Orbital Autumn Issue 2019

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THE AUTUMN ISSUE

MAKE YOUR MARK:

WHAT IMPACT CAN YOU HAVE ON THE WORLD? OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ROYAL HOLLOWAY STUDENTS’ UNION

ORBITAL BOARD

2019/2020 EDITOR Rachel Hains

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. Rachel Hains

EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITOR Alex Jones COMMENT Shannon Gray FEATURES Sam Stephenson LIFESTYLE Kieran Bateman ARTS/CULTURE Isobel Clarke SPORTS & SOCIETIES Natasha Mae SCIENCE & GAMING Lovetta Pujeh PHOTOGRAPHY Jasmin Sharland HEAD OF DESIGN Amy Breese HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION Ian Hayes SOCIAL SECRETARY Katy Murray COPY EDITOR Gemma Rolandi With thanks to the outgoing board of 2018/19 ADDRESS Media Suite, Students’ Union, Royal Holloway University of London, TW20 0EX WEBSITE theorbital.co.uk EMAIL editor@theorbital. co.uk

It is officially Autumn; leaves are falling from the trees, scarves are replacing sunglasses and people are drowning in deadlines. No matter where you look, change is the air.

As the season changes, so do we here at Orbital. After all, this is the first full edition of Orbital to run this year and it would not have been possible without my incredible Board of Editors and contributors who have been working tirelessly to get this out for you - our readers. We are super excited to share with you what we have been working on. From theatrical reviews, to student artwork, to incredible interviews we have it all.

When it came to choosing the theme for this particular issue it was an easy choice considering a general election looming, a presidential race kicking off across the pond, as well as the arrival of Autumn. Change is everywhere we look, and now more than ever, we as students need to consider if and how we change with it. What mark are we leaving on the world both on and off campus? This term has already seen this question drawn into focus with the Debate Society’s announcement of a potential Katie Hopkins debate sparking heated debate back in October. Clearly, freedom of speech and the power of using our voices is something people feel very passionately about - just one more reason we felt this issue’s theme was an apt one.

Our feature ‘Make Your Mark’ (page 11) was written in collaboration with

the SU who have been prioritising giving students a voice, encouraging students to register to vote on campus as well as hosting a referendum on ‘No Platforming’. As a Student Media Outlet, Orbital is just one of the ways students at Royal Holloway are able to speak out and share their work, ideas and opinions about topics both personal and global.

In this issue, our lifestyle team also focus on just some of the ways you can improve your mental and physical wellbeing this Autumn. For instance, Tom Rusbridge suggests just some of the possible benefits of switching to a Mediterranean diet (page 27), Shay Gray explains why putting yourself first is always the best policy (page 9) and Emma Hughes explores the history of the ‘power suit’ (page 7).

There are many ways to make your mark on the world, as also seen through our art and culture section, featuring some of the incredible works done by Holloway student Annaliese Barber (page 19). We also review some of the hottest books, shows and films out there.

As always, if you have been inspired by this issue and want to get involved with Orbital then please join us! You can become a member through the SU website and recieve exclusive invites to our training sessions and career events.

It also entitles you to receive feedback on your work from our wonderful Board of editors. Or you may wish to only submit one article - it’s entirely up to you. Either way, please message any of our board or follow us on social media to learn more.

Until next time, Rachel Hains Editor

CONTENTS: 1 11 27 33

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Rachel Hains welcomes us to a new edition of Orbital and highlights some of the reasons behind this issue’s theme.

MAKE YOUR MARK AND GET READY TO VOTE THIS AUTUMN

In this time of political uncertainty, Rachel Hains and Alex Jones explains why making sure students are registered to vote is more important than ever.

THE BENEFITS OF A MEDITERRANEAN DIET

As the days get shorter and colder, Tom Rusbridge explores the possible positive impact of converting to a Mediterranean diet this autumn.

A WARM WELCOME FROM VP OF SPORT: DOM BROWN

Natasha Mae interviews Dom Brown, on his role as VP Sport at Royal Holloway, and why joining a Sport or Society is an important part of experiencing University.

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EMBODYING CHAOS: THE JOKER AND THE GOOSE

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SPOTLIGHT ON: ISAAC KENYON

Alex Whiteman explores the eerie similarities between two of the latest big-hits in entertainment.

Natasha Mae interviews Isaac Kenyon, Royal Holloway alumni on how he is taking life by storm and inspiring challenge in the lives of others.

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THE LEGACY OF SUFFRAGE. With a general election just around the corner, Isobel Clarke discusses the importance of utilising our right to vote and honouring those who fought for it.

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aving the right to vote is an issue that affects everyone, of every race, class, gender and beyond. In 21st Century Britain, the majority of the population has the right to vote, as long as you are over 18, (not a criminal) and registered. Voting can make a huge difference to the outcome of a government or a political issue you are passionate about, but you have to be registered with the process to make a change.

Particularly at this university, we should have a collective awareness of the importance of voting, resulting from our strong connection with the British suffrage movement; most famously with Holloway alumni Emily Wilding Davidson. As many of you already know, Davidson, a member of the suffragette movement, was killed in her own protest for her right to vote. Her activism combined with the efforts of countless men and women finally changed the law, so that in 1918, the Representation of the People Act allowed women over 21 the equal right to vote. For some countries, these laws of equal representation have only recently come about. In Saudi Arabia, Women were allowed to vote for the first time in 2015 after decades of protest.

100 years on from the British suffragette movement, our generation benefits from the equal voting rights our predecessors fought for. However, a current problem in British politics is the lack of knowledge or interest within the younger generations. According to a YouGov survey of 52,615 adults, only 59% of 20-24 year olds voted in the 2017 general election, compared to 84% of people 70 and above. It is crucial for young people to have their say, so that Britain can broaden its voice to include different generations and different backgrounds. Whether you are interested in Brexit, university budgeting, or the NHS; it is very important that you find a politician who supports your viewpoint and to vote for them.

Even if your elected official does not win, they will get

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funding according to their votes. This could help their party gain more power, ultimately supporting your viewpoints in parliament.

If you are confused or overwhelmed by the different parties and their ideologies, a lot of the parties have videos or articles on their websites that break down their ideas. Just remember to speak up and vote on those views! No real changes will be made without it.

See our other feature, ‘Make Your Mark and Get Ready To Vote’ on page 9 for more information about voting and how to capitalise your vote this December.

You can also check out Orbital’s various social media pages to find out more about why we will all be voting this election. Also, you can get involved with the hashtag #readytovote and share your reasons for voting this December. We want to hear from you, the student body. After all, we all have a voice. It’s time we used it.

PHOTGRAPHY CREDITS: (Above): RHUL SU Blog, Celebrating the 100 years of Suffrage.

(Top Right): REBELS WITH A CAUSE | 100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE, walesartreview.org.

(Bottom Right): Vote 100 At Royal Holloway, RHUL Intranet.

DEEDS

NOT WORDS

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FEATURES PHOTGRAPHY CREDIT: RuPaul in US Vogue’s May 2019 issue, photographed by Annie Leibovitz (Imgur)

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN: HOW RUPAUL CHANGED DRAG AND QUEER CULTURE.

After 10 years on American Television, RuPaul has finally made it across the pond. To celebrate, Rachel Hains explores the incredible impact RuPaul has had on Drag culture and Queer culture as a whole.

Once upon a time in San Diego, California, a boy named RuPaul Andre Charles was born. Later moving to study the performing arts in Atlanta, Georgia, who could have guessed how big an icon he would become? Well, in 1993, RuPaul shot to international stardom with the release of his number one hit single ‘Supermodel (You better work)’, followed by his role as an ambassador for MAC cosmetics. RuPaul was the first Drag Queen to earn such a high profile position, using his role to raise money for the Mac AIDS Fund. He then also landed his talk show ‘The RuPaul Show’, which ran for over 100 episodes and earned him many subsequent acting roles in various films and TV shows.

In large part, RuPaul’s success has been attributed to his pioneering queer representation on television and in popular culture. Both through his talk show and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, RuPaul has revolutionised the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community on screen, including Aids survivours. Futhermore, he has created a platform for numerous causes such as Transgender members of the drag community, as well as LGBTQ+ members in the military who are facing discrimination from the current American Government. RuPaul’s expansion across the pond could not, therefore, have been more timely. On October 22nd, gay marriage was legalised in Northern Ireland, completeing the United Kingdom’s legalisation of gay marriage. Futhermore, there has been a dramatic increase in interest in Drag Culture in the UK and internationally as a whole. One only has to listen to look at social media to see an influx of drag related gifs, memes and events up and down the country. Three of Drag Race’s contestants even attended Royal Holloway’s Freshers’ Festival this year.

Fundamentally, the show has offered a unique and visible platform for Drag, encouraging an expansion and new era of experimentation in what we can consider Drag, sexuality and gender as a whole. Drag itself has expanded on the show, developing its own life as a performance and art style.

From Bianca Del Rio’s bitterly dry wit, to Sasha Valore’s edgy, high-fashion inspired looks, one can see the ever expanding breadth and depth of Drag. No two Drag queens are the same and neither is their understanding of what it means to be a queen. However, one thing remains constant for each and every contestant and viewer - the show and the acceptance it has granted has been fundamental in helping to usher in a new era of acceptance and self-love. For instance, Channel 4 was clearly inspired by Ru with their show Drag SOS. On earlier this year, the show revolved around several Drag Artists (Male & female) who travelled the country in the hopes of helping people increase their self esteem through the power of drag. It was met with mixed reviews, but this was largely due to production value of the show rather than the contents itself.

It is safe to say, RuPaul has had a profound impact on many of our lives, mine included. Watching Drag Race has expanded my knowledge and understading of both Drag and Queer culture. Week after week, I was exposed to a world I never knew existed. I saw people, young and old, finding a safe space to exist and create together. It was a space of inclusivity and love, something many LGBTQ+ members struggle to find in their every day lives despite the positive changes many of us have witnessed in society. We do not have to be Drag Queens ourselves to be able to understand the messages of love, acceptance and empowerment Ru is spreading - both within and towards the LGBTQ+ community.

It is also a comfort to many people to see others who are experiencing or have experienced difficulties surrounding self confidence, gender and sexuality. When one of the queens shares their story it reminds us that, beneath the wigs, sass and impeccable clothes, they are just humans like us with very real feelings. As Ru said to the Guardian in 2014, “It shows tenacity of the human spirit, which each of us watching relates to. And we root for them. I think that is what is so captivating about it, seeing how these beautiful creatures have managed to prevail.” After all, in the immortal words of Mother Ru, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”. Truer words have never been spoken, and the millions of viewers who have been watching for years seem to agree. Ru, Shantay, you are definitely here to stay.

FEATURES

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od save the Queen - or, to be more precise, the Queen of Drag: RuPaul. After 10 years in America, RuPaul’s Emmy award winning ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ has finally hit British screens.

With over 26 years under her wig, RuPaul (or RuPaul Charles) is considered to be the most commercially successful US Drag queen of all time. Ru has also been named as one of Times Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Now, with the launch of the UK version of Drag Race, it is clear RuPaul’s legacy is set to continue and on an international scale. As a new chapter begins in this Queen’s reign, it is worth taking a look back down memory lane...

SUIT-UP MADAMOISELLES!

Emma Hughes offers an insight into the evolution of ‘dressing for success’. Through historical examples, Emma explains why you should also consider upgrading your wardrobe this autumn.

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t’s pretty well known that a killer outfit can give you the confidence to do just about anything. Whilst equipping you with a fearless state of mind a statement ensemble puts the ball in your court when deciding what kind of presence you want to have. Power dressing which is typically seen in business and political environments is a term we no longer use but the style is still relevant and with the return of female power suits women continue to achieve greatness in style as they have done for years.

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1900’s - Emily Wilding Davidson:

1960’s - Jackie Kennedy:

1966 - Yves Saint Laurent:

What we wear says a lot about what we believe and no one knew this more than the suffragettes. Choosing to wear suits to affront masculinity and reject the domestic lifestyle assigned to women at time members such as Emily Wilding Davison wore their suit as a symbol of rebellion and unity.

Later on Coco Chanel borrowed from menswear and helped shape the modern post-war woman trying to build a carer in male dominated workplaces.

Her designs consisted of a wool cardigan with a braided trim and a slimline skirt make famous by celebrities like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.

In the 60s Yves Saint Laurent created a tuxedo-style suit, known as Le Smoking, that swiftly became the epitome of sex appeal. This suit has been made from the same material for over 30 years allowing the most freedom of movement for the fastchanging lifestyle of women of the 60s. It was such a cultural statement at the time that it was banned from respectable hotels and restaurants.

1980s - Princess Diana:

In the 90s the female power suit took a chill pill after the “bigger is better” suits of the 80s featuring trademark larger than life shoulder pads and dresses were once again worn in the work place. Suits now have a high fashion twist tearing out those shoulder pads and clean-cut blazers of the conservative 80s suit instead preferring perfect tailoring and sleek lines. None the less the statement remains the same: “If men can wear this why can’t I?”

2010’s - Various celebrities:

Of course with great power suits comes great responsibility and now we owe it to the women of the past to rock our own power suits as fiercely and as confidently as they did. Using them as a tool to demonstrate our equality in all situations whether it be in an interview, a presentation or summer ball. We no longer need the power suit to show authority when it’s obvious we look and feel the business. The powers suit is back and with major celebrities rocking them at event you’ll be sure to spot some around campus in the upcoming months.

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COMMENT

THE POWER OF PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST.

Shay Gray explains, from personal experience, the importance of taking care of your mental health at University.

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Warning: this article discusses topics of anxiety attacks and suicidal ideation.

et’s not sugar coat it: University is kind of scary.

You’re away from your family and living alone for quite possibly the first time in your life, you’re surrounded by total strangers, you’re studying more than you’ve ever studied before, and you’re paying a bucket load to do it.

Because of that, students tend to put their mental health in the back seat. I’m here to beg you not to do that.

When I entered my second year in 2017, I was excited, but I was also overwhelmed. This was the first year that actually counted towards my overall graduation grade, and that was terrifying. It all started off fine, but suddenly deadlines began creeping up, and I felt my mental health deteriorating under this pressure to be the best student I could be. I wanted to have good grades, I wanted to be social, and I wanted to have as many extracurriculars under my belt as I possibly could, just to prove that I belonged here. That left me with no time to focus on myself and my wellbeing. Eventually, that started becoming too much to handle.

I started having more anxiety attacks than I could count in a day. I was afraid to leave my room because I became afraid of other people: what were they thinking of me as I walked past them? Were they judging me? Were they laughing at me? There was no logical explanation, but it was just how I felt. So I stopped going to lectures, and I started shutting myself in my room. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to go to my lectures, I wanted to learn, I just couldn’t. This started a little spiralling domino effect: I couldn’t go to lectures because I was too anxious and afraid to leave my room, so I felt horrible for missing important lectures, so my self-esteem lowered, all culminating in me questioning my very right to exist at all.

It was then that I decided to do something I never thought was possible, and something I knew many people would see as a form of giving up: I took a leave of absence.

Which meant I decided to defer my second year for another two years while I went home in the hopes of getting better. I decided I had to put myself first, and I’d reached such a low point that it was impossible to do that without specialised help. So I went home, spoke to my GP, and enrolled in an 18-month therapy course. I wondered if I was running away instead of facing the problem head-on, but I knew in my heart that I had to do what was right for myself, instead of what everyone else thought was right.

In that therapy course I tackled my fear of other people

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and their judgements, I tackled my unbearable need to seem worthy of being at University, I tackled my anxiety and the pressures I kept putting on myself, I learned how to practice mindfulness, and I learned about the variety of healthy outlets that exist to channel my emotions into something more positive. Things I didn’t know it would ever be possible to learn. And when that two-year course was over, I was finally ready to return to University with a whole new outlook and a whole new set of skills that I could carry with me through the next two years of my studying.

I’m healthier now, happier now, and I have a much brighter view of myself and my existence here at Royal Holloway.

So I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to put yourself first.

You don’t need to maintain a facade, and you don’t need to pretend that everything is okay if you don’t feel okay.

Don’t neglect your own mental health in favour of studies, and extracurriculars, and social events you don’t want to go to. If you need help, there are a wide variety of outlets available on campus, so don’t hesitate to pop your head into the Student Wellbeing service, or Disability and Dyslexia service. They’re here to help you, and they can.

Take it from someone who didn’t take advantage of the opportunities on campus until it was too late, you can get better. Just put yourself first.

“You don’t need to pretend that everything is okay if you don’t feel okay.”

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MAKE YOUR MARK AND GET READY TO VOTE THIS AUTUMN.

In a time of political uncertainty both nationally, and internationally, Rachel Hains and Alex Jones explains why it is more important than ever for students to register to vote and make their voices heard.

COMMENT

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ocial media. Phones. The internet. We live in an interconnected world in which everyone has an opinion and are one click away from showing it off for everybody to see. Why then is voter turnout, especially in the 18-24 age group slowly decreasing? We all clearly want to express our opinions but it seems we’ve lost the ability to do this in a meaningful way. Don’t get us wrong; we are fed up of talking about Brexit and for people who are interested in politics we are both bored and deeply upset with the political situation in Britain at the moment.

And that is why we are going to vote.

inexcusable to squander the most basic of rights that have been afforded to you.

Knife crime, poverty, the NHS, cuts to education funding, climate change and a deeply divided society are issues we all face in this country at the moment. These are the issues that we all care about. Multi-faceted problems such as these can seem unsolvable and tend to loom over both the country and everybody affected by them. If you think about it for too long you can become overwhelmed by the sheer scale of these problems and a solution seems a long way off. The one step we can all take towards a solution is voting. As injustice and inequality is so prevalent in modern society that is all overcome in the act of casting a vote. No one vote is worth more than another and every vote is a voice; they are all equally heard.

On election night when the returning officer comes to the microphone to announce the results and the votes in their thousands are attributed to the candidates: make sure you are one of those who are counted. You may not like the result but at least you can say that on a chilly December 12 when very little else was happening you made yourself heard.

As more voices are heard, the louder they get, the background noise begins to fade out and a single harmonious message emerges from the chaos. Never before has society ever been so vocal and outspoken but in such an ineffectual manner. You can shout as loudly as you want but if you don’t vote you are screaming into the void.

By voting you can change who governs the country, you can vote for someone you believe in and someone who can change the country and your constituency for the better. We all know how the country can improve and what sort of country we want to live in. Britain is struggling at the moment but on December 12 you can stand up for a country you want to live in at such a crucial time; an opportunity you may never have again.

As stated earlier in Izzy’s article (The Legacy of Suffrage) we cannot fail to recognise the ultimate sacrifice that countless men and women have made both on the battlefield and on the streets across the globe to make sure our voice is heard. If you wear the Royal Holloway colours, the colours of the suffragettes, or the poppy to remember those who fell defending our freedom, it is

The Students’ Union are making it easier than ever to take advantage of the rights afforded to you and have your voice heard. They are running a campaign to get every single student at Royal Holloway registered to vote.

They have guidance on their website and will be running drives in conjunction with societies and teams. They’re determined to get your voice heard and are willing to help along the way.

How to Vote: So, you’ve just read all the reasons why you should vote and you may be wondering how to go about it. Here are some handy tips.

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You have one vote.

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Your ballot is secret so you don’t have to tell anyone who you voted for if you don’t want to.

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There are lots of polling stations in Egham and Englefield Green as well as some on campus.

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When you register to vote you’ll be sent a polling card for an upcoming election. Bring it with you!

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If you would prefer to vote in your home constituency you can vote through a postal vote to have it counted there.

If you’re unsure about anything regarding voting, speak to the Students’ Union or talk to the attendants at the polling stations. They’re there to help and make the process as easy as possible. Polling stations are open 7am-10pm.

Now, stop reading this and go out and get registered!

COMMENT

COMMENT

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THE IMPRESSIONS FRESHERS’ CRADLE.

Bridget O’Sullivan explores the pressures of trying to make your mark as a Fresher at Royal Holloway University.

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bout six pm on Saturday evening, my roommate and I emerged from the second floor of our Reid complex. We had not known each other for six hours as we clinked our wine glasses in her room and made our way to the kitchen. An onslaught of small talk hit us.

Answering the same three questions on repeat. At this point, if this interaction is not as drilled into you as ‘Don’t leave your room without your college card’ is, maybe Royal Holloway is not the place for you.

I do not know about you, but I answer these questions like no one has ever asked me a question before. I grin uncontrollably, mimicking the Joker as I shout ‘Reid Halls’ five times over the music. I roll my eyes internally at my stupid level of enthusiasm. The interrogator nods politely, feigns intrigue and forgets the answer to the first question by the time they ask the third. I sm also guilty of this; I went so far as to invite someone whose number I took in an Introduction Seminar over to my flat for coffee.

That was how desperate I was in Freshers’ Week. I was going to meet her outside the library but had to ask her to make her own way to Reid. I would not have been able to pick her out of the crowd. It is plausible that I could have approached another stranger and led them back to Reid instead. The bottom line is, unless they fancy you, the chances are that the first time you meet someone they will not retain any information about you other than that you are a student at Royal Holloway. Yes, good start. Very good.

“THAT IS HOW SIGNIFICANT THE FIRST FEW WEEK OF UNIVERSITY ARE; THEY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SHAPE OUR ADULT LIVES.”

So that begs the question: how do you make an impression? How do you get people to want to get to know you? You either have sociopathic tendencies or you are lying if you do not admit you obsessed over the answer to this question during the summer preceding Freshers’. There are the obvious answers, like when you live with someone. It is in everyone’s best interests to stay on reasonable terms with the random bunch you live with in first year. So, you get to know each other. Over tea you chat gap years and past relationships. When stumbling back after three or four in a row at the SU, you laugh hysterically at something that should not be funny. What is important is that you are bonding. You may be bonding for life. Just like that, these random people become not

so random. Then friends. Then close friends. But that is the easy way to make an impression: it is an impression of necessity.

During Week One (which kind of should be Week Zero, but that is a whole other conversation), you are introduced to your course. This usually happens over poorly orchestrated games and Tesco digestives. There are two things to hope for in such a situation: that you meet your best friend of all time and that the digestives are lathered in milk chocolate. The pressure here is immense. For all of us who were reared on the likes of How I Met Your Mother and Friends, we know the weight that the impression you make in University carries. It can be life-altering or, if you get unlucky, and some of us do, life-shattering. That is how significant the first few weeks of university are; they have the potential to shape our adult lives.

Think about it, some of you have literally met the person you are going to marry since starting Uni. You may have met your best man, or your maid of honour. You have met your Chandler. (I was going to say Ross, but I feel like Chandler is the guy we would all prefer to meet.) My point is that most of us have these thoughts in the first few weeks, and we hope it will be as exciting and wonderful as we have been led to believe. But we have got to meet these people by putting ourselves out there and showing up for the chocolate digestives fiasco. It is worth it in the long-term, but it is hard in the short-term. It is scary. It feels like nearly everyone is looking through you, but then you make someone laugh. They notice you, and you take their snapchat. You take the same modules as them. You sit beside them in class. Then you get chatting to this other student in your core module, and they are funny.

You arrange to meet at the SU, at the Boiler House. They tell you that they have not been finding it easy to get to know people. You read into that as ‘you are the person who could change all that’. A little intense, but you run with it. Suddenly, but it felt agonisingly slow at the time, you have several people you consider friends. Whom you feel comfortable with. It is week four or five at this point.

You are sitting at your kitchen table, waiting for your roommate/best mate, and you realise you are going to be fine. ‘Mum, I think I am going to be okay’. She texts back three smiley faces and a cow emoji.

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ARTS & CULTURE

ONLY THE DEAD HAVE SEEN THE END OF WAR. Alex Jones examines why Micheal Ware’s documentary offers such a powerful firsthand account of war in Iraq.

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ichael Ware gained a reputation in Iraq for being one of the few journalists to live in the country near-continuously for the duration of the American occupation. He also was not only embedded with American forces but also with insurgent groups.

The film itself is a compilation of footage filmed on a Handycam by Ware and a fellow journalist. It is simply a taste of the hundreds of hours of footage he accumulated over the almost decade he was there.

This leads to an outlook on war, those who have not been privy to first-hand, have never had. You are drawn into intense firefights, terrifying insurgent meetings and the shocking and often gruesome aftermath of suicide bombings. The sounds of the war are occasionally drowned out by a smooth Australian drawl as Ware offers commentary to make sense of the carnage on the screen.

Some documentaries about war look at the geopolitical, tactical and strategic elements of the conflict thus removing themselves from the sordid business of death that occurs on the ground. Others do occupy themselves with this sordid business but often in an attempt to glorify the actions of soldiers on one side and denounce the actions of those on another whilst sharing a censored version of the conflict. Either which way the viewer is shielded from the bloodshed and the suffering to one degree or another. Only The Dead is completely different. Ware said in an interview that he hoped every person who watched it would find themselves at one point or the other in Iraq rather than just observing it.

This is why this film is excellent. Ware eloquently explains the complex geopolitical nuances of the differences in the various groups of combatants and their cause to arms but at the same time he never lets up from driving tragedy and hardship further into the viewer. Some films are gory and gruesome for the sheer sake of it; Only the Dead is gory and gruesome because that’s what war is.

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The film also highlights the complexities and personal battles of ethics that journalists have to deal with when reporting controversial subjects. The line between journalism and propaganda is often blurred and this is seen multiple times throughout the film. Videos made by insurgent groups are published in part, including the execution of contractor Nicholas Berg and the executions of others, as well as a film made by one of the leading terrorists Abu Musab Al-Zaqawi that was given to Ware in 2004 for publication. Ware often talks about an obsession with the war and Al-Zaqawi in particular. This is not more evident when he explains an experience where he was briefly kidnapped and nearly executed but the thought of leaving Iraq never crossed his mind. This obsession combined with the blurred lines between journalism and propaganda creates this masterpiece which plays to the morbid curiosity within each one of us; or as Ware would say “the dark place in our hearts”.

Without doubt the most harrowing scene in the film is the last. A young man is shot by American soldiers and he is dragged into a compound, covered in blood, not dead but nearly dead. Ware is silent. As the man dies slowly and painfully you draw every agonising breath with him, silent yourself, as you will the soldiers to help him. They don’t, the man dies, and Ware describes the exact feeling of powerlessness that he conveys to the viewer as the one he felt as he saw that and filmed it first-hand. For us in the West conflict, the tragedy, pain and suffering that comes with it, is far removed. This documentary allows each and every viewer to take a step closer to the horrific tragedy that is war. It is uncomfortable, it is sickening, and it is depressing but it is absolutely necessary. Ware says that in the course of his experience in some unknown place, at some forgotten hour, he became a man he never thought he’d be. To say just by watching it the effect is the same would be to trivialise his experience; you can’t help but to go through this terrifying transformation with him.

“WHY WE SLEEP: THE NEW SCIENCE OF SLEEP AND DREAMS”, BY MATTHEW WALKER - A REVIEW.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS BOOK WHY NOT TRY THESE:

Why We Sleep, explores the strengths, weaknesses, and strangeness to sleeping and is guaranteed to answer all curious questions you may have acquired over the years when it comes to dreams and sleeping. As Walker himself says: “I was once fond of saying, ‘Sleep is the third pillar of good health, alongside diet and exercise.’ I have changed my tune. Sleep is more than a pillar; it is the foundation on which the other two health bastions sit. Take away the bedrock of sleep, or weaken it just a little, and careful eating or physical exercise become less than effective.”

Natasha Mae explores the book that reveals all, and why it should be on everyone’s bookshelf – especially at University.

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o jump straight in with Mark O’Connell’s Guardian review of Why We Sleep; ‘A neuroscientist shows how a good night’s shut-eye can make us cleverer, more attractive, slimmer, happier, healthier and ward off cancer… it’s probably a little too soon to tell you that is saved my life, but it’s been an eye-opener’.

If this doesn’t tempt you enough to read this bestseller, I’m not sure what will.

Matthew Walker, a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, focuses his research on the impact of sleep on human health and disease, and is the founder and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. Having published over 100 scientific research studies, and featured on television, there is no doubt Walker’s Why We Sleep is a trustworthy, scientific read that will inform your sleeping habits and life choices on a new inspiring level.

In this book, we discover HOW sleep benefits our growth, and WHY it is important we let it. For anyone at University who is told to often by family or friends that you are ‘in bed for far too long’… THIS is your evidence to prove why teenagers and young adults in education should be left to sleep if their body is telling them they need it. (So, for anyone practicing Law – this book is excellent on many topics; including motor accidents caused by microsleeps or lack of).

The important message relayed repeatedly in Why We Sleep, is for its reader to understand that sleeping is a necessary function and should not be taken for granted. As Walker points out – it is in our instinct, and has been for centuries, to sleep when we need to heal: “Ironically, most of all the “new”, twentyfirst-century discoveries regarding sleep were delightfully summarized in 1611 in Macbeth, act two, scene two, where Shakespeare prophetically states that sleep is “the chief nourisher in life’s feast”.

Perhaps, with less highfalutin language, your mother offered similar advice, extolling the benefits of sleep in healing PHOTGRAPHY CREDIT: Amazon.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE

emotional wounds, helping you learn and remember, gifting you with solutions to challenging problems, and preventing sickness and infection. Science, it seems, has simply been evidential, providing proof of everything your mother, and apparently Shakespeare, knew about the wonders of sleep”.

Everything you have believe was unrelated to sleep, is in fact entirely related and it cannot be stated enough how our life can be tossed and turned based on our sleeping schedule and habits. After hundreds of hours of research by Walker and his team, it is proven that sleep builds on our health in many ways. Treat sleep as a luxurious chore, as you will see all the benefits – a healthy mind and body, a better memory, a longer lifespan, a better and more exciting sex-life, and more energy to fulfil your potential. Treat sleep like laundry – knowing it needs to be done but not wanting to do it, and the effects are drastically different: decreased sexlife and desire, an unfit and unstable mind, increased aggression and feelings of anxiety. It can even be linked to fatal diseases including cancer and dementia.

Furthermore, Walker makes the excruciating example of roadside fatalities and how the majority are linked to abusing sleep schedules.

“Individuals fail to recognise how their perennial state of sleep deficiency has come to compromise their mental aptitude and physical vitality, including the slow accumulation of ill health. A link between the former and the latter is rarely made in their mind”.

Why We Sleep, is an extremely underrated piece of priceless literature that should live on a bookshelf of every household. With knowledge vital for not only parents who are trying to understand the changing behaviour of their toddlers or teenagers, or those over 60 who are struggle to sleep more than five hours per

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night, but also those who work in tiresome industries, especially in cities, and students who are fighting exam season and coursework deadlines with all-nighters (which by the way – you will be pleased to know Walker heavily slated the Education system for not considering the ill-health of students prompted by overworking deadline season). This book is a systematic guide to understanding how you can live a happy and healthy life, reaping all the benefits from the one thing we look most forward to at the end of a long day – SLEEP. After reading this incredible book and taking time to follow his 12-step list on improving your sleeping habits, it was extremely difficult not to agree with Mark O’Connell’s review: it has truly been an eye-opener.

So, for those of you who are looking to understand insomnia, the mental or physical benefits, or even just wanting to know WHY and HOW we dream (which was truly fascinating to read about), then this book is one I recommend whole heartedly to invest in. Happy Sleeping!

ARTS & CULTURE

ROYAL HOLLOWAY - MAKING ITS MARK SINCE 1886.

Annaliese Barber, a current Second-year psychology student, shows how Royal Holloway’s historic campus has made its mark on her.

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ARTS & CULTURE

A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE: A NIGHT OF RIOTOUS FUN.

Ezra James Fillimore explains why Royal Holloway’s celebratory evening of theatricality was nothing short of a triumph.

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n arriving at A Night at the Theatre, a variety night of Royal Holloway’s various performing arts societies, it was hard to know what to expect.

There was a palpable air of giddiness and nerves even in the audience: parents and friends excited to see people they knew, but daunted by the hodgepodge of performances ahead.

As it happened, though, there was nothing to worry about! This show offered a series of bright, fast-moving snapshots of the workings of an enormous number of societies and their talented members, with all of it pulled together by Daniel Loosley as the MC. The vocal performances gave structure to this show, each of them impressive and totally unique. Absolute Harmony opened the show with a lively, skilful rendition of George Ezra’s ‘Shotgun,’ complete with beatboxing. Later, Hardcore Harmony returned with a sharply technical, formidable performance of ‘I See Fire.’ The Gospel Choir, together with the live jazz band So What, offered their distinctively smoky, vibrant sound with ‘Joyful, Joyful’ and ‘Oh Freedom.’ Chiara Calastri, the conductor for this piece, revealed her vision for the Gospel Choir as a broad choir which can “bring people from all around the world to enjoy singing”.

The music didn’t stop there! Savoy Opera’s preview performance of the title number from Anything Goes was a cheeky, highly polished number which seemed to emanate glee, and certainly made me excited for their full performance on 1st and 3rd of December. MTS appeared three times with three punchy songs, each showcasing the resounding talents of their members.

Emily Quillin’s wistful solo “Lying There” was an exciting preview for Edges, a song cycle to be performed in the Boilerhouse on December 5th. MTS’ long-awaited preview of “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde (23rd26th November) brought that playful, fantastically camp energy which makes that musical such a favourite on campus. Finally, their ensemble performance of ‘I’m A Believer’ from Shrek the Musical was such obvious fun that members of the audience were openly singing along!

Excitingly, the Shakespeare Society’s unusual preview of Coriolanus dared to challenge our preconceptions of Shakespeare’s work itself. This was a high-energy

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performance complete with masks, bandanas and roars of protest. Director George Collins spoke briefly afterwards to discuss the aim to focus on the chaos and rough edges of shifts in politics over the dry language of Shakespeare.

The full performance can be seen in Medicine on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th of November.

The Drama Society performed a harrowing preview of Woyzeck, which will be performed 16th-19th November. From its slow-burning beginning to its explosive shift in atmosphere, it’s clear this is not a play to be missed. The Drama Society’s BAME piece was a short, two-person extract called “A Conversation With My Agent” which was one of the most memorable performances of the night. Authentically hilarious and unflinchingly honest, this piece tackled stereotypes aimed at Asian actors head-on. “I am fire and rage and intensity and I am done being stifled” - this line alone earned Pearl Hoo resounding, awed applause.

The night was rounded out by a miscellany of extracts by a wide range of societies. The Fashion Society’s Film Noirinspired looks were bold and demanded attention with fearless catwalks through the audience. The Photography Society showed off their talents with cleverly-composed, expressive photos. The Dance Society made use of their versatility with one very lyrical, arcing piece centred around the theme of ‘reaching,’ and a charming James Bond-inspired jazz dance. The Pole Fitness Society delighted the audience with a burlesque performance to Chicago’s ‘All That Jazz,’ all of it lit in red light and setting the daring tone for the second act. The Improv Society’s rip-roaringly funny sketch centring around “The Magic Flute” ended with a moral lesson that seemed to surprise the actors themselves, rounding out their act with an earnest reminder to never kinkshame.

The show ended in a state of exhilaration for performers and audience members alike, thanks to an enthusiastic cross-society rendition of Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary,’ with solos from vocal powerhouses Molly Rafferty, Will Hamshaw and Sofia Little. This finale brought together the entire ensemble and, accordingly, the vast hodgepodge of societies which made this show work so well.

In a few words, it was uproarious, riotous fun. I think it’s safe to say we can’t wait to see whatever is next in store.

TRANSLATIONS: A REVIEW. Abel Fenwicke discusses why The National Theatre’s revival of Brian Friel’s masterpiece is one you won’t want to miss.

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n terms of production quality, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Translations. Quite literally.

The play Translations opens with a sunset. Such a vivid one in fact that the silk screens which make up the play’s backdrop appear to be on fire. It’s an astonishing achievement by lighting designer Neil Austin: a combination of thin silks and smoke which when hit with lights swirl as clouds or burn as embers or bucket rain as needed. When teamed with the muddy heath which surrounds the stage, water pooling and plants growing in rough shodden tufts, it’s easier to see why Brian Friel wrote a play about the legal status of Irish land.

Prodigal son Owen returns to his father’s hedge school a hero; a successful businessman with six servants and nine shops who has overcome his humble beginnings to rise high. It’s a genuine, warm reunion, so his father agrees immediately when asked if two new friends can join them.

The air chills when they are all introduced to two British soldiers, work ‘friends’ whom Owen is translating for, and neither party can understand the other’s tongue.

The anglicisation of the Gaelic names of towns in Ireland is not the most interesting of topics at first glance, I’ll admit. Nor does it seem a particularly charged subject in the days of Google Translate. Its importance becomes unsettlingly apparent, however, as the real reason for the British presence in Ireland is revealed. As well as

‘standardising’ its town names, the soldiers are there to accurately map Ireland’s geography for military purposes, and to increase land tax by measuring how much land is used for agriculture. The secondary purpose of their visit is yet more insidious; to open a state school for the local children.

Forced to attend, children aged between six and twelve would be away from the fields at harvest, learning and communicating in only English for hours a day to replace their mother tongue, a tactic which was also used upon indigenous children in Canada until an astonishing twenty three years ago. Translations is both an ode to the death of the Irish language and a play which explores the role that language plays in forming identities both personal and cultural.

Do not, however, confuse this ode for a dirge. It’s only a bleakly moving play in its aftermath, and before that laugh-out-loud funny at points, from the awkwardness of the Captain’s exaggerated hand gestures to the touchingly funny attempts at communication from lovers Lieutenant Rolland and Maire, or Owen, willingly going by ‘Roland’ because his British colleagues can’t pronounce his name.

This National Theatre production is an ecosystem. There’s a climate of rain and mud and earth. The Irish half of the cast blend in perfectly with their fertile landscape, the vivid scarlet of Royal Marine coats marks them out as a dangerous invasive species. Most strikingly, the world which makes up this production of Translations bursts with life, so to Ian Rickson and co, bravo.

PHOTGRAPHY CREDIT: The National Theatre, Catherine Ashmore

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ARTS & CULTURE

CUTTING THE CANVAS: LUCIO FONTANA AND THE ENIGMA OF MODERN ART.

Niamh Smith focuses on a man who left his mark on the art-world in more ways than one.

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uring the last ten years of his life, the Italian artist Lucio Fontana (1899-1968) began to take his work in a radical new direction. Previously, he had been mostly known for his involvement in the expressionist movement, a group of artists who distorted reality to evoke emotion within their works. However, in the 1940s, Fontana decided to forge his own path by writing a series of manifestos, in which he outlined a radical new movement called Spatialism. Although his ideas were mostly vague and abstract, they were united by a rejection of traditional, ‘illusory’ painting and usage of scientific concepts and ideas.

One of the key works to emerge from the Spatialist movement was Fontana’s series of Tagli, meaning Cuts in English. These are a series of canvases cut, by Fontana, with a sharp blade either once or multiple times, beginning in 1958 and ending with his death. Originally, the cuts were small and carefully incised; however, this soon changed, as the slashes became more purposeful and dramatic. Fontana also began to experiment with different colours, often painting a number of his canvases in bright primary colours. After the single gesture of cutting was completed, to finish the artwork, Fontana backed the Tagli with a black gauze to create the appearance of a void. He described this as ‘giving the spectator an impression of spatial calm, of cosmic rigour, of serenity in infinity’.

For those encountering Fontana for the first time, seeing a cut canvas hanging in an art gallery can be somewhat bewildering. Of course, the same can be said for Modern Art in general – whether its Tracey Emin’s unmade bed, Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde shark, Marcel Duchamp’s urinal (possibly the first piece that can be classed as

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Modern Art) or whatever was nominated for the Turner Prize this year. Most people readily dismiss this kind of art, comparing it to the art of previous centuries and pointing out its multiple shortfalls. However, it is important to remember that the Impressionists, one of the most beloved art movements in history, was widely panned during its early years. Northern Renaissance Art, long seen as the ugly relation to its Italian counterpart, is still in the long process of being re-evaluated and appraised.

Yes, Modern Art does have many shortfalls.

But failing to look past these means that few understand Modern Art’s core purpose and appeal. Modern Art is the art of ideas. It is not about beautiful visuals, it isn’t something you would necessarily want in your house, but it is designed to make you think. Going back to Fontana, the Tagli are not just pointless cuts in the canvas.

They play with the viewer’s concept of perception – you are unsure whether the darkness of the gauze is coming out at you or whether you are being drawn inwards, towards it. As such, it can be unnerving to look at for a prolonged period of time. Despite Fontana’s description of the ‘serenity’ of the void, it is also arguably a chilling reminder of the pain of human suffering (akin to Munch’s The Scream), the cut symbolising the performance of life, filled with drama and eventually coming to an (often painful) end. Furthermore, the act of cutting could be said to reflect humanity’s inherently violent nature and desire to both create and destroy.

Maybe instead of belittling and laughing at Modern Art, we should instead take it seriously and listen to what it says about us and our society.

LIFESTYLE

WHAT IS THE HUMAN MIND?

Luna Trimming offers her suggestion that Todd Phillips’ Joker can offer a deep insight into the human psyche.

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hen Todd Phillips did a commentary of the opening scene of his film Joker for Vanity Fair (which was published on to YouTube), he explained that he was most proud of the overall tone of the film. Specifically, he referred to it as an ‘unsettling tone, that sort of slow, ramp-up into insanity…’ an insanity that perhaps many of us who have watched the film may be able to sympathise with; within reason of course Phillips explains that the unsettling nature of the film is deliberately manoeuvred, as well as carefully structured through camera movement and the staging of each scene, illustrating the isolation and the mania that the Joker feels within himself. Are we to argue that the feelings of separation from reality and the questioning of one’s sanity is not totally incomprehensible? Arthur Fleck (Joker) says, ‘for my whole life, I didn’t know if I even really existed… but I do’. The stigma of mental health makes most of society wonder whether it is normal to have these feelings of irregularity, where we as individuals fail to exist in life, as though nobody can understand one another. But if most of us have felt this seclusion, then surely this is something than should be spoken about extensively?

What I believe is most important about the narrative in this film is that Arthur Fleck, simply tries to feel normal, however those around him try to make it difficult. Although morally his actions that occur halfway through the film are unforgivable, they are spurred by his descent into madness. This is the film illustrating the sinister potential of untreated mental illness. Joker also questions the hypocrisy of society, a society that shuns someone like Arthur, but then celebrates the rich and famous. Does this mean that we as people will forgive callous acts performed by those more fortunate whilst punishing those less fortunate? The era in which the film is set, America in the 1980s, adds to the feeling of injustice as it alludes to the corruption that was rife at the time. Gotham is a primary setting of what we see through Arthur’s perspective as a cruel place to be in, a concept supported by the time period.

While I may not regard this film as the best of all time as some have said, it is certainly a film that deserves critical acclaim. Elements of the cinematography whilst artistic and triumphant, are unusual and uncomfortable in

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equal measure. A good example being the blue lighting in Arthur’s kitchen, which if we are to see from Phillips’ point of view, may be a deliberate decision to illustrate Arthur’s state of mind. The camerawork is well-constructed, and the angles provided in some of the scenes add to the sense of discomfort, especially the famously known as the Dutch angle.

An important theme of this film is the action of smiling, an indicator of apparent happiness. The dark world in which Arthur lives in causes him to struggle with happy emotions. This is juxtaposed by his tendency to contain laughter during inappropriate moments, a real and serious condition known as PBA (pseudobulbar affect). The condition he suffers with is primarily why he is mocked and adds to society’s prejudice of him, making him an easy target to belittle and torment. An example of this torment he is subjected to is when he is beaten up on the train by a bunch of Wall Street “yuppies”, who unintentionally provide the turning point in Arthur’s state of mind, forcing Arthur to shoot them.

From his point of view, this could be regarded as self-defence This leaves Arthur feeling no remorse for killing them. By this point in the narrative, we as an audience through Arthur’s standpoint are made to understand his twisted morality.

Ultimately, what is particularly clever about this film is the pressure that we are subjected to from the beginning of the story. This tension grows bigger and bigger until we witness Arthur’s mind finally snap, and thus he becomes the masterful Joker. The result of his actions gets him sent to a mental institution. Some might say is rightfully so, but this still indicates that he is a victim, a victim of a corrupt environment. Therefore, society has failed him. Another question we must ask then in result of his actions: would Arthur have spiralled into the madness if he were not abused by his stepfather, failed by the system or had a delusional adoptive mother?

Would he then be regarded as “normal”?

Overall, this film gets these ratings for the following: Cinematography: 9/10 Narrative: 8/10 Themes: 8/10 Perception: 9/10

UN-BREW-LIEVABLE!

Features editor, Sam Stephenson invites you to grab a coffee with him as he investigates the best cuppa this campus has to offer.

Boiler house Café: I’ve never had a bad cup of coffee at boiler house.

However this is probably more due to the fact that in the over 2 years of being at Holloway I’ve only actually had around 3. The reason for this simply that when I say to a friend if they want to grab a coffee, neither of us ever think to mention it. If I had a lecture in Boiler House then by all means it would definitely be a go to location, but without such a reason this coffee location will always remain neglected by yours truly. 5/10

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offee. According to a recent study it is estimated that your average student has around 5 to 17 coffees a day (probably). The importance of a good cup coffee really cannot be understated, with my mood of the day being directly governed by the quality of my first brew.

Whether it’s a cold cappuccino or an overpriced americano, such things have no place on a university campus. With that in mind I hope to enlighten you, dear reader, as to the best Imagine: places to get a nice brew on campus, and where to steer Imagine is a location on campus that for a long time I clear of if you too are a coffee connoisseur. never had much to do with. I unjustly labelled as simply a bubble tea provider and nothing more. Yet through a Café on the Square: bubble tea obsessed girlfriend, I’ve found myself spending Encased within the stylish Davison building, Café on the more and more time there and have come to wish I visited Square is without doubt the go to place for coffee on sooner. Whilst the coffee is still Starbucks, so still the same campus, and so the perfect place to start. Whilst myself wallet bleeding prices, the feel of the place is much nicer and many others would protest that branding is something to the starkness of café on the square, with the huge of importance for the shallower coffee drinker, there’s whiteboard canvas across the wall offering much in the something about walking around with a Starbucks in hand way of entertainment. Indeed unlike boiler house, whilst that gives me a feeling of great smugness, yet one that Imagine is at the other end of campus, it is still close to doesn’t quite outweigh the guilt of spending just under numerous locations to make it a coinvent for many. 7/10 £4.00 on a lot of whipped cream and caramel. Yet despite the often eye watering prices, the location of this coffee stop is what earns it its high rank in this coffee drinkers list. To be able to go from my desk to being in line for a coffee in under 2 minutes is truly a glorious thing. Yet such convenience is often forgotten about when the bank statement comes through the door! 8/10 Crosslands: Yet whilst Café on the Square might boast the most convenient location on this caffeinated list, Crosslands outshines it in all other departments. Its prices don’t mean I have to pawn family heirlooms and the coffee itself is of a very decent standard. However what sells it for me is the atmosphere of the place. Being plonked in the middle of the library, my coffee time there is one filled with thoughts of neglected essays and troublesome readings.

Yet with Crosslands its far more chill, with board games and comfortable chairs making the experience there very pleasurable. 10/10

So there you have it, my take on the highs and lows of coffee drinking on campus! I would invite you to give thanks to the gods of coffee that we have so many quality outlets here, especially when one also takes into account that we will also soon have a Costa joining this list! Will it break the Crosslands hegemony, only time will tell.

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LIFESTYLE

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he expanding conversation surrounding mental health in recent years has led to countless new studies and suggestions on the best possible treatments. With this fusillade of facts, figures and findings, each claiming to have the best new solution to all things ‘mental health’ it can be hard to know whose advice to follow. 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer from mental health problems and whilst this number isn’t growing, recent years have shown that the way in which people cope with mental health problems may be getting worse. Surveys have shown an increase in people who self-harm and have suicidal thoughts.

This is not another article bragging to know the new, cure-all, magical ointment. Mental health is an enormous umbrella term that describes all sorts of complex issues and I don’t believe there are any sure-fire methods to treat any one of those issues. However, in my five years of struggling with depression and anxiety, I have found a number of methods that have helped me get on top of things. The one I will be discussing here is diet; specifically a Mediterranean one.

Now I would love to tell you that takeaway pizza and readymeal, microwave pasta will cure you of all ailments and leave you feeling great but, as I’m sure many of you have

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learnt from personal experience, this is not the case. What I mean by a ‘Mediterranean diet’ is one that is mainly-plant based as well as rich in fish oils, mono-unsaturated fats and wholegrain fibre: nuts, seeds, fish, white meat (if any), brown bread and pasta, and mountains of veg. Whilst a new diet can be quite a daunting prospect, especially for someone in the midst of low mood, this diet includes space for an incredible variety in meals and focuses more on what to include as opposed to what to cut out.

The health benefits of this diet on physical health have long been known but there is now growing evidence to suggest it may be good for your mind as well as your body.

Previous research has shown that a Mediterranean diet can help protect against Alzheimer’s. A study as far back as 2006 found the intake of folic acid and nutrients prevalent within the Mediterranean diet to be inversely associated with depression. A meta-analysis conducted revealed the diet as having beneficial effects on the occurrence of stroke, cognitive impairment and depression. Guglielmo M. Trovato from the University of Catania called this study: “very important, as it outlines how neurological conditions, often studied separately are linked to each other within their relationship with nutritional profile”. In layman’s terms, this study shows a Mediterranean diet to be more

The Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet for Mental Health .

As the days get shorter and colder, Tom Rusbridge explores the possible positive impact of converting to a Mediterranean diet this autumn.

beneficial to mental health than was considered possible.

There are definitely limits to both the research done in the area and the findings of this research. As of yet there is no conclusive proof that this diet can actually be used to treat pre-existing issues. Moreover, there are a great deal of other factors to consider when tackling mental health issues such as levels of stress, physical activity and financial pressure. However, there is a long-established link between diet and mental health, it appears that when trying to improve diet, moving towards a Mediterranean one is a good start.

So how can you put this into practice? One meal that has become a staple of my diet is a chickpea salad. Chickpeas, red onion, and tomatoes with a healthy coating of olive oil is the base and to this you can add a whole host of accompaniments including avocado, chia seeds or even walnuts. A fried egg or some tinned fish is also a good place to start. Now, I appreciate, we are all students here.

The vast majority of us will struggle to afford splashing out on fresh produce but this diet can be achieved on a budget. Tinned things are your friends; fish, chickpeas, sweetcorn and beans can be bought in vast quantities for very cheap. Admittedly things like avocadoes, chia seeds and nuts tend to seem expensive for what you get

but if you consider these foods for their pound for pound nutritional value, you are much better off spending your money on these than the ever-alluring microwave meals.

Furthermore, the money I have saved on meat since starting this diet greatly outweighs what I have spent subsequently.

I would always recommend a holistic approach to mental health; you’re unlikely to feel the benefits of a healthy diet if you’re stressed out of your mind, with no support group and haven’t got out of bed all day. If you are seriously suffering with mental health there is no substitute for seeking professional help. However, when paired with regular exercise, some self-care and a steady circle of supportive friends this diet can have a tangible, positive effect on mood and wellbeing. So, while it may be expensive at points, time-consuming or even laborious teaching yourself new recipes, I truly believe the Mediterranean diet can be a great first step to tackling, or even preventing, the problem.

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SPORTS & SOCIETIES

AN INTERVIEW WITH PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY.

Jasmine Sharland interviews the President of Holloway’s Photography society, Matthew Phillips about their massive success last year and what you can expect if you consider joining this year.

Firstly, congratulations on winning Most Improved Society at Socs Ball 2019, alongside being shortlisted for Most Improved Society in the UK! These Nominations must have been a huge honour?

Yes, they definitely were! Having been president for the past three years and involved in the committee for four years, it’s been incredible to witness the immense progress the society has achieved so far. On top of winning second place for the Most Improved Society award nationally, we were also nominated for Best Arts Society. These nominations were a delightful surprise for us as both a committee and society as a whole.

So, how much is a membership and what can freshers or continuing students expect to get out of this?

The price of a standard membership is £12. This allows members to attend both practical and theory sessions, trips (including trip insurance) and tutorials. This entitles you to use our digital cameras or you are welcome to bring your own camera/phone to events such as our recent fire spinning shoot in collaboration with Circus Society. There is also an option to purchase our premium membership for the price of £20. This entitles members to a photo soc enamel pin, roll of 35mm film, a portfolio book and priority on renting film cameras. We welcome any students no matter their level of skill in photographywe run regular theory and practical sessions to build up people’s ability and enthusiasm for the art.

What are you most excited for this academic year?

I am probably most excited for our various trips we have lined up. We’re bringing back our popular Lake District trip as well as a summer trip where we’ll be touring a number of major European cities. Analogue season is also a personal favourite of mine, which involves our members engaging with old film cameras and using unfamiliar formats. It’s really entertaining to watch everyone attempt to figure out how to use these old mediums and for members to really ‘click with the camera’ (pun intended).

Is there anything in particular you are hoping to change or improve about how the society is already run?

Aside from trying to balance and delegate work on

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committee more equally this year, there are three new things we are aiming to implement. First, we are interested in getting a new committee member to be in charge of fundraising and member representation, which will mean the society is shaped increasingly by members input.

Second, we plan to hold a National Photography Society conference where societies from different universities will be invited to join us in several talks and workshops that will be held on the day. Responding to our feedback from Freshers Fair, we’re going to organise weekend trips to both exhibitions and nature parks- many first years expressed an interest in landscape photography! Our social secretary is also aiming to hold regular socials after each practical or theory session, alternating between local pubs and Imagine ensuring our events are inclusive for both drinkers and nondrinkers alike.

Are there any opportunities for members to get involved in volunteering or work experience in the world of photography?

Yes, of course. There are a number of different ways our members can get involved in the world of work. One example includes getting in contact with the Royal Holloway Events team. For those who have reached professional level, opportunities to apply for paid positions within the events department are available, provided you can show them a portfolio. For work experience, members are able to shadow photographers and submit portfolios.

The Linked-In days organised by the Careers service are another way to volunteer- this entails taking photographs for students setting up their profiles. Volunteering and work experience are extremely importance for those considering photography as a career, since the freelance industry is very competitive, which is where the society can help.

And finally, what’s your favourite thing about being part of photography society?

The Lake District Trip! As well as being really fun to arrange, there’s a wonderful community atmosphere that comes along with this outing. Getting out into the field is a brilliant way to work together, collaborate and learn from each other’s perspectives. With around 6-7 hours of light each day, we then have the evenings to look through our photographs, play some board games and get to know everyone.

Many thanks to Matthew for taking his time to speak to me.

FACEBOOK: RHUL PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY INSTAGRAM: @RHULPHOTOSOC TWITTER: @RHULPHOTOSOC FACEBOOK GROUP (MEMBERS-ONLY): RHUL PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY 2019-2020

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A WARM WELCOME FROM ROYAL HOLLOWAY’S VP OF SPORT: DOM BROWN.

Natasha Mae interviews Dom Brown, on his role as VP Sport at Royal Holloway, and why joining a Sport or Society is an important part of experiencing University.

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or those completing their second or third year as and Undergraduate at Royal Holloway, or those who are Postgraduate returners, the name Dom Brown will be familiar as it has graced this campus for two years following his successful campaigns, running for the Position of Vice President of Sports. For those who have joined the Royal Holloway Family this year, it is a name you shall be hearing a lot around the University. In welcoming you first years to Royal Holloway, I had a chat with VP Sport, Dom Brown about his role and why he believes it is an important part of University life to join a Sport or Society during your undergrad.

So, Dom, during your time at Royal Holloway as an Undergrad, what did you study?

“I studied Film and Television Production for three years, so I was quite artsy and always enjoyed the practical stuff and in my third year I ran for this role (VP Sport) and then ran again, (laugh) so this is my 5th year at Royal Holloway, so yeah, I’ve known it quite a long time”.

Is Film and Television a career opportunity you are still thinking of pursuing or has being VP Sport changed your mind?

“I think I want to blend the two - I really enjoyed the marketing media side of that degree and obviously enjoy working in sport so if there is a way I can kind of merge that then that would be ideal, but obviously I just have to see what’s out there as this role is very unique to lots of other job roles you can get after university”.

For the First years who are new to understanding what being a VP is all about, could you explain a little about your role?

“Yeah, so I’m one of the sabbatical officers for the Student Union - there is 5 of us; we have the President of Societies and Media, Sport, Welfare and Diversity, and Education, and we are all elected in march by our university students to represent them on a variety of different topics. I work very closely with the committees of sports clubs and try to help them develop as a group by communicating with them, letting them know about different events that are coming up, running events for them, and If there is

SPORTS & SOCIETIES

a pressing topic coming up for sports or societies that’s a big thing then I will go to the college and work with them to see if there is anything we can do to better their experience. As sabbatical officers, 60% of our time is our own commitment and we are also trustees of the union as well that oversees the strategic aim and finance side of things. Naturally in our role we are activists and if there are campaigns running, like Black History Month which is this month we (or in this case, Lucy – VP Welfare and Diversity) get heavily involved with that. We’re representatives but also staff members so we’re here 9-5, Monday to Friday”.

Was your decision to apply for VP Sport based on a keen hobby during your undergrad?

“Yeah, so I started playing sport from 5 all the way up to now so it’s always been a massive part of my life. I kind of structure my week around being active and I’ve been heavily involved in the cricket club and football club at university as well as knowing friends that were included in other sports. I knew someone who ran for the role before me, so speaking to them and getting to know what it was all about made me very interested. I was Secretary for the football club and in third year, Captain, so I’ve had lots of dealings with the SU and it’s something that I was always very passionate about. So yeah, I’m very fortunate that I had the opportunity to do it and do it again”.

Why would you say that joining a sports club is important?

“I think it’s incredibly important not just the sports club but societies too - anything extracurricular, because you spend so much time working as everyone comes to university for an education which is absolutely fantastic, but it can become very stressful and I find that for myself and speaking to lots of different people, having something else to do, either if it is going to the gym or going to play badminton with your pals twice a week, it gives you something to release your stress on. Over the last few years especially, the link between the mental and physical well-being benefits and sport and being active has got closer together, and people are understanding that actually it can be used as quite a good preventative measure in making sure someone’s emotional fitness is as good as it can be but also the links of being active and being social and not feeling isolated increases employability aspect”.

Are there any beneficial skills you can gain from joining a Society or Sport?

“I think having been part of a student group, your CV is

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SPORTS & SOCIETIES

showing potential employers that you like to do things other than just work or study. It shows that you have those team building, socialising skills and I think it is underplayed how important being part of a committee is, and how much stress and weight is put on you - but the success of seeing different student groups run campaigns and put on massive charity events where they are raising thousands of pounds for charity is huge. So yes, I think there are lots of different skills they can gain from being a general member or in a role within committee”.

fan, obviously being from surrey, and I follow a lot of cricket. The Rugby World Cup is on at the moment and so I’m watching England very closely”.

So, VARSITY! Any current thoughts...?

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to have a home varsity as last year we were at Surrey University, but to have a home varsity is even better. Myself and some others are project lead so we’re kind of organising everything at the moment so it’s early stages, like putting themes together and just general ideas of how we want it to go, so we’re looking at a very inclusive theme and getting more people involved such as societies but also keeping those features very competitive. Varsity started 4 years ago in my second year (makes me sound really old), and no-one really knew what it was, it just had a natural, healthy rivalry and only few people went. But now, the idea of institutional pride around The Bears and knowing that there’s a little bit of healthy rivalry between the students (and The Stags) is great. and the event has got bigger and bigger every year and we are working very closely to provide students with the best possible experience. So yeah, really excited for it – 25th march and we hope to make it a fun event for everybody”.

Do you have any final words of wisdom for our readers?

“Definitely be active as there are so many benefits and it’s not just being part of a club or society, there are so many opportunities through the SU ‘Give it a Go’ programme with free events, and there is an Active programme for £50 a year which gives you access to social sport where you can just show up, grab a racket and hit a ball around for a while, so always keep your eyes peeled for content coming from Royal Holloway Sport, and get active for little to no cost”.

For anyone major sports fans, they will be curious to know – what teams do you support outside of University?

“I follow football very closely and I’m a Manchester united

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“THE SUCCESS OF SEEING DIFFERENT STUDENT GROUPS RUN CAMPAINGS AND PUT ON MASSIVE CHARITY EVENTS WHERE THEY ARE RAISING THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR CHARITY IS HUGE”

So, thank you Dom Brown for your introduction to Royal Holloway Sport and Societies – with Mental Health awareness being talked about more frequently, it is always good to be involved actively in keeping your mind and body fit and healthy. There are not only benefits to joining a Sport or Society for your well-being, but it is quite often the case you find life-long friends in the process. It is a fantastic way to build some skills, relieve some stress, and take a break from studies, but also the perfect opportunity to indulge in University culture, events and memory making activities.

SCIENCE & GAMING

FRIDAY THE 13th Vs DEAD BY DAYLIGHT: WHICH SHOULD YOU PLAY? With Halloween just behind us, Shay Gray explores two of the Horror genres biggest asymmetrical horror games to ask the question: which one is better?

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or a long time, horror movie fans have pondered the question: who would you rather be killed by, Jason Vorhees, or Michael Myers? Well, friends, you may ponder no longer, as games developers IllFonic and Behaviour have given you the chance to be killed by (and even kill as) both! But who does it better?

For those of you unfamiliar with ‘Friday the 13th: the Game’ and ‘Dead By Daylight’, they are two asymmetrical multiplayer horror games in which several players are tasked with surviving a night with an evil killer on the loose, and one player is tasked with playing as that killer and hunting down their survivors. Both games handle this in different ways, so let’s jump into the differences.

First up, IllFonic’s ‘Friday the 13th: the Game’ (which I’ll be shortening to F13). In F13, there can be up to eight survivors, and each comes with their own stats in stamina, strength, luck, stealth, etc. The survivors’ task is to find certain objects that will allow them to leave the camp they’re stuck in when Jason attacks. These items can vary from car batteries, gas and keys, to a fuse for a phone box to call in the police, to weapons they can use to defend themselves. These survivors are not helpless, and even have the ability to kill Jason in the game if they follow the right set of rules (which are not actually given to you in-

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game, so good luck!).

Jason himself, however, is extremely powerful. He gains several abilities as the game goes on, including being able to teleport to anywhere on the map he chooses, the ability to instantly knock down locked doors, and the ability to sense where survivors are in his immediate vicinity.

Though he moves slower than the survivors do, if he does catch up to you, he can kill you almost instantly unless you have the fortune of finding a pocket knife during your frantic run through the map. However, you don’t get to choose in the game whether you are playing as Jason or as a survivor, as every player stays in the lobby together and the roles switch from match to match The fatal flaw of F13 is that due to a legal dispute, they are no longer able to add any more content to the game.

So while it is good the way it is, you won’t be able to expect any interesting or inventive changes to the game..

Now for Behaviour’s ‘Dead by Daylight’ (which I’ll be shortening to DBD). This game is interesting. In each match, there are four survivors and one killer, but unlike F13, there are a whopping seventeen killers to choose from! These range from well-known killers such as Michael Myers, Freddie Kreuger, Ghostface, ‘Saw’s Amanda Young,

and ‘Stranger Things’ villain, the Demogorgon, to original killers created by the developers themselves. Each of these killers has their own unique style of killing, from an invisible wraith, to a stalking Michael Myers, to a chainsaw-wielding Hillbilly, every killer provides a unique experience for both the player and their survivors. Most of these well-known killers also come with their own famous survivor counterpart, such as Laurie Strode, Detective Tapp, and most impressively, ‘Stranger Things’ characters Nancy Wheeler and Steve “The Hair” Harrington - Scoops Ahoy outfit included.

Each killer and survivor also comes with their own unique perks that you can use throughout each match, and can eventually learn and transfer to any other character you choose. The objective of survivors in DBD is to repair generators to power up two exit gates in the hopes of escaping through them, whereas the killer will be attempting to catch all survivors and put them onto sacrificial hooks (which they can be saved from twice by other altruistic survivors). This means survivors will have to choose between saving a teammate or finishing generators, often prolonging the match in favour of the killer.

However, these survivors are unable to defend themselves, and must use their wits and skills to try and outrun the killer as best as they can until the exit gates are opened. One very important difference is that in the lobby of this game you immediately choose to play as a killer or a survivor, meaning you’re not forced to play a role you dislike.

So that’s how you play, but which one is actually better?

As someone who has sunk way more hours than I’m proud of into both of these games, I’m here to tell you which one is more worth it, in my humble opinion.

If you want a fun light game to play with seven of your closest friends for a laugh, I’d say pick ‘Friday the 13th: the Game’. If you want to play more seriously, have a more varied experience, or want to be a solo player: choose ‘Dead by Daylight’. Every single match you play will be completely unique, you’ll find yourself steeped in a whole new realm of horror based lore, and they strive to bring out a new killer every few months. The game keeps growing and growing, and while F13 is a fun way to pass the time, it just can’t keep up with the amount of bang for your buck that DBD provides.

Also, I really love seeing Steve Harrington being chased around by Michael Myers, it really fills a hole in my horrorloving heart, y’know?

SCIENCE & GAMING PHOTGRAPHY CREDIT: Esquire.com, Joaquin Phoenix Joker Final Trailer - New Todd Phillips Joker Trailer Looks Oscar-Worthy

EMBODYING CHAOS: THE JOKER AND THE GOOSE. Alex Whiteman explores the eerie similarities between two of the latest big-hits in entertainment.

PHOTGRAPHY CREDIT: Untitled Goose Game, Madloader.com

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WARNING: This article contains spoilers for both ‘Joker’ and ‘Untitled Goose Game’.

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here were two significant releases in entertainment recently. The first was the movie ‘Joker’, a bleak take on DC Comics’ darkest villain, re-imagined as a downtrodden, mentally-ill byproduct of a decaying city and a disinterested upper class. The second was ‘Untitled Goose Game’, a video game in which you pester the residents of a quaint English village as an annoying goose. Believe it or not, ‘Joker’ and ‘Untitled Goose Game’ share a lot of similarities. First, they’re both about two hours long. Secondly, they both received mixed to positive reviews. And lastly, they both feature the exact same main character, and are in fact two interpretations of the same story.

I’m not kidding.

Let’s start with the locations each story takes place in. ‘Joker’s Gotham is a city seemingly on the verge of destruction, where the people with the power to help, ignore its extensive problems. Crime is on the rise and vital services have their funding cut. Talk-shows make fun of struggling workers. And the powerful ignore the damage done to their home until some of their wealthy brethren get caught in the crossfire. It’s a city that embodies the movies tagline “smile and put on a happy face”. While the city burns, the rich just smile and pretend everything is fine.

On the surface, it doesn’t look like ‘Untitled Goose Game’s’ adorable English village shares any similarities to the streets of Gotham. The village is bright and colourful.

Residents contently go about their Sunday routines of gardening, reading and visiting the pub, and there’s barely any sound or music to interrupt the calm. But in fact, the village is also putting on a “happy face”. The villagers will try to ignore any hiccup in their routines, only going so far as to retrieve any items you steal from them. There’s an undercurrent of stress and rage, and all that’s needed to reveal it, is a little bit of chaos.

That’s where our main characters come in. While the movie spends most of its time developing Joker as a character, it concludes with him coming out of his clownly closet, becoming the chaotic symbol that Gotham’s working class need. He fans the flames by killing three Wayne Enterprises employees, which leads to the poor donning clown masks and rioting. Joker kills the saccharine talk show host he used to idolise live on air, destroying the image of Gotham’s false prosperity and allowing the downtrodden to take centre stage. The socalled order that Gotham had maintained crumbles, and allows chaos to take over.

It seems silly to compare such a serious situation to a quiet village with a bird problem, but the goose does have

a similar effect. The entire premise of the game is to annoy the villagers in as many fun and sadistically charming ways as possible, and the joy comes from seeing their days ruined. These people that tower over you, run faster than you, and are stronger than you, can be made miserable simply by causing a little chaos. A highlight is when you take a lady’s priceless vase into her neighbour’s garden who then throws it over the fence and smashes it. In return you vandalise the lady’s hedge, so she trims it and accidentally cuts the head off his prize rose. What started as a peaceful day of reading and painting turned into a full-blown feud, all because a goose moved a vase and disrupted a hedge. But the goose wasn’t the cause, just the catalyst. That tension was always there, it just needed to be released.

But you might be thinking, the Joker was oppressed and beaten down by the wealthy; how does that compare to a mischievous goose? Well, the goose isn’t as one-note as you might think. It has desires outside of the player’s innate need to cause trouble. The last task on your to-do list is to bring a golden bell from the model village all the way back to the goose’s nest you started in. You arrive to find a pile of golden bells that the goose had collected previously. That’s all the goose wanted; a new entry to its humble collection. This whole time, it had one sole desire, and had to fight through a battalion of powerful, entitled villagers to get it, simply because they didn’t want their precious peace disturbed. The village is the crumbling city.

The villagers are the wealthy elite. The goose is the Joker.

If you’re still not convinced, I have one final, damning piece of evidence for you. When you think of the Joker, what’s one of the first things you think of? It’s the laugh. One of the reasons the character has lasted in fiction for eighty years is the fact that in the face of extreme malice and sadism, the Joker laughs. To him, everything is a joke and everything is funny. When someone new plays the Joker, one of the first questions we have is always “what does the laugh sound like?” Within the context of the new film, it’s not something the Joker can help. He has a condition that makes him laugh uncontrollably, even in incredibly stressful situations, and by the end of the film, he’s learned to fully embrace that laughter. And while the goose can’t laugh, Untitled Goose Game gives the player another, equally satisfying option. To honk.

Some of the greatest laughs to be had in the game come from honking at the villagers, from watching them jump and flounder around as you spam the Y button. When you successfully cause the gardener to hit his thumb with a hammer, or drop a bucket on the pub landlords head, you’re compelled to honk with joy at the result of your mischief, and the misfortune of your target. Like the Joker, you can’t help but laugh. You can’t help but honk.

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SCIENCE & GAMING

FRESH FOOTPRINTS ON THE MOON. 50 years after the first moonlanding, Tiger-Lily Goldsmith questions why has enthusiasm for moon exploration has evaporated?

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ollowing the 50th anniversary of the moon landing a few months past, this historic event remains a key milestone in the history of humanity. In total, six crewed ships granted 12 men the chance to leave their footprints on the moon, the last of these landings taking place in 1972. But many are left with the question: when did the enthusiasm for moon exploration evaporate?

Arguably, the main motivator behind the Space Race of the 1960s was the Cold War. Once the US had claimed victory against Russia in the rush to reach space, the moon slowly became a “been there, done that” situation. The mission for humanity to make it’s mark on the moon was complete.

With the moon out of the spotlight, this left NASA without the support needed to keep returning as frequently as it had been. As it stands now, NASA has access to less than half a percent of the US federal budget, but in the era of exploration this was a very different story. One where NASA had 4.5% of federal budget at their disposal.

In addition, space missions have consistently been assessed as to whether they are considered a political or economical risk. In 2004 George W. Bush refuelled NASA’s drive, calling upon them to refocus on manned moon missions. This began the Constellation programme, spawning the Orion spacecraft- named after one of the largest constellations of the night sky. However, this programme was cancelled by the administration of Barack Obama in 2010, in order to move NASA’s focus to ISS related projects as well as community outreach.

After five years work, exploration passing Earth’s orbit had been supressed again; Orion was behind schedule and way too expensive.

Fast forwarding to 2019, NASA remains committed to sending people to the moon. With the support of Trump’s administration, the SLS project is planned to undergo an unmanned test-flight as early as 2020 and, should this go as planned, will be swiftly followed by a manned launch in 2024. But the moon is only viewed as a steppingstone in understanding deep space exploration, allowing the US to eventually send man to Mars. In a tweet, Trump said himself that NASA shouldn’t be focusing on the moon.

“For all of the money we are spending, NASA should NOT

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be talking about going to the Moon - We did that 50 years ago. They should be focused on the much bigger things we are doing, including Mars (of which the Moon is a part) Defence and Science!

So, after half a century has passed, we are forced to realise the moon is no longer as exciting as it used to be and we left with the question: when will humanity, finally, get its next great space adventure?

VIDEO GAMES: PLAYING AT POLITICS. In an increasingly heated political climate, Daniel Woolley examines how gaming can actually be a secret political tool.

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y using gaming, we are bringing to light the societies around the world that lack the democratic freedoms we are demonstrating with our upcoming SU elections. After all, games are political. The recent indie darling, Untitled Goose Game, might not seem political on the surface. In the game, you are a goose who terrorises a quaint British town. The game becomes political during the credits where House House, the developers, refuse to acknowledge the existence of Australia and rather dedicates the game to the people of the Kulin nation, which never seceded to the Australian Government. Even with a simple game like Untitled Goose Game, there are many ways games can be politicised.

Recently Activision-Blizzard has shown another way politics can manifest itself within the gaming industry with their actions over China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong is going through a turbulent phase; with increasing Chinese authority over their island. For years they had general autonomy and were not affected by Chinese laws such as internet censorship. This changed when China wanted to be able to extradite prisoners from Hong Kong to the mainland for trial. The worry is that as soon as these people leave Hong Kong they would ‘disappear’ as do so many political prisoners in China. The reaction to this attempt to gain control of Hong Kong has led to the protests still happening to this day.

But where do video games come into this? Recently a Hong Kong professional gamer, stated ‘Free Hong Kong, the Revolution of our Time’ during a tournament of Hearthstone, developed by Activision-Blizzard. His actions were merely showing solidarity with his homeland during their time of crisis. However, Activision-Blizzard saw things differently. They promptly suspended the gamer -Chung- from the tournament and refused to pay his prize money. They claimed this was a result of Chung breaking Activision-Blizzard policy of causing ‘public disrepute, scandal or ridicule’. While the policy itself is vague, they have a point as Chung did bring Hearthstone into the political issue of Hong Kong when tournaments should be non-political. Yet, when Lee Shi Tian won the Magic the Gathering Mythic Championship, he was able to show his support of Hong Kong without any repercussions. As such, we can see that while sporting events should be apolitical, some gaming companies allow their players freedom of speech. This begs the question of why Chung was banned. Simply put, it was because his statement offended one group: the Chinese government. Rather than support their players, Activision-Blizzard decided to side with a totalitarian state. Activision-Blizzard would rather curry favour with the Chinese government and follow their policy of censorship than allow their players; free speech

in their games and tournaments. Effectively, ActivisionBlizzard censored their own player and punished him for speaking out about his own political freedom. While Hearthstone may not be political, the company behind it has a political interest and they will act upon it.

Activision-Blizzard banned Chung for one reason: money.

If they were seen linked to someone offending the Chinese government, they would potentially lose out on millions of players who could play their games. ActivisionBlizzard would rather appease the gatekeepers to the Chinese market, than defend the people who play their games and stand up for freedom of speech. You could argue that Activision-Blizzard doesn’t want to lose out on the possibility of billions of dollars in turnover for one player. Yet, they already have a turnover of billions. As of March 2018, they are the largest game company in the Americas and Europe. The other important fact is that a company revenue doesn’t necessarily benefit gamers, rather it supports their shareholders. This is about a company openly supporting a government that is based on censorship to increase its already high profits than supporting their players. Recently Activision-Blizzard has changed their stance, allowing Chung to collect his prize money and reducing his suspension. In a statement, they claimed that ‘our relationships in China had no influence on our decision…we have these rules to keep the focus on the game and on the tournament’. This is a perfect example of a non-apology as, rather than admit what they did was wrong, they doubled down on their earlier argument and hoped that by doing this people would take their side. Luckily the community has rallied around Chung and the upcoming Blizzard Convention will seemingly be faced with protests.

What can we learn from this then? Mainly, games are not apolitical; they are dictated by companies with political views, such as House House and Australia or worse with Activision-Blizzard and China. Developers and publishers claim their games are apolitical when it gives them bad press and can affect their revenue, such as with Chung and Hearthstone. The message is clear: don’t be political when it can cost them money. More importantly, developers and publishers have a political interest outside of their games and with Activision-Blizzard’s case, are happy to throw their consumers under the bus when they speak out against their political interests. The myth of games as apolitical is incorrect. We need to stop treating games as if they are separate from the world and exist within their own cultural sphere. They interact and are shaped by the world we live in today.

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A LIFE OF ADVENTURE AND HOW TO GRAB IT! Natasha Mae interviews Isaac Kenyon, Royal Holloway alumni on how he is taking life by storm and inspiring challenge in the lives of others.

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or many, joining University is a big step forward in discovering who they want to be. But when it comes to graduating and venturing into the wider world, that is when the page in your book stops turning. Like a novel, you need to know the character and plot in order to continue the story; but as an undergrad you often leave it on pause.

Knowing what degree to take is one thing, but finding a career is another – I spoke to Isaac Kenyon to find out how he coped as an Undergraduate, facing the challenge of creating a future, and the opportunities he encountered along the way.

So, Isaac, as an alumnus at Royal Holloway, tell us a little about your time here – What degree did you study, your hobbies and things you liked to do on campus?

“The key thing to know about me, is that I am known as over enthusiastic about life in general. I am 25 and I studied a 3 years BSc Geology, and then a 1-year scholarship on the MSc Petroleum Geoscience course.

As a child I loved the movie “Jurassic Park” for its spirit of adventure, natural history and dangerous dinosaurs… This extended to later life inspiring me to choose Geology as it encompasses that movie moment as a palaeontologist in Jurassic Park! I was also curious in understanding how resources make the world go round - I wanted to learn more about energy and how that powers our economy, moving me into the energy business after graduation.

I love challenge, learning new things and helping others so I have always been philanthropic in my hobbies. I love all things outdoors as a result of studying rocks, so many of my charitable ambitions and adventures involve the outdoors. When I was on campus, as you can imagine, I was very involved in sports (swimming) and societies (Lyell Geoscience) and loved them as they made the whole experience at Royal Holloway very special – it’s where I have met a lot of my closest like-minded friends.”

As an undergrad, did you have any fears or questions about your future after graduation?

“Fear is natural - everyone has it. There is a sense of fear I feel that grows in students because of the amount of debt taken on, and the importance of “getting it right” that society puts on someone starting a degree. I was always told by those older in work that my future is never mapped out, you have no idea what is around the corner, just be adaptable for when it comes. After graduation I got my first job! It wasn’t my choice of job, but I needed the money. I got my dream job 2 years later, for some it is really hard to get a job they like; but nothing can beat

persistence - you will get to where it feels right, it’s all about patience and not letting fear overcome living in the moment. Enjoy your university experience, live it up, when it’s gone it’s gone.”

What prompted your eagerness to join the Atlantic Discovery, and what was the process?

“Around my 2nd year of university, I was asked this.

“If you had 5 years left, what would you do in those 5 years?”. I wrote a list of things to this and found I wanted adventures all over the world in remote environments visited by few people. I wanted an extraordinary life, not the usual “finish Uni, get married, buy a house, have a kid”. I wanted to do something I will truly remember, and help people along the way (charities or inspiration) so I started organising small adventures. I organised a swim across the English Channel with Royal Holloway Swimming Club and a climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (image to the right). A friend called Benjamin Ajayi-Obe, from that Kilimanjaro trek sent me a text message “Do you want to row the Atlantic”. As you know my goals was for an extraordinary 5 years was to challenge, to learn and to help others… So naturally I said yes to this in less than 5 seconds, with no prior rowing or sailing experience. It was that easy, just saying “yes” and committing to it.”

Was there a cause behind your rowing?

“There was a cause, we raised £40,000 for two charities involved with helping those with Multiple Sclerosis. One was a therapy centre in Reading that Ben, who asked me on the row told me about. His mum has multiple sclerosis so that’s why he wanted to do the row as it would put his mother’s charity on the map. The other charity was Multiple Sclerosis Society that focussed on funding research for a cure for the disease.”

What challenges did you face in the process of preparation?

“We needed to raise £120,000 from nothing. So, we had to build a brand, and approach sponsors. We had to learn to row and row on the ocean. We needed to know first aid at sea as well as navigate and communicate. We

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had to learn about this incredibly strange boat called an R45 which is the vessel we heard others used to row the Atlantic Ocean with. We had to learn it inside out - how do the solar panels work, how to take apart and refit a watermaker. There was a lot to learn and a lot of money to be conjured up. The biggest challenge was doing this with full time jobs!!! I would be up at 6am and bed at 12am every day for a year.”

“It has made me realise the bigger picture. There is no right or wrong route. I now do as a I feel most happy - I have my own aspirations, my own goals and nobody can change this, except me. What you think is impossible is very possible if you commit to it and work hard. Careers can change, life is always changing, what is key is really how well you adapt to change. I now feel more adaptable and much happier for it.”

Tell us about the row – what were the worst and best parts?

“The worst part was the first week. You leave normality behind as you row away from the starting island - La Gomera of the Canary Islands. You suddenly feel very small on this tiny boat and it sets in that you won’t see land for up to 40 days. The waves are 20ft high and your trying not to be seasick whilst keeping your nutrition up, navigating in a vast open sea and rowing for 2 hours on and 2 hours off. The circadian rhythm disappears completely… you are on a new schedule. After 12 hours of rowing your bum is sore and yours hands hurt. You then realise your rowing in the middle of the night; it becomes very real in that first week adjusting to this. There is danger everywhere. The best part – jumping in the middle of the Atlantic with 5km water below you, swimming with 5 whales all the size of double decker buses only a couple of meters away from you. I touched two of the whales and the memory I remember the most was it swimming very slowly next to me, looking me right in the eye. Its eye was almost the size of my head!”

What was the hardest part about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new?

“Money. I came out of university with £40,000 debt and then took on a challenge that was £120,000. What was I thinking!?! Sometimes money can restrict you. We raised that £120,000 through sponsors. If you believe in something and want to make a dream happen you can, it’s about committing to it and taking steps towards your goal and that is when people start to believe in you and help you get there, it is incredible how much help there is In this world if you ask.”

How did you feel when you crossed the finish line?

“Very mixed emotions. You are so happy to not have to row anymore, but you miss the peace and tranquillity and all the most amazing moments like the Milky Way every night or shooting stars and the endless colours of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. It all has to be left behind. But then you’re so happy to see your friends and family at the harbour and the media and press - you feel like a gladiator!”

What opportunities have been presented for you now that you have completed the Atlantic Discovery?

“I started a motivational speaking business for companies, educational institutions and organisations like the Scouts. I believe I learnt so much from this adventure as well as some of my other adventures and have now the opportunity to inspire and help others achieve their goals.”

Do you do any more charity fundraising?

“I am always fundraising for different causes. This year I have raised money for the National Autistic Society. A member of my family is autistic and is a real inspiration to me at how they overcome their barriers on a daily basis.

I recently found out that only 15% or autistic people are employed, which is quite staggering - I feel we need to focus on getting more opportunity for those with autism to work, so I am involved in the National Autistic Society in teaching businesses how to handle an autistic employee to raise the employability stat.”

What skills, knowledge and appreciation have you taken away from this experience?

“I think everyone deserves an opportunity, sometimes those who are less educated miss out. From this experience I have learnt that anything is possible and great things can come from autistic people, they deserve an opportunity too.”

Looking back to University after the row, did you reflect on your initial career thoughts, and how did the row change this for you?

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Would you say these opportunities have had an impact on your mental and/or physical health?

“These opportunities have done me wonders for my mental health. I have always had anxiety, accompanied with panic attacks. I find that when I work too long on a computer without any outdoor time I start to go into overdrive which causes me to panic. I find that these adventures in the outdoors have allowed me to really put things into perspective and slow down the mental

overdrive that screens can cause. My physical health also improves as I get fitter, stronger and healthier with taking in fresh air and learning physical skills that are useful for many different situations. It is what makes me happy and it impacts me positively which I think is a must. I would suggest completing one of these in your spare time to help you find what makes you happy…

This is Ikigai (figure to the right), it is something that I did at university to help me find things that are positive in my life. Try it, see if it works on you!.”

time. It is proven that the outdoors helps with your mental health, something that is clearly declining in the youth of today.”

Do you have any words of advice, encouragement, or wisdom to pass down to current Undergrads who may be facing a tough time trying to figure out their futures?

“I would go for a walk in the woods. Spend some time with a notepad writing down all your thoughts, your ideas, your worries etc. write down things that make you happy and things you get excited about. That allows you to realign with what’s important to you. If your confused about your future, it’s normal - most people go through it. Stay true to yourself and do what you feel is what makes you happy, there is no point trying to fake yourself or please others, it will just waste your time and make life complicated. Keep it simple.”

Do you have any current projects, and can we see more action in the near future?

“Yes, I am a trustee for the charity ‘Mind’ in Mid Herts, which is a charity that is focussing on prevention, social support and recovery for those who have poor mental health in Hertfordshire -where I live. I will be cycling the length of the UK next year in aid of this charity and highlighting the importance of preserving our national parks in the UK.”

We have heard you have given a TED Talk, what is your main message and why is it important for you?

“I have done a TED talk, my main message is that with a new digital age, the youth of today are over-excessively on screens. It is interesting that there has been a huge rise in mental health issues from over-excessive screen time in the last 10 years. I talk about reconnecting with nature and getting some outdoor time to balance with screen-

So, there you have it – from one student to another; anything is possible if you commit and take small steps towards your goal. If there is anything to take from Isaac’s experience, it is knowing that the process of achieving is a process chosen distinctly by YOU, and it is never impossible to gain the support along the way. Life is forever changing, but sometimes that is part of expanding on a greater success. Push away your worries and fears regarding meeting expectations and you will find yourself in a new respect for the greater world and more in tune with your gut, heart and mind. Give the Ikigai a try, and you may just surprise yourself. If Isaac’s interview isn’t encouraging enough on why you should live life on an adventure, take a look at the picture below – Isaac took a before and after (the Atlantic row). As you can see plainly, the amount of joy, challenge, ambition and overall satisfaction is radiating from his post-row photo. This is proof enough that challenging yourself and being in the outdoors is what keeps your brain happy.

If you’d like to follow Isaac on his adventures – I guarantee you will find many encouraging and inspiring posts!

Instagram: @isaac_kenyon (Mr. Enthusiasm) Facebook: Isaac Kenyon (Mr. Enthusiasm)

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WITH THANKS TO: ORBITAL BOARD 2019/2020

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR Rachel Hains

Dom Brown

DEPUTY EDITOR Alex Jones COMMENT Shannon Gray FEATURES Sam Stephenson LIFESTYLE Kieran Bateman ARTS/CULTURE Isobel Clarke SPORTS & SOCIETIES Natasha Mae SCIENCE & GAMING Lovetta Pujeh PHOTOGRAPHY Jasmin Sharland HEAD OF DESIGN Amy Breese HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION Ian Hayes

Haydn Roberts

Annaliese Barber Matthew Phillips Syed Aadil Ali Sharkey Cole Daniel Woolley Niamh Smith Ezra Fiddimore Tom Rusbridge Bridget O’Sullivan Alex Whiteman Luna Trimming Tiger-Lily Goldsmith Abel Fenwick Isaac Kenyon Emma Hughes

SOCIAL SECRETARY Katy Murray

VP FOR SOCIETIES AND MEDIA Sophia Bolton

WITHOUT WHOM THIS ISSUE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. 45

ORBITAL RECYCLE ME ORBITAL ARE WORKING TO MAKE OURSELVES GREENER. HELP US SUPPORT OUR PLANET AND THE RAINFOREST ALLIANCE TO KEEP OUR WORLD SAFE.

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ROYAL HOLLOWAY STUDENTS’ UNION