The Orbital March 2012 (Issue 8) by SURHUL Publications Editor

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March 2012

the

years and counting...

ROYAL HOLLOWAY STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE

FEATURING: Sports & Socs Olympics Event

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Regulars RAG Jailbreak

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Comment NSS debate

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News Insanity on FM

2 1 0 2 h c Mar Issue 8

Julian Farmer, Editor

Wow! It has been a mad rush getting this issue to press, with us being cooped up in the office in the early hours of the morning fueled only by tea and biscuits. As the spring term draws to a close, this board reaches its final two issues. We have just one more issue (coming out just after the Easter holidays) before we must bid you our fond farewells, but it has been a fantastic year. And of course, we wouldn’t be able to do it all without our fantastic contributors! In the recent elections I was re-elected as Editor for the next academic year, and I will be joined by our new Deputy Editor Alex Pegler, who is our current Sport & Societies Editor. We can’t do it alone, though! If you want to help run the publication next year, then come along to our board elections on Monday 19 March and stand for a position; turn to the back cover for more information. It’s hard work, but words can’t express how rewarding it is when you finally see it out on campus in people’s hands. Of course, Easter is never a calm time for students. The mad rush of sorting out accommodation for next year and revising (or maybe even learning) material for the coming exam term. If you’re finding it stressful and want someone to talk to, there is plenty of support available on campus. Take a look at page 9 for information from the College’s Support and Advisory services. Anyway, chin up: only two months to go until the long summer break! - Julian.

The Orbital is the Royal Holloway Students’ Union publication. The opinions published are not neccessarily that of the editorial board. If you would like to get in touch with us for any reason, or just for a friendly hello, then contact one of the editors below: Editor Julian Farmer editor@theorbital.co.uk Deputy Editor Dan Kelly News Emily Pressnell Comment Craig Gent Regulars Shannon Mizzi Lifestyle Elinor Gittins Reviews Rana Banna Sports & Socs Alex Pegler Online Vacant Art Jack Smale Admin Vacant

Executive Editor (Pedant-in-Chief) Sarah Honeycombe sarah@theorbital.co.uk

Cover photo: Georgia Fish

Contributors:

Rebecca Hilsdon Louie Woodall Jordan Wilson Ramona Saigol Suzie Jasper Helen Groenendaal Chloe Oates April Howard Beth Bridewell Dexter (2nd Year Biology) Andy Knight Dan Costen Tom Watts Don Boyd Georgia Fish Josie Tutty Chris Pull Hannah Graveling Danny Taylor Alisha Wadiwalla Hiba Batool Sara Hussein Edward Lauder Leone Richmond Simon Rowlings Pamela Carralero Laura Moore Melissa Wilkin Jessie Brooks Manuela Mitevova Tom Curson Owen Collins Sabrina Purser Dan Heley Amabeer Singh

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

In this issue... NEWS 04

Insanity Radio launches on FM

Students face rise in cost of SU nights

The London Lowdown

COMMENT

18 45 www.theorbital.co.uk

A bad night for dictaters, a good night for free speech

Should we answer the National Student Survey?

REGULARS 16

Columns Sarah Honeycombe, Dan Costen, Tom Watts

RAG Jailbreak: the longest 36 hours of my life

Union Watch Mission: Launch (7 March)

REVIEWS 33

Film review Safe house

Theatre review Romeo and Juliet

LIFESTYLE 36

It’s not what, it’s how

Working abroad

Listings

SPORTS & SOCS 43

RHUL slip up against Portsmouth

Golden opportunity for RHUL sports clubs members

o s w Ne

Editor: Emily Pressnell news@theorbital.co.uk

Insanity Radio launches on FM R

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The Big Story: PPL proposals threaten the cost of an SU ticket.

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London Lowdown: Bringing you the latest from our fellow colleges

Got a tip off? Drop us a line if you have any sort of hunch. We love a good story!

IN BRIEF 4

4 The Round-Up 4 The Big Story 4 London Lowdown

4Rebecca Hilsdon brings us the latest from the Insanity FM Launch Week

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oyal Holloway’s Insanity Radio has successfully switched on its FM transmitter and now broadcasts as a Community FM Station on 103.2 FM. Achieving FM status means that broadcasting will be clearer, of higher quality and will widen the station’s audience to Windsor, Staines and Sunningdale. The radio station hosted a week of celebrations between 5 and 10 March to mark the switchover and ‘showcase all that is good about Insanity.’ The events were attended by both students and local residents. These included ‘Mission: Launch’ at the SU featuring Insanity DJs, space themed costumes and, as the Founder’s Building’s bell struck midnight, the switchover to FM broadcast live. Other events during the week included Insanity open sessions involving tours of the studio, DJ training and radio jingle making. The launch week was rounded off at Medicine with the Election Results Night featuring live bands and DJs as well as hosting the RAG, Media and Executive Committee election results. As part of Insanity Radio’s rebranding process, a competition was held over the Christmas period to design the new logo. The winning

The percentage by which the SU’s license fee may increase by if PPL proposals go ahead

logo (above), created by Charlie Pearce was unveiled on 28 February and celebrates the station’s new FM status. Insanity Radio was founded in 1997 as part of Royal Holloway’s Radio Society and began to broadcast in 1998 for 28 days, twice a year. The station now transmits 24 hours a day with live broadcasts from 8am-2am every day from its 200 volunteers. The station has worked hard over the last five years to secure permission from Ofcom to move to Community FM broadcasting, which allows Insanity to engage more with the local community and attract listeners beyond campus. As part of its outreach programme, music gigs and radio training are being offered to schools and youth group members who have an interest in media. Insanity presenter Harry Angers, who broadcasts each Monday from 4 - 6pm, is convinced “the FM launch is going to be very good for Insanity. We’ll be going where few student radio stations have gone before.” He believes presenting on FM “will be challenging, but also very rewarding and exciting, so roll on FM!” Insanity Radio will also continue to broadcast on 1287 AM and online at www.insanityradio.com.

963

The furthest distance in kilometres students travelled during Jailbreak. THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

The big round up...

RAG Jailbreak raises over £6,000

4Louie Woodall reports on the recent RAG Jailbreak challenge.

uring the weekend of 3 March, 20 teams of students took part in ‘Getaway from Holloway’, the university’s first ever Jailbreak adventure arranged by RAG. The charity hitchhike event dared students to get as far from campus as possible in 36 hours without spending a penny on transport. 70 students accepted the challenge and at 10am on the Saturday raced off from the Students’ Union on a mission to charm, cajole and blag their way across the globe. By the time the countdown ended at 10pm on Sunday 4 March, the teams were scattered across five countries and had clocked up a combined mileage of 22,920 kilometers, a distance roughly equivalent to half the circumference of the world. The Jailbreak crown was jointly won

Photo: Melanie Gray

by teams Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Men (Julian Farmer and David Young) and Rocky and Bullwinkle (Melanie Gray and Anna Mikelsone), who both reached Berlin - a distance of 963km away from Egham as the crow flies. They were closely followed by team Eat Pray Blag (Abi Drane, Caitlin Torode, Caitlin Moustaka, Emma Baker), who travelled to Bayonne, Southern France, missing out on the top prize by less than 100km. The prize for the team who travelled furthest north was claimed by team Janes Super Men (Jonathon Woodcock, Muhammad Saffi Jaffri, Matthew Macdonald), who hitchhiked their way to John O’Groats - the UK’s northernmost point - 818km away from Holloway. Other teams reached Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris within the time

limit. One team even travelled as far as Budapest, Hungary, but failed to reach the city before the 36 hours were up. Each team was obliged to raise a minimum of £30 per participant in order to take part, but every Jailbreaker smashed their individual totals. The sum amount raised by all teams was an outstanding £6,188, which will be shared between the charities East to West, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Voluntary Services Overseas. RAG stated that it was “enormously pleased” with the success of the event, both in terms of money raised and the distance travelled by the competitors. The popularity of Getaway this year promises a bigger and better repeat of the event in 2013. Turn to page 18 for an account of the trip to Berlin from the joint winning teams!

Head Chef at RHUL to cook for Olympians 4Jordan Wilson writes about how the head chef at RHUL will be preparing for a big summer... It has been announced that Carol Vallejo, Head Chef at Royal Holloway, will be cooking for Olympic athletes during this summer’s games. During the Olympics, Royal Holloway will play host to the rowing and kayaking teams. Carol, 53, from Staines, has been cooking at Royal Holloway for more than 30 years. She also gained experience in catering for

athletes during a test event last August, as well as a stint at the world rowing championship some years ago. The Olympic athletes, known for their exceedingly specific dietary requirements, will be requiring a very specific menu. It will have to be of the highest nutritional quality, in order to ensure that the athletes are in optimal condition

Newsflash! Summer Ball tickets are on sale for £75 from 22 March 2012 in the Students’ Union building. Tickets are expected to go fast after last year’s sell-out show; visit www.su.rhul.ac.uk for more information. news@theorbital.co.uk

for their respective tasks at the Olympics. Melanie Loizou, Director of Campus Services at Royal Holloway, told the Orbital: “It’s wonderful that Carol and her team have had the opportunity to receive this specialist training which will benefit the College long after the Olympics. We look forward to welcoming the athletes to the College in July.”

Turn over for...

THE BIG STORY 5

THE BIG STORY

Students face rise in cost of SU nights

4Ramona Saigol explains the proposed changes which may see an increase in the cost of SU tickets

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

tudents from Royal Holloway could be left searching for a new venue to spend their Wednesday and Friday nights out if proposals to increase the cost of PPL licenses go ahead, ultimately meaning many students will be left outpriced by their own Students’ Union. Proposed increases by the music licensing company, Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), on the costs of their Specially Featured

Photo: Georgia Fish

news@theorbital.co.uk

Entertainment (SFE) licenses which grant permission to businesses and organisations across the UK to play recorded music and videos in their venues could mean that the Royal Holloway’s Students’ Union could be left with no other choice than to pay the higher costs for their license, leaving them with less money to hold events and meet general costs. The licenses apply whenever a DJ plays recorded music with the expectation of dancing, which mainly applies to pubs and nightclubs. However, students’ unions are also restricted by the licensing rules. In order for Royal Holloway’s Students’ Union to hold their club events, they’re obliged to obtain the license regardless of the increases if they wish to continue running their SU events every week. PPL are currently negotiating the proposition of increasing their licenses in order to reflect the ‘proper value of music’. The National Union of Students, a student body speaking on the behalf of over 7 million students from across the UK, have opposed the proposition to increase the license fees, stating that the suggested costs “are in any case unrealistic, unaffordable and unfair even for the most exploitative of commercial operations.” In their response to the proposed increases of the PPL license, the NUS argued that these actions could have a critical impact on the ability of students’ unions to fulfil their purpose as charitable organisations. The rises in cost would ultimately have a “direct negative impact on the student community and the lives of everyone who lives and works within it.” A calculation made by NUS stated that the result of the proposed PPL increases would mean that the current average fee per students’ union of £4,022.09 would increase to the staggering amount of £72,072.33, an increase of 1,692% that many students’ unions could not afford. With reduced funding hitting universities already, due to the recent changes having seen a 6% cut in

university funding for 2011-12 and looking to see a further 16% cut for the academic year 2012-13, such drastic increases in rates of PPL licenses could leave many students’ unions no other choice than to shut down their bars and venues. Students’ Unions are facing cuts in funding as all students’ unions are reliant on a block grant gifted by their institution. The knock-on effects of these proposals could not only affect the future of students’ unions around the country, but also place increasing pressure on the few commercial venues left after the license increases, leaving them catering for a greater number of students which could cause safety issues, ultimately concerning the National Union of Students and their services. At present, SURHUL pays approximately £1885 per year for its license, enabling it to run the SU nights on Fridays. With the proposed increases, this figure could rise to an estimated £9329.88, a 1614% increase overall to the total cost of the PPL license for the Students’ Union. These extreme increases in cost would leave the Union with no other choice than to cut back on costs in other areas in order to keep the union running. The effects could lead to vast increases in costs impacting the students directly. Current Vice President for Communications and Campaigns, Sarah Honeycombe, has stated that SURHUL have not yet made plans on what to do if the increased prices are enforced, however she stated that “it is an entirely reasonable assumption that these costs would be passed on to students, be it through venue booking costs to societies or additions to ticket prices.” Negotiations will continue to take place as PPL decides whether or not to enforce their suggested increases, despite the severity of the possible outcomes. Until further notice, students at Royal Holloway can continue to enjoy their comparatively cheaper nights out at SURHUL.

NEWS Bursting the campus bubble with the news from colleges across the capital. After all, we are part of the University of London!

The Orbital has teamed up with the London Journalist Support Network (LSJSN), which exists to provide support to student led publications and student journalists within the University of London. By being a part of LSJSN, we are more integrated with knowledge of what’s happening with other University of London institutions. This page serves to keep us in the know with London news.

LSE

LSE students get involved in London Mayoral Debate An event co-organised by the London School of Economics Students’ Union, Politics Society, and Debating Society saw students unofficially representing the four main candidates in the London Mayoral Debate. Speakers were particularly questioned on transport and policing issues in what became a heated exchange of policy and ideas. Whilst the Conservative representative highlighted the ‘Boris Bike’ scheme, Mona Naqvi, representing the Liberal Democrat candidate, stated that one hour bus and tube tickets would be introduced under

KCL

his administration to prevent confusion and overpayment by students. The Labour and Green Party representatives focused on the ways in which their candidates would respectively tackle unpaid internships and graduate unemployment. The General Secretary of the Students’ Union, Alex Peters-Day, described the debate as of a ‘unilaterally high standard’ as each representative delivered their candidate’s manifesto and answered questions from the floor, successfully educating

the listening students on the potential effect of a new mayor on their every day lives.

Photo: lwr (Flickr)

UoL

Wealthy alumnus donates £6 million to KCL’s China Institute

Concerns over KCL and LSE students’ union elections

King’s College London is now £6 million richer thanks to a generous donation from an alumnus, Hong Kong tycoon Lau Ming-wai, Vice Chairman of Chinese Estates. Ming-wai states that the donation is a ‘symbol of [his] gratitude’ for the many enjoyable years he spent studying LLB and a PhD in Law at King’s. The donation is intended to further the development of the China Institute by funding the appointment

There have been concerns raised over the students’ union elections at both King’s College London and the London School of Economics. Voting at KCLSU’s spring elections was suspended after a large number of students complained that the online voting system had registered votes on their behalf which they had not cast. The voting process, with 34 candidates running for six positions, was restarted with the results announced on 16 March. Meanwhile, at LSESU there have been concerns over the

of senior academic staff including one new chair, and two new lecturers. The China Institute has been running since 2008 and has now been renamed, in recognition of this, the largest individual donation given in the College’s history, the Lau China Institute. Its aims are ‘to promote understanding, provide a hub of excellence and build connections through study, staff and student exchanges, research and knowledge sharing’.

legitimacy of their recent election results for the General Secretary position. The Democracy Commitee Chair, Emma Clewer, was allegedly sent a spreadsheet showing that the total number of votes cast was 2,161. However, the official figures released by LSESU shows a total of 2,189. This discrepancy of 28 happens to be the number of votes by which the winner, Alexandra Peters-Day, beat Mohammed Morley, though there is no evidence of foul play. LSESU has not made any announcements regarding the issue.

4Brought to you by Suzie Jasper and Julian Farmer

THE LONDON LOWDOWN 8

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

London lowdown

RHUL

Support and Advisory update: exam stress 4Helen Groenendaal brings us some advice for those seeking support in the exam season

Photo: amysgster (Flickr) We’re lucky that Royal Holloway is a close knit friendly and caring community and that there are lots of fantastic people within the College who can brighten up your day just by seeing them about on campus. The two best examples are probably Isaac singing his way across campus and Lamin waving you in to campus each day. I’ve not met anyone who doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’ve seen them – have you? Within our team we strive to offer an extremely high level of welfare

support to students to add to this feeling of community and to ensure as students you get the most of your time here. At this time of year with deadlines and exams looming many of you will be seeking a little extra support or advice so we thought it would be useful to briefly remind you of support that is available for you. We consist of the Chaplaincy & Faith Support team led by Cate; Community Liaison and Support managed by me; the Educational Support Office headed up by Alex,

Residential Support run by Sarah, International Support fronted by Denise, Student Counselling led by Liz, the Student Finance and Funding team headed up by Tina and we work closely with the Debbie and the whole team in the Health Centre. What each sub-sections does is fairly self-explanatory from the titles but for general advice please pop into FW 170 or email us at SupportAndAdvisory@rhul.ac.uk. I can’t promise we’re as cheery as Isaac and Lamin but we do our very best!

It’s always important to stay up to date with news from Royal Holloway. This page should keep you informed about on-campus happenings! news@theorbital.co.uk

o K L A T i b r o

Letter of the week

Editor: Craig Gent comment@theorbital.co.uk Sub-edited by Louise Quick

Photo: catatronic (Flickr)

Cash on campus

Chloe Oates writes about the previous lack of cash machines on campus...

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here is no cash on campus we said. We have a solution they said! Let us take away the bank they said, And cause emotional pain for you.

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Societies View: Friends not food (VegSoc)

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The totalitarianism of religion

4 The Big Debate 4 Your Letters 4 Societies

The Big Debate: Should we answer the National Student Survey?

The hardship of you walking To the BP garage, Through the turmoil of hurricanes And tsunamis of rain, Makes us sleep a little easier at night. We like to see you sweat, And cry out when the BP machines says, ‘OUT OF CASH’. Why BP, why? We will forever be out of cash, Simply because we cannot access our cash. For now though, I just want to buy A chicken Caesar wrap from the college shop, And perhaps a cold beverage, But NO I do not have any god damned cash. We will have to scrounge the pennies That we find on the streets, until justice is served. You can reach a bank ‘easily on foot’ they said. Well we say go stick your foot up your Ass you incompetent reckless...banker. Even the banker on ‘Deal or No Deal’ has more of my respect. May NatWest - NatRest in peace, With the conscience of our destroyed souls playing on its mind. Shame on you. THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Your Letters

A bad night for dictators, A good night for free speech.

April Howard talks about how proponents for free speech are fighting back.

magine you are in a position of authority over a country, a state, a town, a company or even a group. Want to abuse that power? Crush those who disagree with your views? You need to stifle complaints and silence dissenters. You need to attack free speech. Over the past two years we have all undoubtedly witnessed, through international media coverage, attempts by various governments/dictators/presidents to suppress dissent amongst their peoples. We saw oppression spanning four decades in Libya crack and crumble in an explosion of civil unrest. Egypt continues to struggle against those in authority who prefer a shroud of mystery to transparency; free from Mubarak, they now face the Supreme Council of Armed Forces who have violently attacked protests, tortured protestors and continued to try civilians in military courts. Syria at the moment smarts from tanks and guns that strive to beat down all civilians so that opposition to Assad’s abuse of power and calls for political reform will cease. Proponents of free speech are fighting back, with citizens demanding elections in Egypt and continuing to protest despite the dangers in Syria. Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and UN Watch amongst many others are constantly working with movements in countries all over the world to keep free speech a reality.

In 1976, Amnesty International asked John Cleese, one of its 3,000 members, to bring a few friends and form a fundraiser. When you’re John Cleese in the ‘70s, a ‘few friends’ means most of the Monty Python and several members of the Goodies. And so the first ‘Secret Policeman’s Ball’ was born: a comedy filled benefit event, full of music and laughter. Amnesty International has revived the legendary show outside the UK for the first time: holding it on the 4 March in New York. British acts include Coldplay, Russell Brand and Mumford & Sons, and the US brings Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Reggie Watts. Luckily for all who couldn’t afford/be bothered to get tickets and fly to New York, your own RHUL Amnesty group is holding a mini Secret Policeman’s Ball on the evening of Tuesday 20 March at everyone’s favourite, the Monkeys Forehead. If you’d like to see what a SPB is like, then go to Channel 4’s website branch 4oD where they should be showing a recording of the 4 March show for a couple of weeks. After a well-attended RHUL Secret Policeman’s Ball last year, which focused on individuals at risk and the death penalty, this year’s gig will hold solidarity with protestors from the Middle East and North Africa as well as standing up for free speech. In the words of John Cleese, the Secret Policeman’s Ball reminds audiences how important free speech is... I implore you to support it.

Photo: nassernouri (Flickr)

comment@theorbital.co.uk

Should we answer the N

the

BIG debate

Why we should comply with the NSS Beth Bridewell 3rd Year Psychology Student

he annual National Student Survey (NSS) has been open since the beginning of the year and no doubt emails, letters and flyers are starting to grind some us final year students down. Fortunately for 44% of us at Royal Holloway, the emails, the text message and the potential phone call are but a distant memory. And all because we took a few minutes out of our busy student schedules to have our say. It may be that as a Psychology student I just love any chance to do a survey and 69% of my fellow course mates apparently do also. Questionnaires have been a constant part of my three years at university and I now need my weekly survey “I would rather fix. However, I’d like to think my reasons behind league tables participating are slightly were based more founded than that. on student’s The belief that it actually can make a difference and own feedback it is worth doing. than any other The survey has been method” criticised for being shallow, unrepresentative and for being an easy way to get universities up to the top places in league tables. Personally, I would rather league tables were based on student’s own feedback than any other method. Students’ feedback is surely the best measure after all. For students at Royal Holloway, we know that College management take the results very serious and previous surveys have had a direct correlation to changes that have been made in departments and in college services. This all has the ability to sound very generic but improvements at Royal Holloway include the recent changes to study space, the library,

YOUR VIEWS 12

improving IT facilities and the quality of teaching rooms and even our sparkly new union complete with the sticky floor we know and love. So why wouldn’t we use it as a feedback mechanism when it genuinely affects our experience? Each department has to reach 50% participation for their department’s results to be published. If results don’t get published then the effects are as good as nobody answering the survey. Looking at completion rates, some departments have already reached the 50% minimum participation level however others including Maths, English and Drama are dramatically behind. The survey doesn’t ask you to pretend everything is perfect, it asks for your opinion on things that matter to you. It wants honest and real answers that make a difference to future students and to the departments we have spent three or more years in. Let’s get over the Royal Holloway apathy and have our say. #whynot. Want to get involved in the next Big Debate? We’re always looking for people who want to get involved and write good solid arguments for either site of the debate. Contact comment@theorbital.co.uk for more information.

“The National Student what?“ - Dexter, 2nd year Biology

“Is there a prize?“ - Dexter, 2nd year Biology (again)

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

National Student Survey? Individuals paying society’s debt Louie Woodall 3rd Year History Student

have never felt so loved by College during my three years at Holloway as I have these last weeks. Naturally, this is not because of my natural charms and devilish good looks, but because they are desperate, desperate for me to complete the National Student Survey (NSS). Here is the first problem with the NSS. The survey condenses all the rich complexities of the student experience into passionless strings of numbers and percentages. A university education is qualitatively different from that experienced in primary and secondary schools, and should not be evaluated using the same unwieldy statistical tools. The survey strips away the distinctiveness of each student’s unique journey through university and forces them to describe their overall experience in terms of degree of satisfaction. Allow me to provide an example to illustrate this point. One question reads: “staff are good at explaining things.” Now, no matter what course you are studying there will be times when the complexities of the subject defy explanation, even by the most eloquent tutor. We are pioneers tentatively encroaching on the very frontiers of knowledge, invited to wrestle with the same questions and engage in the same debates that

“Is there beer?“ - Dexter, 2nd year Biology (once more...)

comment@theorbital.co.uk

frustrate scientists, statesmen and arthritic professors across the globe. The whole point of engaging in such debates is because there is no predetermined answer, no objective truth validating one or the other side of the argument. If it is imperative for student feedback to be gathered, then a survey should demand concise, but descriptive, essay answers to questions rather than a simple ticking of a box. A second problem is how “Universities ... universities and national league tables use and shouldn’t adapt respond to the collected their degree data. On the micro scale, I programmes cannot help but feel a little in response to fearful that my response to the question ‘staff give yearly trends.” me good feedback’ could end in a favourite lecturer being disciplined for not conforming to some regimented system of student-tutor communication. On a broader level, it is a source of great unease to think that my responses may determine the short-term direction of Royal Holloway. Universities are venerable institutions, that shouldn’t adapt their degree programmes in response to yearly trends. The NSS can only encourage the further development of a ‘business culture’ within universities, where the survey responses are used by universities to cater for the immediate whims of their ‘customers’- the students. So, College can continue to send me letters, lobby my tutors, bribe me with summer ball tickets and even ring my mobile- I won’t finish the survey. A university education is not about ticking the right boxes or robotically complying to a fixed system of assessment. However, things like the NSS are trying to make it like this. I won’t be complicit in any such transformation.

“Have you seen the Leeds line-up? It’s fucking terrible.“ - Dexter, 2nd year Biology (last but not least) 13

OrbiTALK!

Friends, not food.

Photo: reneanddolan (Flickr)

Andy Knight, from the embryonic Vegetarian & Vegan Society, challenges the impersonal attitude to where our meat comes from.

o, vegetarianism. Where do I start? I think an important point is to understand why we exist, as it’s often asked. A common motive is taking a stance against animal cruelty and abuse. There has always been a culture of not wanting to know how your meat and fish are produced, but this wilful ignorance is a poor personal philosophy. I would hope that most people have heard of battery farming, used by the meat, egg and dairy industries to cut costs. Animals caught up in these systems find themselves in small, barren cages that deprive them of most activities, injected with hormones and antibiotics and subjected to painful mutilations without anaesthetic. This causes a myriad of welfare issues including untreated injuries, disease, mounting piles of excrement and incredible stress levels frequently leading to cannibalism.

I can imagine people thinking “free range!” all over campus at this point. Natural lives for these animals would be stimulating, involving challenges to find food, exploration, forming a pecking order, and natural sex. Farms limit all of these factors. Food is simply given. Space is limited, hence boredom and territorial battles in chickens. Livestock are killed ASAP – usually in a matter of weeks, despite a natural lifespan of years or decades! Finally, the breeding farms are far from free-range. Do we have a right to interfere so heavily with these innocent creatures? The word speciesism was coined to describe this effect: the needs and desires of all involved animals are ignored, despite being very similar to dogs, cats and other pets many of us love dearly. Slaughter itself is an act of violence. At a recent VegSoc

meeting, it was raised that those working in abattoirs have an suicide rate many times higher than the rest of the population. This seems logical, when your task is to ensure screaming animals are killed correctly every minute of every working hour for years. But there’s so much more than just ethics, including religion, health benefits, water conservation and pollution, reducing fossil fuel and land usage. One point is that plant crops capable of directly feeding over ten people are instead used to feed and produce meat for one. Said crops are often sourced from countries with hunger problems or cause rainforest destruction, too. I was considering tackling some myths and misconceptions surrounding vegetarianism and veganism, but as I’m now out of words, I will leave you with this quote: fish are friends, not food.

Photo: flyingturtle (Flickr)

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

The totalitarianism of religion

Your Letters

Jordan Wilson writes about his views on religion.

otalitarianism is an enemy of humanity. This statement should be believed by most sane, rational people. Totalitarianism represents the state’s interference in every aspect of our lives. It is the suppression of freedom and of our livelihoods. And yet, I suspect we are allowing it to thrive among us – inside the Trojan Horse of religion. Religion is undoubtedly a meaningful aspect of many lives. However, I here make the argument that we do not need it, and we are in danger because of what it preaches. Take the Abrahamic monotheistic faiths, for example – they postulate a celestial dictator – Yahweh/God/Allah – who is believed to be simultaneously omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent (which is a logical fallacy). This is totalitarian, to be sure. This deity, they believe, intends to ensure that we obey “him” (yes, it’s a “him” - funny, that), by threatening us with eternal torment in the afterlife (or, in some cases, punishment in this one). This is a silly belief, but more importantly, it’s a deplorable one. To believe that those who disagree with you will burn in Hell forever is despicable. But I am not merely arguing that the Abrahamic religions are evil, mind-rotting nonsense (they are), but that all religion is totalitarian by definition. How can religion be anything other than totalitarian? Of course, there are less invasive religions than the monotheisms, but they are all totalitarian to some degree. They dictate to comment@theorbital.co.uk

Photo: tico_bassie (Flickr)

people how they should live their lives. This is a horrifying concept, because it encourages the antithesis of freedom. The purpose of this article is merely to draw attention to some obvious facts. Religion is naturally opposed to freedom, just as racism is opposed to different races. Fortunately, however, most religious people tend to ignore most of scripture, which means that they are not evil, life-destroying fools. But the fact that we are told to “respect” those who are “moderate” gives a shelter to those who would go further and do real harm to people. It keeps us from being permitted to utter the word “Islam” in public without arousing suspicion that we are bigots. This labelling of those who disagree as “bigots” is, in itself, a bigoted action. The true bigots are those who believe that religion deserves equal or even more respect that the rights of homosexuals, the rights of different ethnicities and especially the rights of those who disagree. We do not want a society in which we have to be surreptitious when discussing religion or serendipitous to discover somebody with an open mind. We want a world of freedom, of culture, of diversity. And religion places a dictatorial ban on all three. Disagree? Want to write a response? Comment on this article at www.theorbital.co.uk and make your views heard!

o s r a l egu

Editor: Shannon Mizzi regulars@theorbital.co.uk

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Jailbreak: an account of the charity event that spans 36 hours.

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Union Watch: some of our favourite pictures from Insanity’s launch night.

26 The Science of... Green Roofs: Chris Pull discusses the science behind these eco-friendly roofs.

4 Columns 4Jailbreak 4 HiBROW 4 Union Watch4In Your View4 Science of... 4 Agony Aunt

sabb column 4Vice President (Communications and Campaigns), Sarah Honeycombe writes about the last few weeks on campus...

t has been a rather ridiculously hectic time on campus of late. As the hugely successful RAG Week , which has so far raised upwards of £7,000 with money still coming in, faded into the dual delights of Election Week and Insanity Radio’s FM Launch Week running simultaneously, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to still be at Holloway. Epitomised in a moment where I was walking across campus on Friday 9 March and observed somebody reading a copy of The Orbital to the soundtrack of Insanity Radio Live At The Windsor Building, next to a queue of people waiting to vote, I don’t think I’ve ever had more of a cause to smile whilst at university.

He graduated last year, he works in The Hub, he used to design The Orbital, and his coloumn is here every month... it’s Tom Watts.

This latest election has set a turnout record for Royal Holloway, with over 850 votes being cast in just 24 hours due to an incredible effort from the Democracy Team and the candidates. RAG are well on their way to beating last year’s fundraising effort of over £40,000. Insanity Radio has, finally, taken up its Community FM licence and ran a spectacular week of events to celebrate including a midnight switchover to its new frequency which I was lucky enough to be a part of. 2012 has already seen huge achievements, but obviously there’s still room for improvement. The infernal SU website is still being worked on (I promise), and the beginning of next term will see relaunch of the Mental Health Awareness Week, along with the rest of the campaigns we have been running this year coming back with a vengance. SURHUL still has work to do and the best way to make sure you get what you want from your Union is to get involved. Similarly, it’s all change at The Orbital: this is the last issue with the current editorial board and, I think we can agree, they’ve done an amazing job. If you’d like to be taking the reigns next year, just visit www.theorbital.co.uk/boardelections to find out about the positions up for grabs and how you can run for them. After four years of writing for The Orbital and half that as a member of the Board, I can assure you it’s definitely worth it.

If you’re alive you might be aware that the Oscars occurred the other day (or ‘went down’, depending on which demographic I’m writing for), and that’s all well and good if you’re a movie star and/or an avid E! viewer. However, you may not be aware that Royal Holloway’s very own Oscars (Societies Ball) went down last month. The Orbital hands out awards at this Ball, in particular a ‘Best Column’ award. Now before we go any further and you presume to congratulate myself on a job well done, let me just say that I personally didn’t win, and some THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Student Abroad

Dan Costen updates us on his year abroad, teaching English to the Deutsch...

ince leaving my job as a British Council Assistant, I have spent most of my time trying to find a place to live in Berlin. I have returned to England for a few weeks before I go back to Berlin and start my internship at a translation agency. I went to meet my new employers before I flew home, and they were very accommodating and explained the kinds of things I would be doing in the job. Whilst translation will not a huge amount of my work, I will be doing some, but it seems to me that I will be doing more office work, but I am

scientist guy did – but don’t let that stop your congratulations, it’ll be like a booster jab for my ego after all. Seeing as the rat race for awards has been and gone, I guess this is the end, well, for my interest in this column at least. I mean, I could always try and compete with Ally Ross from The Sun, but then his circulation is bigger than mine, so, swings and roundabouts. Yet, I’m sure I can draw a grown up lesson out of this huge (read: non-existent) problem; perhaps, something along the lines of ‘be satisfied with what you regulars@theorbital.co.uk

pleased that I will be at least using German all day, and will get to translate/proofread at least a few things. Finding a flat to live in is proving much more difficult than you would expect. Despite there being hundreds of listings, the flats seem to go within hours of being posted. There is also the annoyingly often occurrence whereby my e-mails go unanswered, and having gotten so far as a telephone interview and expecting to find out whether or not I had got the flat within a few days, I was left to assume that I hadn’t. Unfortunately, but probably quite wisely, most people won’t even consider me as I cannot go to meet them, which is essentially their chance to interrogate me/ give their potential flatmate the once over. I am therefore hoping to be able to persuade someone of my impeccable character either by e-mail or over the phone. At least one positive is that regardless of where I finally choose (or am forced) to live, there are such good transport links across Berlin that it doesn’t take too long to get anywhere. The most famous websites for finding accommodation are wggesucht.de, easywg.de, or studivz. net for anyone who is looking for a place to stay.

achieve and rest on your laurels’? That sounds like good advice right? Right? Unfortunately, that was awful advice so I would ignore it if I were you. I mean, if you read this column for any nuggets of advice I might impart then you’re reading the wrong fucking scripture, guy – soz. I mean, ambition is good right? It’s what drives people forward to better and greater things. Do you think Winston Churchill sat on his laurels after winning X Factor? No, he went and broke America without Cowell’s help – how’s that for

Student Abroad

Photo: foxgrrl (flickr)

dedication? In fact, I think I might go to America to study some more. So: travelling, followed by America. Correct me if I’m wrong but that sounds like a fucking plan. In the mean time though, some dates for you: 7th March, I’ll be DJing at the SU; 15th March I’ll be back DJing at Liquid, so come hang out! Remember what I said about making the most of your loan a few issues back? Well those dates are the times to apply it.

Jailb

the lon

4Julian Farmer writes about his experience on RAG Jailbreak.

“Y

ou’re mad!”, “You’ll never do it!”, “That just sounds like a bad idea” – these are just a few of the reactions I got when I explained to my (clearly optimistic) friends what a Jailbreak involves. If you haven’t heard of it, you basically have 36 hours to get as far away from the Students’ Union as you can. The catch? You can’t spend any money on transport. A mad endeavour perhaps, but a rewarding one at that. In order to make it all the more exciting, Dave (my co-Jailbreaker) and I agreed that we wouldn’t do much planning. All we decided in advance was that we wanted to get to either Hanover or Munich before the 36 hours was up. It started off on a wet and dreary day inside the Students’ Union. As an SU organised event there was no way it was ever going to start on time, and this manifested itself in the most brilliant of ways: the tracking system (which we had to text periodically to show our

progress) didn’t work. Half an hour and many phone calls later, we were on our way! After stopping off at Budgens to buy lychee juice (the drink of kings) and steal some cardboard out of their recycling bin to make hitchhiking signs, we decided to head to the Staines Bypass to try and hitch a lift eastbound. After 45 minutes of watching cars sail past our beautiful “M25(E)” sign, a car pulling out of an industrial estate stopped to talk to us. He suggested that the reason why our sign wasn’t working might be because the M25 goes south and north from Egham rather than east and west. He offered us a lift westbound on the M3. We decided to take him up on the offer (even though it was the wrong direction), as we thought we’d be better off at a service station than by the side of a road. 20 miles later, we were at Fleet Services! It only took us 15 minutes to get our next lift to Maidstone, and from there we easily got a lift

to Dover. 5 hours after starting, we were staring at the White Cliffs of Dover wondering how on earth we’d get on to the ferry. After a few minutes of standing outside the ticket office, two things became very clear: Firstly, everybody buys their tickets online. Secondly, Royal Holloway was not the only university Jailbreaking on that weekend; we met people from Cardiff, LSE, KCL and Surrey doing the exact same thing. After an hour of standing in the rain with five other teams, we finally snuck up on a Dutch couple that nobody else had spoken to and couldn’t believe it when they said ‘yes’ to taking us on board without any persuasion. On the ferry, we started by asking around for a ride east. This proved to be fairly unsuccessful, and after half an hour we flopped down on some seats in the restaurant defeated. Unexpectedly, two Scouse guys came up to us, and we were asked: “So, what are youse doing for charity?” After explaining the challenge to

break

ngest 36 hours of my life them, they told us that they were two squaddies heading back to base in Germany. Our eyes lit up at the mention of our target country. They then asked us if we knew of Hanover. I almost had a heart attack. Long story short, an hour later we were flying through France at 90mph. The drive took us through Belgium, Holland and into Germany. Six hours later, and only 14 hours into the challenge we were dropped off at Hanover Airport, and with a “Cheerio!” the squaddies were gone. Two hours of standing at the airport with a hitching board at 1am taught us that we needed to change our strategy. We ended up spending four hours sleeping in chairs at the airport (getting woken up every half hour by arrivals), before naughtily faredodging on the ‘S-Bahn’ train into the city. We decided that whilst it was unlikely to work, it was worth trying to get on a train. We found a train to Berlin which was due to

English is spoken there, and we were concerned about whether we’d ever get out. So, we stopped at the 26 hour mark (and still won, mind you!), spent a nice afternoon exploring Berlin, ate some currywurst (a must if you ever go there!) and shared stories of our travels. The journey back? Well, that’s another tale... In summary, we spent all three nights without a bed, got less than five hours sleep on each of them, arrived in London at 4am on Tuesday, and still made it to lectures. We travelled a total of 1,075km on the way out and 1,252km on the way back. All we paid for was food and a Eurolines coach on the return journey. It was one of the most stressful experiences of my life, and there were many moments on the road where I regretted signing up. But would I do it again? Hell. Yes. Read about the return journey, see the whole map and watch the video by going to www.theorbital.co.uk and searching for ‘jailbreak’.

Mapping: Google

Green: journey out. Brown: journey back.

leave shortly, ran to the platform and quickly explained our situation to the guard, thrusting our letter of authentication into his hand. He looked confused, but to our amazement he nodded and pointed at the door. So at lunchtime on Sunday, 26 hours after starting, we found ourselves in Berlin’s main train station. We couldn’t quite believe it. We wandered around, bought a city map and went into a branch of Dunkin’ Donuts (an internet cafe that happens to sells doughnuts) to research onward travel. As we were looking at routes to Poland we heard a shout from the door of the shop, and looked over to see two girls in Jailbreak shirts. Yes, there was one other team in eastern Germany, and they happened to be in the same city as us, in the same district as us and in the same doughnut shop as us. We very quickly agreed to team up, and after a short discussion we decided it wasn’t worth heading east into Poland as very little

Photos: Melanie Gray

REGULARS

HiBROW Shannon Mizzi interviews Don Boyd, founder of the website HiBROW...

What is HiBROW? HiBROW is a brand new website which provides a wealth of fresh videos free for anyone in the world that has any interest in the visual and performing arts. It has been curated by some of the world’s most versatile professionals in the spheres of theatre, music, literature, dance, cinema and art. How is it different from television broadcasts? First and foremost it allows viewers to balance the enjoyment of a concert or a play with in depth and comprehensive access to the process of creating art. Interviews, full rehearsals, run-throughs and contextual material are filmed in tandem with the performance of a full-blown version of a particular symphony. Intimate and expert tours of an entire exhibition by the artistic directors of great art museums are balanced by lectures with world famous exponents and interviews with the artists involved. Television provides sound bites and pontificating presenters; television broadcasts are restricted by the broadcasting schedule. HiBROW’s content presents entire answers to questions. HiBROW’s interviewees, many of them world famous, can spend time and talk intimately without inhibition. HiBROW can turn around an event within a week. Alison Jackson’s London Fashion Week shoot, online this week, is an example of this. A broadcaster would have had this as a small 30-second item on the news at best.

What is your role in the business? I am the founder, but I am also the ‘editor-in-chief’: a master of ceremonies, if you like. I choose the ‘curators’ who are conduits to the work we film and edit with crews chosen by me. As for the curators: people like Gary Kemp from Spandau Ballet (I knew that he is a kind of ‘Renaissance Man’) who are interested in all the arts. I persuaded the likes of the great young conductor Vasily Petrenko of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic to become HiBROW curators. Their work is now amongst the top two or three orchestras in the world. I asked my young protégé Dominic Hill to curate a brilliant Jazz festival from Poland. I knew the young film critic Dave Calhoun, Time Out’s brilliant film editor, and asked him to handle our film content. He took our crews to Africa. As for our crews, they are predominantly young filmmakers, professionals who have cut their teeth in the highly competitive world of post-graduate film. Added to my role as the catalyst for this work from many amazing professionals, I have also fashioned the modus operandi on the production side: my experience making many movies and TV documentaries helps and my experience working with many of the world’s great film directors allowed the talented teams to extend their work in digital filming beyond the mundane journalistic approach which dogs so much television. I have to be a sort of cultural Svengali one moment and a multi tasking Diaghilev the next. No one has to pitch to me, and all THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

HiBROW & RHUL Research

the curators have complete freedom to choose to do what they want. I surround them with the appropriate teams and facilities to provide work they could never get the chance to do. I have also had to engage with the techie world. Programmers, web development teams, designers (we have great designer called Gary Day-Ellison who has worked with me and our chief developers at Code Circus to produce a user friendly website which encapsulates my quirky vision! How did you go about making the business so international? The World Wide Web is international and we decided to quite simply fashion our material around that idea. Airfares, portable equipment and small professional teams can travel anywhere nowadays. If it’s possible for news, why not for the arts too? The content you provide is quite exclusive. Was it difficult getting so much content together? Everyone was so willing to contribute and contribute enthusiastically. The challenge is keeping this impetus going. Energetic creative people by and large are the key… Why should Royal Holloway students watch

HiBROW? It will be fun for them to explore the website for pure entertainment, and it can balance their academic work. They are almost certainly going to find something on HiBROW they can’t get anywhere else to enjoy at the same level they might in any other medium. They will also have very personal access to the creative process which can enhance their enjoyment of the arts in general. They might have a laugh or two, and they can spend as much or as little time as they like without it costing them a penny. HiBROW is not an elitist phenomenon. It sets the bar high but in no way do we ever want to patronize any of our audiences by giving them the impression that we know it all. We are discovering with them. HiBROW is a young, nascent, eclectic, inquisitive environment. If one person alone is introduced to a great poet like Lemn Sissay, or an amazing Egyptian film director like Jihan El-Tahri, or a sensational young Russian conductor like Vasily Petrenko, or a brilliant Polish jazz artist like Marcin Masecki, or to a internationally acclaimed artist like Alison Jackson, HiBROW will have succeeded in its primary mission. Art is not useless as much as we may joke that it is!

RHUL RESEARCH 4Shannon Mizzi brings you the latest news on research being conducted at Royal Holloway, one of the world’s leading research institutions.

RHUL researchers from the Department of Psychology have recently come to the conclusion that, cultural differences aside, people from the Eastern and Western hemispheres actually view the world around them in different ways. Dr. David Kelly stated: “British and Chinese people process visual information in very different ways. This is important not simply from a research viewpoint, but because it helps us understand some of the cultural differences between East and West which people can sometimes find disconcerting.” Cultural differences have a massive effect on how people view the world. For example, while British people generally make eye contact with those they talk to, this would most likely

regulars@theorbital.co.uk

make a Chinese person uncomfortable. However, this recent research suggests that it is not the cultural characteristics that have caused this difference in worldview, but rather the different worldviews which have birthed the differing cultural practices and codes of etiquette. This worldview is generally formed during the formative years, and has to do with the ways in which people ‘process’ visual information. Western adults generally process information analytically by focusing on key features, while adults from the East process information in a more holistic style, which also takes context and situation into account. The researchers carried out the visual processing experiment

on British and Chinese children from the ages of five to twelve. Dr. Kelly also stated: “If culture is responsible for shaping the way visual information is extracted and processed, then it is reasonable to assume that the strategies observed in Eastern adults emerge during childhood. And our research showed this to be the case. Both British and Chinese children showed only minimal or no differences in processing strategies at the youngest age groups of five and six year olds, but the different ways of processing visual information had emerged by the age of 12.” They hope that this will help East and West to understand each other and improve cultural relations in an ever more globalised world.

UNIONW

Photos: Georgia Fish

Mission: Lau

Insanity Radio recently launch 103.2 FM, and celebrated by h Students’ Union. The station b live from the SU at midnight. Here’s a selection of our favour

Coming up soon... Saturday 17 March

Wednesday 21 March

Thursday 22 March

Live Irish band (JD & The Long Fellows) from 8pm, Guinness Freebies! Medicine, FREE before 10pm, £4 after.

Two rooms of music: PAs in Tommy’s and Andy Simons in the Main Hall. 9pm, SU Main Building, first 150 before 10pm free, £5 after.

Karaoke into the night from 8pm, DJ and bar until 2am. Medicine, FREE.

St Patrick’s Antidote

Element: Traffic Light Party

Thirsty Thursday

WATCH

unch, 7 March

hed on their new frequency holding a launch night in the began broadcasting on FM

rite photos from the night...

Thursday 22 March

Friday 23 March

7.30pm doors, 8pm start, SU Main Hall. £3 students, £5 non-students.

9pm, SU Main Building, £7. Purchase tickets in advance.

Missed out on SU tickets? We’re still here for you! Free entry & late bar. Medicine, FREE.

Holloway Players

Easter Blow Out: Heaven & Hell

Mini Medicine Easter Blowout

IN YOUR Royal Holloway Path Josie Tutty ‘This photo was taken in Royal Holloway, on the path through the woods up to founders. This is why I love our campus!’ Please send in any photo submissions you have to regulars@theorbital. co.uk with the subject line as “In Your View”.

VIEW

REGULARS

The science of...

Green Roofs Our resident scientist, Chris Pull, explains the science behind a step towards a sustainable future.

oyal Holloway considers itself to be a “Green” University, and is seemingly working hard to reduce its carbon emissions, increase campus recycling and has enjoyed a Fair Trade status since 2005. Many of you will not have realised, but several of the rooftops on Campus are actually covered with unique, ecologically important and environmentally beneficial “Green Roofs”. These are largely on top of the “newer” halls of residence, namely Williamson, Butler etc. You can actually just make them out when walking towards the Hub from the SU, as you pass the Psychology department. The School of 26

Biological Sciences at RHUL has been carrying out research on these roofs for a number of years, trying to decipher the benefit they provide not only to the environment, but also to the building’s inhabitants. So, what exactly is a Green Roof? Well, they are essentially exactly as the name suggests. Green roofs are vegetated rooftops, with a layer of growing medium in which the plants gain a roothold and absorb nutrients and water. The types of plants traditionally planted on the roofs are Sedum, a type of small bushy plant, which can be purchased as a turf and bowled out across the roof like a roll of carpet. However, over

the following years, many other types of plants will begin to grow on the roof as more soil collects there and as seeds are carried in by the wind. At Royal Holloway, they now have many species of plants growing on their roofs, and occasionally even a few tree saplings have tried to grow as well (these have to be removed for obvious reasons!) Alternatively, a cheaper way of setting up a green roof is by using a medium like crushed brick, mixed with the seeds of local wildflowers and plants. These types of roofs are considered more beneficial, as they are not a monocrop (a mass of just one species growing) like the Sedum, and the wider range of plant THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

The science of...

Photo: compujeramey (Flickr)

species will be better able to support a greater diversity of other organisms. Additionally, they recycle waste material, and mimic urban brownfield sites, which are becoming increasingly important for urban wildlife. However, they can suffer from drought in the summer months. Why are Green Roofs important? In a world where more and more greenbelt land is being sacrificed to build new offices, houses, shopping malls, and countless self-storage compounds, land set aside for wildlife is becoming increasingly rare. However, in more and more studies, it is being revealed that urban gardens, parks and allotments are becoming regulars@theorbital.co.uk

hotspots for animals, making them rich in beneficial wildlife. Good examples are urban gardens, which are a refuge for insect pollinators. Notably, these sites have witnessed lower declines of honey bee populations, supposedly thanks to the great diversity of plants which can be found all year round in these types of gardens. Therefore, increasing the amount of ‘green spaces’ in our towns and cities is crucial for maintaining our wildlife populations. They have been found to support a huge range of insect species, beneficial micro-organisms and even species of birds, some of which are becoming increasingly rare. However, green roofs are not just beneficial to wildlife, but also humans (as well as our wallets!) Green roofs are excellent insulators, reducing the amount of heat that escapes buildings. Also, they will also help to keep buildings cool, acting as conductors of the sun’s light and heat energy. In large enough patches they can actually reduce the average temperature of a city where they are present. Both of these effects will reduce the amount of heating and air conditioning a building needs, reducing the buildings overheads and conserving energy. Because they are comprised of a dense mat of plants, green roofs will also absorb excess rainwater, which can lead to flooding in cities with a large surface area of concrete, preventing water from draining into the ground. Additionally, the plants can act as bioaccumulators, absorbing heavy metal pollutants from rain water and filtering out pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, from the air. A properly fitted green

roof will last for an indefinite amount of time, requiring little maintenance. This will increase the lifespan of the roof, whilst providing the great amount of benefits listed above. Royal Holloway’s green roofs have been growing for only a few years. However, green roof history stretches back to at least the Vikings, whose houses were very similar to those found in the Shire of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The ‘Sod Roofs’ of Scandinavia, comprised of tree bark and turf have been around since ancient times, and were the most common form of roofing until the 19th century until lead tiles became more popular. With the rise of the ecological movement, these roofs are once again making a comeback. Germany is at the forefront of green roof research, and 10% of the country’s roofs are now green. In Switzerland and Germany, huge incentives are paid for the construction of green roofs, and their requirement on new flat roofs is also federal law in some parts of the countries. The Germans are not going to stop with just the roofs; a lot of research is being conducted into “greening” the sides of buildings as well. Though the Green Roof movement has been slow on the uptake in the UK, we are picking up pace and realising the benefits of their use. London and Sheffield are two notable cities where there is extensive green roofing. They are also quickly evolving, moving from simple vegetated roofs to full on planted gardens for the enjoyment of city goers, and even more impressive, they are becoming a space for agriculture, with food also being grown on top of our cities’ sky scrapers. 27

REGULARS

Photo: photosteve101 (Flickr)

Agony Aunt Our resident Agony Aunt, Hannah Graveling, has the answers to all of your problems...

Dear Auntie Hannah, Why does my boyfriend still watch porn even though we’re super close? Dominique x

Dear Auntie Hannah, How do I tell my parents that my girlfriend of 8 months broke up with me? Elsa x

Well Dominique, I would be glad if I were you. Men can find the strangest, grossest things attractive, and if he can fulfill that urge by watching some girl get bonked by an old guy in a gym then he won’t make you do it. Play safe. x

Well Elsa, don’t just try moping around the house if you’re a student, trust me they will not notice a difference. Why don’t you bake them a cake with it in the icing? Then they get to celebrate not having to plan a wedding, with cake! Off you pop. x

Dear Auntie Hannah, Am I weird that I like it when my girlfriend shouts and vents her emotions at me? One time she even threw a shoe, like in the movies, and I just felt more attached. Ollie x

Dear Auntie Hannah, Why am I so hung up on this one girl? Ted x

Well Ollie, the counsellors are located in Founders near the Picture Gallery; go book yourself a session or four… Take tissues. x Dear Auntie Hannah, How can I get over the fact that my girlfriend, who I love, has been with nine other guys before me and I’ve only been with four other girls? Elliot x Well Elliot, have you considered going back in time and chatting up five more unwary girls? Or you could simply imagine that your girl is a beautiful alien sent from space with a clean slate, because everyone has history dear. Get sci-fi with it. x 28

Well Ted, it’s called ‘love’, actually. Look it up, it’s quite famous. Side effects include trials and tribulations. Enjoy! x Dear Auntie Hannah, How does a computer play chess? Joe x Well Joe, Have you never heard of a logic board? Silly. x

Submit your questions on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/Ask-AuntieHannah/297885750232702 or email your query to: regulars@theorbital.co.uk

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Bar blog

Medicine Manager, Danny Taylor, gives you the heads up on our much loved bar at the bottom of the not so much loved hill.

Bar Blog

Photo: Julian Farmer

I’m writing this having been lulled into a false sense of summer. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, the air was warmish… “Hell, I don’t need to wear a jacket tonight”, I cried! Ah, the sun went in, the wind picked up, it got chilly… Bugger. But, we are now within sight of the Summer Term! Surely it means long hot days are looming! Just the Easter break where it’s standard and completely justified to eat chocolate for breakfast and lunch and a little bit of dinner to get past first. Just to give you guys a heads up, we are open for you over most of Easter, from 7pm every night of the week (except from Thursday 5 - Tuesday 10 April when we

close down; we need a break as well!) But when we come back it is sad times… Exams, boo! It means that Antidote shuts down! Sob, tears in eyes, short of breath, big gulp… Yup, as Medicine is pretty much slap bang in the middle of halls we don’t want to be upsetting anybody studying on a Saturday night, or those that want a good nights kip before an early morning trip to church to pray their exams go well! So, for the first three weeks of the third term we will shut at midnight. The SU, being further away, is allowed to stay open past midnight, so they will open their doors on those

3 weeks so you can still go out and de-stress from exam fever. It’s no Antidote but high level loan transfer talks are ongoing with DJ Joey Lopez. Looking even further ahead to the Olympic Summer, Tommy’s and Rialto will be open every day and evening for those staying local. The main hall will be filled with furniture decamped from Medicine and we will have big screens showing all the sporting action, plus a couple of pool tables as well. Graduation week events will also be held in the SU building as those pesky Olympic rowers are taking control of Medicine quite early. Apparently they plan to bulk up on Savannah Nuts…

Mmm, freebies...

9pm-2am Free entry with this voucher regulars@theorbital.co.uk

9pm-2am Free entry with this voucher 29

o s w e i v e

µAlbum Review Monkeytown by Modeselektor

Editor: Rana Banna reviews@theorbital.co.uk

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Film: Safe House

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Theatre: Romeo and Juliet

Write for us: All you have to do is get in contact and pitch an idea, or even come along to one of our regular writers’ meetings. 30

4 Album 4 Book 4 Gig 4 Film 4 Theatre

Book: The Fall by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo Del Toro

ith Modeselektor (Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary) currently touring the world in support of their third album Monkeytown and lined up to perform at the legendary Coachella Festival, there has been no better time than now to get yourself acquainted with their work. Berlin duo Modeselektor are far from your typical techno outfit. They’ve been known to take apart the typical conventions in techno to electrify dancehalls all around Europe. Unsurprisingly, album Monkeytown builds upon their reputation as being one of the most progressive artists in contemporary music. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke joins Modeselektor for two collaborative tracks Shipwreck and This. Yorke has attributed the Berlin duo for kickstarting his obsession with electronic music. Shipwreck integrates elements of Radiohead’s The King of Limbs with pace and effusive rhythm, whereas in This Yorke steals the show as his vocals perfectly complement the tempo and bass that Modeselektor bring to the table. Berlin is another track to keep your eye out for. With the vocals given by Miss Platnum, a Romanian-German

singer, songwriter and musician, Berlin proves to be a craftily deconstructed R&B track loaded with an array of electronic facets and stunning chord progression that seems to be along the lines of something that the Gorillaz would produce. Monkeytown is the first album that the duo has recorded side by side in the same studio and the difference it has made is evident. Gone are the well strung together individual tracks, and here are tracks oozing with the creativity that comes from the duo’s sheer spark of musical understanding and harmony with one another. Few dance albums can maintain such a level of originality in their entire duration, but Modeselektor have managed to do exactly that better than ever before, all the while rebuilding the genre in their own reflection. That said, the album is not for everyone, but if you want something new to listen to that breaks away from your usual kind of listening, or are looking for music that offers something more than the usual techno tracks played at the SU then Monkeytown is certainly worth a listen! Alisha Wadiwalla THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Book

µBook Review The Fall by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo Del Toro

mongst the horde of horror/scifi/vampire/zombie books and films coming out, many might wonder why I should pick The Fall, book two in the Strain trilogy. The answer is simple: Guillermo del Toro. The mastermind director of masterpieces like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Devil’s Backbone more than lives up to his reputation as a genre trend setter by continuing the story in book two of the Strain trilogy. The story picks off right where the first book finishes, with time spanning just a couple of weeks since the last outbreak. If you’re looking for an engrossing, edge of the seat thriller – this is the book for you. Guillermo Del Toro very expertly weaves the tale that answers a lot of questions left behind in book one and gives more insight to the myth and power surrounding the Master and the Ancients. What sets the book aside from other vampire novels is the fact it deals with strong characters and there are no fairy tales to be found in the book, in other words it’s pretty hard-core, bloody and doesn’t waste much time in plot twisting.

Strong characters like Dr Ephraim Goodweather and Vasiliy Fet keep the reader intrigued towards the very end, although my only glitch was I wished for more development in their story lines rather than them being your typical run-of-the-mill survivors particularly that of Vailiy’s. His background could have been explored a lot more but maybe that is something the writers will touch upon in the final book of the trilogy. Certain moments in the book do cause goose bumps and it’s a thoroughly electrifying read which I highly recommend to everyone. Not being the biggest sci-fi buff out there, the only reason I read the book was because of Guillermo Del Toro and I was not at all disappointed. Students looking for a good satisfying thriller then The Fall is definitely the book for them, although I would also recommend reading the first book just to be on the safe side. The authors do touch upon what happens in the first book here but in case your wait for the final book gets tedious, then do check out The Strain as well.

Hiba Batool

Playlist #8 µWhat you can expect to hear blazing out of headphones in the Bedford Library this month Taio Cruz feat. Flo Rida) Hangover Jay-Z and Kanye West Paris Emeli Sandé Next To Me Katy Perry Part of Me LMFAO Sorry For Party Rocking Stooshe feat. Travie McCoy Love Me Chris Brown feat. Rihanna Turn Up The Music (Remix) Marcus Collins Seven Nation Army David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj Turn Me On Tinchy Stryder feat. Pixie Lott Bright Lights Nero Must Be The Feeling Dappy feat. Brian May Rockstar Nicki Minaj Starships Swedish House Mafia Greyhound Madeon Icarus Plan B iLL Manors Insanity Radio’s Presenter Pick: The Pigott Brothers Alien Like You For more of Insanity’s music picks, check the website: www.insanityradio.com

Photo: lejamksca (Flickr) reviews@theorbital.co.uk

REVIEWS µGig Review NME Awards Tour: Justice at the O2 Academy Brixton

s part of the NME Awards Tour the Parisian dance duo dominate Brixton with the release of their second debut album Audio, Video, Disco. Their anticipated return to the UK has made them bigger and better, as they prepare for tonight’s performance in this 500 capacity venue. On stage three Marshall speakers are stacked in rows on either side of the central deck, with a huge white cross in the middle, causing excitement and thrills amongst the spectators after being finally unmasked from the dull grey sheet that has been hiding it away for the past half hour as the support act DVNO warmed us up. As darkness falls, a blinding ray of light from the white-neon cross illuminates Brixton as Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Augè walk on stage opening their set with Genesis, with its mighty and fearful deep drones and intensifying drum rolls break into a heavy dance beat with electro synths accompanied by the

Photo: Sara Hussein

stunning and mesmerizing flashing lights in the background. Throughout their performance the pair casually drop small snippets of their songs as they cleverly introduce the acapella chorus of Civilization: its catchy chorus leaves the audience in a frenzy as it echoes through the walls of Brixton Academy, then swiftly merging into Phantom Pt. I. with its trembling minor keys that suddenly break into a deep bass reverb. Civilization is finally played in its full length: its subtle yet heightening introduction leads into the explosive and highly addictive 80s dance chorus and catchy lyrics before merging into the funky feel of New Jack. The all time favorite Justice anthem, their first single D.A.N.C.E., blasts through the speakers with its dance-funk feel and ensemble high-pitched vocals before suddenly dropping into a remixed version of Jay Z’s hip-hop tune Onto the Next One’s catchy intro. Waters of Nazareth, Stress were also played along with new tracks such as the heightening

upbeat Audio, Video, Disco, where a soft hint of French accent can be heard in their singing and a potential new single Helix filled with oldschool rock n’ roll and 80’s electrodance. Rosnay and Augè close the set with their new single On’n’On and the second half to Phantom pt. II, completing their set for tonight’s show and gracefully bowing to Brixton’s ecstatic crowd. Despite the many recent dismissing comments on their latest album, Justice have not lost their touch; if anything, the heirs of Daft Punk are just warming up, fuelling their act before taking their live performances to the next level. It would not be surprising to see them advertised for their next show at the O2 Arena or, even better, Wembley Stadium any time soon. They have all the necessary components and devices to deliver an outstanding performance like tonight’s, even in a small venue in south London. Sara Hussein THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Film

µFilm Review Safe House

yan Reynolds and Denzel Washington star in the adrenaline fuelled film Safe House. At first glance it could be cast off as another rather deflated and boring action movie produced by those money grabbing executives located in Hollywood. However, when the credits start to roll Safe House should not make the audience exit in protest against another atrocity given to us through the magic of Michael Bay. Firstly Michael Bay is not attached to Safe House in any way, shape or form, which is always a good thing. Secondly, it is actually quite good despite the awful tagline, “No one is safe”. The plot depicts two men working on different sides of the law. Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) is an ex-C.I.A agent gone rogue and who is one of their most wanted men. When he is captured in Cape Town’s American Consulate in rather suspicious circumstances, he is taken

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to a safe house, manned by Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds), a rookie C.I.A agent, for questioning. But when the safe house is attacked, Matt Weston finds himself on the run with the rogue agent. The plot seems rather unoriginal, which it is, as this has been done before. However the director, Daniel Espinosa, in his first Hollywood blockbuster, does well in keeping the story rolling. Safe House is filled with its car chases, Bourne like fights and jumps from roof to roof but it does not stop the film from being interesting and most importantly they do not deviate from the plot and the action scenes are very well directed. There are some thrilling action sequences and wonderful shots of Cape Town, most noticeably in and around the new football stadium in Cape Town. It’s also helped by two very competent performances from Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. Ryan Reynolds shows us,

as he did in the highly acclaimed Buried, that he is not a one trick pony. He can act. He delivers a solid performance as Matt Weston and he has managed to pick himself up from the disastrous Green Lantern. Denzel Washington plays a compelling character and seems at ease in his role. However it is by no means the best thing he has ever done and we have seen him play similar characters. Despite this, it is not a mindless action movie. It is a clever, action packed thriller. Moreover, the supporting cast doesn’t disappoint, with such talented actors as Vera Farmiga and Brendan Gleeson displaying their acting chops. With the week’s film releases being rather uninteresting Safe House is well worth a visit to your local multiplex. It is not incredible but very enjoyable and it’s Denzel Washington’s best film since American Gangster without a shadow of a doubt. Edward Lauder

Romeo & Juliet at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton

here is a new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by the wonderful Headlong. Headlong is one of the most innovative theatre companies around at the moment, collaborating with other exciting companies (this production was a collaboration between Headlong and the Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company) to create cutting edge pieces that ask provocative questions about our society. After Headlong’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year, a fantastic showbiz based romp, I was expecting Romeo and Juliet, directed by Robert Icke, to be dusted with the same Headlong magic, and was not disappointed. Headlong regularly infuse their shows with multimedia – the whirlwind romance of Romeo and Juliet was passionately played out against the backdrop of a giant digital clock that ominously ticked in between scenes, reminding the audience of the impending heartwrenching climax. Time, a major theme in the play, was emphasised in this production. It is easy to forget that the play takes place over just five days, and this production highlights the urgency of the young lovers, using the clock to name

the days from Sunday to Thursday. The clock remained ticking during the interval - a nice design feature, as well as a handy indication of remaining loo time for the audience. The production had a revolutionary feel. Catrin Stewart’s Juliet is playfully young, even if her girlish shrieks are capable of rendering one temporarily deaf – she has a spritely likeability and believable youthfulness. Similarly, charming Daniel Boyd’s lanky loved-up-ness is truly endearing as he plays the balcony scene from amongst the audience (girls, get aisle tickets). Teenage kicks dominate as parental authority is literally muffled – Juliet’s parents speak notably quieter than the young lovers, except for the booming outbursts from Capulet - wonderful Keith Bartlett - who plays the character as an arse-slapping, power hungry man-of-the-house, which makes his authority seem archaic and laughable, fuelling the audience’s empathy with the cooler, slicker R’n’J. Lady Capulet (Caroline Faber) is constrained into being a submissive wife by the crucifix charm bracelet strapped to her wrist, and religion hangs dustily in the background as Juliet sacrifices her religious beliefs

Showing: 13 - 24 March 2012

Nottingham Playhouse

http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk Telephone : 0115 941 9419

27 March - 7 April 2012 Hull Truck Theatre

http://www.hulltruck.co.uk Telephone : 01482 323638

for can’t-eat-can’t-sleep lust. Helen Goddard’s set is exquisitely designed, from the visually surreal effect produced by a giant framed box hanging over the action, making the actors appear in silhouette or as if they were on a screen, to the centrepiece of a bed symbolic of the overriding themes of lust and death. Goddard captures the innocence of the characters through the use of a white bedspread with a string of fairy lights playfully flung on top, and Romeo and Juliet’s pastel wardrobe. When the two lovers are on stage “a smoke made out of lovers’ sighs”, Romeo’s description of love, fills the stage, adding to the soft and dream-like quality of their scenes. Goddard’s design plays a big part in bringing this adaptation to 2012, evoking a Sharks and Jets rivalry through costume, with an up-todate war between the tracksuit and the chino. There was a tingling subtlety to this production created by its quietness. The actors speak with a clarity that will make you listen to their words afresh, even if this is your umpteenth R and J. Juliet’s speech when considering the effects of drinking the potion is delivered with a vulnerability

and piercing clarity that make her apprehensions echo in the air, creating a genuine empathy from the audience. You could have heard a pin drop as Tori Amos’ cover of I Don’t Like Mondays haunts the realisation of Mercutio’s death. The emotionally charged, almost silent close to the song - and to act one - as the bed disappears from the stage, will give you goose bumps. In my opinion there were two faults with this production: firstly, act one is exceedingly long, and with the emotional journey the audience goes on in this act alone, it is hard to muster up the emotional capacity to stick with the melodramatic story and characters, making the end slightly anti-climactic. Secontly, there are frequent points in which unnecessarily blindingly bright lights are shone on the audience – bring sunglasses. Other than that, the production is first-rate and filled with bright performances – I couldn’t leave out of this review the fabulously bouncy performance from Brigid Zengeni as the Nurse, whose scenes were always fast-paced and funny. You will fall headlong in love with this adaptation. Leone Richmond

e l y t s e f i L Editor: Elinor Gittins lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

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Laura Moore Boutique: Another interview with a promising designer.

Mwanza: Working abroad as a British expat.

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Philadelphia: How to keep it cheap while travelling in the USA.

4 Fashion 4 Travel 4 Listings

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It’s not what,

It’s how

Simon Rowlings muses on campus fashion in Paris

rom Saturday 3 March to Monday 5 March a friend and I took part in the RAG Jailbreak event; to our amazement we managed to blag our way to the French cities of Reims and Paris. During my short while in these two beautiful cities I was struck (as I usually am) by the sheer quality of French fashion. Almost every person I saw wore their clothes like a runway model, emitting a sense of ferocity and confidence with every step they took. However, the most ironic thing about my findings was that the people I have described wore almost identical clothing to RHUL students I see around campus. Whilst at the top of the Eiffel Tower, I could recall only a small handful of students that would compare to the average Parisian, not because they are wearing couture but because they are actually wearing their clothes. I can’t recall seeing a Prada, Gucci, Chanel, McQueen, Gautier or Dolce and Gabbana logo once on my travels last weekend, yet on campus I see at least one of these brands daily which brings me to the point; it’s not what you’re wearing, it’s how you wear it. Now I’m not suggesting you grace Founder’s Dining Hall in a bin bag and a pair of 6-inch heels, but I do wish to point out that wearing a piece of designer clothing does not by any means in this cosmos make you fashionable. For example, why is nearly every other girl on campus carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag? Is it because it says “look at me, I’ve just spent £800 on a handbag because my friend has one” or “I’ve invested in a brand that has continued to artistically develop since

Photo: HarshLight (Flickr)

1854 and retains its handmade quality to the present day”? I think I know which one seems more likely... It’s very easy to blur the image of labels such as Louis Vuitton by neglecting their core importance and standing within the world of fashion. I’m sure you can recall the devastating blow Burberry took when their trade mark print became the glorified symbol of the ‘chav’ and ‘chavette’. In reality, this exact problem is arising with the brands such as Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton to name a few; a bizarre affiliation is being made with the brand and those that wear them. When this link is made, individuals then begin to buy the brand in question hoping that they too will be regarded as ‘fashionable’. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration on how fashion works then France is the place! The French demonstrate with ease that if you can wear a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with the poise of a runway model you’ll look far superior to those that slouch and drag their feet in Chanel. Remember: It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

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THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Limited Edition

Laura Moore Boutique

at Laura Moore Boutique

4 A second interview by Pamela Carralero with exclusive designer Laura Moore

How would you define Laura Moore Boutique? Laura Moore Boutique is a gorgeous limited edition fashion heaven with a quirky and beautiful clothing ranging from party dresses, skirts, tops to chiffon trousers and capes to oneoff garments that make your style unique and stunning. I sell designer clothing at affordable high street prices for the wonderful females of today. We have a wide range of multi products and savings on exclusive clothing that you can’t get anywhere else in the world! Everything is designed and manufactured in London and only a few are ever made to keep the clothing totally exclusive and divine! What inspires you? My inspiration comes from a wide range of things within fashion, especially the vintage and bohemian phenomenon that heavily impacts the trends at the moment. However, I love anything that’s exclusive and limited, such as one-off creations and flamboyant outfits. What is the main concept fueling your designs? The main concept that fuels and drives my designs is simply ‘exclusivity’. I don’t make in bulk so it’s highly unlikely you will be at a party in the same garment as anyone else. I’m extremely passionate about being different and feeling great about having a special limited edition purchase. It’s quite exciting to know that there are not many people that have the same dress as you. That alone fuels my design and concepts. What message do you attempt to convey through your collections? I like to express purely my dedication for fashion via my visualization in each collection I produce. As long as

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will see a number of collections this year that either uses popular prints and or particular shapes from previous fashion ears that have a contemporary twist. As for the uniqueness, well the boutique, as always, will have its one-offs and exclusive garments… And that’s about as much as I’m giving away.

I produced what I’ve envisioned in my mind from paper to product then it’s powerful and colourful enough to complete a collection for my boutique. In light of the current 2012 London Fashion week, what is Laura Moore Boutique offering in its next collection that will be unique, contemporary, and irresistible? 2012 is simply an utterly fun and flamboyant year for the Laura Moore Boutique and I’m extremely excited to release the collections that have been designed. What’s important to remember is that fashion today is extremely competitive and difficult to break into but as long as you love and enjoy what you’re doing and you have a great audience then it’s all worth the while. This year my aim is to make the collections irresistible by using fun and flamboyant prints that are truly contemporary but taking inspiration from my favorite past eras including the Rock & Roll 50’s… Followers of the boutique

In your opinion, what are the challenges of being an up-andcoming designer in the 21st century? I guess there were two main challenges for me when starting out in fashion. The most important aspect was having the financial stability to start and form a fashion brand. I needed to save for a while in order to buy material and invest in stock but once you get going and you market and sell the clothing at a consistent pace and work out what products are selling best then you can start to form a profitable business. The second challenge is to ensure you have the right contacts and support to develop your brand however there’s a great selection of suppliers on reputable websites now that are great to work with. Marketing is key for selling any product so if there’s anything you need to get right then it’s that. Online networking sites and forums are the best and cheapest place to promote your self. What word of advice do you have for any aspiring designers out there? Simply… Do what you love and design with a passion and from that the magic will happen. Always be loyal to your dreams and create what you envision, however big or small. Never be afraid to ask for help and support as there’s always people willing to get involved in this industry.

LIFESTYLE

Working Abroad

Photo: Michael Nowlan (Flickr)

4Melissa Wilkin is a British expat in Mwanza, Tanzania.

am a teacher and freelance writer in Mwanza, Tanzania, East Africa. Never heard of it? Yesterday in my city hundreds of children were abused. Some of them were snatched on their walk to school, which is often many miles, beaten and raped and then sent on their way. When they finally got there, they were beaten for being late. Last week in my city, a baby girl died of starvation. Her mother died in child birth. She had given birth to twins, one had AIDS and one did not. Her father decided he would only feed the one without AIDS despite the availability of free medication that could have meant the HIV positive daughter lived an absolutely normal life. He did not understand. Last month in my city, hundreds of people made their way across the country to receive the blessing of a witch doctor they believed had cured a politician of TB. He advised that they all stopped their medications once he had made them drink from a particular tree root, and they did. Now they are dying. Last year in my city, there were elections but everyone knew nothing would change and people rioted. They burned cars, buildings and each other in order to be heard.

But their opinions are all based on propaganda, tribal loyalties, corruption and a total lack of the facts. The reason people can’t make informed decisions is because of their lack of an interactive education. One that allows them to enquire and try for themselves and think of their own theories. Even when they complete school here they have only been taught to repeat after a teacher – often one who is getting it wrong! One man sits in a house that’s like a palace with a pool and a gym and a view of Lake Victoria, whilst the next begs at his gate. At first I wondered at the discrepancies between these two, and between my city here and the one I left behind. But then I realised. In your city yesterday thousands of children were abused. In your city last week a teenager was stabbed by a fully grown woman in a park where children play. In your city last month university courses were cut, fees increased and graduate unemployment was revealed as being higher than ever. In your city last year thousands of youths rioted and set fire to cars and buildings because they couldn’t buy flat screen TVs and Nike trainers when others could. Doesn’t this come

down to education too? Africa and England aren’t so different really. The only difference I can see is that here children want to learn because they know the value. They know it changes the world. In Britain so many think it’s a burden forced on them. You are the elite because you are bright enough to value its importance. My fiancé went to Royal Holloway – now he’s here working in the mining industry. Our friend living in Dar es Salaam went to Royal Holloway – now he’s there changing the face of the Tanzanian media. They call it a skill spill, but if the UK has little to offer you guys and there’s a whole world out there to explore, why not explore it? Last week at my school a boy we’d sponsored from the streets (our school is a private one but we support children who show they are really keen to learn and have some aptitude wherever we can) came and sat beside me at the end of the day. When he came, he knew one phrase in English: “Teacher, I want to learn.” Now he tells me: “Miss, I love Science and History and I want to help to build a new world. You are the source of my education. Thank you.” If anyone is interested in expat work (not necessarily as a teacher but as a mining engineer – big money, medical researcher – some money, volunteer – no money!) then there are opportunities all over the world. I have lived in Australia, in Kenya and in Tanzania. Now I am an hour from the Serengeti, right by Lake Victoria where the sun shines every day and I absolutely love it. Before you’re stuck in the drudgery of taxes and mortgages in the UK, why not give it a go? Live, learn, and make a difference. If you’d like some information contact me via my blog www.beingmelissakay.wordpress. com Oh, and: for a series of insane stories about some of the things that my British sensibilities find hilarious or outrageous here in Africa, please check out the blog and become a follower. It would seriously help me in my effort to establish a promotional platform as I begin to approach agents with my first novel. Thanks. THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

o A Danish Beauty Travel

4Jessie Brooks reveals how to experience America ‘on the cheap’.

Photo: Rhys Asplundh (Flickr)

Will Smith. Benjamin Franklin. Rocky Balboa. All share one thing in common: they all play a part in Philadelphia’s vibrant history! This former US capital became the birthplace of America when the Declaration of Independence was signed on its streets, but for a Brit, it might not seem the obvious choice for those looking to take a bite out of America. Philly however has a lot to offer, particularly to students looking to experience America on the cheap. If all things old rock your socks, the Old City offers classic colonial architecture while the tall, glass skyscrapers dominating the skyline serve as a reminder of how far this city has come since the days of the American Revolution. If you are looking to explore the cultural side of Philly, the city offers museums for both the nature lover and the wannabe art aficionado (The Rodin Museum in particular, which has the largest collection outside of France). The Metropolitan Art Museum is also a popular pick – its huge flight of stairs was made famous by Rocky Balboa and fans flock to run up these iconic steps! Being the birthplace of democracy, there are numerous free historic sites to see including the Liberty

Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed. If you’re looking for something a little different, North Philly is home to Eastern State Penitentiary, where the notorious Al Capone was incarcerated; this penitentiary-turnedmuseum gives a fantastic insight into 19th century crime and punishment! After a day’s exploration, we all want something memorable to sink our teeth into and what better than the legendary Philly cheesesteak at the famous SOS on South Street! A great spot for all foodies is the lively Reading Market, the oldest and largest market in America. Here, Amish stallholders from across Pennsylvania cook up their renowned homestyle grub to satisfy every gastronomic whim – the soft dough pretzel hotdogs are definitely worth a try! On a student budget, finding somewhere to stay might seem a challenge, but luckily, Philadelphia hosts the second best hostel in North America. Located in the heart of the Old City, Apple Hostel is a steal at just $30 a night with student ID! Located just 2 hours from New York, when you’re done exploring the dynamic Philly, it’s the perfect springboard to explore the rest of the East Coast!

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4Manuela Mitevova writes about Copenhagen.

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Repeatedly ranked among the safest and greenest cities in the world, Copenhagen, with its high life quality and irreplaceable Scandinavian coolness, is a true northern star shining brighter than ever. If the city’s history, reaching back to the early 11th Century, is anything to go by, Copenhagen should be full of archaeological evidence of its grandeur. Indeed, the countless castles and fortresses scattered in and around the city prove that the Danes have always had an eye for good architecture and design. If it is opulence you are after you can visit the Rococco style Royal residence at Amalienborg, but many a Shakespeare fans stop by the more demure fortress of Kronborg, where Hamlet so masterfully sulked. It’s a wonder anyone could be in a bad mood in Copenhagen, though. Taking a stroll through the extraordinary historic amusement park and lake garden complex of Tivoli makes it that much clearer why the Danes have been said to be the happiest people in Europe. Water in Copenhagen is omnipresent, and the best way to enjoy it is by either a canal ride or a promenade along the Nyhavn waterfront with its picture-perfect colourblock house facades and hundreds of cafes, shops and restaurants. Making time to take a peek at the symbol of Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid, is a must when visiting. The small bronze statue has become such a legend that it is now a compulsory pit-stop of anyone in town. Even more renowned that the Little Mermaid is however yet another traditional aspect of the Danish culture: the Danish pastry. Originally brought to Denmark from Vienna in 1840, this baked speciality has so bewitched the Danes that they have made a national product out of it, perfecting the hundreds of varieties that they have on offer. Around 10 kilograms of the delicacy per year are said to be consumed by every Dane, but when tasting a freshly baked piece in any of the brasseries around town, it’s odd they don’t eat more. Copenhagen is a true gem among the European capitals. With a sophisticated Scandinavian spirit, great eye for architecture, friendly faces and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a city which will despite its rock-hard bread and fermented fish always lure you back into its arms. 39

LIFESTYLE

February-March 2012

18 March

Old School Sports Day at RHUL, Founder’s North Quad

highlights

A whole day of sporting celebrations to mark our role as an Olympic village. Traditional games will be played, such as the sakce race, threelegged race and tug of war. Or have a go at sumo wrestling or cycling on a variety of ‘crazy bikes’. A BBQ will be available afterwards in the quad. FREE

Photo: FutureShape

Week #1

Week #2

Olek, until 23 March, Tony’s Gallery, London.

The Making of Harry Potter, 31 March - 6 April, Warner Bros Studio, Watford.

www.wbstudiotour. co.uk £28

take you to the venue where the filming took place for over ten years. Visitors can wander through the sets including The Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s hut and the Gryffindor common room. Props and costumes will also be on display and there will be presentations and workshops to answer all your questions. Who said the experience was over? Book your ticket at

An exhibition on the most interesting and intricate human organ, the brain. Find out how the brain has been interpreted for the past 400 years and how it came to be seen as the organ of your consciousness, identity and intelligence. Discover how the collection and study of brains serves to fight against diseases such as dementia. The exhibition includes human brains, art works, photographs,

Easter Blowout: Heaven and Hell, 23 March, The SU

the girls, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Dirty Dancing. The cafe and Tony’s Gallery Sure it costs an extra 2 the bar will be open welcomes Polish-born pounds, but you’ll get and, if you’re keen, artist Olek. She is a load of free stuff for there will be dancing. famous for her works it. End the term with a For more info go to made completely final night of heaven- www.the-yard.co.uk £9 out of crocheted and-hell themed yarn. She has created frolicking. Entrance huge installations, before 12, bar closes both indoors and at 2, usual routine! outdoors. Her work £7 is rich and colour and metaphor. She Films at the Yard, crochets messages until 25 March, The onto her objects Yard, London. to demonstrate The Yard is a new her position as a theatre next to the female artist. To find Olympic park that’s out more, check made out of materials the website www. from the building tonysgallery.com Photo: RichardBH (Flickr) site. Enjoy two FREE whole weeks of film screening; features include Resevoir Dogs, and The Big Lebowski, and for

Brains, 29 March 17 June, Welcome Arrive at Watford Junction Station and Collection, bus will be waiting to London.

3-week LISTINGS 40

THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Listings

28 Mar- 29 Apr

4 Roundhouse

Five weeks of modern circus originating from all over the world is coming to London through CircusFest. Witness premieres as well as talks and films in the theatre. Including Cirque Mandingue’s ‘Foté Foré’, ‘Undermän’ by Circkus £varied

Photo: FunGi_ (Flickr)

Until 23 May

Marilyn, Getty Images Gallery Photo: Cea (Flickr)

CircusFest 2012, London

Now 50 years since her death, Getty Images Gallery presents an exhibition of images and memorabilia of Marilyn Monroe. Both unknown and famous photos of her will present her career as superstar alongside the fabulous dresses she wore. Check out www.gettyimagesgallery.com FREE

Week #3 models and more. FREE

Teenage Cancer Trust: Comedy Night, 2 April, Royal Albert Hall, London.

Another night of music and comedy at the Royal Albert Hall. This time including lots of big names such as West-End favourite Tim Minchin, Jimmy Carr from channel 4 and Jason Manford as hilarious host. £25-50

Jeremy Deller: Joy in People, until 13 May, Hayward Gallery, London

The first major exhibition of this artist’s work including installations, photos, videos, posters and sound pieces. His works include the award-winning film, ‘The Battle of Orgreave’, in which he re-enacted the violent outcames of the miner strikers between 1984 and 1985, as well as the film, ‘it is what it is’, in which he took a roadtrip through America in a wrecked car that was blown up in Iraq. £8 for students

Singin’ in the

Rain, until 29 Sep, Palace Theatre, London Such a feel-good musical, sure to cure the blues for anyone. The central love triangle provides endless entertainment and the songs are so much fun to sing along to. The production runs for just over 2 hours, definitely a good night out. £15-65

Through live events they redefine the experience of film. And now they present Bugsy Malone, and the prohibition-era in Chicago. Expect dancing girls, boxing, cola floats and lots of gangsters. From £10

Future Cinema Presents Bugsy Malone, until 14 April, The Troxy, London

Future Cinema create cinematic experiences that fuse film with music, and theatre. Photo: AndyRobertsPhotos (Flickr)

This is where we pick out the cultural highlights on and off campus, ensuring there will always be something for everyone! lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

t r RHUL slip up o p S ocs against Portsmouth &S

Editor: Alex Pegler sportandsocs@theorbital.co.uk

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Men’s hockey: A victory against KCL. Photo: SURHUL

4 Tom Curson writes about a disappointing match against Portsmouth.

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Olympics: A unique opportunity for BUCS members...

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Sport 4 All update: Read about the Sport 4 All event on campus.

oyal Holloway Men’s Football were frustrated against a resolute Portsmouth side as they hit a stumbling block in their quest for BUCS success. With a comfortable 3-0 win against Portsmouth in the reverse fixture, a win for Royal Holloway against the South-Coasters was on the cards, but a combination of poor finishing and proficient goalkeeping secured a point for Portsmouth. Holloway were instantly on top, and should have been out of sight within the first twenty minutes of the match. Defending comfortably and passing with verve; in and around the final third Holloway lacked that final product, and the usually clinical Michele Giraudo fluffed his lines when presented with a golden opportunity by Christian Thomas. In the first half Holloway’s moves more-often-than-not ended in a long range effort, and the Portsmouth keeper was rarely tested, although he was called into action on the stroke of half time, denying Stuart Baillie’s drive. The second half was more of the same, but a tactical change by Royal Holloway’s golden boy Oliver Amos, which moved Alex Torres into left midfield, gave

Holloway more of a threat from out wide. Chances continued to fall to Holloway’s attacking players, but the Portsmouth goalkeeper was more than equal to all of them, including a very impressive save from Giraudo whilst one-on-one. Portsmouth rarely threatened the Holloway goal, but were nearly gifted the game after a typical Bilal Khan moment. A momentary loss of concentration from Khan from a goal kick presented the ball to a Portsmouth striker, and with Khan beaten, it was left to a tired Tom Curson to race back to clear the ball off the line. With only minutes left came the game’s flashpoint. After a corner, the ball was driven back into the box, saved, and then dispatched by the effervescent Francis Eni. Alas, the goal was disallowed for offside, with Eni adjudged to have been in an offside position when the ball was shot. Captain Greg Molford vehemently argued with the referee and linesman, but to no avail, as the goal was chalked off. And so the match ended with a goalless draw. Not the result Royal Holloway wanted or deserved, but credit must go to a resolute and determined Portsmouth side. THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Sport

Wolf Pack battle through to semi-finals

Photo: Owen Collins

4 Owen Collins reports on the recent hockey match against KCL.

n Sunday the 26th February, the Royal Holloway Hockey Mens’ 2nd XI, more commonly known across campus as the Wolf Pack, took on King’s College Medics 3rd XI in the semi-finals of the ULU Reserve Cup. Having previously enjoyed the sunshine but not the result, as they watched their 1st XI counterparts exit the ULU Cup at the same stage after a heart-wrenching penalty-shootout, the 12 brave Wolves took to the field with huge expectation on their shoulders. In the first half, despite consistent Holloway dominance, the King’s side proved hard to break down, with the Wolf Pack’s failure to convert chance after chance

sportandsocs@theorbital.co.uk

ensuring a goalless halftime score. With the bemusing words of Captain Owen Collins ringing in their ears, the team took to the field to properly kill off the opposition. A failure in flood lighting, combined with a slowly retreating late winter sun, meant play was temporarily halted. After negotiations between both captains and the umpires, an agreement was made to go straight to penalty flicks to decide the winner. King’s took the first flick, and Wolf Pack keeper Alex Jones did well to keep it out, before proving his skills were limited to saving shots, not scoring, as he saw his own attempt on goal saved. However, he stepped back between the posts and kept

out the second Kings attempt, although a miss from Josh Gray meant scores were still nil-nil after two flicks each. A King’s goal gave the away side the advantage, which was swiftly cancelled out by Pete Moralee’s controversial effort, which was eventually judged to have crossed the line. Another fine save from Jones put the ball firmly in the Wolves’ court, and James Hoskins calmly tucked away, leaving King’s needing to score to stay in the game. Thankfully, Jones’ Manof-the-match-winning form did not desert him, and with relative ease he blocked the flick, leading to widespread cheering and the booking of a first semi-final appearance for the Wolf Pack in many a long year.

SPORT & SOCS

RHUL Women’s Football run leaders close 4Sabrina Purser writes about RHUL Women’s Football1st team’s match against Brighton.

he Women’s Football 1st team met Brighton 1st recently, for the third time this season. With Brighton being top of the table and beating Holloway twice already, the team were ahead of the tough battle before them. Disaster struck early on, as RHUL conceded 2 goals within 20 minutes. A less than ideal start to the game was soon forgotten as Holloway showed real determination in their play. Classic tackles were put in from Lovisa Smedburg and Emily Newton. Soon Holloway enjoyed a period of sustained possession and started to play the game their way, rather than at the mercy of their opposition.Lou Tindall soon found herself through on goal but was promptly felled illegally, just outside the penalty area. A free

Photo: SURHUL

kick was duly awarded by the referee. In spite of mounting pressure, Katie Donaldson calmly placed the ball in the top right corner of Brighton’s goal. Holloway trudged off at half time with the score 2-1 to Brighton. The second half’s opening exchanges saw RHUL concede again to go 3-1 down. This seemed to have little effect on the Hollowegians’ confidence. Within minutes, Sophie Dand played a perfect through-ball to Lou Tindal who beat one defender and the goalkeeper. All present were shocked to see the ball cleared off the line by a Brighton defender. Nevertheless, Holloway continued to pile on the pressure with several threatening attacks. Lou Tindal was again through on goal when a Brighton defender mistimed her tackle,

sending Tindal crashing to the ground. A yellow card was brandished as Holloway were awarded a penalty by the match official. The pressure of a penalty kick situation is often immense for the taker. Ultimately, this showed as Lou Tindal blazed her shot over the crossbar. Despite this, RHUL continued to show their indomitable spirit and with 5 minutes to go, Sophie Dand shot from long range. The Brighton goalkeeper was caught off-guard and fumbled the ball into the back of the net. In the end, Holloway were unable to find a coveted equaliser, but speaking as captain, I was proud of every single player for showing the fight and determination to prove we can stand our ground in the tough BUCS league. THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

Olympics

Golden opportunity for RHUL sports club members 4Alex Pegler writes about a special Olympic event taking place in London...

ickets to the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships, a London 2012 test event as part of the London Prepares series, will be available to Royal Holloway BUCS members from 8 March 2012. The event will see 1,000 athletes from all over the UK competing for glory across 15 disciplines in four days. Taking place in the Olympic Stadium from 4-7 May, the BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete and spectate at the brand new London Olympic Stadium. BUCS will offer tickets to

sportandsocs@theorbital.co.uk

Photo: sumofmarc (Flickr)

BUCS members across all the sessions and these tickets will be available from 8 March on the BUCS website - www.bucs.org. uk. Further information regarding public access to the Olympic Stadium on Saturday 5 May will be released in due course. The BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships is part of Universities Week 2012, which will recognise and celebrate the contribution that universities make – and have always made – to the Olympics and the sports industry in the UK. The Week is part of a celebration of UK universities’ world-class status, their support for students and the

huge contribution they make to society as a whole. Karen Rothery, CEO of BUCS said, “BUCS is very excited to be part of this final stage of London 2012 testing, and part of the London Prepares series. Higher Education has and will continue to deliver excellent sporting opportunities and for our students, to compete in the Olympic Stadium and play their part in preparing London for the 2012 Olympics is truly thrilling.” For further information on how to apply for tickets to the BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships, visit www.bucs. org.uk from 8 March 2012.

SPORT & SOCS

Presenting the Labour and Co-operative Society... 4Dan Heley tells us about a newly ratified society...

he Labour and Co-operative Society (along with the Hindu Society) was ratified by the council of Clubs and Societies Presidents on 23rd February. Some say that its members are wanted by the CIA, and that they sleep upside down like a bat, others that their politics are terrifying, and that some of them once punched a horse to the ground. All we know, is they’re called the Labour and Co-operative Society! Enough

with the Top Gear parodies! Our exciting new society is aimed at encouraging student participation in campaigns on and off campus in order to promote and spread the ideology of the Labour Party and the CoOperative Party. Any student is welcome to join us, and we will be looking to hold exciting events with notable guests from across the relevant political spectrum. I feel that it’s important that there

is another political orientated society on campus; in order to encourage student participation in an area many people are indifferent too. At the end of the day, politics affects everything in your life, from the price of a train ticket, to when and whom you can get married and what you can and cannot do. So don’t be indifferent! Be involved! Join the newly formed Labour and Co-operative Society and starting making a difference!

Sport 4 All update

4Amabeer Singh gives us the latest about the Sport 4 All event.

Photo: jphilipson (Flickr)

The Students’ Union, in conjunction with College, have organised an “old school” Sports Day on Sunday 18th March from 11:30AM. The event is for charity,

to bring back all the memories of school sports days, and raise money for Sport Relief at the same time! There will be a large variety of different things to participate in,

including the main event, a Group Tug-Of-War! For more information, please contact the SU’s Societies Federation Office Amabeer Singh at societies@su.rhul.ac.uk. THE ORBITAL MARCH 2012

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