The Bucks Student - Edition 16

bucks student edition 16

February 2010 www.bucksstudent.com

THE SU IS BOOMING

NEWS Second Annual Union Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2nd Annual Union Awards Ceremony. Find out more information and how to nominate

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FEATURES ‘Big Deal’

Find out how the Big Deal benefits everyone at Bucks along with facts and figures of the Big Deal

(and it’s all thanks to you!)

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By Laz Wood - Student Editor student.editor@thebucksstudent.com

Prof Ruth Farwell responds to the ‘open letter’ Page 12

MUSIC REVIEWS Find out the hottest new singles We reveal our top 5 new singles

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VOUCHER SECTION

Check out our new discount voucher section giving you the chance to get great student offer and deals. This edition we have: 50p OFF ANY DRINK ON A TUESDAY FREE DELIVERY ON CS5 SUITES 25% OFF BUCKS MERCHANDISE FREE MUFFIN WITH A LARGE COFFEE

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This year the Students’ Union has continued on last year’s trend of growth and is now booming. The SU bar has seen a significant increase in visits and so far this year, we have had 30,000 individual visits to our Big Deal events programme. Greater numbers of students than ever before are benefitting from being one of over 1,400 members of the 82 societies and sports teams.

THIS year the Students’ Union (SU) has continued on last year’s trend of growth and is now booming. Deputy General Manager, Tristan Tipping, has been delighted with the student response to the efforts by SU team to expand and improve the student experience. “The Union has seen an explosion of student involvement this year, as more and more members of the Bucks New University community engage with Union run activities,” he said.

Speaking about the growth of trading he said: “The SU bar has seen a significant increase in attendances. So far this year we have had 30,000 individual visits to our Big Deal events programme, this has included a sharp rise in attendances from student guests as well members of the local community who are increasingly purchasing tickets for our comedy and live music events.”

This growth has led some students to question whether the SU slogan of ‘Not for profit, just for students’ is really true (See where does your money go? Pg 10+11). However, Tristan has made it clear that any profits made by the SU are directly re-invested in the student experience. Speaking about the advantages of this growth he said: “This has two benefits in that it’s an additional revenue stream for the Union to reinvest in student services and the more frequently members of the public socialise with students, and the more they value the university as a centre of arts and entertainment, the further we go to breaking down the divide between ‘town and gown’.”

Of course it’s not just the bar that’s seen greater usage. Greater numbers of students than ever before are benefitting from being one of over fourteen-hundred members of the eighty-two societies and sports teams. These are a great way to get involved and build social networks and thanks to the Big Deal, it’s all free for you! Vice President Student Involvement, Sam Wadieh, is delighted with this increase, he said “It justifies the Big Deal and shows that it is really working.

Sports, socs and recreational activities are the social glue that holds our community together.

They build social skills, life skills and give back to the community through raising for RAG and volunteering.”

The amount of students volunteering has trebled and between them they have raised a phenomenal five-thousand pounds, over a thousand of which has gone to the RAG charities.

The Students Union also works constantly to not only make sure that the student experience maintains its current high standard but that the education we receive is improved wherever possible. It funds and supports a student representation system that involves over two hundred students and four staff. Your elected representatives attend dozens of meetings every week. They discuss issues that range from preferred teaching methods to the governance of the University. Vice President Education, Chris Clark, said: “Never before have we had such a large or more effective representation system. Students can now get directly involved in creating and improving university policy. We are now working as partners with the Uni to work on everything from course curriculums to teaching styles.”

t lots of great u o k c e h c u o y re u Make s nd different a ls a e d t n e d tu s , stalls ith the Students’ w r e ff o n o s ie it v acti the chance to buy h it w g n lo A . n io n U andise. discounted merch Student Involvement Day

Printed on 100% recycled paper | Help reduce your carbon footprint by recycling your newspaper Bucks Students’ Union and Bucks New University are committed to doing their part in recycling and reducing their carbon footprint

2 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

Contacts for The Bucks Student newspaper Tom Foy - Editor t: 01494 601600 e: tom.foy@bucks.ac.uk Laz Wood - Student and Community Editor e: student.editor@thebucksstudent.com Kelly McGarry - LifeStyle Editor e: lifestyle.editor@thebucksstudent.com Louby Delahunty - Entertainments Editor e: entertainments.editor@thebucksstudent.com Tanya Virdy - News Editor e: news.editor@thebucksstudent.com Harry Boileau - Features Editor e: features.editor@thebucksstudent.com Richie Stuttard - Sports Editor e: sports.editor@thebucksstudent.com Claire Cullen - Fashion Editor e: fashion.editor@thebucksstudent.com Tanya Virdy - Celebrity Fashion Editor e: celebrityfashion.editor@thebucksstudent.com MJ Mahmood - Soaps & TV Editor e: soaps.editor@thebucksstudent.com Dorian Stone - Reviews Editor e: reviews.editor@thebucksstudent.com Shane Millar - Culture, Arts & Literature Editor e: arts.editor@thebucksstudent.com Monika Stary - Jobs & Careers Editor e: careers.editor@thebucksstudent.com Joanna Szczpanowska - International & Travel Editor e: international.editor@thebucksstudent.com Sarah O’Brien - Societies Editor e: societies.editor@thebucksstudent.com For Advertising: Vicki Buffoni t: 0845 1300 667 e: vb@bamuk.com Union general enquiries: t: 01494 601600 e: union@bucks.ac.uk Articles in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students’ Union but are that of the specific author.

If required, this document can be made available in different formats. Please contact the Students Union for more information.

View this edition online at bucksstudent.com/communications.

You can also sign up to our online newspaper and receive automatic updates before an edition is released. Follow the links on our website for more information.

Printed by Harmsworth Printing - Stoke 01782 602619 www.harmsworthprinting.co.uk. © 2011 Bucks Students’ Union

Good news for Bucks disabled students

WE are now an outreach facility for the West London Assessment Centre (WLAC). So students who require a needs assessment for Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) can usually be seen on campus.

It’s based in the Disability Service in Room N1.11, part of the Student Experience Directorate at Bucks’s High Wycombe Campus.

Uxbridge students can, if they prefer, continue to be seen at the WLAC branch at Brunel University’s Uxbridge Campus.

For help applying for a DSA, or any other enquiries, please contact the Disability Service at Bucks on 01494 605049/disability.service@bucks. ac.uk or call in to see us in N1.11.

bucksstudent.com direct to your mobile

features News P3 Lifestyles P8 Features P10 Travel P12 Entertainments Pull Out P13 Music Reviews P14 Photos P15 Wallplanner P16 Soaps & TV P21 Movie Reviews P22 Societies P23 Food & Drink P24 Book Reviews P25 Puzzles & Recruitment P26

1. Download a QR reader to your phone. There are loads of free ones available 2. Open the QR reader on your phone and scan any barcodes where you see them.

3. Each individual code will take you to a website for further information.

4. No more typing web addresses. Simply scan the code, go to the site and find out more information.

Internet usage will be charged at your providers standard rate

Recycle your copy of the Bucks Student once you have finished.

Letter from the Editors Hello and welcome to another edition of The Bucks Student. In this edition you may have noticed that we have put a lot in about what the Students Union does for you. This is partly in response to a letter to the editor, but it is also because the SU does a lot of work for us students that we don’t see on a day to day basis.

There is also all the usual film and TV reviews along with a flourishing new Student Culture section that still hasn’t reached its full potential. If you’re an artist or a writer and you want to showcase your work then get in touch with us because we’d like to feature your work in this newspaper!

Sports is full of interesting stories, however, we would like to make it clear that we only have a very small number of reporters trying to cover the matches and competitions of dozens of teams.

If you feel your team is not getting enough coverage then please do send us some match reports of your own. If you don’t know what to write then send us all the details you want included and we’ll write the piece for you.

As I said before, the content about the SU in this edition is a response to a letter from a student.

If you think there is an issue that you want investigated then do write in and let us know. Even if you just want to draw people’s attention to something that you feel is not working or is unfair at Bucks then write in and maybe someone will write a response back. Remember to address any letters to student.editor@ thebucksstudent.com.

Hello all, Welcome to the newest edition of the Bucks Student, I hope you enjoy it. This fortnight, we are celebrating Valentine’s Day (well some of us are anyway) so there is plenty of complaining, dating tips and romantic recipes for you to choose from. Check out the Student’s Survival Guide for all you singletons dreading the 14th, or take a look at the restaurant reviews to make sure you take your date somewhere special. As I’m sure you’re all aware, the candidate’s for the SU elections are announced on the 18th of this month, so next edition we will be introducing you to them all to ensure you know who you’re voting for!

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day, Sarah deputystudent.editor@thebucksstudent. com.

Vouchers P27

10 April 2011

Advice P28 Sports P30

Sunrise Walk In aid of the High Wycombe Mayor’s Appeal 2010/11

West Wycombe Park

text your issues to

07624 805 945

Text: 07624 805 945 Email: student.voice@bucks.ac.uk

1, 5 or 10 mile sponsored walk starting at 8.00 am Sign up at:

www.peppersunrisewalk.org.uk www.peppersunrisewalk.org.uk

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 3

Last year the Students’ Union held its inaugural Union Awards Ceremony - this year it will be bigger and better

SECOND ANNUAL UNION AWARDS CEREMONY The most prestigious and important night of the SU calander is almost here!

That’s right the Union Awards 2011 are just a couple of months away. Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to get involved!

Last year the Students’ Union held its inaugural Union Awards Ceremony.

The event recognised and rewarded those students and staff who had excelled in their contribution to our work. This year’s awards are being held on 31st March and it is going to be bigger and better than 2010. So how can you get involved? Well... we are looking for students and staff to nominate deserving winners, right now.

If you know someone who you think should be

nominated for one of the awards below why don’t you fill out the pull out form and potentially make their year!

We don’t want to tie students and staff up with criteria as to what makes a particular student’s efforts worthy of recognition. So with that in mind you can nominate on any basis and the Awards Panel will consider the submission on its merits.

The Awards Panel may also confer the Union Fellowship and Honorary Life Membership to recipients during the ceremony.

For information on the criteria for these awards and any further information please visit www.bucksstudents. com/awards2011.

GO ON, MAKE SOMEONES 2011!

You can vote online at bucksstudent.com/awards 2011 or use the form below and return it to the SU offices

The available awards are as follows: Student Leadership Award Student Rep of the Year Society Member of the Year Volunteer of the Year RAG Fundraiser of the Year Student Journalist of the Year Campaigner of the Year Student Staff Team Member of the Year Flat Rep of the Year

NOMINATION FORM Nominees Name: Nominated for: Reason (no more than 350 words):

Above: President, Tom Foy, awarding Michael Yikoniko with the ‘Student Team Member of the Year’ award; Below: all the winners of the evening at the awards ceremony at Adams Park, 2010.

Your name: Your student number: Your email address: You’re Signature: Please return this completed nomination form to the SU offices at either High Wycombe or Uxbridge

Do you want to be part of the Students’ Union Leadership Team? If so, we are holding elections for the full-time officer positions on our Executive Committee The positions available are:

President

Vice President Student Involvement

The President is the chief Union spokesperson, member of the University’s governing body and has responsibility for staffing, finance and the strategic leadership of the SU.

The VP Student Involvement looks after sports, recreational activities, societies, volunteering and RAG at the Students’ Union.

Vice President Education

National Conference Delegates

The VP Education is responsible for campaigning on academic issues and leading on academic policy. If elected you attend the University’s most senior academic committees.

There are 2 positions available to attend the NUS National Conference and have your say on how students are represented across the country.

Download a nomination form from www.bucksstudent.com information or to talk about the roles email matthew.kitching@bucks.ac.uk

4 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

A warning to students - stay safe whilst out at night

Wycombe needs a superhero Over the past week or two, I’ve seen the suggestion ‘Wycombe needs a superhero’ bandied around Facebook. Unfortunately, it is not just the result of a tedious and hopelessly optimistic conversation between a few comic book geeks. It’s worryingly close to the truth. It is with dismay that I must bring to your attention the everprevalent dangers of Wycombe by night.

On January 19th, just before 5am, two BNU students were mugged on Roberts Road. The pair had finished working their shifts at Yates and as they were walking home together they were intercepted by three men, whilst several more loitered a little further down the road. The victims put up a bit of a fight though, and as a result the muggers only managed to take one student’s phone. The ordeal, however, quite understandably, left both victims shaken and continues to have a resounding impact on their confidence and comfort in terms of being out in town at night. The pair were told by police that the gang had also been seen earlier in the evening.

Less than a week later, in the early hours of the morning of January 25th, in the Hughenden Road / Benjamin Road area, another two students, again walking home from work, had a very unpleasant

By Louise Delahunty

experience. The girls, friends of those who were mugged the previous week, were followed by two men who got out of a car and proceeded toward them, shouting boorishly to them. The girls ran to the closest house where they were forced to hide in the garden whilst the men continued to search for them. But luckily the pair managed to escape a nasty encounter. It is not an evening they will forget in a hurry, though, and they spent a few subsequent hours in A&E as one of the girls suffered a painful injury to her ribs as she fell to the ground in her desperate hurry to escape the men.

The victims of the muggings on January 19th praised the police for their prompt arrival to the scene and for dealing with the situation in such a manner which comforted them and instilled in them a great deal of confidence and faith in the police. This is reassuring news to us all, but in light of these incidents, I urge all of you to be extra cautious when out at night and in the small hours of the morning. Particularly in the area where these incidents took place. Make sure you’re never alone and get taxis rather than walk.

Above: (L-R) Bob Cozens, Deputy Director of Student Experience, Justin Richardson, Director of Jardson Ltd, Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor, Rachel Li, Bucks Regional Office Manager, Nicola Bate, International and Marketing Manager.

Dawn breaks for Bucks in the land of the rising sun Bucks New University has opened its second regional international office, in Beijing, China, to attract more students from the Far East and better serve our applicants and their families, agents and educational partners.

The office in the Chinese capital will be managed by Jardson Ltd, a well-respected international educational recruitment services organisation and the opening follows the setting-up of a recruitment facility in New Delhi. Director Justin Richardson and Rachel Li, Bucks’s regional office manager, who are both based in Beijing, have visited Bucks New University and met with figures including Vice Chancellor Prof Ruth Farwell and the Students’ Union.

Nicola Bate, International Marketing Manager, said: “Justin and his colleague Rachel Li visited Bucks to build relationships with key people and gain an in-depth understanding of our courses and the wider student experience.

“In September 2010 we opened a regional office in New Delhi to serve India and the sub-continent and we are delighted to now be able to work with Jardson in China using a similar model.”

Justin said he had been ‘highly impressed’ with the facilities available at Bucks, the enthusiasm of staff and students and the proximity of the campuses to amenities including shops, nightlife, food outlets and employment opportunities.

He said: “Bucks New University has lived up to what I thought it would be and more, in relation to the quality of locations and also particularly the enthusiasm of the staff - there aren’t many universities that can offer all Bucks can and in such a fantastic location.

“We are hoping to see the Bucks brand grow in China with the long-term goal of improving the University experience for students in China, as well as the UK, who can benefit from these improved international links.”

Above: students who helped out with the World Cancer Day balloon arch. The arch and balloons were a tribute to loved ones, who have died from cancer. All money collected will be donated to CLIC Sargent.

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 5

The first part of the new University portal has been built and you can check it out

A third campus at bucks.ac.uk Did you know that we are building a new, interactive portal for Bucks? The in-house online team is creating a significant web presence, or “third campus” for Bucks New University.

Check it out The first part of the new portal has been built, so why not have a look around?

You can post comments on the walls of each page. Access the portal at https:// softlaunch.bucks.ac.uk. Simply sign in with the username and password you normally use on Bucks computers and Blackboard.

With six months’ work still to do until the launch of phase one, please bear in

mind that it’s not pixel-perfect. The design will be refined and content and colours added, plus every month or so we will add another piece of functionality, such as online courses, communities, wikis and blogs.

Help us build our online future All students and employees can have an individual “My Bucks” profile when the new portal is launched in the summer. You can start building your own profile now if you wish.

We are looking for students to feed back to us about the new portal. Just email the team at olp@bucks.ac.uk. We hope you like what you see so far!

New university portal screen shots universitynews Research success A PhD thesis by Wantao Yu, senior lecturer in operations management, called ‘Operations Strategy, Business Environment, Operations Resources and Performance: An empirical study of retail firms in China’, has been highly commended in the 2010/ EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards by the editors of International Journal of Operations & Production Management.

Perfect March

Where were all the students?

By Shane Millar

ON THE 20th January, Bucks New University held its first ever political debate, Student Question Time. Three members of Wycombe District Council (WDC) took time out of their busy schedules to come to the university and field questions on a number of student related issues, the impending rise of student fees – which has fuelled numerous national protests – being one of them.

It is reasonable to assume that an event like this should have sparked interest in the students of Bucks New University.

With just over 60 seats to fill – and free entry into the debate – you would have thought that students would be flocking in their droves to have their most pressing questions answered by those in the know. Unfortunately, this was not the case. In fact, the only question that needed answering when all was said and done

is; where were all the students? At one point – about ten minutes before the debate was due to begin – the co-organisers even had to resort to trying to pull students into the room as they passed from outside, but sadly, their efforts proved futile.

A recent survey was conducted into the reasons why students from Bucks New University did not attend Student Question Time. Out of the 30 students surveyed, not one of them attended the event and a staggering 90% stated that they didn’t even know that it was due to take place.

Three topics were covered during the debate. They were: the construction of a new sports stadium in Wycombe to accommodate Bucks New Universities various sports teams, the issue of poor student parking in the university grounds, and of course, the question that has been on everyone’s lips in these last few

months – ever since the coalition government announced that students would have to pay anywhere up to £9,000 to attend university – the rising cost of student fees.

Survey findings show that the topic of student fees would’ve interested 100% of students the most had they turned up to the event.

Laz Wood – who acted as Chair – then called the debate to a close, and there was a smattering of quiet applause from the audience members.

Laz later announced that the university are in the process of deciding whether to run a second – and hopefully more successful – Student Question Time later this year.

When asked if they would be interested in attending Student Question Time if a second date is announced, 83% of students said that they would, so I think we can take that as a resounding yes.

An advert for dating website Match.com called Piano and developed by Bucks BA (Hons) Advertising Creative graduates Dave Coleman and Nick Hallbery, now working for renowned agency Mother London, has won a gold award at the prestigious Campaign BIG awards in London.

The well-known advert also won a prestigious Gold Lion Award at the Cannes Film Festival last year. See the video at Match.com.

GAPS in the market Dr Pamela Trevithick, a visiting professor in social work, yesterday gave a lecture on poverty to firstyear BA (Hons) Social Work students as part of their module in Social Policy, Welfare and Organisations.

Dr Trevithick is also chair of the Group for the Advancement of Psychodynamics and Psychotherapy in Social Work (GAPS). She said: “The students were a very appreciative, engaged and well-informed audience who asked plenty of good questions. I think this is an excellent degree course and this module is an excellent part of the course. I am honoured to be a visiting professor here.”

Bucks brings new voice

Top: A screen shot of the new interactive campus map. You can take a complete interactive tour of the Gateway building with Uxbridge and the rest of the High Wycombe campus coming online soon; Above: A screen shot of the new University portal. You can check out the new portal by visiting http://softlaunch.bucks.ac.uk and using your student log in. This is the first phase of the new portal. Make sure and and check it out!

Bucks was praised by the Secretary-General of the influential International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at a dinner at Missenden Abbey Conference Centre on Saturday where we received membership of the organisation’s Academia Sector, joining members worldwide. Dr Hamadoun Toure said: “The involvement of academia brings a fresh new voice to the work of our three sectors – radio communication, telecommunication standardisation, and telecommunications development. These institutions are the seed-beds that nurture the rising stars of tomorrow’s ICT industry.”

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6 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

Experienced magazine editor passes on top tips to students Freelance journalist and author Tessa Harris visited Bucks New University to deliver a talk and take a questionand-answer session to second-year BA (Hons) Journalism students on how to get ahead in the industry.

Tessa, whose career has included six years as editor of lifestyle magazine Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Life, spent a day with the students and said they had been ‘full of enthusiasm’.

The busy journalist had plenty to talk about. She has also just signed a three-book deal with an American publisher to write a series of murder/mystery novels set in England in the

1780s and featuring the world’s first forensic scientist.

Tessa said: “The students were very enthusiastic, really good, and they had plenty of questions. I was impressed. I also had plenty of details to share with them of scrapes and scoops I had got in throughout my career.”

Student Hollie Wicks said: “My ambition is to eventually edit a style magazine so I found Tessa’s experience and feedback extremely interesting.”

The students also undertook a role-play exercise, overseen

by Tessa, where they pitched ideas for stories and articles to editors.

Above: Prof Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University, pictured with Dr Hamadoun Toure, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), at Missenden Abbey Conference Centre

Proactive professional selfregulation and the future of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Speaker: Chair:

Professor Dickon Weir-Hughes, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and a visiting professor at Bucks New University Professor David Sines CBE, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Society & Health, at Bucks New University

Bucks New University is hosting the sixth in a series of free community lectures featuring high profile guest speakers.

Wednesday 23 February 2011 Owen Harris Lecture Theatre 1, High Wycombe Campus, HP11 2JZ 5.30pm light refreshments 6-7pm lecture 7pm light refreshments Professor Dickon Weir-Hughes is the Chief Executive and Registrar of the NMC, the regulatory body which exists to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public.

During his lecture, Dickon will look back over his first year in the role and will talk about the challenges of running the world's largest professional regulatory body; the NMCÕs statutory responsibilities; and the impact of changing professional and patient expectations on the NMC's activities. He will also highlight how greater proactivity will inform the future development of the NMCÕs work.

Public Lecture Series 2011

Places need to be reserved. To book a place please contact: Lorna West (Vice Chancellor’s Office) Bucks New University, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2JZ Tel: 01494 603 002 Fax: 01494 438 123 Email: lorna.west@bucks.ac.uk or book online at bucks.ac.uk/public_lectures

Bucks New University joins influential global telecommunications union Buckinghamshire New University has been invited to become a member of the Academia Sector of the influential International Telecommunication Union (ITU), joining members from Europe, Africa and the Far East.

Professor Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University, received the membership certificate from Dr Hamadoun Toure, Secretary-General of the ITU, at Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire, on 22 January 2011.

Dr Toure was guest of honour at a welcome reception and dinner hosted by the United Kingdom Telecommunications Academy (UKTA) to mark the launch of a second course it is running with Bucks New University, a Master in Laws in Information and Communications Technology Law (LLM).

The dinner also marked the start of the second cohort of students on the Master’s in Communication Management (MCM).

Both programmes are aimed at people currently working in the telecommunications and information technology industries. The MCM and LLM courses will run side by side, enabling delegates from the two courses to network with each other.

The blended learning courses are run between Bucks New University and the UKTA and have already attracted students from the UK, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

The Missenden Abbey event included more than 20 African students who will be participating on the courses, as well as guests including His Excellency Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner of Rwanda.

Bucks is the first UK university to become a member of the ITU Academia programme, joining members including: the Kigali Institute

of Science and Technology in Rwanda; Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications; The Open University of Tanzania; Waseda University in Tokyo; and other universities in Algeria, China, Denmark, India and Tunisia.

ITU is looking to eventually create a global network of around 100 universities to share expertise, knowledge, and research.

Professor Derek Godfrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor, at Bucks New University, said: “The blended learning approach used on these courses enables individuals from a wide range of countries to benefit from the businessfocused courses and extremely high standards of content, as well as a flexible learning experience.

“These industry-facing programmes provide individuals working within ICT with exciting new career prospects. Our involvement with ITU will further enhance our engagement and support to the ICT sector.”

For his part, Dr Toure spoke of his excitement in welcoming new participants from the academic sector, which, he said, would inject fresh energy into the work of ITU. He said: “The involvement of academia brings a fresh new voice to the work of our three sectors.

“These institutions are the seed-beds that nurture the rising stars of tomorrow’s ICT industry, be they engineers or business leaders, and their unique perspective will help us remain at the forefront of the industry we serve.”

Professor David Mellor OBE, UKTA Chairman, said blended learning presented ‘exciting new developments’. He added: “We are pleased to support Bucks New University in the field of international blended learning and welcome the opportunity to extend the use of Missenden Abbey Conference Centre for this work.”

Waddesdon Manor employees unveil furniture treasures at Bucks’s end of year MA show

National Union of Students NEWS

Employees from Waddesdon Manor, the stunning Renaissancestyle château near Aylesbury, have completed the MA Furniture: Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts at Bucks New University.

They went on to exhibit items of beautifully conserved furniture at the University’s end of year MA show.

They joined their fellow postgraduate students, many with international backgrounds, to exhibit the best items of their work created during the last calendar year. The show celebrated the talent, creativity and success of the students, who have been studying at Bucks New University for either one year full time or two years part-time.

Dr Campbell Norman-Smith, Course Leader, MA Furniture: Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts at Bucks New University, said: “The standard of work this year and the quality of objects could not have been better. Through our contacts with Waddesdon Manor and the Royal Collection, amongst others, we have obtained some amazing pieces of furniture for our students to work on, spanning several centuries right through from the 1600s.”

Amongst the range of special items exhibited was the work of Waddesdon Manor’s Head Steward, student Jane Finch, from Stewkley, near Milton Keynes.

Jane restored a neoclassical armchair, dating c.1760-98.

Provided to Bucks by the Manor, this upholstered walnut armchair features a gilded and over-painted finish.

Jane has been a long-serving member of staff on the stewarding team at Waddesdon Manor, where she has worked for 18 years. As Head Steward, she is responsible for the physical care and handling

of the Manor’s furniture collection, which covers everything from cleaning and lighting to handling and environmental control.

Through the Manor’s established links with the University, the opportunity arose for Jane to enrol on the MA Furniture: Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts, studying one day a week over three years. She said:”I was lucky enough to be given the neoclassical armchair from the Waddesdon collection to work on which needed general consolidation, repair and replacement to some lost mouldings on the front legs.

“It turned out to be rather a special piece, as once the old top cover had been removed it was discovered that the upholstery on the chair was still the original. This changed the brief as it was decided to put on a top cover which could be completely detachable and give access for people to look at the upholstery underneath without any further interference to the frame of the chair.

“I achieved this by handstitching a fitted top cover for the seat and back with magnetic strips around the edge that could hold the cover to the chair, and then adding a magnetic strip of brass nails over the top which gave the appearance of upholstery.”

Also on display were items restored by MA student and Waddesdon employee, Harriet Nichols, from Newton Longville, near Milton Keynes. Harriet’s MA project includes a 19th century Revival-style frame, featuring a painting entitled View of Birmingham from the Dome of St Phillips, which was provided to Bucks by Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery. The piece, now fully conserved, is a composition frame with oil and water gilding on pine substrate.

Harriet was recently appointed

International Students: Students celebrate Chinese New Year Last week, students across the UK held Chinese New Year celebrations. The Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China and the year of the rabbit began on 3 February 2011. It has been said that the Chinese New Year can be considered as a combination of the Western Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.

Free ISIC upgrade with an NUS Extra card!

To celebrate the International Students homepage takeover on NUS.org.uk this week, NUS Extra are offering a free ISIC upgrade when you buy an NUS Extra card!

The automatic free upgrade to include ISIC Card status giving an additional 40,000 discounts available in 100 different countries – the perfect celebration for Chinese New Year!

Ed Marsh, NUS Vice-President, commented: “NUS Extra cards give you discounts and savings all year so we thought a free ISIC upgrade sale would be a great way to start the year on a positive note.”

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 7 Other beautiful items on display at Bucks New University’s MA Furniture: Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts show included:

by the National Trust to work as a Conservation Assistant at Waddesdon Manor. She said: “I was so pleased to get the job and feel really lucky to have been given such an amazing opportunity.

I have always wanted to work in either a museum or stately home, it is exactly what I was aiming for and is the perfect role to help me start my career.”

Harriet has also worked on a decorative model of Aston Church, which is mother-of-pearl on pine substrate and dating c.1920-60.

Intensely detailed and delicate, this piece was very interesting to work on and Harriet said: “The model was particularly fascinating due to the scope for material exploration.

The combination of different materials meant that a variety of processes needed to be performed.

However, the bulk of the work was in the form of cleaning, cutting and attaching the pieces of mother-ofpearl. The project took almost 400 hours to complete, consequently the end result was very satisfying!”

Left: Harriet Nichols pictured with her conserved 19th century Revival-style frame, featuring ‘View of Birmingham from the Dome of St Phillips’; Above: Dr Campbell Norman-Smith, Course Leader, MA Furniture: Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts at Bucks New University, pictured with the neoclassical armchair edition11 Advert (135mmby170mm) 3-10-10.pdf 1 03/10/2010 restored by Jane Finch

Empire Style console table, dating c.1820-50. Originally from France and provided to the University by West Wycombe Park, this beautifully conserved table was restored by student, Lucy Swettenham, and is ebonised and gilded with carved legs in the form of Greek sphinxes.

Boulle Revival side cabinet, dating c.1810-30. Originating from France, and provided to Bucks by the Royal Collection, this exquisite piece was conserved by student, Ivo Kipre, and is ebonised walnut veneer on pine carcase with brass mounts, and brass and turtleshell marquetry decoration.

Late Stuart, Restoration chair, dating c.1685-90. Found in the King’s Dining Room at Windsor Castle, the priceless chair has an oak framed seat pad, is upholstered in velvet was conserved by student, Craig Wienand.

Rococo Revival card table, dating c.1875-95. This fine Boulle card table with inlaid brass and gilded bronze mounts is English/ French revival and was provided to the University by Burton Constable. It has been conserved by student, Nicholas Martin.

Ceylonese chaise longue, dating c.1860. A beautiful piece, the chaise longue is solid ebony throughout, from Ceylon, India, and was restored by student, 21:50 Nicholas Usher.

DonÕt bessed embarrahair by your

Help protect international students’ rights Proposals by the UK Border Agency to change the Tier 4 visa system will limit the number of international students coming to study in the UK. International students are important to this country as they boost the UK economy by £12.5 billion a year, according to the British Council.

The proposals would: Restrict the number of institutions that can offer access courses below degree level – many international students use this as a way of gaining the skills needed to study at a UK institution; Raise the English level requirement for non-native English speakers; Close the Tier 1 post study work route; Remove access to a post-study work visa Limit the entitlement of students to work and sponsor dependents.

All these measures would dramatically decrease the number of international students coming to the UK and prevent many from making a great contribution to this country.

Around 46 per cent of international students come through some kind of sub-degree preparation course.

first visit r u o y n o ff o Get 25% ubsequent visits* and 15% off s *valid student ID required in conjuction not to be usedany other offer with

Appointments: 01494 523158 / 526648 Roccola Hair, 18 Crendon Street, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 6LS

8 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

BEAUTY TIPS FOR LAZY GIRLS

By Sarah O’Brien

Eye, Eye Captain!

According to anthropologists (I don’t know either), men are attracted to big, Bambi like eyes. So unless you’re as blessed as Jessica Alba, here are a few failsafe make-up tips to get them looking bigger, healthier and utterly flutter-able. Perfect for that Valentine’s Day Date.

Apply a dab of concealer to your eyelids; this will act as a base which will help your shadow stay in place.

For a natural look, using many shades of brown will work wonders.

Start with a light brown base, then use a darker shade for your eye crease on the outer edge and thinly sweep across the top lid, at the start of your lashes.

Use a white eyeliner pencil and fill in the inner lower socket to make them more striking.

Use black mascara (or brown if you’re really blond) and apply two layers to the top lashes only; you may think leaving the bottom ones bare is a major mistake, but it’ll make you look brighter and less tired.

So there’s the how-to when it comes to make-up, but you can never do enough when it comes to your eyes. These ideas are brilliant if you have the time, effort and money to invest. It’ll be worth it though, and Alba will be ringing you for tips afterwards!

Make sure to get rid of any stray eyebrow hairs before applying make up as you’re guaranteed to get a neater, more finished look.

False eyelashes do unbelievable things for our eyes; but always bring the glue with you on a night out in case they make a run for it.

Scared of falsies? Invest in some eyelash curlers instead. They may look like a weapon of torture but they can make your eyes open and don’t hurt a bit.

Buy some translucent loose powder. If you sweep a layer under your eyes before applying eye shadow it will catch any that falls to your cheek, avoiding the I’ve just-been-punched look. Then simply brush away and re-apply foundation.

Get yourself some eyedrops; these will add a sparkle to make your eyes look healthier and brighter.

Bucks

Lifestyles

By Siobhan Carney “I don’t believe in Valentines Day” - Not my words, but those of a good friend of mine. One who, despite being in a long-term relationship, speaks of February the 14th the way Colleen Rooney speaks of popular Manchester-based vice dens.

Still, I understand where she’s coming from.

I too dread Valentines Day; it takes me forever to clear the piles of cards and gifts from my doormat.

I’m kidding of course.

Unfortunately, thanks to Bridget Jones, the terms, ‘single’ and ‘valentines day’ help perpetuate all sorts of false images. Most obviously, that February the 14th prompts a score of lonely women to sit around guzzling wine, rocking back and forth, listening to, “all by myself,” whilst sobbing uncontrollably.

Asking me to write about Valentines Day is a bit like asking Andy Gray and Richard Keys to write about feminism, or telling Tiger Woods to expound on the wonders of fidelity.

Which brings me onto the main point of this weeks article.

Whilst I may not be an expert on Valentines Day, I’m practically a PhD on dating. Not because I effortlessly glide from one fantastic date to another, my life in no way resembles the plot of a Hollywood Rom-Com. (In fact, my dating history is more, 28 days later than Sleepless in Seattle.) Rather - like anyone over the age of 16 - I’ve enough first date horror stories to fill a small book.

Speaking of which, what is it about a first date that turns us all into shy 15 year olds again. Let’s be honest, when arranging where to meet we’ve all had the following

conversation: “What do you want to do?”

“I don’t mind...what do you want to do?”

“I’m really not too bothered...you choose?”

A discussion that invariably becomes a 15 minute conversational loop until, in desperation, one of you suggests something that neither of you wants to do.

You’re then forced to spend the next three hours grinning fixedly whilst you and your date go potholing/ skydiving/go kart racing, etc.

The problem here appears to be the conflicting agendas of both parties. Men it seems hate being made to ‘plan’ anything. I also suspect that, though they haven’t quite grasped the female code of language, (we mean the exact opposite of what we say: i.e., “Of course I don’t mind if you go to the pub...I‘m fine, nothing‘s wrong.”) they do have enough male intuition to realise that they’re not quite up to it in the organisational stakes.

Women on the other hand - most of whom have been worn down by a constant barrage of contradictory advice from their mothers, friends and magazine articles - don’t want to be seen as demanding and bossy. These incompatible motives can be disastrous on a first date, often resulting in you, desperately squeezing yourself out of the pub bathroom window, whilst your date sits oblivious in the other room. So here are a few tips to help.

Cheesy Chat-up Lines: If you’re a woman, chances are

What Men Think from a Woman’s Perspective What do men think; the age old question.

By Sarah O’Brien

As a girl in a very, very happy and serious relationship, I think I can provide a factual account of what men are thinking when it comes to relationships and dating. Or I can at least try.

Let me just start off by saying I know we women are a complicated race, and I apologise for that. But, God only knows what goes through the mind of a man on a day-to-day basis. I’ve been with my lovely man for over a year now and I still can’t work out what he’s thinking about half the time.

Truth is, can we ever really tell?

Well unfortunately, one side of the male’s mind is far too unpredictable. When it comes to women, all men are the same.

I swear sometimes they don’t realise we know they check out other girls - constantly. Men, it’s alright! As my mother (yes, my mother) said, ‘it’s fine to check out the menu as long as you don’t sample it.’

From what I can gather, the other thoughts of the opposite sex are basically a run through their essential needs; food, sleep, drink and sex. This is closely followed by sports, game consoles and money.

So don’t be offended if he’d rather play Call of Duty than come shopping with you (which most men hate), it’s a need for them. They can’t function without at least eight hours a week of game consoles. Why not join in? It is great fun and he’ll love you for it.

If you meet a charming lad and everything’s going well, you’ve scheduled the second date; then don’t text him. The male races’ biggest turn-off is a woman being too over-keen. I know full well this goes against everything we’ve been taught by chick flicks, but surprisingly it seems to work.

SURVEY OPENS 10th January

Student Survival Guide: Single? Dating disasters, Cheesy Chat up lines and Valentines Day

that - at some point in your life you’ve been forced to endure the gag inducing horror of the ‘cheesy chat-up’ line.

Guys, it is NEVER and I repeat, NEVER socially acceptable to compare a woman’s eyes to the stars, or to ask her if she fell from heaven. The only men that use these kinds of lines are the same ones who sit alone in a pub on a Saturday night and desperately try to pull the younger girls. Basically, the use of cheesy chat-up lines means you are, ‘creepy older guy‘…and no one really wants to be ‘creepy older guy.’

Still, there are exceptions to this rule. Chat up lines can be used successfully if, and only IF, they’re intended to be ironic or funny.

Women like men who can make them laugh, so if you can make a cheesy chat up sound witty, then you’re definitely on to a winner.

For example, a male friend of mine has had much success with the, “Does my rag smell of Chloroform to you?” line. Of course, if a man accompanies this line by pulling out an actual rag, you might want to run away…fast.

Star Signs If women hate being forced to endure cheesy chat-up lines, then men HATE women who talk about star signs. We’ve all got a female friend who, upon meeting a guy, casually enquires as to the date of his birthday. Not because she’s making conversation but rather, because she’s desperately trying to work out if their zodiac signs are

compatible. Unfortunately, these women have often failed to take into account a key factor of the male psyche: Men think star signs are a complete load of ********.

He doesn’t care that your rising sign and his moon sign mean you’re practically soul mates, and he certainly doesn’t read his daily horoscope. Frankly, nothing is going to label you as a freak like attempting to explain to a guy why Leo and Aries are just made for each other! For that reason, when meeting a guy you might want to avoid the whole zodiac discussion completely…especially if you’re planning to see him again and potentially shed your single status.

Of course, if you’re the kind of woman who rejects a guy because he’s a Capricorn and you’re a Sagittarius, then there’s probably a

very good reason that you’re single in the first place.

Facebook/Twitter flirting.

Social networking: As students our lives revolve around it. I know several couples who’ve met online.

I also know couples who’ve split up due to something I like to call, “Facebook jealousy”. A term that can be applied to couples who stalk each other online and over analyse every post and wall comment. Even if you’ve not dated someone you’ve met online, it’s probably safe to assume you’ve flirted with someone via face book or twitter. Sure, it seems like a fun idea. What’s the harm right? Well there’s always

Student’s say the Funniest Things The New Year brings new hilarious conversations from BNU. Let’s just hope their New Year resolutions weren’t to stop saying stupid things.

If not, maybe it’s time to reconsider...

Girl 1: Are the National Television Awards once a year?

Girl 2: Yeah! Hence the word ‘national’, as in yearly Girl 1: Sweety, that’s annual

Man 2: I think you mean acoustic, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

Man 1: Oh yeah, that’s what I meant.

Girl: Whats wrong with this £10 note?

Boy: It’s a £50 Man 1: What is that Fishing Club about?

Man 2: I don’t know; they fish?

“I’m doing my report on audience segmentation using the techniques of… wow don’t you wish you were a bird sometimes.”

Easily distracted 2nd year

Girl 1: Is there cheese in this cream of vegetable soup?

Girl 2: No, it’s just vegetables Girl 1: But is there any cheese?

Oh yeah I get confused what cheese is sometimes.

Man 1: I’m really beginning to get into autistic songs.

Girl : Aw he’s doing oregano!

Boy: It’s origami

www.thestudentsurvey.com

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 9 the risk you’re talking to an axe wielding manic…or even worse…

Jason Manford.

First date Assuming you’ve not made some of the above mistakes, chances are you’ve made it to the first date. You’d be forgiven for assuming it is all plain sailing from here. Not so.

I once spent two hours getting ready for a date, only to be told that we were going to the zoo. I spent the rest of the day wandering around in monsoon style weather,

trying to avoid pneumonia, whilst attempting to make enthusiastic noises about penguins.

The parade of first date disasters goes on. Another time my date turned up an hour late then took me to an arcade, and then proceeded to play a fruit machine for 40 minutes whilst I hovered – seething with resentment – in the background.

Needless to say, myself and the compulsive gambler parted ways soon after.

The lesson here? Well, at the

Dreams Deciphered Dear Binty, I have had a really peculiar dream the other night that’s scared me a little bit.

I was being chased by a werewolf, but when I tried to run away I was glued to the spot. I could see the wolf bounding towards me and no matter how much I tried I couldn’t move. What can this mean?

Terrified 1st year

Dear Busty

Dear Dreamer, I have dealt with this sort of dream many times, so don’t fret my pet.

The werewolf represents a change in your personality, an unlikable trait I’m afraid. However, the fact you are trying to get away means you have recognised this and want to do as much as you can to prevent it. It is obvious from your immobility in the dream that you feel it’s impossible for you to do so. But because you recognise it is ‘bounding towards’ you, it should be early enough to deal with. The change in your personality could be that you are feeling stressed with exams are getting snappy, perhaps emotional due to homesickness? Or do you feel that university life is taking its toll on the person you used to be?

Everyone changes (getting more or less mature) when they begin a new chapter in their lives, so I’m sure you can cope. Just be true to yourself and this werewolf will soon turn into a harmless puppy.

Good Luck, Binty

risk of sounding like Kirsty and Phil; Location, location, location.

So there you have it, brief but hopefully helpful dating guides for those of us who are single this Valentines Day. As for my personal thoughts on February 14th, I think Valentines Day is a commercial and corny. It’s a holiday designed to dupe money from the masses and exploit those who buy into the gimmick.

This is of course unless I actually receive a card this year, in which case…

Fact: Instruments of suicide should be banned or hidden in shops around the 14th February.

The Secret Life of Elle McBride Here's something I will never understand - other people. Why say or do something if in fact it has nothing to do with what you’re really feeling? Why continue with all the pretence?

Personally I believe that we spend too much time pretending, when the truth is staring us in the face. Maybe this would be better instead of facing the truth head on. If you don't like someone but are pretending to be their friend, laughing at there unfunny jokes or pretending that they look nice when they don't, just tell them you don't want to be friends. Or better yet, don't be there friend in the first place. Luckily for my friends they never have to worry about this, I only keep the people who I like around, otherwise I'd be wasting my time and theirs and my time is precious. I’d rather use it browsing through River Island or Topshop.

On the topic of Topshop, I dropped my CV seen as it’s one of my favourite shops I would be great for the job given my store knowledge and obvious fashion knowledge. Apparently I was wrong; their application process is like an application for Vogue minus the amazing Ana Wintour and 6”1 models. I was supposed to predict keys trends, give my own definition of what style is, etc. So I’m just going to put this out there - I don’t follow the trends. I mean sure I know that right now animal prints, leather and nude tones are currently filling all of racks. But sometimes

sticking to a few key pieces which will never go out of style is the best and most economically friendly way of achieving effortless style. My Zara leather jacket circa 2009 will always be my go to jacket in my wardrobe as well as my suede flesh tone Aldo wedges.

I wish everything in life was as simple as buying something; the joy of finding that perfect thing in your size and victoriously waiting for the cashier to take your money and put it a nice bag and walking out of the store feeling like you've just done something worthwhile. But life is never simple is it? L. long, I. Intense, F. Failed attempts of E. executing plans. That my definition of life. Take being single, which I currently am. It’s hard to be single when you’re surrounded by couples; they always attempt to set you up with blind dates with a friend of a friend. I like being single, there isn’t anyone to complain about watching a chick flick at the cinema, I eat where I want to eat, and enjoy the bliss of and argument free existence. I’m fed up with putting up with crappy boyfriends just for the sake of being with someone. So single girls out there, you're not single because you’re not pretty enough or funny enough or whatever else. You’re single because you want to be and a guy who's actually worth your time will come along soon - Fact.

EB X

Dear Busty, I heard your giving good advice.. so here goes.. where’s the nearest money tree? I’m getting short of money and beginning to panic that I won’t be able to get by until the next loan payment. What can I do to get more money without selling my body, because I don’t think my mum will approve of that...

Yours sincerely, empty pockets.

Got a course problem, personal problem, financial problem or any other problem? Then email me at dearbusty@thebucks student.com.

Confessions of a Fresher

My dearest Empty pockets, I know the feeling sweetypie. But babes I can only ask do you have a part time job? I mean there’s no point moaning about having no money if you don’t have a part time job? And don’t give me a “there’s no jobs” or “I have too much course work!” because a cheeky little Saturday every week isn’t going to destroy your degree! I remember I had to pay my way through Uni by cleaning up the dung of older more decrepit Bucks. Now don’t get me wrong I’m all for the helping others lark but babes there’s only so much dung you can get out these hooves before they stain! But in the end it paid off! Orrr if you really can’t be bothered to get a job. Pop in to the advice centre and see if there is any free money floating around Kisses on your face, Busty x

HURRAH! Valentines Day has shot round again like a bolt of financially painful lightning. With its trashy cards, oversized ‘all up in yawl grill’ love hearts and compilation albums to make even Marvin Gaye want to hang himself. Humans are still drawn into this calendar event like a moth to a flame, however I am not. If love really is “in the air” then I am going to fire it down with my love busting Gatling gun built from bitterness and jealously.

I don’t see the point; then again, I’m single…

If you’re a girl, fantastic!

You’ll get spoilt with a bar of soap from ‘Lush’ that resembles a Possum’s anus and a trashy card with the typical “I love you” feature on it. If you’re a boy, enjoy paying for it and getting nothing back because after all; that’s the way the ‘lurve’ cookie crumbles. Perhaps I’m generalizing? My bitter and yes, very sexist views on the matter have stemmed from my own negative experiences with relationships. I’ve never fully understood the concept of the day and it’s function – why should it be different to any other day in a relationship? Well, some might argue that the trashy nature of Valentines is the exact fun of it. You get to buy cheap presents and mock the idea that some people take it very seriously. Maybe the vulgar view of Valentines Day has been thrown out and reformed into something where embracing its commercial values is actually

a good thing?

I cannot escape my dilemma however – I’m feeling pretty lonely. I’ve got that need for a cuddle, some intimacy and fun from just having ‘that’ person to share things with. It’s not just the sex I’m interested in! Too many guys attend university with a derogatory objective – to treat girls like objects by sleeping with them then moving on. Worn Trainer syndrome “I’ve worn those once, think I’ll get another pair” – some girls share the same view so don’t fret. It’s something that really bothers me –since I’ve come to university I’ve felt pressures and had certain expectations thrust upon me to be going out and searching for a spark with a girl. Nights out spent frivolously searching and coming home with a strong feeling of disappointment when I’ve not met a girl I get along with.

So here it is; I was sitting in my room recently watching Star Trek – when suddenly the question hits me again: “Why am I single?” The thought has been rotting like a corpse in my brain for the past couple of weeks and as Valentines Day loomed I was beginning to feel mildly depressive.

Action was needed – So the other day I decided to turn to my friends and asked them straight: “Why am I single?”

The responses I received were nothing short of a surprise, “You’re avoidant, socially awkward, picky, too nice and you look gay” – it didn’t cut deep; I knew they were

Dear Busty, All these exams are driving me insane... I’m stressing myself out and quite frankly have no social life whatsoever right now. How do I get my life back AND do well in my exams? I keep setting aside time to revise but find myself doing other things; facebook, baking, rearranging my DVD collection, watching re runs of my big fat gypsy wedding..

HELP! Jess, Brook street My lovely Jess, My advice to you is get your TV and give it to a flatmate and don’t allow them to give it back to you. Also get a trusting housemate to change your face book password temporarily (I say trusting as we don’t want a possible syphilis outbreak to occur in your name) Then make sure that you pre warn them that you intend to study and therefore should refrain from talking to you for X amount of hours, I’m sure any loving housemate would be happy to help and any house mate you don’t like probably doesn’t want to talk to you anyway. Then after some hardcore studying with all distractions gone you may celebrate by cracking open a bottle of wine and having a good old chin wag about who actually DOES have Syphilis. Social and Study problem SOLVED! Kisses on your face, Busty

WIN AN iPAD AND AMAZON VOUCHERS

all true. I think I just had to hear them from someone else to realize they are things I’m best known for. Why should I change for a girl? Just to not be ‘single’ – I should wait for the right person to come along and let them accept me for who I am.

I don’t think I’m the only humanoid who is thrown off when I get a whiff of Valentines Day’s commercial stench. It’s cool to not conform nowadays, unconventional relationships are now cool relationships and being uncool is actually cool. Whatever category you put yourself under; whether you’re a ‘lover’ or ‘hater’ of Valentines Day you should always just let yourself be entwined by the attributes which make you ‘you’.

I’m not going to let the commercial calendar event bother me, nor am I going to conform to the traditions it lays out. No longer do I feel the pressure to find someone and cause (non-literal) pain on myself in looking. I’ve tried going out, meeting girls – it really hasn’t worked because for me that’s out of character.

I’m still riding that wave man, seeing what happens – allowing it to be natural.

“I don’t understand why you don’t have a girlfriend.

You’re good looking and scatty!” – I’ll accept that statement and not try to change; I’ve got my friends to help me feel loved. If you too are ‘lonely’ this Valentines Day don’t worry about it, I’m sure something will happen soon…

Hey Busty, So its February.. and my new year’s resolution that was supposed to begin in January was to get fit and lose weight.

As you can tell I’m not doing so well. Got any good diet tips Busty?

Midnight snacker x Well my little Chubby McChubberson!

Get your wobbly touché in that GYM! We all have that drunken moment with friends saying “I’m gonna lose weight!!” but the only issue is that our lovely friends all agree with us and then when it comes to it, get the absolute FEAR at the sight of a gym. It’s not that bad beautiful but the only way to lose it is to put the effort in!

Why not start with that cereal diet if you do it properly the weight loss can be shown in a week!! But you have to be careful not to overdo it. Or join a sports team! Tough love is the biggest help so get all your friends to make a comment about your weight for the first week and the abuse will spur you on to lose it, We did it to my friend and she ended up as slim as Annie the antelope. If you need any help with insults come see Kezza in the office she’s always dishing them out!

Good luck.

Kisses on your face Busty x

www.thestudentsurvey.com

10 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

The Best Years of Your Life 2. Introductions Istepped out of the elevator onto the second floor of North Wing and glanced at my watch: 11:15am. Great, it was only my first day and I was already late. That’s always a fantastic way to make a good first impression. There’s nothing worse than walking into a room full of people you don’t know, especially if you’re the last one to get there. I just prayed that this thing hadn’t started yet.

I reached the door to N2.10 and saw, to my dismay that some lecturer or other was already stood at the front of the room.

Great, what now? Do I knock or just barge in? I settled for what I hoped was a polite compromise, pushing the door open quietly and murmuring a sheepish, ‘Sorry I’m late.’

The group wasn’t large – neither was the room for that matter, which was a disappointment. I’d been expecting grand lecture halls, not pokey classrooms – but still, I didn’t like having fourteen pairs of eyes fixed on me as I entered the room and slunk to my seat.

The group was all sat towards the front of the classroom, so I took the only seat I could find that was close enough. I sat down next to a brown haired girl – that was the first thing that registered passed my still throbbing head.

I was still suffering the aftereffects of my hangover. She didn’t look at me when I sat next to her. Her eyes were focussed somewhere in the middle distance, and she was absently twirling a strand of hair between her fingers, a vapid expression on her face. She was humming some cheery tune quietly to herself. I had an almost irrepressible urge to wave my hand in front of her eyes to see if there was anyone there, but I resisted.

The lecturer had stopped talking now, and he came over to me and handed me a slip of paper with a sketch of the room’s table layout on it. He asked me to sign my name in relation to where I was sitting and walked back to the front of the room.

I quickly scrawled my name onto the piece of paper, noticing as I did so that the name of the girl sitting next to me was Jenna Harris. Well, I thought, if I get really stuck, then at least I’ve got a conversational kicking off point.

The lecturer was talking again. ‘As I was saying, I’m your personal tutor for this year, and my name is Terry Hargrove.

Now, before we start anything properly, I’d just like to tell you a little bit about my career. I won’t go into the subject too much, but…’

I soon discovered that any sentence Terry started with the words, “I won’t go into the subject too much, but”, wouldn’t end for roughly another hour and a half. He prattled on and on about his “brilliantly successful career” – his words not mine – dropping the names of famous places and people into the conversation as casually as if he was talking about what

he ate for breakfast. I swear, by the end of his speech I probably could’ve recited his shoe size had someone asked me.

After Terry had finished telling us “a little bit about his career”, he said the words that are dreaded by every single student in the country, if not the world. He said, ‘Right, now I’m going to go round the room and ask everyone to stand up and say a little something about themselves.’

I felt my heart sink, because, naturally, his eyes were fixed on me the entire time.

I sighed and pushed myself to my feet.

What am I going to tell these people? I thought hastily.

‘Well, come on then,’ Terry said, and I could see the calculating look behind his seemingly friendly eyes.

I stared blankly into the silence. I had to say something soon.

‘You can start with anything,’ Terry said, ‘you name maybe, hobbies perhaps?’

Great, my hobbies include… never having to do this again.

Somehow I made it through the minute and a half of pure, crippling embarrassment and sunk back into my seat feeling drained and deflated. Why? Why do teachers have this unshakable need to embarrass every student they ever meet?

Once the whole class was done, Terry stood again and told everyone to have their A Level certificates ready so that he could tick us all off the list and we could go to The Gateway and enrol.

Crap, I knew I’d left something at home. Terry must have seen something in my expression because he immediately zoned in on me again. ‘Do you have your certificates?’ he asked, knowing full well that I didn’t.

‘No,’ I muttered. ‘Then I can’t tick you off,’ he said. ‘Get them to me by the end of the week.’

Smug bas – The girl sat next to me – Jenna, I remembered – interrupted my thoughts. ‘So,’ she stammered.

‘Um, do you…have a pen?’ I sighed and handed her a pen, despite the fact that she already had one.

This was going to be a long week.

I got back to halls around five, and collapsed onto my bed, absolutely knackered.

I took a moment to look around my tiny bedroom. As I looked at the forlorn, cracked, off-white breezeblock walls and the shoddy, moth-eaten furniture that I’d been supplied with, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Trust me to come to the uni I didn’t look round first.

I remembered going for open days at other universities, and those halls had been like The Ritz compared to this makeshift imitation of Prisoner of Cellblock H. Honestly, I was surprised there weren’t bars on the windows.

By Shane Millar

Where does your money go?

A lot of students have questioned whether the Students Union (SU) slogan of ‘Not for profit, just for students’ is entirely accurate.

Deputy General Manager Tristan Tipping is keen to show students that although the SU does make a profit in some areas, that profit is re-invested to make sure that it benefits the students in other ways.

He says perhaps another way of expressing the slogan could be ‘Profit for Students’.

This money is then invested in twelve departments of the SU, with a little being put into the SU

reserves that allow it to remain financially stable and secure and act as a safeguard to ensure that the SU can maintain its current level of services despite any unforeseen circumstances.

The SU is going through a period of growth and therefore it is possible that the percentage of income from trading will go up this year. This is no bad thing as the university is asking the SU to look at ways it can cut its budget and SU staff like Tristan are keen to ensure that a cut in budget does not equal a cut in services. “Not a penny

will leave the Union, it will all be re-invested!” he said, “Firstly to ensure that we keep current services running and secondly to find ways to further expand and enhance the student experience here at Bucks.”

In the 09/10 Annual Report, President of the Union Tom Foy says: “The Union has been working hard...to protect the student experience and we will be continuing with this course of action over the course of the next academic year.”

It is all too easy to look at the public face of the SU (the events,

lots of great t u o k c e h c u o y re Make su d different n a ls a e d t n e d tu s stalls, the Students’ h it w r e ff o n o s ie it activ e chance to buy th h it w g n lo A . n io Un andise. discounted merch

Student Involvement Day

the stewards and bar staff etc) and forget that actually a lot of work is done on our behalf by a small but highly dedicated team of people.

Some of those members of staff have been known to still be at their desks after midnight despite starting at nine. SU staff do, as Tom said, work hard to protect the student experience. It is always right to ensure that our representatives are held to account and that they are representing us properly but the truth here seems to be that if anyone is making a profit, it is us students.

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 11

How does the Big Deal benefit everyone?

By Laz Wood A REGUALR complaint received by the Students Union (SU) from students is that they don’t feel the Big Deal is really benefitting them. This can be for a variety of reasons from not wanting to be on a sports team to not going to SU entertainments and events.

However, this is a myth that the SU staff are keen to dispel as the Big Deal really does benefit all students in one way or another.

Firstly the SU only gets approximately one third of the five hundred pounds per student that is put into the Big Deal. The rest goes to the many departments of the university to allow them to provide students with extra resources for their course. This is not handed out in equal shares for every student but on a basis of how much it costs to study each course. For example Law students need to buy over three hundred pounds worth of books at the beginning of their first year. The university’s share of the Big Deal funding goes towards buying those books for them, something that no other university does!

Students on other courses have received laptops, external hard drives and even theatre tickets. The money for the big deal is taken out of the thousand pound bursary that Bucks gives back to its students from their three thousand pounds a year fees. Again this is something that is unique to Bucks.

Our SU also puts the money to excellent use, managing to get quite an extraordinary amount - 10,407 bottles of services and benefits to students from it. of VK this I spoke to Deputy year so far, 1.1 General Manager Tristan Tipping about units per drink, how far the SU 11447.7 units of just makes this, and its other sources of funding, alcohol total stretch. He highlighted a few key areas that the Big Deal alone supports.

Student Representation: The Big Deal allows the SU to support a representation system that is the equal or better of many prestigious universities. It has over two hundred and fifty paid student reps allowing every class to have a direct link to the SU and the huge support it can offer students in dealing with issues regarding their course, their tutors or even issues in their private lives.

It allows the SU to invest in support staff to co-ordinate the system and its responses to any given situation.

These members of staff also ensure that every rep, from President of the Union down to class reps, gets to every one of their dozens of largely unseen and unheard of meetings that quietly work to maintain and improve the student experience at Bucks. These meetings cover everything from course curricula to the governance of the university at the highest possible level.

Tristan said: “This strong network has made us much more powerful in campaigning on student’s behalf.” He also spoke about the importance of regularly ensuring that the SU is genuinely representing the student’s views.

“I think it’s a good idea to hold referendums on really key issues so that we can ensure we are acting in the students best interests,” he said.

Recreation, Entertainment and Events (Ents): Tristan’s first comment here was that the aim was not just to get students drunk! Ultimately the SU’s goal is to give students a broad variety of events where they can relax, de-stress and enjoy themselves in a completely safe environment. Not only does the Ents team do their very best to provide a selection of entertainment and events that will provide something for everyone, but they also provide the opportunity for students from Bucks to showcase their talents and work. Thanks to the Big Deal, entry to all of these events is absolutely free.

The response to a lot of these events has been overwhelmingly positive. I myself was shocked to hear that a whiskey tasting night was being put on last term. As an avid whiskey fan I had to go and it was

one of the most unusual and best nights I have had the pleasure to go to anywhere, and it was FREE! Several students have spoken about how much they thoroughly enjoy the comedy workshops including the newsgroups own Harry Boileau whose report on it for this paper you might remember.

These events not only entertain but they often give students new skill sets, whether it’s learning a new language or learning how to dance (or even what is meant by a peaty flavour in whiskey). Any student attending any of these events will be leaving Uni with more than just a degree!

Now if you’re one of those people who doesn’t attend any of these fantastic events, for whatever reason, then you’re probably inclined to believe that you’re not receiving one of the key benefits of the Big Deal.

However, this simply isn’t the case. The huge increase in turnover in the venues because of these events has led to the SU as a whole becoming a much more financially robust institution. At a time when many students unions are having to close bars and cafes or cut services, or SU is not only staying strong but is going through a period of growth which will allow further investment in more services for students at Bucks.

Speaking about the profits from this period of growth, Tristan said: “Not a penny will leave the Union, it will all be re-invested! Firstly to ensure that we keep current services running and secondly to find ways to further expand and enhance the student experience here at Bucks.”

Sports teams and Societies: There are a huge number of sports teams and societies (socs) that are all supported by the students union and they are all free to join and participate in. No other university offers this to their students. The broad range and huge variety means that there really is something for everyone, whether

it’s football you enjoy or maybe parkour (free 12,550 Jager running), or perhaps you’re a more relaxed Bombs, 0.88 student and really love units per drink, being a member of the Tea Society. There is 11044 units of something for everyone alcohol total at Bucks, if you’re not involved then you are missing out!

Tristan fondly reminisced about speaking to group of students sat outside the venue one day wearing Bucks sports kit. He asked what team they were and discovered that they were the newly formed Men’s Volleyball Team. He asked if they knew each other and it turned out that none of them did. “They were all from different years, had never met before they joined the team,” he said, “yet here they were, wearing Bucks colours and getting ready to go and represent the Uni at a match on the other side of London. They could end up being friends for years to come now because we were able to give them the opportunity to take part in a niche sport together. That’s just fantastic.”

During the course of the interview, Tristan spoke a lot about how important it was to build a much more cohesive student community at Bucks, something that any students who lived at Chalfont campus till it closed two years ago will be able to attest to the value of. The Big Deal does just that! It brings all sorts of students together, a huge variety of likes, dislikes, opinions and even cultures and gives them all a place to start building friendships and foster a sense of a shared community. It also ensures that students are properly and fairly represented throughout the university, allowing a safety and comfort in education that is beneficial to everyone involved, even tutors.

So the next time you ask yourself whether or not you are benefitting from the Big Deal, think about all these things. I wanted to see this newspaper expand and improve and with a relatively small amount of convincing and some help from the Big Deal, I was given the opportunity to take the newspaper forward and do my best to make it into an even better publication for students at Bucks. Think about everything that is there available to you and everything the Big Deal could provide if you were to put the idea into the heads of people like Tristan. The SU is there to represent you and give you what you want.

- 525 1.5l bottles of Smirnoff vodka, 31,500 thousand shots, 0.94 per shot, 29610 total units

- 39 societies with a total of approx. 800 members

- 818 students - 28,948 pints contributed to the 195 competitive snakebite this sporting opportunities sports stadium (i.e. matches and year so far, 2.5 public consultation competitions) units per drink, - 436 students signed up for Demo 72,370 units of - 388 students sent an email of - 861 Litres of protest to Steven Baker urging alcohol total blackcurrant him to vote against the hike in fees cordial (mainly - 25,932 through the - Volunteering raised over £5000 in snakebite) of that £1030 has gone to doors in first term RAG chairities

12 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

INTERNATIONAL & TRAVEL

Response from Vice Chancellor RUTH FARWELL In the last edition, President, Tom Foy published an open letter to the Vice Chancellor, Ruth Farwell...

Boston to Los Angeles in one month

CHICAGO I

By Harrison Boileau - Features Editor features.editor@thebucksstudent.com

want to live here. The train journey here from D.C. was a night to remember; me, a redneck (and his banjo), a convict, a gangster named Terence and a rather effeminate New Yorker all on the train together.

Also if anyone wants to hear about my ‘Mrs. Robinson’ moment they are more than welcome to ask me in person.

I also remember to this day the big booming voice of one certain Afro –American on the train “No fried chicken! …This must be the healthy train huh?”

After I arrived in Chicago, I had to change my watch back an hour and waited for a friend to pick me up.

When she finally did, we went on a tour around ‘Chi –town’ and then went back to the apartment which is literally next door to the Baseball field ‘Wrigley field’ and the Cubs were in town. This was definitely my lucky day as we got given free tickets to the game by some random stranger. I guess the English accent really does work out there.

I spent five days in Chicago and so had little time to do everything. I managed to pack the Sears’s tower (Willis tower now), Blue man group, Comedy improv, Aquarium, Baseball and many nights of partying all in!

Chicago smells so good, some of the best pizza I’ve had (obviously) and ‘Jimmy Johns’ sandwiches are the best.

I remember trying to walk off a food binge one time and decided to go to Lake Michigan. How on earth can it be called a lake, honestly its huge!

Chicago is full of people who are just out to have fun. It’s a really busy and lively place. Food, music and nightlife are all important here, and can be described as the New York of the Midwest It was really good to see old friends and to meet new people. On the last day, my friends went off to university as I left for the station to my next destination I need to stop comparing going to university in Chicago to Wycombe!

Dear Tom I am happy to respond to the questions you raised in your open letter in the last issue about the support we provide for international students studying here at Bucks.

I am grateful to my colleagues in the Student Experience Directorate (SED) for providing the detailed information to support my replies.

1. The International Office within the SED will be taking full responsibility for the meet and greet and orientation of students who arrive within agreed course start dates. This includes: a. Working with Faculties to streamline course start dates; b. Our new overseas regional offices in the Indian sub-continent and China co-ordinating pre-departure seminars; c. A dedicated person responsible for orientation and arrival including airport meet and greet; information sessions, town tours and social events; d. Feedback and focus group sessions with new students to help us improve these services.

2. The Careers and Employment Service is in a position to help all Bucks students find part-time work. The service will assist international students where possible within the restrictions outlined by the UK Border Agency which are under constant review.

The service does its best to support graduates once they have left Bucks but acknowledges it is very difficult to develop the range of in-country specialist careers knowledge for when students return home. However, working with our regional office partners and the International Office, we will endeavour to look at alternative methods of support.

3. We certainly are aware that providing sufficient networking opportunities is an important part of the international student experience. The International Office has already started to organise regular social events, the most recent a trip to Windsor.

Other examples include identifying activities and social networks for students to attend over the University’s Christmas closure. As our international student community grows, we would like to work in close partnership with the Students’ Union to further develop and support new networks.

Dear Prof. Farwell, Above: Wrigley field, home of Chicago Cubs Below: Blue Man Group

4. Growth in numbers of international students is being managed so that we can provide good quality accommodation. We currently keep rooms in Halls so international students always have a base when arriving in the UK. The Accommodation Service is considering a number of options including a range of halls, head tenancy and support with private lodgings to meet a range of student needs. Through consultation with current international students and our regional offices, there are plans to ensure that female/male-only flats are reserved for those students who require them.

5. The University has just approved a development bid for the Learning Development Unit (LDU) to design and deliver a range of pre-sessional programmes for international students. Working closely with Faculties, this support will also extend to supporting students throughout their academic programmes. Examples of the proposed curriculum are shown below: The programme will have three key strands: • Language development to enable students to reach an appropriate IELTS score; • Academic orientation to include classroom and study behaviour, relationships with lecturers and students; time management; reading skills, summary and paraphrasing; the concept of plagiarism; academic structures (essays, reports etc); • Cultural orientation: understanding and surviving in British culture (etiquette; domestic survival: food, eating, shopping, money; getting about: timetables, transport modes, key areas to visit; class, region and gender issues).

This is an important development which will offer pre-sessional English and cultural support as a University-wide service to all international applicants.

6. We need to ensure all members of staff are culturally aware of the differing needs of our international students. The University has consulted BUILA (British Universities International Liaison Association) and will be rolling out cultural awareness training.

Budget has been set aside for this to happen and the training will be rolled out in stages to different departments.

7. The recorded plagiarism rate for international students last academic year

was 8% (23 cases). There are plans to help international students understand plagiarism through the enhanced orientation programme, to follow up throughout academic programmes delivered by faculties and also to provide support from the Learning Development Unit.

8. Fee income from international students does not subsidise other courses but does make a significant difference to the ability to provide wider services and facilities within the University which are important for international students, but from which all Bucks students can potentially benefit. In terms of sustainability, international student recruitment strengthens the University in the long term; particularly when there are restrictions on the numbers of students we are allowed to recruit from the UK and EU by the Government.

9. Currently the UK is a net importer of students and for every one student from the UK who studies abroad there are twenty international students who come here to study. The UK higher education sector is concerned about this from the point of view of the skills of UK students, and wants to encourage more UK-based students to spend some time studying abroad. Bucks will join in any relevant national initiatives to encourage students to broaden their skills in this way.

10. We are planning to track our alumni overseas and once we have our database set up we will be able to communicate with different groups more easily. We already have a Facebook alumni group which enables us to keep in touch on a global basis. We also hope to build a network of alumni mentors who current students can get in touch with which will also apply to students working overseas or who have returned to live and work in their country of origin.

You are quite right in suggesting that Bucks New University is committed to providing the best possible all-round experience for all students. Thank you for raising these important issues and I hope that my replies will be reassuring for the Students’ Union and for our students as well.

With best wishes, Ruth Farwell Vice Chancellor

provided to international for some time about the support range of concerns cover The Union has been concerned The . hamshire New University students studying at Buckingmanner in which we support the arrival of international the just about everything from process for allocating accommodation and English students into the country, theof a systematic process for helping these students integrate language support to the lack area which socially. h the University, that this is an wit s sion cus dis our h oug thr support for our We are aware, how we might provide improvedary vote on tuition see to ion nat mi exa der un tly ent is curren wne Report and the recent parliam as international fee international students. The Bro s issue somewhat up the agenda, financial viability of UK the fees have, however, pushed thiacr up e sur p the sector to hel oss ght sou g bein now is e incom teful if the Higher Education Institutions. this open letter and would be gra lish pub to d ide dec e hav we To that end following questions: University could respond to the instructions l process, orientation and joining iva arr the ve pro im to ng goi we 1) How are for new international students?ition to effectively cope with helping International and 2) Is our careers service in a posUK and able to help students with careers advice as they EU students find work in the nities for move home? e sufficient networking opportu the institution believe we provid make sure the same

PULL OUT SECTION the wonder years - ultrasound - valentines flirt!

entertainment

at Bucks

edition 16

search: Bucks SU Photos (2010 -2011)

www.bucksstud

wednesday 09 frat house MATT & SI TAKEOVER

SNAKEBITE £1.70 5PM - 12AM spirits & shots £1.50 until 12am

wednesday 16 frat house basketball takeover

SNAKEBITE £1.70 5PM - 12AM spirits & shots £1.50 until 12am

ursday 10 th 8pm - late LIVE:wolfgang + THE HISTORY OF APPLE PIE + RIP IT UP

TUBORG CANS, STRONGBOW, RELENTLESS JAGERBOMB £2 ERISTOFF VODKA & RELENTLESS £1.80 5PM - 12AM

ursday 17 th 8pm - late ultrasound + bluerinse

TUBORG CANS, STRONGBOW, RELENTLESS JAGERBOMB £2 ERISTOFF VODKA & RELENTLESS £1.80 5PM - 12AM

friday 11 speed dating event + Flirt! Valentines special

CARLSBERG/VK/RED BULL £1.80 CORKY’S SHOTS £1.20 5PM - 12AM

friday 18 flirt! take me out event FROM 8PM

CARLSBERG/VK/RED BULL £1.80 CORKY’S SHOTS £1.20 5PM - 12AM

saturd

8pm - 2am

LIVE:

DOUBLE UP FOR £1 MAINLINE SPIRITS plus special prom

saturd

8pm - 2am

the wo

DOUBLE UP FOR £1 MAINLINE SPIRITS plus special prom

dent.com/events

day 12 francesqa

1 ON ALL

mos on the night

day 19

onder years

1 ON ALL

mos on the night

sunday 13 pup quiz, + rock n roll bingo

4 PINT PITCHERS OF CARLSBERg & STRONGBOW, Bottles of house wine £7, all draught £2 5pm - 12am

sunday 20

monday 14 valentines events THROUGH THE DAY + slave auction FROM 5pm

all draught £2 a pint double up on spirits £1 5pm - 12pm

dayEK21 monDING WE REA

suck my acoustic

4 PINT PITCHERS OF CARLSBERg & STRONGBOW & Bottles of house wine £7 5pm - 12am

tuesday 22 READING WEEK

comedy central live

pub quiz + rock n roll bingo + barcade

4 PINT PITCHERS OF CARLSBERg & STRONGBOW, Bottles of house wine £7, all draught £2 5pm - 12am

tuesday 15

all draught £2 a pint double up on spirits £1 5pm - 12pm

4 PINT PITCHERS OF CARLSBERg & STRONGBOW £7 & Bottles of house wine £7 5pm - 12am

18 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

PULL OUT SECTION

Album reviews Since her debut smash hit 19 was released 2 (and a bit) years ago, Adele Adkins has become a household name, with numerous accolades and breaking America with tracks such as Chasing Pavements and Hometown Glory.

Having started Adele - 21 her career so strong, it’s perhaps no

By Sarah Campbell surprise that since the announcement and release of 21, that a certain curiosity surrounding the singer. After hearing the album, there’s no need to wonder about whether Adele can live up to the hype or not. Adele’s album is simply stunning.

Opening the album with lead single Rolling in the Deep,

Adele demonstrates her knack for creating anthemic choruses, powerfully singing “We could of have it all/ Rolling in the Deep/ You had my heart inside of your hand” against a backdrop of guitars and drums which set the theme for an album which deals with the end of something great.

Painfully honest and raw, Adele hasn’t lost her gritty, sassy style. Rousing tracks like Rumour Has It prove satisfying foot-stomping listening. Whilst sombre ballad Set Fire to the Rain wouldn’t look out of place on a Hurts album. Throw in a mature cover of The Cure’s Lovesong along with an emotional finale with Someone Like You and the angst-ridden mix of hip-hop, indie soul and pop tracks of 21 provide memorable “sob your eyes out” listening.

Sounds like: IF Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin collaborated with Laura Marling and Lauryn Hill at a Hurts concert...

Key Tracks: Someone Like You, He Won’t Go, One and Only

was #1 in over 10 different countries whilst working with the likes of Hayley Williams and Travie McCoy has seen Mars storm through 2010.

So it's safe to say that when news of Mars’ first ever album was announced, expectations were fairly high for the talented star- which makes the reality of Doo Waps and Hooligans a bit of a disappointment.

From sickly sweet pop songs which include Grenade and Just Bruno Mars the Way you Are to lazy acoustic Doo Waps and Hooligans sounds such as The Lazy Song to reggae infused tracks like Our First Time and Liquor Store Blues, Doo

By Sarah Campbell Waps is a mixed bag with varying Until last year not many had heard of results. Tracks like Count on Me the 25 year old Hawaiian. However, are throwaway pop songs, whilst other songs like The Lazy Song and after releasing a début single that

Albums you may not have heard...

Elliott smith - Figure 8

By Harrison Boileau

ELLIOTT SMITH is one of my personal favourite Singer/ Songwriters.

He was born as Steven Smith in Omaha, Nebraska and then resided for many years in Portland, Seattle.

He endured a troubled childhood and as a result suffered from depression and an alcohol and drug addiction in later life. He died in 2003 as a result of two stab wounds to the chest at the age of 34. It was believed, though never proved, that he committed suicide.

He made six albums during his solo career, as well as many others with a band prior to this, ‘Heatmiser’.

The album ‘Figure 8’ was the last album Elliot fully completed before his death, which was released in April 2000. It was recorded in the famous Abbey Road Studios in Liverpool, and it is described to have an ‘obvious Beatles influence’, as this was one of Elliott’s favourite bands. The album has a complicated pop music sound which

Runaway Baby see Mars contrasting images in his lyrics by singing lines like “Throw my hand in my pants/ Nobody’s gon’ tell me I cant/ I’ll be lying on the couch just chillin’ in my snuggie” which ultimately don’t work.

Thankfully though there are some amazingly well written songs which prove Mars’ saving grace. From the undeniably catchy and unique The Other Side featuring Ce-Lo Green and B.o.B to the beautiful slow piano driven ballad Talking to the Moon.

Sounds like: IF Kayne West & Kid Cudi painted a picture together...

Key Tracks: The Other Side, Talking to the Moon, Liquor Store Blues

accompanies Smith’s typical dark lyrics amazingly.

Elliott Smith shows genuine emotion in his music, and I believe this passion is clearly portrayed in this album with songs such as ‘Everything reminds me of her’, ‘Somebody that I Used to Know’ and ‘Happiness’.

There are also many uplifting songs with tracks like ‘Junk bond trader’, ‘Son of Sam’ and ‘Stupidity tries’.

Since this album, three more have been released although they never received had the required finishing touches. Nevertheless, they are still the genius work of Elliot Smith and have all proved very popular with his fans.

He was a true talent with a voice that captured the mood of his songs perfectly. He was capable of playing the piano, guitar, drums, clarinet and harmonica with a great and natural ability.

Smith’s music has been a great influence to many people, and some of his work has even been used for film soundtracks such as ‘Good Will Hunting’, ‘Thumbsucker’ and ‘American Beauty’.

The ‘Figure 8’ album is available for download on iTunes and other music sites. Other Smith tracks are available there, too. However, this album is the best place to start as an introduction to his music. And believe me it’s really worth a Google!

Listen if you like:The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan.

‘The AVER way’ - BUCKS Alternative Rock

what’s on... weekly club night, 2 rooms, text to screen dj’s goo, seb & sam

11th february 18TH FEBRUARY 04th march

valentines take me out pyjama party

SOME people from the audience may have felt a tad confused on the 12th of January.

Six young looking boys from the new band AVER appeared on Nags Head Pub’s stage in High Wycombe to give their first live show. AVERS boys walked into the lion’s den that evening, and they left them purring!

Their performance of four songs: Guilty Conscience, Lets Turn the Clocks Back, A Tale of Lost Souls and Vacant Smiles were met by an amazing applause and gratitude from their quickly growing fan base. Energetic guitar met with melodic yet original vocals of Louis Brown left them with nothing else but the want for more.

The promise of an after-party ended the show on a high, leaving everyone excited except for the bartenders. Lead singer Louis

said ‘we wanted to play in the Nags Head, as it was a free student night. Neil alternator organised the event on our behalf. It was a great opportunity to get our live show out there, to the university students and Wycombe people.’

AVER was set up in the early October 2010, by six talented Bucks New Uni students who met at the beginning of this academic year. Asked who would be the AVER’s ideal fan, Louis Brown replied: ‘Anyone who is a fan of Futures, Francesqa, Canterbury. All those bands are a massive influence on our musical style, so we hope to attract their fans to us for sure.’

The great thing about AVER is that there has been effort put in this project from different students from Bucks New Uni. As a result, AVER had already published

THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY DRINK PROMOS 8 -10 All pints £1.50 All bottles £1.50 All bombs from the NEW ‘Bomb Bar’ £1.50

By Mandi

their first music video for A Tale of Lost Souls song, filmed and edited by second year TV Production students. (Available on YouTube) ‘Students at the uni have been so supportive and I think that is the machine driving this project really. With such great resources available for free at professional standard, we would rather take work from students at the uni rather than professional organisations. It is a great way to network early too. I hope with any form of success, we can give back to those who supported us.’

To find out when our university’s very own alternative rock band will be performing next, get in touch and show support by joining their group on Facebook.

See Aver perform at Bucks on Saturday 12th February in the White room.

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 19

PULL OUT SECTION Top 5 new singles

2. Barbarellas Body Talk

4. Enrique Iglesias ft Ludacris, DJ Frank E - Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)

3. Clinic Bubblegum

5. Hercules and Love Affair My House

It’s the return of two B*Witched singers!

But don’t all jump up and down at once with enthusiasm. To be fair this is a well produced pop song which could be likeable in a Rachel Stevens/Sophie EllisBexter kind of vibe. It will never beat C’est La Vie though.

By Sarah Cambell

Swapping cheesy innuendos for out and out sleaze, Latino charmer Enrique suitably teases audiences with the not so subtle lines “I know you want me / I made it obvious that I want you too/Please excuse me I don’t mean to be rude / But tonight I’m lovin’ you.” joined by Ludacris with DJ Frank E in tow. Enrique’s charms become quite apparent when “I’m Lovin’ You” is replaced by the ‘grown up’ term ‘F**** you’; not that it wasn’t obvious throughout the 3 and a half minutes or so. Bill please, you wonderful hunk Enrique, you.

A truly beautiful urban summer-esqe song; but it falls in danger of being overlooked due to it being released in February.

A shame as not enough praise can be heaped onto this gorgeous track.

1. Jessie J feat. B.o.B - Price Tag

The ‘Sound of 2011’ returns with this highly catchy new tune; it’s your typical sunny, corny, likeable hip hop. Is there anything Jessie J can’t do it like?

Baffling lyrics?

Check 90s circa garage infused dance? Check.

Dancing after three or four listens?

Check mate.

Posh Pop or Lazy Listeners?

SATURDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 8PM - LATE FREE FOR BUCKS STUDENTS, £5 FOR PUBLIC 16+ DRINK PROMOS, 5PM - 12AM TUBORG CANS, STRONGBOW, RELENTLESS JAGERBOMBS £2 ERISTOFF VODKA & RELENTLESS £1.80 DOUBLE UP FOR £1 ON ALL SPIRITS

WHY being spoon-fed by the mainstream music market is not necessarily conducive to enjoying great music.

According to an article on the Guardian website, at least 60% of today’s pop and rock charts feature former private school pupils. The unveiling and highlighting of this fact (originally by Simon Price) has lead journalists to encourage debate about whether Britain’s music industry has become too posh and elitist. The artist exemplified in the Guardian’s article is none other than ex-army soldier James Blunt, whose mother wrote in to the BBC to defend him after they wrote a similar article entitled ‘Has Pop Gone Posh?’

The theory is that the flourishing of the middle-class musician (such as Lily Allen, Florence Welch and

By Louise Delahunty Chris Martin) spells the death of the “working-class guitar hero”. Some believe that nowadays, to get anywhere in the music industry, one must be well educated and well to do.

I read the Guardian’s article and many of the 266 reader responses it chalked up with much interest.

Some readers pushed the notion that it’s not the artist’s background that is important, but their musical talent.

Some suggested that the music industry is now corrupt and self-satisfying Others agreed that the corporate music industry favours middle-class musicians and is lacking (to its detriment) the kind of raw, soulful music that is organically spawned as a direct result of lower-class or deprived living, troubled childhoods, etc. This is where the blues started, and it is this artistic expression of deep, genuine emotion which allows the listener to connect with the music and its author on a level which mainstream,

mass-produced pop cannot. Many of the Guardian’s respondents seem to mirror this sentiment, complaining about the state of today’s “boring and soulless” music industry. Not one of the comments I read, however, mentioned the underground / grassroots music industry. For therein resides the working class guitar hero in herculean abundance. Indeed, it is these musicians’ dedication to their artistic expression and soul-drenched music, and their willingness to play to a grotty pub full of drunkards just for the sheer love of music, which creates the aforementioned hero in the first place.

Even mainstream majors like the Rolling Stones had to start somewhere.

So I have news for all those who whine about mainstream music being too generic, elitist or just plain crap; your working class guitar hero is very much still out there, you just have go looking for them.

Perhaps if more people did, our unsigned and unsung heroes would stand a better chance of getting the greater recognition they deserve, and the mainstream world would see a few more organic talents.

tuesday 22 FEBRUARY Jason Patterson Joey Page Carl Donnelly the venue, high wycombe doors open at 8pm, comedy at 9pm

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 21

ON THE BOX

National Television Awards: 2011 THE biggest event of the Television calendar took place on Wednesday 26th January 2011 at the London 02 Arena. Yes, it was the National Television Awards 2011. And I was lucky enough to be at both the red carpet arrivals and the actual ceremony itself.

When an old friend told me that she had a spare ticket for the National Television Awards (NTAs) in the first week of January, I didn’t hesitate at jumping at the opportunity to go along. We met up with two other friends and we were queuing at the 02 by 10am so we could get our hands on some of the limited wristbands for the red carpet, which we managed to do. The first people in the queue had camped out since 6am and had flown over especially from Ireland just so they could meet Cheryl Cole.

We (rather gratefully) headed into the 02 once the bands were securely fastened on our wrists and we were told to come back at 4.30pm where we’d be taken through in numerical order to the red carpet.

Simple? I think not. Four o’ clock came and went, and we headed back to the barriers and queued up. By 4.30pm there were disgruntled fans who were claiming that “someone from 02” had told them to queue up in numerical order. Before we knew it, everyone began to surge forward to the front of the barriers, and that’s where we remained cattled in until 5.30pm.

As the weather got chillier, the crowd got rowdier at the lack of poor management skills. On four separate occasions, employees came around, each one as clueless to what was going on as the last before disappearing off again. After a lot of shouting, whining and stamping, the first 100 people with wristbands were taken through to the red carpet first. I must admit, being the lucky owner of wristband 100 and the last person of the first group of people to be shown the red carpet instilled a small sense of satisfaction in me.

As soon as the gates were closed behind us, that first 100 people were running for the red carpet to get the best spots for celebrity spotting. I have no idea how, seeing as my friends and I were the final four people from that group, but we got the single best spot if I say so myself. We were the first people who made it to the front rows. Less than 30 minutes later, we were totally crushed in, but we didn’t care. Camera straps firmly wrapped around our wrists, BlackBerry’s out ready to tweet, and autograph books and pens poised… we were ready to go.

An entire host of celebrities turned out on the red carpet. I managed to get 44 autographs in nearly an hour, and I’m proud to say that at least 85% of them were from the cast of soaps (more specifically EastEnders- anyone who reads the Soaps Column would know that I’m a huge fan). The first celebrities to arrive on the red carpet were Neil McDermott (Ryan Malloy from EastEnders), Ricky Norwood (FatBoy from EastEnders) and his beau Jade Ewen (from the

Sugarbabes). The final celebrities to grace the carpet included Marc Elliott (Syed from EastEnders), Johnny Partridge (Christian from EastEnders) and Cheryl Cole who doesn’t need an introduction.

From my personal experience, the friendliest celebrities were Kylie Babbington (Jodie from EastEnders), Zoe Lucker (Vanessa from EastEnders), Nina Wadia (Zainab from EastEnders), Nitin Ginatra (Masood from EastEnders), Holly Willoughby (from Xtra Factor and This Morning), Lacey Turner (Stacey from EastEnders), Louis Spence (from the Pineapple Dance Studios) and Josie (from Big Brother). Gillian McKeith was the only celebrity to be booed- I suppose fake fainting live on TV isn’t the best way of winning over the British public, is it?

After finally meeting Christian and Syed from EastEnders, we made our escape and found our (ground floor but rather good) seats and settled in to watch the awards presented by Dermot O’Leary.

It’s purely the public’s votes which determine the winners, and three millions votes later the victorious were announced. Major winners included Ant and Dec picking up Entertainer Presenter for the tenth consecutive year. Lacey Turner won the highly anticipated Outstanding Serial Drama Performance Award for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders.

Bruce Forsyth was awarded the Special Recognition Award to a standing ovation as were EastEnders when they took home the Best Serial Drama Award.

Other highlights of the night included Waterloo Road being presented Most Popular Drama by a Chilean miner who was trapped last year. He was the final miner to be rescued after wanting to make sure that everyone else made it out alive.

As he walked onto the stage, the crowd were on their feet for him, as he was rightly labelled “an inspiration” in the Video Transmission.

Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield picked up the Most Popular Topical Magazine Show for This Morning. Gino D’Acampo had promised to do his regular cooking feature slot naked if they won… and he delivered.

Before we knew it, the evening was over and as the celebrities headed to their after parties to either celebrate their wins or drown their sorrows. I headed back to High Wycombe, buzzing from the entire day (although we didn’t manage to slip into the after party). It was a night I’ll never forget, and I guess all that’s left to say is... bring on the next lot of awards.

And the winners were...

Best Serial Drama: EastEnders Most Popular Comedy Programme: Benidorm Most Popular Entertainment Programme: I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here Most Popular Newcomer: Ricky Norwood, EastEnders Most Popular Drama: Waterloo Road.

Digital Choice: The Inbetweeners Most Outstanding Serial Drama Performance: Lacey Turner, EastEnders Most Popular Entertainment Presenter: Ant and Dec Topical Magazine: This Morning Most Popular Factual Programme: Top Gear Most Popular Talent Show: The X Factor Most Outstanding Drama Performance: David Jason Special Recognition: Bruce Forsyth

Take Me Out Review

By MJ Mahmood

Above: duo Ant and Dec arriving at the Awards Ceremony

By Siobhan Carney

Yes, it’s series two of Take Me Out, returning with a brand new line-up of screeching desperado’s, as well as a suspiciously thicker-haired Paddy McGuiness. Take me

Above: Cheryl Cole arriving; Left: Bruce Forsyth who received special recognition; Below: Louis Spence

Out: A dating show that should be sponsored by San Tropez, bought to you by Primark, and featured in conjunction with Stella Artois.

The yelling, the clapping, and the mugging to the cameras: it’s like an episode of Loose Women, only minus the HRT. As always, the key feature of the show is the female contestants.

It’s feasible to think the producers decided to conduct auditions in a town centre on a Saturday night or outside a Kebab shop at 2 am. I’ve seen less foundation on a terraced house. Some of this year’s line up includes: Katie Price wannabe Peggy, Ulrika Johnson look-a-like Heidi and pint sized Lucy, who looks like the love child of Ray Quinn and Gavin and Stacey’s Nessa.

Which brings us to the Boys, and according to TMO rules, there are only three types of men allowed to take part in the show.

1. Rippling muscle types 2. Cheeky chappies 3. Freaks.

And if you’re looking for some PC, non-generic viewing; TMO certainly isn’t the show for you. A Scotsman playing bag pipes, a rich and eccentric polo player…I’m just waiting for the token, tin whistle playing Irishman before I win my game of ‘TMO, stereotype bingo.’

Despite its crassness and its cringe worthy catchphrases, Take Me Out refuses to take itself seriously and for that reason it makes brilliant Saturday night television.

Favourite moment of this series so far? One contestant’s sister announced that her brother doesn’t like girls who’ve, “been around the block,” a confession that resulted in every single light going out in unison. Cage fighter Iain explained the reason he chose his date: “Straight away I saw her and thought, yeah, I want that one.”

Who says romance is dead, eh?

Host Paddy McGuinness

22 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

Movie Reviews

127 Hours (15) Released 7/1/2011 Running time: 1hr 35mins

W

ho could possibly have the guts to make a film that is essentially focused on a man with his arm stuck under a rock? Danny Boyle, of course.

Never a director to shy away from challenging subjects, Boyle has created what he has called ‘an action film where the central character doesn’t move.’ By restricting himself to a singular character and location for the majority of the film, Boyle is freed to use every trick in the book to keep us focused and the results are electric. The camera zooms from place to place, very rarely static and fuelled by adrenaline. The opening scene alone bristles with so much verve and creativity that it puts most other film directors to shame.

The reports of people fainting in the cinema when the infamous arm-cutting scene arrives are a true testament to Boyle’s brilliance as filmmaker. But strip all the technical trickery away and the subject matter is actually quite bland.

Aaron Ralston (James Franco) is a normal person and, as a result, a bit boring. His main emotional conflict is not calling his mother enough and regrets over his ex-

girlfriend. There are even times where Ralston hallucinates about his family, resulting in scenes that would be more suited to the Hallmark channel.

Despite James Franco’s best efforts, he is unable to rescue the film from these saccharine moments.

However, his performance is dedicated and mature, displaying an impressive emotional range that has led some people to compare him to De Niro. In the moments where he talks to a video camera, his self reflective mood mixed with the onset of desperation prove affecting.

Franco’s immersion into the role cannot be more complete and he has come a long way from playing

second fiddle in Spiderman.

But the real star is, and always will be, director Boyle. Avoiding some of the lesser scenes, he works wonders in providing just enough themes for us to connect with.

Isolation is key, not only because of Ralston’s situation, but also in his day-to-day life. Boyle uses the surrounding area to encapsulate his characters inability to connect with those closest to him. It may not be subtle, but it is effective.

However the only reason anyone will go and see this film is because of its major selling point. No one will walk out of the cinema and start discussing the Ralston’s emotional journey. They will exit talking about the gruesome arm-cutting scene, and that is its major downfall. Whilst Boyle has to be applauded from not shying away from the gory nature of the scene, he has shot himself in the foot because that is all people will talk about. And rightly so; the scene can almost be described as too good.

Overall, 127 Hours is a very good film, but you can’t help but wonder if it would have been better as a documentary or a TV movie. But one thing is for sure: Danny Boyle is the star of the show. Dorian Stone

Black Swan (15) Released 21/1/2011 Running time: 1hr 50mins

W

hen a film leaves you speechless it’s difficult to know where to begin. At first glance, Black Swan appears to be about a virginal ballet dancers’ never-ending search for absolute perfection, but carry on watching and the ‘reality’ is much more peculiar. It is a dark tapestry of the pressures of creative discovery, sexual repression/ expression, and the dangers of perfectionism.

After being given the lead in a new version of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Nina (Natalie Portman) strives for technical perfection at the highest level. But under the predatory eyes of the company director (Vincent Cassel), she struggles to find the impulsive and chaotic nature needed to breathe life into the role of the Black Swan.

With pressure from an over bearing mother, jealous members of her company and a new rival in the form of Lily (Mila Kunis), Nina finds herself spiraling towards a breakdown. Struggling to cope, she begins to be sucked into a dark world of paranoia, haunted by reflections of her darker self.

Despite the ballet setting, Darren Aronofsky is on familiar ground.

Black Swan focuses on a character that is backed into a corner with no option but to fight her way out.

He deals with the carnal instinct of human nature, taking an odyssey into a fractured mind. But where he moves on from his past work is in his ability to create a story that is essentially ridiculous yet makes it believable. Aronofsky is able to keep the proceedings grounded by the melodramatic nature of dance and the operatic narrative, keeping the audience confused and enthralled.

His key to making everything work is Natalie Portman. She displays a remarkable transformation without overplaying her performance. Portman provides

the film with a much-needed sense of control as the tone shifts dramatically. She is fearless as she lays her frailty on screen, exposing the psychosexual subtext with an uneasy pleasure. Portman has never quite reached the potential shown in her cinematic debut Leon, but under Aronofsky’s direction she is free to explore and experiment from all angles.

Her carefree rival, in the form of Mila Kunis, facilitates part of Nina’s liberation. Whereas Portman is put through her paces, Kunis has a much easier ride. Lily is more of a fun loving tease, enjoying life whilst being free of inhibition. Nina views her as a threat, but Lily tries to free her from her frigid constraints by any means possible.

In a world of doppelgangers, paranoia and sexual discovery, Aronofsky has created film that will leave you baffled. There are moments that don’t really work, but then every great film has its imperfections. It might be executed with an icy temperament, that might alienate some viewers, but he has created something that will be remembered as an oddity amongst modern cinema. Dorian Stone

A shop taking the UK by storm and are proving to be a big hit with everyone

Garra Rufa Fish = ‘APPY FEET’ text your issues to

07624 805 945

Text: 07624 805 945 Email: student.voice@bucks.ac.uk

The cost of sending the text is your standard text message rate.

A new concept in skincare where customers plunge their feet into water tanks to have their feet massaged, and the dead skin nibbled away by clever little fish.

Take part in the National Student Survey

In other words, the clever fish is what it’s all about. Probably the best £10 you will ever spend is at the new Wycombe store Appy Feet. Located in the Eden Centre right opposite Thornton’s, they offer you a pedicure like no other.

Unlike other stores you visit as you shop around in the Eden Centre, Appy Feet’s layout is particular with its simple, yet extraordinary contents of real fish in tanks surrounded by cushioned benches for you to enjoy an experience you’ve never had before.

The experience is a natural pedicure method originating from Turkey and practiced all over the Far East. This unique skin treatment massages your feet using Garra Rufa fish; a great individual or group pampering experience.

Still curious? Here are some questions the store manager was more than happy to provide answers for you.

What are the benefits?

During a treatment these clever little fish gently nibble away and exfoliate your unwanted dead skin cells, giving a relaxing massage. Your feet will feel amazing, refreshed and healthy.

By Tanya Virdy

These experts can also stimulate acupuncture points helping to regulate the nervous system, relax the body and release fatigue.

Your blood circulation and flow is also greatly increased during the treatment.

What does it feel like?

The treatment can be a little tickly to start with, which is great, because we can all do with a laugh once in a while. You will feel a light tingling sensation and enjoy a relaxing foot massage.

Does it hurt?

No; the fish have no teeth so the treatment works by them gently nibbling away at the dry skin.

Can I catch any disease?

No, certainly not. These fish cannot transfer diseases to humans. You will pre-rinse your feet before a treatment and have your own dedicated water pod and fish for the duration of your treatment. Our powerful water sterilisation system ensures the up most hygienic conditions throughout your treatment.

How much does it cost?

It’s £10 for 15 minutes or £20 for 35 minutes

www.thestudentsurvey.com

BucksSocieties

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 23 Each edition of the Bucks Student we will be highlighting and covering different societies that are available for you to join during your time at Bucks (a full list is available at www.bucksstudent.com/studentactivities. If there is a society that you would like to join then drop them an email OR if get in touch with the Students’ Union if you would like to set a new one up!

The Law Society

Societies update:

There are many societies we have in our university here at Bucks. As time passes throughout our degrees, more societies are being formed. Another society, which needs to be brought to light, is the Law Society. Elections for the Law Society took place at the end of 2010 which students and lectures were elected for particular positions.

The positions are as follows: Chairman: Paul Britton Secretary: Rupinder Kaur Treasurer: Ryan Mills Vice Chairman: Raymond Donald Ssekalongo Social Secretary: Teodora Vasileva Career Secretary: Agata Bogalecka Fund raiser: Tamica Mignott President: Jane Tyrror (Criminal Law lecturer) Patron of the Law Society: Judge Tyrror The society is welcoming any students from any course. In their society meetings, they usually have guest lecturers to speak to students. The guest speakers could range from solicitors, barristers, lawyers, judges or anyone related to the field of law. This benefits students as it gives them a guide of what standards is required in the working market for law. All the advice given by the experienced guest speakers is also a huge benefit.

The Law Society is a chance for student’s to meet regularly, especially those who want to work in similar fields to combine thoughts and ideas. The society itself wants to look after student’s interests and gain more members for the society as well. By more people joining, it will encourage more events to take place where it will give students the chance to collaborate and exchange ideas and thoughts with one another.

The social secretary for the society, Teodora Vasileva wants the society to be “all about satisfying students’ needs in law.” To promote the Law degree Bucks offer, she will be attending local schools with another member of the society. The aim is to talk to the young people about the benefits of studying law and what the experience is like here at Bucks as a student.

There will also be fundraising events organized by the Law Society where maybe trips will be paid for to the Supreme courts; a very exciting experience for those of you who are serious about getting into the career of law.

If you would like to know more information about joining the Law Society, or any general enquires, please contact the secretary via email.

Rupinder Kaur: 20709520@bucks.ac.uk. Alternatively, you could contact the social secretary, Teodora Vasileva: cureandcause@hotmail. com.

The student Activities team have introduced drop in sessions on Thursday afternoons for existing societies to come in and sort out any problems they may be having or to seek assistance to help them through the next stages of the accreditation system. You can either book appointments with societies assistant Kerry to secure a time slot or just show up and wait until she is free.

Three societies are close to reaching the silver award; ACS, Mature Students society and LGBT with many more working their way towards it and further onto Gold.

Since the start of term we have had members from societies actively participating in volunteer work. Most notably Ben Paddon and Phil Edwards from the boxing society took on the one day project building steps and a installing a park bench on Tom Burt’s Hill with the local woodland service. Their hard work was much appreciated and we hope to see more societies following their lead!

BNU dance have begun their dance sessions and are meeting every Monday from 5pm in the Events Hall. In addition to this the Drama society have re-launched after taking a short break before Christmas to concentrate on their studies. They will be meeting from 2pm every Wednesday in N4.15.

Contact us: To find out more about any society contact kerry.oneill@bucks.ac.uk or check out our website for full information on the different societies available for you to join www.bucksstudent.com/societies.

Meeting times:

Sundays 2-4 in the sports hall

Everyone welcome

Christian Union; Mondays 7pm, Old Boardroom Red button Film Making; Mondays 7.30pm: N2.05 Tea society; Tuesdays 5pm: The Lounge Boxing; Tuesdays & Thursdays 5pm: Brook Street Halls Bucks Fencing Group; Tuesdays 6pm: S4.05 Drama Society; Wednesdays 2pm; N4.15 Film/World cinema; Wednesdays 5pm N2.08 Parkour; Thursdays 6.30pm: Gateway Dodgeball; Sundays 2pm: Events Hall For more information on our Societies, check out www.bucksstudent.com/societies.

Don’t worry about turning up late for people who have been at home for the weekend No specialised equipment needed – Normal exercise clothing shorts/trackies/T-shirt Feel free to contact me with any queries: Marc-Kennedy@hotmail.co.uk - 07517464145

WIN AN iPAD AND AMAZON VOUCHERS

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24 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

FOOD & DRINK Restaurant: Zizzi Location: The Eden Centre

IT IS not an easy task to maintain impeccable standards and uniformity of taste across a chain of over eight hundred outlets, but that is just the distinction that The Gondola Group has achieved. Their restaurants, with the brand names of Zizzi, ASK and Pizza Express, serve authentic Italian food at reasonable prices in a warm and friendly ambience.

The chain continues to grow with the group opening around twenty-five new outlets each year. Another talent that the group has is converting listed buildings in which to house their restaurants. This has helped the group maintain standards, but allows each location to keep its innate charm.

Restaurant:The Falcon Location: Cornmarket, High Wycombe Special Offers: Beer & burger deal IF someone asked me to describe the type of food served at The Falcon in just three words, then I would say this – traditional pub grub.

The place itself has that country-pub feel, even though it’s right in the centre of town. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the subdued

What’s on the menu?

Eden Centre’s Zizzi is excellently well presented with light-coloured walls, glossy wooden floors and gleaming cutlery which allows for a relaxing atmosphere. They have a bustling open kitchen which churns out freshly prepared and tasty food. Like all good Italian restaurants, the extensive menu offers four distinct sections of antipasti, salads, mains. This includes classics like pasta, pizza and risottos along with a vast and exciting dessert menu. The restaurant’s special antipasti platter has mixed Italian meats with buffalo milk mozzarella, marinated sun-dried tomatoes, mixed olives and red onion focaccia bread. Garlic mozzarella pizza bread and caramelised balsamic onions set the tone for a hearty meal. The calzones or folded pizzas, accompanied by a fresh salad, are a treat and have an extensive topping selection. The pasta and risotto sections arouse plenty of interest, which also supply an abundance of options. The pizzas are not far behind either, with almost all the famous and classic Italian toppings available to choose from. The Sophia option has proven to be a popular choice with pizza

lighting, which added a quaint touch, and again reinforced that notion that I was in a local village pub.

We sat in a booth in the back corner of the diming area, which was fairly large.

The spaciousness of it meant that I had enough room to eat comfortably, without bumping elbows with the other diners while I tried to cut my food.

The menu was simple and somewhat elegant, designed in creams and browns that added class to the whole experience.

We’d decided before hand that we were all just going to have a main course and skip the starters and desserts although they too, looked appetising. I settled on a double beef burger and chips – £6.10 – twelve beer battered onion rings – £1.49 – and was

Ingredients

lovers.

The extensive wine list offers a range of red, white, sparkling and rose wines in addition to beer and spirits.

The dessert menu is similarly attractive, with a range of tempting treats from the homemade tiramisu to the torta cioccolata with its thick hazelnut chocolate base served with vanilla mascarpone. A good old fashioned cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate rounds the meal off well.

The fact that the restaurant hires their employees very selectively is evident in the staff members there. They are all noticeably friendly, cheerful and enthusiastic in how they treat their diners, giving each outlet the personalised feel of how a restaurant should be.

This is a charming, family-friendly restaurant which is close Broke Street and the cinema of the Eden Centre.

It offers healthy, well-priced food; so there’s really no excuse not to pop in.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there and will definitely return there soon. Perhaps you could enjoy a similar experience there too this Valentines Day!

pleased to discover that my bottle of Becks – normally £1.60 – came free with my meal as part of a “Beer and Burger” deal.

When I went up to order, I smiled politely at the woman behind the bar and told her what I wanted. I was greeted by sullen silence and a moody expression as she ran up my order. This shocked me, and I hoped that the food wouldn’t be as cold this icy display of customer service.

Back at our table we waited for the food to arrive, and we didn’t have to wait very long. The waitress who brought our food over was considerably friendlier than the woman behind the bar, and that put me back in a good mood.

The food itself was nice enough, too. Some of the chips were a little

Parma ham Valentine’s tart

150g of ready-rolled puff pastry 1 egg 2 red onions, finely sliced ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar 1½ tablespoons of dark brown sugar 4 slices of Parma ham Finely chopped rosemary, for sprinkling, plus extra sprigs to garnish 50g of feta cheese cut into chunks 1 fig

Restaurant: Mr India Restaurant Location: Loudwater, High Wycombe

By Tanya Virdy

bit overcooked, but they were hot and tasted good. The onion rings were nicely flavoured and slightly spicy, however, one or two of them were cold when I bit into them, and they were extremely greasy.

This meal’s saving grace has to be the burger. It was delicious. The meat tasted very high quality. The burger came steaming hot, and my mouth was practically watering just looking at it. The two burgers were very thick, and the whole thing was held together by a cocktail stick, lest it topple over in the lightly toasted bun.

My meal came to a very reasonable £7.59, thanks to the free drink offer. So, if you’re looking for good, honest, simple food at a price that won’t break the bank, I recommend The Falcon.

By Shane Millar

Valentine’s Day Specials So that very special day is just around the corner; why not try cooking your loved one a meal at home and add that Valentines special touch.

Stained glass window biscuits

Method Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Unroll the puff pastry and cut out two 12cm squares. Using a sharp knife, cut heart shapes from the two pastry squares. Then score 5mm from the edge of the hearts around their perimeter.

Place the pastry hearts on a baking sheet and prick the inner hearts with a fork. Brush the pastry with beaten egg, season with cracked black pepper and bake for 10 minutes, until they begin to turn brown.

Take the pastries from the oven and use your knife to trace the line that was scored before cooking. Very carefully, peel off the top of the inner heart to leave a heart-shaped pastry case. Repeat with the second pastry heart.

Fry the onions in olive oil until golden. Add 2½ tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of

brown sugar, stirring until the onions have caramelized.

Then season to taste with salt and cracked black pepper.

Tear up a slice of Parma ham and put it into the base of one tart. Repeat with the second tart. Share the caramelized onions between the tart cases, sprinkle with rosemary and chunks of feta. Return to the oven to cook for a further 10 minutes or until the cheese begins to turn brown.

Meanwhile, quarter the fig and place on a baking tray.

Drizzle with the remaining balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and season with cracked black pepper. Place in the oven for 5-6 minutes, or until soft and caramelized.

Remove the tarts from the oven and top with the remaining slices of Parma ham. Serve with the roasted balsamic figs and sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Coeur a la crème

Ingredients For the Cheese mixture 460g of firm fromage frais 100g of crème fraîche 100g of caster sugar 1 lemon, juice only For the raspberry coulis 350g of raspberries 100ml of water 3 tablespoons of sugar 150g of redcurrants & strawberries

Method Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Line 4 small, perforated heart moulds with four pieces of dampened muslin cloth, leaving plenty overlapping around the sides. Whisk the fromage frais with the crème fraiche, sugar and lemon juice. Spoon the cheese mixture into the muslin lined heart moulds. Tap the moulds gently against the table to knock out any air bubbles. Leave to drain for around four hours, or overnight.

For the raspberry coulis, place 150g raspberries in a saucepan with the sugar and water. Dissolve the sugar over a gentle heat and simmer for 2 minutes, before transferring to an electric blender.

Puree the mixture, and strain through a fine sieve into a bowl. Toss in the remaining raspberries, redcurrants and strawberries.

Remove the cheese hearts from their moulds and arrange in the centre of four dessert plates. Spoon the berries and raspberry coulis around and serve.

Ingredients 150g of butter 60g of caster sugar 60g of soft dark brown sugar 60g of golden syrup 360g of plain flour 1 tbl of bicarb of soda 1½ tbl ground ginger ½ ttbl ground cinnamon Red boiled sweets

Method Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Melt the butter with both types of sugar and the golden syrup.

Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ground ginger and cinnamon into a large bowl.

Add the melted butter and sugar mixture and mix together.

Knead the mixture for a few seconds until it comes together, adding a teaspoon or so of water if necessary, taking care to keep the dough soft but not sticky.

Flatten the dough into a round shape about 2cm thick, wrap with

cling film, and leave to chill for 30 minutes.

Dust a work surface with flour and roll out the dough to about 0.5cm thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out individual biscuits.

Put each heart onto the baking tray and cut out the centre of each one and replace the empty space with a boiled sweet.

Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the baking tray. The boiled sweets will have melted, creating a stained glass effect.

By Tanya Virdy THE ever popular Mr India is located on the A40 towards Loudwater from High Wycombe. It is a large and rather modern Indian restaurant which provides free parking right outside.

I’ve always heard great things from my friends when they’ve dined there and that I too should try their food some evening. So I scheduled a night for my very own date with Mr India!

First off, the parking is an issue. It appeared to be very busy as it was the weekend and so the parking was limited and honestly a bit awkward. I would highly recommend if you go just a little earlier than usual when dining out at a restaurant, then you’d have no problem for parking spaces.

They always say first impressions are a lasting one. Well then mine was one I will definitely never forget; and I do not mean in a good way…

On entering, I wasn’t even showed to my table; my friends and I were pointed to it! We weren’t expecting a welcome mat but there are certain standards to be followed. The vacant looking waiter spilt water all over me and I ended up with wet jeans, a wet top, and to make it worse, wet hair with a lime in it!

Ok, I understand accidents can happen during busy dining periods but what grinded my gears was the fact that there was no acknowledgement that it had even happened. I was not shown to another seat, my chair was not changed and I had to request for a new plate and napkin. Ridiculous!

The food was just as awful as the service. I have been to a lot of Indian restaurants in my time, but this has to be the worst. We started with the mixed meat platter and all I can say is that there was hardly any taste as it was full of grease. Throughout the night the waiters looked moody and dull and had seemingly no concept of customer service. The food was extremely overpriced, and in comparison to other Indian restaurants in Wycombe, this was definitely not value for money.

On the reasonably bright side; for those of you who don’t mind greasy foods, moody waiters and minor yet still ignored accidents, then this is the place for you. If not, then there’s always the takeaway option where they do offer a much needed discount.

Mini cocktail time

By Sarah O’Brien If you fancy looking sophisticated (for a change) then these cocktails are the best place to start.

They are small, but very alcoholic so don’t be surprised if you’re not so elegant after a few.

Most typically used in shot glasses but can work in a small tumbler, too.

Cream

Baby Guinness

This is similar to a Baby Guinness, but is my personal favourite. It tastes lush after a hefty meal or if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

- Half glass Amoretto - Half glass Bailey’s Don’t worry about separating the colours with this one; it’ll still taste the same!

Cookies and

All Scrubs fans will recognise this one; JD’s favourite tipple. And for good reason too!

Beware; it’s very, very strong and sour. Not for the faint of heart.

- Half glass Apple Sours - Half glass vodka

I’m sure you’ve heard of this one before! It looks just like a mini pint of the good stuff but tastes a hell of a lot better.

- Fill ¾ of glass with Tia Maria - Very slowly pour Bailey’s onto the top

Apple-tini

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 25

Book Reviews

A novel of vivid characters, stunning action and unrelenting pace Verdict: If you

are enjoy fast paced historical novels full of action then this is a series you must read. Already a bestselling author for his four book ‘Emperor’ series on the life of Julius Caesar, Conn Iggulden has achieved bestselling status yet again through his latest ‘Khan’ series which follows the life of the infamous Genghis Khan and his descendants. The first book in the series, ‘Wolf of the Plains’, charts Genghis’ youth when he was Temujin, second son of Yeseugi, the leader of the Wolf Tribe. It follows his epic journey as he

BOOK OF THE WEEK Wolf Of The Plains By Conn Iggulden (Harper Collins, £2.58) struggles to earn his father’s pride, living in the shadow of his older brother. In moving yet gripping storytelling, it portrays his father’s murder and the betrayal of Yeseugi’s head bondsman who leaves Temujin, his mother, three brothers and baby sister out on the plains to die so that he may become leader of the wolves.

From there it recounts how Temujin and his family survived, how he formed his own tribe and how he eventually killed the traitorous bondsman and took control of his father’s tribe once again. The book is full of beautifully and vividly detailed accounts of the battles of Yeseugi and Temujin. Its many themes will strike different cords with different people and to a certain extent all

readers will be a little reviled by the sheer brutality of life for the Mongols.

The second and third books, ‘Lords of the Bow’ and ‘Bones of the Hills’, continue this beautifully woven tale, told through a careful mix of historical fact and fiction, to Temujin’s death as Genghis Khan, one of the most feared leaders ever to have lived.

The fourth book, ‘Empire of Silver’, continues the story as Genghis’ third son Ogedai takes the throne and sends the great Mongol hordes to ravage ever further west in to Europe. The pace never falters from the first chapter of the first book to the last chapter of the latest in the series.

It is always mesmerising and I would urge anyone who is a fan of the work of either Bernard Cornwall (most famous for his ‘Sharpe’ series) or Simon Scarrow to buy these books and set aside a few days to read them. By Laz Wood

Shame By Jasvinder Sanghera (Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, £4.98)

Curse: A Werewolf’s Tale

By David Wellington (Piatkus Books, £5.61)

By Tanya Virdy

By Shane Millar

Verdict: 'Shame' is an honest account of a woman who grew up in an Asian community ruled by the gossip of the Gurdwara (temple) in Derby. This book outlines the pressures and restrictions of being a girl brought up by strict Sikh values in a community where 'shame' and 'dishonour' is the ultimate betrayal and leads to being shunned and disowned by the entire family and local community.

About the Author Jasvinder Sanghera (or Jas as she refers to herself in the book) is the co-founder of Karma Nirvana, a community project that supports South Asian women.

This project was set up to support those affected by domestic abuse and honour based crimes.

The book is written as a life story, Jas starts with a prologue, which is set, aged 15 after running away from home to avoid a forced marriage. Throughout all the chapters, she writes a detailed encounter back to her childhood where she saw her elder sisters be shipped off to India to meet their husbands and then had to save money to bring them to England. From an early age Jas saw what her parents chose not to; the abuse and pain her sisters suffered for their honour.

Jas explains how her parents, especially her mother, felt that being associated with a person of a different caste was unacceptable.

At 16 when Jasvinder ran away from home with her chosen Asian boyfriend Jassey, she was officially disowned.

In her first correspondence with her family since she ran away Jas recalls the conversation she had with her mother: "Thanks to you I can't walk the streets of Derby any more; I can't go to the Gurdwara because people are talking. People spit at me, you'll get what you deserve for ruining your family. You will amount to nothing, nothing, do you hear me? I hope you give birth to a daughter who does to you what you have done to me, and then you'll know what it feels like to raise a prostitute".

This book will really tug the heartstrings and has really opened my eyes to my culture. I would recommend it to anybody who wants to learn that little bit more about the lifestyle, honour based crimes and arranged/forced marriages.

Karma Nirvana was set up in 1994 and can be contacted on their helpline 01332 604098, they now make referrals to refuge, offer advocacy and support, as well as offering counseling and legal support, assist with budgeting, finances, and re-housing and help women with parenting and lifestyle skills.

The official website is currently under construction but will be available at www. karmanirvana.org.uk.

Verdict: Cheyenne (Chey) Clark has been hiking in the Arctic wilderness for days.

She is lost and alone.

A single sound cuts through the dark night, a sound that Chey hoped she would never here again as long as she lived; a howl.

When a monstrously large wolf slashes Chey’s ankle clean through, she becomes the very thing that she has hated and feared for so long; she becomes a werewolf.

Now the only one who can keep Chey alive is the man who cursed her to this fate, a man who also, ironically, wants her dead.

US author David Wellington has constructed a world in which revenge and betrayal are given a fresh new meaning.

The character of Chey, so strong when she is first introduced to the reader, becomes utterly broken when she is cursed into living out the rest of her days as a werewolf. Wellington cleverly takes Chey on a journey in which she must build herself back up from nothing, eventually accepting what she has become.

He uses descriptive language well to illustrate the desolate landscape of the Arctic wilderness, using this landscape in connection with his characters, thoroughly delving into their feelings and allowing the reader to connect with them fully.

It is so often the case with horror novels that the author looses sight of the most important thing in the book: the characters. They often get sidelined in favour of the plot, meaning that both plot and character construction suffers as a result.

Wellington, however, pays his characters full attention throughout, making them very believable. This makes the fantastical plot seem all the more realistic, one of the most impressive things about this book.

Another thing that makes the plot more viable is that Wellington steers away from the usual stereotypes that can be found in some werewolf novels. Rather than depicting werewolves as slavering half-manhalf-beast creatures, Wellington keeps things simple, showing werewolves for what they are: wolves.

One of the book’s major good points is that even though the main character Chey was created by a man, she is still wholly believable as a woman. Never, at any point whilst reading the book, could you tell that a man wrote this character.

In my opinion, David Wellington has written a gripping debut novel, one that is very difficult to put down until it was finished. All I can say is that I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series.

Conn: already a bestselling author for his ‘Emperor’ Series

Poem: ‘Just one more’

By Siobhan Carney

Go on, have one more drink, the voice echoes in my mind, Questions swirl around my head, the answers I can’t find.

Every-time I close my eyes I hear the sickening thud, As the child’s body rebounds off my car to land in the freezing mud.

The bright lights of the hospital - my deep fear running wild, The gentle sobbing of a loving mother who has lost her only child.

I still have dreams about that night and the story ends the same, A child has dies a horrible death and I am the one to blame.

Do you want to be part of the Students’ Union Leadership Team? If so, we are holding elections for the full-time officer positions on our Executive Committee The positions available are: President The President is the chief Union spokesperson, member of the University’s governing body and has responsibility for staffing, finance and the strategic leadership of the SU.

Vice President Education The VP Education is responsible for campaigning on academic issues and leading on academic policy. If elected you attend the University’s most senior academic committees.

Vice President Student Involvement The VP Student Involvement looks after sports, recreational activities, societies, volunteering and RAG at the Students’ Union.

National Conference Delegates There are 2 positions available to attend the NUS National Conference and have your say on how students are represented across the country.

Download a nomination form from www.bucksstudent.com information or to talk about the roles email matthew.kitching@bucks.ac.uk

2

1

4

3

5

6

7 8

9

11

10 12

13 15

14 18

21

22

19

20

Down 1. coloured media (6) 2. thing (7) 3. end (8) 4. globe (4) 5. perch (5) 6. ninety ones (6) 7. bottomless pit (5) 13. waterlilies (8) 16. not this nor that (7) 17. calculating device (6) 19. ecclesiastical building (5) 20. give away (6) 22. stamp book (5) 24. raffia (4)

23 24 26

25

27

28

1. Turning 2. Model of the Solar 3. Sleepwear 4. Stubborn (Inf) 5. Clerk 6.Stand-in 7. Thing 8. Seldom 9. Ambush 10. Study of eggs 11. Turn to bone 12. Rubber raft

12 11

1

10

2

3

9

8

4 7

5 6

Quiz

17

16

Across 1. puts in compost (6) 4. lowest title (5) 8. bury (5) 9. swell up (7) 10. plan to win (7) 11. leave alone (4) 12. star (3) 14. greek letter (4) 15. quick pull (4) 18. meadow (3) 21. broad grin (4) 23. dip quickly (7) 25. type of water for detox (7) 26. dislike intensely (5) 27. cesspits (5) 28. equitably (6)

The solutions from 1 to 12 are all six-letter words ending with the letter E in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell the name of a TV news correspondent.

Edition 15 Answers: Across: 7. Salami; 8. Unable; 9. Best; 10. Haystack; 11.

Carefulness; 14. Deliverance; 18. Fleshpot; 19. Root; 20. Sooner; 21. Elijah; Down: 1. Lateran; 2. Salt; 3. Vishnu; 4. Bunyan; 5. Fantasia; 6.

Place; 12. Evensong; 15. Impart; 16. Ester; 17. Flood; 19. Rein;

Who, what where and when?

WHO... made up the Marx Brothers comedy team along with Groucho, Chico and Harpo?

WHAT... flag is also known as Old Glory?

WHERE...in South America is Sucre the capital city?

WHEN... did Erwin Rommel join the German Army? die?

Answers: WHO: Zeppo; WHAT: The Stars & Stripes; WHERE: Bolivia; WHEN: 1910.

Puzzle Corner

Try lots more competitions online by visiting the SU website: www.bucksstudent.com/games

CLOCKWORD

26 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

Difficulty: Easy

Fill in the grid so that every column, row and 3 by 3 square includes all of the digits from one to nine.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sudoku was popularized in 1986 by the Japanese puzzle company Nikoli, under the name Sudoku, meaning single number. It became an international hit in 2005.

Difficulty depends on each sudoku rating

Difficulty: Adavanced

Sudoku More sudoku competitions online at www.bucksstudent.com/games

FREE-CYCLE Spare Team Photos Action Photos Mens Hockey 2009-2010 Mens Football Sunday team 2009-1010 Ladies Rugby 2009-2010 American Football Standing shots 20092010 x2 American Football 2009-2010 x 2 Athletics 2009-2010 Ladies Football 2009-2010 Golf 2009-2010 Ladies Hockey 2009-2010 Mens Hockey 2009-2010 Mens Rugby 2009-2010 Ladies Basketball 2009-2010 Netball 1st 2009-2010 Netball 2nd 2009-2010 Netball 3rd 2009-2010 Mens Football 3rd 2009-2010 Mens Football 6th 2009-2010 Mens Football 4th 2009-2010 Mens Football 5th 2009-2010 Seated Team Photos Mens Football 6th team 2009-2010 Mens Football 4th team 2008-2009 Mens Football 3rd team 2008-2009 Mens Football 2nd team 2008-2009 Mens Footall 3rd Team 2007-2008 Womens Football 2009- 2010 Netball 2nd Team 2009-2010 Netball 1st Team 2009-2010 Netball 3rd Team 2009-2010 x 2 Ladies Hockey Committee 2009-2010 Ladies Hockey 1st Team 2009-2010 Ladies Hockey 2nd Team 2009-2010 Ladies Hockey club Social 2009-2010 Ladies Hockey 1st team 2008-2009

Mens Hockey 2008-2009 Ladies Basketball club 2009-2010 Buccaneers American Football team 20092010 x 2 Athletics Squad 2002-2003 Athletics Squad 2003-2004 Golf Team 2008-2009 Mens Rugby Squad 2006-2007 Mens Rugby 1st team 2004-2005 Mens Rugby Squad 2004-2005 Mens Rugby 1st 2009-2010 Mens Rugby 2nd 2009-2010 Contact Jennifer Yarrow in the Student Activities Office if interested jennifer.yarrow@bucks.ac.uk 01494 605100 Java Script Book & CD Javascript book to good home. Freecycle - not looking for any money. Email sam. wadieh@bucks.ac.uk or call 01494 605100 if interested.

HARDBACK FILES free to good home.

Email ian.hunter@bucks.ac.uk if interested.

VARIOUS ITEMS: 3 black tv’s medium size; 2 vdu’s 3 keyboards; 1 electric typewriter 1 cd player/radio in Coca Cola can about 60cm tall. CD player lid broken; 1 extendable table top (no legs) beech, Habitat.

All in good condition except broken lid on CD player. Pick up address is near Sports Centre on Marlow Hill close to the old John North Hall. Email john.moore@bucks.ac.uk or call 01494 605246 if interested.

If you have any items to sell or put in the Bucks Freecycle, then email classifieds@thebucksstudent.com.

RECRUITMENT Bucks Students’ Union operates a range of services across the 2 campuses of the University. We employ over 25 permanent staff and up to 200 student staff. We are currently looking to recruit the following positions: FRESHERS HELPERS: Freshers Helpers are employed during the Freshers fortnight period to help new students settle in.

BUDDIES: Buddies are employed to get in touch with new students and be a point of contact for any questions or queries the new students may have.

UXBRIDGE FACULTY OFFICER: You will be responsible for promoting the benefits of democratic engagement, representation and quality assurance to our diverse membership.

MINIBUS DRIVER: We are looking to recruit an honest, responsible and reliable minibus driver. The main duties will be to transport students for sports fixtures, training and driving the night bus. You must have a D1on your license - good rate of pay.

To apply for any of these positions check out the job shop on our website: www.bucksstudent.com/jobshop.

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 27

DISCOUNT VOUCHERS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES DELIVERING THROUGH THE NIGHT UNTIL

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ADVERTISE YOUR DISCOUNT VOUCHER HERE! (Get in touch with Simon at the SU offices. Email: simon.mcdowell@ bucks.ac.uk or call 01494 601600)

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with any large coffee

(offer only available at PULSE, Uxbridge) COPY & PRINT CENTRE 7 DAY OPENING DIGITAL COLOUR COPYING & PRINTING PROFESSIONAL BINDING LAMINATING SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR HOME & UNIVERSITY NEEDS

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STUDENT DISCOUNT

Expires: 28/2/2011

Expires: 28/2/11

On Production of Valid Student Union Card No cash alternative or credit back. Not valid on purchases of Laptops, PCs, Netbooks, Tablets, iPods, Gift Vouchers, DHL, Postage Stamps, Contract Broadband, Complete Care or EasyTech.

VIEW THIS EDITION ONLINE View this edition and past editions online by visiting: www.bucksstudent.com/communications.

PLUS: Each edition is hosted on an online reader. You can sign up to receive updates when a new edition is released.

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28 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

Mitigating Circumstances - What, When & How In a previous newspaper we looked at when to apply for an extension, if you didn’t see the article or want to read it again you can find it on our web pages, see link at the end. In this article we are looking at mitigating circumstances and when to apply for them.

When to apply for mitigating circumstances: Mitigating circumstances are usually of a medical or personal nature. They are defined as: “An unforeseeable or unavoidable serious disruption of studies caused by circumstances which occurred during a period of examinations, or exceptionally when coursework submission was due, or affecting a scheduled revision period” The mitigating circumstances form and documentary evidence must be submitted within 10 working days of the hand in date or examination etc. for which the mitigating circumstances are claimed.

What sort of things count as mitigating circumstances?

• Illness at the time of an examination or exceptionally coursework submission • Death of a family member or close friend • Severe unforeseen personal or psychological problems.

What do you do if you have an ongoing or previously know difficulty?

Where an underlying condition or chronic illness suddenly flares up or gets worse, you should apply for mitigating circumstances, supported by appropriate evidence. Ongoing or continued problems of which you were aware prior to the immediate period of study will not be accepted as mitigating circumstances. In this situation, you should discuss with your Personal Tutor, an adviser in Disabilities or in the ARC, the best way in which these issues can be addressed. This may include Suspension of Studies, see below.

How can putting in mitigating circumstances help you?

If your mitigating circumstances are accepted then the Board of Examiners may make the following recommendations: • Permit a repeat assessment with no penalty e.g. reassessment for an uncapped mark on the same basis as a first attempt.

• Permit referral for a capped mark, where the successful plea refers to referral work.

In exceptional circumstances the Board of Examiners may: • Permit an exceptional referral for a capped mark • Permit an alternative assessment, to be determined by the Board • Accept a late submission for an uncapped mark • Grant an aegrotat pass in a module or modules • Exercise discretion in award classification The Board of Examiners cannot recommend the award of additional marks or permit a referral on assessments or

exams that have already been awarded a pass.

How to apply for mitigating circumstances: Go to your Faculty or School Office and ask for a mitigating circumstances form. Fill it in, making sure you include ALL the assignments, exams etc. that could be affected. Attach all the documentation to support your claim. Your word is not enough you must supply written independent evidence to support what you say.

Examples of documentary evidence include: • Medical certificates (relevant for the time period) • Letters from medical specialists • Letters from professional counsellors/advisors (relevant for the time period) • Legal documents • Death certificates Documentary evidence that will NOT be accepted includes: • Personal statements from the claimant describing their personal circumstances, which are not supported by documentary evidence • Uncorroborated evidence from friends or family What happens next and who does what: The Mitigating Circumstances Panel considers all claims before the Board of Examiners sit. Information divulged by the student will be treated in confidence and in accordance with the University’s Data Protection Policy. The Panel will recommend to the appropriate Board of Examiners whether the mitigating circumstances should be accepted or rejected and present a summary report. The Board reviews a student’s profile in light of accepted mitigating circumstances and makes a recommendation.

To read the full University Regulations on Mitigating Circumstances go to: www.bucks.ac.uk - put “formal documents” into the search box, click the Formal Documents link, click the A-Z list and scroll down to find the “Assignment / practice extension and mitigating circumstances” link.

If you would like help with any of the above or talk confidentially about any difficulty you may be experiencing then come and see us in the ARC. Need more help and Advice?

If you would like to discuss any of the above or you need any help and advice about anything else then we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Advice Centre High Wycombe Ground Floor, North Block Tel: 01494 603016 Uxbridge - Room 1.02 Tel: 01494 605180 Or email suadvice@bucks.ac.uk.

Phone us, email us, or drop in and see us! get in touch: High Wycombe Campus, North Wing, Ground Floor, t: 01494 603016 Uxbridge Campus, Room 1.02, First Floor, t: 01494 605180 e: suadvice@bucks.ac.uk w: bucksstudent.com/advice

BE GOOD IN BED ONE IN NINE OF US have had a sexual infection, often without any symptoms. The Practice can give you a free and confidential sexual health check at one of our clinics, either on campus or at The Practice, Hanover House.

We are holding these FREE clinics on campus in a private room in rooms N1.06 and N1.08 from 10am - 3pm on the following dates:

Monday 14th February Tuesday 15th March We also provide regular clinics every Friday 2pm - 6pm (walk in until 5pm) at The Practice, Hanover House. You can just turn up, but booking an appointment is a good idea. For an appointment please call 01494 690890 or email: sexualhealth@thepracticeplc.co.uk.

Why not check out our website www.begoodinbed.co.uk or myspace page www.myspace.com/begoodinbed.

Accommodation Problems

Legal Problems

Course Problems

Money Problems

International Problems

Personal Problems

30 Bucks Student, Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011

BNU Mens Hockey 2-2 Imperial Medics

Player Profile David Armstrong

By Marcus Claytor Bucks Mens hockey returned to action after there emphatic 8-0 weekend win over Ashford Hockey Club to come back from two goals down to get a point against Imperial Medics on Wednesday. BNU where unlucky to concede first thanks tap in at the Bucks far post. Despite conceding the BNU defence held strong throughout the first half shielding the Bucks goal from a number of attacks.

Bucks constantly countered Imperial throughout the first half however failed to make there mark. Imperial managed to score again early in the second half from a deflected short corner which wrong footed goalkeeper Joe Daniel.

BNU continued to attach throughout.

All seemed lost twenty minutes from time until Bucks pulled together and ran the show against the strong Medics side pulling the score back to 2-2.

The both goals came from hard worked team moves, with the ball being driven into the Dee on both occasions.

Sander Eland put the first goal away with a tidy finish and then got his second of the match following Marcus Claytor’s reverse flick over the keeper which deflected off the cross bar and into the path of his to be hammered home on the half volley.

Bucks New Uni Team Sheet: Joe Daniel, Rich Johnson, Alex Stevens, Adam Bell, James ‘Bieber’ Murphy, Chris Lynch, Robbie Leung, Andy Cunningham, Marcus Claytor (C), Matt Dawkins, Sander ‘Moosey’ Eland.

SUBS: Andy Whyte, Nathan Ellisdon.

Age

23

Year of Study

3rd

Team Position

Bucks F.C. Full Back/Centre Half

How long have you played football for?

Roughly 12 years

paying fines for the bookings you have been given during games.

What’s the best thing about playing sport for Bucks?

There are so many positives that can be said about playing sport for Bucks, it really does make your life at uni a whole lot more exciting.

There’s nothing like waking up on a Wednesday, playing down the Rye or travelling on the bus with your team mates for an away fixture to so many different universities.

The highs, the lows, the friends you make for life and the socials have all made my time at uni incredible. I would recommend it to anyone. Oh and of course Tour!

How did you get into football at Bucks? : The people in charge at Chalfont have made it very easy to become a part of the Football teams. Trial dates were posted in halls and people like Stephen Callis and Danny 'Cahill' Hollingworth created a friendly environment to help us get involved. The Chalfont years to this day were the best in my life, although Wycombe does grow on you.

What’s the worst thing about playing sport for Bucks? : It can be a real pain when fixtures get cancelled and having the student activities department in your ear about

What has been your favourite match for the University? : SESSA Intermediate Cup Final in my second year, with 10 minutes to play we were 0-2 down without a hope. But the heart and character we all showed to never give up helped us to draw 2-2 and win the cup on penalties.

Bucks 2nds share the spoils Bucks 2nds drew 1-1 with Portsmouth 4ths at the Rye Park last Wednesday. In what was a tight game with few chances, Tom Grevatt gave the home side the lead, heading home from a corner before the visitors equalised five minutes before the break. The second half provided little in the way of goal mouth action with both teams having to settle for a point.

Following on from last week’s victory over St Marys 4ths, Bucks came into the game high on confidence. The opening exchanges saw the home side shading possession whilst failing to threaten the Portsmouth goal. Bucks were struggling to get their wide players Shazz Hussein and Alfie Buckley into the action with both wingers swapping flanks to try to make an impact.

Twenty five minutes in, Andy Barnstable had a left-footed effort saved by the opposing keeper following good link-up play between Buckley and Dom Olney. The change seemed to have an impact as the home side forced a corner down the right on the half-hour mark.

By Gary Anderson Left-back Dan Morgan whipped in the corner, where the ball was met by the head of Grevatt, who powered home a great header to give his side the lead.

At the other end, Portsmouth’s attack was being well shackled by skipper Ben Turner and his defensive partners.

However, five minutes before the break the visitors grabbed an equaliser. Again, the goal came from a set-piece, as the Portsmouth attacker spooned his header from a free-kick beyond the reach of ‘keeper Rob Allen, into the top corner of the Bucks goal.

The second period saw boss Rob Hewitt introduce Dan Wiles for Buckley on 55 minutes. Wiles’ was soon involved, testing the ‘keeper from 25 yards with a low effort. Both teams were struggling to get any rhythm to their play on a poor surface. Bucks striker Dom Jolliffe, was working hard up front running the channels but getting little reward for his effort.

The home side created two half

chances with Turner flashing a shot just past the upright before Hussein latched onto a through ball but the Portsmouth stopper smothered well at his feet.

Hewitt brought on George Cox for the hard working Ben Purcell ten minutes from the end to add some fresh legs in midfield. Both teams were battling hard to create space and fashion that all important chance for a decisive strike.

In truth, it looked like the only way the game would be settled was from a set-piece. And, five minutes before the end, Bucks almost snatched it with a carbon copy of the first goal. Morgan whipped over another great corner and there was Grevatt again rising highest but his header flew just past the angle of upright and crossbar. That was the end of the action as the referee blew for full-time moments later.

Speaking after the game, Hewitt said; “that was a hard earned point today. The boys put in a good shift for 90 minutes.

Portsmouth put a lot of men behind the ball and I thought we done just enough to take all three points’’.

Bucks 2nds ............... 3 St. Mary’s 4ths ...........1

WINNING START TO THE YEAR FOR BUCKS 2NDS

By Gary Anderson Bucks 2nds secured maximum points in their first league outing of the new year with a 3-1 victory over St. Marys 4ths at the Rye Park on Wednesday 26th Jan. Shazz Hussein gave the home side a 1-0 half-time lead before second half strikes from Alfie Buckley and the impressive Mike Humphreys ensured the win for Rob Hewitt’s men.

Bucks set the tempo early on, not allowing the St Marys side time to settle on the ball. They were rewarded for their flying start after just three minutes when Andy Barnstable was upended in the box and awarded a penalty. However, Humphrey’s spot-kick was well saved by the visitor’s goalkeeper.

Undeterred, the Bucks boys continued to threaten the opposition goal. The lively Hussein came close on two occasions before Dom Jolliffe forced another save from the St Marys ‘keeper.

Hussein was proving a real handful down the left hand side along with Dan Morgan who forced a corner following a superb run and cross midway through the half. Bucks were making light of the uneven playing surface, with Humphreys, Buckley and Ben Purcell stringing together some neat passing moves.

At the other end, St Marys fashioned their first real chance of the game following a throw in, but Jack Durrell pulled off a great save to deny the visitors what would have been an undeserved lead. They came even closer five minutes later, rattling the crossbar from distance before the home side broke down the other end.

Jolliffe found Barnstable who was galloping down the right hand side but his cross was scrambled clear by the St Marys defence. Then, five minutes before the interval, Bucks got the breakthrough. Dom Olney’s towering header in midfield broke for Hussein who jinked his way to the by-line before rifling a low drive into the bottom corner via a deflection.

It was no more than the flying winger deserved following a superb first half display.

Olney and Hussein combined again for Bucks second goal ten minutes after the restart.

Another Olney header, clearing out of defence, found Hussein in midfield. He slipped the ball through for the onrushing Buckley who, one-on-one with the ‘keeper, coolly slotted home.

However, the visitors halved the deficit ten minutes later.

Durrell had no chance as the ball was lashed home from six yards following a corner.

The game was more even at this stage with the away side buoyed by their goal but the well marshalled Bucks defence stood firm. Then, on the stroke of full-time, Humphreys found substitute Andrew Wiles on the right wing. Humphries continued his run into the box before receiving a return ball from Wiles and placing his shot beyond the reach of the St Marys ‘keeper to finish off a great move. Moments later, the final whistle sounded to end an absorbing contest.

Afterwards, manager Rob Hewitt said;’’ That was a good overall performance. It was different to some of our previous games in that we had to dig in at times today. But I’m delighted with the result’’.

A day both universities go head to head in all aports that both have teams in, as well as a host of recreational activites taking place. Even if you’re not partaking, come along and sopport your fellow Bucks!

£7 per tickets which includes: transport to Reading and back, varsity t shirt, food voucher plus entry into Reading SU’s busiest club night of the week!

Wednesday 9th Feb, 2011, Bucks Student 31

WHERE IS FOOTBALL’S AMIR KHAN?

Sports Profile

By Gary Anderson

However, some argue that racism is more prevalent at the grass-roots level of the game. One FA county council member surveyed for a report in 2009, made the rather startling observation that some FA county councils are ‘’cauldrons which are basically racist’’. Asked if he shared this sentiment, Akhbar said; “I can understand why some people would think that. Personally, I have never really had any problems dealing with local authorities here in Wycombe and the Berks and Bucks FA council. But in saying that, I know of occasions when colleagues of mine in other parts of the country

Why did you decide to come to Bucks New University?

Well, before I came here I was in full-time coaching with a Dutch company, working on improving academy structures in the midlands. I enjoyed my time there but wanted a change. I done some freelance coaching in Dubai for six months which was great but, to further my career I needed a university degree. So I looked around and decided that Bucks was the place for me. I liked the look of the course and specifically the focus on football.

Why did you decide to manage one of the university teams?

Currently I do some work for Barnet FC, but I wanted to get involved here at the university as well. I really enjoy coaching and if I can try and improve the set-up here at the university then that’s great. So lucky enough I got the job of looking after the 2nd’s team.

ROB HEWITT

BUCKS 2ND XI FOOTBALL MANAGER

wadiehs corner Vice President Student Involvement // vpsi@bucks.ac.uk

What is the best thing about doing the job?

The best thing about the job is getting to work with the boys on the team. There’s a really relaxed atmosphere and good banter between all of us. I enjoy being able to coach and work with guys who always try to play good football whether we win, lose or draw.

Would you recommend joining a sports team or any of the

societies at Bucks Uni? Yes, I definitely recommend it. It’s a great way of getting to know lots of people and if you are a shy person will help bring you out of your shell more. Obviously, if you like football, then joining one of the teams is ideal. I got a lot of mates in the football society, and even if you don’t go out much to the union or whatever, you still have loads of mates around the university.

Has working with one of the university teams helped you with your course?

In terms of coaching, it doesn’t affect it that much. If you want to be a coach, obviously it’s always good to be working with teams but the main reason I do it here at university is because I enjoy the banter with the lads. It’s more of a personal thing.

Do you think the university does enough to support all the teams that represent it?

I think the university do provide a lot in terms of sport to be fair. All sports are free to students for things like kit, travel and facilities. Although, speaking about football, the university definitely needs to look into investing in playing facilities of its own that are close to the university, rather than using other facilities that may not always be available when they are needed.

Are you making use of your Student Involvement Card??

VARSITY TIX ON SALE:

ROW & GIVE

As a member of a sports club or society here at Bucks it is essential that you have a Student Involvement Card. You may ask why...

BUT...

Did you know that with your Student Involvement Card you can save yourself 15% on any purchases at Cafe Direct and Pulse on any given Wednesday??

With this card you get priority to events like AU Dinner and Varsity. Plus the Endsleigh platinum

Tickets are available now for Varsity 2011 (Sat 7th May 2011)!!

You and your mates must see if they can reach the 34,000 metre target of the English channel within an hour!!

2 machines can be used at a time and no one can Row more than 5000 metres at a time.

A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 24 in each team. £2 per person Prize for the winning team.

Sign up quickly so your team can get the time slot you want.

To sign up and for more info pop into the Students Union or contact Alice Dewsnap; alice.dewsnap@ bucks.ac.uk.

Insurance covers you whilst playing sports also.

I am aware only a small number of the student body will be aware of this if they have read the back of their cards.

So if you are a member of an sports team and society and don’t have one, come by the Students Union reception with a passport size photo (can be from Facebook, Twitter as long as your face is clear and no face paint etc).

£7 tickets will get you: Travel to and from Reading University T-Shirt Food Voucher Entry into Reading SU for their busiest club night!

Pop into the Students Union office and buy your ticket!

Wednesday 16th February 2011

Tuesday 25th January Netball Bucks 1st 32 - 22 Queen Mary 1st Wednesday 26th January Ladies Basketball Bucks 1st 24 - 32 Westminster 1st MEN’S FOOTBALL Bucks 1st 0-2 Portsmouth 1st Bucks 2nd 3-1 St Mary’s 4th Bucks 6th 0-3 Brunel 5th GOLF Bucks 1st 5-1 Brighton 1st Brunel 1st 4-2 Bucks 2nd LADIE’s HOCKEY Bucks 1st 3-0 Imperial College 2nd NETBALL King’s College 2nd 17-26 Bucks 1st Bucks 2nd 23-25 L’don School of Eco 2nd Middlesex SESSA 1 13-60 Bucks 3rd MEN’s RUGBY Bucks 1st 14-16 Brighton 1st Reading 4th 15-22 Bucks 1st Ladie’s RUGBY Surrey 1st 50-0 Bucks 1st Wednesday 2nd February Ladies Badminton Surrey 1st 7-1 Bucks 1st MENs Badminton Bucks 1st 5-3 Brunel 2nd Ladies Basketball Bucks 1st 24 - 32 Westminster 1st MEN’S FOOTBALL St Mary’s 1st 3-0 Bucks 1st Bucks 2nd 1-1 Portsmouth 4th Kingston 3rd 4-2 Bucks 3rd Bucks 4th 4-1 Portsmouth 6th Bucks 5th 1-3 Central Bedfordshire College Bucks 6th 4-3 King’s College 2nd Bucks 7th 1-5 St Mary’s 7th Ladies football Bucks 1st 1-7 Chichester 2nd Golf Bucks 2nd 4.5:1:5 Bucks 1st Ladies HOckey Brunel 3rd 3-1 Bucks 1st MEN’s HOCKEY Bucks 1st 2-2 Imperial Medicals 2nd Men’s RUGBY Surrey 1st 0-71 Bucks 1st Tennis Bucks 1st 10-2 Brunel 2nd

RESULTS

Wednesday 9th February Ladies Badminton Bucks 1st v Bucks 1st v Roehampton 1st MENS BADMINTON King’s College 2nd v Bucks 1st LADIES BASKETBALL Bucks 1st v Surrey 1st MENS BASKETBALL Chichester 2nd v Bucks 1st MENS FOOTBALL Essex 1st v Bucks 1st Imperial College 2nd v Bucks 2nd Bucks 3rd v Bucks 4th Bucks 5th v Central Bedfordshire College King’s College 2nd v Bucks 6th University of Creative Arts 1st v Bucks 7th GOLF Bucks 1st v Brunel 1st LADIES HOCKEY Brighton 3rd v Bucks 1st MENS HOCKEY Reading 4th v Bucks 1st NETBALL Richmond College 1st v Bucks 3rd LADIES RUGBY King’s College 1st v Bucks 1st MENS RUGBY Kingston 1ST V BUCKS 1st Bucks 2nd v Surrey 2nd SQUASH Brunel 2nd v Bucks 1st MENS TABLE TENNIS Bucks 1st v Essex 2nds MENS TENNIS Royal Holloway 2nds v Bucks 1st LADIES VOLLEYBALL Bucks 1st v Portsmouth 1st

QUIZ

sports

Amir Khan, Naseem Hamed, Monty Panesar, Saj Mahmood; all successful, high profile athletes who have represented Britain with distinction. All of whom come from Asian backgrounds and have excelled at their respective sports; boxing and cricket.

What about football? How can it be that the most popular sport in Britain, the national game, has not had anyone of Asian heritage breakthrough and become a major star? The Premier League is hugely popular in the sub-continent and considering that one billion of the world’s population live in Asia, the potential for English clubs to expand into this market and exploit the undoubted financial rewards has many Premier League chairmen salivating at the mouth.

Manchester United has announced plans to open a number of cafes and bars in India to cater for some of its estimated 17 million fans in the country. All of which, makes the lack of Asian representation in the game an area of puzzlement.

Figures from the last Census carried out in 2001, indicated that 4% of the British population stated that they were of Asian heritage i.e. (Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi), thus constituting the largest ethnic minority group in the United Kingdom. Just over 2% of the population described themselves as being of Black Afro-Caribbean heritage yet, the latest survey of professional players in England, carried out in 2004 by the Commission for Racial Equality, indicated that about 20% of professional players in England are black while less than 0.7% are of Asian heritage. So, why is there such a disparity in representation?

Naheem Akhbar works with local Asian kids in Wycombe, encouraging them to get involved in football. He believes that racism remains a major issue, particularly for Asian players, saying; ‘’ I think it is getting better although it is still around.

A couple of years ago I took an under-13 side to a tournament in London. There were six or seven Asian lads I think on the team and within the first ten minutes some of the abuse the Asian lads were receiving, I couldn’t believe it…and this was coming from the sidelines’’.

What is most disturbing about this incident and perhaps reflects the wider societal problems of racial discrimination is the fact that the abuse of these Asian youngsters was coming from the sidelines; parents and spectators. Unfortunately, a player being subjected to racist abuse from spectators is nothing new in football. During the dark days of the 1970’s

definitely encounter some racist vibes. I think sometimes club scouts and coaches are looking for excuses not to look at Asian players or give them a chance because they have this thing in their head that young Asian lads are not strong enough physically or prepared to work at their game which is way off the mark. It’s just an easy stereotype’’.

The Football Association has launched a number of campaigns to encourage more participation from ethnic minorities at all levels of the game in recent years. A major report in 2005, ‘Asians Can Play Football’, criticised the football community for not doing enough in promoting the game among the Asian population. In response, the FA promised to invest more in targeting ethnic minority groups and actively encourage members of these communities to get involved in playing, coaching, refereeing and in administration. Akhbar believes it will take time for these measures to succeed; ‘’I think it is definitely being addressed but it’s going to take time for the full benefits to be seen. It’s not going to happen overnight but with more initiatives such as the one I’m involved with, then the more young Asians will want to play’’.

Akhbar points out that a lot of the kids he encounters through his work cite Amir Khan as their hero and role model. This is what many believe to be the key to Asians getting into football; having someone to aspire to and instil a belief that it is possible to be a success. While players like Cardiff City’s Michael Chopra and former Fulham defender Zesh Rehman have demonstrated that the tide is slowly turning, what the Asian community needs is a marquee player to truly open the floodgates. Akhbar says; ‘’I have kids coming up to me during my sessions saying, ‘aw did you see Kahn the other night, he was awesome man!’ This is what football needs, someone who parents and kids can look up to. If the Asian community had one player that broke through and made it as a footballer this would be massive for them.

All they need is one person. Even at local level here. To have a local Asian player break into the Wycombe Wanderers side would show these kids that it is possible. Hopefully, one day we might see an Asian kid running out at Wembley for England. The talent is definitely there.’’

For now, the work at grass-roots continues, and who knows, maybe one day instead of a boxing belt or the Ashes urn, we could be saluting a member of the Asian community holding the World Cup aloft proudly wearing an England shirt.

1. Which team were the opponents when Eric Cantona launched a kung fu style assault on a spectator?

2. In the world of sport what has maximum dimensions of 60 metres by 30 metres?

3. What is the official national sport of Bulgaria?

Answers: 1. Crystal Palace; 2. An Ice Skating Rink 3. Weightlifting

By Gary Anderson

and 1980’s, high profile black players like John Barnes and Luther Blissett endured a constant barrage of racist bile from monkey chants, to, dodging bananas being thrown from the crowd. Through anti-racism campaigns such as ‘Kick Racism out of Football’ and ‘Show Racism the Red Card’, and more stringent financial penalties for clubs, the Football Association (FA) has in conjunction with clubs themselves, managed to all but eradicate racism from football grounds.

RESULTS

BUCKS

Everything you need to know about sports at Bucks www.bucksstudent.com/sports

BNU Buccaneers vs. Reading Knights Pressing the

Panic Button

BNU Buccaneers ............. 24 Reading Knights .............. 22

By Oliver Peacock THE 30th of January 2011 showed BNU Buccaneers vs. the Reading Knights. It was a day to settle a three year loosing streak for the Buccaneers. This was also a game to decide if the Buccaneers would see the play offs.

The Buccaneers had a long break after playing a great game against Portsmouth in November. This gave time for injuries to heal, coach’s to write up new plays and get the Buccaneers even stronger as a team.

The game was played away at the Reading University’s campus. Kicking off at one o’clock on a sunny but cold afternoon, with the coin toss going to Reading they chose to receive the ball. Kick off commenced, which saw Reading snatch a first and goal when receiving the ball. Things started to look bad for the Buccaneers Defence in the early minutes of the first quarter, though the game was delayed due to reading receiving suspect injuries. From the drive Reading then went on to score, the extra two points made the score 0- 8.

Tension started to grow, the ball being returned to the Buccaneers, for a good gain for the offence. The Buccaneers then went on for an amazing drive, beating down Reading’s defence. On second and goal another powerful drive lead to a touch down by Wallace, extra 2 points good score 8 – 8.

On the second kick off for the Buccaneers, the defence

had another round of bad luck, missing some vital tackles giving reading another touchdown. Extra point no good – end of first quarter 8 – 14 to Reading.

The defence then pulled together as a unit, getting the ball back for the offence, in which the offence could dominate over Reading. Gary Lake, BNU’s defensive coach quoted “Defence had a poor start but then played smash and grab football holding Reading to relying on their Specials for help” The drives were massive for the offence the whole game, gaining 362 yards compared to Reading’s of 161 yards.

The score was tight over the game, but then the Buccaneers went on for another good run scoring two more touch downs by Wallace and Watson, both points were rung in by Muzengaza, score 24 - 14 . With a ten point lead, the Buccaneers as a team dominated again Reading; however they got a lucky pass which resulted in a touch down for them, no extra point, score 24 -22.

The last 5 minutes of the last quarter was very tense as with only minutes to go, Readings Quarter back through a greatly misjudged throw in to the arms of the Buccaneers defensive back, Mahendran for a 5 yard gain.

As the last few seconds counted down the Buccaneers played out the clock for victory, final score being 24 -22. Head coach Plastow said he was “very proud of how BNU played today. We had conceded 90 points in the last 2 years against Reading. But this has been a breakout season and we have rolled over all local rivals

By Gary Anderson

so far.” With smiles all around for BNU Buccaneers, knowing they made history by beating Reading and going four wins in six for the first time ever.

The BNU Buccaneers next game is at home, against another local rival the Royal Holloway Bears, on the 13th of February, go too www.bnubuccaneers.co.uk for more details.

THE Oxford English Dictionary defines panic as- a sudden sensation of fear which is so strong as to dominate or prevent reason and logical thinking. It also defines largesse as- generosity in bestowing gifts or money upon others.

Perhaps, for future editions the scholars who decide on such definitions should add a footnote saying- see also; Liverpool Football Club and Kenny Dalglish. For, these are the only words that can be used to describe the recent transfer of Newcastle United striker, Andy Carroll, to the Merseyside club for £35million.

We have become accustomed to the monumental transfer fees and wages that characterise the Premier League but the events of 31 January 2011 were on a different scale. Transfer deadline day is always a day of skulduggery and brinkmanship.

Managers and agents making offer and counteroffer trying to secure a players signature, clubs releasing statements insisting, ‘’our man is going nowhere’’, only for that same player to be seen hours later gushing about how happy he is to have secured his ‘dream move’ to a new club that ‘’match my ambitions’’- more often than not using an interpreter.

This was the case for Fernando Torres, whose £50million move to Chelsea from Liverpool led to football phone-in lines encountering more traffic than the M25 during morning rush-hour. The vitriol was flying and the words, ‘’ traitor’’ and ‘’mercenary’’ appeared more times than in a CIA intelligence report. But disgruntled Kopites’ need not have feared. Armed with a £50million wallet, Liverpool rang up Mike Ashley and asked him to name his price for Kevin Nolan’s house-sitter.

Ashley can be accused of many things, particularly by the Newcastle supporters, but not being a shrewd business man isn’t one of them. He was never going to turn down an offer of £35million for a player who came through the Newcastle ranks and has had his fair share of off-field troubles in recent times.

Now, I don’t doubt that Carroll is a promising player. His performances in the Premier League so far this season have been impressive and he has scored 11 goals in the process. But when you consider that six months ago, Barcelona paid one million pound less for Spain’s all-time leading goal-scorer, David Villa; a player that has scored 44 goals in 70 internationals and has scored 20 goals or more for the last nine consecutive seasons- then Liverpool’s outlay on a player who was playing in the Championship last season and has a grand total of 72 minutes of international football experience, borders on the ridiculous.

“Kenny! Fernando’s gone! Where is that big red button that says ‘panic’ on it?!!’’.