Issue 151

3 U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

E S S E X

S T U D E N T

N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

COMMENT MUSIC FILM TV

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NEWS

Students’ Union Elections Approach

COMMENT

BOOKS

ARTS SCIENCE LIFESTYLE SPORTS FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

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Student Opinion on Re-Brand

MUSIC

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Grammy Award Review

SPORT

26

Interview with Rowing Club

University Announces 50th Anniversary Scholarships

Full story on page 2

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News Editorial

Roxy Mason, Editor Andrea Pavón-Guinea, Deputy Editor Nisa Khan, Deputy Editor

STUDENT

As we are nearing the middle of term, and there is a sense of excitement for students who are wishing to take part in the 2014 Students’ Union elections. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to put themselves forward, to compile their manifestos, to start planning an election campaign, to decide how they want their Students’ Union run.

What’s more, with the Students Unions’ new look, it’s an exhilarating prospect to elect a new team of student Sabbatical Officers to run our campus. And this is only the beginning.

So what do we have in store for you this issue? A flurry of tips from our Lifestyle editors about how to make the most of your money, a guide to the genius of Arthur Conan Doyle, a homage to the film stars who are sometimes forgotten, an interrogation in to the art of binge watching and a whole host of other treats from our writers here at The Rabbit.

In a time where deadlines are on the horizon and with essays to be written, equations to be equated, it’s important to take stock and to realise the current stories on campus, the best films or television shows to watch, what music to listen too. We at The Rabbit are here to guide you, to take your mind off of those deadlines, if only for fifteen minutes of your day. We are your guide to what’s going on within the Students’ Union, which events to be made aware of as well as to debate current topics within the current student psyche.

You can follow us on Twitter @TheRabbit2013 and on Facebook at The Rabbit Newspaper – 2013/2014 page.

Do you want to write for your student newspaper?

Then contact us at therabbitnewspaper@ gmail.com, whether you want to write for the news section, or you want to review your favourite novel Or if you simply want to express your view about what’s happening on campus and around the world.

You can contact us to find out how.

Your Editor, Naomi Jeffreys

50th Anniversary County of Essex Scholarship Students from the county of Essex are being offered fee scholarships of 25% to start postgraduate study at the University of Essex during its 50th anniversary year. The University is awarding the 50th Anniversary County of Essex Scholarships to acknowledge those who helped to raise the money needed to originally establish the University in the 1960s. The scholarship will give students the opportunity to benefit from the excellence the University is achieving in research quality and student experience. Eligible students will be awarded a 25% fee discount, worth between £1,000 and £4,000, for the 2014-15 academic year.

To be eligible, students must register in October 2014 for the first year of a full-time postgraduate taught course or research degree programmes based at a University of Essex campus. Students must be fully self-funding their tuition fees and either born in the county of Essex, attended school or a further education institution in

Essex or currently residing within the county.

Students who are identified as potentially eligible by the Graduate Admissions Office will be contacted and asked to provide further evidence. Students who are approved for the award will then receive a confirmation letter.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jules Pretty said: “The people of Essex gave generously to the Appeal Fund which helped establish the University in 1964, now we would like to give something back. Our postgraduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences and sciences will help students to develop as the entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and leaders of the future. And we hope many of them will stay in Essex, using their skills and expertise to boost the social, cultural and economic life of the county.”

For further information, please contact the Communications Office on 01206 872400, email: comms@essex.ac.uk

Roxy Mason

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

NEWS

Students’ Union Elections – Could You Be The Next SU President?

In case you hadn’t noticed already, The University of Essex Students’ Union has changed slightly. Aside from the fact that most of the SU outlets now look like honeybees, the union has altered its programme to focus a lot of time and effort into the SU. The current SABBS team are working hard to turn the Students’ Union into a contemporary, welcoming organisation.

This week, it could be your turn to make a difference to the Students’ Union. The biggest electoral event of the year opens this week: a new executive team will be nominated to run in the March elections. The SABBS team leads your Students’ Union, and from the 7th to the 14th of February, you can either run for or nominate who you think should constitute the new executive committee. If you have always wanted to run a successful organisation, fine-tune your management skills or make changes to your SU, this is your chance. So, get your campaign banners ready, and start running!

Students’ Union elections open for nominations on Friday 7th February, and continue for a week until Friday 14th February. During this week, you

can either run for, or nominate someone you think should run for the elections later this year.

Voting begins from Monday 24th to Friday 28th March. At Essex, we have one of the highest turnout of online votes in the country, with an easy-access system. There are several exciting positions available: the General Election recruits over forty people.

The SU elections recruit five SABBS, four Trustees, six Non-Sabbs, ten General Reps, four Faculty Convenors, five Liberation Officers and seven committee members. All of these positions provide a fantastic opportunity and as part of a dynamic team, you get the chance to run the new-look Students’ Union, gain invaluable experience of running an organisation, and make student life great.

Even if you are not successful, taking part in the SU elections is motivating and worthwhile. The current President of the Students Union, Becky Fisher, describes her journey through the elections and time as President as incomparable.

She explains: “Running in the SU elections is one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I have ever been part of, just second to actually being a sabbatical officer. No other place offers the challenge and development that comes with leading an organisation like this, so anyone who is sitting on the fence should definitely snap up the opportunity to be a part of it! Either way, win or lose your SU election, it is a huge learning curve, an opportunity to meet so many people - I’ve never once heard anyone say they regret it!”

Leading your Student’s Union could be a lifechanging opportunity. The Students’ Union elections give all members the chance to change, improve and transform our Union, enhancing student life for all 11,000 members. If you would like to run for nomination, simply go to SU reception for a candidate pack or download one from the Students’ Union website.

Good luck!

Emily Townsend

Derby Day Is Coming!

Big Names at Essex

Essex will take on the University of East Anglia (UEA, our local rivals) in the annual Derby Day championship that will be celebrated on Sunday 16th March at Essex. The winning team from each sport gets a point towards their university totals with the overall winner taking the title of Derby Day Champions. UEA are the current holders, having controversially taken the trophy from us last year. Controversially, because UEA officials were apparently unfair to Essex participants and this is why the Students’ Union is asking this year for all sports to be judged by impartial officials.

This year has brought some of the biggest names from the UK music scene to the University of Essex nightlife. Last term we have had acts such as Cedric Gervais, Zane Lowe, Jaguar Skills, Wheatus and many more big names that led to sell out nights in SubZero. Coming up, there are even more names to be added to that list including: Sub Focus, Bondax, Wilkinson and Justin Wilkes.

Another change introduced by the SU will consist of clubs promoting the performance of one of their members, in order for she or he to be the “one to watch” this March. Through these changes, and the ones yet to come, the Students’ Union aim this year to make it the biggest and best Derby Day Essex has ever seen.

Andrea Pavon-Guinea

“We have had bigger and better acts this year on Saturdays in Sub Zero due to high student demand. This night of the week is proving to be a continual success and I am really pleased with how well it is going down with students. I look forward to many more exciting acts in the weeks to come!” – Rebecca Newbury, VP Services and Communication.

It is these big name acts which bring a huge amount of excitement for Essex students, as the majority of the shows sell out in advance, thus asserting the fact that the University of Essex still enjoys a thriving nightlife and entertainment.

Nisa Khan

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Worried About Getting A Job After University? Try Joining Societies Students fret most about one aspect of university above everything else: leaving. Most students are terrified that they will not get a job, haunted by fear-mongering media narratives. Statistics suggest that the road to employment is set to be long and unrewarding. With daunting prospects like these, it is no wonder that most undergraduates squirm at the thought of entering the job market. However university societies could be your catalyst towards employment.

rolling for volunteering opportunities, becoming an executive member, and a multitude of other benefits.

Societies Are a Natural Progression towards Employment Society membership earns its place on your CV, with its ability to reveal to employers the breadth of your aptitudes. If you are a member of the Travel Society, but studying Economics, your employment palette flourishes.

Don’t Give Up Often, unemployment amongst graduates derives from a lack of experience. New statistics, released in an article by The Guardian suggested that there is renewed hope. A high percentage of those employed in the first six months after graduation were involved in a society or club at university. The transferable skills, connections and new interests you cultivate in societies are three focal attractions for employers.

With a saturated job market, you want to make an impression. Keri Trevillion, a second year Law student, describes her involvement with RED Radio and The Bar Society as a natural progression towards employment: “Being the Chair of Bar Society Radio has helped me immensely in gaining and developing my delegation and people skills, important abilities in the highly competitive job market of today.”

Get Involved Even if you join a relatively zany society, the management skills, communication abilities and experience you collect is paramount in your landing a job after university. Joining a society doesn’t just help you to make friends, and establish connections. It also sets the ball

You Develop Transferable Skills Involvement in a society won’t get you a job alone, but it helps a great deal, the transferable skills you develop are irreplaceable. An accounting skill you learn from being a Treasurer could translate into you being very helpful to a financial organisation, just as an oratory

skill you learn from the Debating Society could boost your confidence in an interview. Don’t forget to pick what you are interested in: for example, if you like watching TV, and want to go into TV production, choose SX:TV. It’s not all doom and gloom: although news reports create unwelcome anxiety for most undergraduates, getting involved in societies is mandatory for cultivating your interests, showing off your skills to an employer, and ultimately, could help you get your first job after university.

Emily Townsend

Strikes over lecturers pay divides opinions The University and College Union represent 120,000 university staff and are considered the largest post-school union in the UK. The current strikes are intended to force their employers to increase the proposed 1% pay rise to compensate for the real rise in living cost. So far, all efforts have been in vain and if their strategy continues to be unsuccessful as lecturers face a 13 % real time cut in wages since 2009 due to inflation.

An official UCU statement outlines the goals of the Union in achieving what they call a fair deal of pay rises that mirror the rising costs of living. However The University Vice-Chancellor Anthony Forster stresses the importance of putting students first and the dedication of employees to quality education, viewing the strike action with regret.

Mrs Annie Callaghan, a respected senior lecturer, expressed the ambiguity she feels towards striking by pointing out: “In my job as a lecturer of French, my first al-

legiance is always to the students of this University. Moreover, it is a privilege to be part of the British Higher Education system. ... Taking part in industrial action is something I do “à contrecoeur”, it goes against my heart. However, because of my very allegiance to students, not only today’s but also tomorrow’s, I think it is important for the Higher Education sector to ensure that salaries keep up with the rising cost of living. This will continue to ensure that students have the best possible professionals at their universities …”

While everyone who is involved in this conflict insists their actions are motivated by an obligation towards the students and the quality of education, it seems to be the students who suffer the most. Some have expressed their annoyance that lectures and seminars had to be cancelled due to the strike – suggesting that their £ 9000 tuition is not giving them the education they are entitled to.

In the meantime, the UCU has published a study that details the pay increases for Vice-Chancel-

lors across the UK. The University of Essex in turn has decided to make available all expenses of Vice-Chancellor Forster that can be viewed on the University website.

Furthermore, despite being on the periphery of the campus premises – the new student centres, as well as the hyper modern Essex Business School’s, progress do not go unnoticed, both are exciting projects that improve the prestige and appeal of the University of Essex, and yet the university administration insists that the funds for a more significant increase in staff wages are lacking.

With the next strike set for February 10, it is up to the students to decide with whom they want to side. On the one hand the struggle for decent pay is a fight easily understood, on the other hand, students are entitled to the education they will spend years being in debt for.

Lilo BM Roesch

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STUDENT

Study Finds Rise in Grades Not Due To Inflation Researchers have claimed that a recent rise in university degree grades is not the result of grade inflation. A study conducted by Lancaster University’s Management School found that improving degree grades is due to students being more prepared and having better secondary school exam results. The study was carried out over a seven year period, starting in 2005, and its results were released following new figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). These figures revealed that of the students who graduated last year, 19% received a first class degree, 51% gained a 2:1, 25% got a 2:2 and 5% received a third.

According to HESA, these figures represent an increase in students gaining higher grades. The number of students gaining a first has risen by 8% since 2005, which was a further 3% rise from the amount of students who received firsts in the 1990s. These statistics also show that 2:1’s are the most common degree gained, a shift from the 1980s where about 60% of students graduated with a 2:2.

According to a researcher on the Lancaster University project, Kwok Tong Soo, there was no

evidence of universities contributing to grade inflation and he instead attributed the rise to an improvement in the student body’s secondary school exam grades. The findings of the study reject the suggestion that universities have made it easier to get better degrees. However, the researchers did note a possible leniency amongst top universities, which were 8% more likely to give higher degrees after considering the differences between their students’ secondary school exam grades.

uate research company High Fliers research.

Birchall said last week that three-quarters of the UK’s top one hundred graduate recruitment firms used a 2:1 degree as a minimum standard.

The Lancaster study highlights that the debate around grade inflation has yet to reach a conclusion.

Roxy Mason

The conclusions of these findings were disputed

by Professor Alan Smithers, Director for the University of Buckingham’s Centre for Education and Employment Research, who argued that the grade improvements are due to universities trying to relieve the pressure placed on them to perform well in league tables. Smithers also attributed the rise to harder working students, with employment concerns causing them to aim for top degree marks.

Smithers’ comments follow similar statements from Martin Birchall, Managing Director of grad-

INTERNATIONAL

New Developments in Ukraine Protests Political upheaval has been a focal point of late in Ukraine. Since the first announcement on the 21st November 2013 that Ukraine would not sign a deal to strengthen its ties with the EU, protests have been sparked in reaction to this.

An update: on the 25th January, President Yanukovych offered senior jobs to the opposition, which included that of the prime minister, but these are rejected by the opposition. Then, on the 28th January, the Ukraine Parliament votes to annul protest law, and President Yanukovych accepts resignation of prime minster, Mykola Azarov and of his cabinet. The latest attempts to resolve peace were on the 28th January where Parliament passed an amnesty law for detained protestors, under the conditions that occupied buildings are emptied.

The BBC has reported that six people have died

since the initial November protests, and it has been reported that a number of Ukrainian politicians have warned reporters that the country could plunge in to civil war if no agreement is reached.

It is believed that the opposition are calling for a reform to the 2004 constitution, which would in turn mean that President Yanukovych would lose some of his powers which he gained in 2010. It is these changes which would mean that parliament, not the president, would be appointing the prime minister, cabinet members as well as regional governors.

Vitaliy Klitschko, former heavy weight boxer, told parliament, as reported by the BBC: “Let us reinstate the constitution that allows MPs to take decisions instead of just pushing

buttons.”

However, the leader of President Yanukovych’s Region party, accused the opposition of being irresponsible and is reported by the BBC to have said: “They (opposition leaders) are fighting not for what people want, but for power,” he said in a speech delivered amid shouting.

He continued: “Ukraine is going through perhaps the most dramatic period in its recent history. Any further escalation of the conflict may lead to civil confrontation and result in catastrophic consequences” The protests continue.

Naomi Jeffreys, Editor

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Comment

Jake Stones, Editor Philippa Dobson, Deputy Editor

Editor’s note: The content in this section is about you, written by you. The writers chose their anonymity, but their views are their own and are there to represent a number of different opinions on the new SU rebranding.

For

Against

“What the hell has happened to my shop?” I asked myself out loud when I returned to campus in the New Year. The shop just looked and felt different, maybe it was the new look or the fact that I wasn’t greeted by the stack of newspapers and magazines upon entry. After a brief tour of the shop I realised apart from a new range of products, a new look, a few excellent new features, nothing much had changed. It still had the same good old welcoming vibe that I’ve come to love since being at Essex.

The punch line of everybody’s jokes at the moment seems to be, “but we’re in the family now”, which is evidently a mockery of the Students Unions’ relaunch. I presume the idea of “family” came from the fact that we are a tight knit campus, and that if we come together we can create change.

But then I noticed something else, the coin questionnaires in the corner. I know the new rebrand was to make the Union’s approach more democratic and this was a fantastic way to do so.

It allows students to have more of a say in important matters without having to fill out online questionnaires, something many students foolishly ignore. I realised change had come to the store, but after a while I didn’t stop to take notice as I just got on with my life.

Students’ Union Re-Brand

However, most choose to snigger and make fun of the new “family” status, because as a large university, it doesn’t feel like we are a group of students bonded by blood.

Although, in this case, the idea of the Essex “family” has been forced upon us, much like real family! The monochrome aesthetic changes on campus, along with the sharp, unfriendly writing, such as “The Bakery” and ghastly uniforms bring the feeling of a totalitarian state.

If that wasn’t bad enough our beloved SU shop has been Americanised and renamed as “The Store”. I think you will find I will not be popping to “The Store” for anything anymore, as I am a British citizen and have no interest in using the American language!

On the other hand, I do not like the name change to “The Store”. I will still be calling the building the campus shop as it’s what I’ve called it since 2012, but after all it is just a name change.

When James Gatz changed his name to Jay Gatsby, he was still James Gatz and the campus store is still the campus shop to me, just like Starbursts are still Opal Fruits to some.

Saying that though, today I did tell my friend I was “going to The Store to get some sushi,” whether this was a permanent change in my vocabulary or just because I was brainstorming ideas for this article remains to be seen.

In conclusion, I’m not fussed about the changes. It was just a shock seeing something constant in my life for a year and a half suddenly look different.

A Student

My brothers, sisters and I, stare bewildered at our new campus, like the chickens in Animal Farm (literature pun for this issue!) We are chickens because we have no wish to cause great change ourselves on our farm, but can easily laugh and complain about changes made by others.

Perhaps picking fault with this year’s SU relaunch is unfair since I wouldn’t know where to start if I were given the power. Perhaps we should try to follow our leader’s orders, unite, and become a family. Perhaps I’m a gossiping girl, who won’t stop gossiping. Perhaps.

A Student

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

Come to the University of Essex if you want the amazing opportunity to draw on a wall!

Supposedly the new change has come from the voices of students; however I don’t think the young children you see walking around the squares on the weekends count! Changing the SU to feel like home is counterintuitive to the university experience. University is not meant to be like home, it’s meant to be a place where you can ‘find yourself’ by hanging around those with similar goals

and interests.

The campus shop is based on student requests, which means the shop will be stocked with items based on the majority.

International students are the majority; therefore foreign food would fill the shop. I have no issue with this, but it undermines the purpose of Go Go Global.

A further issue is that Tesco will always be the cheaper and preferred choice, especially regarding the fact that students can get their shopping delivered!

A Student

So far when discussing the relaunch, most respond with “What Re-launch?”, and then resort to talking about the campus shop.

One can easily pick faults if they wished when it comes to the Students Union Re-launch, however I argue that once one get into the mind set of being critical, then one loses the capacity to see the good. OK, granted that the new uniforms may have some sight impairing aspects to them, but this is only for those who wish to venture into Sub Zero and Level up. Perhaps the SU simply wanted to brighten the places up?

See how easy it is to be critical!?

Let’s look at the good. The campus shop will now stock with what we need, rather than what it is thought we need. The voting scheme is also a major thumbs up, as it now provides us with a fast and easy direct democracy, allowing us to have an active say

COMMENT

in the issues on campus. Further, things such as Super Sundays are also part of the Re-launch, however it was simply instigated prior to the official date that ‘Change’ would come.

So there are both good and bad things it seems, however we all appear to have forgotten a very important implication of the Relaunch: Pressure to succeed.

Before the Students Union went on this pursuit of being all singing and all dancing, failure to deliver wasn’t as much of an issue, whereas now the ultimate goal is to be ultimate, we as Students have a serious amount of power on our hands.

The SU will now run around like rabbits trying to avoid the words ‘failure’, and ‘flop’, and ensuring that they are indeed the World’s most student focussed Students Union. So a lot more is to come for us as Students and that surely is a good thing.

I think it’s great how they’re advertising that everyone is part of the Student Union. The message that everything is ‘for the students’ is a good one- but I do think some of the prices give the message ‘for the profit’ instead.

The SU needs to focus less on the aesthetic qualities of the new SU shop and more on the fact that the shop is not running properly, resulting in the incorrect pricing of many products.

A Student

A Student

The new graphic profile is more professional and looks better, not to mention the logo is also very good!

A Student

A visible change, the voting system installed in the SU shop, it gives the students and the SU an immediate response to the questions posed. It creates a simple, quick and easy way to contribute towards the running of the SU.

A Student

I think that the SU revamp has positives in that it seems more ordered and consistent, however I do think a slightly livelier colour scheme may have been better and more striking.

The campus looks so much nicer than last year and has a lot of potential to get even better.

A Student

A Student

A Student

I appreciate the fact that they are always seeking to renew the SU, but they never really consult the students about the changes they make. For example transforming Level 2 into Level Up. I think a

large amount of students miss Level 2 and don’t really like the idea of Level Up. With regards to SU Shop there really isn’t that much of a difference...

A Student

I like the selection in the new campus shop, more vegetables and healthyish food, meaning I could even buy dinner there. I think the voting system really works though. Furthermore I think it’s really good that it’s easier to communicate our own opinions- specifically thinking about the board where you can request the product you would like to see stocked. As for the uniforms, honestly I haven’t noticed... but I don’t think I really cared anyway!

A Student

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FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

Arts

This March the Essex Book Festival will take the county by storm when people will come together to be inspired by the arts.

Our Colchester campus will be hosting five events as well as a production of Chekov’s Wild Honey at our Loughton campus. Colchester events include a reflection on the evolution of the University and its transformation of the neighbouring town of Wivenhoe and a thought provoking day of talks, readings and discussions on the subject of bones, underworlds, death and extinction at the Lakeside Theatre.

Bones Picture this. It’s a Saturday afternoon, you’ve had a heavy night in Subzero and you’re snuggled up warmly on the sofa feeling sorry for yourself watching Catchphrase repeats with a cold Subway, which - I hasten to add - took over an hour to be delivered. Not particularly living the University dream, right?

Well Saturday 8th March could see you ditch the duvet and head to the Lakeside Theatre for what is set to be a highlight of your weekend.

The LiFTS department are set to inspire with academic staff sharing their work and bringing together a collection of guest speakers.

These include Professor Philip Terry reading from his forthcoming translation of Dante’s Inferno, relocated to our Colchester campus.

There may also be a few familiar faces as the University will be showcasing the high calibre of their teaching staff with Professor Philip Terry presenting his Goldsmiths 2013 shortlisted novel tapestry and Professor Anthony King taking a humorous look at the costly mistakes of our governments from his book The Blunders of Our Governments.

Bones will help you unearth your creative side, challenge your imagination and inspire you through the themes of death, extinction and underworlds as some of the greatest minds come together. So, if you’re looking to engage yourself in something different this term, then Bones is the event for you.

This truly is an event for everybody and with so many opportunities on your doorstep, it’s time to put down the pints and immerse yourself!

Bones runs from 10.30-17.00 Ticket price: £5/£4 concessions To book: Call 01206 873270

To find out the full programme of events simply visit: http://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/

Josh Neville

Josh Neville

Sur-reem-alism: Is the Essex stereotype destroying our regional arts?

Has the post 1980 stereotype overshadowed the diversity of the physical and literary landscape?

Whilst members of the public may be able to recall Joey Essex’s ex-relationships, can they name the works of Chelmsford’s J.A. Baker or name the current exhibition at Colchester’s firstsite?

I spoke to teaching staff in the LiFTS department to

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Jennifer Draper, Editor Amy Bater, Deputy Editor

Arts Around Campus

As an Essex alumnus I am aware of the criticism that University of Essex students can be subject to: “Essex has a University? Bee-ayve!” “Is your campus near the Sugar Hut?” to name a few of their comical jibes.

ART

hear their thoughts on the stereotype, its effect on the perception of the culture of Essex and discover a little more about the culture of our county.

Professor Marina Warner, explains: “Essex is a rich source of culture and possesses a multi-layered relationship of people and place. Colchester has a deep historical culture. The patron St Helena, traditionally credited with the discovery of the ‘True Cross’ of Jesus’ crucifixion highlights an aspect of the depth of Essex art and history”.

Josh Neville

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Music

Deborah Findlater, Editor Dragos Ion, Deputy Editor

Grammy Awards Review The Grammy Awards 2014, another show full of happy people and amazing live performances. The stars of the night were the legendary duo Daft Punk with four awards (Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop duo/group Performance, Best dance/electronica Album), Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with four wins (Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song) and newcomer Lorde who won Best Pop solo Performance and Song of the year with ‘Royals.’

Although she hasn’t released a record in a while, Adele managed to win a Grammy with ‘Skyfall’. Among the winners we can also find Justin Timberlake with three wins, Bruno Mars - Best Pop Vocal Album, Rihanna – Best Urban Contemporary Album, Alicia

Keys - Best R&B Album, Vampire Weekend Best Alternative Music Album and Imagine Dragons - Best Rock Performance.

Moving to live performances, Beyonce captured everyone’s attention with a simple but very sexy rendition of her latest single ‘Drunk in Love’ with husband Jay-Z. Whilst Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers and Stevie Wonder wowed with an amazing performance of worldwide hit ‘Get Lucky’. By the reaction of the audience it was clear they deserved to be the winners of the night.

P!nk, oh, P!nk! What an amazing performance.

Her aerial show amazed each and every person in the audience and she still got all those notes right. She then changed into a classy lady and performed her number one

song ‘Just Give Me a Reason’ with Nate Ruess.

Probably the most entertaining and original performance came from Ryan Lewis and Macklemore. Performing ‘Same Love’ with the talented Mary Lambert, while Queen Latifah was the priestess that married thirtyfour gay and straight couples. Madonna also joined the moment and sang along with Mary on the last part of the song.

Another year, another explosive show. We’re looking forward to see what 2014 will bring to music and what artists will make it on next year’s nominations list.

Dragos Ion

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

ONES TO WATCH: Deap Vally

Eyedress

Not since the White Stripes have we seen such unrelenting, forceful and barefaced attitude as that of Deap Vally (yes, that’s the correct spelling, homage to Def Leppard); this Californian blues rock duo is made up of Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards. An obvious affection for classic rock - portrayed not least in Troy’s vocal emulation of Robert Plant – is affluent in Sistrionix’s commendably ruthless attitude.

The album drives with heavy-duty social, feminist and political statements, all subsidised by roaring guitar and unremitting percussion.

Festival appearances have already shown they are the perfect cocktail for an unmissable live set, and it is safe to say that Deap Vally are the most fun band ever to meet at a crochet class

Manila man Eyedress crafts dreamy pop that sounds like the perfect lazy summer’s day. His arresting EP Supernatural, which he both produced and provided vocals for, was released last year to a warm reception. Not only is he capable of creating melodious synth pop tracks like ‘No Competition’ clearly Eyedress can take on more experimental tendencies.

This year looks to be promising for the Philippines based artist as he has just signed to the prestigious XL recordings and released a new single ‘Teen Spirit.’

Alex Driscoll

Deborah Findlater

Album Reviews Inside Llewyn Davis - Official Soundtrack HHHH Joel and Ethan Cohen’s film about a struggling folk singer has arguably one of the best soundtracks in recent years. The mix of Justin Timberlake, actors Carey Mulligan and Oscar Issac, together with Mumford and Sons’ Marcus Mumford may sound bizarre but the result is a beautifully bittersweet album that echoes the bleakness of the film.

Particular highlights are the opener ‘Hang me, Oh Hang Me’ and the combining of Timberlake, Mulligan and Stark Sands on the beautiful ‘500 Miles from Home’. Light relief comes in the form of the film’s novelty hit ‘Please Mr Kennedy’. If you enjoy folk music then this is not to be missed.

Anna Parker

Actress – Ghettoville

Gig Previews

HHH

Colchester

Norwich

London

Plastician

Royal Blood

Foals

Tribal Nightclub, 22nd February

The Waterfront, 18th February

Alexandra Palace 14th/15th February

One of the founding fathers of dubstep takes to Tribal for an unmissable night.

RawSense and SubCulture team up to bring the Croydon man to Colchester with support from residents such as Gundam, who’s recently received airplay on Radio 1.

Brighton pair Royal Blood unleash their imitable brand of raw and stripped back rock to Norwich. With support from fellow Brighton rockers Tigercub, you can expect this gig to have unrelenting energy levels.

Foals are due to perform in Alexandra Palace on Valentine’s Weekend. This is the band’s second set of London performances since the release of Holy Fire (2013).

As a result, the set-list will be a varied selection from their three-album discography. The supporting act of their UK tour are Cage the Elephant.

Tickets - £7 Tickets - Advanced -£6 On the Door- £8

Enigmatic producer Actress returns for his fourth and what is rumoured to be final album, Ghettoville. Following up the critically acclaimed R.I.P. was always going to prove a difficult task for Darren Cunningham, however his refusal to conform to a single genre massively works in his favour. As well as the Detroit techno influence that runs through all of Actress’ material, on Ghettoville he channels 80’s pop for an expansive sound.

Although the album does lack an immediate impact, it is best appreciated with multiple listens. Highlight ‘Rap’ stands out with its warped vocals and warm production.

But this is a suitable sending off for a truly experimental artist.

Tickets - £23.50

Deborah Findlater

MUSIC

Deborah Findlater

Charles Fideli

Deborah Findlater

13

14

Film

Charis Lynch, Editor Katie Clark, Deputy Editor

The Deeply Under-Appreciated There are some stars that just don’t receive their fair share of the limelight. I wait with baited breath for Jennifer Lawrence’s next big screen appearance, or my next opportunity to catch Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth taking on the world together as my two favourite suited heroes (Avengers 2: Age of Ultron will be released in the summer of 2015).

However, I can’t help but feel that there are some stars just as capable who we tend to forget about.

I for one am definitely guilty of this crime. That is why I felt it was time to pay homage to those, dare I say it, “B listers” of Hollywood that deserve our praise. There are many, but here are my top few, some you may have heard of and others you won’t, and the reasons they stand out for me.

Woody Harrelson The great Woody Harrelson has saved many a film for me, from Zombieland to the more recent Now You See Me. Having had a career that has already spanned decades, Harrelson has rarely played the lead. Instead, he always seems to hold a supporting role, though, granted they are still vital to the film, for which he is somehow perfectly suited to play.

In Now You See Me, which for me turned out to be one of the bigger let-downs of 2013, Harrelson’s humour was the only thing keeping me from switching off entirely. Again, in the first two instalments of The Hunger Games series, his character Haymitch has been hands down my favourite character.

In every film I have ever seen of his, he has never disappointed, and therefore deserves praise for the roles he plays so well.

You’ll have to wait till later in the year to catch Harrelson in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.

Eddie Marsan An unrecognisable name to some, though a face seen in so many films. Marsan has played a role in an enormous range of film, from the heart-warming Sixty-Six right through to Sherlock Holmes and The World’s End. He is another actor that never disappoints, and continues to raise his game. To all of those “A listers” who still tend to disappoint on occasion, Eddie Marsan is an example to follow.

See him next in Filth out on DVD Feb 10.

Maya Rudolph Although surrounded by great comedy actors on a regular basis like Chris O’Dowd and Kristen Wiig, Maya still manages to shine through as a comedy actress in her own right. With great comedies such as Grown Ups, Bridesmaids and Friends with Kids already under her belt, she has proven time and time again how invaluable she is to the backbone of each and every story. I think all she deserves is a chance at a bigger role and she could well do wonders.

Catch her in The Nut Job as the voice of Precious out in cinemas this year.

Mélanie Laurent This French actress is a touch of class and a great talent. Another cast member of Now You See Me, and star of the great Inglourious Basterds, Laurent is in desperate need of some big roles to get her teeth sunk into. She’s a force to be reckoned with in French cinema, though I hope to see more of her in some big international films too.

Catch her in Enemy with Jake Gyllenhaal out this year.

Charis Lynch

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

Hitler, A Film From Germany (Syberberg, 1977) Holocaust Memorial week had some fantastic, reflective opportunities on offer. The Rabbit Film Section made the most of these opportunities to reflect on the lives lost during that terrible time.

Hans-Jürgen Syberberg’s 1977 film, Hitler: A Film From Germany, was screened in the LTB last week.

This seven and a half hour film was certainly worth investing in. It shows exclusive recordings from World War Two, as well as documenting unique information about Hitler.

What was particularly interesting for The Rabbit Film Section was discovering that Hitler himself was also an avid film watcher, and once desired to become a film-maker.

Before the war, Hitler watched three films every evening, and if one did not take his fancy, he had it replaced immediately. Upon these viewings, he then decided which films would be distributed publicly. In the film, you hear the views of

the public on such matters as well, with one filmmaker and distributer stating that he “saw him viewing films banned to the public”.

But interestingly, after the war, Hitler began to watch news reels only. This fascinating mixture of relatable qualities between us and the dictator may seem off-putting, but Syberberg’s satirical tone, especially when the ghost of Hitler speaks his views, the film brings us back to the reminder of the sacrifices made and lives lost during the Holocaust, and how no one view that is necessarily moral or right.

The special effects are also brilliant for the time it was made, and makes us truly appreciate how far film making has come. Although some effects are not as smooth, like the unmistakable use of powder for snow, it brings awareness to audiences that a good film is not simply special effects.

There have been many sci-fi releases since with absolute awe-inspiring cinematic effects, but they fall short because of the lack of gripping story and

informative developments. However, this film provides a unique experience, which is not reliant on the graphics and yet is still considered a longliving masterpiece.

Although it does not develop so much of a gripping story per say, it does provide the viewer with unique angles on Hitler and his life which have barely been tapped into before. The film is available in the University library, so if you want to learn more about the life surrounding the events of the Holocaust and the war then be sure to give this film a try.

Katie Clark

LOVE IS IN THE DVDS

About Time

Romeo and Juliet

Thanks for Sharing

Twenty-one year old Tim discovers a family secret: he can travel in time. And what better way to use his power than finding a girlfriend? Although the film could have done more to keep up with predecessor The Time Traveller’s Wife, it is certainly heart-warming for this time of year.

Although not as well received as Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of the famous Shakespearian love story, this edition is a good starting point for those wanting to venture into the world of our dear Romeo and his Juliet. And with a cast including Damian Lewis, Douglas Booth and Stellan Skarsgard, can we lovesick students complain?

Three different guys, but they all have the same problem: sex-addiction. But all three have unique challenges facing them with their love interests.

Although the film can be a bit of a roller-coaster ride thematically, its message and feel good factor still remain strong. And it has Pink. No more needs to be said.

HHH

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HHH

Katie Clark

Katie Clark

Katie Clark

FILM

15

16

TV

Kirsten Alexander, Editor Roman A.J Wilson, Deputy Editor

The Art of Binge-Watching Winter is truly upon us, and unfortunately doesn’t show any signs of leaving just yet. So now is the perfect time to snuggle down and catch up on all the shows you’ve been too buried in essays to find the time for. So to aid you in that endeavour, here’s what you’ll need to know about the art of binge-watching.

Binge-watching (the relentless consumption of a series in quick succession) can be undertaken however you see fit, though if you want to commit to it properly, you’ll need to take certain things into consideration. First off, this isn’t just daytime lounging, this is committed TV absorption. You can’t just throw on whatever’s on and let the channel run, you’ve got to pick a show and run with it (unless, you find out it sucks, then it’s back to square one for another go). You want to be leaving your marathon with

six seasons of freshly watched Mad Men and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the 60’s advertising scene.

So those are the big ones, you’re now ready to set off on your own into the big wide world of on-demand TV. Settle down, relax and press play.

Next you need to get your supplies in order; you’re in for the long haul after all. Multipacks a plenty, sweets, drinks, maybe a takeaway en route, friends (the ones who won’t be asking questions the whole way through; friends are optional anyway) and a decent route to the toilet – you want to be invested but not so much that you’re weeing in empty bottles for fear of breaking your gaze with the TV.

One word of warning though: be prepared for the shock of falling back into the real world. Get yourself invested but always remember the way back to real life. There isn’t really time travel and your roommate doesn’t want to fight to the death in defence of his Lannister allegiance.

Then get yourself cosy, nothing’s going to dampen your immersion like a crick in your back.

Blankets, cushions, duvets, your housemate’s favourite snuggly jumper- you do what you need to do to get comfy because this is serious TV time.

Roman AJ Wilson

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

: r e n r o C Comedy h s o o B y t h g i M e h T Cult psychedelic comedy The Mighty Boosh turns ten years old this summer, amid various rumours about a potential reunion of stars Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt.

The show spanned three hallucinogenic series as a strange, colourful journey through time and space featuring Vince Noir, Howard Moon and their magical friends. Together, they tackle the Arctic, a Cockney hitchhiker, a merman with a mangina and grannies trying to take over the world.

You can’t make this stuff up, but they did, and the award-winning comedy is still as popular today as ever.

Kirsten Alexander

House of Cards Francis “Frank” Underwood is a Democrat Congressman from South Carolina and House Majority Whip (he basically whips fellow party members into voting according to party politics). After helping President Garrett Walker secure his election, Frank awaits for his own appointment as Secretary of State. However, after President Walker chooses not to honour their agreement, Frank seeks revenge by taking down prominent members of the party in order to achieve his own goals.

Now, reading back, it does sound boring. Nevertheless, any political junkie (myself included) will be absolutely shocked, and secretly thrilled, to see how dirty politics trumps morals and values. Truth be told, I have found myself multiple times wishing I could be him. Especially when he tells one of his victims, cold eyes and baritone voice in tow, “We’ll cleave you from the herd and watch you die in the wilderness”.

Catalin Voinea

TV

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18

Books Editorial The Detective Who Never Dies Since Arthur Conan Doyle first created the notorious Victorian detective, Sherlock Holmes in the late Victorian era, until the present day, detective fiction has been rife. Readers have, and will always, be enthralled by a good detective.

Whilst action heroes provide excellent cinematic value, with their feats of visual wonder, the superheroes of the intellect will always wield the upper hand of suspense.Perhaps this is why writers of prose and script alike feel the need to continually revive that most iconic of personas – Sherlock Holmes, as seen in Stephen Moffat’s much anticipated third series of the modern day adaptation of Conan Doyle’s timeless classic.

In this issue, we return to the original incarnation of one of the most loved literary characters, and explore some of the examples of detective and thriller fiction that have been spawned in its’ wake.

Jasmine Crellin, Editor Jessica Houlihan, Deputy Editor

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosely “I was surprised to see a white man walk into Joppy’s bar.”

This is how Walter Mosely begins his gripping crime thriller Devil in a Blue Dress. It is 1948, and we are transported to a dingy bar in down-town Los Angeles. Easy Rawlins, a black World War Two veteran has been approached by the sharply dressed, smooth-talking yet extremely dangerous DeWitt Albright (note the slightly heavy-handed puns on whiteness and brightness). He commissions Easy with a seemingly simple task: to find a girl.

As the novel progresses, we discover things are much more complex than

they first appear and Easy draws us into an exhilarating spiral of gangs, murder, Cadillacs, scotch and jazz, with the beautiful and illusive Daphne Monet at its centre.

Devil in a Blue Dress provides all the thrill and suspense expected of a crime novel, but also manages to offer a much deeper interrogation of the larger issues of the period, such as race, gender and the changing landscape of post-war America. As a result, Mosley’s novel is both a highly entertaining and extremely thought-provoking read.

Jessica Houlihan

Jasmine Crellin

The Strawberry Picker

by Monika Feth “He picks them off, one by one…”

The Strawberry Picker is a young adult’s suspense thriller by Monika Feth. Set in Bröhl, Germany, the police in the novel are in search of a notorious ‘Necklace Murderer’, who has raped and killed several young women in the German countryside: stabbing each of them seven times, cutting off their hair and taking their jewellery as trophies.

The story unfolds from the perspectives of the police investigator, potential victims, and even the killer himself; the reader is informed early of the “Strawberry Picker’s” identity and motivation, thus almost instantly disillusioning the mystery of the narrative. The translation of the text from German to English, is flawless (and somewhat surprising if one considers that

this is one of very few texts to be translated in this way) and Feth’s narrative style is consistently excellent; her constant changes in perspective match perfectly with the events of the novel’s plot.

This thriller moves within the realms of serial murder, providing a deeper insight into the depths of a killer’s mind than many other texts of its kind, and though widely considered as a fiction for young adults, it would be fair to say that The Strawberry Picker is also suitable for any older readers who enjoy the thrill of a suspense novel.

In essence, the book is not confined to simply one reading audience; it has the potential to engage each and every one of us, ‘one by one.’

Sadie Lummis

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle “The barren scene, the sense of loneliness, and the mystery and urgency of my task all struck a chill into my heart” The Hound of the Baskervilles is the most famous and best loved of all the Sherlock Holmes books, splicing the well trod detective genre with the gothic. Originally unintended to be part of the canon, Arthur Conan Doyle only decided to make it when he realised that he already had a perfect leading male character in Holmes.

The book is the first and only full length Sherlock Holmes novel, the rest being collections of shorter stories. It spans fifteen relatively short chapters, and is narrated

by Dr. Watson, who is arguably the central protagonist considering that Sherlock himself is absent during much of the book.

The story begins at 221B Baker Street with Holmes and Watson demonstrating their skills of intuition on a walking cane that an earlier caller left behind. The owner of the stick, a Dr. Mortimer from Dartmoor, soon returns to request an audience with the famous detective about some mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of his friend, Sir Charles Baskerville. A hereditary curse involving a phantom hound persecuting members of the family line provides the back story for the events of the novel.

Holmes and Watson must unravel the mystery surrounding what Holmes declares to be their most dangerous case to date, in addition to protecting the baronet Sir Henry, nephew of the deceased Sir Charles and heir to the Baskerville estate.

Watson accompanies Sir Henry to claim his property in Dartmoor, but not before he has been immersed in suspicious goings-on in London. The adventure cracks onward at a brisk pace, with its strongest points being Watson’s melancholic reflections on the wild landscape of the moor and the deep sense of sinister dread which surrounds the location.

There are some genuinely haunting passages, but having spent most of my life in Devon and visited Dartmoor on numerous occasions, I did notice some glaring errors in Conan Doyle’s descriptions of the moor.

Wild orchids are not rich in abundance at all, the great bittern mates in Spring, not Autumn, and nowhere on the moor is there a place even remotely resembling the treacherous Grimpen mire. Still, these remain minor quibbles; Conan Doyle was writing a suspense story and not a field guide.

There is no denying that The Hound of the Baskervilles is a page turner and being an example of late Victorian pulp lit-

erature, it can be easily rattled through in a day. Despite the sombre tone and grim atmosphere of the setting, the book is not without humour. A subplot involving an escaped convict hiding out on the moors prompts an amusing, typically bourgeois comment from Watson; “If he were safely out of the country it would relieve the taxpayer of a burden.” It was small touches like these that turned what I considered a largely run-of-the-mill plot into something more appealing. In addition to droll character observations, I also enjoyed much of the gothic elements. The folklore of the spectral hound adds a depth of local zest which causes the reader to constantly speculate on the possibility of supernatural elements at work all the way to the dramatic climax with the beast itself.

Not quite a masterpiece, but certainly an enjoyable read, I considered the book to be an inoffensive detective yarn suitable for a broad audience. I would recommend it to fans of the crime genre and also to fans of gothic fiction.

Aaron Camm

The (Ongoing) Return of Sherlock Holmes Recently included in Waterstones’ Book of the Year shortlist, Julian Barnes’s Levels of Life is a deeply-personal weave of memoir and fiction, written after the death of his wife. It is a haunting and sad demonstration of how, as Barnes himself writes, ‘every love story is a potential grief story’.

The book is divided into three sections, with the first section looking at the history of hot-air ballooning and the second part exploring the fictitious love affair of one ballooning history’s pioneers. It is the third part that packs the hardest punch, however, where Barnes revisits the aftermath of his wife’s death, literary agent Pat Kavanagh.

The year was 1893 and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did the seemingly impossible: he

killed Sherlock Holmes. Public outcry was immediate and intense to the extent that Doyle even received threatening letters.

For a moment Doyle was resolved; he never desired fame from mere ‘detective fiction’.

The public demand for crime fiction and the remarkable talents of Mr Holmes could not be ignored. So, in 1903, Holmes made his triumphant return in The Adventure of the Empty House, and ever since then… #sherlocklives!

But then, holidaying in the seaside town of Cromer, Doyle heard the local legend of ‘Black Shuck’, a monstrous hell-hound that haunted the Norfolk coastline. The legend was relocated to Dartmoor, a mystery blossomed and the only mind capable of solving it: Sherlock Holmes. Although this was no definitive return (Doyle set the story two years before Holmes’ demise), it was enough.

Every subsequent generation has adapted or reinterpreted these adventures in all sorts of media, but why? Is it the dynamic duo of the Bohemian Holmes and the familiar Dr Watson? Or perhaps, in a modern world plagued with crime, it is the hope that society might be cured once and for all by reason and logic.

Sean McNulty

BOOKS

19

00

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for a better student life

Not all scientists have to wear white coats.

Just 62% of young people eligible for free school meals get a Science GCSE grade A*-C. †

Change their lives. Change yours.

†

Skills Commission, 2011

Tallulah Bygraves, Imperial College London Taught: Science Now: Founder of Bonobo Conservation Initiative UK

Contact Natasha nwootton@teachfirst.org.uk 0203 117 2367 for further information

The single most important thing you will do

teachfirst.org.uk Charity No 1098294

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

Science

SCIENCE SCIENCE

21

Ben Gregson, Editor Emily Pearlman, Deputy Editor

Do women need more sleep than men?

Finally, there is now scientific proof that women DO need more sleep than men. So go ahead, girls. Have that lie in. Snooze that alarm. You need it! This is simply because women multi task more so they use more of their brain. According to a study conducted by scientists at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, women need at least an extra twenty minutes of sleep each night.

Men will, of course, argue that this makes them superior as they do just as much with less brain power but hey, I’m all for equality here. During deep sleep, the part

Stem Cell Breakthrough Stem cells have been a major field of research in medicine for their potential to regenerate the body. Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to transform into any type of cell such as nerve, muscle or liver cells.

The main sources of stem cells were originally extracted from embryos and have been a controversial and ethically challenged subject. In 2012 Shinya Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for showing that skin cells could be genetically reprogrammed to become stem cells by activating a set of four genes. These are called induced pluripotent stem cells.

There has now been a major breakthrough in stem cell research. Published in the journal Nature, scientists in Japan have shown stem cells can be made quickly by just dipping blood cells into acid. These cells are called STAP (stimulustriggered acquisition of pluripotency) cells.

Dr Haruko Obakata from the Riken Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan said “It’s exciting to think about the new possibilities these findings offer us, not only in regenerative medicine, but cancer as well.”

Ben Gregson

of the brain that is responsible for language, memory, thoughts, the left temporal lobe, disengages and goes into recovery mode where it repairs itself.

If women have a lack of sleep they are prone to depression and anger. This could also be linked to inflammation, heart disease and strokes. There is an excuse for an extra hour in bed if there ever was one!

Gina Dedman

The Science of Love Love has always been a mystery of science, indescribable and unquantifiable. Recent studies however have suggested levels oxytocin can be linked to stability in relationships.

Oxytocin is a hormone released by the hypothalamus gland and typically associated with creating the strong mother/ baby bond. Recent discoveries suggest oxytocin also creates the bond between couples during the initial stages of relationships.

Interestingly the levels of oxytocin seem to be increased via physical intimacy during the “honeymoon period” of a relationship.

However, while levels increased rapidly in new relationships, older ones produce slower gains.

This means the saturation of oxytocin measured in newly formed couples can be used to predict their outcome. Higher levels will suggest the relationship is much more likely to succeed.

STUDENT SCIENCE

Oxytocin’s mechanism is difficult to determine, but it has been suggested couples with high levels of the hormone are much less likely to cheat in their relationships. Other theories suggest oxytocin stimulates trust between partners leading to healthier relationships. This theory has led to many conartists employing the drug in an aftershave to ensnare victims.

Oxytocin has also been reported to increase the efficiency of wound healing.

This suggests patients in relationships could have reduced inflammation and superior restoration rates.

High levels of injected oxytocin also produced inferior general memory recall. Oxytocin is complicated as memories associated with social interactions are improved.

It seems science may never explain love completely. Further research may lead to healthier and longer relationships. Until then the mystery continues…

Luke Coomber

22

Lifestyle

Claudia Degli Alessandrini, Editor Luiza Sandru, Deputy Editor

Shopping on a student budget without spending a fortune A couple of tricks that will not empty your card after a shopping spree.

We all know shopping on a student budget can be difficult. Luckily I have developed three different ways of counteracting this problem. As most of you know there are some stores that can be helpful. Usually the discount is ten percent (or twenty percent if you’re lucky). And that just isn’t enough to justify some purchases- I’m looking at you Topshop!

Fortunately there are other ways to get your high street clothes at a fraction of the price that will leave your debit cards and bank balances looking far more healthy.

So in this article I want to share my three secret weapons when it comes to saving money on clothes and other products, ranging from paying a decent amount of money (but not nearly as much in high street shops) to total bargains.

My first secret is one website where you can find anything you want for cheaper prices than in any other shop. The same website is also a brilliant way of making money, as I have recently discovered. I am talking of course about eBay. eBay is a brilliant tool for finding brilliant deals on high street clothes and equally selling the old ones that you don’t wear anymore (or never wore in my case).

If you’re smart you can eventually be making money from your old clothes hoarded and never worn, from over the years. There is a certain amount of skill involved in getting a brilliant bargain on eBay. It’s all about knowing when to bid and when to not.

My method usually is to wait until the last minutes or even seconds of an auction to register my interest. This way the price isn’t driven up too high and hopefully you’ll get yourself an amazing deal!

So that was level one. My second tier of cheap shopping also includes giving your money to a good cause- charity shops. Unfortunately many people turn their noses up and refuse to go in, but I can assure you that you are missing out on goldmines of cheap high street clothes.

Charity shops are all about digging. Much like the effort of finding something brilliant in the sale amidst all the other stuff you don’t want, it’s rewarding when you find it. Just remember that all sorts of people donate to charity shops, it’s very likely that somebody with a very similar fashion taste to you got fed up with their clutter and donated all their unwanted clothes to your local British Heart Foundation or Oxfam.

Good finds are not always guaranteed but I can assure you that it is always worth a look. Charity shops are also good for picking up the odd toiletry too; just always remember to check the fifty pence baskets by the tills or in the accessories area!

Lastly I finally come to my ultimate secret in buying affordable clothes, something that admittedly has become a beloved hobby of mine- Car boot saling.

It’s hard to believe that there is something cheaper than charity shops but I can assure you there is.

Car Booting is usually the step that people take after attempting sell their stuff online and before giving it away. Car Boots usually start around the spring months and continue right through summer and stop when it starts to rain and get cold.

They are brilliant because you can barter and also have a real rummage around various different stools. When there are typically hundreds of sellers turning up weekly, the chances are that somebody will have something you like are very high and if you’re lucky they will be happy to give it to you for a pound just to get it off their stool.

Car Boots are full of people getting rid of high street clothes for ridiculous prices, many of which have never been worn and still have the tags on. Many times I have turned up on a Sunday morning with only a ten pound note in my purse and picked up several items for all seasons of my wardrobe.

It’s also very satisfying when someone tells you they like your outfit and you can smugly say that it all cost you less than a fiver, but don’t just take my word for it- a list of Essex car boot sales can be found here http://www.carbootsales.org/county/essex.html.

Toni Laporta

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

Beauty regimes during winter time Keeping your body looking and feeling its best.

While winter makes you bundle up in your cosy duvet, sip hot cocoa and watch your favourite series all day long, it is not necessarily the best that you can do for your body. Winter is notorious for leaving dry skin, and making you feel without energy. Also, we have the exposure to flu and other seasonal viruses, because our immune system can get quite low. So our body needs protection not only from outside but also from inside. Let’s find out how.

Eat Right During winter time your immunity drops and so does your skin’s glow. To take care yourself internally you need to have a proper alimentation. Find your favourite fruits and veggies that contain vitamin C (oranges, easy peelers, spinach), vitamin E (strawberries, raspberries, all the berries!) and zinc (nuts, but be careful not to indulge in too many because they can have quite a lot of calories; a handful as a snack once a day should do the trick!).

Not only these ingredients boost your immunity and give you more energy, but it can also improve your skin, making you look healthy and glowing.

Drink plenty of water Hydration starts from the inside so it is definitely important to drink eight glasses of water a day if you can; even more if you exercise intensively. Put some slices of lemon, cucumber or any other fruits to change the taste a bit and make you stay away from your favourite fizzy drink. It also washes out the toxins from the unhealthy food you probably had during your holidays.

Moisturise I can’t stress enough the importance of moisturising at least once a day (two times: in the morning and before bed, will be great!).

No matter how much water and healthy you are, your skin needs that extra protection given by using creams.

Also, if your moisturiser doesn’t do the trick, don’t be afraid to use oil on your face. A lot of people think that it will make your skin oilier, but that’s not the truth!

Lately oils have been discovered to have a better effect on skin than moisturisers. They minimize fine lines and even heal the scars. You can use coconut oil, lavender, jojoba and even the olive oil that you use for cooking.

Exfoliate In the winter months, skin can get especially dry and dull, so it’s important to exfoliate. Exfoliation is the process of removing the dead skin with either a brush or a sponge used with a scrub designed for the area of your body that you want to exfoliate.

Pay attention and don’t use the body scrub on your face, it is only meant for exfoliating the face skin that’ s very delicate and can end up damaging it.

Protect your skin There’s no point in taking care of your skin if you don’t protect it afterwards, is it? So invest in a warm pair of gloves to protect your hands. The skin on our hands is the one that can get very dry, very quickly. Also if you spend a lot of time at university try and keep a little hand cream in your bag so that you can moisturize whenever you need. Also give your lips extra attention to avoid them becoming chapped. Apply a lip balm a few times throughout the day whenever you feel your lips are getting drier.

Keep a daily routine This is probably the most important tip of them all. It’s not necessary to do all the steps once and your skin will look marvellous for months. It doesn’t work like that. Try to develop a routine that works for you, even though it may seem long or boring. You brush your hair and clean your teeth every day, don’t you? So you should take care of your skin as well. You will see that after a few weeks the moves will get into your system and you won’t even think about doing it.

Luiza Sandru

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The Juicing Scam: Are Juices Healthy or Hefty?

The reality behind the healthy labelled juices on the market.

It’s the beginning, more or less, of the year, and that means only one thing: diet season. The media hurts our tender, turkey-saturated brains with images of scrawny women who have already begun their weight-loss journey for the summer. We squirm, we yawn, but we do it. We get those gym clothes on, run around our local park for a couple of weeks, and then skulk back to the sofa. A ll of these things, however, are not that physically damaging: we like to believe that we could be healthier, and some of us carry on throughout the year and make positive changes. However, recent trends show that one change in particular might not be as positive as first thought.

In 2000, the government released guidelines for dietary requirements, as Britain was getting too fat. Toddlers and children were swamped with the horrific idea that they might actually have to eat their broccoli, instead of tucking it under the table for the cat to eat.

‘Five a day’ is still very much a biblical idea for dieting adults. However, it is very unlikely that you will

see a person eat five different fruit and vegetables.

Often, an average adult will factor a fruit smoothie, orange juice and apple juice into these requirements - rather defeating the object of healthy living.

Last year, it was revealed that one glass of orange juice contained the same amount of sugar as four Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Recent studies, conducted by dieticians and nutritionists into the dangers of juice consumption, warn that this sugary habit could be more damaging to our health than beneficial.

Imagine yourself shopping in Tesco. You walk to the juice section, and with your revived healthy-thinking brain, you pick up an orange or apple juice, instead of a Coca-Cola. Unknowingly, in a 330ml bottle or can, you are consuming not only more sugar than a Coca-Cola, but also less fibre. This lack of fibre forces the body absorb the sugar, plastering it around your waistline: making you put on weight.

Recent cases of liver and heart problems; historically known to be caused by products with high saturated fat contents; have been greatly accelerated by the over-

consumption of fruity drinks, juices and smoothies.

As a result of this obsession, and perhaps common misconception of juice; doctors have observed a rise in fluctuation of blood sugar. Any sugar our body doesn’t require solidifies into fat compounds. The increase is vast and rapid: in 2013 it was revealed that drinking orange juice could make you put on weight faster than eating biscuits.

The scam has only become a problem due to our subjectivity to certain media narratives: magazines, television programmes and adverts tell us that fruit, including juice, is healthy. Hence, as robotic and innocent as sheep, most will believe this information. Supermarkets take up on the scam, and make lots of money out of it.

If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t fret: drink water, or check the sugar content on the side of your juice before you drink it. Most juices make you fatter than doughnuts would: so think twice the next time you buy a multipack of Tropicana.

Emily Townsend

The journey to healthy hair Keeping your hair beautiful during the cold months has never been this easy.

Despite all the different hair types, colours and styles across campus, one common issue we all have is maintaining our luscious locks during winter.

Here are some common problems you might experience this season and easy ways to solve them.

Dryness Wind and low temperatures will always make our hair dry and dull. So especially during the winter months, you need to pay more attention to moisturising your hair. Try a monthly hot oil treatment, which can be done at home just as easily as in a salon, just Google it! I would recommend rosemary oil for thin hair, sweet almond oil for wavy hair, olive oil for thick hair and avocado oil for coarse hair.

This is just a guideline, do some experimenting and find out what works for you. For those of you with natural afro hair, daily moisture is essential! Apply a light coating of Shea butter when styling to keep moisture locked in for longer.

Breakage There are so many different ways to prevent breakage but the easiest is to use conditioner for longer and more often. This just allows more proteins to seep in and repair your hair.

Also consider simpler styles. The more heat and tension (combing and brushing) you apply to hair, the weaker it gets. As a rule, if you dry your hair with your hairdryer and straighten or curl your hair, choose only one. This way your hair gets half the heat and therefore half the damage. If you can, also try and don’t use heat for a couple of days a week. Your hair will definitely appreciate it.

it’s a weave or a pixie cut, your hat will definitely change your style. So what do you do? Embrace it! Make it a bold statement piece and keep it on all day. Try a classic bowler hat for a smart chic look or a bright beanie for a pop of colour.

Windy weather

Hat hair!

The already gusty English weather intensifies in winter. I would suggest more updos for those with longer hair. It’s an elegant style which keeps everything nice and neat in one place. Tucking away your ends will also reduce breakage.

Don’t stop here; there is plenty of information specific to your hair type. Do your research and come up with an action plan to keep those locks luscious.

There’s nothing worse than going into a lecture, whipping off your hat and it either leaves strands of hair poised in a million different directions or everything as flat as a pancake. Whether

Akua Boateng

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

LIFESTYLE

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Sports A Note from the Editor: Thank you once again for picking up the latest issue of The Rabbit. I’m very happy to be able to include a sport we’ve not yet reported on in this issue; cricket. As usual, we have our Sports Club interview, but it’s been fantastic to be contacted by the club themselves and have them express a desire to be in The Rabbit.

Again, I would like to say that if you want to see more in the sports section of a particular sport or team, please get in contact, we’re always looking for new writers and it’s a great opportunity for us and the team equally.

With that out of the way, all that’s left to say is that I hope you enjoy this issue and I look forward to being able to write about new and different teams in the future. Thanks.

Carl Graham, Editor

Interview with the Rowing Club The rowing society is a club on campus that this year had an influx of first year students joining the team, The Rabbit Sports Section caught up with Daniel Pembrey, a first year who is now Vice President of the society.

What made you join the rowing society?

It’s something I have always wanted to try out, however I never had the opportunity to do.

What is it like being a first year and having a vice president role?

It’s quite a jump thinking I’m in charge of everyone who is at the same level as me, however I’m really committed to the sport already and I do so enjoy the role. I have always been very sporty.

What makes the rowing society different and can anyone join?

This society is different as it’s a sport that most people haven’t ever tried before, and also due to this it allows anyone to come and try something completely new for example myself I never experienced rowing and then I joined.

Where do you row and how do you get there?

“It’s something I have always wanted to try out, but never had the opportunity to do.”

We row at Ardleigh reservoir which is just four miles away from campus. I bike there along with half of the club; however everyone has their mode of transport. Some people drive, bus, taxi and walk there.

What does the rowing society do outside of rowing and training?

Outside of training we are a very sociable society. We always have social on Wednesdays where we go to sports fed. We also have special events such as Christmas dinners. Also whenever a member of the club has a birthday coming up we always celebrate together.

Have you got any tips for any students still looking for a society to join?

My tips would be to explore all the societies and sports club that the SU has to offer as they all give a great opportunity for everyone, whether that’s sport or another society on campus.

What are the three top things that the rowing society has to look forward to this week?

Top three would be: a) getting back on the lake and starting to row again after the Christmas holidays. b) Sorting out boat crew for training for upcoming races. c) Sports fed as everyone loves a night out with the society.

Harriet Troddan

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY | ISSUE 151

Cricket Team Return to Winning Ways!

The New Year brought with it a new beginning for UECC, with them returning to winning ways.

After two straight defeats in the last two Braintree Indoor Cricket League matches, UECC were starting to fade, drifting down to fourth in the table. The first game of the New Year was not looking to be an easy ride, facing the ever improving third place Kelvedon & Feering. Never the less, the fearless Essex went with confidence.

Batting first, the Christmas break clearly showed its mercy with a rusty looking shot with severe consequences; wicket second ball of the over! A fired up Kelvedon & Feering looked to attack but luckily a strong partnership was formed with some fine looking shots and counter attacking play from Dave Jakeman (52) and Vibhu Wadhawan (24) steadying the ship for UECC. A few quick wickets fell around the captain Charlie Sammons (49*) before Dave returned to the wicket after his retirement. The University of Essex finish: 135 – 5.

Looking to reach the 136 runs required to steal the victory away from Essex, Kelvedon & Feering came out blazing! Running between the wickets well, strik-

SPORTS

Clubs: Cricket ing boundaries and aided with some wayward bowling, they were well on track to reaching the required amount. A breakthrough was needed and that’s what Dave Jakeman delivered. Clean bowling one, and with a swift run from the captain, slowed down the opposition and started the collapse. A string of wickets then fell, but not without a bit of resilience from the team’s final two batsmen.

Coming into the final over needing 36 from 6 balls, a Hollywood finish of 6 runs every ball would be needed, and with part time bowler Charlie Sammons it was far from impossible.

Ball 1; 6. Ball 2; 6. Ball 3; 6. Nerves began to rise and an all-time record crowd (23) sparked into life. Ball 4; Wicket.

Victory for The University of Essex, joyfully returning to winning ways and the UECC we all know and love!

Charlie Sammons (Cricket Club Captain)

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Sports JustPlay Essex Tournaments JustPlay Essex is hosting a string of tournaments for students in the upcoming weeks, and you can be involved. Below are the details of some of the things they have lined up: “Make sure you sign up for the Just Play Essex Ultimate Frisbee tournament!!!

Mixed Genders and All Abilities Welcome!!

Sign up with housemates, friends or with your society!!

Check out what other tournaments we have in store for you!

Free to all members with a passport to sport, £3 non member, £4 staff Don’t Miss Out, Deadline Soon!!” – Taken from Facebook.com/justplayessex

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Collection until 4pm

Classic and thin crusts as priced, premium bases and crusts will be charged as extra. Not valid with any other offer. Please mention offer when ordering.

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Opening hours: 10am - 11pm, 7 days a week.

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