The Orbital October 2011 (Issue 3) by SURHUL Publications Editor

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October 2011

ROYAL HOLLOWAY STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE

The Big Story RHUL Admissions

PAGE 6

‘Orbitalk’ Your letters

PAGE 10

The science of.. Seeing Ghosts

PAGE 26

The Geek Test Masters Edition

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FEATURING:

1 1 0 2 ber

o t c O

Beth Bridewell, Editor

Now that we’re getting into the swing of things on campus as a general student population, we here at The Orbital are aiming to do the same. We’ve decided to get our geek on here in the office, which means less nights out, more hours locked up in the library and unnatural amounts of coffee to get us through those dreaded 9am lectures. After the last issue, we spoke to hundreds of you here at Royal Holloway, both at the Freshers’ and Media Fayre. Delighted is an understatement as to how we felt towards your enthusiasm and, by now, you should have hopefully heard something from us if you signed up. We’re still looking for a few regular writers to join our happy little family here in The Orbital, so we’ll welcome any of you! We also have a couple of specific positions up for grabs. First up, we need a Sports & Societies Editor

Issue 3

Dan Kelly, Deputy Editor

with lots of enthusiasm to creating their own section. What we’re most excited about though, OF COURSE, is the opening for our first ever Agony Aunt/Uncle! Granted, it probably won’t be everyone’s first stop for advice on... well...anything. But it has the potential to be hilarious if we pick the right applicant. So get involved! Whether it be writing, designing, photography or sub-editing, we want to enlist as many talented students at Royal Holloway as we can. We have a wonderful team:be a part of it! One word of advice: if you go trick or treating this Halloween and knock on our office door (we still haven’t moved up to the SU, so head to the Queen’s Annexe) don’t expect anything more than empty pizza boxes thrown your way! Love The Orbital Editorial Team

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 to say hi, then contact one of the editors below: Editor Beth Bridewell editor@theorbital.co.uk Deputy Editor Dan Kelly deputyeditor@theorbital.co.uk News Emily Pressnell Comment Craig Gent Regulars Shannon Mizzi Lifestyle Elinor Gittins Reviews Rana Banna Online Julian Farmer Art Jack Smale Admin Clare Thomas Executive Editor Sarah Honeycombe vpcomcam@su.rhul.ac.uk

Contributors: Louise Quick Alex Pegler Lauren Amelia Keen Jessica Goldsmith Louie Woodall Aaron Jerez Kieran Miles Lizzie Marshall Georgie Tsui Tom Watts Dan Costen Jo Brzezicki Naomi Lawson Edward Noon Chris Pull Alisha Wadiwalla Imogen Nation Vicky Ryder Thomas Edwards Dan Hunter Angus Wyatt April Heath April Howard Beatrice Galloway Kate Haslett Dalia Fillipi Kate Maguire Freya McIntosh Jess Kinney Anna Hamilton Dan Garbutt Emily Hampton-Matthews Olly Parsons

THE ORBITAL SEPTEMBER 2011

In this issue...

NEWS 04

News General Meeting Roundup

The Big Story SURHUL kicks off Education Campaign London Lowdown

COMMENT 10

Letter of the week RHUL is a breath of Fresher air

The Big Debate National Demostration: best next step?

REGULARS 16

Columns Sabbs, Graduate, Abroad

Have you met? Postman Isaac

The Science Of... Seeing Ghosts

REVIEWS 28

Events Dangerous Minds?

Music Ed Sheeran Live

LIFESTYLE 34

Fashion

Food Come Dine With Me: Student Edition Listings Dates to put in your diary

46 www.theorbital.co.uk

SPORTS & SOCS 42

Societies Create Your Own

Game on! Geek Test - Masters Students

o s w Ne

Editor: Emily Pressnell news@theorbital.co.uk

Photo: Nick Stylianou

General Meeting Roundup

A 6 The Big Story Fears that a rise in tuition fees could lead to drastic increases in admissions for 2011/12 proved largely false at RHUL.

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London Lowdown News from accross the capital

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

IN BRIEF 4

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

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120

LOUISE QUICK

successful first Students’ Union General Meeting discussed the government’s anti-terrorism plans and limiting societies’ sponsorship allowance. The monthly held GM, in which anyone in ownership of a college card can participate, is the highest decision making body of our Students’ Union. Tuesday 27 September saw the first GM of this academic year, which lasted a comparatively brief hour and a half and had in excess of 120 voters present. The result of this particular meeting was the efficient passing of both the motions proposed which, being completely unopposed by the floor, were approved without the necessity of a ballot. Speaking on behalf of this year’s Sabbatical team, the SU’s Vice President of Communications and Campaigns, Sarah Honeycombe, said: “We are delighted at the turnout for the first General Meeting of the year. We will be making a continued effort to make sure that GMs start on

The number of voters at the last General Meeting. Can we beat it next time?

time and don’t drag on. GMs should be to discuss the important issues – the things that matter for the students. We want to continue to improve our GMs and would appreciate any feedback people have. Any comments should be emailed to chair@su.rhul. ac.uk.” As a result of those motions passed, it was concluded that our SU shall openly oppose

the proposed motion is a promise that our SU opposes the use of racial profiling and that, rather than isolating those in question, ‘adequate support’ shall be provided to those students deemed ‘vulnerable’. Furthermore, it was agreed upon that the newly updated Sponsorship Policy would include further restrictions regarding the businesses and companies

“Our Students’ Union opposes the use of racial profiling” certain methods utilised by PREVENT, a strand of the government’s antiterrorism strategy. This follows a recent incident whereby the Students’ Union of Goldsmiths - a fellow college of the University of London - was approached by PREVENT and requested to supply details about numerous, specifically Islamic students who were believed to be ‘vulnerable’ to ‘radicalism’. During the GM, the Vice President of Education and Welfare, Katie Blow, ardently expressed that

that SU-affiliated societies are permitted to use as sponsors. As the motion explained, ‘some potential sponsorship avenues can often contradict or provide competition with the Students’ Union Commercial or Welfare Services’. For further information and details regarding the motions, please visit www. su.rhul.ac.uk. The next General Meeting is on 18 October at 18:30.

The amount of new PCs in Bedford Library, following its refurbishment this summer. THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

The Big Round-Up

SURHUL Launches ‘Education’ Campaign

4 The first event of the Students’ Union’s campaign to save higher education is a resounding success.

n audience of over 60, made up of freshers right through to post graduate students, were treated to speeches from Sean Rillo-Raczka from the University of London Union, Vicki Baars of the National Union of Students’ LGBT and Alan Bradshaw from Royal Holloway’s Management Department. Students’ Union President Daniel Cooper also set out his position against the higher education cuts that could wipe out whole subject departments. After the guests had spoken, the meeting was opened up to the floor with students and teachers getting their point across on

the need to tackle the Higher Education funding cuts. Points included the need to support lecturers who strike right through to how the fundamental principles of a capitalist system are flawed. Finally, a vote was taken as to whether or not protest outside the College Council meeting (where key RHUL stakeholders made crucial decisions on departmental cuts) at the Management Building on the afternoon of Wednesday 5th October. All present overwhelmingly agreed and suggested further details would follow. Photo: Dan Cooper

ALEX PEGLER

YOUR LIBRARY LOVES YOU

eeking to improve services and user satisfaction, the Library Service at Royal Holloway has taken advantage of the summer vacation to make a number of beneficial improvements regarding both study space and electronic facilities. Notable changes have been made on Level 1 at Bedford Library with the addition of 16 extra study spaces and 18 new PCs, as well as a new group study room seating 10 people. In an effort to avoid the technical problems of previous years, PCs in both Bedford and Founders libraries have been replaced with standard lab-build PCs. The printer/photocopiers have also been

upgraded, and print options have been simplified for ease and speed of use. Furthermore, to enable the extension of Library opening hours, additions have been made to the self-service system. Students are now able to collect books placed on hold from the Short Loan area and, from early November, students will be able to pay library fines electronically at the self-service kiosks in the libraries. A forthcoming development will also allow fine payment over the web from outside the libraries and from off-campus. Matthew Brooke, Associate Director (Academic and User Services) has spoken to The Orbital about the Library’s commitment to the “continuous

improvement” of all its services. “The improvements we have put in place over the summer” he explains, “are all geared to improving the Royal Holloway student experience and are all in response to student feedback.” User feedback is essential for enabling the library to continue to provide the best service, and Brooke was keen to note that the Library does “encourage and welcome all suggestions for future improvements.” Extended opening times means that the improved facilities can now be utilized for over 100 hours a week during term-time, with both libraries operating a self-service system each morning from 8.30.

LAUREN AMELIA KEEN

Photo: JISC_InfoNet

“Vulnerable” to “radicalism”- The definition of those being targeted by the government’s anti-terrorism strategy PREVENT at Goldsmiths University, p4 news@theorbital.co.uk

The government is making a “concerted effort to destabilise the university system” according to Daniel Cooper, President of SURHUL, p7 5

THE BIG STORY Alex Pegler finds out about RHUL admissions

hilst a rise in tuition fees for 2012 has seen one of the most competitive admissions processes in British university history this year, admissions figures for Royal Holloway suggest that there has been little impact on the situation for students at the university. On Thursday 9 December 2010, against a backdrop of more than 40,000 NUS-lead dissenters in Parliament Square, a majority of MPs agreed to a rise in tuition fees. The rise: an increase of almost 175% for 2012’s Freshers compared to their 2011 counterparts. It has been suggested that the increase, supported by the recommendations of the Browne Review into the future of higher education in England, is at least partly responsible for the lower ratio of admissions to applications seen nationally this year. This is possibly because of the high number of students skipping a gap year to avoid paying an extra £17,000 as a Fresher in 2012. However, while applications nationally increased by upwards of 10,000 on the previous year in 2011, the number of university places remained constant at around 480,000. Jessica Shepherd, Education Correspondent at The Guardian, stated that “by the time the clearing process started this summer, four students were chasing every one university place. This has never been seen before.” The picture was very different at Royal Holloway. Speaking to The Orbital, Miss Jialin Li of the RHUL Admissions Office described how the university actually received 218 fewer applications in 2011 than it did in 2010. In addition, it is apparent that admissions were in fact around 2% higher this year than last, at 2639 students. With fewer applicants but a higher admissions rate, those applying to Royal Holloway in 2011 had an 18% chance of gaining a place, whereas applicants in 2010 had a 17% chance. This occurred despite the supposed extra competitiveness caused by the 2012 fee increase. However, fears remain that it will, in fact, become more difficult for students to gain places at Royal Holloway in the future. This is because the Coalition Government’s White Paper on Higher

Admissions at Ro Holloway unaffec Government’s Hi Education propsa THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Photo: Alex Pegler

Education could severely restrict the Guide, international students represent places available at those universities consistently above 20% of all students which do not admit a majority of AAB+ each year. Emilia Siatrak of the RHUL students, such as RHUL. Data Management Department explained Daniel Cooper, RHUL Students’ how the 2011 admissions process saw 886 Union President, believes that the international students being accepted to government are making a “concerted the university. effort to destabilise the university system.” While RHUL still attracts students from He describes how, through the Higher Staines to Somalia, there is little evidence Education White Paper, the government to suggest that 2011 has seen a significant are creating an “artificial market in which increase in international student competition between universities is being proportions. In contrast, there is concern engendered that the in the “This summer, four students were number of interests of international chasing every one university place. students profit, not students.” This has never been seen before.” could in The White fact drop in Paper to which Cooper refers proposes the future due to Coalition Government that universities be given free reign to proposals. In a March 2011 letter to The recruit as many AAB+ students as they Observer, Prof. Steve Smith, President of wish, on top of a capped ‘core’ number Universities UK, expressed his fears that of non-AAB+ students. This could mean a tightening of Visa regulations would that middle ranking universities would hurt international student numbers, thus see their places slashed, the capped bringing negative economical and social ‘core’ of non-AAB+ students leaving impacts. little scope for unlimited recruitment of As the focus switches to the AAB+ students (sharply contrasting with 2012 admissions process, questions universities in the world elite such as surrounding how it will be affected by the Cambridge). government’s proposals will undoubtedly The future government proposals have be asked. Perhaps a more important also had little effect on the presence of question, some would argue, is this: students from overseas at Royal Holloway. what does this mean for the future Royal According to the Complete University Holloway?

Commentary

oyal cted by igher als news@theorbital.co.uk

So the Government’s plans for allowing unlimited recruitment of AAB students haven’t affected RHUL yet. Of course they haven’t, they’re just proposals so far. However any insinuation that Holloway won’t be affected in the future, or even further, that it might be better off, severely misunderstands the aims of the HE White Paper. The proposals have grave implications for widening participation. AAB students statistically

come more often from well-off families, with many having been to private schools, rather than families with no previous history of progressing from secondary to tertiary education. This goes some way to turn back the clock to a time when universities were the domain of the economic elite. Further to this, Royal Holloway isn’t in a position to command all the AAB students it might like to have. As a ‘middle-

Craig Gent Campaigns Officer

ranked’ university, it will be among those feeling the squeeze most, as it has to begin competing with other institutions in terms of ‘value for money’. This is part of the Government’s ideologically-driven view to creating an artificial ‘market in education’ based on the stratification of quality which promotes the idea of the student as a simple consumer.

NEWS IMPERIAL

Bursting the campus bubble with the news from colleges across the capital. We are part of the University of London, after all!

For the first time, The Orbital has teamed up with the London Journalist Support Network, (LSJSN). LSJSN 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.

iPad given to MSc students as gift 4Imperial College Business School hand out sought-after resource Students beginning an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School are now the lucky owners of a free iPad 2. The programme leaders are scrapping the traditional paper and pen-based learning and replacing it with a brand new technological approach using digital and social media. Students have been asked to embark on research using popular sites such as Facebook and Twitter; both which are easily facilitated by the use of the iPad. Course director Colin Love explains that, “instead of just being a marketing programme where we trot out the standard books, we want to focus on the latest technology, communication techniques and social media networks.” MSc student Ludovica Arci, spoke of the gift: “The iPad is much more than a gift from Imperial College but it is a real revolution and a new way of conceiving the educational system.” The course is expected to become popular with students. Photo: Andrew Cramp

UCL

UCL creates Arts and Science degree Photo: Irvin Liaw

4UCL create unique interdisciplinary degree UCL is set to launch a new undergraduate degree programme, a Bachelor in Arts and Sciences degree (BASc). The degree, set to offer an innovative and creative interdisciplinary experience, responds to demands of employers by giving students a broad and varied knowledge, encompassing both aspects of learning and ways of thinking. Carl Gombrich, the Course Director said, “UCL’s Arts and Sciences

degree is unlike any other degree in the UK. It allows students to create a bespoke programme, incorporating both arts and sciences.” It is a course designed to provide breadth and depth, with students able to determine their own degrees in a combination of humanities/social sciences and sciences/engineering. The programme includes learning a foreign language, offers the opportunity to study abroad and includes

a compulsory work experience placement. UCL Vice–Provost, Professor Michael Worton, has praised the upcoming opportunity as embodying a sense of creative and critical thought, ambition and entrepreneurial skill. He stated the BASc would “offer choice, intellectual rigour and an excellent grounding in the knowledge and skills that students will need to fulfil their ambitions for the future.”

THE LONDON LOWDOWN 8

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

London Lowdown UCL

UCL plan to change grading system

4UCL make plans to change typical honours system to American GPA system University College London (UCL) has announced its plans to ditch the typical honours system and move towards the US Grade Point Averages (GPA) The Telegraph reported last week that UCL Professor Malcolm Grant that “award inflation over the past three decades has led to student performance being essentially recognised by classification into only two main groups: first class and upper second

class honours.” He went on to call the system “crude and undistinguished” and said that the changes would “ensure that our students’ mode of study is internationally recognised”. Instead of students receiving the typical, First, 2:1, 2:2 or Third at the end of their degree, the US GPA system gives letter grades, each with associated numerical values. The final grade is then found by averaging the numerical values of the grades they

received over the course duration. The exact form of UCL’s new degree classification is as of yet unknown but the UCL Council’s ‘White Paper 2011-2021’, which “outlines a vision and strategy for UCL for the coming 10 years”, states it “will be distinctive, and will be developed in such a way as to enable the GPA score for each student to be generated automatically from existing percentagebased assessment scores.”

Photo: David Fisher

COLLEGE

Support & Advisory: Health and Personal Safety 4Helen Groenendaal gives us an update from College and some advice for student health Freshers’ Week was a huge success all over campus and Support & Advisory Services were pleased to play a part in this through inductions, UniSmart, BBQs, coffee mornings, film nights and a huge range of Halls Social events including cupcake decorating and a welcome for postgraduate students. Unsurprisingly, our free gifts seemed to be particularly popular – highlighters, Alcotops, personal safety alarms, sweets, and Health Centre ‘bugs’ have all been disappearing fast! During this term, a number of you students and staff will naturally begin to be affected by colds, sore throats and coughs. Doctors suggest it is typical for adults to suffer three to four colds in a year. These tend to be viral, therefore do not respond to antibiotics and as a result you are recommended to take your preferred over the counter cold remedy, making sure you drink plenty of fluids and gain sufficient rest. Winter often brings an outbreak of flu as well, notably

different to a cold. The symptoms of flu are high fever, aches and pains in the joints, headaches, loss of appetite and general weakness, necessitating bed rest. It is important everyone remembers to do everything they can to stop the virus from spreading by following the ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ advice, i.e. sneezing and coughing into a tissue, disposing of it quickly into a bin and washing your hands and surfaces regularly to kill the virus. As the evenings are starting to draw in, we’d like to take the opportunity to remind students about their personal safety and reducing risk, particularly when it comes to getting home safely at night. We recommend that you use the SU SSHH! bus to get home in the evenings and that, when walking, you walk with friends along well-lit main roads whilst avoiding the temptations of short cuts. Please read the advice booklets available and the general personal safety tips which can be found online at

www.rhul.ac.uk/forstudents/support/ personalsafety.aspx and on the Facebook pages ‘RHUL Campus Watch’ and ‘Royal Holloway Beat (Surrey Police)’. Personal safety alarms can be picked up for free from the Support & Advisory Services office in Founder’s West 170 and, if you have safety concerns, you can speak to them on 01784 443394 / 443955 or by emailing SupportAndAdvisory@rhul. ac.uk. If you see anyone behaving suspiciously please call Surrey Police on 101 (nonemergency) or 999 (in an emergency). We would also ask you to keep the College Security number (01784 443063) programmed in your mobile and let them know if you ever see anything unusual. Plans are underway for a Personal Safety day later this term, so watch out for this. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please get in touch with us using the contact details above.

It’s always important to stay up to date with news from Royal Holloway and this page should keep you in the know with College events. news@theorbital.co.uk

Photo: Daria Svertilova

K L A T i b r o Editor: Craig Gent comment@theorbital.co.uk

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RHUL is a breath of Fresher air

Royal Holloway newbie, Jessica Goldsmith, reflects upon the transition to fresherdom...

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Societies View: This House would abolish Freshers’ week... College Council: Economic crisis at Holloway? Perhaps its roots are deeper than just financials

4 The Big Debate 4 Your Letters

The Big Debate: Is the National Demonstration the best next step?

er Lett the of k wee

or someone who spent the whole summer drinking tea, knitting and listening to Radio 4, Freshers’ Week seemed pretty daunting. Talking to people? Doing my own washing? Would Kingswood halls be as grimy as people had told me? And more importantly, would my liver survive? Now in my third week here at Royal Holloway, my liver is still just about intact, and my sleeping pattern more insane than ever before. I’ve been introduced to a new drink: “Jäebuca” – a Jäegerbomb with a shot of Sambuca – which I was told would get me drunk in half an hour exactly (try it next time you’re out in Medicine or the Stumble Inn and decide

for yourself whether it’s a triumph or a disaster). I’ve eaten more pizzas than I can count (for the record, BBQ Chicken is where it’s at), I’ve walked down Kingswood Alley alone and emerged unscathed, and I’ve lost my RCS card... already. As well as such victories, there have been a myriad of surreal moments: running into the forest on the first night and making a best friends pact with someone who I’ve barely talked to since, getting woken up at 4am by the fire alarm, scarring people for life by showing them ‘Spoilsbury Toast Boy’ on YouTube, an introduction to the Nazi drinking game, pissing in dark driveways, going to bed when people are going to work, falling asleep in my first week of

lectures. But one of the best things about life at RHUL, by far, is the people; everyone is genuinely wonderful (especially at Kingswood – is everyone the same in Founders?). I’ve made so many crazy friends; we’ve already given each other nicknames and there are so many quotes and innuendos bandied about... everyday. So, my parting advice to all fellow freshers: the proverbial words of the philosopher Rebecca Black speak many truths: you’ve gotta get down on Friday. And Saturday. And Sunday. And... well, on weekdays too! Go and get yourself a Jäebuca and make sure to just enjoy life here! Remembering money will be needed for food...

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Your letters

It’s time to reclaim your Union

An excuse to get girls out of their clothes? Or a reflection of what students want? Louie Woodall talks SU nights...

ands up all those who heard this or something similar down at the SU? “Look at her; her arse is literally hanging out.” Every now and then, a voice cries out against the dress habits of young women and everyone rushes to mount their high horses to defend or attack the increased sexualisation of society. Could our own Union be responsible for bringing that debate to the prim suburbs of Egham? For some students (and probably for a much larger number of their parents) some of the scheduled SU nights seen over the last few years have been enough to raise condemnatory eyebrows: Absolute Filth night, Malibu Beach Party and Ibiza Foam Party are all regular features in the Union’s calendar. Each occasion encourages women to dress a little more provocatively than usual; some arriving in bikinis, others in underwear. On Absolute Filth night, a stranger would be forgiven for thinking they’d wandered into an Ann Summers convention. There can be little denying that these nights encourage men to be a little more forward, and maybe even aggressive, to those women who choose to dress up (or,

indeed, dress down) for the occasion. But what do women themselves think? Some girls relish the opportunity to make the night a bit special by choosing a daring wardrobe; it makes them feel sexy, sparks some fun conversations at Tommy’s and produces a memorable album on Facebook the next day. Popular culture is screaming at us all to take it easy, be confident in our bodies (Gok Wan, anyone?) and look up to those who revel in their bare skin and sexuality (step forward, Rihanna), so why not go all out? Others believe that to go this far is ‘a little bit tarty’ and invites the sort of unwanted attention that leads to a dancefloor confrontation. But is it the SU’s fault? No. Remember, the Union receives input and feedback from students on what events they want held there. Furthermore, SU nights are designed to open up the building as a social space where all students are free to dress, act, and behave in any way that does not directly contravene the House Rules. Why should anyone care how anyone else is dressed, or whether they’re promoting or retarding the advance of sexualisation? In the end, it’s your arse, you can decide what to do with it.

By Aaron Jerez comment@theorbital.co.uk

the

BIG debate

National Demonstr

A national demonstration will send a clear message to the Government Craig Gent SURHUL Campaigns Officer

he last few months have seen the increasing galvanisation of the anti-cuts campaign at Royal Holloway. The ‘Save Classics’ campaign played its part in a student movement which has been campaigning for over a year, and Wednesday 5th October saw many students come out in support of courses, lecturers and departments for the lobby of College Council. This is great, and as more ‘restructuring’ threatens more departments and facilities, I have no doubt that we will see a rise in lobbying and campaigning on campus. However, while senior management are shoving their proposals through ‘on the ground’, we should still recognise that as they have no economic justification. The proposals are grounded in the Government’s new vision for higher education, as laid out in the HE white paper. This is why we need to make sure that the national demonstration on 9th November is our priority. With the support of the NUS, the 9th November national demonstration is centring on education cuts, tuition fees, EMA and student “The Government poverty. The scrapping of EMA and hike in tuition fees will have is launching an a damaging effect on those who irreversible attack want to pursue education after on education; school but can’t afford to, while not just at Royal student poverty is rising every year. The policies proposed in Holloway, but the HE white paper, along with nationally.” the 100% cuts to the arts and humanities teaching grant, are an attack to students both present and future. The Government is launching an irreversible attack on education, on public universities, and on students; not just at Royal Holloway, but nationally. By having a national demonstration, students from across the country can make their voices heard in

YOUR VIEWS 12

the heart of the capital. It’s no secret that last year the NUS’s leadership was severely sub-par; guilty of ‘spineless dithering’, to paraphrase former NUS President Aaron Porter. Sometimes it’s not enough to wait for the NUS to make the ABOUT: The National Campaign call, which is why the National Against Fees and Cuts (NCAFC) has Campaign Against Fees and called a national demonstration for Cuts (NCAFC) organized this 9 November, which is focussing its message on tuition fees, education demonstration with the direct cuts, student poverty and educational input of students from all over maintenance allowance (EMA). The the UK. The fact that the NUS demonstration is being supported is backing this demonstration by the National Union of Students shows the recognised urgency (NUS), who organized the national demonstration last year which and necessity of the protest. Yes, cuts are hitting us on drew 52,000 students to London. our campuses, and I wouldn’t want to suggest that we The national demo has been a hot topic within student politics since shouldn’t campaign locally; the NUS national conference in April however we need to see cuts at this year, where a motion calling for a Royal Holloway as part of the national demonstration in the autumn national context – universities term was voted down on grounds of going to the wall, lecturers timing. However, this was in contrast being sacked, working class to a central manifesto pledge of kids being priced out of Liam Burns, who was subsequently education – and stand solidly elected as NUS President. Critics have suggested that the national with other students on 9 demonstration is a distraction from November to send a clear local campaigning, which has been message to the Government. l

“When I was at college demos were about the only thing we could get involved with so it’s a good way to get more people involved.” Ahmed, 1st year Sociology & Criminology

“It’s more likely there’s beer at a demo; at campus shindigs management always get there first.”Dexter, 2nd year Biology THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

ration: best next step? We should be focussing locally to step up campus action Kieran Miles Politics with Philosophy alumni

campaign and the first ever lobby of College Council. Last year’s national demonstration kicked students everywhere into action, and a movement took off. However after the demo the NUS struggled to get its act together and switched position regularly, from condemning its members to telling us that a glowstick Photo: Matt Dinnery vigil would stop tuition fees. It still supports a graduate tax (that’s fees, to you and me) and there’s not much in he case against the government’s education plans is not the way of evidence to suggest that it’s going to change difficult to make. The creation of a two-tier education position this year. system, the exclusion of working class people from further Yes, it is the Government who are reconfiguring and higher education, more student debt, privatization on campuses higher education, but it is the senior management and loss of democracy, and job coming in leaps and bounds on many losses and department closures are who are cutting our courses and dismantling our campuses. Those in support of the unfair, and unnecessary, and we departments. As was highlighted by the University demonstration, however, have argued and College Union (UCU) Royal Holloway branch’s should oppose them. that this is an opportunity to raise bulletin, which used management’s own figures, there is However, what I must insist on the broader debates such as student no economic case for cuts and job losses at RHUL. The is that we focus on local action. poverty and the scrapping of EMA, bulletin showed that every single academic department urging that a national demo for many Last year there was a huge focus covers its own direct costs; the only thing driving any Further Education students is their on national action with regular only opportunity to get involved demonstrations of them into deficit is the ‘overheads’. According to the and as they often lack Student Unions. thousands of students UCU, the Principal’s salary rose by 14% this year. Further to this, Royal Holloway mobilising week to week. It is the senior This summer the Government However, since the spring consistently makes a high surplus – 4.4% management released its HE White Paper, which most recently, compared to a 2.2% rest-ofwe have seen an increase who are cutting proposes to remove support for England average. struggling universities and provide in local action which was our courses and We need to make sure that we are taking a ‘leg up’ for non-educative, for- lacking last year. Before every opportunity to enter into dialogue profit businesses into the education the end of term students dismantling our with management and pushing the case sector. It is this which has turned the voted to support the departments. student movement’s attention to the lecturers’ strike, and since for keeping our courses, our lecturers creeping privatization of publicly- then we’ve seen open meetings and choice in our degrees. It is with this in mind that I funded education. Dr Andrew held to discuss the closure of propose that we focus this year on local action. By no McGettigan, a lecturer at Central means is it incompatible with national action, but we the Classics and Philosophy Saint Martins, recently said of the should be concentrating our efforts on campus.l Department, the launch of white paper, “It presents a charter for privatization with a calculated attack the Student Union education on the notion of the public university.”

“Demonstrations often get hijacked by anarchists, so keeping things on campus means we can focus on which courses are being cut without getting into politics.” - Sarah, 3rd year French comment@theorbital.co.uk

“I think corporate needs should always come before education, this is a Big Society and students should know their place.” - Gideon, History graduate. 13

orbiTALK!

“This House would abolish Freshers’ Week” This issue, the Debating Society let us in on one of their hot topics (in proper debating style!) The Proposition by Lizzie Marshall.

The Opposition by Georgie Tsui.

The first few days of a new university student’s stay should be a time to settle in, get comfortable and form friendships. The modern notion of Freshers’ Week does none of this. Its emphasis on drinking and going out is the main issue. How can you settle in if you’re expected to spend every moment either drunk or nursing a hangover? When you’re in this state, how can you make the most of important course inductions and choices? How can you get comfortable when you’ve lost your handbag the night before, or when you’ve spent half your student loan in one go? How can you make friends when you can’t remember the time you spent together, or when you’ve only seen them drunk? Plus, what about those students who aren’t partial to a drink or perhaps aren’t the partying type? If Freshers’ Week is the prime time to forge friendships, do these people go without, or are they forced to do all these things against their better judgement? While this is an exaggeration, it highlights the worst excesses of Freshers Week exuberance, none of which we should allow inexperienced young people to go through at a time when they should be taking their first real steps as independent self-reliant adults.

I can’t express how glad I am to be opposing this motion and, seeing as we all have just experienced the godsend that is Freshers’ Week, I won’t elaborate on all of its obvious perks. Instead I shall contend its intrinsic goal of facilitating relationships and refute its overstated reputation of inebriation and notions of commercial abuse. Freshers’ provides a unique opportunity to socialize without the added pressures of university work to distract us. For those wanting to make the best possible start both academically and socially, Freshers’ provides a separation of concentration in both these areas (i.e. baby-steps into university life). And yes, some of this socializing will involve drinking (hence the much needed afternoon recovery time). However, it is narrow-minded to say that Freshers’ is dedicated to partying, evidenced by the queues outside the Freshers’ Fayre, sports events and other activities. As for the notion that Freshers’ singles out the non-drinkers as social outcasts is an insult to the students going to university. Concerning bars taking monetary advantage of us Freshers, it’s in no way an out-of-the-ordinary commercialization in our modern society. They merely seek, as with every enterprise, to build a loyal customer base whilst catering to demand. Freshers’ is the epitome of a win-win situation, and for this reason I believe that this motion should be opposed.

Feeling argumentative? Why not check out “Royal Holloway Debating Society 2011-12” on Facebook.

Note from the section editor: This is the societies comment section; giving one society each edition the chance to comment on an issue which has been a topic of discussion within the group. We give you the space, you choose the topic; whether a local, national or international issue, this is an opportunity for societies to give the rest of campus an idea of what their hot topics are and for students to get an insight into a new society every edition! 14

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Your Letters

Economic crisis at Holloway? Craig Gent says the democratic crisis is the only one holding RHUL back...

Who runs our university? It’s a fair question, given the cuts the factor dragging some departments into deficit being finance being threatened to Classics, Modern Languages, Computer and registry, which is in the hands of… SMT! Sciences and the English Subject Centre (so far). The answer It is not unreasonable that we demand our university is run is College Council, the board entrusted with responsibility for democratically by students and staff for students and staff; we are the financial probity and strategic direction of Royal Holloway. the stakeholders after all! Instead, our university is being ruled The Council is made up of 24 members; only two are students by a syndicate largely made up of rich, balding, white men with and four are academics. The other 18 members consist of senior backgrounds in banking and politics rather than education. I management and lay-members. Wednesday 5th October saw overheard one student at the lobby saying she was shocked that the first ever lobby of College Council. Despite being organized they were “all carbon-copies of one another”. within a few days the turnout was This is an issue of democracy. We excellent, with students lining up to should not be sitting back while these “Our university is being ruled carbon-copies make decisions about ask the governors about the proposals. We are right to criticize the by a syndicate largely made up our university, and I hope lobbies Council; the proposals they have now become a regular feature of of rich, balding, white men with will put forward have been abysmally College Council meetings. Probity communicated, and the ‘consultation means moral integrity; it’s exactly backgrounds in banking and period’ has been a farce. The RHUL is lacking from our democracy. politics rather than education” what branch of the University and College Consultation is about conferring and Union (UCU) has requested market negotiating between parties, not one research and any data which informed the proposals but the party dictating to the other how it’s going to be. Greater student senior management team (SMT) have been unable to come up and lecturer representation is a basic demand, as is proper with anything enlightening. The UCU recently produced an consultation and involvement in decisions about our courses, RHUL bulletin which used SMT’s own figures to demonstrate departments and university – we need to have our views properly that there is no economic case for cuts at Royal Holloway. The represented at these forums, rather than in a tokenistic fashion. bulletin showed that our surplus is double the rest-of-England The author wishes it to be known that he is writing in a average and that all departments are covering their direct costs; personal capacity. Our very own Helen of Troy, Katie Blow (VP EdWelfare) remains defiant in the face of Senior Management

Photo: Doug German

comment@theorbital.co.uk

o s r a l u g e

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Meet Postman Isaac: Find out a bit more about one of the best loved staff members on campus!

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Holloway Horrors: Find out why Royal Holloway is particularly haunted

26 The Science of seeing ghosts: Chris Pull lets us in on the inner workings of the human brain

4Columns 4Have you met...4Literary 4Photo 4Science 4Bar Blog

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Editor: Shannon Mizzi regulars@theorbital.co.uk

sabbcolumn 4VP ComCam, Sarah Honeycombe fills us in...

s I write, Friday night celebrations are well under way right outside my office door. It is taking most of my willpower not to just open the office door, head down to the bar and buy myself something that may make this column flow a little bit easier. Though to be honest, the pounding base is providing a decent beat to type to! It’s been a seriously busy few weeks at the Union. Since the last issue of The Orbital we’ve held Freshers’ Week, had our first General Meeting, launched our education campaign, held our first Love Your Neighbour event, had a month of nights out in our new building and a whole load more.

4We find out what Tom Watts has been up to this month...

hey say the sequel is never as good as the original (known as Titanic II syndrome), and if that’s the case then by December I might as well just vomit on the keyboard of my Mac and hope for the best. However, I’m going to pull a Terminator II out the back and make this even better than my first column. “Improve on the original you say? Why would you…Effort is for squares…or a pile of straight lines too lazy to stand as a square.” Anyhow, things have been looking up recently. As you may remember from last time (F.Y.I. two weeks or so ago – so no excuses) I’d been working on a radio showreel and looking for radio jobs. Since then I’ve landed two, not one but TWO, radio shows, so I’ll be back on the air soon, good times. You’ll be able to hear me over at www. thisisfakediy.co.uk, or on Asian Star 101.6 FM. Two things you should know about Asian Star is that it only plays Bhangra music and is an Asian radio station, in fact I think I’m one of only two white people working there. You might now be asking “Tom what

I spent a day walking around in a toga in preparation for our picket of College Council, which drew several odd looks but was worth it: loads of us turned out to talk to the members of College Council about the academic restructuring College is suggesting and, despite the cold, we managed to stop and talk to most of them. However, enough about the past! If you want to see what we’ve been up to you can look at the news section of The Orbital’s website (who’ve been providing excellent coverage) or visit su.rhul.ac.uk! On to the future: One World Week is coming up this month and it’s set to be amazing. We’ve got filmscreenings, talks,

Tom Watts on Earth do you know about Bhangra music and Asian culture?” Well, let me stop you right there, and instead ask you this: If a handsome someone should happen to proclaim himself the new ‘face of Bhangra in the South East’ then why shouldn’t that be a certain little chap named Thomas Watts? I mean, I’m thinking outside the box; I’m breaking down boundaries. Aside from the radio stuff I was fortunate to have a friend offer me two weeks work exp at the Production Company Talkback Thames, where I worked on the BBC show ‘Escape to the Country’. During my time there I was in a research role, and far from the casual work exp that I was expecting, it instead turned out I would be covering my friend’s holiday. Stitch up. Fortunately, I enjoyed being thrown into the deep end and made a really good impression. They start hiring in November, so I’ll keep you posted on that. THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Student Abroad

Student Abroad 4Find out what Dan Costen’s getting up to in Germany...

debates, performances from societies, pub quizzes, themed nights out and much, much more. Keep an eye on our website, facebook, twitter and around campus for more information and make sure to head to Medicine on Sunday 23rd October for our launch night! In other news, in what looks to be the start of “Challenge your Sabbaticals,” Insanity Radio have challenged us to present our show (Wednesdays, 12-2) in our swimwear, which will be video streamed on their website. We’ve said yes, but only after Insanity have managed to raise £2,000 for RAG. To get donating, visit insanityradio.com or the SU website! Follow Sarah on Twitter: @SURHUL_ComCam

n case you missed my last column, I am a German language student doing a half placement British Council Assistantship before looking for work next year. Unfortunately, my deadline for this column is in the middle of my training, and I am actually missing out on the bar to write this - woe is me! Despite being only halfway through training, I have had an amazing 2 days! Meeting outside Köln Hauptbahnhof is a laugh, but it was pretty easy to spot others - everyone has at least one suitcase and a backpack, if not more. Anyway, more about the course; we are in classrooms all day, but it’s not exactly strenuous. We had to work in groups - yawn - but it’s not been too bad to be honest!) today and prepare a 45 minute lesson, 15 minutes for each person, which we will execute tomorrow, with the other assistants in our classes acting as students. Somewhat daunting, but everyone has only met each other a few hours ago so we’re all in the same boat.

The BCA put people from the same Bundesländer together on these courses so already meeting people I am planning on travelling with in a couple of weeks because we have a two week Autumn break. At this orientation course we have been given even MORE material - everything from lesson plans and resources to a checklist of things we need to get done to make sure we register at the local offices properly. Looking forward to moving to my school later in the week and finally getting sorted and unpacked. My Schuldirektor has been really helpful and is meeting me at the train station when I arrive. In my next column I’ll be able to give a better idea of what it’s like to actually be in the classroom! If anybody wants to get in contact with me about the assistantship please feel free, either through Facebook or the RHUL Campus Connect Address Book.

Da Co n ste

Photo: Eoghan O’Lionnain regulars@theorbital.co.uk

REGULARS

Have you met...

Postman Isaac?

4Shannon Mizzi & Dan Kelly interview RHUL’s much-loved postman, Isaac Masih, to learn a little bit about a university legend. How long have you worked here and what is the main thing your job involves?

Where were you working before you started at Royal Holloway?

Have you picked up any other nicknames while at the university or elsewhere?

I’ve been here nearly 6 years now and I basically do everything! (Laughs) I’m a Postroom Operative… that’s a posh word for ‘Postman’ really. I help handle all the sacks that come in in the morning from Royal Mail - Monday there were 72 of them! - and normally me and Caroline sort those before delivering to 2,000 staff members and 8,000 students.

I was at Safeway for 15 years from when I was 20 years old in their Head Office. I was on their company football team - we played Egham Town once actually! Beat them 2-1 and I’ve still been welcomed back (Laughs).

Elvis! Because I walk around campus singing, ‘Thank you, thank you very much’ (begins singing ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ to a thoroughly impressed, audience of two!). I used to be an Elvis impersonator, and on my honeymoon in 2000 - I’m divorced now, as things go - I went to Hawaii and Las Vegas. In Vegas at the Heartbreak Hotel, I was singing to my wife then, after drawing a crowd, the manager of the hotel chimed in saying what a “fantastic voice” I had and offered me a job! I would have been singing in the evening and working the bar during the day. But I was scared of the massive move and didn’t take it in the end. It would have been cool singing in America though.

What would you say is the best part of your job here? Going home! (Laughs). No, every day I’m knackered so it’s nice to go home. But umm, all of it really! I love doing my bit for my colleagues and the rest of the Royal Holloway world and just helping out in general. I’ll go out of my way to help people whenever I can even if I’ve already got something else to do. I’m a Christian, I believe in Jesus Christ and that’s what it’s all about really.

...your least favourite part? Looking at all the sacks and thinking ‘OH MY LIFE, I’ve got to do that?!’ But it’s alright; I stick the radio on, sing a few songs and before you know it, dada… it’s done.

What was your first impression of Royal Holloway? Crap! (Laughs) No, when I was working for Safeways, I used to drive past it and you can’t really miss it. Such a lovely building and I always got the feeling like ‘I’m going to come work here one day’.

We’ve heard your mates used to call you… the Indian Beckham? Yeah, I’m really into my football and was originally a goalkeeper. But I just loved being on pitch, so I started playing left wing. Nearly made it on to the Chelsea F.C. books! Had a whip of a cross on me, so that’ll be where the “Indian Becks” thing came from. I loved it!

With your love of music then, what song is on repeat in the postal truck on your deliveries? At the moment the stereo in the van isn’t great so I can’t play as much as I’d want. But anything with a good beat really - love a bit of Robbie Williams, Any kind of dance music. Sometimes I do get out the van and have a quick boogie with the students. THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Have You Met...

Photo: Julian Farmer

How would you rate your relationship here with the students themselves?

So, what’s the secret behind your energy and general passion towards life?

Finally, do you have any words of advice for students here?

I have to say the last two years of students have been fantastic. You know, just generally nice people. Talking with the students really keeps me here in the job. Even in Chelmsford a while back in the King and Castle, I had a student say to me: “Alright mate? You know, you changed my life at uni! Whenever I was miserable you’d always pick me up in the last 3 years.” She shook my hand and thanked me, and I guess it’s things like that which keep me acting the way I do: I want to be there almost as a friend you know? So that, if they bump into me about campus, they can talk to me. It’s great to know a few simple gestures can have such a personal impact on people!

I can’t reveal that! (Laughs) For the last few years, I’m enjoying life even more being a born again Christian. I believe in what the Bible says and I do see it as something that can tell the future. In Ezekiel, the Holocaust was predicted, and I never knew that before! I read the Bible everyday. I know that Heaven is a real place and if you believe in Jesus Christ you’re going to get there. Now I know more about it all, I’m happier. It’s fulfilling.

Well, read the Bible is a personal one of course. But I guess just try to do what you have to do here: don’t put yourself under a lot of pressure to the point of illness. Do what you’re capable of and that’s all anyone can ever ask of you. I’ve had teachers tell me I’ll “never get anywhere in life.” It was disheartening and I thought I was a bit of a loser. But what I do now, and life in general for me, makes me happy. I couldn’t ask for more and I got that through perserverence in life and an optimistic approach. Whatever you feel inside will make you happy, just do it! Accomplish as much as you can and that’s all that matters at the end of the day.

regulars@theorbital.co.uk

Read more of this interview online:

www.theorbital.co.uk

REGULARS

Holloway Horrors

4Shannon Mizzi takes a look at the ghosts rumoured to roam Royal Holloway’s grounds

he Royal Holloway Victorian Picture Gallery holds some of the most famous (and expensive) Victorian art in the world - 77 paintings to be exact. However, one of these pictures, entitled ‘Man Proposes, God Disposes’, is rumoured to have so horrified a student who was sitting in front of it while writing an exam that he committed suicide by sticking pencils in his nose and slamming his face in to the desk. The painting depicts two polar bears, their eyes very black and their mouths stained with blood, ripping at the cloth and wood remains of a shipwreck. The painting implies that the remains of the humans who were on board the ship have just been eaten by the bears. The painting, by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, is an artistic representation of Sir John Franklin’s failed 1845 expedition in which he was searching for a North-West Passage. There were many reports in the news at the time of cannibalism among the crew who became lost, and this painting really plays on the very human fear of brutal destruction. Ever since, it has been considered bad luck to sit in front of that particular

painting whilst writing an exam. There is no actual year that can be found for when this event took place, if it in fact took place at all. But it is rather creepy that the picture is covered with a Union Jack every year during the exam period. Why would the school do this if it did not actually happen? Spooky… Thomas Holloway, the founder of this institution, is said to walk the halls of Founders and the rest of campus in the form of a black cat. This may not sound very threatening, however, black cats are said to bring bad luck if their paths are crossed. Also, Thomas Holloway the cat has been said to disappear from view if startled. Jane Holloway, the wife of Thomas Holloway, is also said to haunt the fourth floor of Founder’s building. Similarly, there have been reports of groups of the ghosts of small children dressed in Victorian clothing playing in the Founders quadrangles. Surrey is considered one of the most haunted counties in the United Kingdom, so if you’re not content with campus ghost hunting, you might want to check out: Hampton Court Palace: Sir Christopher

Wren, who lived in the palace for over 50 years, is said to walk the staircase of the Old Court House, and you might also encounter the ghosts of three of Henry VIII’s wives: Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard. Brooklands Race Track at Weybridge: Percy Lambert, who broke the land speed record in 1913, later died in a car crash on this very track. His ghost has been seen wandering the track, still in full racing uniform. St. Andrew’s Church in Farnham: An old woman in grey can apparently be seen walking around the graveyard at various times of the year. Singing and chants in Latin has also apparently been heard from inside the empty church. Dorking Graveyard: A headless man riding a horse can be seen riding in an oval shape where a horse-racing track originally existed. For more information on these and other haunted locations in surrey try visiting http://surrey.greatbritishlife. co.uk/article/surreys-most-hauntedsites--spooky-halloween-stories-10094

Man Proposes, God Disposes by Sir Edwin Landseer

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Overheard at Royal Holloway

Overheard @ Holloway d pancakes ‘You’ve never-ha ra Onslow u a L ’ r? ia v a c d an

‘The best thing abou SEXUAL SQUIRREL t spring? S!’ - Jen Smith t bed of ‘Bedford library silent area is just a ho sexual tension.’ - Alfred Tan One guy to another: ‘Dude, when you go for a shit, do you think you’re melting?’ - Nick Heff

ge shop, ‘Why’s lle co e th of n io ct se ge id fr In the – Dan Cohen it always so cold in here?’ ‘Who’s Kurt Nevada?’ – Cobain and what’s Elizabeth M cDonald ‘The black person inside me is happy….’ - Ema Simpson better be ’d u o ‘Y s d n s in Crossxlaxx’ - Ben Lawson s o b o t t x e t l y right now AccidentIa’m n r o h o s leaving! regulars@theorbital.co.uk

REGULARS

ROYAL HOLLOWAY RESEARCH

It’s always nice to know what is happening within our very own campus walls. As a leading research institution, we feel it is only right to showcase a selection of the most recent research. Shannon Mizzi keeps us in the loop...

Research suggests new treatment for pregnant women with epilepsy RHUL researchers have developed a new type of stronger seizure prevention medication, which is safe enough for use by pregnant women. Treatments for epilepsy that are currently in use significantly raise the chance that a baby will be born with birth defects.

Dr. Robin Williams of Royal Holloway stated, ‘This could also help transform the lives of pregnant epileptic women who can continue controlling their seizures with a reduced risk of any defects to their unborn babies.’

RHUL History Professor researches India-Pakistan conflict prevention Royal Holloway’s Dr. Dan Haines will be completing a three-year project researching the history of the Indus Basin region in Asia, which is used by both India and Pakistan to ‘generate hydroelectric power’ and for systems of irrigation. This particular study will investigate ‘dividing the river system between two countries, affecting South Asia politically, socially and

environmentally.’ The two countries have fought over the region since the 1960s when use of the river was originally divided between them. Political scientists fear that tensions could come to the surface soon. Dr Haines stated, ‘This study will certainly provide a greater understanding of the region and could help with future policy making.’

First successful treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy RHUL Biological Sciences Professor Dr. George Dickson et al. have discovered a ‘gene-based drug treatment effective in restoring the dystrophin protein’ that people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) lack. The drug was successful in 36.8% of those who participated in the trial. DMD causes the muscles to weaken over time because of the breakdown of muscle cells, due to the lack of an important

muscle protein called dystrophin. Said Professor Dickson, ‘We are moving towards the era of personalised genetic medicine. The Lancet publication describes another exciting and important milestone towards finding an effective treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. More research is needed, but the results of the clinical trial are extremely encouraging.’

INSANITY RADIO, ROYAL HOLLOWAY’S VERY OWN STATION. TUNE IN TO HEAR AN ECLECTIC MIX OF MUSIC AND MADNESS. WITH SHOWS RANGING FROM CLASSICAL MUSIC TO DUBSTEP AND METAL, THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

WWW.INSANITYRADIO.COM 1287AM 22

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Bar Blog

An anonymous, cynical insight into the most annoying and amusing observations that come from working at the SU

Photo: Julian Farmer

ales from the Union - the night the bar staff all turned a little bit crazy.

It was a chilly Friday evening and the bar staff joyfully swaggered through campus, excited at the forthcoming prospect of serving hundreds of jagerbombs (now with monster. FIT), thousands of VKs and Wellington boots filled to the brim with exciting new cocktails (ONLY THREE POUNDS!) Each member of staff entered the building with an enthusiasm equal to none, punching the air and bantering along like there was no tomorrow. There were even some 80’s classics blasted out which teamed with excellent bar dancing skills, went down quite the treat. Smiles could be seen, a mixture of genuine joy, a few cheeky grins and a smirk or two and moves were busted, and hell, even some tips were scored. BUT THEN IT ALL WENT WRONG. Outside the thunder rolled, the lights flickered and the music died. Gone was

Bar Blog the cheese. Tinie Tempah was back. And for some inexplicable reason, everyone decided they wanted to pay on card. Now, our card readers are very sensitive objects, and can often display symptoms of PMS. A tragic syndrome that half of us can relate to. And, overwhelmed by the number of cards, they BOTH (yes, we only have two, for seven tills) rebelled and refused to work any longer. At once, the bar staff were confronted with an onflow of abuse, clicking, swearing and slapping (the bar, not us). Drinks were lost in transactions, cards were rejected and queues reached levels of sheer panic. It was too much for the once jovial staff and mental breakdowns swiftly followed. Gone were the carefully choreographed dance moves, to be replaced by frantic sprints, interesting spillages and screams similar to those in a dramatic horror movie. Not only was there frustration on both parts but to add to the occasion, a beautiful moment was had between a

member of bar staff and a customer. It was the customer who decided to spit. Over the bar. Another charming customer silenced a female member of staff stating ‘Shush, the men are talking’. Sexual equality at its best here at Royal Holloway Students’ Union. The floors grew steadily more slippery and numerous falls were witnessed, some cleverly disguised as smooooth slides. We didn’t laugh. We promise. Finally, as last orders were called and the shutters gradually began to descend, some brave souls powered on through, thrusting their heads through the ever diminishing crack yelling ‘JUST ONE MORE SAMBUCA. PLEASE, JUST FOR ME!’ (Big up the girl who cried when we said no). Alas, another union night over. And the moral to be learn from this excellently crafted tale? Try not to rely on your card, bring cash and avoid shouting and being shouted at. Until next time. Peace out.

Everyone loves freebies!

Use these vouchers to gain complimentary entry to antidote - saving you £4! regulars@theorbital.co.uk

IN YOUR

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“A River Reflection” Edward Noon “I took an early morning boat trip down the Ganges in Varanasi, June 2010. It is one of the most colourful, vibrant, but dirty river sections in the world. People bathe themselves, consume the murky brown liquid, and if they are Hindu, are cremated and have their ashes emptied into this vast expanse of water. The entire city was an awe-inspiring spectacle.” Please send in any photo submissions you have to regulars@theorbital.co.uk with the subject line as “In Your View”.

REGULARS

the science of...

SEEING GHO Continuing his quest to reveal the nitty gritty behind everyday activities, our resident scientist, Chris Pull, tackles the scary subject of ghosts

SHIT,

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If you’ve ever lived in Kingswood, then you’ll know what I mean when I say that the ‘shortcut’ back to campus is probably one of the most terrifying experiences you’ll have to endure in your adult life. Forget exam nerves: when its 1am, the wind is howling and you have to meander down those narrow brick-walled passages completely alone, there is no greater fear. Your heart begins to race, your limbs tense up and you’re so sure the eyes of a murderer are stalking you back to your halls that the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It’s not like the College even seems to care, what with the sparsely scattered lighting and overgrown vegetation casting shadows and making shapes that (when you are alone) you are almost positive are some form of paranormal being or escaped Broadmore patient. Of course, there is

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also Founder’s , purportedly one of the most haunted locations in the UK and you can believe it with the shadowy gargoyles and creepy statues. Founder’s is supposedly haunted by Thomas Holloway, who chooses to manifest himself as a black cat. Not exactly Haunting in Connecticut, is it? His wife has been known to make appearances on the 4th floor, and victorian ghost children can occasionally be seen running around the quads. But are there really such things as ghosts? The answer: probably not. Science can usually put most paranormal activity down to rational causes, such as noisy plumbing. It is interesting that most ghostly activities are pretty mundane - a picture frame falling or a door opening by itself. Surely if ghosts existed they would engage in much more frightening behaviour than

things that can be explained by a breeze or fuse blowing. So why do so many people ‘see’ spirits? Again, there is a scientific explanation, and it is all down to your brain having a laugh. It has long been known that the human imagination is a powerful tool; people often think they have seen things that are not there. Many studies have shown that this has to do with your eyes and your brain working together to make sense of the world. The theory goes that the brain is able to ‘fill in the blanks’ of your vision, drawing on past memories and experiences combined with what you are actually seeing, to create the image you do see. For example, when you wake up in the middle of the night and ‘see’ a man standing by your door, but find upon close inspection that it is just your hung up coat, your brain is taking THE ORBITAL October 2011

the image from your eyes (a humanlike shape), and combining that with your memories of what humans look like to create the ‘ghost’ you saw. This is an evolved survival response to help us to react quickly to new situations: it is better to think you can see someone about to mug you down the KW alley, and to react appropriately, than to wait until you’re close enough that it is to late. Also, because we constantly see other people around us, the predictive ability of the brain makes us see humans everywhere. Ever seen a human face in your burnt toast? The brain, in general, is very good at finding patterns in almost everything, which is also why we ‘see’, or rather create, shapes in clouds. I am sure almost all of you at some point will have seen ‘something out of the corner of your eye’, jumped and turned to see nothing - was it a ghost? No, just your brain and eyes again. Your peripheral vision is poor at defining shapes, but works well in darkness and is good at picking up movement. This is an evolved trait to enable us to catch predators hunting us. Because your peripheral vision cannot generate accurate images, your brain often has to guess as to what it is seeing, ensuring you react to the stimulus quickly. Again, it can cause you to think you are seeing a ghost. On top of all this, humans are highly suggestible. Experiments have been carried out where two groups of people have been led around the same house, with one group told it was haunted, and the other told it was under construction. Of course, the ‘haunted’ group reported lots of paranormal activity (phones not working, ghostly mutterings of their name) and feelings of spiritual presences. This is similar to the way we feel after watching a horror film, when

regulars@theorbital.co.uk

we expect the same thing to happen in our own lives. As well, we put human reasoning behind everything that goes on around us- scientists believe that our brains have become too good at recognising ‘agency’ or the reason why people do the things they do or see, which is why people sometimes talk about inanimate objects as if they have feelings or a conscious purpose. So, when a door opens of its own accord, it’s very easy for us to naturally assume there must be a spiritual presence behind it. It is also why people believe that events in life are often due to fatewe can’t detach ourselves from the idea that there is agency behind it. Thus, your brain, eyes and psychology are exceptional at allowing you to see spectres and spirits. It is all down to evolved responses to help you survive. Your hypersensitive brain knows that it is better to see a threat that isn’t there than to miss one that is! So next time you have to brave the KW shortcut, the Englefield green graveyard, or the corridors of Founder’s in the dead of night, bear this all in mind and tell yourself that you are being silly. Of course, there is always a small part of us that refuses to accept rational reasoning, and whilst researching this article I came across stories of many unexplained happenings that I think not even Dawkins, Hawkins or Cox would be able to explain. So beware this coming Halloween, because who really knows what makes things go bump in the night…

Q: Why couldn’t the witch have babies? A: Her husband had crystal balls!

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Photo: Petur Gauti

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Editor: Rana Banna reviews@theorbital.co.uk

Film Reviews: Must-see films: Drive and Jane Eyre

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Music: Ed Sheeran live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

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SU Event: Dangerous Minds? Photo: Phil John

As part of the vigorous Education Campaign our SU organised a superb night of poetry, live music and spoken word. On Tuesday 11th October, Tommy’s bar welcomed a full house, with its delightfully chilled atmosphere. It was an ideal evening of thought-provoking banter, with like-minded people, over a much needed drink or five... (especially after my 4 hours of lectures). Ruby Kid energetically opened and hosted the show, with his impressive hip-hop styled poetry (and later on a stirring rap song). From the start our attentions were immediately drawn to issues addressed in this showcase: the benefits of education and the wider issues surrounding our educational system. He was followed by the kindfaced and inviting Simon Mole, whose poetry expressed more personal, nostalgic ideas whilst remaining firmly relevant to the campaign. Delving into his childhood, we hear of his placard protests to ‘save the slugs’ from a salty death in his garden: an endearing yet politically charged memory. Deanna Rodger took to the stage with a genuine and passion fuelled performance, which at

times, almost seemed to bring her to tears. This carefully arranged set of three poems began with attempts to define her own racial identity and progressed to more intellectually stimulating global and social concerns. The forceful condemnation of social injustice was amplified through the powerful words of Anthony Anaxagorou. This act was accompanied by gawping mouths and succeeded by a roaring and ongoing cheer. His writing was truly original and informed, an enlightening performance which left minds buzzing in a sense of utter awe. After the interval, the spoken word debut of fellow Royal Holloway student, Luke Fairweather, was greeted with vocal support from proud peers. The final poet was the older but incredible, Tshaka Campbell. A witty, American accented writer, whose opening piece in response to the cuts on Education simply went, ‘F*** YOU’... this was received with cries of laughter, as he continued to win our hearts with his linguistically masterful, often comical poetry. The night was concluded with the enchantingly unconventional 5 piece

band, Poeticat. The more indie guitar riffs floated alongside the sometimes tribal beats of an instrumentalist, who appeared to be sitting on a box which he was skilfully drumming, using his hands. These beats worked nicely with the rhythmic panting of a female backing singer, and the chatty social commentary of the bands tambourine playing front woman. Overall...a charmingly alternative sound. The night was hugely successful in reinforcing answers to the campaign’s question ‘Why Defend Education?’. Tommy’s bar was inspirationally bursting with unifying and fervent support for the importance of intellectual and social awareness. If you missed Dangerous Minds, don’t fret too much, all the acts are on YouTube and the Education Campaign will continue all year, with an anti-cuts, anti-fees and antiprivatisation message. We are hugely privileged as Royal Holloway students, and it is our duty to participate in rescuing education from potential disintegration. Support our SU through rewarding events such as this! Rana Banna THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Music

µAlbum Review Bombay Bicycle Club: A Different Kind of Fix

The north-London indie-rockers have pedalled their way back onto our radar with A Different Kind Of Fix- their third album in as many years. Refreshingly refusing to stick to a signature style, Bombay Bicycle Club experiment with indiedance for their latest release and the results speak for themselves…the quartet have crafted an absolutely hypnotic album. The band boast a more upbeat and layered approach, with synth-driven

melodies which seems less Mumford And Sons and more Arcade Fire. The record kicks off with ‘How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep’: centred around a stripped-down rhythm, it bursts out into a myriad of beats and intertwining guitars to compliment the mellow lead vocals of Jack Steadman. The tempo keeps bopping along until ‘Lights Out, Words Gone,’ which is, hands down, my favourite offering from the album. This track exudes a heavenly, light-hearted feel, perfect to relax to after a long lecture-filled day, even helping you to forget about that impending essay-crisis! Lead single ‘Shuffle’ proves to be a microcosm of what the album is all about- a gradually building indie-dance state of euphoria, with looping piano riffs and a hint of melancholy. Whereas ‘Still’ proves to be an equally stunning (and unnerving) conclusion to a 12-track masterpiece. The band’s gamble to remould their sound has certainly paid off and is not to be missed. I cannot lie; I’m addicted to A Different Kind Of Fix. Alisha Wadiwalla

µAlbum Review Red Hot Chilli Peppers: I’m With You

Playlist #3 µWhat you can expect to hear over and over again this month Howlin’ For You The Black Keys We Found Love Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris I Won’t Let You Go James Morrison Heaven Emeli Sande Sexy and I Know It LMFAO Days Are Forgotten Kasabian Marry You Bruno Mars End Of Time Beyonce Lady Is A Tramp Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett Headlines Drake Shake It Out Florence and the Machine Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie Red Hot Chilli Peppers Free Natalia Kills feat. Will.I.AM

It’s not too far off the big ‘50’ for Mr Anthony Kiedis, yet something tells me that he wont be getting his AXA health plan letter in the post and calling it a day any time soon, especially if the new Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ new album is anything to go by. However, in all seriousness Kiedis, Chad, Flea and newbie Josh have created another splendid concoction of that signature chaotic, random funk-rock that we have come to know and love. ‘I’m With You’ was released on August 26th, and it is surprising that there hasn’t been more of a fuss made about it in the last couple of months. Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin the record includes infectious tracks such as ‘Monarchy of Roses’ and ‘The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie’ and it is fair to say that this is truly the Chillis at their best. reviews@theorbital.co.uk

There is, of course, the rather large elephant in the room- where did John Frusciante go and who is the scrawny, prepubescent impostor in his place? Ok that is perhaps a little harsh considering Josh Klinghoffer’s obvious talent, evident in tracks such as ‘Annie Wants a Baby’ where his guitar playing sounds well in keeping with the bands style, whilst ‘Brendan’s Death Song’ displays his meticulous and refined abilities. It’s their 10th album, and first release in 5 years. So if you haven’t heard it yet, then you should feel mildly ashamed for a second. There is, though, an opportunity to see them play London’s 02 Arena on November 7th. They say some bands get better with age and don’t the Chillis know it. Imogen Nation

It Girl Jason Derulo I Would Do Anything For You Foster the People Scary Monsters and NIce Sprites Skrillex Loca People Sak Noel No Regrets Dappy My Day Cosmo Jarvis U.N.I Ed Sheeran

REVIEWS

Theatre

µFilm Review Drive Probably the most stylish film I have seen in years. The Notebook’s heartthrob, Ryan Gosling, plays a mostly silent, curiously unnamed and über cool mechanic by day, and get-away driver by night. His brooding, toothpick-in-mouth image remains entirely composed and calculating throughout, (though we are nervously biting our nails!) as he speedily whisks away criminals from their crime scene. However, don’t mistake this film for a cliché boyish action experience. The movie is rich with beautifully shot and carefully composed sequences, which are accompanied by superb synthesized music. Composed by Cliff Martinez, the soundtrack is delightfully modern, yet ambient and tasteful. Danish filmmaker, Nicolas Winding Refn, was in fact chosen as director by Ryan Gosling, who is a fan of his work. Other actors include Carey Mulligan (An Education, 2009), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, TV series), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men, TV series) and various other well known and carefully chosen personalities. Based

on James Sallis’ 2005 crime novel, Drive has had outstanding critical success, having received a standing ovation at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. What strikes me as most fascinating and powerful is the film’s pace. Though it is never too slow, there is a sense of serenity

in the first half; the script is minimal and the scenes are carefully presented. However, in the second half of the film we move into 5th gear (excuse the pun), with accelerated action, spiralling into worsening, shockingly explicit gore. Though it is certainly not for the faint-hearted, the violence is so unforeseen that it is even more exciting. Extremely violent but even more stylish, the New York Times aptly described it as a ‘neo-noir art house feature’. I consider it so pioneering in its style, because it manages to transcend the Hollywood stereotypes of glamorised sex and fast cars. The silver Chevy Impala is reliable and generic, the people are appealing for their imperfections, and nothing is glamorised. And although the narrative structure may be somewhat familiar, Drive manages to provide a new arty genre to Hollywood crime thrillers. Whether you are a young artistic visionary, or just seeking the pleasure of a satisfyingly original film, Drive is unmissable. Don’t wait for the DVD, let the cinematic experience shock you into submission. Rana Banna

µFilm Review Jane Eyre

In the seemingly endless production of period dramas being rolled out by the movie industry, it is rare to find a film that satisfies both the desire for historical accuracy and provides that boost of romantic sentimentality that audiences adore so much. This adaptation of Jane Eyre, however, does not quite achieve this. Oh, it has its good points, and I would recommend going to see it if you love a good period romance... but don’t expect to be dazzled. The cast itself meets approval on the surface – especially the rather alluring Michael Fassbender, as our deliciously dark Mr Rochester. And yet the acting is somewhat emotionless and stilted at points; for instance the proposal scene, one of the most emotionally charged moments of the novel, comes across as

one dimensional and the audience is left feeling under-whelmed and disappointed. However, the remarkable Judi Dench steals the show in her supporting role as Mrs Fairfax, sending the audience into giggles with her silent disapproval of Jane and Rochester’s love. The filming locations were perfect and visually stunning, completely satisfying any historical nit-pickers. Likewise, costume was modest and accurate for the period; the production team resisted the urge to sexualise the clothing, as many other adaptations do in order to appeal to modern audiences – this has the added advantage of a visceral thrill when we see Rochester half undressed, a stark contrast to his usual buttoned up look. The style of the movie was unusual in

that it wasn’t told in chronological order; instead it begins with Jane on the moors, looking back over her life at Thornfield. Personally, I found that this quirky rearrangement of events didn’t add much to the overall outcome, and would only confuse those not already familiar with the story. The film was directed superbly, with many memorable moments – even now, weeks later, remembering the understatedly erotic scene of the fire in Rochester’s room encourages a rather embarrassing urge to swoon. Overall, I would give this film 4 stars, and certainly recommend it as a form of romantic escapism from student life. Vicky Ryder

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Literary

µBook Review Damned

The work of Chuck Palahniuk, the famed author of Fight Club, is well-known for being both supremely original and profoundly shocking. A prime example is Guts, a short story detailing three masturbatory misadventures of increasing unlikelihood and monstrosity, which is infamous for causing two audience members to faint when it was first read aloud in public. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that his latest novel, Damned, is just as imaginative, incendiary and unsuitable for the faint-hearted as his previous efforts.

Madison Spencer is the cynical, overweight daughter of an obscenely rich celebrity couple, who after dying of a marijuana overdose on her 13th birthday, finds herself condemned to the sweltering depths of hell. Rather than resigning herself to an eternity of grief, Madison instead rallies a ragtag bunch of dead misfits (not unlike the cast of The Breakfast Club) around her, and sets off across the deserts of the abyss in the hopes of gaining an audience with the Prince of Darkness himself. What results is an often compelling (if ultimately unfulfilling) adventure that merges Dante’s Inferno with Judy Blume’s Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. ‘Damned’ certainly has a lot of twisted charm. Palahniuk’s interpretation of the underworld is vivacious and captivating, combining ancient mythology with elements of the modern world to great effect. A wholly unique landscape is presented to the reader, in which Persian demons munch on candy bars, the lost souls of ancient Egyptians and Romans work as telemarketers in a satanic call centre, and legions of lost souls wander past the Swamp of Partialbirth Abortions and the Sea of Insects. The characters are appealing and the narration provided by Madison, while a little repetitive, is amusing and functions well. However, the book is not without its flaws. While Madison makes for a charismatic and engaging narrator, her character

is subjected to such thorough exploration that the pacing of the novel is sacrificed. Great periods of inaction emerge as a result, marring what could have been a more fastpaced and exhilarating experience. In contrast, the promising supporting characters never live up to their full potential or evolve at all over the course of the novel, appearing disappointingly bland and one-dimensional in the face of the exhaustive analysis of the heroine. Unfortunately, Palahniuk finally seems to lose control of the novel once and for all in its closing chapters. Presenting the reader with an unconvincing plot twist, pseudo-dilemmas that are far too easily resolved and an abrupt and unsatisfying ending, this feels extremely rushed and is, frankly, a huge letdown. While it is a great shame to see a novel that starts so strongly fall flat in its final pages, ‘Damned’ is, nevertheless, worth a read. True, it feels more long-winded and clumsy than Palahniuk’s previous works, but it is still an exceptionally engrossing and enjoyable novel, the highlights of which are more than worth sticking around for. Stomaching its disturbing themes and grotesque scenarios may be a challenge for some. But for open-minded students who hunger for inspired, immersive and intellectually stimulating literature, ‘Damned’ is highly recommended. (Damned is scheduled to be published on October 18, 2011). Thomas Edwards

chester is a man the audience and artists continue to enjoy. This issue is the first of a 2-part thriller by Brian Wood: Caledonia: The Dogs of Edinburgh, and is set before the recent TV series. We see Sam return to an Edinburgh University he arrived at 3 years earlier. The moment he enters the doors, déjà vu strikes, and he begins to recall meeting an ‘incredibly beautiful woman’. There are awkward exchanges in the University library and, as is so often the case, one thing leads to another....and they end up seeing blue ghosts (we’ve all been there…?). The script is by no means thrilling, but Brian Wood’s simplistic style complements the characters and the subject matter very well. This minimalistic approach continues with Grant Bond’s scruffy, uncontrolled artwork. Colours and shades bleed into one another, perfectly capturing the horrific atmosphere. For the first half of a story, it is perhaps slightly underwhelming in content, but this only builds anticipation for the sequel, ensuring part two is an essential purchase.

At £2.50, ‘Supernatural’ is the perfect fix of pre-Halloween escapism for the student on a budget. Dan Hunter

µComic Book Review Supernatural What a time to be a comic book fan. Disney bought the rights to the Marvel franchise, paving the way for Pixar to potentially include galactic characters such as Hulk and Spiderman in any of their upcoming releases. Astute big-screen offerings like the brilliant X-Men: Origins have rejuvenated audiences, and with Batman: Arkham City on Xbox 360/PS3 fans have enjoyed perhaps the finest super-hero videogame of all time. DC Comics have been busy too, and announcing ‘The New 52’ revamp has perhaps been the most attention grabbing move of all. So with superheroes doing so well in video games and on the big screen, can ‘The New 52’ reignite the fans passion for a monthly paperback? While the name Sam Winchester (Supernatural’s protagonist) probably doesn’t hold as much sway in the paranormal universe as Iron Man, it is one that has been treated delicately by DC over the years. A successful TV adaption of Supernatural has recently entered its seventh season (beat that, Dexter!), proving that Mr. Winreviews@theorbital.co.uk

Ed Sheeran Photo: Ian Taylor

Live at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London Following on from two top ten singles, a number one album and a myriad of major award nominations, Ed Sheeran is rounding off an incredible 2011 with a sold-out UK tour. Expectations were high amongst the crowd in the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, the atmosphere building as support acts Gary Dunne and former Nizlopi (‘JCB Song’) frontman, Luke Concannon, warmed up those crammed inside the venue. Sheeran eventually took to the stage with one of his album tracks ‘Grade 8’ and was greeted by an overwhelmingly supportive crowd, who sang along with vigour at some of the more popular tracks, such as ‘U.N.I.’ and ‘The City’. The audience (mostly) respected the gentler, softer vocal stylings of the twenty year old, like his cover of ‘Wayfaring Stranger’ which was delivered gracefully and hauntingly. That said, on a personal level, the moment was ruined by an intoxicated adolescent nearby shouting out, despite Sheeran’s call for quiet. Nonetheless, it is a testament to both the loyalty of his fans and Sheeran’s own masterful song writing abilities that, only a few weeks after the

release of debut album, ‘+’, every person in the venue knew all the lyrics to every song from the album. Whilst this gig was largely a oneman show, Sheeran was joined by Mikill Pane to perform a mash-up of ‘Little Lady’ and ‘The A Team’. This seemed to work quite well, although it served only to show that Sheeran’s talent and rap abilities supersede that of many other current artists. A cover of ‘Hallelujah’ also featured seventeen year old Nina Nesbitt, whose vocals were impressive for one so young in a venue so large. Emily Jupp of The Independent suggested that Nesbitt “stole the show” and was “the best part of the night” – I can’t help but feel Miss Jupp wasn’t actually in attendance. Whilst I don’t deny Nesbitt’s talent, Sheeran’s ingenious lyrics, signature vocals and down-to-earth attitude have won him great acclaim from the public, from fellow musicians (Pixie Lott was in attendance!) and award judges, and made for a great gig. This gig wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty close. I find it very hard to be negative about a show which ends with everyone shouting those witty lyrics ‘they say I’m up-and-coming like I’m f***ing in an elevator’, followed by an explosion of orange and white from two industrial-sized confetti cannons. Brilliant! Angus Wyatt

Ed’s next single will be ‘Lego House’ from the ”+” album and if it’s anywhere near as popular as his previous chart hits, then he could have his first number one single on his hands!

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Literary

µTate Modern does it represent value for money... oh wait it’s free! Photo: Colin Donald

oughly five million people visit the Tate Modern a year, making it the most visited modern art museum in the world. The Tate, unlike the more traditional art museums, such as The National Gallery, houses a wider array of different works, ranging from paintings to sculptures, ready–mades to installations, and video footage of performance art dating from 1900 until today. Therefore, it is no surprise that the different art forms within the Tate incidentally cause mixed opinions among the public. How do people truly perceive it’s contemporary works? Quite often, I have heard observers turn to one another with a baffled, screwed up, perplexed look followed by… “it’s a pile of sh**” or “my nine year old sister

could do that!” And yet, in contrast, I have witnessed others scrutinizing the same piece in astonishment, carefully examining its composition. But what about the more obscure art, such as Carolee Schneemann’s 1975 document of her performance ‘The Scroll’. The printed documentation records her public performance whereby, she removed a 42 inch rolled up scroll on Feminism, from her vagina, which she then read to the staggered spectators. Is this, therefore, an unsuitable display, because her performance could be considered disturbing or corrupt? Or perhaps favourable, because of Schneeman’s unique interpretation of art? What about Man Ray’s 1921 ‘Cadeau’ or ‘The Gift’, a ready-made construction

of two disparate objects: a piece of iron with a menacing row of 14 nails attached to the bottom? The objects, when fused together, create something destructive and confronting, making it more like a weapon than its ironic suggested title ‘The Gift’. Would this not be considered a form of art because ‘my twelve year old sister could make it’? How do we, therefore, determine or define art? Do viewers consider modern art degenerate or ‘a pile of sh**’, because it doesn’t conform to their previous understanding of art and its aesthetic qualities? Are skilful aesthetics the only way of telling if something is worthy of being categorised as art? Many modern artists intend for interpretation in their work. They often do so by incorporating or challenging contemporary philosophy, feminism or socialism. It has almost become a woven network of ideologies that help make modern art what it is. So perhaps next time you hop on the Egham train to London Waterloo and tube it to Southwark to visit the Tate Modern… try to consider these questions using your own investigative tools. You may find that the skills you have picked up in your degree, like Freudian Psychoanalysis for example, fits in well with Surrealism, or even History with Dadaism. Analysis, combined with personal knowledge and understanding, may then allow you to revise contemporary art from a more considered perspective. April Heath

µTheatre Review Hiraeth’s Production of Macbeth at Barons Court

veryone knows the superstitiously regarded tale of Macbeth: the Scottish guy, predicted to become king by three witches, whose evil wife gets him to murder the current king, and (typical of a Shakespearean tragedy) they all die in the end. But what happens when you confine this to a tiny basement with an audience of around 8 members? Well, the Hiraeth production of Macbeth at Barons Court Theatre did just that. This confined space meant a highly minimalistic set, composed of only one wooden chair, brought on and off stage accordingly. Such an intimate venue heightened intensity, creating the claustrophobic illusion that the audience is trapped within the tragic lives of these reviews@theorbital.co.uk

characters. And so, the spectator feels caught within the conflicting psyches of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, as they are psychologically tormented by their own guilt. However, the setting did have its limitations… Battle scenes, for example, were substituted through the use of ‘stills’, accompanied by sound effects of war echoing in the background. The cast instigated mixed responses. Kazeem Amore’s portrayal of Macbeth could be described as loud, wild and aggressive, as he intermittently made primitive, hissing sounds throughout his performance. His mood swings were so abrupt and so frequent that they often didn’t seem genuine. Nevertheless, Lady

Macbeth was superbly performed by Zoé Ford, who also happened to be the company director… This intriguing theatre company is still in its early stages, and there is much to be improved upon. And yet, I would recommend that any theatre students or enthusiasts investigate their curious work, as it is full of potential. Baron’s Court theatre is great for University of London students, not only located just off the west-end, but also underneath a delightful pub: The Curtains Up. A night at an unforgettable venue, followed by the opportunity of drinks and intellectual theatre banter with your friends... it’s quite ideal. Beatrice Galloway

Music & Fashion e l The Relationship y t s e Lif Editor: Elinor Gittins lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

photo: hjrosasq

4Kate Haslett tells us about how music and fashion affect each other...

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Feature: Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for kids

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Listings: Events on and off campus for the next 3 weeks 34

4Fashion 4Make Up 4Travel4Listings 4Food

Halloween Get some inspiration for costumes and make up

The Union Jack mini-dress: back in 1997 we all wanted it. When Geri Halliwell first strutted onto the stage of the Brit Awards in that iconic piece of sartorial patriotism, the relationship between music and fashion had never been stronger. Girl power and Brit Pop captured the zeitgeist, the fash pack were all wearing grungy leathers and flannels, and all I wanted for Christmas was a pair of platforms like Baby Spice. Music and fashion a new-found marriage of perfection, right? But this inextricable link was not formed in the decade of ‘antifashion’, of Blur, and of Nirvana – it’s much older than that. Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, dates it back to London in the swinging 1960s when Mick Jagger, wearing a dress while playing in Hyde Park, shook up society, and numerous other commentators label Elvis, David Bowie and Madonna as the lodestars. So how has this creative relationship developed since then? The ancient adage of ‘what we hear is what we see’ undoubtedly still resonates in 2011. When we see Coco Summer’s angular face,

dark hair and androgynous style, we can almost hear the low, husky voice and dark lyricist of the song ‘Self-Machine’. It’s the same with the avant-garde crew of Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce. Take away the fashion, the leotards and the crazy dresses and headpieces; their music is suddenly strangely lacking. Hollow, almost. The zany lyrics need their fellow medium of eccentric outfits. Rihanna’s most famous video (Only Girl in the World; look it up if you haven’t seen it) is a case in point. A video that is all about the visual presents an effervescent Rihanna dancing around an exotic desert locale in the most fabulous clothes. She is completely alone and completely amazing, and what we are presented with is another video that pushes the boundaries of the different, but not opposing, industries. But it is not simply fashion that influences and enhances music. The relationship is completely reciprocal. With popstars headlining advertising campaigns for fashion houses (think Lily Allen for Chanel or Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana), one thing is crystal clear: we’ve come a long way.

Pitch an idea to lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

OR... you can get in touch with the lifestyle team and join our mailing list, from which articles will be frequently commissioned, as well as having the opportunity to pitch your own thoughts. You’re also welcome to attend our regular writers’ meetings. THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

HalloweMeanke Up

Listings

Dalia Fillipi

The Scary Clown

Buy body paint. I recommend buying Kryolan aqua colour for a deeper effect. Pick any colours you like, but they should be bright. Use black to contrast and draw outlines of the mask. Then fill it in with colours and details. Use your imagination! You can use a sponge to smudge red around your eye and apply eyeliner and mascara. For a little extra, use false eyelashes. Remember, the colours may start to run on a hot, active night. If you mix them with a little bit of alcohol, it has a waterproof effect. However, don’t apply this around the eye!

The Triangle I love this look! It’s actually a lot easier than it seems. All you need is some creme eye shadow and tape. Use the tape as a stencil in any shape you like (I made a triangle around the eye), then just colour in. It’s the best way to get a perfectly straight line. For an unbalanced effect, use a different look on the other eye. The make up is accentuated by pale skin, so perhaps use some powder. For a little something extra, smudge some fake blood onto your lips!

DIY Costumes

Leopard Lips

Also easier than it looks. Simply use liquid eyeliner to draw the leopard spots onto your lips. You can try to imitate the shapes I have used. Then use clear gloss over them. All you need to remember is not to use lipstick as it will blend with the eyeliner. Try to use your eyeliner to create a feline look for the eyes as well. Use a triangular shape in the corners. Combine it with a cat costume, and you’re ready for Halloween!

4It’s coming up to that time of year again: falling leaves, dark evenings, Halloween! While it’s great to

buy costumes, strapped-for-cash students may find these tips from Freya McIntosh helpful.

Cereal Killer

Take a large empty cereal packet or several fun-pack sized ones and splash liberally with fake blood (food colouring will do). Once this has dried, stick a plastic knife through a packet and glue it onto on old t-shirt. Et voila, instant cereal killer!

Mummy

Buy loads of loo-roll from Tesco and get a friend to wrap it around your whole body. Don’t forget to wear some decent clothing underneath otherwise you might be in for a bit of an embarrassment if it unravels! lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

Pirate

Roll up some old trousers or, even better, cut off the ends of the legs, leaving them ragged. Add a stripy tshirt, a bandana , a hooped earring (if you don’t have your ears pierced buy a clip-on ) and an eye-patch (an easy way to create an eye-patch effect is to draw one on with eyeliner and colour it in). And there you go, the perfect pirate outfit (added parrot optional!).

Cat

Take a pair of old black tights and cut the two legs off. Stuff one of these with cotton wool and tie the end in

a knot. Pin or sew this to the back of black trousers or leggings and add a black top to the ensemble. For the ears buy a headband and selotape on two triangles of cardboard (you can get these from a cereal packet). There you have it! You’re ready to roll, or should I say prowl?

Skeleton

Use chalk (70p at Tesco) to draw out a skeleton on a black top and leggings or create one using masking tape. Every-body will be jealous of your fab outfit.

Climbing

Mt. Kili

Jessica Kinney tells us how she raised money for Childreach International this summer...

ummer, 2011. The average student probably enjoyed a week in the sun with booze, pool-parties and friends, spent some time with family, got themselves ahead with reading and writing, worked a few shifts at the pub to fill their pockets for the term ahead... sounds like a good summer to me! But, being the nutcase that I am, I didn’t grant myself the same, calm summer. Instead, I agreed to the challenge of climbing the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, Africa) for charity. Also known as the ‘Roof of Africa’, Mt. Kili stands at 5895 metres above

sea level - it was no mean feat! All in aid of ‘Childreach International’, I, along with six other RHUL students, was climbing for a fabulous cause, organised through our campus’ RAG society. We each had a fundraising target of £2440 which all of us managed to reach, and some of us exceeded - my personal total after seven months was £3790. The trek took six days, four and a half up and one and a half down. It was certainly the most physically (and, perhaps, emotionally) challenging thing I have ever done. However, I never once regretted it! Our goal was always in sight - the glacial peak of this formidable

mountain. We were given the opportunity to visit the school in Moshi (Tanzania) which our money was going towards - we spent a day with the children, playing and teaching, and it really helped us to persevere through our trek! Although exhausting, I had the time of my life. I would highly recommend getting involved in such events - it’s a great way to raise money for your chosen charity and you get to go on life-changing expeditions. Luckily for you, there is an exciting opportunity ahead. Please contact me at Jessica. kinney.2010@live.rhul.ac.uk for more info about our upcoming charity trek - ‘EXPEDITION EVEREST’.

Listings

Come Dine with Me ... on a student budget

Anna Hamilton joins James as he attempts to wow his flatmates with his Chicken Stir-fry recipe.

W A N T T O

‘Come Dine with Me’ comes to Royal Holloway this week, but this time it won’t just be the food, entertainment and sarcastic commentary the contestants need to worry about... it’s the price! Can these undergraduates produce a thrifty meal worthy of scholarly acclaim, or will they be thankful they have their pricey pizza deliverer on speed dial?

Ingredients

Method

410g diced chicken - £1.72 400g Stir-fry vegetable pack - £1 300g Ready for wok noodles - £1.39 2 tbsp Soy Sauce - 20p (£1 per 150ml bottle) 2 tbsp Sweet chilli sauce - 20p (£1.09 per 200ml bottle) 1 clove garlic - 2p (19p per garlic bulb) 1/2 lime - 13p (26p per lime) Total: £4.66 Per person: £1.55

To prepare his stir fry, James fries the chicken in some olive oil until golden brown, before adding crushed garlic, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. He then adds the stir fry vegetables and fries for 2 minutes before adding the ready to wok noodles. 2 more minutes in the pan and it’s done. He serves with an optional garnish of cucumber, cherry tomatoes and spring onions.

The Verdict? After enjoying the food and some witty banter, it’s time to see how James did! The students look happy, the scores are on the boards... It’s 10 out 10 for James! And the students’ bank balance looks safe for another dinner time, as the undergraduates learn to cook a delicious meal on an equally appealing budget of £1.55 per person!

W R I T E F O R L I F E S T Y L E ?

Top tips for students on a budget:

- Save money buying bottles of sauces you may be able to use again rather than those pricey sachets of sauce. It tastes a huge amount better! - Buy in bulk. Cooking for 3 or 4 of you will turn out to be much cheaper than just cooking for yourself. Plus, there’s much more room for error in the kitchen!

Get in touch with lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

We want as many writers on our mailing lists as possible and to have as many students contributing as our magazine and website page can handle! There’s something for everyone, so don’t be shy!

lifestyle@theorbital.co.uk

HerUni.com

The London Uni girl’s go-to guide

For girls who want to be in the know, HerUni.com is the perfect online destination. Founded in June 2011, the website has rapidly developed into a citywide phenomenon which aims to entertain and inform students from all over the capital. Described by Marketing Director Lorelei Marfil as “the authority, the ultimate source,” HerUni.com is packed with articles on style, beauty, health, love, culture, lifestyle and news “for the smart and sophisticated female student.” All content is written by students from the University of London, and therefore the website provides a great platform from which budding journalists and bloggers can launch their online careers. Furthermore, the website has pages devoted to individual universities, meaning that students from Royal Holloway are able to contribute to their own MyUni section. Marfil explains how “HerUni’s granular content created by students for students tackles the problems and issues faced by Uni girls every day.” In an interview with The Orbital, Director of HerUni Geraldine Haneine expressed how valuable HerUni.com can be to potential journalists, explaining that personal blogs have “a certain limit”, and that to be published on the website would expose a writer to a readership in its thousands. Indeed, HerUni.com is rapidly gaining a strong reputation, recently receiving Handpicked Media’s ‘Get Blogging’ award, and having been shortlisted for the 2011 Cosmopolitan Blog Awards. As Haneine points out, the person reading your article may even be a potential employer. To write for HerUni.com, please contact e.pressnell@heruni.com. For Marketing, Press, and all other editorial enquiries, please email lorelei@heruni.com. www.heruni.com/my-uni/royal-holloway Twitter: @HerUniRHUL Emily Pressnell

LIFESTYLE

October-November

21-31 OCTOBER

Experimental Food Society Spectacular

Brick Lane, London £5

This celebration of food in its most unexpected and impressive forms will appeal to all, from the curious foodie to the next Heston Blumenthal. The two-day extravaganza features pioneering gourmet artists and culinary innovators exhibiting their skills in arts such as butter sculpture and sonic food, as well as the opportunity to experience edible clothing, an edible mosaic and perhaps the weirdest of all, camel milk ice cream.

highlights

Photo: mostaque

21 October

Week #1 London Film Festival, 12-27 Oct, various venues This year the British Film Institute hosts the 55th edition of the UK’s largest celebration of international cinema. The festival honours film in all its forms, from intelligent and lyrical narratives to boundary-pushing experimental pieces, through short films, documentaries and the remaking of classical tales. The programme is a richly diverse spread of cinematic creativity, and there is certainly something for everyone. £7-£30

A Night at the Theatre, 23-25 Oct, SU This collaboration between RHUL’s performance societies is the first show of the year on campus and promises to be an entertaining night of dance, drama and music. The show runs for three nights and includes performances from MTS, Dance Society, Savoy Opera Society, Absolute Harmony, the Holloway Players, Indian Dance Society, Gospel Choir, Voices of Holloway and RAG Panto, so make sure you come and support your friends! £7

Week #2

The Museum of Everything, until 25 Oct, Selfridges, London This weird and wonderful exhibition of Outsider Art returns in its fourth incarnation at one of London’s best department stores this month. An eye-opening experience for the art aficionado and novice alike, Photo: Holly Berry Outsider Art combines work of all mediums from marginalised, untrained, and often unintentional artists. FREE

War Horse: Fact and Fiction, from 22 Oct, National Army Museum This exhibition aims to investigate the true history behind Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling novel ‘War Horse’, using artefacts and research from his own archives, as well as material from the acclaimed National Theatre production. The exhibition brings to life the vital role of the horse during wartime with interactive displays and digital content from Steven Spielberg’s upcoming feature film version of the novel. FREE

Dance Umbrella: Neliswe Xaba/ Mamela Nyamza, 28-29 Oct, The Place Part of an ongoing series of cultural dance performances across the month of October, this double bill of South African solo artists looks to be one of the most interesting. Xaba presents a performance representing the tale of an African woman exploited in a nineteenth century European circus, whilst Nyamza will demonstrate the tensions between classical ballet and African dance, revealing a woman’s evolving

3-week LISTINGS 38

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Listings

Photo: Danny Nicholson

5 November

4Halloween Fright Night – Thorpe Park The tenth anniversary of Thorpe Park Fright Nights is set to be the scariest ever. This year, not only will the usual rides in the dark and five terrifying live action horror mazes be running, but there is now too an all-new bloodcurdling attraction for 2011 to be experienced – Experiment 10, a sinister government test laboratory. Prepare for some disturbing nightmares! Photo: Inferno Insane £36.60-£39

sexuality within the conventions of marriage. £13 The Horne Section, 29 Oct, Criterion Theatre Alex Horne’s comedy production, accompanied by his magnificent five-piece jazz band, returns to London after sell-out performances at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is a must-see performance for fans of the gloriously funny Australian singer-songwriter Tim Minchin, the show’s special guest. £15-£25

Bonfire Night Fireworks, Battersea Park For one of the most inexpensive London firework displays, this show in Battersea certainly has a lot to offer. Not only will seasonal snacks like candyfloss, toffee apples and roasted chestnuts be available to purchase from stalls, adding to the classic Guy Fawkes night atmosphere, but the firework show itself has been created by the experts who designed displays for the Thames Festival and the Disney Concert Orchestra in Dubai. £6-10

Week #3 Intelligence Squared: Great Minds Lecture, 1 Nov, Royal Geographical Society, London A topical and fascinating talk from Harvard professor Steven Pinker, an expert in visual cognition and psycholinguistics. The lecture will address the notion of the decline of violent behaviour around the world through the past centuries, in terms of organised government and progressive ideas, and its far-reaching nature will appeal to students across the departments. £12.50

Spirit of Christmas Fair, 2-6 Nov, Olympia The Olympia venue will be transformed into a winter wonderland shopping mall designed solely with Christmas shopping in mind. With over 600 companies selling all Christmasrelated goods imaginable, from gifts and decorations to seasonal food and wine, as well as culinary workshops, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Even more enticing, with everything in one place, you might even be able to get all of your presentbuying done in a day! £16-18

Outdoor Ice Skating, 4 Nov - 8 Jan, Natural History Museum A popular winter event, outdoor ice skating signals the beginning of the magical Christmas season for many people. If the 1,000-metre-square ice rink set against the spectacular Natural History Museum wasn’t enough, the festive atmosphere is heightened with thousands of fairy lights in the trees, and hot chocolate or mulled wine to warm up afterwards, making this a great end of term activity to bring big groups of friends together. £11.50-£13

Photo: DickyMart

Kate Maguire

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

The craft of creating a t r o Sp ocs new Society S &S

Editor: Vacant sportandsocs@theorbital.co.uk

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RHUL Boat Club row from Oxford to Staines

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Coming out the Gym Locker Homophobia in sport

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Geeks? Which masters student is the biggest geek?

tudents have a veritable smorgasbord of choice at Royal Holloway when it comes to clubs and societies. Hollowegians have the luxury of selecting from around 35 sports clubs and 65 societies during their time at university, not to mention the opportunity to write all been entertained that these groups are for The Orbital and The by the ongoing email superfluous- aren’t Founder, volunteer in debate over the lovers of Shakespeare the local community and proposed creation of catered for by DramaSoc? help with RAG. a Craft Society. While Feminists by existing However, recently all such projects seem political groups? we have witnessed the disconnected, the Obviously, for those blossoming of new salient trend is towards part of these startsocieties set up by specialisation. ups, the answer is ‘no’. pioneering individuals Our Baking Society Arguably a specialised and groups who feel is being formed to society with an active their personal hobbies further the culinary membership can do more or political causes are arts on campus. There to further specific causes underrepresented by the is no group out there than a party within an Students’ Union. This already doing this, and established does not “Those suggesting that the society who mean that the to contend SU has failed blossoming of new societies have with a broader, us in some but less flexible, is adversely affecting the way. In fact, membership. it downright budgets of larger, more Those suggesting encourages popular groups are mistaken” that the people to blossoming of set up their own societies, providing undoubtedly it represents new societies is adversely affecting the budgets detailed instructions on a specialised hobby. Yet their website on how to there still exists a demand of larger, more popular groups are mistaken. go about getting a pet for it to exist. Students A new group has to project officially ratified. with specific agendas survive at least a year Many took the SU more and more want up on this offer this them officially sanctioned before receiving any SU September. Along by the SU, which provides funds, and even then new membership fees with some friends, I societies with funds, should make up the bulk sponsored the creation of space to advertise, and of their resources. There a Baking Society, which the right to book rooms is nothing wrong with is now approaching the on campus. Last year starting a society of your committee stage. Others saw the formation of developed a Marxist the Shakespeare Society, own, and the SU will be with you the whole way. Society, to broaden the Feminist Society, and So, what’s stopping you? forum of political debate People and Planet. Louis Woodhall on campus. We have Some may argue THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Community Action

Photo: RHUL

Community Action: Calling all Students

4 April Howard urges you to volunteer and to make a difference to your community.

alling all students! Come and get involved in Make A Difference Day (MADD), a volunteering event for one day in the local community on Friday 21st October. Whether it’s feeling as a Fresher you’re stuck in ‘the bubble’ of campus, simply wishing to get to know the local area more, or wanting to help out the community we call home for most of the year; volunteering on Friday 21st is for you! There’s no obligation to volunteer on a long term basis – Royal Holloway’s Community Action team (to be found in the Student Activities Office in the Students’ Union building) run dayevents dotted around term-time with local community partners, charities and organisations. The first one this term is Make A Difference Day,

followed by Christmas-themed action nearer the end of term. Students in past MADD days have painted community buildings, helped schools, made artwork, and got green fingers gardening for local residents, amongst other projects. You don’t have to be free for the whole of Friday 21st: if you’ve got an hour or so between 9am and 5pm, you’re still more than welcome to help out and have fun. It’s not just individual volunteering; students can volunteer on behalf of clubs and societies in groups. Whether you’re motivated by the chance to have fun with your mates and give a bit back to the local community, Make A Difference Day is a quick and easy way to top up registered volunteering hours for the new Royal Holloway Passport, where your hardwork is recognised by the University.

To sign up for Make A Difference Day follow the link www.rhul.ac.uk/Services/ Volunteering/forms/vw-volunteerMADD.shtml and give your details and availability. If anyone is interested in long-term volunteering through projects across Surrey and the wider area, go to www. rhul.ac.uk/volunteering/projects.aspx or email volunteering@rhul.ac.uk for an extensive list of the opportunities awaiting you. Community Action can also be found on Facebook. To register for the Royal Holloway Passport please email your name, student ID and College email address to passportaward@rhul.ac.uk.

Men’s Rugby Club start to show promise

4 Jack Smale reveals why the Rugby Club has been celebrating before the season has even started

oyal Holloway Mens’ Rugby 1st XV rounded off their preseason preparations in emphatic style with victories over league rivals Brighton and Brunel at a Round Robin tournament hosted by Hove RFC. Led by newly appointed captain Adam ‘Rock’ McCulloch, the Holloway Rangers entered the tournament seemingly as underdogs but stunned the home team Brighton with a narrow 15-12 victory. Andrew Bullmore was the outstanding player of the

sportandsocs@theorbital.co.uk

game, putting in a fine performance at hooker. After two seasons as a fringe player, making most of his appearances for the 2nd XV, the ‘Ginger Ninja’ appears to have finally cemented his place in the front row and leads from the front. The team were then forced to play against Brunel straight after, whose fresh legs gave them a distinct advantage particularly in the backs. But under the guidance of coach Anthony Andrews, the team defended

hard and managed to secure a rare 12-12 draw. This season, several new players have joined the squad, providing additional strength and depth to an already talented squad. Following an intense series of fitness and conditioning sessions as part of the College’s ‘Performance Package’, the team has taken on a much more professional persona and now appear to be real contenders for promotion to BUCS South Eastern League 1A.

SPORT & SOCS

RHUL Boat Club row from Oxford to Staines

4Ed Resek recounts RHULBC’s impressive 122km row for British charity, Help for Heroes

n 30 May 2011 the RHUL Boat Club Mens’ Squad, with the help of the committee and coach, rowed a coxed-four 122km from Oxford back to Staines to raise funds for Help For Heroes and the club. The first group of rowers left RHUL with the boat at 3am and were on the water in Oxford by 5.30am. With crew changes at regular intervals the squad rowed through three counties and through several Thameside towns including Abingdon, Reading, Windsor, and rowing capital of the world Henley-upon-Thames. The original aim was for the boat to leave RHUL boathouse in the early morning and be back before midnight, but due to circumstances beyond the squad’s control, including getting stuck in the middle of a malfunctioning lock at Windsor, the squad had to suspend their progress at 1am and wait for the next morning to complete the distance. RHULBC Coach Simon Biddle calculated that without the delay at the lock and

the intervals taken to change over rowers in the boat, it took the team just under nineteen hours to row the 122km. The squad and committee managed to raise £751.30 for the event, which will be supplemented by Annual Fund support through the college, before 10% of the total is donated through RAG to Help For Heroes. The remainder of the funds will go towards replacing the rowing shoes in the club’s Mens’ Eight and Mens’ Four, as well the purchase of another single scull racing shell. The RHULBC committee wants to thank everyone who donated to the fundraiser and promises that this year they will repeat the rowathon and smash last year’s 19 hour time, complete the distance in the same day (locks permitting!) and raise even more money. They also wish to thank Craig Sherwood, a good friend of the club, who sacrificed an entire weekend and most of his sanity to ride alongside the four for the whole distance in his safety launch.

sek

Photos: Ed Re

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

Coming Out of the Gym Locker

Rugby legend, Gareth Thomas, is the only ever International player to come out as gay

Photo: Pascal Pavani

4Dan Garbutt, SURHUL Sports Officer, on tackling homophobia and the perception of homophobia in sport As if coming to university isn’t difficult enough, having to come out all over again can be torture for those less confident. Most students, irrespective of their identity, seek to get involved in extracurricular activities. For many, this is sport. Sport has the potential to be rife with homophobia. Due to its inherent physicality and gender segregation, sport is bursting with stereotypes. Anyone who chooses to cross gender-defined barriers is automatically handed a label: men who choose gymnastics are regarded as ‘gay’, and a women who chooses rugby must be a ‘lesbian’. This can cause many talented young men and

women to shy away from participating in their chosen sport because of the perceived stereotyping. These stereotypes also make it difficult for homosexual sportspeople to come out to their team mates.

Sport has the potential to be rife with homophobia and bursts with stereotypes Many talented, young sports players have had promising careers cut short because their teammates didn’t accept them. Are we leaders or are we followers? Do we wait to be told what is right

or do we act as guardians of our own society and decide this for ourselves? University is a place where, regardless of race, sex, age, religion, or sexuality, we are judged by our performance and achievements. Shouldn’t sport also be judged by the same criteria? As Sports Officer, I propose a yearlong campaign. Starting right here on campus, we can remove homophobic attitudes from our sport and extend the values of fair play amongst all our players. Playing the ‘Holloway Way’ is something many teams uphold. By extending those values throughout our institution and across the pitch we can help lead the way in creating fair sport for all.

The Orbital needs a Sports and Societies Editor. Please email deputyeditor@theorbital.co.uk if you are interested in filling this role.

sportandsocs@theorbital.co.uk

GAME ON! SPORT & SOCS

Where the lads and lasses of Royal Holloway battle it out. Contact us to put a team-mate, friend or society member forward. All entries to editor@theorbital.co.uk

Which Masters student will come out ahead in our geek test? Will Geography student , Emily HamptonMatthews get her geek on? Or will Olly Parsons rise to the boff challenge.

EMILY HAMPTON-MATTHEWS How many union nights have you been to so far?

Three I think, does that make me boring?!

How many lectures have you missed this term?

Only one so far. Quite depressing though, one missed lecture = £200 down the drain.

OLLY PARSONS Umm five I think? Six maybe.

0 Only one, but I was told I didn’t have to go so maybe that doesn’t count!

0.5

I don’t know this word ‘library’? Lol jk probably four or five days a week, although this has no reflection on how much work I 0.5 get done....

In there most days for a bit, and definitely on my two “days off” a week!

White wine for getting wasted, red wine for a sophisticated evening in (having too many of those at the moment)

Recently discovered I like red wine, but normally white.

Youngest/Oldest age you’d get with at the union?

Never younger than my brother... so absolute youngest 19 and oldest.... 25ish?

Getting with people in the union is for undergraduates . . . but I think that 2 years either side of my age is fine. I’m 21.

Best academic website?

Wikipedia. Everything you could ever want to know about anything at the click of a button.

How often are you in the library?

Red wine or white?

0.5

434372 x 334.125 (without a calculator)

FINAL SCORE

120,000,000 ish?

0.5

Google Scholar, and several people’s blogs.

0 1

5.0 You seem to spend a lot of time in that library and your union tally isn’t ridiculously high. However, your mention of white wine for getting wasted and your lack of academic resources mean you lacked some of the geek chic that we were looking for but you still manage to out do Olly!

I hate maths. I fell asleep in my statistics class the other day!

3.0

Maybe if you’d spent those six union nights in the library, you’d have a healthier score. We can see that you’ve attempted to answer the questions as a geek but we saw you in that union last week grinding on a fresher.

THE ORBITAL OCTOBER 2011

A MESSAGE FROM THE ETHICS & ENVIRONMENT OFFICER:

ED RESEK SAYS

PLEASE RECYCLE ONCE YOU HAVE READ ANOTHER FINE EDITION OF

THE ORBITAL