This requires a 'cold chain', a series of temperature-controlled farms, lorries, planes, and boats, all allowing the flowers to stay fresh. Time is critical, as flowers lose 15% of their

Joseph Brennan Intrum: the debt collector with a debt to pay

Sub-Editor: Ziad Wazir (he/him)

Lex Gillard (he/him) Oscar Marret (he/him)

Giorgi Konchoshvili US pauses sanctions on Syria to help rebuild

value each day after being harvested.

Agricultural tech has greatly improved in the last decade; inno vations such as hydroponics and vertical farming are two specific solutions that have disrupted the flower industry. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using nutrient packets as a soil substitute, thus al lowing for greater con trol over plant trition and significantly reducing water usage. Ver tical farming is the prac tise of using multilayer structures to grow plans, making maximal use of small urban spaces. Together these farming practises have made flow er agriculture more efficient, low ering costs for producers.

The expansion of distribution channels in the flower industry has also played a major role in its recent expansion. The flower industry is traditionally a brick-andmortar industry. Covid-19 disrupted this, forcing stores to move online, a distribution channel they have continued to adopt. The most popular form of this is the 'order online – pick up in store' model, which offers the convenience that customers grew used to in the digital shopping frenzy caused by the pandemic.

Lastly, a surge in consumer demand has pushed the industry onto the fast track. A key reason for this is the backlog of weddings created by Covid-19, which will take several years to work through. Weddings are one of the largest sources of flower demand, behind global traditions like Valentine's Day and Mother’s Day, with an average of 10-15% of a wedding budget being allocated solely to floral arrangements. Increasing disposable income, with an average growth rate of 2.4% over the next four years, will likewise play a vital role in higher flower demand, along with a growing consumer preference for flowers in home décor, celebrations, and gifting. The market for cut flowers is steadily growing into a behemoth. Technology, consumer preferences, and historic traditions all tie in together to enable the systemic growth of this industry. Further disruptions are expected, as e-commerce retailers are looking to shake up the market on a global scale, making the flower industry one to look out for ahead of an exciting Valentine's Day 2025.

» Image: Pexels / Calaful Prints (top right); Pexels (top left)

Can stronger regulation solve the vaping crisis?

in England it will be illegal to sell single-use vapes from June 2025. Such drastic measures are demonstrative of the destructive nature of the vaping industry. However, they pose a relatively low threat to sales, with longer-use vapes and cigarettes still being available.

sibly, reducing the strain that vapes place on the environment.

Vaping has emerged as a new contentious issue for its damaging health and environmental impacts.

The sale of disposable electronic cigarettes has been banned in Belgium from 1 January, with a ban on outdoor smoking in Milan coming into force on the same day.

“It should be as easy to recycle a vape as it is to buy one”

- Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus

Australia restricted the sale of all vapes to pharmacies last year, and

More than a million vapes in the UK are thrown away every day, research suggests. All vapes containing lithium-ion batteries are dangerous if crushed or damaged, as they can cause fires in bin lorries, as well as in waste and recycling centres. These fires are on the rise across the UK, with an increase last year of 71% compared with 2022. There should be more sustainable disposable methods to reduce plastic waste.

For example, Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus states: “It should be as easy to recycle a vape as it is to buy one.” Butler wants more vapers demanding where they can buy vapes to also be provided with recycling points. Such accessibility would allow vapes to be disposed of more respon-

While the environmental impacts are worrying, the health and societal perceptions of these problems deserve significant attention as well. Due to vapes being a relatively new introduction to the market, there is unawareness around their impacts. This lack of education leads to an increase in consumption, with people believing them to be relatively healthy compared to cigarettes. Their colourful packaging and availability in a multitude of flavours further diminishes their perceived threat, with them being marketed towards children, starting a lifelong addiction to nicotine. Cigarettes are sold behind the counter with warnings of decaying lungs on packaging, disincentivising their purchase. Yet, this simultaneously makes vapes seem like an attractive alternative. It is crucial to change the ways that the products are framed for the consumer in order to reduce demand. Furthermore, when regulating the market, we could therefore

look toward a total ban, providing fewer pathways to consume nicotine. Considering this, we must acknowledge the inevitability of a black market emerging with a total ban on vapes. Already, due to vaping being a recent trend, there has been a black market created to supply vapes to those under 18. Illegal vapes may contain toxic materials such as lead and nickel. They often exceed legal nicotine levels and can deliver an alarming 7,000 puffs, far beyond the 600 to 1,000 puff range of legal products.

Banning addictive substances is futile, as there is always demand for solutions

Banning addictive substances is futile, as there is always demand for solutions and ways to adapt to the ban. Regulation to the extent of banning is detrimental, as there will be reluctance to access healthcare when struggling with vaping related health problems.

As well as this, we must look toward the threat of cigarettes, which

would fill the gap in supply. An official Belgian Health Interview survey in 2018 found that 15.3% of the population aged 15 and over smoked every day, down from 25.5% in 1997. Realistically, this could be attributed to the increase in vape consumption, and with this alternative being taken away, there would be an increase in cigarette use. A recent study, which surveyed 1,000 vapers, suggests that about one in four could go back to smoking tobacco. Although vapes pose significant threats to health, cigarettes pose further risk, with the presence of tar increasing the risk of cancer. Banning disposable vapes could help reduce vape consumption, but it offers a more dangerous alternative. Regulation in terms of partial or incomplete bans on vapes is not going to be effective. Instead, we need to follow a balanced approach, accepting and adapting to the constant demand for vapes and increasing information provided to consumers to produce informed decisions.

» Image: Flickr / Vaping360 (bottom middle); Wikimedia Commons / CFCF (top middle)

Nikita Bavisha, she/her Climate Editor

CULTURE

@theboarculture

The Boar presents the Culture section, featuring Books, Arts, Lifestyle, and Travel.

Books Editor: Estella Neumayr (she/her) books@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Anna Barnard (she/her)

Deputy editors:

Tamara Mulaki (she/her)

Naomi Pandey (she/they)

Arts Editor: Abigail Mableson (she/her) arts@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Sanjana Iyer (she/her)

Deputy editors:

Emilia Sullivan (she/her) Harriet Curry (she/her)

Lifestyle Editor: Odette Dyer (she/her) lifestyle@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Laura van Diesen (she/her)

Deputy editors:

Hannah Keane (she/her)

Zahra Jazmina (she/her)

Travel Editor: James Watson (he/him) travel@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Hannah Colechin (she/her)

Deputy editors:

Ayse Oltan (she/her)

Francisca Nunes-Tome (she/her)

The other side of love:

Exploring the tragic romance stories this Valentines

Ciara Dowling, she/her Writer

Despite what many fairy tales might tell you, not all stories end with a Happily Ever After. In fiction and reality, finding love (let alone the mythologised True Love) is much harder than simply going into the woods and finding a long-lost princess. Even outside of this genre, love conquering all and saving the day is a common trope, but what happens to those for whom love proves too weak a force against the overwhelming power of tragedy? From star-crossed lovers to those doomed by the gods and cursed by fate, this article will look at several romances that ended with funeral bells rather than wedding ones.

Love was not enough to save either of them in life, but [...] to ensure their deaths

1. Swan Lake: Starting with a story that is performed rather than read might seem unusual, but Tchaikovsky’s tale of magic and mistaken identity more than earns its place amongst the greatest romance tragedies. When Prince Siegfried finds the cursed maiden Odette, he swears that he will earn her love and break the spell she has been placed under by the evil sorcerer Rothbart. However, he is soon deceived by Rothbart and his daughter Odile, who makes Siegfried believe she is Odette. This tale has several different endings, with the most famous involving the two lovers drowning themselves in the lake so that they may remain together in death. Love was not enough to save either of them in life, but it was powerful enough to ensure their deaths.

2. Wuthering Heights: This record of Heathcliff and Catherine’s toxic love has been a source of inspiration and in-

trigue for centuries. Emily Brontë pre sents Heathcliff and Catherine’s story backwards, showing the results of their relationship: a bitter man set on revenge, a woman married for spite, and several cousins un knowingly forced to reenact their parent's tale. We are then intro duced to Heathcliff and Cathe rine, two wild children who spend all their time roaming the moors until Catherine moves away from savagery to civility. Heathcliff then leaves before mysteriously returning with a fortune to begin his campaign of torment against those he feels have wronged him. When Catherine marries another and soon dies from childbirth, he only falls deeper into madness. Heathcliff doesn’t take his life when Catherine dies, but he loses his soul, and that is a fate worse than death. The tragedy in this story is not that they didn’t love each other enough, but that they loved each other too much, so that it turned rotten.

3. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: A more recent addition to the genre, this novel highlights the importance of memory and how it links to love. Addie LaRue was a girl who made a deal with a devil (who goes by the name Luc); she would gain eternal life but would instantly be forgotten when no one was looking at her. Luc has a one-sided love for Addie and pursues her across continents to claim her soul. Centuries pass, and she meets Henry, a man who can remember her. However, it is revealed that this is because he also made a deal with Luc, who comes to collect Henry’s soul per an agreement Henry doesn’t remember making. Addie goes with Luc to save Henry, but he retains his memory of her. Henry then anonymously publishes her life as she told it to him so that she can be known and remembered. While the tragedy of

Why should reading be your New Years Resolution?

Jasmine Richardson, she/her

Writer

So often the New Year comes around and people decide to completely reinvent themselves.

While I don’t think this is a healthy outlook and believe that change should be gradual and therefore achievable, not dictated by the calendar, it can be useful to think of values you’d like to instil in your life, instead of drastic lifestyle changes. For many, in the fast paced digital age, they value finding small moments of slowness and calm. Reading can be a great way to achieve this sense of zen for even just half an hour, so here are some ways you might actually stick to your reading goals.

Nobody is judging you for what you read

First of all, nobody is judging you for what you read and it is always better to read something rather than nothing. Read what genuinely brings you joy, not what you think is on the New York Times list of best books or what your lecturer wrote for their thesis. These things definitely have a place, and as an English Literature student myself,

their parting is not quite as bombastic as some of the entries on this list, Henry and Addie’s relationship is one that many today can recognise. One that lives on in our memories because we can never see the other person again, whether that’s due to time, distance, or something more complicated than that.

Orpheus tried, and sometimes in life and love, that's all we can do

4. Orpheus and Eurydice: This pair of ill-fated lovers has gained great recognition through the hit musical based on their myth, Hadestown. Orpheus is a skilled musician who marries Eurydice, but the two are separated when Eurydice dies shortly afterward. Orpheus then journeys to the underworld to get her back. Hades allows the lovers to leave unhindered, but only if Orpheus doesn’t look back. In every version of the story, Orpheus looks back. Sometimes he fears he’s been tricked, other times he hears her stumble, but the outcome is always the same. He loves her enough to save her, but the tragedy is that he loves her so much that he could never have succeeded. Orpheus tried, however, and sometimes in life and love, that’s all we can do, regardless of success or failure.

Tragedies are one of the oldest genres of story, dating back thousands of years to Ancient Greece; since then, countless doomed lovers have loved and lost on both the stage and the page. These couples can reveal and explore the negative aspects of love that their more light-hearted equivalents fail to, such as pain, fickleness, jealousy, possessiveness, impermanence, and the fine line between love, passion, and obsession.

I am pretty interested in the New York Times’ thoughts, but that isn’t going to bring me peace. What will, however, is romcoms and fantasy novels, so in my spare time I choose to read outside the canon, and I love somewhat predictable novels that make me smile. So, I think you should do the same. Find an author or a genre that makes you actually want to sit down and turn the pages every evening or morning, not a book that you think will look great to have read on your CV. Having a set time of day that you read can really help instil it into your routine. Maybe you like to wake up early and read over breakfast or maybe you read before you go to bed. Maybe you want to aim for 10 pages a day or a chapter a week. Setting goals can be motivating, as long as these goals are actually achievable in your life and current routine. Just because it’s January doesn’t mean your entire personality has changed. If you regularly wake up past 11:00 you won’t suddenly enjoy the 7:00am alarms you so vigorously set and so obviously ignore. If you know you are a night owl, or an early bird, lean into it. After all, this is a fun activity and shouldn’t be something you loathe. Buddy reading is something that be-

came really popular over lockdown and has taken off in a big way ever since. Buddy reading, according to Fable.com, is "when you agree to read the same book at the same time as someone else so you can discuss it together. Think of it as a mini-book club". This can be a really helpful way to stick to your resolution to read more as someone else is holding you accountable. It can also make the activity more fun, being able to discuss the book with someone else, and can make it a social activity if you seek that type of stimulation. A really helpful tip for maintaining your reading over the year can be to use a book tracking app. There are loads of great ones out there. I myself use a digital bookshelf app called TBR – Bookshelf that visually displays all the books I’ve marked as read for the year on a shelf in a colour coded format.

» Images: Alisa Anton / Unsplash (bottom), Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash (top), Annie Spratt / Unsplash (top middle), Paige Cody / Unsplash (bottom right)

Heartbreak, heart-wrenching, heartache: A look at love on the West End

Aanya Sisodia, she/her Arts Columnist

As Valentine’s Day looms and more new plays begin their runs this year, let’s have a look at love in some of our favourite, and newest, West End shows!

Hadestown: How far would you go

Hadestown sees two love stories: Hades and Persephone against Orpheus and Eurydice, both becoming tested and tense due to Hades’ overbearing control, which impacts both relationships. As a result, Persephone has dual citizenship in the underworld and human world as the seasons change, whilst Hades challenges Orpheus and Eurydice to retrace their journey back, separated, with the risk of Eurydice going back to the underworld if the rules are broken. The show is not only poignant, as it navigates contemporary themes of climate change, but also a Greek tragedy which applies to both couples, demonstrating how far one would go for love and how much they’re willing to do.

The

Phantom of the Opera:Twisted and dysfunctional

On the other side of the West End is The Phantom of the Opera, following the love triangle between Raoul, Christine, and the Phantom. Of course, there is a love of music and theatre which is present throughout the show, but there is also added layers of Raoul’s yearning for Christine; Christine being unaware of how intrinsically she’s connected to the Phantom, and the Phantom, who not only loves music but is possessive of Christine to remain in contact with the theatre as well as his own songbird. Not only is the love story dysfunctional and almost twisted, but Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies follows Christine and Raoul’s relationship with their son, as Christine is pulled to America for one final performance. The Phantom again appears and, as it

turns out, whilst she’s with Raoul (who is heart-broken upon finding this out), Christine states how she has always loved the Phantom who incidentally is the father of her child. Across the two musicals the love triangle is webbed and messy, and in the sequel (set 10 years later) this doesn’t seem to have changed. Whilst I’m not trying to bash or critique Webber’s thematic exploration, it’s a version of love that is tangled and convoluted, but also full of heart which has had fans obsessed for decades.

Why Am I So

Single? Platonic and self-love

A recent closure on the West End, Why Am I So Single, by the creators of SIX (Marlow and Moss), explores the ins and outs of friendship, platonic soulmates, and the trials and tribulations that come with relationships in the contemporary age. With hit songs, current references, and an incredible cast, the show tastefully explores two friends’ love of musicals, as well as each other, as they ask themselves why they are indeed so single. De spite its glittery and trendy nature, the characters Oliver and Nancy are confronted by their own bag gage, as well as forced to reminisce on their past relationships. They realise that they’d had each other through thick and thin, and whilst they may not be able to be able to rely on the male dating pool, they have one another.

That is not to say that it is all sunshine and rainbows. The show poignantly explores working through grief, self-introspection and confrontation as the characters

fession, whilst also balancing her personal relationships and staying strong. With an incredible costume department and spectacular visual feast, the Dominion Theatre immerses you into the Runway magazine world with displays, photo ops and merchandise. The West End, compared to Broadway, has a better reception towards movie-musicals and many audiences have flocked to the theatres to see the cult-classic revived. Andy, who was initially resistant to conforming to the Miranda-girl type, or trying to get ahead, resolves to prove her boss Miranda Priestly wrong. Her diligence and inten tions will lead her to displace her superior and do so well at her job that she betrays her colleague, ne glects her relationship, proceeds to have a fling, and subsequently be comes a Miranda-girl. Finally, she resigns and takes back control of her life, romance, and professional life, realising that with work-life balance, you can have your lovelife and career both in check and thriving.

Wicked: friendships and

Love letters reconsidered: The digital death of pouring out your feelings onto the page

Abbie Fox, she/her Head of Social Media

Inour modern and digital age, the traditional love letter has all but died out, with the rise of Snapchat, texting, and apps like Tinder and Hinge. Love letters are a dying form of communication and expression. People nowadays opt for a simple text to express their love, as opposed to a fancy poem or a personal essay. Whether it be a formal love letter received in the post, a note passed in class or left in some body’s locker, or a postcard, there is something unique about a phys ical manifestation of love, and the effort which went into curat ing and expressing it. In fact, this preference of the physical over the digital, owing to the physicality and permanence of the form, is why many people still prefer phys ical books to e-books or Kindles,

of these, Wilde writes “everyone is furious with me for going back to you, but they don’t understand us.” Centuries later, the letters between the two men are recognised as love letters, in spite of the rejection of same-sex relationships by the Victorian England where they lived.

There is undeniablysomething iconic about the love letters which

Struck by Cupid's arrow: Exploring love and symbolism in art

Stephanie Okeyo, she/her Writer

Everymasterpiece begins with inspiration, and for centuries, love has been at the heart of it. Today, we explore how love has been depicted in some of the most famous works of art.

Il bacio, Francesco Hayez (1859)

Beneath what appears to be a streetlamp, a man and a woman embrace, sharing an intense moment that seems to silence the world around them. At first glance, Il bacio (The Kiss) is a simple yet passionate encounter between two lovers, beautifully captured in oil by Hayez. However, a closer look at the painting will reveal that there is more than what meets the eye. Instead, it is a thrilling (and rather political) romantic affair between two states.

Italian Romanticism is defined by its emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism, elements that are often linked to the Risorgimento. The painting, commissioned by Count Alfonso, is a tribute to the alliance between France and Italy. The kiss: a symbol of the 19th-century unification of Italy. The man in the painting, fiercely gripping the woman's face, is draped in a green and red cloak, representing the Italian flag, while the woman in his grasp wears blue and white garments, symbolising the colours of the French flag.

In this way, Hayez transforms a simple romantic moment into a powerful symbol of the political alliance between France and Italy, merging love and nationalism in a stunning portrayal of the Risorgimento.

The Lovers, Rene Magritte (1928)

Following his mother’s suicide, Magritte pursued fine arts in Brussels, immersing himself in Cubist, Futurist, and Dada movements, all while displaying a mocking and rebellious disposition in the early 1920s. It is no surprise that Surrealism became the art form that most aligned with his vision.

As such, The Lovers by Magritte immediately evokes both frustra-

tion and intrigue. On one hand, the thick white cloth draped over the heads of the two lovers obstructs their intimacy, creating a sense of suffocation when viewing the surrealist painting. At the same time, it evokes a sense of mystery that remains elusive and difficult to decipher.

“It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable,” says Magritte, when asked about the meaning of the painting.

Perhaps it is a metaphorical and visual representation of what love truly means. Though it is a simple word, it defies a single, one-sizefits-all definition. Instead, it is a mystery – an experience without a universal manual, "anything... nothing... unknowable." Like The Lovers, love can be both an infuriating and exciting endeavour.

Morti di Paolo e Francesca, Gaetano Previati (1887)

“These violent delights have violent ends, And in their triumph die; like fire and powder…” (Romeo and Juliet Act 2, Scene 6). If you are familiar with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, you will certainly appreciate Previatis’ rendition of Paolo and Francesca. Like the romantic tragedy, the painting depicts two lovers subjected to death as a consequence. The story follows two adulterous lovers, murdered at the hand of the woman's husband (and lover's brother), damned to burn in Dante's Inferno of lust and consequence.

In the Romantic painting, the lovers lie slain, their bodies entwined in a lifeless embrace, a sword pinning them together. Previati notably employs dark shades of red, evoking violence, while the black and blue crystallise the profound melancholy of the scene. Here, love is depicted as an all-consuming force that transcends moral obligation, leading to destruction.

For years, artists have sought to understand and express the essence of love, experimenting with various methods to visually represent its complexities. These explorations often intersect, covering similar themes, ultimately reaching the same conclusion: love is multifaceted and obscure.

Wedding dresses: An exploration of bridal fashion throughout time

Anya Mittal, she/her TV Sub-Editor

Thewhite wedding dress is an iconic piece of fashion. It’s a key component to the most important day of someone’s life, and it must be perfect for each individual. Often accompanied by a veil, the long, elegant dresses are a staple in weddings across the world. Although, this wasn’t always the case.

Over the years, wedding dresses have evolved in accordance with

fleeting fashion trends

The first ever recorded white wedding dress belongs to Phillipa of England, who wedded Eric of Pomerania in white silk during the early 1400s. Although they had been around for centuries, the white dress did not gain popularity until Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840. The queen was married in a Spitalfields silk white gown, lined with Honiton lace in a show of English patriotism. Many women opted to follow her lead, leading us to the dresses we see today.

Over the years, wedding dresses have evolved in accordance with fleeting fashion trends. The 1930s boasts modest dresses with simple cuts, highlighting their elegance, as well as the effects of the Great Depression. These dresses were primarily made from satin or silk and had lace accents. The 1950s were characterised by opulence. Dresses were fitted with full skirts and cinched waists to accentuate figures, and made from an abundance of lace and polyester. Styles were rapidly changing as the 1960s introduced shorter hemlines with the rising popularity of tea dresses, and the 1970s focused on alternative head accessories to the

traditional veil. Princess Diana’s wedding dress was the pinnacle of 1980s fashion, made from antique silk and taffeta. The dress itself was truly a dress befitting a princess, with a full skirt and puff sleeves, but the most magnificent feature was its 25-foot-long train.

People often comment on fashion’s cyclical nature, which can definitely be seen through the 1990s return to understated elegance. My personal favourite is of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s 1996 wedding dress. The simplicity of the silk slip dress was reminiscent of the 1930s, but the soft cowl neckline brings it into more modern times. However, it wasn’t until the later years where wedding fashion saw more drastic changes.

Timeless was out and trendy was in. Fleeting fashion trends, especially the ones we later come to regret, took hold of wedding dresses. White stopped being only for the bride in the 2000s, as brides explored other colours and opted for all-white dress codes for their guests. More revealing cuts, such as the plunging V-neck, were favoured and form-fitting shapes, like fishtail gowns, became increasingly popular.

Wedding dresses have a complex history leading us to where we are today

To veil or not to veil is a question faced by every bride. Wedding accessories, like the perfect shoes and jewellery, are arguably just as important as the dress. The topic of the veil is a widely debated one, as people appear conflicted on its presence on their special day. However, where brides do converge is the rising return to simplicity. They have been selecting simple, yet elegant gowns, accompanied with long trains and veils and the princess-like drop waist.

Looking for Valentine's Day plans?

Visit The Future is Today: Prints and the University of Warwick, 1965 to Now

Fashion truly is cyclical. Whilst white is popular today due to tradition, it was originally chosen as it symbolised purity and piety. The white wedding dress remains in the West, however, as Eastern brides favour red, symbolising auspiciousness and luck. In China, brides wear a cheongsam, also known as a qipao, featuring both red and gold with embroidered silk. Eastern countries, like China and India, have lavish weddings featuring multiple events, therefore brides have the opportunity to explore different outfits. Indian brides wear a red lehenga, a matching top and full skirt, which is usually accompanied with heavy gold jewellery and matching bangles. Like the white wedding dress, Indian lehengas have too seen a change as brides now favour ornate pastel outfits. Wedding dresses have a complex history leading us to where we are today. In the last few years, wedding fashion has been more subjective and personal as people explore their own aesthetics. Over time, I’m sure we’ll see yet more interesting dresses, with brides building on previous dresses and exploring their own tastes.

From prints by Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and David Hockney, mark the occasion with The Boar (trip details to be confirmed in the WhatsApp Community)

Running from 16 January to 9 March at the Warwick Arts Centre's Mead Gallery

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From cute to creative: a unique take on gift-giving for this Valentine’s Day

Visit the Jellycat website at your own risk, as trust me, you will absolutely be enamoured by the cute Amuseables

Abigail Mableson, she/her Arts Editor

Whenit comes to Valentine's Day, the prospect of buying the perfect, heartfelt gift for your loved ones can seem daunting. From the enormous bouquets of red roses to a box of chocolates, the stereotypical Valentine's Day gift may not appeal to you. As a first-time indulger in the world of everything February 14, I am getting down on one knee and proposing to you the best Valentine’s Day gifts for this season of love, including some perfect gifts on a budget to equally spread the romance.

I have to admit, the Jellycat trend is something I completely buy into, and whether or not you think they are a bit silly or overhyped, I will not be listening. Luckily for us gift buyers, Jellycat has released a range of very cute Valentines-themed Amuseables, ranging from ‘Amuseables Beatie Heart’ (costing £20), to ‘Hugg McSnugg’ (costing £23), which I can only describe as a Valentines-themed devil. There is plenty of choice for gifts in the world of Jellycats. If your partner loves sports, get them an ‘Amuseables Sports’ golf or tennis ball, or perhaps if they have a slight caffeine addiction, then the ‘Amuseables Coffee Bean’ could be your choice. A Jellycat family or friends

is the perfect gift, mainly ranging around the £20-£30 budget mark. However, visit the Jellycat website at your own risk, as trust me, you will absolutely be enamoured by the cute Amuseables and inevitably purchase one for yourself.

At the heart of gifting is the opportunity to show someone you really care, and that’s what makes a gift, whether big or small, truly treasured and appreciated

If you desire to make more of a statement with your gifts, a beautiful accessory, like jewellery, a handbag, or even a pottery trinket to store accessories in, may be the way to go. Expensive jewellery doesn’t have to be your only option, as many of your favourite high-street retailers, especially H&M, have jewellery that is both good quality and affordable (starting from around £10). Searching for a pretty necklace or a pair of eye-catching earrings does not have to be a difficult process. Every girl will absolutely be appreciative of a smart gold chain, or even some simple hoop earrings. If you are looking for an especially unique gift, Oliver Bonas has a wonderful range

of small pottery jewellery dishes to keep your new pieces safe. And realistically, who wouldn’t want to show off their brand-new gifted accessory on a Valentine's Day date?

At the heart of gifting is the opportunity to show someone you really care, and that’s what makes a gift, whether big or small, truly treasured and appreciated.

And now for the more alternative gifts. As an avid Cocktail appreciator, everyone is grateful for a high-quality cocktail-making set. From the likes of Urban Outfitters to even Tesco, you can find a unique cocktail set for around £15. If you are willing to go the extra mile, perhaps organise a cocktail-making date night. Buy your essential liquors and ingredients, such as rum, vodka, and exotic garnishes, and follow some romantically themed recipes. In no time, you will be a skilled bartender and able to show off your recipes whenever you have friends around. An equally wonderful gift for all flower lovers out there would be a hand-picked, ornate vase, paired with some flowers. Now, when you are buying your loved ones some flowers, they will have somewhere to keep them (other than the go-to crisis pint glass). Being unique and thoughtful is a big part of gifting for your loved ones, so go the extra mile and pick something exciting.

This Valentine’s Day, the thought behind the gift matters more than the cost. Whether that be a cute Jellycat, a stylish necklace, or an evening of dinner and cocktails, thoughtfulness goes a long way. At the heart of gifting is the opportunity to show someone you really care, and that’s what makes a gift, whether big or small, truly treasured and appreciated. Take the time to choose something meaningful and let this Valentine’s Day be a celebration of your unique style.

A date to remember: Valentine’s Day done right in Leamington & Coventry

Diya Sengupta, she/her Writer

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and if you are looking for a place to go, this article will tell you all about the best spots in Leamington and Coventry. Whether for a romantic, platonic, or solo date, these six locations will surely please everyone.

Boom Battle Bar

Location: Unit 10, Cathedral Lanes, Broadgate, Coventry CV1 1LL

Price: ££-£££

For the competitive adrenaline junkies out there, Boom Battle Bar in Coventry is the perfect spot for you. With activities ranging from £9 to £45 per person, this game bar offers a wide range of thrilling ways to impress your partner. Their activities include axe throwing, shuffle-boarding, beer pong, ‘Crazier Golf’, augmented reality darts, American pool, and karaoke. You can tailor an evening at Boom Battle Bar to your fancy. If an activity-driven night doesn’t appeal to you, they are also known for their excellent cocktails and food. They accommodate people with disabilities, but this bar is for 18+ only. This location guarantees a heart-pumping night.

The Leam Boat Centre Ltd

Location: Mill Rd, Leamington Spa CV31 1BE

Price: ££

For those who would rather indulge in daytime activities, The Leam Boat Centre Ltd will offer you the ride of your life. This boat centre is well-equipped for individuals of all skill sets. From kayaks to pedalos, they offer a range of waterborne floats. If you’re particularly in the mood to improve your paddleboat skills, this location offers plenty of activities and courses you can dive into.

What’s more romantic than being locked in a small room together indefinitely?

Escape Live Coventry

Location: Fargo Studios, Fargo Village, Coventry CV1 2HW

Price: ££

What’s more romantic than being locked in a small room together indefinitely? Escape Live Coventry is the location where you can find out. They offer three different themed escape rooms with added snacks and food. This is the ideal

environment to test the bounds of love: stress, competition, and maybe a dash of teamwork.

Jephson Gardens

Location: Newbold Terrace,Leamington Spa CV32 4AA

Price: Free

For the calmer people, you might find yourself heading to Jephson Gardens for a picnic or coffee across from the Leamington Bandstand. These gardens are the best area to take a little break with your partner, with its alluring fountains, soft grass, and sturdy benches.

Newbold Comyn Country Park

Location: Newbold Terrace E, Leamington Spa CV32 4EU

Price: Free

If you find that you have lingered by Jephson Gardens until it shuts, Newbold Comyn Country Park is just a 20-minute walk away and offers you a breathtaking view of Leamington Spa (as breathtaking as it can get in Leamington). If the sky is clear, it is the place to rest your head and look at the stars. Don’t forget to bring a blanket –you won’t want to get wet from the grassy dew.

LEIF Tearooms and Piano Bar

Location: 116 Warwick St, Leamington Spa CV32 4QP

Price: £-££

If you’re interested in an evening activity in Leamington that involves indoor heating, LEIF Tearooms and Piano Bar is for you. Accompanied by live piano music, LEIF is the quintessential environment for a drink or cocktail in the evening, paired perfectly with their specialist wine menu. LEIF is open for breakfast and dinner, with fresh food and snacks served between 9am to 5pm. If a glass of wine with your morning eggs doesn’t satisfy your Valentine’s Day cravings, don't worry. They offer 18 loose-leaf teas or special coffees to guarantee a relaxing and cosy day. With that, my list is complete. These are, by no means, the limit to the wonders of Coventry and Leamington. If nothing on this list speaks to your desires for the day, I’d recommend looking out for board game cafes, pottery painting cafes, and bowling aisles. The most important thing is to enjoy the day. It’s yours to make. Don’t forget to indulge in as much chocolate as possible. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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LIFESTYLE

Galentine’s Day ideas

Amelia Phillpotts, she/her Writer

After years of Valentine’s Day being centred around couples and romantic love, women are now reclaiming this holiday for themselves and their friends. Galentine’s Day, while still a relatively new concept, is a wonderful way to spend February 14, whether you’re in a committed relationship, still playing the field, or happy being single. The best thing to do is to throw yourself into the red hearts and the love, put up some decorations, and open your heart to all your friends. If you are looking for some ideas of what to do together to make the day feel special, here are just a few.

Organise a spa night at home and indulge in all the old-school beauty tricks done at sleepovers in your childhood

Movie night

What is a more classic and wholesome way to spend Galentine’s than a movie night? Sitting in your favourite pyjamas, under a dozen blankets, and with popcorn in your hand, movie nights are popular for a reason. While the classic rom coms are favoured for good reason, there are many ways to mix up your night to make it feel a little more special. In a style similar to the TikTok trend “Hear Me Out Cake”, you could do a movie marathon of your slightly controversial celebri-

ty crushes in their hottest movie characterisation. This idea gives you both a combination of genres and a chance to joke with your friends about their tastes in celebrities. You could always add some crafts like painting or crocheting to do at the same time to take home a little memento.

Spa night

Celebrate Galentine’s by indulging in both platonic and selflove all in the space of one night. Organise a spa night at home and indulge in all the old-school beauty tricks done at sleepovers in your childhood. Gather your peel-offface masks, cucumbers for under your eyes, and manicure sets. What better way to bond with your girls and refresh your mind and body before spring? Valentine’s Day does not need to be entirely focused on romantic love.

Cooking and baking

There’s an endless supply of inspiration for themed baking and cooking that can be so much fun to try. Heart-shaped pizzas, red sugar cookies, heart-shaped waffles, strawberry cupcakes, or practically anything with pink sprinkles make for an easy-themed cake. Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are a treasure trove of inspiration and recipes. Whether you are a cooking connoisseur or find it easier to pick up a box kit from Tesco, group cooking or baking can be so much fun. Being artistic is always better when you can eat your creation afterwards.

With group gift exchanges, setting a price limit and adding a theme can make the experience of shopping easier

Secret Cupid

Cosmopolitan wrote about the idea of a Secret Cupid, which is essentially Valentine’s version of Secret Santa, and this could be so much fun. With group gift exchanges, setting a price limit and adding a theme can make the experience of shopping easier and the gifting more enjoyable. A growing trend online (used mostly over Christmas) was a Jelly Cat and thong exchange. This idea lends itself more to the Valentine’s Day theme and seems to be a

crowd-pleaser. If that isn’t you, go simple with exchanging chocolate, wine, candles, or anything that’s simple and cosy. I would not recommend turning this into a white (or pink) elephant exchange unless you want to stir up some trouble.

Hart and Co is a personal favourite due to their cute backdrops for photos such as the neon signs or infamous bathtubs

Brunch date

If you would rather be out and about on Valentine’s Day, try a new Leamington brunch spot. Finding space to go out for dinner on one

of the most romantic days of the year will be unbelievably difficult, and brunch can be much more laid back. Gather your girls together, allow yourselves to dress up, and explore Leamington’s brunch scene. If you are looking to stay on theme with the day, Hart and Co is a personal favourite due to their cute backdrops for photos such as the neon signs or infamous bathtubs. If you are looking for more of a tipsy time, many places will offer bottomless brunches. Chain restaurants like Turtle Bay and Las Iguanas offer seem to be very popular with their wide range of food and cocktails. There’s an endless supply of brunch places for various types of cuisine once you start looking.

» Images: KoolShooters / Pexels (bottom right)

A survival guide for the perpetually single

Emily Harris, she/her Lifestyle Columnist

Valentine’s Day: the annual day to check out everybody’s relationships on Instagram whilst indulging in overpriced chocolates and avoiding too much PDA (public display of affection). Everywhere you turn, there’s a smitten couple holding hands and deep in love despite last night's argument about who didn’t text who back. Meanwhile, those of us who are single and thriving are suddenly subject to eating last night's leftovers alone and attempting to avoid the lack of texts from everyone else out enjoying the best night of their lives. The day can poke at the sore spots that are usually insignificant, like the fact your last ‘situationship’ has suddenly found himself ready for a relationship just after you, or that the only flowers bought for you were just another purchase on the overdraft.

As such, Valentine's Day is arguably one of the most contested holidays, prompting intense feelings in people over their love or

hatred of it. It's understandable when so much pressure is placed on the need for a partner to spend the day with. Whilst there are definitely other times of the year when loneliness can hit, Valentine's Day can often seem particularly intense when others are sharing their love, and it might feel like you’re the only one without someone. Of course, we know that isn't the case, but focusing on everyone else who's in a relationship on the day can amplify the feeling. Even for those of us in a healthy relationship, being long-distance or unable to sort out plans can often mean many of us are spending Valentine's Day on our own. There are plenty of ways to embrace being single when you might seem to be the only one, and you can still make the most of Valentine's Day and thrive whilst doing so.

Remember the love that you do have in your life and focus on these elements

By giving yourself that love, you’re boosting your confidence, making yourself feel seen, and making the holiday appear just a bit less lonely

Although it can be easy to feel resentful towards all the loved-up couples posting across social media sharing how happy they are, this mindset is only going to hurt you. Try to shift your thoughts to more positive ones. Look at wholesome couples' posts with support and enjoyment, embrace the aspects of love they exhibit, and consider ways to reflect this on yourself. Remember the love that you do have in your life and focus on these elements – your friends, families, and anyone who offers you the kindness and happiness that might also be found in a partner. Recognise the acts of kindness and care that surround you and acknowledge the ways they enrich your life. These

relationships are just as valuable as a romantic partnership and deserve to be cherished.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day for sharing your love of partners, but also a day to show yourself that love too. Take the time to look at yourself and offer yourself the kindness, patience, and love that you would want to give anybody else on Valentine’s Day. Whether you love going out for nice meals, eating a takeaway in bed, watching your favourite movie, or going on a solo date to your local bookshop, remember that this is an opportunity to take time out for yourself and do the things that make you happy. This Valentine’s Day, permit yourself to prioritise your needs and desires. Set aside the demands of daily life and focus on

activities that replenish your energy and bring you comfort – even if it's just having a solo evening at home relaxing. By giving yourself that love, you’re boosting your confidence, making yourself feel seen, and making the holiday appear just a bit less lonely.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms, and that includes the love you have for yourself.

» Images: Jure Širić Pexels (bottom right)

Forgotten railways: Exploring Europe's abandoned train routes

Beth Meacham, she/her Writer

Europe’s train routes are considered by many to be some of the best in the world, from the bustling London underground to the rural northernmost Scandinavian lines. But over history, with the construction of such an extensive network, certain sections have inevitably fallen into disuse and been abandoned. While many of these deserted lines and stations have simply been left to become reclaimed by nature, a certain few have been repurposed into new infrastructure that benefit locals and tourists alike.

Trans Pennine Trail, UK Rail trails in the UK became widespread after the Beeching cuts in the 1960s, a programme of widespread railway closures that decommissioned around 5000 miles of train lines across the country. Formed of many of these disused train lines, running between Southport and Hornsea to create a path that connects the Irish Sea to the North Sea, is the Trans Pennine Trail. This winding route with many deviations and loops, forming a total of 370 miles of track across the country, is mostly composed of canal towpaths and abandoned railway lines, repurposing unused infrastructure and producing a unique way to explore the English countryside. These pathways – open to walkers, cyclers, and horse riders – vary from flat coastal routes to hilly inland hikes.

RAVeL network, Belgium

Prior to World War II, Belgium owned the densest railway system in the world, with approximately 6,200 miles of train and tram tracks. Much of this network became abandoned after the war due to the rise in popularity of cars and the country’s investment in road infrastructure. In the 1990s, the government began converting these disused tracks into pathways, forming the RAVeL (Réseau autonome des voies lentes, ‘autonomous network of slow ways’). This network of routes throughout the Walloon region was created with the goal of providing pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, those with reduced mobility, and even rollerbladers!

Banvallsleden, Sweden

In the south of Sweden, connecting Halmstad to Karlshamn, runs the Banvallsleden trail. This route, composed of the disused narrow-gauge Bolmenbanan and Vislandabanan train lines, passes through 40 villages with disused train stations, many of which are still intact. As well as the stations, many of the old signals, platforms, and goods sheds survive, providing a unique glimpse into this now abandoned transport system of the region. The 155-mile route, mostly used by cyclists, passes through ancient regions containing much

mythology; the picturesque Lake Ånsen is where Blända, the legendary leader of a 17th century rebellion against the invading Danish army, is believed to have taken her people to wash away the blood of their enemies, giving the adjacent hill the title of Blodberget, ‘Blood Mountain’. Travellers on the route also have the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the region, with chances to see wildlife including salmon, kingfishers, sea eagles, and moose.

Canfranc Station, Spain

As well as train lines, important stations also end up becoming abandoned and falling into disuse. The grand international railway station in Canfranc, a village in the Spanish Pyrenees, was opened in 1928 with the hope of serving as a principal hub for those travelling across the French-Spanish border. After a train derailment in 1970 that damaged an important bridge on the route, the station quickly declined and became derelict. For many decades, the once magnificent station sat unused, with the local government holding hope that one day the main station building could be repurposed into a hotel. The European Union granted funding for this in 2020, and the structure has now been transformed into Canfranc Estación, a luxury five-star hotel with three restaurants (one of which has been awarded a Michelin star).

Alte Utting, Germany

But it’s not just rural train infrastructure that has been repurposed, with abandoned tracks in cities also being adapted to serve new purposes. One of Munich’s most beloved nightlife venues, Alte Utting, is located on top of an old railway bridge - inside a decommissioned passenger ship. The 144-tonne boat, placed on top of a former railway bridge crossing a major inner-city road, has a different function on each deck: around the ship sit stalls serving local food, the engine room is used as a club, the helm has become a café, and the whole ship transforms into one of Munich’s famous Christmas markets in winter. Since its opening in 2018, Alte Utting has become a landmark for Munich, cherished by the people of the city and well-known by the rest of the world.

With many train lines being demolished or left to fall into ruin, these inventive initiatives to transform them into something useful are both practical and admirable. These are just a few out of hundreds of examples across the continent, where creative people have given new life to structures that may otherwise sit forever disused, and each one is a testament to the resourcefulness and imagination of their country.

Nasi lemak: From banana leaves to white tablecloths

Zahra Jazmina, she/her Deputy Lifestyle Editor

Born in the fields and kitchens of rural Malaysia, nasi lemak began as a humble meal. Its fragrant coconut rice and fiery sambal create a delicate balance of spice and comfort. Just a fourteen-hour flight away, you'll find the vibrant streets of Malaysia, lush with hawker stalls nestled by the refreshing seaside or along bustling roads, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a taste of this iconic dish.

The name ‘nasi lemak’ comes from the Malay terms for ‘rice’ (nasi) and ‘creamy-rich’ (lemak), a reference to incorporating coconut milk into the rice for a nutty, buttery flavour. Its origins can be traced back to 1909, when it was first mentioned in The Circumstances of Malay Life by Sir Richard Olof Winstedt. Recognised as a Malay dish, nasi lemak was originally popularised as a breakfast food and served to farmers and laborers as a hearty start to their day. This connection to agrarian life gave the dish its initial identity as an accessible and practical meal, tightly woven into the rhythms of rural Malaysian life.

roadside stall to enjoy nasi lemak amidst the bustle of everyday life is an immersion into Malaysian culture.

The transformation of nasi lemak from street food to fine dining has sparked debates over authenticity and accessibility. Upscale versions often feature premium ingredients like Australian wagyu beef, lobster, or even foie gras. Take, for example, NALÉ, a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that serves nasi lemak with Australian wagyu for RM89.90. Compare that to the RM5, which you might spend at a roadside stall for a just as delicious version – if not more so. While the quality of ingredients may differ, the dining experience often lacks the cultural intimacy of enjoying nasi lemak as intended.

delight and surprise. Unlike the reinventions seen in fine dining, these variations often aim to bring the dish to local audiences in a fun and relatively affordable way. In my view, they seldom seek to redefine the identity of the national dish with ‘upscale’ ingredients and a sense of superiority; instead, they aim to spark conversation through social media with a shock factor that could be seen as a harmless money grab and marketing tactic. It does not intend to alter the national dish beyond that. However, upscale concepts threaten to rewrite the cultural identity of nasi lemak more directly by claiming to serve ‘the best nasi lemak in town’. The charm of nasi lemak lies in its simplicity and accessibility – its ability to be a meal for the people.

This connection to agrarian life gave the dish its initial identity as an accessible and practical meal

Reimagining it as haute cuisine can strip it of the qualities that made it beloved.

Historically, nasi lemak has been closely associated with Malay culture, serving as a culinary embodiment of Malaysia’s agricultural roots. The dish’s simple yet flavorful ingredients – coconut rice, sambal, anchovies, and eggs –reflect the local abundance of resources, particularly in coastal and agricultural regions. The banana leaf wrapping not only preserved the food, but also showcased the eco-conscious traditions of the time. Over decades, nasi lemak became a unifying symbol, transcending ethnicity and class to become a Malaysian staple. Vendors sold it by the roadside, which is a convenience for Malaysians on the go. These stalls became an integral part of the culture. Stopping by a

In Kota Kinabalu City, the nowclosed Tavern Kitchen & Bar once served a lobster-infused nasi lemak, limited to just 30 plates daily. My family and I were fortunate to try it during a trip to Sabah. While the experience was unique, the unanimous verdict among us was clear: it was interesting to try once, but never again. It could not compare to the flavours that made nasi lemak special in its humble beginnings. With its decadent but distinctive taste, lobster disrupts the balance and accessibility core of nasi lemak’s identity. It transforms a comforting, easygoing meal into something extravagant, adding pressure to savour every bite – not for the flavour, but for the hefty price tag.

Some variations of nasi lemak have embraced a more playful approach. Nasi lemak-flavored ice cream and burgers, for instance, are novel creations intended to

Travelling on the edge: island nations face the rising tide

Abhay Venkitaraman, he/him Finance Editor

Whenyou think of island nations, an image probably comes to mind: pristine oceans, sandy beaches, and vibrant coral-reef cover create a setting as idyllic as they come.

Understandably, the attractiveness of island nations has made them a haven for tourism. Revenues from tourism often exceed 40% of GDP in over a dozen such countries, making them an important source of income and employment for their residents. However, this way of life is currently facing an existential threat: climate change.

Whether it be surfing, snorkelling, or sailing, tourism in island nations is overwhelmingly concentrated around coastlines. This

means that tourism infrastructure – everything from roads to resorts – is close to the ocean. Because of this, it is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, whether it be rising sea levels or storm surges from evermore frequent tropical cyclones.

A study of the Bahamas, where tourism contributes 70% of GDP, makes this clear. A recent study focusing on two of the country’s islands found that a one-metre increase in sea levels, combined with a category-five hurricane, could threaten 83% of tourism infrastructure. This leads the authors to conclude that climate change could lead to a “significant loss in revenue and employment” for the islands’ residents. Rising ocean temperatures threaten island tourism in another respect: coral bleaching. Recently,

To call nasi lemak a national dish is to take pride in its roots and cultural significance. Yet, as it enters the realm of white tablecloths and high-end dining, it risks losing the identity that makes it a Malaysian treasure. The difference between paying more for higher-quality ingredients and unnecessary embellishments is stark. While both can coexist, honouring the origins of nasi lemak and the values it represents is essential before experimenting with your taste buds to different variations.

Nasi lemak will always embody the heart of Malaysia within its coconut-scented rice and fiery sambal. It is more than just a dish; it is a symbol of unity and identity. It bridges ethnic and cultural divides in Malaysia, celebrated by Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others alike. However, do not mistake the national dish for remaining confined within the geographical boundaries of Southeast Asia. Instead, the dish follows its people. In the hidden corners of Coventry lies Warung by Evrocafe, where you could try your first taste of nasi lemak.

officials in Thailand closed a national marine park due to “severe coral bleaching”, highlighting the threat this phenomenon poses. Bleached corals are also more vulnerable to coral death. Given the role that corals play in reducing the height of waves by absorbing wave energy, coral death leaves beaches more vulnerable to erosion by rising sea levels.

As sea levels rise, waves encroach evermore on coastlines, dislodging rocks and sand in the process. One study suggests Martinique, a Caribbean island where tourism generates hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of output, could lose all its beaches to coastal erosion if sea levels continue to rise. Another, focusing on 30 Caribbean islands, finds that beach erosion could nearly halve direct tourism revenue, significantly depressing living standards. Clearly, the stakes are high.

MEDIA

@theboarmedia

The Boar presents the Media section, featuring Music, Podcasts, Film, TV and Games.

Music Editor: Lucy Gibbons (she/her) music@theboar.org

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Ruby McDowell (she/her) Meera Nair (she/her)

Podcasts Editor: Matthew Randell (he/him) podcasts@theboar.org

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Deputy editors: Millie Hatfield-Grossova (she/her) Hasan Islam (he/him)

Film Editor: Parijat Bhattacherjee (she/her) film@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Kaitlyn Luckie (she/her)

Deputy editors: Gemma Rice (she/her) Helen Trappelides (she/her)

TV Editor: Hayden Waller (he/him) tv@theboar.org

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PODCASTS

Sam Ripley, TV Best Doctor Who Christmas special

The Traitors: Uncloaked

The show that changed the face of podcasting

Jasper Young, he/him Writer

Getthem, before they get you. Our favourite series of backstabbing, betrayal, and murder has triumphantly returned to our screens this January, bringing with it iconic one-liners and characters (we’re looking at you Linda) but also its riotously successful sister-podcast.

Hosted by an intoxicatingly enthusiastic Ed Gamble, The Traitors: Uncloaked has yet again proved to be a smash hit, garnering similar viewing attention as it did last year, where an average of 2 million tuned into each episode, earning 7x more viewers than the BBC 2 slot average. The show was one of the first of its kind – a visual podcast brought to life for TV, with the option to stream on BBC Sounds with an extra 15 minutes of content. The Traitors adores teasing its fans with tantalising cliffhangers, making the wait between episodes at times agonising. For those whose appetites can’t wait for more shocks and revelations, the companion show provides just that.

Viewers and listeners alike are desperate to see the fallen faithful react to the identities of the traitors, reveals which have provided iconic moments like last year’s memorable meeting between traitor Miles and the legendary Diane. Featuring celebrity guests in addition to returning traitors and faithful from series past, the show pro vides an excellent space for the fan dom to engage with theories, pro pose strategies, and question the tactics of contestants. Fan engage ment is so critical to the success of The Traitors, so in providing a space for them to extend their discussion of the episode’s drama and events, the com panion show also extends the longevity of the main show’s success. It’s a perfect recipe for creating the live buzz for new episodes and the sense of community at the heart of the show’s fanbase. In May of last year, I was privileged enough to attend The Podcast Show 2024 at London’s Business

The podcast revolution

How short-form video is reshaping audio discovery

Hasan Islam, he/him Deputy Podcasts Editor

Fromwhispered recommendations in coffee shops to viral TikTok clips, the way we find our next favourite podcast has undergone a dramatic transformation. The rise of short-form video isn't just changing how we discover podcasts – it's reshaping the entire landscape of audio storytelling.

This evolution has brought unprecedented opportunities for creators. A single compelling moment, extracted from hours of conversation and packaged into a minute-long clip, can now reach millions overnight. Shows like The Diary of a CEO have mastered this new frontier, with Steven Bartlett's interviews regularly dominating social feeds. Similarly, Off Menu's quirky food conversations and The Rest is Politics' analysis have found new audiences through viral clips.

The democratisation of discovery has been remarkable. Gone are the days when podcast success relied solely on industry connections or marketing budgets. Today, a perfectly timed clip can catapult an unknown show into the spotlight, opening doors that were previously sealed shut.

For listeners, this shift has revolutionised how they sample new content.

Rather than committing to hour-long episodes, audiences can now preview a show's essence through carefully curated highlights. These digital taste tests have made podcast discovery more accessible than ever, particularly for younger audiences who consume media primarily through short-form platforms.

However, this transformation hasn't come without its challenges. The pressure to create clippable content is changing the very nature of podcasting. Shows like My Therapist Ghosted Me and Table Manners increasingly structure their conversations with viral potential in mind, sometimes at the expense of organic discussion. What began as authentic, free flowing dialogue is now often shaped by the potential for viral moments.

The technical demands have also evolved. Podcasters now find themselves doubling as video producers, with many shows investing in full studio setups. The barrier to entry isn't just about good audio anymore – creators need to think about lighting, camera angles, and visual appeal, elements that were never part of traditional podcasting.

The advertising landscape has shifted too. While traditional podcast ads relied on host-read sponsorships, the

Design Centre. One of the many panels I was in the audience for, was one celebrating the runaway success of The Traitors: Uncloaked. Host Ed Gamble described how the show speaks to the potential success to be harnessed from compatible media, pointing to other spinoff podcasts like Taskmaster The Podcast, and the many which have spawned from franchises such as RuPaul’s Drag Race or Doctor Who His conclusion was simple; if there is interest in a successful piece of media, there will most definitely be interest in additional content from said media. The growth of these podcasts in recent years is an indication of the power of fandom in our modern culture. Our shared passion for these shows binds us together and creates a sense of community around them. Podcasts Uncloaked simply provide a platform for communities to engage and connect with each other through this shared love, a methodology which will forever provide success for as long as these communities exist.

» Image: Aj Collins Artistry / Pexels

rise of video clips has created new opportunities for visual product placement and branded content. The News Agents and The Media Podcast have demonstrated how serious journalism can thrive in this new ecosystem, balancing commercial success with editorial integrity. The impact extends beyond just creator economics. Short-form clips have become a powerful tool for social commentary and public discourse. A provocative segment from Desert Island Discs or a revealing moment from The Adam Buxton Podcast can spark widespread debate within hours, fundamentally changing how podcast content shapes public opinion and cultural conversations.

Looking ahead, the trajectory seems clear. As social media continues to dominate content discovery, podcasters must navigate a delicate balance between preserving their medium's intimate nature and adapting to new distribution channels. The shows that thrive will be those that can maintain authentic, meaningful conversations while creating moments that resonate on platforms driven by algorithmic discovery.

This fusion of long-form audio and short-form video represents more than just a trend – it's the natural evolution of digital storytelling. In an era where attention is currency, the ability to capture interest in seconds while delivering depth in hours may just be the future of podcasting.

The love stories behind the love songs

Nikita Bavisha, she/her Climate Editor

Themost powerful and intimate songs about love and breakups are reflections of what the respective artists were going through at the time. Transcending individual differences, we collectively appreciate these songs and relate to them using our own experiences, but what are the true stories behind some of the most influential love anthems of all time?

‘You’re Beautiful’, James Blunt

James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful,’ is an ultimate love ballad. Often played at weddings given its yearning nature, Blunt describes the love he felt when he “saw an angel”. Even though “he will never be with [her]”, he accepts and respects this, which arguably makes the song all the more romantic. However, despite these interpretations, Blunt did admit in an article for The Guardian that “It’s portrayed as a romantic song but it’s actually a bit creepy. It’s about a guy –me – stalking someone else’s girlfriend while high”. After seeing an ex-girlfriend on the subway with her new beau, he decided to write a song about the experience… and yes, in the original lyrics he notes that when his crush saw him, he was in fact “fucking high”.

‘You Oughta Know’, Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette is well-renowned for the angst that shines through in her songwriting. The

powerful lead song from her hit album Jagged Little Pill is no exception; in ‘You Oughta Know’, she calls her ex-lover “Mr Duplicity”, questioning whether he ever understood the now messy and spiteful woman he had left behind. The song is reportedly about none other than David Coulier, otherwise known as Uncle Joey from the sitcom Full House

Upon hearing the song on the radio, he drew likeness from the lyrics to their relationship, such as dismissing her phone call when he was out to eat with friends, inspiring the line “I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner”. Although Morissette has never admitted that he was the inspiration behind the song, she also has not disputed Coulier’s claims.

‘Hey There Delilah’, Plain White T’s

Those in long-distance relationships can appreciate the honest and simple lyricism of this hit song, written by Tom Higgenson, frontman of the Plain White T’s. This love story between a guitarist in Chicago and a student in New York is one underpinned by desire and hope, with the thousand-mile distance between them failing to suppress their love for one another. With this track, Higgenson had the goal of impressing competitive college cross-country runner Delilah DiCrescenzo who, unfortunately for him, had a boyfriend at the time. So, the seemingly authentic relationship portrayed within the lyrics was a fantasy, formed as a result of an unrequited crush. Due to the ubiquity of the song in 2007, DiCrescenzo was constantly con-

fronted with it, telling ESPN that she “was nervous that [she’d] let Tom’s fans down” with the reality of the situation. However, there is, apparently, no lingering awkwardness, as she attended the Grammys with the group in 2008.

‘Go Your Own Way’, Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is a band with a reputation for drama, with many songs based on the intoxicating relationship experiences of its members. Written by Lindsey Buckingham, ‘Go Your Own Way’ was penned as a stream of consciousness regarding his breakup with fellow Fleetwood Mac member Stevie Nicks. The song details a lover who is trying to “give [the] world” to his other half, only for them not to take it. This biting narrative within the lyrics certainly heightened tensions within the band, and its unadulterated honesty can be said to demonstrate different perspectives within break-ups. Buckingham and Nicks notably argued over the line "packing up / shacking up is all you wanna do": Nicks wanted it cut, saying she "very much resented" the implication, and that "he knew it wasn't true". The tension when performing this song on their 1997 tour was palpable, where Nicks had to provide backup vocals.

‘

Cry Me a River’, Justin Timberlake

Timberlake has often been the centre of scandals, and his relationship with Britney Spears was no exception. His 2007 song ‘Cry Me a River’ was written about

A brief history of love songs!

Helen Trappelides, she/her Deputy Film Editor

Valentine’s Day is approaching, which may make you more inclined to listen to love songs. However, I will be discussing why love songs are so popular all year round, diving into some of the biggest and most beloved hits.

Music has been used as a form of emotional expression for centuries across multiple genres such as pop, rock, and hip hop. I could go on, but I will first travel back to 18th and 19th-century eras of classical music. One unforgettable composition with a strong love theme is Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pas

de Deux’ (The Nutcracker). In the ballet, which was first performed in 1892, the Sugar-Plum Fairy and the Prince duet to this hypnotic love composition. The Nutcracker’s ‘Pas de Deux’ evokes a dream-like, magical atmosphere while also having moments of dynamism and intense emotion. This duet continues to be performed today, usually in winter, and Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pas de Deux’ certainly emphasises the love between the Sugar-Plum Fairy and her Prince.

‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, which is inspired by an 18th-century French melody

Some of the most timeless love songs were released in the 1960s across genres such as blues, soul, rock and roll, and surf. This decade was dominated by artists like Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, The Righteous Brothers, and many others. One of the most iconic 1960s love songs is Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, which is inspired by an 18th-century French melody, famously reaching number one in the UK in 1962. This song was so incred-

his breakup with Spears, and the music video featured a woman who looked just like the pop icon cheating on a hooded Timberlake as he sulks in the rain. The dramatic repetition of the phrase “cry me a river” throughout the song clearly depicts his lack of sympathy toward her given this supposed betrayal, an attitude adopted by the general public in their approach towards Spears going forward.

ibly popular that UB40 made their own reggae-inspired version in 1993, which also topped the charts. Looking to other artists, it is not unusual for lyrical love melodies to have multiple covers. Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s rendition of Carson and Gaile’s ‘Somethin’ Stupid’ was released to international acclaim in 1967, making it to number one in Australia, the US and the UK.

In parallel, the Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman cover of the song reached the top of the UK Singles Chart in 2001, becoming the UK’s Christmas number one. Evidently, certain love songs have timeless qualities and still enchant audiences even decades after initial release; both artists and listeners can tap into their own unique experiences and connect their emotions to the lyrics and melodies. For decades, there has been a multitude of renowned love ballads released by bands who have cemented themselves into love song history. British rock band The Beatles celebrated their first US chart-topper in 1964 with the catchy and cheery, ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’, which has been labelled as the beginning of the

“British invasion of the American music industry”. The Spice Girls stand in great contrast to The Beatles’ music style, but they also released famous love songs, specifically ‘Wannabe’ in their debut 1996 album, Spice. This song was number one for seven weeks in the UK and differs from some of the more soulful, yearning, and direct love songs I have already discussed. It focuses on the importance of the lasting power of friendship and how their love interests must get along with their friends if they want the relationship to succeed; the upbeat chorus stresses this in the lyrics “If you wanna be my lover/You gotta get with my friends”.

Furthermore, a band that has had a significant impact on the music industry with their love songs is Coldplay. Famously, much of their discography is played at weddings; is there a better indicator that you have produced the love songs of the century?

Notable love songs played on this occasion include ‘Yellow’ –often a first dance song – and the mellow ‘Sparks’, both from Coldplay’s debut 2000 album Parachutes

Other modern artists who are trailblazers of love songs that come to mind are Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Adele. Undoubted-

» Image: dollyyblush/Flickr

However, in Spears’ latest memoir, The Woman in Me, she stated that it was Timberlake who cheated on her multiple times and ended their relationship via text. This scathing song is a clear representation of the double standards in Hollywood when it comes to relationships and a reminder to not fully believe every lyric you see!

ly, Sheeran had the song of 2017 with ‘Shape of You’. It earned him the ‘Best Pop Solo Performance’ at the 2018 Grammy Awards, and spent fourteen weeks at number one on the UK charts. To this day, it remains the second most listened-to song on Spotify, with over 2 billion streams. Sheeran’s infectious and light-hearted tune is absolutely beloved by a diverse audience. I have heard ‘Shape of You’ being used as a ringtone for multiple older family members, as well as hearing it on a night out. It is a beautiful thing for artists to be able to express themselves through music. Love songs span across genres and can alternate between being smooth and melodious to upbeat and dynamic. Nevertheless, both types can produce timeless tunes due to the universal experiences of love and yearning. The combination of heartfelt lyrics with a melody creates a powerful emotional experience. These songs have persisted for centuries and will continue to resonate because loving, feeling, and expressing oneself is essential to the human experience, with each individual doing so uniquely.

» Image: Utka0090 / GoodFon, ASDFGH / Wikimedia Commons

A Valentine's Day playlist for

A

timeless love song for each emotion

Pyper Levingstone, she/her Writer

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love can be felt worldwide, with many celebrating the occasion with someone special. However, this celebration is not all about flowers and chocolates, but is also a time to reflect on the power of love and the warmth and happiness it can bring. For thousands of years, music has been a key component in conveying these emotions and an influential instrument in celebrating the gift of love. That is why I have collated some songs surrounding the theme of romance and brought them together to create this Valentine’s Day playlist. Hopefully, I will provide you with some inspiration to make your own playlist for the special day!

'Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers

Choosing a timeless classic to begin your Valentine’s playlist ensures you capture how love has stood the test of time. The Righteous Brothers deliver a beautiful melody, describing the importance of time and waiting for the perfect person to come along and transform your life into something magical. This song has arguably had an incredibly significant influence over romance music, as it has been sung by hundreds of artists over the years, making it essential to any Valentine’s playlist.

‘Iris’ by The Goo Goo Dolls

The raw emotions captured by the Goo Goo Dolls make it a worthy song on any playlist attempting to convey the theme of love. The emotional intensity in the lyrics, combined with the repeatedly changing melody, encapsulates the powerful nature of love. This can be felt through the vulnerable lyrics, “I just want you to know who I am”, highlighting the desire for intimacy with someone you love.

‘Valentine’ by Laufey Laufey’s ‘Valentine’ rightfully deserves a spot on any Valentine’s playlist, as she perfectly portrays the innocence of love and how it can happen when you least expect it. Not only does she capture the romantic feel, but her jazz style creates an elegant atmosphere, expressing how simple and easy it can feel to be with your valentine.

‘Can’t Take My Eyes off

You’ by Frankie Valli Classic love songs are must-haves on any love playlist! Valli’s classic conveys the passion and adoration one feels when in love, and the upbeat tempo creates a happy atmosphere – essential when celebrating Valentine’s Day. Additionally, I cannot listen to this song without thinking about Heath Ledger’s performance in Ten Things I Hate About You, perfectly capturing the beginning of a beautiful romance!

‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift

I feel it is not a love playlist unless you have a Taylor Swift song somewhere within it... and what better song to pick than ‘Lover’? This song perfectly embodies the joy of being in love, and the melody itself reflects the tenderness of being with your favourite person, making it a perfect addition to any Valentine’s Day playlist.

‘Another Love’ by Tom Odell

Although Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, it is also important to highlight the complexities that can arise, such as longing and heartbreak, which Odell beautifully conveys in his music. “I wanna cry, and I wanna love/ but all my tears have been used up” truly sums up the yearning and sadness that is often heightened this time of year.

‘Liability’

by Lorde

Continuing the complex theme of love, Lorde’s ‘Liability’ offers a vulnerable portrayal of being in a relationship where you feel as if you are ‘too much’, providing an incredibly private and personal narrative that shows you are not alone in your feelings. The lyrics, combined with the simple piano keys, create an extremely emotive atmosphere expressing the sadness one can feel when in love.

‘A Soulmate Who Wasn’t Meant to Be’ by Jess Benko

This song truly conveys the bittersweet reflection of love, discussing the complex feelings of a love that feels like destiny, yet fate has other plans. Pain and beauty are felt within Benko’s vulnerable vocals, heightened by the soft chords, providing comfort to those who have felt the aching of longing for a relationship that was never meant to be.

‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Adele

Adele successfully expresses the unconditional love that is felt within a relationship. Her powerful voice, accompanied by the slow ballad, allows the listener to reflect on their own perspective of love. Adele is an essential musician on any playlist attempting to display the theme of love, as her songs certainly makes you feel everything the emotion has to offer.

‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E. King

I have chosen to end this playlist with another timeless classic, one that depicts the loyalty and support that is crucial in any relationship. The message of this song emphasises standing by someone through anything they are experiencing, and this devotion, in my opinion, is truly the most important thing to hold onto in love, making it a beautiful addition to your Valentine’s playlist.

every situation

Heartbreak hits: A journey through the anthems of anti-love

Asthe day of love rolls around for another year, many Britons are faced with the conundrum of what to do this Valentine’s Day. Whether you will be celebrating with your partner, or indulging with friends on a cosy Galentine's Day, romance is in the air on February 14. However, the past decade has seen a steady rise in those rejecting the day, believing it is too commercialised, expensive, or just not something worth celebrating. As nearly half of Brits planned not to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2024, maybe a mantra of anti-love is proving more popular for the country. This theme is all too familiar in the world of music.

A journey through the anti-love jukebox takes us from anger, to genuine sadness, to all things pop

From ABBA’s ‘The Winner Takes it All’ following the brutal breakup of Agnetha and Bjorn, to Fleetwood Mac’s live rendition of ‘Silver Springs’ after their savage split, love going wrong is a prominent theme in music. Whilst the more common way of dealing with your emotions is not belting a troublesome breakup song live with your ex, venting the turbulence of love comes naturally to artists in many different forms. A journey through the anti-love jukebox takes us from anger, to genuine sadness, to all things pop, so prepare yourself for a journey to the heartbreak hotel (it’s going to be a bumpy ride).

Kicking things off, the world of love can often turn bitter and frustrating, and the resentment towards a troublesome ex can cause some serious musical anger. Whether it be the repeatedly explicit lines of Lily Allen’s ‘Fuck You’, or the Taylor Swift vengeance classic, ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together’, women in pop have become the pioneers of the anti-love movement. There is something about the wit of these lyrics that makes them so relatable and listenable, with the power of the words feeling punchy and prominent throughout. It would be unfounded to delve into the world of anti-love without considering the one and only Olivia Rodrigo. Her iconic breakup songs sent Rodrigo soaring into the music world at the age of just 17, encompassing the vulnerability of female rage, and the despair of lovers lost. The sad-

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The concert of the millennium: The Snuts at the O2 Academy Birmingham

Amelia Farmer, she/her Writer

ness brought about by ‘drivers license’ is something relatable to all, with her career reminiscing upon the bluntness of Alanis Morrisette, forging her discography into something truly game changing. It clearly takes Guts to be so expressive about your emotions, so kudos to Rodrigo for saving a generation of broken-hearted teens.

Heartbreak is equally as sad, truly depressing in fact. And perhaps, as the night of Valentine’s Day draws to a close, your emotions may turn sadder. Anti-love can be melancholy, and difficult to find the right soundtrack for, but often the sorrow involved in such lyrics does not flow through the tune. One of my favourite songs is ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’, by the great Amy Winehouse, with the jazz tone and beautiful voice truly encapsulating the despair of lost love, but in a way that feels lighter and more listenable. In fact, I often opt for this kind of music over the likes of Sinead O’Connor’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, which often feels too dejected, or Jeff Buckley’s ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’, which is sometimes just a smidge too miserable. The perfect blend of this kind of genre may have to be the one-hit wonder classic, ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ by Gotye; I am often left wondering where this artist went after releasing one of the most thought-provoking anti-love songs ever written. From a personal level, I recommend avoiding the songs that feel too downhearted, and instead, give yourself a break, and happiness will hopefully come with it.

'90s televisions and old-fashioned stereos line the stage alongside a singular streetlight, maintaining the millennial aesthetic. Drummer Jordan Mackay, affectionately nicknamed ‘Joko’, launches us headfirst into ‘Millionaires’, the first track on Millennials.

Birmingham

Zahra Jazmina, she/her

Deputy Lifestyle Editor Palace had chosen the perfect band to prime their fans for their epic entrance. As the main lights go down, strobe lights wash over the stage, illuminating the silhouettes of the approaching band members in white flashes. The static and psychedelic sounds of ‘cocoon’ build on the buzzing crowds, seamlessly blending into their first main song: ‘Goodnight, Farewell’. Leo Wyndham, lead singer of Palace, effortlessly takes to the stage as his dedication to music leant to his contagious energy. The pure passion in his facial expressions and his trademark tiptoe moves only make his performance more electrifying and engaging.

IDLES’ politically charged lyricism comes to life at the O2 Academy Birmingham

Erin Lewis, they/them

Writer

Anti-love is a tough one, and a genre that is flooded with true sadness and confusion. However, in an anti-love world, it is hard to remember the true love you have for your friends, your family, and even your everyday life, which is often left unrepresented in music. Anti-love is quite a harsh way of looking at things, and I bet even if you are feeling staunchly anti-love this Valentines Day, there will be someone around you that truly loves you back. Indulge in the classic love-hating songs, have a dance and celebrate with friends, and remember to love yourself and your music this Valentine’s Day.

Anti-love is a tough one, and a genre that is flooded with true sadness and confusion » Images: Raph_PH/

Throughout the entire two-hour performance, the whole venue is moving and electric. There’s aggression in the pit, but it feels more rooted in a form of catharsis than just an excuse for people to punch each other to some really good music. When a man finds a lost phone, he wanders through the pit trying to find who it belongs to, and when a group of people fall to the ground, they’re helped up before they start moving again.

Palace charm

Town Hall

Abigail Mableson, she/her Arts Editor

Unconventional romance films

Nikolai Morton, he/him

Writer

Cinema,that magical realm where lives like ours are writ large, has had its fair share of star-crossed lovers over the years. From childhood sweethearts regrouping as changed people to career aspirations impeding romantic connections, many onscreen romances have featured heartache as a central facet of love. The films featured below have all struck unique philosophical chords and provided us with space for introspection in our little, criss-crossing lives. We, too, experience change, growth and separation from those we hold dear, and there’s no better place to reminisce (somewhat painfully) on some of the big screen’s most bittersweet what-could’ve-beens than in this Valentines-themed print.

Damien Chazelle’s 2016 Oscar-winner La La Land, as those who’ve seen it will agree, is a profoundly moving tale of how dreams and success can be pursued at a price. Set in the 'city of stars’, Los Angeles, the story of aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) reckons with the cost of finding that ‘someone in the crowd’ when career goals impede this blossoming romance. Listening to Justin Hurwitz’s soaringly beautiful score is itself a journey, capturing the convergence and divergence of two people who will always love each other and be formative to each other’s lives, no matter where they end up. The final shots of the film, wistful reflection evident on the duo’s parting smiles, confirms that sentiment. "Here’s to the fools who dream", sings Mia, "foolish as they may seem". She may be singing about us there, yearning for a different,

other films for that.

This expansive, wildly original, and experimental film is crushing

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an emotionally shattering, sci-fi love story. When Jim Carrey’s heartbroken Joel discovers that his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has undergone a procedure to erase her memories of him, he decides to seek out the same option. As memories implode one by one, starting from their most recent argument, Joel revisits earlier, happier times, and, realising he still loves Clementine, attempts to rescue their rapidly

fading memories. This expansive, wildly original, and experimental film is crushing in its exploration of how love continues to reside in the depths of bitterness. With its non-linear structure reflecting the fragmentary nature of memories, and what different moments mean for different people, Eternal Sunshine is a tearjerker which will stop you in your tracks. The tagline sums it up: “You can erase someone from your mind. Getting them out of your heart is another story.”

In Her, Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a lonely, introverted man in a near-future Los Angeles. Released back in 2013, Her offers a thought-provoking take on artificial intelligence, and the possibility of humans forming emotional attachments with operating systems. Scarlett Johansson’s

Samantha, the non-human party here, feels like a living, breathing person, even if she is just a voice with no corporeal existence. Imagine Alexa, only with developed emotions and a real personality. Samantha’s poignant predicament lies in her sexual frustration; can one truly love without a physical form? If anything, Her makes us question the relationships of the future, and how sometimes love can originate from unlikely sources. It’s like nothing else, and, if still a distant prospect, its existentialist take on human-robot love is both unconventional and strangely powerful.

"We’ll always have Paris," Rick Blaine tells Ilsa Lund, in one of many oft-quoted Casablanca scenes. This 1942 wartime classic, an overt allegory for US interventionism in the Second World War, sees Humphrey Bogart’s American expat rekindle his pre-war connection with Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa, whose dramatic close-ups create a striking case for the most beautiful anyone has ever looked on the silver screen. Arriving in the purgatory of Casablanca in Morocco, a departure lounge for European refugees

anxiously waiting to flee West, Ilsa and her endangered resistance-leader husband Victor Laszlo cross paths with Rick, who soon realises he must relinquish his past with Ilsa despite his resurfaced feelings for her. The war effort calls. Cinema’s finest screenplay is a canvas for some of the art form’s

greatest acting, and Casablanca is undoubtedly the romance film, even if Rick must make a difficult choice in the end.

Watching it, just like the above films, we are reminded of the transitory nature of life

2023’s Past Lives was also a heartrending romance – one which many will relate to. Two childhood sweethearts in Seoul, South Korea, separated by a family relocation to Canada, find each other again twelve years later through Facebook, and resolve to meet again. Nora and Hae Sung’s lives have changed, though. There comes a point when the past is too far receded to return, and other circumstances have now arisen in their divergent destinies. The sobering ‘what if’ question posed by Past Lives is asked in all our lives. Watching it, just like the above films, we are reminded of the transitory nature of life; sometimes we don’t realise the true depth of love until long after it’s gone.

How love humanises our favourite superheroes

Sourav Chauhan, he/him Writer

Heroism and romance are conceptually tied together in superhero cinema, with love serving as both a cathartic reward for heroic acts and as a catalyst for a hero’s humanity. In Spider-Man (2002), Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man saves Mary Jane from vicious thugs and the pair share an iconic upside-down, rain-soaked kiss, while Maguire practically endures the horror of waterboarding to capture the awesomely intimate scene. In Man of Steel (2013), Superman examines his humanity through his love for Lois Lane. She even heals the mental aggression and anguish he exercises against the Justice League in a state of confusion after his resurrection in Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021). The love interest is always the second half to a hero, keeping them grounded and reinforcing the human part of being ‘super-human’. As with all romance, the superhero genre is not excluded from

complexity. Despite feats of super speed or strength, romance is the roadblock. It weighs heavily on a hero’s heart. This gives us the opportunity to inspect the transcendent and relatable power of love and how it manages to cripple even the strongest figments of our imaginations. Nothing demonstrates this better than the working-class hero of Peter Parker and his alter-ego Spider-Man. More than once has the pain of heartbreak changed the powers and perspectives of Spider-Man and his relationship with the audience. None is clearer than the adaptation of the devastating death of Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy, just over a decade ago in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Andrew Garfield’s talent and ability to depict overwhelming grief convinced me that Spider-Man might not have a cinematically happy ending. The traditional damsel-in-distress structure was subverted and that left a pit of uncertainty and confusion in my younger self: this was not what normally happened in superhero movies. Despite the

pain of loss Peter goes through, an acousmatic and ghostly echo of Gwen Stacy’s hopeful valedictorian speech, which opened the film, becomes the cyclical catalyst for Spider-Man’s return to form at the film’s close. The hero’s lover possesses and reanimates heroism and is a source of power when the hero is doubtful and insecure.

Love is

wonderfully unstable and unpredictable

Within the heteronormative sphere of comic book love interests, the female characters are usually subject to being infantilised or diminished into prizes and damsels to be saved by the hero. It is thus commendable when Gwen Stacy and Lois Lane are recognised for their intelligence and influential female voices. In the ideological battle between good and evil, the romantic love interest holds the power to bend the fabric of these super-human narratives and to restore sense, compassion, and hope

within these fallible male characters. This is the reason why villains attempt to disrupt or destroy this romantic connection: they thrive off Machiavellian chaos, and their first move is to ‘attack the heart.’

This usually contributes to our subconscious hatred for these villains, as we observe their bitterness and malevolence through the unnecessary threats they pose to the innocent and wholesome power of love.

This power of love often embodies a poetic form of irony within superhero media. For example, Captain America gets frozen for decades fighting the evil of fascism, only to return to the modern world where he is stripped down to Steve Rogers, longing for the date he was supposed to have with his sweetheart Peggy. The simple, tragic beauty of that final scene in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) is powerfully poignant if nothing else. To a character so bound by honour and loyalty, the pain of New York’s modernity hurts the hardened super soldier in a way that a fascist bullet never

could: it erases the time he wanted to spend with the love of his life. Another example is within Iron Man 3 (2013), when Tony Stark blows up his suits (along with the villain) at the film’s climax and finally has the surgery to extract the reactor threatening his heart. He does this all for the trust and love he bears for his girlfriend, Pepper Potts.

Love is wonderfully unstable and unpredictable, which mixes well with informing the arcs of superhero characters. In Avengers: Endgame (2019), Iron Man chooses to sacrifice himself, despite being a family man, for the greater good of the world. This culminates in a beautifully structured slow zoom, entering the home of Steve and Peggy. We watch the couple’s intimate slow dance, something the hero has been chasing for virtually a decade on screen. This shot closing the modern superhero epic that is Avengers: Endgame illustrates the cathartic and poetic beauty love holds against adversity within superhero cinema.

wish-fulfilling outcome. But hey, there’s

» Image: GetArchive

» Image: The Hollywood Reporter

What to watch in 2025

Naomi Pandey, she/her Books Deputy Editor

Aswe kick into another new year, we make friends with new avenues, challenges, and obviously, television. Here is a quick, diverse, and exciting list of six television shows, be it new seasons or new shows, that I am the most excited for in 2025.

Severance Season Two:

Severance is a show I will never stop recommending to people. Created by Dan Erickson, the show stars Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) as Mark, an employee for Lumen Pharmaceuticals. A captivating psychological thriller, with a disturbing premise, Severance marries dystopia with hope, as we follow a group of brainwashed

corporate employees in their journey to find the truth behind the company they work for.

Having seen the first season when it was released in 2022, I am thrilled at the thought of the second season releasing on 17 January 2025 on Apple TV+. There has, understandably, been a considerable delay because of the writer’s strikes in Hollywood. As the previous season ended with a massive cliffhanger, I’m hoping to see it resolved and hopefully witness a season two that meets the high standards set by the previous instalment.

Adults Season One:

While scouring new shows to check out, I stumbled across the soon to be released Adults, which is set to be an ensemble comedy about a dysfunctional group of

housemates navigating adulthood in New York City. While this sounds awfully reminiscent of sitcoms like Friends and How I Met Your Mother, FX does have a good repertoire of comedy, including It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Atlanta

I’m hoping to catch a wittily written, slice-of-life show this new year. After all, with so many thrillers and dramas about, a bit of comedy can go a long way.

Stranger Things Season Five:

I first saw Stranger Things in 2016, although I confess, I may have been too young to understand most of it. Still, it is one of the few shows I can confidently say I have grown up with. Nine years later, the final season of Stranger Things is imminent, three years after sea-

Why more isn't always better: The rise of the limited series

FromQueen’s Gambit to Chernobyl, limited series or ‘mini-series’ have seen a sharp rise in popularity over the post-pandemic years. In this era of constant content oversaturation, with a plethora of streaming services to subscribe to and a vast range of series to watch, audiences are leaning towards the no-commitment, short-term love-affair of the limited series. The dominant years of returning hits, such as Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones, are waning as broadcasters recognise an increased appetite for the mini-series.

The

limited series lends itself to book-adaptations

While continual series have become somewhat infamous for starting out strong and losing their spark after being re-commissioned beyond the story’s capacity, and feature films can often try and cram too much story into a twohour watch, limited series manage to hit that perfect sweet spot. Additionally, the lower level of commitment allows for more bigname actors to sign on to a project without the looming burden of five more seasons contracted in, creating a more ‘Hollywood feel’.

Moreover, Netflix and other streamers tend to champion these shows, hoping they will stand-out among the sea of titles on their home pages. When surfing for your next ‘flix fix, an A-list star such as Anya Taylor-Joy on the thumbnail is bound to attract clicks. The high production quality also tends to make these shows favourites during award season. The 2020 series Unorthodox, which garnered a Primetime Emmy in addition to a suite of other awards, is just one example. As a format, the limited series lends itself to book-adaptations. The self-contained nature of the limited series, and the tendency for a higher budgets and more renowned actors makes them a tempting option for authors looking to cash-in on a successful novel. Normal People remains one of my favourite mini-series, as well as I may Destroy You, the stellar and ever-relevant story about the messiness of recovering from a traumatic sexual assault, both of which are book-to-screen adaptations. Both shows will take you on an unforgettable emotional journey and contain some unforgettable performances.

Sometimes, less truly is more

Some shows begin as limited series but end up receiving further seasons because of initial success. I vehemently believe that Squid

son four aired. While part of me is afraid that the new season will not live up to the excitement, I am hopeful that this final instalment is able to untangle the knots set up by the previous season.

Often looked to as one of Netflix’s most lauded and ambitious projects, Stranger Things explores the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s. A town riddled by monsters and alternate realities, Stranger Things is known for its signature retro-style (be it the fashion, music, or the dialogue) and its charming ensemble cast, consisting of Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Caleb McLaughlin, Joe Keery, Winona Ryder and David Harbour, among others.

Taskmaster Season Nineteen:

Taskmaster is a comedy gameshow, created by Alex Horne and hosted by Greg Davies, which features a cast of five contestants (usually comedians and hosts) competing to complete a set of bizarre tasks. It can be anything from making a song to creating the largest circle.

Game did not need to be recommissioned for two more seasons. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator, initially had no plans to continue the show after the first season. Yet, the overwhelming success of the show, usurping Stranger Things as Netflix’s most-watched darling, naturally made him reconsider. The sophomore season appears to be struggling to justify its existence as it drops its revenge plot until the very end, indulging in the same gory thrills from the first season with diminishing returns. Perhaps I’m using too cynical a lens here, but continuing such a self-contained story with blatant anti-capitalist messaging feels self-contradictory and damages the overall purport by flogging the cash cow.

Fleabag

famously returned with a

bang

This is not to argue, however, that just because a show was intended to be exclusive it should never ever return. Fleabag famously returned with a bang (or lack thereof) in its second series. In doing so, it successfully managed to differentiate itself enough from the first within its mission statement, “This is a love story.” Yet, Squid Game and many other shows can fail to substantially grow beyond their initial premise, demonstrating that, sometimes, less truly is more.

WHERE TO WATCH:

Severance - Apple TV+

Adults - FX/Disney+

Stranger Things - Netflix

Taskmaster - BBC

Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Disney+

The Bear - FX/Disney+

and Aryan Simhadri showed great camaraderie and chemistry.

Imperfect first seasons are common, as it can take a while for a television show to find its tone and direction. Hopefully, the new season, releasing some time in 2025, meets and exceeds expectations, as reviews and opinions must have played a part in cementing a more consistent and enjoyable season 2.

The Bear Season Four:

While I do not watch a lot of game shows, there is a certain charm that keeps me watching Taskmaster. It includes hilarious loopholes, comedic motifs, and a surprising amount of self-awareness from all contestants that makes the show all the more laughter-inducing. Each season features a brand-new cast, adding to the fun! The release date is elusive, but it’s supposed to release early this year.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season Two:

Percy Jackson is undoubtedly a major part of people’s childhood across the globe. It was exciting when the series was announced, and would be overseen by the original author, Rick Riordan. The first season was released across late 2023 and early 2024 and covered the first book, The Lightning Thief.

A culinary comedy-drama, The Bear features Jeremy Allen White (Shameless, The Iron Claw) as he tries to revive his late-brother’s struggling restaurant. A muchraved about show, The Bear is equal parts stressful and hilarious. Highlighting several themes such as familial tensions, childhood trauma, stress and competition, The Bear is rich and brimming with character-driven plots. A vibrant and versatile show, I would definitely recommend giving this show a try. While I personally enjoyed season three, it was met with a mixed audience response because it ended on a rather tense and passive note. However, I have high expectations for season four (which was filmed at the same time and is set to be released somewhere around summer of this year).

Coming In 2025!

To tell the truth, the first season did feel somewhat inconsistent. While the first two to three episodes showed a lot of charm and promise, the pacing felt hap hazard towards the end of the season and there were too many plot lines left to resolve. That being said, the cast, featuring Walker Sco bell as Percy Jackson, backed up by Leah Savah Jeffries

Phoebe Loach, she/they Writer

» Images: Queen's Gambit (left), Phil Bray/Netflix Unorthodox (left), Anika Molnar/Netflix Squid Game (left) and Severance (below), Apple TV+

Infinity Nikki: Pretty dresses and money grabs

Daniel May, he/him Writer

Infinity Nikki claims to deliver a 3D-platforming focused open world game with a more effeminate spin, all within a completely free title. This promise certainly is enticing, and with ex-The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild designer Kentaro Tominaga helming, Infinity Nikki is positioned to deliver a groundbreaking title in the freeto-play space.

The key point Infinity Nikki’s marketing emphasises is its shift towards a female target audience. Whilst appealing to all, the game is significantly less concerned with the male gaze than many of the other big-name titles adjacent to it. In an industry that oozed out the abominable Stellar Blade earlier this year, it is refreshing to see a release of such notoriety so proudly dedicate itself to actually delivering a genuine experience: one free of hyper-sexualised characters and ‘jiggle physics.’

That’s not to say Infinity Nikki is a perfect beacon of body positivity. Every single resident of “Miraland” is extremely tight-waisted and white. Whilst Nikki herself has a few choices available, in all the time I spent exploring the game not once did I encounter a non-playable character (NPC) with a non-white skin tone. This is embarrassing, and one area wherein Infinity Nikki chooses not

to innovate upon Genshin Impact, which has previously come under fire for similar whitewashing.

Steeped in indecipherable jargon, Infinity Nikki’s (largely unskippable) cutscenes are frequent and lengthy The game’s only concern is maximising the number of pockets to pick

Infinity Nikki cycles through three phases, watching its story unfold, dressing up, and platforming. The first of these three does not impress: Infinity Nikki has one of the worst narratives ever penned. Steeped in indecipherable jargon, Infinity Nikki’s (largely unskippable) cutscenes are frequent and lengthy. This is a game that loves talking your ear off, already assuming you care about its topics of conversation. Nothing of value can be obtained from its drivel. There is no message, no commentary, and no drama. There are stories being told on children’s television that are comparatively works of literature. I will admit, as a dress-up game Infinity Nikki is wildly successful. This section is the money maker and make money it shall. There

are an astounding number of outfits, some of which even unlock new ways to interact with Infinity Nikki’s open world. There is also a stunningly impressive camera mode, with an unparalleled options suite. Everything to create stunning outfits exists within the game, it is the manner of obtaining them which is the issue.

merous premium currencies aim to confuse a player on how much money they are actually spending; limited time offers naturally induce FOMO, and each outfit begs them to use their credit card one last time with hopes of completing the outfit. With this combined effort, Nikki will eventually take what is hers.

Infinity Nikki is also certainly a platformer. There are mechanics and levels and jumping; it ticks all the boxes required for the classification. However, throughout the main story and all the the game. Monetisation poisons all artistic efforts. Any design principle probably includes something that is potentially scary to some potential player and thus is ironed out. Infinity Nikki has been endlessly passed around focus groups to ensure it is profitable, marketable, and artless. Thus, it is impossible to recommend.

The game is completely free to download, yet it is obviously made with the intention of returning a profit. So, how does it monetize itself? The answer: Infinity Nikki is a gacha game, borrowing from its contemporaries. This means outfits are not simply purchased as additional downloadable content (DLC) and are instead obtained by purchasing chances to potentially obtain any desired garments. These outfits are always broken up into ten or so different items, with many of the fancier items having extremely slim chances of being naturally obtained. All the classic tricks and schemes these games employ to pinch money from its player’s pockets are present. Nu-

Ciri takes charge: A step forward or fanboy fallout?

Sunehar Aneja, she/her Games Sub- Editor

Theinternet seems to be very divided on CD Projekt Red’s decision to make Ciri the protagonist of The Witcher 4. Some have drafted eloquent essays and “open-letters” to CD Project Red for their defiance of the lore by making Ciri a witcher while others simply refuse to play “as a girl”. Even the support for the game only seems to be the occasional comment surrounding the visuals. It’s clear that this discourse reveals deeper issues with the way female characters are perceived in games.

I personally think this discourse becomes sexist, demeaning, and frankly absurd

The reaction to Ciri’s character shows a recurring issue with female characters in gaming, that they’re “less engaging” to play as and that their storylines receive less attention are compared to male characters. With that, there are also people arguing about how The Witcher 4 has gone “too woke” by making Ciri the main character of the game. This implies that the

only reason for a female character to be the protagonist of a game is so the game developers can appeal to a modern audience by waving the flag of pseudo-feminism. Even as someone with limited knowledge of The Witcher plotline, I am fully aware of the fact that this is where the story was heading. It

fully supports this idea and are convinced that making Ciri a lead “opens up many exciting opportunities from both the narrative and gameplay perspectives.”

There is also a divided opinion of Ciri’s character design, with a lot of people complaining that her character isn’t “physically attrac-

“conventionally beautiful”. There are people comparing her to how her character looked before and how it was “cuter” and “more innocent looking”. Now, this is where I personally think this discourse becomes sexist, demeaning, and frankly absurd. Ciri’s character looks older and more mature simply because she has aged. And while I personally don’t see the unattractiveness in Ciri’s big bright eyes and straight nose, I think the main issue lies with people’s outdated and regressive views of fe-

The trend of people hating games with female protagonists isn’t new. Many players argue that they "can’t relate" to female protagonists, but where the setting is fiction, relatability shouldn’t be a concern. This mind-set reinforces the idea that male characters are inherently neutral, while female characters are viewed as catering to a specific audience or agenda. Through a bit of research, I found that this mind-set has an impact on the sales as well - games with only male leads sold 75% better than games with only female leads. But then further research also shows that the reason for this is because female-lead games only get

about half of the marketing budgets that male-lead games get. The lack of budget then ends up making a self-fulfilling prophecy of female-lead games not doing well because they’re not funded as well as they should be.

Calling a game “too woke” for promoting diversity and inclusion is becoming a dangerous trend

Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which was also shown at the Game Awards, has faced similar backlash with players already writing the game off for having a female protagonist. Calling a game “too woke” for promoting diversity and inclusion is becoming a dangerous trend in the gaming industry. And let’s not forget that players don’t mind playing as female characters as long as they are hypersexualised and fit the standards of the male gaze. Not wanting to play as a certain gender is a choice, but dismissing games because they have female leads is clearly sexist, and the criticism that these games are now facing reflects the biases that continue to persist and are frequently noticed in the gaming community

PUZZLES

Crossword

Sudoku

Across

1 Leading suit (bridge) (5)

4 Piece of stiff paper (4)

7 Small rodent (4)

8 Likely (8)

9 Determination - coteline (anagram) (8)

10 Friend (British informal) (4)

11 Head of a university (North American) (9)

16 Teasing - humorous (4)

18 Swiss cheese (8)

19 Begin - start (3,5)

20 Knitting stitch - plur (anagram) (4)

21 Small peninsula (literary) (4)

22 Extend (a driving licence, say) (5)

Down

1 Leisurely journey (informal) (6)

2 Second-hand motor (4,3)

3 Cornfield plants (7)

4 Invest - induct - enthrone (5)

5 Maerl (anagram) - domain (5)

6 Select group (5)

12 Greek goddess of agriculturetreed me (anagram) (7)

13 Skittle (7)

14 Might (5)

15 Cause distress to (6)

17 Irish poet, b. 1865 (surname) (5)

18 Elicit - produce - call forth (5)

BoarPAD:

Did you get it right?

THE BUBBLE

Check us out on social media: @WarwickBoar The most iconic celebrity couples, according to Warwick students!

valentine's day edition

DYLAN AND BARBARA SPROUSE

VICTORIA AND DAVID BECKHAM

ZENDAYA AND TOM HOLLAND

THE ENGAGEMENT OF THIS ICONIC COUPLE WAS CONFIRMED AFTER ZENDAYA APPEARED AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES WEARING AN ENGAGEMENT RING!

SINCE THEIR MARRIAGE TWO YEARS AGO, THIS COUPLE HAVE REMAINED UNPROBLEMATIC

THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IN 2024 JUST GOES TO SHOW HOW ICONIC THIS COUPLE IS

EMILY BLUNT AND JOHN KRASINKI

ROMEO AND JULIET

GUATEMALA

People celebrate with a parade in the streets for 'El Dia del CariÑo (the Day of Affection)', and some senior citizens wear feathers and masks.

SOUTH KOREA

Valentine's Day traditions AGM

PHILIPPINES around the world

NORWAY

Women give men chocolate and the men reciprocate a month later On April 14th, Black Day celebrates singles with noodles Secret admirers send funny poems called gaekkebrev, giving a clue to their name with

ALTHOUGH THEY DIDN'T QUITE ACHIEVE THE HAPPY ENDING WE WERE HOPING FOR, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH A BIT OF SHAKESPEARE (OR MAYBE YOU CAN)

APPROACHING THEIR 15TH YEAR OF MARRIAGE, THIS COUPLE ENJOYS THEIR QUIET LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE SPOTLIGHT ,

VARSITY 2025

Varsity is back! Our annual showdown with Coventry University returns on Saturday 1st March 2025. Show your support for #TEAMWARWICK BE PART OF IT

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW THE FIXTURE LIST

The Boar presents the Science section, featuring Climate and SciTech.

Articles you can find online...

Climate Editor: Nikita Bavisha (she/her) climate@theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Vacant 1 7 3 9

Sofia Drake-Perello, Climate Indigenous communities and the climate crisis theboar.org

Sub-Editor: Sanskriti Thakur (she/her)

Deputy editors: Bella Litewska (she/her) Elena Aiello (she/her)

Amro Maraqa, SciTech University of Warwick astronomers involved in discovery of new planets

SciTech Editor: Vacant scitech@theboar.org

Deputy editors: Vacant

James Watson, Climate The impact of individual action in the Climate Crisis

An eight-month holiday in space: Inside Williams and Wilmore’s unexpected ISS adventure

Abigail Mableson, she/her Arts Editor

Letus set the scene: after years of training, your childhood dreams have come true, and you are officially an astronaut. The date has been set, you and your colleague will be jetting off to the International Space Station (ISS). However, upon arrival, your dream holiday, a mere 400 kilometres above Earth, has been

unexpectedly extended from a week to eight months. Shockingly, this is the reality for American astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who, after departing for the ISS in June 2024, will return to Earth next February following issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

While NASA insists that Williams and Wilmore are not technically ‘stranded’ in space, the information seems cloudy. After their eight-day

mission, reports suggested that helium leaks in their departure capsule’s propulsion system meant it would be too dangerous to return to Earth. Now, the pair await their rescue by their knight in shining armour, Elon Musk, and the arrival of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. They will embark on the most expensive taxi home, costing the South African entrepreneur nearly $100 million.

Williams shared her excitement to vote in the 2024 US election through an encrypted electronic ballot

In an interview in September, Wilmore accepted that these mistakes often happen and are part of the risk involved with the treacherous journey to space. Similarly, Williams shared her excitement to vote in the 2024 US election through an encrypted electronic ballot, while admitting that space was her “happy place”.

A vacation day on the International Space Station is no ordinary one.

In 24 hours, Wilmore and Williams

Caleb Tye, SciTech AI dependence leading to less accuate cancer diagnosis

to Earth-based daily life.

will make 16 orbits of the Earth, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets, all while settled in a station larger than a six-bedroom house. With the lack of gravity, a daily workout of two hours is required in the state-of-the-art gym to prevent muscle and bone mass decrease, followed by a meal consisting of perhaps a pre-prepared meatloaf, or even ISS baked cookies, as provided by Hilton in 2019. Relaxing with a daily sponge bath, and a ‘rinseless’ shampoo, the crew can typically get eight hours of sleep before their daily routine repeats again.

Although the ISS is incredibly safe, with flight deemed to be the safest mode of transport, is a lack of gravity realistically healthy for the body over a prolonged period of time?

Questions about this have circulated for many years, especially regarding ambitions for humans to potentially venture to Mars. The human body is attuned to a gravity-based lifestyle, with many astronauts returning to Earth facing health-based issues such as disuse osteoporosis and symptoms of gravity and radiation sickness. Nevertheless, NASA insists that Wilmore and Williams will maintain their good health, and feasibly return

Love at first sight: What does the science say?

Anna Bickerton, she/her Head of Digital Media

You finally summit the seemingly endless FAB stairs, breathless and dreading the two-hour seminar that awaits. You’re rummaging for a pen when you glance up, and there they are. They’re perfect. Your heart skips a beat, you lock eyes and suddenly you know – or at least you think you do. Is this love at first sight?

Admittedly, it is perhaps a touch more romantic than attempting to deduce the identity of your secret admirer from a, let’s say, ‘colourfully worded’ post on the Warwick Tea. The feature of many a rom com, we’d all like to believe in love at first sight. The science, however, isn’t as eager.

The idea of love at first sight is rather an intense form of initial allure

A 2017 study from the University of Groningen finally sought

to answer the perennial question. Conducting tests on almost 300 people, psychologists surveyed reactions to initial encounters with potential partners, assessing incidences of feelings of physical attraction, as well as intimacy and commitment. This alleged ‘love’, it found, had a highly predictive relationship, with just physical attraction leading researchers to conclude that the idea of love at first sight is rather an intense form of initial allure.

Eric Ryden, a clinical psychologist and couples' therapist, echoes this sentiment: "A lot of what people perceive as love is a cocktail of hormones released to give their nervous system feelings of pleasure and security," he told Live Science. The increased secretion of ‘feelgood’ neurotransmitter dopamine – which is linked with reward and pleasure – gives people the impression they’re in love, when in fact, they’re experiencing an emotion more akin to drug addiction that is characteristic of the early stages of relationships. This can be sig-

nificantly amplified by intense or surprising eye contact.

After all, isn't all love just hormones? To some extent, yes

Nevertheless, some may call it a disservice to the complexity of human relationships to reduce such a feeling to a chemical reaction. After all, isn’t all love just hormones? To some extent, yes. Feelings of lust are generally associated with the sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. When it comes to the attachment to a partner we associate with ‘love’, however, it’s predominantly vasopressin and oxytocin – sometimes called the ‘cuddle hormone’ – that are emitted. Thus, these are distinct neurobiological phenomena. Where lust may provide the initial spark (at first sight), it is deeper connection that fosters the production of hormones that create feelings of euphoria and bonding that we’d call ‘love’.

But there’s no shortage of anecdotes from those who attest to prove the concept with their own apparently unique tale. In fact, a survey by Specsavers indicated 59% of Brits claim their relationships began with love at first sight. Unfortunately, psychologists have an answer for this one too. Known as a form of memory bias, individuals often seek to create a romanticised version of meeting their partner in retrospect, thus only selectively recalling details of their first encounter.

So, for the romantics out there, the scepticism of psychologists to centuries of literatures’ favourite trope may not offer the comforting narrative you long for. But all is not lost; your indelible run-in with your FAB crush could be the first chapter in a beautiful love story. Just remember, whilst science may emphasize the role of hormones and initial attraction, true love often blossoms from unexpected beginnings and requires time, connection, and post-seminar pints to flourish.

These circumstances make us wonder, how do people fill their days on the ISS, especially over the festive period? In a Christmas message delivered by NASA, a group of astronauts including Williams and Wilmore showed off their recently delivered Christmas care packages, filled with floating candy canes, and some very pointy Santa hats. Spreading some festive cheer, the team were reported to have decorated gravity-free Christmas cookies, alongside crafting reindeer decorations from storage boxes. While being your unconventional Christmas Day, the team shared traditional festive messages and cherished the opportunity to celebrate with friends. Due to the consistent orbits, the team would have experienced 16 consecutive Christmas mornings, a truly unique and exciting experience. The morale of the team on the International Space Station seems high, and I’m sure their pre-prepared Christmas dinner filled the gap for what they would be missing at home. That said, I can imagine the gravity-free somersaults and cabin fever must get frustrating and repetitive. But for now, Williams and Wilmore seem comfortable in their galactic hotel, and I’m sure it would receive a five-star review from both of them.

»

But all is not lost; your indelible run-in with your FAB crush could be the first chapter in a beautiful love story

»

Image: NASA Johnson / Flickr

Image: Farzin Yarahmadi / Pexels

Can

animals have their hearts broken too?

Your cat (probably) isn’t navigating a situationship, but they’re no stranger to heartache

Martin Day, he/him News Editor

Youthought you were birds of a feather, but it was all just a wild goose chase. When it came to intimacy, you were doing the lion’s share, whilst they were a fish out of water. Commitment was always the elephant in the room; they were just horsing around. Perhaps you were simply barking up the wrong tree.

Tortured animal idioms aside, there will be many of us this month spending Valentine’s Day alone. To be unlucky in love, especially through no fault of your own, is a wretched feeling. Heartbreak will leave you as sick as a dog – or will it? In fact, if you consider the question of whether animals can feel heartache, does your dog really know the pain of a six-month-long situationship?

A staggering 90% of bird species are classed as monogamous!

As always, we turn to science for the answer. The central question here is whether animals can conceptualise romantic love. For many creatures, relationships are

undeniably strictly carnal in nature. However, there is plenty of evidence in the natural world to suggest that love does exist for some animals. Creatures across many different species have been observed to mate for life: from mammals like California mice, to aquatic creatures like seahorses, to even cold-blooded reptiles like the Australian sleepy lizard. By far, it is the avian world which dominates this field; a staggering 90% of bird species are classed as monogamous! Swans, geese, eagles, and some types of owls and penguins stay to gether until death do them part. Most famously, lovebirds struc ture their entire social or ganisation around the concept of pairs. They grow wildly jealous to the point where they cannot be kept in mixed aviaries with other kinds of songbird. The species’ habit of transferring food from one mate’s beak to the other in a sort of ‘kiss’ has made it the enduring image of love in the animal kingdom.

After all: break-ups are not part of romance in the animal kingdom. Yet, there is a far more widespread and final form of separation in nature; that being the grim threat of an untimely death. Whether animals have the capacity to mourn is

unit. Wolves have been documented to search in vain for departed pack members with haunting, solitary howls. Scientific research has shown they suffer physically from the grief, developing stress-related injuries quaintly dubbed ‘broken heart syndrome’.

the definitive answer to the existence of bestial heartbreak. What purer expression of love could there be than the despair at losing it forever?

So, animals can fall in love, but this does not necessarily mean the existence of animal heartbreak.

The fascinating and slightly tragic answer to this question is that wild animals absolutely can, and do, mourn their loved ones. In many instances, it is the collective grief of a group losing one of their

Asian elephants are similarly documented to practice funerallike rituals, actually going as far as to bury their dead

Meanwhile, the death of a crow will prompt the rest of its flock to perform a notoriously eerie ritual, surrounding and pecking the corpse in a process theorised to promote the concept of death among the surviving flock members. In fact, this ritual inspired the concept of a funeral for early humans, as according to a story in the Qur’an, a raven teaches Cain how to bury his murdered brother. Asian elephants are similarly documented to practice funeral-like

The environmental harms of traditional Valentine's Day food

Cupid's Carbon Crisis: how chocolate, roses and fine dining take a toll on the planet.

Evie Whitmarsh-Knight she/her Writer

As we approach February the 14th, it’s nice to think about the Valentine’s traditions we enjoy with a loved one, including the all-important food. Valentines Day brings a plethora of tasty meals and snacks, from oysters to chocolate and steak to cheesecake, but their production is less enjoyable for the planet. Yet all is not lost – Valentine’s can still be delicious by reconsidering what you eat and replacing that with a more sustainable, ethical, and

sometimes even tastier alternative. The planet will defintely thank you.

Chocolate poses an undoubtable risk to the planet

Perhaps the most loved Valentine’s food of all is chocolate. Comforting, reliable, and consistently good, it’s hard to accept that this familiar favourite bears a climate cost. Chocolate contains palm oil, an ingredient in as many as 50% of supermarket items, from salad dressing to laundry detergent. The production of palm oil

involves mass deforestation, which pushes already-endangered species closer to extinction by removing their habitat. Chocolate also comes with another ecological risk: cattle farming. This often causes further deforestation – in fact 80% of deforestation in Brazil is linked to cattle grazing. This, combined with the deforestation required for palm oil production, means chocolate poses an undoubtable risk to the planet.

Why not try switching to vegan chocolate this Valentine’s?

This reduces the amount of deforestation involved by bypassing the need for cattle grazing. Vegan chocolate is now available in all major supermarkets. The global vegan chocolate market is projected to grow from $1.38 billion to $4 billion between 2024 to 2032.

Cattle farming is also problematic when it comes to steak, which accounts for 14.4% of food sales on Valentine’s Day. The steak trend is on the rise too, as sales were up 12% in 2024 compared to 2023. Cows also produce methane, a greenhouse gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency,

rituals, actually going as far as to bury their dead.

animals grieve and must therefore love

Whales, on their part, display some of the most heartbreaking behaviours listed here by grieving for their children when they die. Rather than move on like crows, orcas have been widely documented to carry their dead calves with them along the ocean surface. Sometimes, they travel over a thousand miles in a truly anguishing display of love.

These anecdotes demonstrate an undeniable truth: animals grieve and must therefore love. There is a moral here, too. Your dog has never been ghosted, but unbeknownst to you until now, he has nursed a sense of loss for the siblings he never got to meet. Yet, outwardly they remain the same loyal and cheery pet. This should be a reminder come the day you find yourself lying in bed on day five of your post-breakup tv binge, that animals suffer far more heartbreak than us, but they make it through. If they can, you can too.

a single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane per year. This contributes to Earth’s currently rising temperatures.

Making easy, accessible, and affordable switches to vegan or palm oil free alternatives can really improve your carbon footprint

Another popular Valentine’s food option is oysters. China is currently the biggest oyster producing country; it produces 5.14 million oysters annually. The shellfish are integral to ocean ecosystems – they filter seawater for nitrogen and sediment which makes the water clearer. This in turn makes it easier for seagrass to get light. Additionally, oyster reefs provide habitats for other marine life. These factors make oysters and oyster reefs fundamental to healthy oceans.

Although oyster farming has the environmental benefit of reduced emissions, as it does not produce methane, oyster farming increases the probability of animal based and zoonotic diseases, thus increasing the chances of another pandemic. Scientists recognise that more research is needed to better understand exactly how disease spreads among shellfish, yet they do accept that oyster farming does pose the risk of spreading disease.

Despite all this, Valentine’s can still be tasty. Making easy, accessible, and affordable switches to vegan or palm oil free alternatives can really improve your carbon footprint, even on the special day. It is possible to enjoy Valentine’s classics without worrying about the impacts of what you’re eating.

So this year when you're buying that special someone a Valentine's gift, look out for tasty alternatives in the vegan aisle.

» Image: Clyde Thomas / Pexels

» Image: Jenty / GoodFon (left); Firkin / OpenClipart (below)

This Valentine's day, fall in love with local sport...

In love with the local: The "special spark" behind Leamington FC

Rachel Gore, she/her Sport Editor

Walkingthrough the turnstiles at Your Co-op Community Stadium, the home of Leamington Football Club, sees you immediately be greeted by the community feel that is central to local sport. As the club’s manager, Paul Holleran, explained in a comment to The Boar Sport, “You can see when you look at the crowd on a matchday, the number of people of all different ages from all different backgrounds – it’s like a melting pot.”

As the club's manager, Paul Holleran, explained at Leamington there's "no disconnect between players and fanbase"

Leamington FC, nicknamed the Brakes, plays in the Vanarama National League North following their promotion at the end of last season. The Brakes have a complex history, with the club reforming in 2000 after the demolishing of the old ground left fans without a local team to support.

Now, the club’s home ground is a 15-minute bus ride away from Leamington Spa station. By the summer of 2028, however, the hope is that it will relocate once more, this time to a newly built, 5,000-seat stadium off Fusiliers Way.

The atmosphere in Leamington’s ground on match day is both similar and different to those seen in higher league teams’ stadiums. Like these environments are, Leamington FC is filled with passionate fans who want nothing more than to see their team win, however, as Holleran explained at Leamington there’s no “disconnect between players and fanbase”.

The families of Brakes players sit amongst the fans who can get as close to the pitch as possible. Postmatch, “after every game, fans and players go for a drink in the bar”. It is that “sense of community” that makes the club so special and causes Holleran to “always” be “proud to be Leamington manager”.

It’s not only the fan and player interaction that makes lower league football different to the higher tiers, but also the fact that it is significantly more accessible, with tickets to a Brakes home game costing students £8.

Max Passantino, Leamington FC’s head of media and student in Leicester, stated that “there isn’t really something equivalent of Leamington at the same level”.

Being based in Leicester means that Passantino would have to choose between “paying stupid money to go to a Premier League game or trying to find a Leicestershire Senior League team to get a football fix”. Instead, he chooses Leamington FC, a financially accessible team which displays quality performances time and time again.

The club is now offering free transport from Leamington Spa station to the ground for every Saturday home game

Further to this, the club is now offering free transport from Leamington Spa station to the ground for each Saturday home game. Two shuttles depart from the station at 13:50 and 14:20, allowing fans to arrive in time for the 15:00 kick-off. Passantino hopes that this transport will make it “a lot easier for Warwick students to get down and have a pint on the terraces while watching a good level of football”.

As Passantino stated, watching the Brakes on a Saturday afternoon is “either a good few hours break from doing assignments or a good pre-drinks session to a Saturday night in Leam!”.

In attending a match, for either of the above purposes, students will

also be able to immerse themselves in the culture of local sports. Craig Barnes, a member of Leamington FC’s media team, mentioned how those “helping to run the club” are “community spirited”. Barnes himself began as a PA reporter after the club’s reform in 2000 and went on to report on matches for local radio before spending 16 years working for BBC Sport. In 2017, he returned to Leamington and headed back behind the mic for the club in 2022. He wanted to help “capture all the highs and lows of supporting the Brakes”.

Supporting the Brakes is about more than cheering for their senior team, it’s also about ensuring that the club can continue to contribute positively to the local community.

As Holleran explained, “Leamington’s just one of hundreds of football clubs up and down the country that do so much locally”. Recent research from British Future found that football clubs increase social connection in their local areas leading to the breaking down of prejudice from different walks of life. By supporting Leamington FC, fans help to sustain these efforts.

It's these community contributions, the connections between fans and players, and the accessibility of Leamington FC that give it what Holleran describes as “a special spark”.

So, whether you’re a University of Warwick student who’s a diehard football fan, or one who’s simply searching for some weekend entertainment, make your way down to Leamington FC to watch a game and experience the community that comes with the club. Once you step into the stadium, you’ll soon realise why so many are in love with the local side.

Saturday 1st March

Be ready to watch Warwick take on

Coventry

Coventry Blaze

9th February

At home: Skydome Arena Against: Sheffield Steelers

Conventry Blaze is a British professional ice hockey team who compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

Leamington FC

11th February

At home: Your Co-Op Community Stadium Against: Warrington Town

Leamington FC is a football club based in Leamington Spa. Their men's team compete in the Vanarama National League North. Last season, they came 10th out of 24 teams in this league.

Coventry City FC

8th February

At home: Coventry Building Society Arena Against: Ipswitch Town

Coventry City FC plays in the EFL Championship which is the second teir of English football. Last season, the club reached the FA Cup semi-final.

» Images clockwise from top: Coventry Blaze / Wikimedia Commons, Leamington FC, Cov Pix / Flickr

Rachel Gore, she/her Sport Editor

Will 2025 be the year for women's sport?

Annie Carty, she/her Writer

2025is

set to be a defining moment for women's sport in England, with three major tournaments showcasing the nation's talent on the international stage. Whether this year sees iconic wins or heartbreaking defeats; the Lionesses, the Red Roses and the Women's Cricket team are set to represent their country and inspire women and girls everywhere.

England's historical UEFA Women's Euro 2022 win, the country's first senior major competition win since 1966, marked a turning point for women's sport. Three years later, the Lionesses return to defend their title at the 2025 Euros in Switzerland this July. Both England and Wales have been drawn into the same group, with Wales making their international tournament debut after a playoff win against the Republic of Ireland.

Since the 2022 win, there have been significant changes to Sarina Wiegman's squad. Both Jill Scott and Ellen White have retired, and Aston Villa's Rachel Daly announced her retirement from international football last year. Injuries remain a concern too, with key players Lauren Hemp and Alex Green-

More than 120,000 girls across the country have taken up football in schools

wood both recovering from knee surgeries they underwent at the end of last year. Yet, these absences have paved the way for rising stars like Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, and Jess Park to make their mark. Additionally, England captain Leah Williamson and the 2022 Euros star player, Beth Mead, have returned from ACL injuries which prevented them from competing at the 2023 World Cup. They are hoping to be match fit for the summer.

Wiegman's Lionesses have reached consecutive finals in major competitions

Wiegman's Lionesses have reached consecutive finals in major competitions and are aiming for back-to-back Euros triumphs. Beyond silverware, the legacy of their historical 2022 win continues to resonate: more than 120,000 girls across the country have taken up football in schools. In 2025, the Lionesses will not only hope to bring the trophy home, but they’ll also want to inspire more girls to get involved with sport.

Meanwhile, England's Women's Rugby team, the Red Roses, are looking to right a wrong at the 2025 Rugby World Cup this August. After losing the final in 2022 to New Zealand, their only loss in the last 51 games, the team will be seeking redemption. Now, they are under the leadership of former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, and the team is hungry for what would be their seventh victory.

This is the second major women’s sporting tournament being held in England in the last 3 years. As the Lionesses did in 2022, the Red Roses will be hoping to win on home soil at the final which is to be hosted at the historic Twickenham.

Another team looking for retribution for a lost final is the England Women's Cricket team. Australia dashed England's hope of back-toback victories in 2022. This year, the team heads to India for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in the autumn. Matches are played as One Day Internationals (ODIs) over 50 overs per team. Qualification for the competition is through the Championship. Australia, India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have already secured their spot, leaving

teams such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the West Indies still battling for qualification.

The year ahead offers a golden opportunity for England's women's teams to cement their legacies

The year ahead offers a golden opportunity for England's women's teams to cement their legacies. Whether it's the Lionesses defending their European title, or the Red Roses seeking redemption on home turf, the stakes have never been higher. Beyond the competitions, this year will undoubtedly inspire young girls across the country to become the next generation of sporting heroes.

Two iconic sporting couples

Megan Green, she/her Deputy Sport Editor

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, The Boar Sport is spotlighting two sporting couples that are united by their shared love for their

Jason & Laura Kenny

team pursuit and omnium double, taking gold in both, and matched this achievement at her next games, once again taking the top step of the podium.

During her final games, she earned her fifth gold medal in the Madison, as well as silver in the team pursuit – this being the first time she had entered an Olympic event and not won gold. These achievements make her one of the only British females (besides equestrian Charlotte Dujardin) to have won multiple medals at three successive games. This is yet another accolade to add to her long list of successes, the most impressive being the title of Team GB’s most successful female Olym-

Her husband can match most of these achievements, including the title of most decorated Team GB Olympian. Jason Kenny has earned 28 major medals, including 7 golds across 3 Olympics, as well as two silvers. His success in Tokyo meant that he surpassed Sir Chris Hoy as holder of the most gold medals for Team GB, before retiring after that year’s games, just four years before his wife announced her retirement, pre-Paris 2024.

Sam Kerr & Kristie Mewis

Another notable sporting relationship is footballing duo Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis, who first became a couple during the pandemic, and announced their engagement in November 2023, after taking to Instagram with a picture of Mewis showing off a ring. In November of the next year, the pair also announced they were expecting their first child, with Mewis again choosing to take to Instagram to show off her bump.

As Australia’s record goal scorer, Sam Kerr needs little introduction. The Chelsea striker has 5 WSL titles under her belt, as well as 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, and 1 Community Shield. In June last year, she signed a 2-year contract extension with the West London club. She has not played since due to a knee ligament injury, however.

Mewis began her career in the States but has since moved to London and trans ferred to WSL side West Ham, in order to be closer to Kerr.

Mewis has 53 in ternational caps for the US Women’s National team and formed part of the Olympic squad that achieved bronze in Tokyo. Her international

achievements also include 3 wins in the ‘She Believes’ Cup. She joined West Ham from NJ/NY Gotham FC in December 2023, having triumphed in the NWSL that same year.

The pair’s romance first sparked rumours at the Tokyo games, when an intimate moment was shared following a match between the United States and Australia in which Mewis’ squad was triumphant. A week later, the couple took to social media to confirm their relationship, and after several years of long-distance travel which followed suit, the pair now happily reside in London.

Images from left to right: Marc / Flickr; Alasdair Massie / Flickr; Erik Drost / Wikimedia Commons; LittleBlinky / Wikimedia Commons

» Image: The Boar

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Adam Coward Transfer dilemma for Liverpool as star men weigh up futures

The price of playing: A closer look at the cost of sport at Warwick

on-campus student sport falls to its lowest level since pre-pandemic.

Rachel Gore, she/her Sport Editor

Tom Ryan, he/him Deputy News Editor

Withprices continuing to rise and students struggling to make ends meet, it is perhaps unsurprising that the number of people taking part in university sport has hit a stumbling block.

What is more surprising, however, is that the number of students participating in on-campus sports clubs looks set to fall, not just below last year’s levels but to their lowest level since before the pandemic.

A recent survey by The Boar News found that 91% of students think that the cost of a Sports Club Pass is too high

A joint investigation by The Boar’s Sport and News teams has found that 3,849 students have purchased a Warwick Sport On-Campus Sports Pass, which allows access to individual sports club memberships, so far this academic year. That marks a fall of over 150 from last year (4,013) to its lowest since the 2020/21 academic year – when sports clubs, like all other aspects of university life, were hit by Covid restrictions. While the academic year is not yet over, a low uptake of student sports over the next five months could mean that participation in

The findings come amid growing concern among students over the cost of memberships, with a recent survey by The Boar News finding that 91% of students think that the cost of a Sports Club Pass is too high.

The decline in students taking part in student sports coincides with a sharp increase in the cost of student sports memberships in recent years. Whilst the Sports Federation fee has decreased by 25%, the On-Campus Sports Club Pass – which, this year, costs £71.50 –has increased 30% in the last five years from £55 in the 2019/20 academic year.

Off-campus sports have not faced such an increase in costs, with the Off-Campus pass increasing only 23% in the same period – from £26 to £32. Perhaps that explains the quirk in The Boar’s findings that the number of people taking part in off-campus sports, which includes Riding and Sailing, has reached its highest number (717) at the same time as on-campus sports reaches a low.

Of those who participated in a recent poll by The Boar Sport, 63% are currently members of a sports society, 25% are not, and 12% used to be.

When asked if cost was the reason why respondents were not members of sports societies, 75% said it was the sole reason why and 25% said it was a factor in them not joining. Further to this, 75% of people said that the reason for them leaving a sports society was because it was too expensive, and the remaining 25% said that cost contributed to their decision to leave.

One solution to this is a restructuring of the current fee-paying system. Currently, sports membership is paid upfront, however the cost could be split termly instead. Some respondents would prefer this method of payment and the majority of those who are not currently in a sports society would be more likely to rejoin if these termly payments were not a yearlong commitment.

Perhaps, the way to get students into sport is to give them the opportunity to try membership for a term without having to commit to the full year; this way they have time to decide whether the club is for them, instead of being forced to stop participating or purchase a yearly membership a couple weeks into term once taster training sessions are over.

87.5% of those who have never been in a sports society said that they would join if they could pay membership termly and opt out

In response to this suggestion of a restructuring of payments, 87.5% of those who have never been in a sports society said that they would join if they could pay membership termly and opt out if necessary. 100% of those who were once in a sports society shared this sentiment.

However, a spokesperson for Team Warwick told The Boar Sport that they “are currently unable to offer a termly membership”. Although, they do “offer a significantly discounted rate for students who wish to purchase a Sports Club Pass after term 1, as well as a half-price offer for students who are only attending Warwick for a single term”.

Even after a sports club membership has been purchased, the costs continue to fly in for student-athletes. 70% of respondents who are currently sports club members pay extra fees in addition to their membership. These costs can be for training sessions, coaches, kit, and competition entry. One respondent described the way that they can spiral as “extraordinary”.

Sub-Editor: Eirlys Tse (she/her)

Thomas Lloyd (he/him) Megan Green (she/her)

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A member of Warwick Futsal told The Boar Sport that mandatory kit for games ends up costing at least £100.

Team Warwick explained that the introduction of the ‘Sportswear for All’ fund allows students to apply for individual grants for kits and equipment. This initiative is an addition to the Sports Officer Bursary, which gives Sports Club Passes to students who are financially struggling.

Another provision offered at the University is the Rock Up and Play programme. According to Team Warwick, an expansion of this provision “now delivers over 60 hours of zero-cost sport for Warwick students every week”. When asked if they participate in Rock Up and Play sessions, 88% of respondents said that they do not. This suggests that students are either unaware of or unwilling to attend these free sessions.

Some non-sport societies have sports secretaries on their executive committees who organise participation in intramural leagues and relaxed training sessions for lower costs. A respondent explained that the cost of hiring pitches acts as a “huge barrier” when trying to carry out this role as “it’s just infeasibly expensive”. This makes it difficult for these cheaper sporting provisions to be supplied and makes it hard for those who don’t want “the commitment or intimidating nature of clubs” to be a part of group physical activity.

Those who do want to stay active without getting involved in sports clubs can find that the gym is the perfect alternative. Team Warwick informed The Boar Sport of the recent investments in the Sports and Wellness Hub, including a £1 million gym renovation. Although, a gym membership at the Hub too can come at a cost – and an increasing one at that.

In the 2019/20 academic year, an annual inclusive membership cost £299. This year, that same membership cost £356

The cost of student gym memberships at Warwick has been steadily increasing since the new Sports and Wellness Hub opened six years ago. In the 2019/20 academic year – the first since the Hub’s opening – an annual inclusive Warwick Sport membership cost £299. This year, that same membership cost £356. That increase hasn’t been met with an increase in students joining the gym. Sports memberships

Jack Kingston FA Cup Third Round: Thrills, Thrashings and Frustration

are back in line with post-pandemic levels, and falling by over 600 since their peak in 2022/23. A total of 3,421 students bought an annual Warwick Sport membership, as of the end of November 2024 – compared to a peak of 4,030 in 2022/23.

One big factor was that, even though Puregym is not dissimilar in price, you can pay monthly

Respondent to The Boar Sport survey

For many students who live off-campus, other options prove more viable to them than attending the Sports Hub gym, perhaps suggesting that the University’s offering of sports may not be the most affordable option.

Residents at student blocks like The Oaks or Vita Student, for example, have free access to the accommodation’s gym spaces. Leamington residents also have the choice of local gyms such as PureGym, where memberships cost £28.99 a month, working out at £347.88 a year. While PureGym may not offer the same options as Warwick Sport, with some memberships including swimming and climbing access, the monthly payment plans and ‘leave anytime’ option mean students can pause memberships when they go home. Talia, a second-year student who swapped her Warwick gym membership for a PureGym membership this year, said: “One big factor was that, even though, Puregym is overall not dissimilar in price to the Sports Hub, you can pay monthly unlike a huge sum in one go at Warwick, helping cash flow.”

In response to queries regarding gym memberships and sports club costs, from The Boar Sport, Team Warwick said: “We are always working to ensure that our sporting environment is as accessible as possible for our student population and that we deliver maximum value for money.” It seems, however, that despite these efforts, students are finding university sport too “expensive”. Therefore, more must be done to ensure that, regardless of their financial situation, every student can join a sport club if they wish to.

» Image: Warwick Media Library