The Founder, October 2016

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Royal Holloway’s Independent Student Newspaper

VOLUME XI, ISSUE II • FRIDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2016 • Royal Holloway, University of London • Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX

Fascists Face Fierce Opposition at RHUL DANIEL BRADY CO-EDITOR ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR

Last week, Royal Holloway students boldly showed that fascism is not welcome on campus, nor in a society as a whole.

A large group of students and members of the community, numbering approximately 50, turned out on Saturday afternoon to protest against the demo by extreme right-wing group RVF, a violent neo-Nazi splinter group of the British neo-Nazi group Combat 18.

Students organized a counter-protest against a planned demonstration by the RVF, which took place outside and inside the campus main gate on Saturday, November 22nd.

Before the event, Facebook group ‘No Fascists Royal Holloway’ stated: ‘We feel when fascism rears its ugly head it is important to stand up. A peaceful counterdemonstration sends a clear and decisive message fascism

is unacceptable and we stand in solidarity with Jewish, BAME and LGBT+ students who are all targets for these neo-Nazis.’

Racial Volunteer Force (RVF), planned the protest in retaliation to two of their members being fired by Royal Holloway. The chief organizers of the event were reportedly previously contracted as cleaners on campus.

Royal Holloway released conformation of the upcoming protest last week, which had only previously been advertised through social media and flyers on campus. On Thursday, October 20th, two days before the event, it was stated: ‘Following information Royal Holloway received about the individuals’ associations with a group known for violent and discriminatory views, they were removed from the team supplied by the contractor to provide cleaning services on campus.’

RHUL students reportedly found out about the protest through the RVF’s activity on Twitter, where they contacted

Students protest extreme right-wing group RVF outside Founders. Photo by Alex Hobbs.

the Twitter pages of the SU, College Principle, Paul Layzell, and RHUL home page, with the hashtag #RHULDemo. Tweets were also sent to The Founder’s Twitter page.

In 2005, five members of the group were jailed for 15 years between them, pleading guilty to race hate crimes and stockpiling weapons. Evi-

dence seized included Polish Neo-Nazi magazine Stormer, which in the past has paid tribute to Soho bomber, David Copeland, who was imprisoned for life after murderous attacks on gay and ethnic minority communities in London. Evidence in their trial also included the RVF magazine, which included

Index News..............................................................................1 Opinion And Debate......................................................6 Lifestyle...........................................................................9 Features........................................................................12 Arts...............................................................................14 Arts: Film......................................................................16 Arts: Music....................................................................19 Sports...........................................................................22

The One Show, p. 3 Piccolino, p. 9

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instructions on how to make a nail bomb, as well as using swastikas as part of their propaganda.

The counter-protest largely outnumbered the RVF members, who were positioned outside the gate and were closely monitored by the police. Continued on

page 3.

Joshua Bibby, p. 23

HL

2 NEWS

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk

Trump vs Clinton: Not A Laughing Matter

SUZANNAH BALL DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

The 2016 Presidential election polls open on the Tuesday, November 8. In preparation, three Presidential debates are taking place between the two candidates: businessman, Donald Trump, and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

The first debate may have become the most watched debate in television history, with over 100 million viewers tuning in. The debates have discussed topics such as tax returns, Clinton’s missing emails and the stamina of each candidate.

The build-up to the upcoming election has been fiercely competitive, with candidates such as Bernie Sanders gaining significant support at the last minute, only to be unsuccessful in his attempt to become the Democratic candidate. Trump’s position within the election has been one of significant controversy. Having no previous experience within government he seemed an unlikely candidate, however, he has gained a massive following, consequently becoming

hugely influential within the public eye. Clinton’s political status was of a more guaranteed significance, being the first female presidential candidate in history, as well as the previous Secretary of state and wife of former President Bill Clinton.

During Royal Holloway’s Labour and Co-operative society debate Natasha Barrett, Student Union President, expressed her disappointment at the candidates. She said ‘In an ideal world… I’d probably have gone with someone like Bernie Sanders… given the choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, I can’t comprehend how anyone could justify voting Trump.’

CNN did a recent poll where 62 percent of voters believed Clinton to have won the first debate, reflecting Barrett’s view.

Trump’s reaction to Clinton in the most recent debate has caused outrage, the candidate having threatened to jail her if he claimed victory. Playing on existing misogynist views within America, Trump has managed to attain huge support in opposition to a female president. His sexist behaviour continues throughout his campaign as allegations of sexual

assault are publicised. Former apprentice star, Summer Zervos, has announced how Trump previously forced himself on her. Trump has since stated that the allegations are entirely false and have only been announced as a smear attempt. The recent sexual assaults surrounding America’s college campus’, such as the Brock Turner incident, result in this allegation having a serious impact on Trump’s campaign.

While the serious implications of the election have become widespread, social media has found comedy in the debates: screenshotting pictures to mimic the two candidates serenading one another. While millions of viewers involved themselves in the bloodied actions of the debate, many users turned to the hashtag ‘debatesongs’ partisan politics was taken over by memes.

Political comedic distractions won’t hold for long as the candidate who wins the November election will hold global influence, hugely impacting the United Kingdom and the rest of the populous, not just the Americans voting.

Thorpe Park Ride Leaves Visitors Stranded SUZANNAH BALL DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

A handful of Thorpe Park visitors were left hanging upside down for nearly two hours after the popular ‘Saw’ ride got stuck.

On Saturday, October 8th, patrons had to be manually removed from the harnesses during an assisted exit.

The riders were stuck in the air on a 30 feet vertical incline whilst another eight people were stuck in another cart, and also removed safely.

Victoria Pertusa, one woman left hanging, tweeted the BBC stating she was ‘stuck in Thorpe Park for over an hour and half hanging upside down.’

A spokesperson for Thorpe

Park stated that ‘As part of safety procedures, harnesses are used on specific parts of riders as a safety precaution – no one was lowered on a harness.’

It appears the situation could have been a lot worse considering the recent catastrophe at Alton towers where people were injured and left trapped on the ‘Smiler’ ride, resulting in one woman losing a limb and other fatal injuries.

The 100-foot-tall ride is modelled after the 2004 Saw film franchise. It is one of Thorpe Park’s most popular attractions, boasting a vertical drop of beyond 100 foot.

The ride remained closed for the rest of Saturday and Sunday to be reset.

The Founder Board 2016/17 Co-Editors Daniel Brady & Lilia Vargas Costello Designer Lilia Vargas Costello News Editor Rosa Smith

Film Editor Ryan Nair

Opinon and Debate Editor Amanda Hudson

Lifestyle Editor Emily May Webber

Features Editor Thomas Hawkins

Sport Editor Elizabeth Silverberg

Arts Editor Gemma Tadman

Music Editor Sam Barker

The Founder is the independent student newspaper of Royal Holloway, University of London. This means we are not affiliated to the student union or the college. We pride ourselves on our investigative journalism and aim to keep our readers up to date with news on and off campus.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Editor, particularly of opinion and debate pieces. Every effort has been made to contact the holders of copyright for any material used in this issue, and to ensure the accuracy of its stories.

THE FOUNDER is printed in Cambridge by Iliffe Print

NEWS 3

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk

Continued From Front Page Article ROSA SMITH DANIEL BRADY

The spokesperson for the group later made a speech through a megaphone, reminding opposition that the protest was taking place due to the loss of people’s livelihoods. It was later made clear that, after allegedly insulting and dismissing the counter-protesters arguments, water-balloons were thrown at the RVF. Not all students agreed with the protest on campus, with some taking to Twitter and Facebook to express their dissatisfaction. One Twitter user, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed that the counter-protest was not ‘representative of the student body’ and that the use of balaclavas and masks was

‘stoop[ing] to [RVF’s] aggressive form of expression’.

Despite this, masks are widely recognised as a tool of preserving anonymity, and was recommended by the counter-protest group to ensure individuals were not later targeted if photographs were taken. However, the protest was expressed as a ‘peaceful counter-protest’, therefore some have argued the use of water-balloons was a breach of this.

The group has announced another demo via Twitter, expected to take place on the 26th of November. The Founder expects further confirmation will be released in the next few weeks.

What are your thoughts on the protest that took place?

Tweet us @rhulfounder.

Armed Burglary Tr a u m a t i z e s Royal Holloway Featured Egham Resident on BBC One Show ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR

Royal Holloway’s Grade 1 Listed Founders Building was featured on the BBC’s The One Show when The Times journalist, Tom Whipple, scaled the north wall between the picture gallery and chapel.

The programme ran a feature on a secret society at Cambridge University, founded around 80 years ago, that went by the name of the ‘night climbers’.

The group of daring stu-

dents would climb, completely unaided, the various different historic colleges around the city, often leaving a mark of their adventure, ranging from Santa hats to underwear, but topped most impressively by a group of engineering students in 1958 who constructed a winch that deposited a van on the roof of Senate House.

The daring society was born out of practicalities though, that of the locking of college gates at ten o’clock when many students were still out drinking at the local pubs,

forcing students to find an alternative way back in late at night to avoid trouble.

The society’s escapades were printed in a relatively unknown book, a copy of which was given to Tom Whipple when he was a student at Cambridge, inspiring him to join the historic society, which still continues today.

To watch Tom Whipple scale Founders building, watch The One Show episode Monday, October 10, still available on BBC iPlayer.

ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR

Police have made an arrest after two burglars threatened a man in his bed at knifepoint in Egham.

Two men wielding knifes entered a home in Hummer Road, Egham, on Thursday, September 29, and woke a man in his 20s. They then demanded he hand over his £6,000 Rolex.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on bail until November 2.

Detective constable Hannah Clarke, from North Surrey criminal investigation department, said: ‘This was a terrify-

ing incident which has left the victim understandably traumatized and we are determined to trace those responsible.’

‘The stolen watch was of great sentimental value to the owner and I am urging anybody who has seen the watch or knows of its whereabouts to get in touch with us.’

‘Alternately if you have any information in relation to the burglary or witnessed anything suspicious that morning please contact us immediately.’

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

4 NEWS

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk

Builder is Arrested At Royal Holloway SU Drunken harasser or harmless attention seeker?

ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR

Drunken harasser or harmless attention seeker?

Builder is arrested at Royal Holloway SU. A builder was arrested by police after reportedly harassing several women on Royal Holloway campus, The Founder understands.

Surrey Police were called to the Student’s Union between 2 and 3pm on Friday, October 7th, following complaints about a man acting aggressively towards female students.

One student, however, said the man was not a threat to students and simply seeking attention.

Speaking to media, student Grace Bilney, the first to complain, said the man used derogatory language when referring to female students on his phone.

She said: ‘He was sat on the end of our table with two pints in front of him on the phone. Then he started talking about how much ‘p***y’ there was on campus.’

‘He hung up and then started chatting up a bar staff member who said she had a boyfriend.’

‘He called his mate again and called her a “sl*t’.” Then he disappeared and brought back another man who seemed uncomfortable when he was saying “look I told you how much p***y there is”. The man then made him leave which is when I made the complaint.’

The builder had apparently been removed from the campus for being drunk on the building site, but then moved into the SU where he started ‘harassing’ women in there, after which security were called.

However, student and employee at the SU, Caitlin Bowes, said she did not believe the man presented any danger to students and that he simply wanted ‘attention’.

‘I honestly didn't feel he

'A s an organisation

we take a zero tolerance approach to any kind of harasment in our venues...'

- Natasha Barrett

was a harmful person and I managed to fend off any awkward comments that he made without any comeback or insults thrown my way,’ she told The Founder.

‘I think the girl I was working with was upset because he called her a sl*t but I find it really odd he reacted that way when she told him that she had a boyfriend, because I told him the same thing when I mentioned that my plans for that night were with my boy-

friend and he jokingly said “why don't you come with me to the theatre?” Which I passed off and laughed.

‘I did not feel threatened by this man at all and think he simply wanted some attention, though I’m sorry that my colleague felt the way she did.’

Caitlin urged others via Facebook not to ‘overreact or feel scared’ in order to prevent other students feeling anxious about the ongoing presence of the builders on campus, as well as to prevent any repercussions towards students named in the media, if the builder is believed to be a ‘dangerous man’.

President of the SU, Natasha Barrett, advises students: ‘The matter is now being handled by the police who will take care of all further correspondence, as an organisation we take a zero tolerance approach to any kind of harassment in our venues and all staff make sure to enforce this. Should any students have worries about this or experience relevant incidents, they are encouraged to come into the SU and chat to us so that we can offer support and make sure it’s dealt with efficiently.’

A police spokesman said: ‘Surrey Police officers attended the Royal Holloway Student Union, Egham at around 2.15pm today (7 October) after reports of a male acting aggressively to staff members and students.

‘The male was detained and taken to custody following allegations of public order offences.’

Corbyn Sees Sweeping Victory ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR

Jeremy Corbyn won a clearcut victory against rival Owen Smith in his second Labour leadership contest at the end of last month.

On Saturday, September 24th, it was announced that Corbyn had won a landslide 62 per cent of votes, despite the previous vote of no confidence that was passed against him by Labour MP’s earlier this year.

The controversial politician also won by a bigger margin than in 2015, consequently strengthening his grip on the party. In a speech after his victory he appealed for more unity, saying it was time to ‘wipe the slate clean.’

He also used a phrase, ‘more in common’, attributed to Jo Cox, the Labour MP killed in the summer.

In his victory speech, Corbyn said: ‘Elections are passionate and partisan affairs things are often said in the heat of the debate on all sides that we later regret.’

‘But always remember in our party, we have much more in common than that which divides us.

We are proud as a party that we’re not afraid to discuss openly, to debate and disagree that is essential for a party that wants to change people’s lives for the better that isn’t prepared to accept things as they are.’

Killer Clown Craze Sweeps UK ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR

It’s been sparking media attention since the end of summer, but the controversial new craze seems to be spreading and showing no signs of ending.

The fad started in the USA in the state of South Carolina towards the end of August, when police received a number of reports of individuals dressed as clowns trying to lure children.

The amount of incidents increased, both nationally and globally, causing a media frenzy. The pranks ranged from clowns jumping out on passers-by, lurking around in woodland areas and chasing people, to more serious incidents including threats being made to attack schools.

Reactions have been mixed in response to the sinister craze, with some branding it harmless fun while others view it as a more serious problem that can only lead to

more extreme consequences.

Coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, is a well-established psychological condition.

There are concerns that this surprisingly common fear could lead to people being put in situations of extreme terror.

Police around the country have already voiced concerns on the waste of their resources and time that these pranks pose. Incidents where victims are experiencing real distress are often treated as grade one emergencies, limiting the police’s ability to deal with other potentially more serious incidents.

Fortunately, so far, no clowns have been spotted around RHUL campus or Egham, however a number of sightings have been reported in Bracknell, with the Thames Valley Police being called to 14 incidents on the afternoon of Sunday, September 9 alone.

Spotted any locally? Tweet us your sightings at @rhulfounder.

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk

NEWS 5

Royal Holloway Does Question Time: An Overview Labour Society hosts first forum earlier this month.

DANIEL BRADY CO-EDITOR SUZANNAH BALL DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

Royal Holloway’s Labour and Co-Operative Society hosted its first Question Time earlier this month, providing students with a forum to discuss political events and matters involving students.

The panel, chaired by our own Dr William Jones, included Richard Angell (Director of Progress), Claire McCarthy (General Secretary of the Cooperative Party), Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat MP), Natasha Barrett (SU President) and Michael Howe (President of the Conservative Society).

The panel took turns debating and discussing political questions posed by the audience, however whilst discussions took place on Brexit, MP safety, centrist politics and the May government, students largely focused on issues relevant to Royal Holloway.

A topic which largely dominated the discussion was tuition fees. With Royal Holloway being one of a select few universities set to hike up tuition fees to £9,250 (if government proposals on inflation succeed), students are understandably aggrieved.

Whilst it may not immediately affect current students, the ramifications of such a change question the standing of lower-class students gaining access to higher education. The NUS’ National Student Demo was brought to the audience’s attention, an event against

Dr. William Jones leads the panel, inside the Windsor Building. Photo by Daniel Brady.

TEF and the proposed rise in tuition fees. Royal Holloway’s sabbatical officers will be attending, as will some members of The Founder board.

Discussion soon turned to the role of women in politics, asking whether female MP’s should be offended by positive discrimination during elections. MP Tom Brake stated all female, and disabled, shortlists for newly elected MPs were now being enacted within the party. He suggested female MPs elected due to shortlists should not feel offended as he believes the method of election is necessary in such a strong patriarchal society.

The news has been picked up by the BBC, which discussed the lack of diversity in the party. Party leader, Baroness Brinton, added ‘We think that's going to be a real culture change, from the grassroots up.’

This issue is visible both nationally and locally, as in the 2016 Student Union elections Royal Holloway appointed its first all-female committee, a fact Student Union President, Natasha Barrett, said was reacted to with severe backlash.

While only one male candidate ran during the election, students believed the results to be unfair.

Another divisive topic discussed was the relevance and policy of space spaces within Royal Holloway, and higher education overall. Dr Jones outlined Royal Holloway’s attitude toward safe spaces and stated that the University would protect any view held by students as long as they remained within the law. The distinction between targeting students, such as allowing homophobic or xenophobic views to be freely expressed, and the prevention of free speech remains an important

feature of the debate.

Of the matter, Miss Barrett stated ‘At RHSU we encourage free speech and support students in engaging with a range of political opinions, however we also uphold a safe space policy.

It’s crucial to understand that these two things are not mutually exclusive, the notion of a safe space is not about gagging people, it’s about protecting people from personal victimisation. It is possible to have open discussion whilst still ensuring that no one is able to attack an individual based on their views or identity.’

The event raised £80 for Your Sanctuary, a local charity that works to prevent domestic abuse, whilst also supporting those involved and helping to undo the damage it does to individuals, families and communities.

Psychology department wins silver SWAN award SUZANNAH BALL DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

Royal Holloway’s Psychology Department won a Silver Athena SWAN award from the Equality Challenge Unit, which recognises its commitment to ensuring gender equality.

The Department has held the silver level award since 2012 and is only one of 14 psychology departments to receive it. The silver SWAN award is given to any department whose work encourages and aids the development of young student’s careers and training opportunities.

Royal Holloway’s Psychology Department has created an inclusive working environment, in which women have been able to progress to senior leadership levels, allowing the closing of gender gaps in the professional world.

Professor Kathy Rastle, Head of Psychology, said ‘We have worked really hard for this award over a long period of time. I'm delighted that we have received a silver award which reflects our commitment to equality and diversity in all that we do.’

Other psychology departments holding the award include the University of York and the University of Exeter.

The Athena SWAN charter encourages commitment to the advancement of women within higher education, aiming to support women (and men when appropriate) in various academic roles where representation, progression of students into academia, career milestones and positive working environments are considered. In May 2015 the charter was expanded in order to recognise further issues in gender equality, such as roles for transgender staff and students, in an effort to focus on barriers outside those only affecting women.

Royal Holloway is ranked 20th for Psychology in The Guardian’s 2016 University League table.

6 OPINION AND DEBATE

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at comment@thefounder.co.uk

[Debate] The Ink On Our Skin AMANDA HUDSON OPINION AND DEBATE EDITOR

It was a hot summer’s day in Florida. We were high off of the feeling of teenage invincibility and freedom that came with a car, a city, and no one to answer to. After a laughter filled car ride with the windows down and music pulsing through the stereo, I parked in the dirt parking lot of a tattoo parlour right on the corner of a major intersection. With a giddy breathlessness, my friends went up to the counter in the thankfully air-conditioned building and told the man working there - who had ink for sleeves and could set off a metal detector from a mile away - that they wanted to get a tattoo.

Tattoos, once a badge of ‘honour’ reserved for prisoners, pirates, and the pariahs of society, have become a modern form of expression, and thus, transformed from a radical statement into more of a commonplace. But it isn’t the angstriddled, ripped-jeans-andold-converse-wearing teens looking for an adrenaline high who are the only ones getting tattoos. Customers vary from your average teenager who volunteers at the local soup kitchen in their spare time to forty-somethings who are settling a bet with their eager co-workers. In fact, according to The Economist, two in five people above the age of thirty have tattoos. So what’s the big deal? Why are tattoos considered a dangerous accessory to an otherwise seamless outfit?

It’s the stigma still attached to seeing someone with tattoos.

In films and on TV, the bad guy almost always has visible tattoos. Even professional places are refusing perfect applicants whose one fault is bearing this form of expression. This is

highly illogical. If a person applies for a job and looks perfect on paper but doesn’t look perfect in person, why should that person be denied a position they would be brilliant at? Did Susan Boyle look like an astoundingly gifted opera singer when she first auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent back in 2009?

No, but she sure wowed the judges and showed them that it’s not the cover of the book that matters. So why should it be any different for employees of a corporation?

Tattoos have an intimidating past, there’s no denying.

However, in this day in age, looks are not meant to play a role in deciding whether or not to hire a person.

I won’t lie. The man behind the counter at the tattoo parlour with multiple tattoos and piercings brought that nagging sensation to the back of my mind; ‘Is he safe?’, ‘Should I be afraid?’.

But when he smiled at us and said ‘Sure thing, ma’am.

Can I just get you to fill out these forms for me?’ as he handed my friends clipboards, I knew that this man was probably as kind and as gentle as any. He just had a more permanent way of expressing himself.

My friend has three tattoos now, and she’s likely to get more. I just can’t imagine a world where she struggles to find the teaching job she’s always wanted just because of the ink on her skin.

Times are changing. And if big companies and conservative bosses can’t get with the times, I think they’ll find that soon, a generation of non-biased, tattoocovered, work-savvy people will come to replace them on the throne of the corporate world.

The Customer Is Always Right ELLE CHARLES STUDENT WRITER

They’re dark, they’re permanent, and they’re associated with criminals and bandits alike. Your boss eyes it with wary skepticism and your mother cringes at it. Tattoos have always had a bad rep in the business world because of the stereotypes of the people who wore them. Fabricated in the hearts of prisons, on board the dodgy decks of ships, and in the dimly lit carriages of vagabonds and gypsies, permanent ink became a brand for people who wanted to let others know they were part of a group that was bigger than themselves; a pack, if you will. Nowadays, since more of the population than ever have ink on their skin, it’s getting harder to weed out the felons from the harmless teens.

So it’s no wonder we get the jitters when we see a person walking down the street with swirling black ink creeping up their arm like formidable ivy. As much as you may hate to admit it, and as much as you’d like to believe that you are an open minded person, if you haven’t joined the tattoo club yet, you might find that most ink makes you a tiny bit nervous. This is the reason for most of the strict regulations and policies against tattoos in the workplace.

The boss isn’t judging a tattooed person’s character based on how they look if

the former turns away an applicant who has clearly visible ink. He or she is thinking about how it will reflect upon the company by hiring a man with tattoos on his hands to work as a server at a restaurant, or a woman with a full sleeve to work at the till in a boutique. While you may see tattoos as a form of artistic expression, your boss sees it as a cry for attention, a sign that points to rebellious or vexatious behaviour, or in some cases an indication that you will be less willing to work with others.

This may not be a fair judgement. But a business website conducted a survey of over 2700 people in the last two years, and the results say differently. According to Salary.com, of the 2700 people surveyed ‘three percent of them had tattoos. 39 percent of those surveyed believe employees with tattoos and piercings reflect poorly on their employers. Furthermore, 42 percent feel visible tattoos are always inappropriate at work.’ Maybe the nay-sayers are outnumbered by the more open minded.

But that still doesn’t change the fact that companies are at risk of losing a huge portion of their customers by hiring someone who is all tatted up.

In the business world, customers come before everything else. And, unfortunately, until most of the customers become part of the tattoo club themselves, I can’t see much change in the near future for tattoos in the workplace.

Point And Counter-Point F

Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #inkandemployment. Find us at @rhulfounder

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

OPINION AND DEBATE 7

Email the editor at comment@thefounder.co.uk

[Editor's Opinion]

A Vote For Her Is A Vote Against Him Americans must refrain from casting protest votes.

AMANDA HUDSON OPINION AND DEBATE EDITOR

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the 2016 Presidential Election has made the whole world gawk at the United States as if we had managed to erect a circus tent over the entire country and are now engaging in a ritualistic clog dance while waving around sticks of fire and open jugs of gasoline haphazardly over our heads. Being an

'T he main

goal of this election isn't to vote your conscience.'

American living abroad at this time of political chaos, it certainly feels like I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for my country to combust.

‘How can this be a difficult decision?’, you ask. ‘Surely, there’s only one candidate that can be taken seriously in this election’, you protest. ‘Obviously Hillary is the lesser of two evils’, you say. And in my mind, my friend, you would be right.

Unfortunately, this is not the view of a large portion of the

American population.

A widely accepted view is that Trump supporters are people who feel like they have been ‘cheated’ by the more progressive leaning government of the modern age. And Hillary supporters are either; far left-wingers who have maturely acquiesced to a lukewarm version of their politics after the DNC voted Bernie Sanders out of the race; left-wingers from generations past whose views were once considered ‘extreme’ but are now more like ordering a mild peri-peri chicken at Nando’s; or suburban families who consider themselves ‘progressive’ in the sense that they ‘believe in marriage for the gays.’ It’s safe to say that none of these demographics are overwhelmingly inclusive, and leave massive gaps of people who are on the fence about how to vote in this election.

My frustration is directed at those people who’re somewhere between not crazy enough to vote Trump but not concerned enough to vote Hillary, and have consequently jumped ship to a third party. Yes, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein might be better options for candidates in this race (although if you actually take a good look at their policies, you might think differently). But the fact of the matter is that our political system is very much a two-party system, and unfortunately, third-party candidates are rarely a blip on the radar.

The main goal of this election isn’t to vote your conscience. It’s not to cast a protest vote because you don’t

Cartoon designed and drawn by second year Drama and Theatre student Alina Krumova.

like the two main candidates.

It’s to stop a man who thinks he can do whatever he wants to women--including ‘grabbing them by the p*ssy’ - from winning the presidency. As well as this, while advertising a ‘Make America Great Again’ attitude, Trump is not only wishing to send oppressed groups back to a time when they were not accepted by the general public, but he implies that he will be destroying the current system while refusing to acknowledge that he needs a legitimate plan to build a better one. Thus, through his campaign slogan alone, it’s clear that Trump has no respect for the country.

After all, we call America ‘she’ and Trump has made himself perfectly transparent on the amount of respect he holds for women.

There’s a plethora of other apt examples as to why Trump is unfit to be president, i.e. building the wall, bated by a tweet, narcissistic personality disorder, etc. If you pack all of these reasons onto a ship of presidency, that ship would surely sink to the bottom of the blue.

Taking this into account, our best chance at stopping Donald Trump is undoubtedly Hillary Clinton. By voting third-party, American vot-

ers would be casting aside a vote that could be used to stop the world’s most racist, sexist, sewage-filled traffic cone from being elected into office.

That is why I implore Americans to see reason. Third-party backers need to be mature and realise that their moral consciences are not the only things at stake this election season. Maybe we won’t be voting in the best president (although, Hillary is incredibly qualified for the position despite her flaws), but we certainly won’t be voting in the worst. Don’t think of it as a vote for her, think of it as a vote against him.

8 OPINION AND DEBATE

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at comment@thefounder.co.uk

Men In Student Sentiment Feminism

Forgotten, Ignored, Rejected

How we treat the menstrual cycle.

NORAH HODGSON STUDENT WRITER

I sat on the sofa late at night, marvelling at Sandi Toskvig. She explained that scientists had found 28 bones of roughly the same size and shape dating back to prehistoric times. Strangely, they had been formed into a systematic order believed to be a primitive calendar. What she then asked baffled the QI universe: Why would cavemen need a record of 28 days?

It seemed too specific to be documenting hibernation of prey, too short for a season and far too long to be a period of extreme weather. What basic primitive need was there for 28 days to be recorded? It didn’t make sense.

Until she revealed that it was a menstrual calendar.

Men of science had been struggling with the concept for years; as had Stephen Fry, the rest of the panel, the audience and I. The answer should have been obvious. Yet, it wasn’t until a female scientist came along that the answer was discovered. I am not ‘man-bashing’; I, as a woman, had not thought of the answer myself. Rather, I am recognising that there is a whole dialogue between our genders that is yet to be complete.

I know the ins and outs of the male reproductive system thanks to sex education in school. This way, when I have a male partner or in the event that I have a son, I know any problems that may occur.

Why is it different with women?

Recently, when talking to my boyfriend, he bashfully asked me, ‘What are pads?’.

I was taken aback; not because it’s a question I mind answering but because here was a young man of 19, who didn’t know about a necessity roughly 50 percent of the global population use on

"I think as a society nowaActually doing some good days, we are still clearly sexually segregated. And for once. this in general has led to MATTHEW BURROWS prejudices.

I always thought of mySTUDENT WRITER the creation of people self as an 'equalist', or some I was part of a conversa- other bollocks term like that. I tion recently with a couple of thought the patriarchy would who are incredibly ill inwomen discussing feminism, never be brought down, so all one of them made a I can do is try not to spread formed, and whose lack of when point I wish I'd remembered prejudice and hope that future enough to quote. In es- generations will be brought knowledge can prove det- well sence it was akin to Newton's up with better ideals than the third law: if you push some- past. This is, of course, a bit rimental or even danger- thing, it pushes back. Some misanthropic, but that's me. I women, pushed by frustra- still think I was half-right; the tion at a lack of equality, move patriarchy won't be smashed, ous towards women." into misandry, and their mis- obliterated or anything of the use of the term ‘feminist’ likes. But hearing women talk ‘meninists’ (who about feminism needing co- Anonymous, Third Year provokes hardly deserve discussing) operation, I realised that pera regular basis. To give this some context, imagine your partner of almost 20 telling you they don’t know what a condom is. Even if you’ve never had sex, it is safe to assume you know what this method of protection is. You know how to apply it, you know its basic function and what it looks like. Why is it so different with pads, tampons or diva cups? Worryingly, even some women reading this will google what a diva cup is.

You could argue, ‘But everyone uses condoms!’. However, this argument is flawed.

I’d ask you to consider the LGBT community. You could argue, ‘Not everyone has periods!’ and that’s when I’d ask you to consider your mother, your sister, your aunts, your nieces, your grandmothers, your friends and any female partner you may have. Simi-

larly, ‘Not everyone has penises!’ could be used as justification for not knowing what a condom is, and yet, condoms are frequently acknowledged.

You could argue, ‘Periods are gross!’ and that’s when I’d ask you to consider if any bodily function isn’t gross.

To my knowledge, vaginas are self-cleaning. And period blood is actually sterile until it moves into the vagina, where it becomes a little acidic and bacteria that keep the vagina clean also move into the period blood. When it’s outside the body obviously it’s exposed to other airborne particles and bacteria, but so are your face and hands and food.

As students we clearly understand the value of knowledge – what a powerful tool it is. Then why is it many of us refuse to learn, acknowledge or accept the menstrual cycle?

into claiming the tables have turned, that feminists are now oppressing men. This way of thinking is stupid - positively dumb - but it's what happens when you're arguing against prejudices. A woman telling a misogynist what they are isn't going to actually change anything because of the simple fact that the misogynist is not going to listen.

What is needed is pull to work with the push. As my friend said, 'feminism needs men'. Not in a ‘move aside darlin', you've done alright but let the men deal with it now’ way. But in the sense that a movement about equality has to be fought for by both sides.

Shouting at deaf misogynists won't achieve anything, but teaching people - of any gender - how to avoid stereotypes and ingrained prejudices they might not even know they hold, will actually help reduce

haps it can be dismantled.

Perhaps, just standing by is what allows things like ‘meninists’ and ‘feminazis’ to exist.

They still see a world where the genders are in competition. Maybe being a feminist is even a duty, some little apology men can make for the inequality of their ancestors, to stand for equality now. So that's why I've started calling myself a feminist. This in the hopes that it might lead to my being a better person, or even - heaven forbid! - actually doing some good for once.

Doubtless, nothing I've written here is actually any new thought, and I've probably accidentally offended a dozen groups, but at least I'm starting to care whether I've made such mistakes. With a little learning, maybe I can start to join in with the good examples and some real social change will accelerate.

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk

[A Review]

Piccolino La Griglia

LIFESTYLE 9 Looking Your Best May Depend On Your Friends EMILY MAY WEBBER LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Piccolino La Griglia, London Road, Virginia Water, GU25 4QE. Photo by Lucy May McCracken.

LUCY MAY MCCRACKEN STUDENT WRITER

Bellissimo! A ‘Piccolino’ piece of Italy in Virginia Water.

Travel from Surrey to Sicily for the night at this Italian escape less than 10 minutes from Royal Holloway.

From the moment you arrive at Piccolino’s, you feel like you've hopped across Europe and landed right at the entrance of a white washed Italian villa. With rustic wooden floors, twinkling candlelight and a one-of-a-kind outdoor marquee, this really is a hidden gem on the London Road.

Tucked behind Laithwaite’s, this member of the Individual Restaurants chain could easily be mistaken for a slice of the Mediterranean - a stone’s throw from Egham.

The welcoming front of house staff greeted us, and we were escorted to one of the low tables, lining the outdoor gazebo, complete with blan-

kets and cushions to cosy up with during the cooler nights.

The chime of conversation, the gentle clinking of glasses and the open wood-grill, combine to create the perfect balance of modern al fresco dining. On receiving the menu, it wasn’t hard to get lost in the wine list. It is sure to satisfy even the most particular wine lover, with something to complement every inch of the menu. After ordering our drinks, the waiters had politely approached us several times and almost half the bottle of Pinot Grigio had disappeared by the time we’d even chosen our starters!

I was eager to try something from the grill - after all, the restaurant was renamed to accommodate this new style of cooking when it was introduced several years ago.

‘Asparagi al Griglia’ - grilled asparagus, accompanied by a delicately poached egg - this was a natural choice, and didn't fail to impress! Another recommendation is the clas-

sic rosemary and salt handstretched garlic bread, which is the perfect accompaniment to tear and share throughout the meal.

The menu is filled with Italian charm from ‘Pesce’ to ‘Crostacei’ in the fish department, and endless versions of your favourite pasta and pizza, with some unique Piccolino twists. The risotto is a champion dish for myself, and I find it hard to stray from, no matter how wonderful the menu is. The service is impeccably Italian - attentive and entertaining, whilst allowing you time to enjoy your meal and conversation, and of course making sure your glass is always topped up!

So if you are looking for somewhere to dine that’s stylish, delicious and surprisingly good value, Piccolino gets a stellar recommendation from me. With an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else and a menu to match, you’re sure to fall in love with this little corner of Italian bliss.

Dr Nicholas Furl of Royal Holloway’s Department of Psychology has released a study revealing that the attractiveness of one person depends on how physically appealing the others in a crowd are. Usually it has been believed that someone like Zac Efron has a fixed level of attractiveness, however put alongside Boris Johnson the appeal of Zac would soar. A group of 18-25 year-old participants were asked to rate a selection of faces depending on desirability. The two faces that they found most attractive, and the one they found least appealing were then placed alongside each other, and the participant was asked again to rate how attractive they were.

Dr Furl said, ‘everyone knows about the golden ratios and these are things that often people agree on. I think that what I was trying to do differently is to try and show that people’s attractiveness can change under different circumstances. Depending on the other faces around, your brain re - calibrates to the other faces it sees’.

Living in a society dominated by appearances, apps such as Tinder now influence the world of dating. We are forced to judge someone within a few seconds of them popping up on our screen, and ultimately discard someone solely because of their profile picture. However, when swiping on Tinder, the participant is judging a face in isolation from a crowd of people, and so it contrasts from the display of images the subjects in the study were posed with. Dr Furl said, ‘When you make decisions, you have to grab things when they are availa-

ble. It’s like if you should buy or sell stock when the price is right.

Dating is a bit like that. When you look through sequences of images on something like Tinder, you have to decide whether to accept or decline it there and then, as you don’t know whether something better will come up in the future. You have to think, is this someone I will invest in now, and will pay out, or should I wait and invest later. It’s a little bit like a gamble actually’. The study found that when the two faces the participant found most appealing were placed alongside the least desirable person, the subject was more ‘choosey’ over who they now found to be the most attractive. Dr Furl explained, ‘We found that the presence of a ‘distractor’ face makes differences between attractive people more obvious.’ Consequently, when adding these ‘distractors’ the other faces appeared more desirable comparatively.

If asked whether we judge on appearance, most people would shy away from admitting that we make a preconceived perception of someone’s character based on a glimpse of their face. Dr Furl said, ‘It’s obvious that attractiveness affects every decision that both men and women make, even when it’s not about dating. It contaminates everything that people do. It’s intertwined. People will make judgments on peoples’ personalities, just based on how they look, not how the act. They are really wrapped together’.

The way we assess a person is undoubtedly shadowed by whom they are surrounded with, and what the individual deems to be attractive. Despite the unfair reality that to one person you are the ‘distractor’, it is clear that the decision lies with the individual, and luckily for us there is no set rule for beauty.

10 LIFESTYLE

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk

A Coeliac at University:

The Invisible Illness TEGAN BAKER STUDENT WRITER

Two years ago my life was blown apart when I became seriously ill. Excruciating stomach pains and extreme fatigue overwhelmed me.

Imagine a really horrible stomach bug that lingers.

After two weeks I called the doctor to be told that it was a virus and it would pass in a few days. It didn’t. After three weeks of agony, sleepless nights, and living off of cream crackers, the doctor started tests. In the next few months I was diagnosed with coeliac disease. After my initial diagnosis I was put onto a strict gluten free diet – the only treatment for a coeliac.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. The body recognises gluten as a pathogen and attacks it, causing symptoms ranging from sickness to skin conditions, and if not treated can lead to even more serious long term problems such as anaemia, bowel cancer and osteoporosis. What’s even more shocking is that one in a hundred people in the UK have coeliac disease. It is often referred to as the ‘invisible illness’, due to the effects not being outwardly obvious as a broken leg would be. Coeliac disease is incurable, but unlike some other chronic illnesses, the symptoms can be controlled with a strict change of diet – so strict that a tiny amount of gluten can cause trigger the symptoms above.

Coeliac UK is a registered charity that helps sufferers and raises awareness. I spoke to one of Coeliac UK’s Dieticians, Nicola Crawford-Tay-

lor about how students with coeliac disease can reduce the risk of ‘glutening’ in shared accommodation. She said, ‘if you are sharing a house or a cooking space within halls then it is important to be aware of the risk of contamination with gluten’. The best way to avoid cross contamination is to use toaster bags to toast gluten-free bread, use separate butter, spread, pickle and jam pots, and clearly label your food items to remind others not to use them.

She added, ‘make sure that everyone you share your living space with understands the importance of you sticking to your diet’.

To show how Coeliac Disease effects Royal Holloway students I spoke to Georgia Hope, first year student of Criminology and Psychology BSc, and Emily Fox, second year student of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health BSc, both of whom have coeliac disease. I asked them what dangers they have found for coeliac students living in shared accommodation. Georgia said, ‘at home we found that changing the diet of the whole household was the easiest way to keep my diet gluten free, but when moving away, this wasn’t possible. This presented extra problems with possible cross contamination. I was nervous as I’ve never had to deal with cross contamination at home, as we have a “gluten free household” but I found that planning meal times around others in your flat is helpful.’

So what can non-coeliac’s do to help? ‘The best thing flatmates can do is not to use

Photos provided by Tegan Baker. Visit www.coeliac.org for more information regarding the disease.

a coeliac’s stuff without asking’, Emily said. ‘That cheeky bit of marmite you want to steal from the fridge, could actually gluten them’. Nicola also highlights the importance of non-coeliac housemates being aware. She said, ‘They [need to] consider the needs of the student with coeliac disease and be mindful of cross contamination’.

For many students, if they run out of bread, they

can quickly pop to the Union shop, or grab a burger at Tommy’s. However, this can be tricky for a coeliac student. I asked Georgia and Emily how easy it is to find gluten free food on campus.

Georgia’s experience is similar to my own, saying, ‘a lot of the time I’ve found it difficult, and sometimes had to resort to going back to my flat after my friends have been out, and then cooking my own

food. I have found some cereal bars, but finding appropriate meals can be difficult’.

Conversely, Emily said, ‘I’ve noticed so much more has become available in the past year, but it’s always more expensive’.

So whether you suffer from coeliac disease, live with someone who does or would like to raise awareness, please visit www.coeliac.org. uk for more information.

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk

LIFESTYLE 11

[Student Recipe]

Toad In The Hole: Life On A Student Budget

RHONA REED STUDENT WRITER

Saturday nights at Holloway act as another Sunday on our timetable. Crosslands packs up its pizza, and everywhere else on campus seems to retreat back to its sleepy Egham self. So before you decide to commute back to Mum’s cooking, here is a recipe that you and your housemates can find comfort in as the season of pumpkin spice is upon us. So, with a student budget and a few pans lying around, here is a recipe that even your Grandma would approve of. You could even throw in some veggies on the side or some creamy mash and gravy. Luckily for you, we have also estimated the price of the ingredients at £1.33. So when divided by 3, for under the price of a VK, you can indulge in a home cooked treat.

Ingredients: 3 eggs – medium is best 125g / a 250ml cup of plain flour 300ml milk 6 sausages. The thicker the better, as they won’t burn in the oven – my preferred choice is Cumberland.

Quorn sausages should work just as well, but may require less time on the stove.

50g vegetable oil Firstly preheat your oven to 210C/ Fan 190C/ Gas mark 5.

To make the batter: 1. Whisk the eggs.

2. Gradually mix in the flour. Wait for it to be fully mixed in before adding more.

3. Once all the flour is in, add the milk gradually.

4. To really push the boat out, you can leave the mixture to set for a few hours.

Putting it all together: 1. Pour 25ml of oil into your roasting tin, and heat in the oven. You want the tin to be as hot as possible, because this is what will ensure the batter is cooked before the sausages are overdone.

2. Heat the sausages in

a pan with the remaining oil until they are brown and piping hot throughout. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage – they will be going in the oven for roughly half an hour, where they will finish cooking.

3. Place the sausages into the hot roasting tin.

4. Pour the batter mix into the tin around the sausages.

5. Cook in the oven for approximately 20 minutes until the top seems looks golden brown. Keep checking it, but don’t open the oven! Even at home in a fan-assisted oven, it can take longer than 20 minutes, so just keep on eye so it looks crispy but not too brown. Feel free to leave it in for longer if you prefer a crunchier batter!

6. (Optional) While it cooks, prepare mashed potato/gravy/vegetables to serve.

7. Once cooked, serve immediately.

If you have any leftovers, leave it to cool before freezing (within 2 hours of it being cooked) and transfer into containers. Once reheated in the oven, it could make a great meal over the course of a busy week.

Photo provided by Rhona Reed.

Estimated cost of ingredients from Tesco: • 3 medium eggs: (pack of 6 free range) 89p • 500g of flour: 40p • 300ml milk: (568ml of semi-skimmed milk) 45p • 6 sausages: (8 Cumberland sausages) £1.50 • Vegetable oil: (500ml) 75p

12 FEATURES “Hi. I’m a second-year History student and this is my second year being involved with The Founder. I had a brilliant time writing for the paper last year and I’m incredibly privileged to be Co-Editor this year; especially in The Founder’s 10th year. It’s an honour to help bring the Royal Holloway community another year of the best writing and journalism on campus, so my advice to first-years would be to get involved with our wonderful paper. When I’m not buried under a mountain of books I enjoy skateboarding, surfing and staring at splashes of paint on canvas and pretending to understand what they mean.

If you’d like to know more, think we could do something better, or think we’re missing something, you can email me through dan@thefounder.co.uk. Alternatively, you can message Lilia and I through editor@thefounder.co.uk.”

- Daniel Brady

The Co-Editors News

“My name’s Rosa Smith and I’m a second-year English and Creative Writing student. I applied to be News Editor at The Founder after doing work experience at several newspapers this summer and really enjoying it. Being the News Editor means I get to be involved with a lot of what’s going on around campus and the local area, and has made me a lot more aware! I’d like to go into journalism in the future maybe – but I think it’s hard to be completely certain at this stage. My advice for first-years is probably advice you’ve heard countless times already, but get involved with as much as you can, not just at Uni but during the holidays too.

Never turn down an opportunity, there’re lessons to be learnt from everything!”

Deputy News

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at features@thefounder.co.uk

Meet The Staff In honor of The Founder's tenth anniversary, the October and November Features sections will be dedicated to introductions and advice from newspaper staff, both past and present. Read what this year's editorial board has to say about The Founder, journalism, and life as a first year at univerisity.

“Hi! I’m a third-year International English and Creative Writing student. When I applied to be Co-Editor of the newspaper, I hoped I would be able to use my design skills to create a quality publication, and one day work in publishing. My advice for first-years is to lose the fear of doing things alone. If you really want to join a society none of your friends are interested in, don’t think twice about going by yourself. It can be scary but it’s worth it. To second and third-years, I would say that it’s never too late to get involved in something that interests you.

Whether it’s a sport, a society, a language, or even coeditorship on the newspaper.”

- Lilia Vargas Costello

Arts

“My name is Gemma Tadman, and I’m a third-year English and Creative Writing student. As such, I have a keen interest in literature, theater, history and art, and felt I would be able to use this interest to ensure that the articles I found and produced for The Founder were well written, informative, and most of all enjoyable for students to read!"

“I’m Suzannah Ball and I’m an English and Philosophy student. I wanted to be in The Founder because I always wanted to do writing but have never really pushed myself to do anything about it, until this year! It’s also a really good thing to do for my CV, especially if I move into something to do with publishing in the future.”

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at features@thefounder.co.uk

Opinion “My name is Amanda Hudson and I’m the section editor for Op-Ed. I’m a second-year English and Creative Writing student and I’ve always had an interest in journalism. Op-Ed is such a fun section to write for because it gives people the opportunity to have a conversation about current events and hot topics, so I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy editing it! My advice to any first-years would be to choose your friends wisely and choose your housemates even more so.”

Music “My name is Sam Barker, I'm a regretful postgrad student learning how to write a novel, and I wanted to be an editor because I like power.

And rewards for writing 'about me' sections. I also like being pretentious about music, listening to songs once and condemning them for all eternity and then liking it the next day when I hear it without knowing what it is. As a Masters student, I have a wealth of knowledge about what to not do as a Fresher and it all condenses down to this: whatever you do, never own up to eating the cheese.”

Features

“I’m Tom Hawkins and I’m a third-year English student. I wanted to become the Features Editor because there’s a lot of creative freedom to go with it, and I can make my section very different from issue to issue, and I enjoy the work to do with putting together a feature to see the result at the end of every month. My advice for first-years would be to get into the habit of going to the library a lot, and to not worry too much about who you’re living with for second year, as over the course of months you’ll become close no matter what differences you have as you adjust to each other.”

FEATURES 13 Film “Hey, I’m Ryan Nair and I’m a postgraduate MA English Literature student aspiring to become an editor or a music journalist. I joined The Founder to gain experience career-wise, but more importantly I want to have a creative outlet where I can talk about things I really enjoy. My advice for new students at RHUL is to forget the nerves and just throw yourself in: try new things, join a society, go out and make friends.

University is the best chance to really find out who you are and first-year is undoubtedly the best year to experiment and enjoy yourself.”

“Hi, I’m Elizabeth Silverberg and I am in my second year at Royal Holloway, studying History and International Relations. This year I am Sports Editor for The Founder.

When I started Royal Holloway I took up Lacrosse, which is a sport that I have always wanted to try. This year I wanted to be even more involved in Uni life, and jumped at the chance of being Sports Editor. I’d encourage firstyears to get involved with sports and societies, making the most of all opportunities available and chances to make new friends.”

Sports

“Hi I’m Emily May Webber and I am a second-year English student. I wanted to join The Founder and Lifestyle in particular, as I enjoy reading fashion and lifestyle blogs, as well as owning an unnecessary number of magazines! I wanted to be part of a university newspaper as I liked the idea of having my work published and editing other peoples’ work. I am hoping to get into journalism and possibly magazine writing.

If I could give one piece of advice for first-years, it is to try and get to know as many people as you can – even if it’s just to say hello to. These people could provide useful connections in the future and for something like the founder you always have people to turn to if you need some articles written!”

Lifestyle

14 ARTS

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at arts@thefounder.co.uk

On The Importance Of Fan Fiction The benefits and stigmas surrounding fan created content.

GEMMA TADMAN ARTS EDITOR

Most of you will have heard of fanfiction, or fanfic— the body of literature that springs from the world, setting, or characters of an original work of fiction. It is written by fans, as opposed to the original author or creator. The fan-writer can continue the existing novel; write for other characters, or even write alternate endings. The possibilities are endless.

Fanfiction is seldom approved by the original’s author or publisher, and, is rarely professionally published.

Copyright means fanfic is subject to restriction, and if infringements are made, legal action can be taken. But, not every author disdains their work being used, and many will offer encouragement to budding writers. What better form of recognition or flattery can an author hope for?

Whilst most people have heard of fanfic, many do not understand the point of reading or writing it. Cemre Camuz, BA English student at RHUL, said she writes fanfic because, she ‘want[s] more of the character,’ and, ‘it’s wish fulfilment, for things that will never occur in the canon.’

RHUL student Hayley Simmons, said she writes because it’s ‘a great way to have a real audience critique your work, give you suggestions, and provide motivation to keep going with your writing.’ Isn’t that something all writers want?

However, there’s a stigma surrounding fanfiction.

Many look down upon, or disregard it as a genre. Yes, there is fanfiction that is very poorly written (e.g. Fifty Shades of

Grey), and yes, some is just plain porn (e.g. Fifty Shades of Grey…). And it seems that most dislike springs from the misconceptions that these things comprise fanfic. Camuz agrees it may be due to ‘the fact that sex is written about so explicitly, as if sex in literature is a new thing. The media have […] fetishized it and shocked [the public] by telling them their children read and write it.’

The media have a lot to do with this backlash. Television host Graham Norton will sometimes confront his celebrity guests with fanfiction and art.

Although he will congratulate exceptional pieces, he will also make fun of less good or work he finds funny; humiliating fans and tainting their enjoyment. Why does he feel the need to do this? If it’s bad, just leave it alone. TV Host Caitlin Moran got the cast of BBC’S Sherlock Holmes to read out fanfiction dedicated to the series. Fanfic writer mildredandbobbin had her Sherlock fanfiction read and mocked. When interviewed by Teleread, this is what she had to say: ‘Thank you for humiliating me, taking my writing out of context without my permission, and using it to embarrass the actors who I deeply admire.’ Jokes might be intended without meaning to embarrass, but they can do just that.

Camuz wanted to write her dissertation on fanfiction, but, she was shot down by RHUL. The English Department said there was not enough research,

Student Sentiment "Fanfiction is always going to be valid, even besides the fact it is completely legal as authors will write disclaimers and never profic from them, because it's something that people will always be interested in."

- Zoe Seabourne, Third Year English Student and no English tutors to support her, but, Camuz isn’t so sure: ‘As a reader and writer […] I can make a link between fanfiction and Shakespeare, Tolkein, Arthurian authors and many more who are doing what we do today, only centuries before. Finding a tutor would have been fine. But fanfiction has been so stigmatised that the moment I said it, “you mean Slash Fiction” was sneered back at me. It was mortifying.’

But might there be a market for fanfiction? Simmons said that, ‘Some fanfiction’s I have read are phenomenal, […] fans of the animes

they are based on would pay money for them. In Japan, there is a great market for Doujinshi (fanfiction manga), so I think well written fanfictions could definitely hold their own alongside original releases in the West.’

Camuz explained how, ‘As a genre, it’s a casual format for critical analysis of characters, shows, certain issues that arise. It’s a form of literature that is so overlooked because it allows people to be creative, to improve what is given to them […] It’s easily accessible. It’s free.’

It seems there is a lot more to fanfiction than most of us think.

RHUL: A Night At The Theatre SAM BARKER MUSIC EDITOR

It’s no secret to anyone with even a passing knowledge of the societies available at Royal Holloway, that there is a huge number of students passionate about creating and performing art across many different genres, styles, and formats. Some students seek drama (of the theatrical variety or otherwise); some seek comedy; some seek musical theater; some seek choir, and some seek dance. Others may seek creative expression in other areas, even. And one would think, or at least performers like to think, that there are just as many students, if not more, interested in digesting these expressions of art – students who might not necessarily want to engage so closely with it, but who instead, want to show their appreciation by being a member of an audience in support of art.

So what happens when you throw all these people into the SU hall for three nights? ANATT. A Night At The Theatre, or ANATT for short, is the merging of huge amounts of creative energy on campus as Royal Holloway’s performance societies put on a variety show for the ages. Over the course of three nights in October (from the 22nd to the 24th), fourteen different performance societies from Royal Holloway showed the audience what they were capable of. A night that wasn’t to be missed, and anyone who didn’t make it should try their hardest to make it next time around! For those of you that took part in ANATT, congratulations on yet another showcase of the wide ranging talents that RHUL is capable of.

ARTS 15

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at arts@thefounder.co.uk

An Artist's Evolution: Georgia O'Keeffe

American art icon showing at the Tate Modern through October.

ANNA LUCCHINETTI STUDENT WRITER

After the successful exhibitions on Bhupen Khakhar and Francis Bacon, this year the Tate Modern enriched its programme with an exposition of the most famous American female painter: Georgia O’Keeffe. The exposition not only highlights the evolution and changes of her work, but includes works by other artists that impacted her, including Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand and John Marin.

The exhibition starts with a series of photographs

by Stieglitz and Strand, representing both O’Keefe and her works. It then moves to O’Keeffe’s early abstractions in charcoal and bright watercolours. The watercolours testify the influence that Kandinsky had on Georgia O’Keefe as she accosts colours to music as shown in the painting ‘Blue and Green Music’. In the first part of the exhibition, the paintings shown demonstrate O’Keeffe’s focus on the sensorial sphere and her attempt to represent sounds with colours. However, in the paintings that follow, it is possible to detect the change as she moves to contradict critics who gave sexual interpretations to her works.

The paintings in the second part of the exhibition are extremely different from those of the first section. Indeed, from 1925, O’Keeffe gave up the theme of coloursmusic in favour of landscapes, still-life and houses. The section reveals how the places she visited deeply influenced her art. New York City and Lake George are two of these influential places. Looking at those paintings, it can be understood that O’Keeffe’s art underwent a further subject change: she abandoned the

O'Keeffe at the Tate Modern. Photos by Anna Lucchinetti.

tall buildings of New York to focus on nature. As the exposition continues, the predominance of still nature and landscapes in her art becomes more evident. However, the constancy of the subject does not make the exposition less interesting because, as Laura Cumming wrote in the Guardian, O’Keeffe ‘makes small things vast and thus newly strange.’ The following rooms show other important periods of Georgia O’Keeffe’s art. Starting with the famous portrayals of flowers, moving to the period in New Mexico where she produced landscapes, and where she started to treat one of her most appreciated motifs— the skull.

Ending with the late abstractions that she started to paint in the 1950s, inspired by aeroplane journeys.

The exposition also tells the story of O’Keeffe’s collaborations with Alfred Stieglitz

(her husband) and their circle of artists. Moreover, the exhibition includes photographs or paintings by Stieglitz and others from his circle, namely Ansel Adams and John Marin. Many are photographs of Georgia O’Keeffe herself, while others are Marin painting’s which aim to testify the influence that the female painter had on other artists.

Why go to the exhibition?

Georgia O’Keeffe’s show at the Tate Modern reveals how her art evolved and why. It also offers a clear insight into her psychology; each room has a quote explaining how the places she visited, and the people she met there, contributed to enriching her art, helping make her one of the greatest icons of American art.

Exhibition showing at The Tate Modern until 30 October 2016.

16 ARTS: FILM From Bedroom To Big Screen ALEX HOBBS STUDENT WRITER

Since the early 1990’s Hollywood has possessed a lingering fascination with the video game in-dustry. On the surface these two formats seem perfect for each other, embracing ambitious action, grand-scale adventure, and the all-important avenue of escapism. Yet somehow these adaptations never manage to break the box office, often being met with lukewarm responses at best. With Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil: The Final Chapter being released later this year, alongside Justin Kurzel’s Assassin’s Creed, the two films already face critical preconceptions; video game movies on the whole are not successful movies.

This is not to say that video game adaptations do not

have their merits, rather they cannot emulate the key element of the gaming experience: participation. These are stories that are designed to include us, that make us feel like we have a say in the way a narrative plays out. For hours we become these characters, we explore their capabilities and test their limits.

The time and effort that we put into shaping their stories is far too precious. However, when Christian Slater shows up as Edward Carnby in Alone in the Dark (often considered to be one of the worst films of all time) suddenly we lose attachment largely because we lose control. As far as we are concerned his ac-tions are now his own and we are no longer responsible for the consequences. Of course there

are some aspects of the video game movie that, with enough attention to detail, can translate surprising-ly well to the big screen. Christoph Gans’ 2006 adaptation of Silent Hill managed to convey the same atmosphere that made the survival horror franchise so iconic. The film makes use of the same soundtrack from the games, incorporates fixed camera positions from angles identical to those of the PlayStation One era, and the threat of Pyramid Head is just as horrific as we remember. The world that the film depicts is accurate - it looks like Silent Hill. The film’s plot albeit may be weak, and the characters questionable, but to mimic the atmosphere of one of the most haunting fran-chises of all time is an impressive feat.

As an audience that in-

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

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Student Sentiment "I believe that the main issue with transferring between these two mediums is that the studios feel the need to copy the subject matter rather than attempt to create new stories within that universe."

- Dan Woods, Third Year Physics Student dulges in both film and video games, there is nothing we seek more than a successful combination of the two. Perhaps Assassin’s Creed will be the ground-breaking adaptation we have been craving for so long, or maybe we will be stuck in cinematic mediocrity for as long as Hollywood pursues the gaming industry.

With the new push of virtual reality experience though we may see an answer to Hollywood’s issues with participation and immersion sooner than we think. For now, the video game film renaissance still seems out of reach, leaving us praying for something to flourish and do justice to a well-deserved art form.

ARTS: FILM 17

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

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[Review]

Swiss Army Man: A Case of Defying Genre

RYAN NAIR FILM EDITOR

To attempt compartmentalising Swiss Army Man into one genre is pointless.

The film, directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, and starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe is truly a flick as wild as they come. The film follows Dano, a desert island castaway named Hank on the verge of committing suicide when Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) washes up on the shore.

Hank develops a friendship with Manny and eventually learns that he can utilise the corpse much like a Swiss army knife. As their ‘relationship’ blossoms and Hank discovers Manny can magically conjure fire, spray water and basically fly (crazy, I know), the cadaver slowly returns to life. This marks the turning point in the film. Just as Manny has saved Hank from his own insanity, Hank has to teach Manny how to live, as the corpse has no memory of his former life.

This is where the brilliance of

Swiss Army Man stems from – it is a film chronicling life, love, death, dreams, making friends, music, sex, lying, learning, being a kid, being a teenager, being an adult, being weird, being polite… This film explores every nook and cranny of modernity and this element makes it relatable on a basic human level.

I had not heard much about Swiss Army Man before seeing it and I think this naivety is what made the film so mesmerising. I felt like what I had just watched was art. It left me feeling happier because the film simply understood what it means to be human.

Arguably it could be called a drama, but I think what is different here is that Swiss Army Man concludes with a blissful undertone of finality. It does not leave you feeling like you wish your life was more exciting like a film, but rather that everything is as it should be.

Not all critics felt the same as I did though, with some viewers at the Sundance Film Festival walking out dur-

ing the first screening due to the film’s alarming nature.

Certainly, the film is not as straight-edged as the common viewer may like, but nowadays the ‘edgier’ the film

'I had not heard much

about Swiss Army Man before seeing it and I think this naivety is what made the film so mesmerising.' the more attention it gathers, and I believe Swiss Army Man is destined for great things.

The unorthodox quality of the film is its achievement, with Peter Durbage of Variety call-

ing its weirdness ‘a badge of honour’. If viewers do not understand this accolade, then they have simply missed the point of the film.

Another talking point is Radcliffe’s retribution as an actor. Personally, after the Harry Potter series most film goers would agree that Radcliffe had been type-cast and that was the peak of his career. This film just shows us how wrong we were. Radcliffe completely strips away all preconceptions of his acting ability and draws cleverly upon his character’s situation to inspire empathy from the audience throughout. One scene in particular worth noting is with Hank on a makeshift bus, in which Manny roleplays a conversation with the girl he is in love with. Radcliffe playing the fool is about as beautiful as Potter was courageous.

In an interview with The Culture Trip, Radcliffe describes the film as ‘magical realism’ and he hits the nail on the head perfectly here. As much as the film strays into

absurdity, it still grounds itself in human emotion. By the end of the film though the audience are left wondering whether the film’s moral actually transcends the story.

In a Fight-Club-esque way, perhaps Manny’s existence was all in Hank’s head? Alternatively, maybe he did die when he hung himself and the film is his afterlife. As far as interpretations go, I think that what the film shows us is literally what happens. Hank’s terrible life is graced by Manny’s arrival and this intervention helps him reclaim a grasp on his sanity and make sense of life’s hardships. Similarly, to most of cinema’s greatest films, an ambiguous ending provokes a polarised wave of discussion and this is what a great film should achieve.

With regards to Swiss Army Man, we simply cannot know what the ending means, and this ineffability is what directors Scheinert and Kwan were aiming for when they concocted this wacky and eyeopening film.

18 ARTS: FILM

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

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The Handmaiden And [Review] The Mastery Of Cinema The Girl

On The Train

JACK SALVADORI STUDENT WRITER

Sometimes a director’s name is enough to make a movie worth watching. There is no need for glamorous actors, nor for a captivating storyline; a cinephile does not even need to watch the trailer to rush to the movie theatre.

The director’s mise-en-scène – the authorial essence that makes a film valuable and unique – is the real protagonist.

Today, it looks like we have lost this fashion for auteurs, filmmakers whose individual styles and complete control over all elements of production give a film their personal stamp, and the industry has just a few iconic directors with such potential left. One of these is most definitely the South Korean Park ChankWook. During his brilliant career, the director produced masterpieces of the calibre of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002), Oldboy (2003), and Thirst (2009), winning the most prestigious awards in Cannes, Berlin and Venice Film Festivals. This year, he returns with his latest work, Ag-ha-ssi – or, in English, The Handmaiden – recently presented at the BFI London Film Festival.

It is not an easy task to talk about the intricate plot of The Handmaiden without risking spoiling the movie. Therefore, I will limit myself saying that the narrative is centred around a Korean pickpocket woman who is hired by a sly con man to swindle a wealthy Japanese heiress, becoming her handmaiden. Of course, there is much more to find out, with several radical plot twists that reshape the movie’s structure completely. The film is divided in three chapters, and the audience must think back at the end of each section to recon-

ANNA LUCCHINETTI STUDENT WRITER

BFI London Film Festival. Photo provided by Jack Salvadori

nect the complex events in the storyline.

The motion picture full of surprises is smartly adapted from the novel Fingersmith,

by Welsh writer Sara Waters, and set from the Victorian age of the book to the 1930s Korea under Japanese colonial occupation. The film, presenting also the interesting clash of Asian cultures between Korea and Japan, is flavoured with irony, a remarkable choice for the historical theme. It is here that comes into play the mastery of Park Chan-Wook. His exceptional style, with stunning, symbolical shots of a close-to-perfect cinematography, leads to the astonishing structure of the film. A structure that, at its core, is a mixture of genres: from a curios humoristic beginning, that continues as a drama, evolving into a thriller, passing through the horror and the adventure, and even lightening it up with some pornography. It is almost a chemical reaction in the human body that Park ChanWook has carefully analysed in order to make of this film an emotional roller coaster.

Every element, detail, genre, is introduced at the right moment and in the correct place to physically and psychologically prepare the audience for the following scene, in order to enjoy the visceral experience of watching the film in the best possible way. For instance, when there are some explicitly pornographic scenes, they are meant to excite the spectators as much as the protagonists involved, so that they will have a precise attitude to the scene that follows. Obviously, this is a genuine cinematic achievement, that could technically count as a filmic evolution, that only a genius could accomplish... A true master of cinema.

Ultimately, the movie is about a brilliant vengeance, even though it conveys a message of freedom. Now more than ever, cinema needs innovative movies like this one, it requires auteurs like Park Chan-Wook. Thus, for all the people who are looking for an experience rather than simply a good movie, The Handmaiden will be released on 17th February 2017. Do not miss it.

It happens to everyone who gets on a train and starts to watch people’s behaviour: wondering about their lives, their jobs, if they have a family and what their names are.

However, afterwards these people remain only images in the mind. They are like shadows - they are not real because they do not have an impact in our lives anymore. But, what would happen if these shadows materialise, if they stop being surreal and start to be a part of our lives?

This is what The Girl On the Train is about. Rachel is a young woman with a serious drinking problem. Her life started falling apart when her husband, Tom (Justin Theroux), left her to raise a new family with a woman he had an affair with, Anna (Rebeca Ferguson). Rachel develops a strange obsession for Tom’s new family and to keep herself busy takes the suburban commuter train into Manhattan every day in order to pass by the town where Tom and Anna live. However, Tom and Anna are not the only people Rachel sees on the train. In fact, Rachel always watches a couple who lives, what appears to be ‘the perfect life’ in their house next to the railway. For Rachel, the couple is the embodiment of the life she lost and everything she desires. A few days later whilst drunk, Rachel sees the woman, Megan (Hayley Bennett), kissing another man and enraged, gets off the train to follow the other woman in order to scold her for her unfaithfulness. However, not all goes to plan and the following

day when Rachel wakes up, she is covered in blood, without any memory of the night and discovers that Megan is missing…

It is possible to say that The Girl On the Train, alongside having an intriguing plot, can also be considered highly educative. Indeed, it teaches us how things are never quite as they seem, perhaps asking us to look twice and not judge so quickly. People are different from how we see them, and this film is proof that sometimes we judge people based on the conventions that society has instilled in our heads.

During the pre-release of the film there was genuine worry from filmgoers that the plot would not be all that engaging. However, watching the movie for myself proved the exact opposite. In fact, the director, Tate Taylor, did an incredible job in creating a sense of tension and danger which runs from the very beginning to the last minute of the film. It is also impressive how the director managed to simultaneously answer the initial questions raised during the story and bring light to the new mysteries that are revealed at the very end.

Conclusively, The Girl On the Train is something out of the ordinary in the film world.

Personally, I think this film aims to make viewers aware of the fact that they normally miss what is behind the mask of the typical person.

Furthermore, it is notable to say that, thanks to the director’s abilities, this film brings back to memory classics such as Hitchcock’s Rebecca and Marnie, as the anxiety and tension felt whilst watching the film is ever present.

ARTS: MUSIC 19

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

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[Column]

Do It Alone

THAT ONE DEAF MUSIC CRITIC

Inspired by Francesca’s review this issue, wherein she detailed how it felt to see Mabel live, by herself, I’ve decided to visit the topic of what going to a gig solo is like. Frankly, I almost always prefer to go by myself because there are too many variables at play. First off, if it’s a review pass it just seems cheeky asking for an extra one for my mate who won’t do any reviewing. Secondly, I can move at my own pace with the day – food before the gig, beer before the gig, whatever I want to do, I can do at my pace. Don’t you rush me through my burrito Patrice, I will finish when I want to! Thirdly, I don’t have to deal with the kind of people you take to gigs. Who, you may conveniently ask so as to make a neat segue into the next portion of this column, are these people?

The Friend Who You’ve Dragged Along They’re not really a fan are they? You’ve told them they’ll like the band, throwing out names of random artists that you know they like, and suggesting that they all are quite similar to the jazz fusion sextet you want to take them to see. Then they spend the gig pouting and bored next to you and you end up feeling slightly guilty, all because you didn’t want to go alone and didn’t know anyone else who was a fan. Shame on you.

The One Who Only Knows ‘Budapest’ Look, there’s nothing wrong with going to a gig for an artist who you don’t know many songs by. You don’t have to be a massive fan to enjoy a gig. I’ve been to gigs where I haven’t known any songs by the headliner and had great fun. But please don’t spend the entire gig on your phone until George Ezra sings ‘Bu-

Songs Of The Season: Halloween Hits It’s Halloween, so roll on with the novelty Halloween songs that bring to mind zombies, red leather jackets, people vacuuming up ghosts, and monster specific dance moves. But what about the actually scary songs? What are the songs that chill the bones of the writers of The Founder music section? What are the most frighteningly bad songs that we’ve ever heard? Questions that we’re sure are on everyone’s lips, so, without further ado, here are the most frighteningly bad songs that we have ever heard, in no particular order, presented after we individually thought long and hard for about two minutes.

1.

Complicated Rhythm – Bella Ruse That One Deaf Music Critic, Sam to those who know him, can be reached for bookings at Samuel.Barker.2013@live.rhul.ac.uk dapest’, and then whine about leaving after he’s done.

The One Who You Don’t Know That Well Who Smells Worse Than You Remember Oh, your hygiene is surprisingly worse than I remember.

No, no, please stop moshing your filthy, unwashed armpit into my face. No, thank you, I’m not going to hold your butt as you try and stand on the shoulders of the guy next to you. No, we don’t need to hang out after the gig at yours.

It’s quite alright. Have a good night. Goodbye. Go away The One Who Misunderstood Which Band It Was Oh, no, this is James Blake.

No, I’m afraid that’s not James Bay. You thought I said James Bay? No, he won’t be singing ‘Hold Back the River.’ Because he’s not James Bay. No, I doubt he’s going to cover it, either.

‘You’re Beautiful’? Does he sing that one? No, no, that’s still the wrong person. Oh dear. You’re going to have fun tonight aren’t you?

The One Who Buys You Beer While You Keep the Spot Actually, no, you guys are great. I love you. Want to come to my next gig with me?

2.

Pen Pineapple Apple Pen – Pikotaro

Anything - Nickelback

3.

Pitbull. Just Pitbull.

4.

Of course, some of you might now be sneering at us in our high and mighty music-writer chairs, our plush, back-supported, and on-wheels comfort apparently making us pretentious and full of hate for anything that isn’t at least eleven minutes long and features at least two extended drum solos. To which we say ‘HA!’ and present to you some genuinely frightening songs to listen to by yourself. Warning: Disturbing content ahead…

5.

Frankie Teardrop – Suicide

Genuinely upsetting and terrifying to listen to, I’ve only heard it all the way through once.

Revolution 9 – The Beatles

6.

Don’t believe me? Listen to it backwards.

7.

Every Breath You Take – The Police LISTEN TO THE LYRICS!

Did we miss your favorite scary song? Do you disagree with us about a song being frighteningly bad? Let us know by emailing us at music@thefounder.co.uk - The Founder Music Crew

20 ARTS: MUSIC ‘The Real Life’ EP – Quarterlights SAM BARKER MUSIC EDITOR

Teased with the release of their first single ‘Why Don’t You Like Me’, Quarterlights’ debut EP filters slowly into the listener’s consciousness with the delicate clean guitar in the intro to ‘The Wolf ’.

It isn’t long before they grab hold, however, with band members Tom, Andrew and Luke thrashing away as vocalist Ollie croons and shouts his way along over them. There’s something to be said for the tongue-in-cheek nature of the band, as both ‘The Wolf ’ and ‘Killer’ tune in to moments of bouncing levity that shortly resolve back to the high energy roots. The standout track is easily ‘Ghosts’, which provides a momentary break for the listener, coasting along

After a sweaty Thursday evening spent bouncing around inside the Kentish Town Forum, I have come to the conclusion that we all need a little bit of Rat Boy in our lives.

A few hours earlier the scraggy 20-year-old (trust me, to him that’s a compliment) bounded onstage amidst a hail of sirens, surrounded by various mates clutching pints and wearing what can only be described as the waviest of garms, before launching into an energetic, mosh-inducing set that sent the crowd into a frenzy. And the crowd went absolutely mad, all the more impressive considering that the average age was about 14 (accompanying mums and dads included).

With the show’s mini-

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Everything In Its Right Place Radiohead Live at Lollapalooza Berlin

on the doubled guitar and piano riff, and a classic Quarterlights shout-along chorus that one could easily picture a drunken man on the floor of a pub shouting incoherently, even if the song isn’t playing.

Not that I’ve ever done that.

All five tracks on the EP have wonderful moments, be it a riff, a vocal line, a lyric, or a particular moment of high energy, and one obvious moment is found on the band’s single, and EP closer.

On ‘Why Don’t You Like Me’, in the call-and-response ending choruses of “why don’t you like me?” the band have inserted the audience vocals from a local gig they did, nodding their head in recognition of the Egham-based fans who showed such support for them in their early days as a CORENTIN SEGUIN band.

Rat Boy Live At O2 Forum Kentish Town HELEN WALPOLE STUDENT WRITER

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

mum age limit set to eight, Rat Boy knows his audience, and he fully embraces it - although at times he has to break up the mosh pit, perhaps in order to save himself from a nasty lawsuit. But this just demonstrates the massive fun the indie rapper has to offer; crowd-pleasers ‘FAKE ID’ and ‘Sign On’ perfectly capture the youthful, rebellious nature we all wish we could hold on to forever, which is probably why his audience enjoy his gig to the full. It’s a night of embracing youth, and a f*ck-it attitude that gives a big middle finger to the pressures and responsibilities of growing up.

On my way home, bedraggled and nostalgic for those teenage years that Rat Boy will always embody, I’m sincerely glad that he’s around to remind us all how it felt to be 14.

STUDENT WRITER

7:40 PM. Thirty degrees.

2 empty bottles of water. 5 hours of waiting. Years and Years were quite good. James Blake was a disaster. So here we are, time for Radiohead, coming one by one onto the main stage in front of at least 45,000 screaming people for their only German date of their ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ tour.

I admit, I’ve already watched a few of their previous gigs this year online and I know their set-list changes every time. Music fans will tell you that that’s a good thing.

Radiohead fans will tell you that it’s really stressful. Now, it’s a Radiohead concert so everyone is going to be happy 3 hours after, softly singing their favourite song of the night as they leave, but when you’re an absolute fanatic, you want your songs.

They start with songs from their great new album, with ‘Burn The Witch’ and ‘Daydreaming’ getting the crowd into it, with everyone singing along. Their first hit comes as

the sixth song begins: ‘2+2=5’, followed by ‘Reckoner’ from ‘In Rainbows’. The melodic ‘No Surprises’ follows, the first song of the night from ‘OK Computer’, their massive historic 1997 album. After almost an hour comes the moment you start fearing that your favourite song will never come. You know Radiohead will play a 2-and-a-half-hour set. You know they’re going to do two encores. Yet you are not able to relax and wait for your tunes. The show moves on with hits from the 2000 album ‘Kid A’, Radiohead is getting into the final run. Everyone’s phones are out, waiting for the last songs. Then my songs came, I was not disappointed after all. ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’, ‘Let Down’, ‘Paranoid Android’ playing in a row. Berlin became the best place in the world for music for that half hour.

After coming back for their second encore, frontman Thom Yorke asked the crowd, ‘Are you happy?’ What a foolish question. Maybe you should ask The 1975, playing right now on another stage for a crowd of the curious and

agoraphobic. ‘That’s about to change’. The first notes of ‘Creep’ rang out and the field cracked under the joy of the whole audience. After more than six years not having played this song, Radiohead seems to still enjoy their ‘Pablo Honey’ hit. The crowd is on fire, everyone is shouting (badly, obviously, because of the impossibly high note of the final chorus) and the feeling is magic. The song ends, the applause is thunderous and everyone holds their breath waiting for the next song. And with the first note of ‘Karma Police’, here we go again. What a final, what a way to close a festival, what an emotional release.

With this AMSP tour, the band has done what they do best: becoming the best band in the world by reinventing themselves every year, and in doing so reinventing rock. All the next Radiohead’s shows are currently sold out but have no fear; we should see them back in England next year as the band has promised to tour again in 2017. Rumours for a headline slot at Glastonbury are also spreading.

ARTS: MUSIC 21

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

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[Review]

The Altar – Banks

HELEN WALPOLE STUDENT WRITER

Refreshing and upfront, Banks’ latest offering ‘The Altar’ occupies a decidedly pro-woman space within the realm of dark-pop.

It’s not to say that songstresses like Dua Lipa or Tove Lo don’t achieve this - far from it. But with this album Banks asserts herself from the off, and the overarching theme of the album is certainly one of powerful femininity and unabashed sexuality.

Openers ‘Gemini Feed’ and ‘F*ck With Myself ’ are pulsing electronic tracks with a driving production style that set the tone for the album. In these, Banks explores themes of self-love in all its guise, and the need to stand her ground. A highlight of the album is ‘This Is Not About Us’, with its catchy vocal hook, glitchy drums and pulsing synths. The album’s production, whilst remaining largely stripped-back, does a great job of capturing a sense of momentum without de-

tracting from the lyrical content of the songs.

The artist isn’t afraid to show her strength through vulnerability, either. On ‘Mother Earth’ she pairs soft strings and an acoustic guitar with a lyrical, expressive melody as she contemplates her emotions. A muted electric piano makes an appearance on ‘To The Hilt’, a reflective track where the artist explores her regrets regarding a relationship she had to walk away from for her own sake. ‘Weaker Girl’ provides a good balance between assertion and vulnerability, with its hook of ‘I think you need a weaker girl, ‘cos I’ma need a bad motherf*cker like me’ contrasting the mournful strings spread out through the song.

‘The Altar’ offers a great exploration of what it is to navigate the world as a woman in 2016, on top of some excellent production, in a great fusion of electronica and R&B. Fans of MØ, Chvrches and the like will love this latest effort from Banks.

Mabel Live At The Moth Club Or What I Did One Night in London

FRANCESCA MUDANNAYAKE

STUDENT WRITER

There’s a certain kind of silence that precedes an answer to the question ‘SO! Who are you going to the gig with?’.

Especially when the answer is, ‘No one, mother. Just myself.’ In true Sri Lankan style, my mother launches into a full blown rant about the dangers of London and travelling alone. I’m fully aware of the potential harm that may come to her prodigal child, but I also have to bear the brunt of societal awkwardness by going to a gig without any friends. Oh the shame! In my opinion it just makes more sense, from a logistics standpoint – I couldn’t find anyone who shared my love for the up and coming RnB singer, Mabel – and from an enjoyment standpoint – I don’t have to worry if the other person is having fun.

So here’s an account of how my evening turned out: 7.55pm –Doors open at 8pm.

I’m so on it. The Moth Club is a recently refurbished members’ club for military veterans which operates as a watering hole for oldies by day and a gig venue by night. The bar area is an interesting mix of millennial hipsters and over 65s who are more than disgruntled by the appearance of said youths. Without anyone to talk to, and in true millennial style, I pull out my phone and type out texts that will be sent to no one.

8.30pm – Arriving early means I can launch myself straight to the front to get optimum viewing (or crotch-inyour-face viewing as I learn later). Clara Amfo, radio presenter at BBC1, opens with a DJ set that consists mainly of RnB hits from old school Kanye to current songs by Solange and Drake and feels frankly unnecessary. I have an

awkward time bobbing about, talking to the main photographer, and attempting to rap to Lauryn Hill’s ‘Doo- Wop (That Thing)’ with a random guy.

9.30pm –Mabel strides onstage accompanied by two backing singers and her pianist/MIDI- person and the awkwardness quickly dissipates. The meteoric rise of Mabel is something that is as fantastic as it is intriguing.

Mabel arrived seemingly out of nowhere with her first single ‘Know Me Better’ which dropped in August 2015. Despite never having gigged before, the single was enough to catapult her onto BBCs Sound of 2016 list. What followed were deals with Calvin Klein and Tate Modern and a steady stream of singles. She is Destiny’s Child but with a 2016 update. The 90s influence is clearly there with her outfit that night paying tribute to Aaliyah’s style – translucent white pants and jacket, a black bra, and Chanel sneakers. The effect is dazzling combined with her dance moves and caramel vocals.

She starts off with my per-

sonal favourite, ‘Talk About Forever’, thought it doesn’t live up to expectations as the backing singers’ harmonies stuck out awkwardly in the mix. The sound mixing didn’t work too well either as Mabel’s vocals were sometimes overpowered. While the lack of a band provided an impersonal approach to the music, the shortcomings were more than made up for by Mabel’s energy and tenacity to tap into the crowd’s emotions.

Her cover of Bryson Tiller’s ‘Don’t’ went down particularly well. It’s perfectly clear that her own tunes, which she co-produced and co-wrote, have a pop sensibility that underlie all of the melodies.

Even for unreleased songs such as ‘Sweetest Thing’ and ‘Come Over’ the whole crowd gets hooked onto the chorus and by the end of it we were all singing along. She ended her 30-minute set with her latest single ‘Thinking of You’ which sounded magnificent live. It was a short gig and felt very much like a warm-up to something else, but Mabel oozes with talent so it will be interesting to watch how her career develops.

22 SPORTS

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Bears Take On Varsity: An Interview With Steff Milne

Email the editor at sports@thefounder.co.uk

FA Girls’ Football Week 2016 Royal Holloway women win in week of football.

ELIZABETH SILVERBERG SPORTS EDITOR

Steff Milne, Co-President of Sports and Development made the exciting announcement of Royal Holloway’s first ever varsity, happening in 2017! This exciting news was announced on the infamous Bears Night, on Monday 3rd October, where Steff came on stage and showed us the Varsity video which highlighted some of the sports clubs which would be included. To help everyone understand more about this new development, I interviewed Steff about the ins and outs of this exciting event.

For those who don't know, could you explain what 'Varsity' actually is?

Varsity is a basically a big day of sport where one university competes against another in all sports in one day!

What inspired you to try and arrange varsity matches for the Bears?

Varsity is something which I think has been missing from our sports offering for a long time. It’s a huge event at many universities around the country so it was just about finding an appropriate opponent for the Bears to rival. I think Surrey is a great choice!

Is Varsity at Royal Holloway likely to become an annual event?

Definitely! After this year we would love to continue our Varsity series and make it a big event in our calendar for the year.

Do you think one day that it might be on a similar scale to that of other Varsity matches; such as the Oxford/Cambridge

Varsity?

Surrey Sports Park!

Who knows? We could even- To ensure there is suptually have a Surrey Varsity port for the Bears, will there be transportation series on our hands! provided so supporters What sports clubs will be can go and watch the included in the Varsity matches? matches?

There sure will be. We will be A huge range of our clubs will busing as many people over to be involved in Varsity this Surrey Sports Park as we can year, we are also hoping to so that the Bears have the supincorporate some societies in port they deserve! the event too! We want to get as many people involved as What are you most excited about Varsity? possible.

When will the fixtures be I can’t wait to see our bears out in force, watch us racking announced? up the wins and see the huge We are currently in discus- hype around Varsity 2017 sions with Surrey about the evolve! This will be the biggest logistics of the event and Sa- sporting day of the year and rah, our Sports Club coordi- will be a chance for the Bears nator, will be working with to show the Stags whose boss! them on the fixtures for the Steff has put a lot of effort event! in organising the Varsity for When will Varsity take the Bears. It has been such a successful concept for other place? universities, so is likely to be29th March 2017 – Save the come a major event for the Bears calendar. We will be date! keeping you up to date on the Where will Varsity take development of Varsity, which is likely to become the biggest places? sporting event of the year. Go This year we will be away at Bears!

ELIZABETH SILVERBERG SPORTS EDITOR

Last week, Royal Holloway Women’s Football Club got involved with the Football Association’s national initiative Girls’ Football Week, which aims to get more women involved and participating in the sport.

In order to promote Girls’ Football Week, the club ran multiple events throughout the week including; a free futsal session, a Chelsea Ladies session, an introduction to coaching course, foot-golf, and the clubs first BUCS match of the season.

The biggest and most successful event from the week was the Girls Football 7-aside tournament. This was held on Tuesday evening and over 60 girls competed, both from Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics. Arsenal and England Ladies player Jordan Nobbs and BUCS came down to support the event and to help promote FA

Girls’ Football Week. Not only that, the club managed to raise just shy of £450 for Cancer Research UK. Royal Holloway Women’s Football hope to continue to promote female football and get more girls involved. Club members volunteer weekly at St Jude’s Primary School in Englefield Green, coaching basic football skills to the years 5 and 6 pupils, and are keen to start a girls’ team there. Further opportunities to visit other local schools to engage more girls in football are being organised by Surrey FA along with the charity and volunteer secretary Alicia Marriott. Women’s Football President Sophie Shapter aims to get as many members of the club as possible to achieve a Level 1 coaching qualification in order to boost members’ confidence, skills and CVs for life after university.

Overall, Girls’ Football Week has been a huge success for promoting Women’s Football. Their passion and motivation does not seem to be fading any time soon.

SPORTS 23

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

Email the editor at sports@thefounder.co.uk

[Spotlight]

Meet The Captain:

Royal Holloway Swimming

Royal Holloway BUCS Scores

This month saw the start of BUCS for Royal Holloway. This season (2016-17) we have entered 66 teams into the BUCS league. After the first week of fixtures the Bears have secured 11 wins, 5 draws and 24 defeats. In each monthly issue there will be an overview of the results for the Bears.

ELIZABETH SILVERBERG SPORTS EDITOR

Photo provided by Joshua Bibby

Name: Joshua Bibby Sport: Swimming

er’s week with faster times.

How was last year for your sport at Royal Holloway?

Great! I integrated into the club really quickly and met some fantastic people. I loved training and competing with the team and look forward to taking a leadership role this year with new and old faces as the club continues to grow.

What are you aiming for this year?

To both improve personally as a swimmer and give back to the club by coaching and guiding the other swimmers which I find very rewarding.

I’m aiming to get new swimmers into competing and training at a high level, so we can grow and push the team to higher standards. I am coaching 2-3 times a week and running land training once a week. This has already resulted in the swimmers improving and swimming longer sets than we had in fresh-

What would you say is the best thing about sport at Royal Holloway?

The team! We have a great team who pushes themselves harder each year. Whether it is to better ourselves as swimmers, or work at improving the club as a whole.

What do any new members have to look forward to when they join?

A large, friendly club that accommodates for swimmers of all abilities from national level swimmers down to those who just want to learn to swim.

What is the best/funniest thing that has happened to you while playing at university?

Swimming the 100m Fly in a relay at BUCS, going out a ‘bit’ too hard and swimming a poor time as a result. Despite my best efforts my teammates have yet to let me forget it!

Badminton RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

5-3 4-4

Portsmouth University Men’s 1st St Mary’s University College Women’s 1st

Basketball RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

54-52 54-46

University of Sussex Men’s 1st University of Chichester Women’s 1st

Fencing RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

112-110 77-135

Kings College London Men’s 1st University of Surrey Women’s 2nd

Football RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

5-2 0-7

Portsmouth University Men’s 2nd University of Kent Women’s 1st

Golf RHUL Mixed 1st

6-0

Brunel University Mixed 1st

0-2 1-1

RHUL Men’s 1st University of Sussex 2nd

Hockey UCL Men’s 3rd RHUL Women’s 1st

Lacrosse University of Kent Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

Netball RHUL 1st Roehampton 1st

Rugby Union RHUL Men’s 1st Surrey Men’s 2nd

9-6 6-9

RHUL Men’s 1st Reading Women’s 1st

28-36 37-36

University of Sussex 1st RHUL 2nd

102-0 56-0

University of Chichester Men’s 2nd RHUL Men’s 2nd

Squash RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

0-3 0-3

City University London Men’s 1st University of Surrey 2nd

Table Tennis Portsmouth Men’s 1st RHUL Men’s 2nd

14-3 4-13

RHUL Men’s 1st Anglia Ruskin University Men’s 2nd

8-4 12-0

City University London Men’s 1st RHUL Women’s 1st

Tennis RHUL Men’s 1st Uni of Kent W 1st

Volleyball Middlesex Uni Men’s 1st

0-3

RHUL Men’s 1st

24

THE FOUNDER October 28, 2016

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